PASTOR'S UPDATE

July 18th,

Today is the 8th day of the LCMS Convention and my final reflection on the days events. We are grateful for all of your prayers while we attended this historic gathering.   Arleen & I will be visiting an aunt in San Antonio and then flying out of Dallas on Wed.
 
The convention concluded with a flurry of resolutuons, reflections from outgoing President Kieschnick and a service "sending" the delegates back into their mission and ministry stations.

The LCMS is not a church which stands still. There is much attention to detail which is very tedious. The details, though, are to strengthen our harmony in the one true faith and to express pure doctrine of God's Word.  Churches around the world know for what the LCMS stands. We will not compromise the truth of Scripture.  Even though I normally share the same position, I am very concerned that our strong posture does not invite others into God's grace and  believe we may turn people off to joining our church body. This is the tension that brings disunity with other denominations as well as within the LCMS.
 
Please feel free to speak with me further. Until I see you, may you walk with the Lord who through the power of Baptism makes us ONE PEOPLE - FORGIVEN.
 
Celebrating unity in Christ,
      Pastor

July 16,

Today is the fifth summary and reflection of LCMS Convention which concludes tomorrow at noon. This day was filled with dozens of elections for positions on Board of Regents of synodical universities and seminaries as well as elections for the national and international mission boards. There were additionally many motions tediously resolved regarding by-law changes, measures to support agencies to fight domestic violence and to support military chaplains. Controversial resolutions regarding what constitutes membership in the circuit and how delegates are chosen brought lengthy debate.
 
The tone of the gathering is respectful yet with obvious disagreement. Officers and delegates say and preach the right message but hold  firmly to their position which  rules out compromise and a loving spirit. The theme is "God's People - Forgiven".  As a church body we still have to learn to live together as reconciled people. Just as a choir each sings different notes as sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, so too the church will have different voices and opinions. The passion to speak God's truth is clear and bold. How can we "sing in harmony"? This is the question for which I pray for answers.
 
   Go in peace!  Serve the Lord!
           Pastor

 

July 15th,

This is the fourth edition of my Convention news. Today was the fifth day of 10 hour meetings and mental concentration is taxed. There are dozens of resolutions in areas of theology, missions, education, finance, human care and administration. Each one carries language that any one of the 1200 delegates may dispute. The delegates certainly take advantage of this privilege to the utmost. Generally, I observe many resolutions being adopted that affirm with greater strength the truthfulness of Scripture as defined by the LCMS.  This is especially true in a resolution (which I voted against)  that will study the possibility of terminating all church relationships with ELCA.

There are also motions which are offered to support physical care for people. Nearly unanimously approved were resolutions that condemn the trafficing of human slavery, and endorse the support of combating malaria in Africa. Also there was a very moving presentation from the President of the Lutheran church in Haiti. There are now opportunities for individuals from LCMS churchs to bring disaster relief thru their physical efforts of buiding homes.

I also learned today, as you did also, that there is no more oil spilling in the Gulf of Mexico.  But did you know that the well cap used to stop the flow was designed by an active LCMS Lutheran?

The wheels of the church move slowly but they move with purpose.  The goal is to further spread the Gospel into the hearts of His people. It is pretty awesome to be a participant in this mission.

     Joy in Christ,
          Pastor

July 14th,

PASTOR'S UPDATE FROM THE LCMS NATIONAL CONVENTION
Received Wednesday, July 14th 11:00 pm

This is the 3rd Report from Houston at the National Lutheran Convention. The weather this day is 95 and humid.

Though the mood appeared to be reasonably respectful from where I am sitting, there is much struggle with many motions offered.  There are resolutions regarding:

1. Ecclesiastical supervision of the clergy
2. Our relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)
3. Designation of deacons who serve in remote areas as pastors.

I am concerned that many resolutions may never get to the floor for considerstion by the conclusion of the gathering on Saturday. We have also on this date proceeded with voting for the Secretary, Treasurer,  Board of Directors and Board of Regents for each of the Synodical Concordia Colleges. Though this is important, the voting process is time consuming.

One of my early observations is the trust between delegates with each other and with the synodical officials. I sense the desire to bring direction to the Synod which will ensure the pure truth of God's Word in all aspects of mission and ministry. My prayer is that this will continue to be done with involvement of the laity We concluded the day with an inspiring memorial service remembering those ministers who have served the church of Jesus and now rest from their labors.

 Celebrating the mission,
        Pastor

July 13th,

It is a great privilege to represent the people of Trinity Lutheran and the faithful people of Circuit #9 of the Atlantic District The big news of the day is the election of a new Synodical President.  Rev. Matthew Harrison was elected on the first ballot over the nine year incumbant and Trinity Lutheran's nominee Dr. Gerald Kieschnick. The vote was 643 to 527. What does this mean for the greater church and Trinity Lutheran is too early to project.  We pray in thanks for the ministry, leadership and support of Pastor Kieschnick and further pray for the Holy Spirit to guide Pastor Harrison The elected Vice Presidents are:

  1st VP.   Rev Herbert Mueller
  2ndVP.  Rev John Wilraube
  3rdVP.  Rev Paul Meier
  4thVP. Rev Daniel Preus
  5thVP. Rev Scott Murray

In the worship prayers this Thur and Sun at Trinity Lutheran and in your personal prayers, petition Our Lord for wisdom and council for the LCMS to be centered in a Gospel outreach approach to the community and the world. May we continue to do the same with God's strength through Trinity Lutheran Church.

   Celebrating Jesus