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LUTHERANS engage - Summer Issue

LUTHERANS engage Magazine
During the past year, many people around the world have been rocked by disaster — flooding in North Carolina, typhoons in the Philippines, wildfires in California. Lutherans are not spared from the consequences of a fallen world. Yet, they are called “to be together around Word and Sacrament” even at a time like this, says the Rev. Christopher Schaar, pastor of Historic First Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Calif., which narrowly escaped the Eaton fire in early January.

In this issue of Lutherans Engage the World, you’ll find stories of the projects that are completed, the people that are cared for and the seeds that are planted when the church clings to Jesus Christ and His promises at all times, especially during a time like this.

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During the past year, many people around the world have been rocked by disaster — flooding in North Carolina, typhoons in the Philippines, wildfires in California. Lutherans are not spared from the consequences of a fallen world. Yet, they are called “to be together around Word and Sacrament” even at a time like this, says the Rev. Christopher Schaar, pastor of Historic First Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Calif., which narrowly escaped the Eaton fire in early January.

In this issue of Lutherans Engage the World, you’ll find stories of the projects that are completed, the people that are cared for and the seeds that are planted when the church clings to Jesus Christ and His promises at all times, especially during a time like this.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE ISSUE

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May 2025 Newsletter

Download May 2025 Newsletter
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to download the current Newsletter

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Download May 2025 Newsletter
Click (here or above)
to download the current Newsletter

To access older Newsletters, Calendars or Service Participants choose from the options below:
>Archive of Newsletters

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What About … The Differences Between the ELCA and the LCMS 

What About… 
The Differences Between the ELCA and the LCMS 

August 1997 will be long remembered as an important time in the history of the Lutheran church here in America. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA] made a number of very significant decisions during that month. It declared full communion with three Reformed churches: the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Church of America, and the Presbyterian Church—USA. It based this decision on its opinion that there is no longer essential disagreement between the ELCA and these Reformed churches. Furthermore, the ELCA decided that the long-standing differences between Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism over the question of how we are saved have been resolved. 

Click the link below to read the complete Story …

What About ...

What About… 
The Differences Between the ELCA and the LCMS 

August 1997 will be long remembered as an important time in the history of the Lutheran church here in America. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [ELCA] made a number of very significant decisions during that month. It declared full communion with three Reformed churches: the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Church of America, and the Presbyterian Church—USA. It based this decision on its opinion that there is no longer essential disagreement between the ELCA and these Reformed churches. Furthermore, the ELCA decided that the long-standing differences between Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism over the question of how we are saved have been resolved. 

These decisions have caused considerable confusion within the ELCA as well as within our own church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod [LCMS]. It has caused many people to wonder what the differences are between the ELCA and the LCMS, even though our two churches both use the name “Lutheran.” 

The LCMS has a tremendous opportunity to make it very clear, both to our own members, as well as to the world at large, what it means to remain committed to the full truth of the Holy Scriptures and the historic confessions of the Lutheran church. This article is intended to offer a brief overview of the key differences between the ELCA and the LCMS, enabling you to understand them so that you will be able to discuss them with others. 

Our Difference Over the Bible 
The LCMS and the ELCA disagree about the nature and authority of the Bible. While both churches profess allegiance to the Reformation principle that Scripture alone is the supreme authority for the church’s doctrine and life, there are significant differences when it comes to putting this principle into practice. 

The LCMS believes that the Bible is actually the Word of God, and therefore, is totally truthful, reliable and free from any error. The Scriptures are the final standard by which we must judge everything that we believe, teach and confess. 

The ELCA, on the other hand, avoids making statements that confess the full truthfulness of the Bible. It holds that Scripture is not always accurate or trustworthy in all its parts and details. It tolerates and encourages methods of interpreting Scripture that presuppose it contains error and is unclear about various doctrinal matters. 

Our difference over the Bible explains other more visible differences. For example, the LCMS does not ordain women to the pastoral office, while the ELCA does, in spite of the fact that Scripture clearly teaches otherwise. 

In addition, the LCMS unequivocally teaches that homosexual behavior is intrinsically sinful because it is contrary to God’s Word. In love, we want to help the person caught up in the homosexual life to repent of his sin and receive God’s forgiveness. The ELCA has been unable to take a clear Biblical stand against homosexual behavior. It also tolerates groups within its midst that openly advocate the homosexual lifestyle both for clergy and laity. 

Similarly, the LCMS has repeatedly condemned willful abortion as contrary to God’s clear commandment not to murder. The ELCA has not been able to speak out clearly against abortion, and, sadly, even pays for willful abortion procedures for members in its health insurance plan. 

While there are other examples, these three illustrate that our differences over the authority and reliability of God’s Word lie at the heart of other differences between the ELCA and LCMS. 

The Authority of the Lutheran Confessions 
Our two churches also disagree about the authority of the historic Lutheran confessional statements in the Book of Concord. The LCMS binds itself to the entire doctrinal content of the 16th-century Lutheran confessional writings. We agree with the confessions of our church not merely insofar as they agree with the Bible (a position which would allow individual members to reject certain doctrines), but because these confessional statements are in complete harmony with God’s inspired and inerrant Word. We therefore accept without reservation all the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, normative also for the church today. 

The ELCA, on the other hand, does not require that its church workers and congregations pledge unquali-fied acceptance of the full doctrinal content of the Book of Concord. The ELCA views the Lutheran Confessions as historical expressions of the faith held to be true at the time they were written, but not necessarily as standards for teaching and practice today. 

What is Necessary for Church Fellowship 
Given its approach to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, it is no surprise that the ELCA would consider it possible to enter into fellowship with churches that teach things that are clearly contrary to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions. These sorts of fellowship arrangements are a reflection of the attitude that absolute truth is unable to be known and confessed. This attitude is contrary to the confessional principle of the Lutheran church that is characterized in the Book of Concord with two very important phrases: "We believe, teach, and confess" and "We reject and condemn." These phrases reflect that Lutheran church's firm belief that God's Word does assert truth that is binding for all times and all peoples, and that we are able with joy to confess this truth. 

The LCMS believes that the Bible requires full agreement in doctrine before it is possible to join in altar and pulpit fellowship with other churches (Rom. 16:17). On the other hand, the ELCA believes that disa-greement in important doctrinal truths does not pro-hibit altar and pulpit fellowship with other churches. 

A good example of this attitude is found in the doc-uments the ELCA used to establish church fellowship with the three Reformed churches. In these docu-ments, it is admitted that "important theological differ-ences … remain between our two churches in such questions as the understanding of the Lord's Supper and Christology." These differences are viewed "not as disagreements that need to be overcome, but as di-verse witnesses to the one Gospel that we confess in common." What this means is that the ELCA is willing to tolerate the Reformed church's denial that Jesus Christ is really present in the consecrated bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. The Reformed believe Jesus is pre-sent only "spiritually" but not really present in a miracu-lous manner in the bread and wine. Lutheranism has never accepted the Reformed Church's denial of our Lord's real presence in Holy Communion. The ELCA now claims that the errors of the Reformed Church regarding the Lord's Supper and the doctrine of the person and work of Christ are acceptable options. This has never before been the position of the Lutheran church, and reveals a decided movement away from historic Luther-anism on the part of the ELCA. 

The ELCA's attitude toward doctrine obscures the vital relationship that exists between the saving Gospel of our Lord and all other teachings of Scripture that are rooted in that Gospel. 

Synod's Opportunity for Faithful Clarity 
All Lutherans have a wonderful opportunity to wres-tle with the question of what it means to be a confes-sional Lutheran church in this day and age. What does it mean to say that we embrace the Holy Scripture as the inerrant and inspired Word of God? What teachings will therefore be rejected? What truths will be raised high as positions that can never be compromised or bar-gained away for the sake of external church unity? What does it mean to say we agree unconditionally with the Lutheran Confessions as pure expositions of the Word of God? Is "agreeing to disagree" an appropriate attitude for Lutherans when it comes to establishing church fellowship? 

The differences between our two churches are a source of great sadness for the LCMS. We wish that our two churches could share a common confession of what it means to be Lutheran. It is important that the mem-bers of LCMS congregations have a clear picture of why our two church bodies are not in fellowship. Knowing the basic differences between our two churches will help us talk with our ELCA friends and family members in a loving manner. 

Dr. A.L. Barry
President (1992-2001)
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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No Service on Wednesday, April 30th - Power Outage!

Today’s Service for Wednesday April 30th has been cancelled due to a power outage at church.
There will be no Mid-Week Service today!
We will resume our Service of Prayer & Preaching, followed by a 30-minute Bible study, next Wednesday (5/7).

Service Canceled - No Power - 4/30/2025

Today’s Service for Wednesday April 30th has been cancelled due to a power outage at church.
There will be no Mid-Week Service today!
We will resume our Service of Prayer & Preaching, followed by a 30-minute Bible study, next Wednesday (5/7).

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Lutherans for Life

The Joke is on Me 
What does it mean to age with grace and dignity in a world that seems to value youth above all else? 

I wouldn’t trade this present reality for anything. 

Isn’t it funny how life has a way of sneaking up on us with a knowing grin? When I was a young woman, dreaming about the future was like painting a picture with bold, vibrant strokes, each one representing the energy and optimism of youth. I saw myself running after giggling grandkids, my body as spry as it ever was. Ah, the sweet naivety of it all! But here I am, a little wiser, a lot slower, and chuckling (and weeping) at the irony of it all. 

Life, it seems, had a different painting in mind for me—one with softer, more seasoned hues. And while my partially artificial knees might not keep me as steady as I would like these days, I find there’s a certain grace in this new version of myself. It’s like discovering a new chapter in a beloved book, one that’s filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

This journey into the later stages of life has given me the chance to reflect on my purpose, especially through the lens of my faith as a Christian.

Click below to read the complete text …

The Joke is on Me 
What does it mean to age with grace and dignity in a world that seems to value youth above all else? 

I wouldn’t trade this present reality for anything. 

Isn’t it funny how life has a way of sneaking up on us with a knowing grin? When I was a young woman, dreaming about the future was like painting a picture with bold, vibrant strokes, each one representing the energy and optimism of youth. I saw myself running after giggling grandkids, my body as spry as it ever was. Ah, the sweet naivety of it all! But here I am, a little wiser, a lot slower, and chuckling (and weeping) at the irony of it all. 

Life, it seems, had a different painting in mind for me—one with softer, more seasoned hues. And while my partially artificial knees might not keep me as steady as I would like these days, I find there’s a certain grace in this new version of myself. It’s like discovering a new chapter in a beloved book, one that’s filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

This journey into the later stages of life has given me the chance to reflect on my purpose, especially through the lens of my faith as a Christian. 

What does it mean to age with grace and dignity in a world that seems to value youth above all else? How can we continue to serve and love our families, even when our energy isn’t what it used to be? 

I think perhaps there’s a lesson there for all of us: that our purpose doesn’t diminish with age — it evolves. Join me in exploring how Scripture helps us to realize this evolution of ourselves. 

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). 

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). 

What does the LORD wish us to do according to these verses? He wishes us to grow in Him (grace) by pressing forward (not living in the past) and realizing (growing in knowledge) that we are called to be sanctified (conformed to the image of His Son). 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). 

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). 

Knowing spiritual growth is key here, what do these verses help us to realize? Spiritual growth comes from the knowledge that through God’s strength and promises, we have the way to guard our hearts and minds and be renewed daily. 

How is your heart growing? How are you growing? Does this ever stop? Reflective questions here, but the takeaway is that our growing in Christ never stops in this life. We daily repent of our sins, believing in Christ’s redemption and trusting in Him for our continued growth through sanctification. 

And in the midst of this reflection, I’ve realized something truly precious. My grandkids, with their boundless energy and endless curiosity, see me not as an older woman, but as their grandmother, their confidante, and their storyteller, especially regarding the greatest story ever told. I serve as a mentor in the faith for those precious young ones and their friends. And I do this not just for my own grandchildren but for other youth in my community as well. Those of us older folks who have not been blessed with children and/or grandchildren can serve as mentors in the faith for other youth. This creates a connection to others and gives us elders an opportunity to share the Gospel in ways that only the Lord can make happen. 

So, while the joke might be on me in terms of my youthful imaginings, I wouldn’t trade this present reality for anything. It’s a gift in itself, one that allows me to embrace life in all its beautiful imperfections. After all, isn’t that what makes the journey so wonderfully worthwhile? Peace be to you in Christ Jesus, my fellow aged ones in the Lord! 

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Stamps for Missions

Stamps for Missions
Zion’s Women’s Ministry is collecting YOUR canceled and collectible stamps to support the mission work of LWML.

A collection box is located in the back of the sanctuary. Bring your stamps at any time and deposit them the box.

We collect:

  • Envelope halves (tear the envelope) with the stamps attached

  • Intact picture postcards

  • All foreign stamps, large and small

  • Stamp albums

  • Collectible stamp sheets

  • Commemorative U.S. Stamps

Stamps for Missions
Zion’s Women’s Ministry is collecting YOUR canceled and collectible stamps to support the mission work of LWML.

A collection box is located in the back of the sanctuary. Bring your stamps at any time and deposit them the box.

We collect:

  • Envelope halves (tear the envelope) with the stamps attached

  • Intact picture postcards

  • All foreign stamps, large and small

  • Stamp albums

  • Collectible stamp sheets

  • Commemorative U.S. Stamps

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Zion Lutheran Church Zion Lutheran Church

5 Things Jesus DID NOT Say

5 Things Jesus Did NOT Say

  1. Follow your heart
    Jesus said, Follow Me

  2. Be true to yourself
    Jesus said, Whoever wants to be my disciple, must deny himself

  3. Believe in yourself
    Jesus said, Believe in Me

  4. Live your Truth
    Jesus said, I am the Truth

  5. As long as you are happy …
    Jesus said, What will it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul

5 Things Jesus DID NOT Say
  1. Follow your heart
    Jesus said, Follow Me

  2. Be true to yourself
    Jesus said, Whoever wants to be my disciple, must deny himself

  3. Believe in yourself
    Jesus said, Believe in Me

  4. Live your Truth
    Jesus said, I am the Truth

  5. As long as you are happy …
    Jesus said, What will it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul

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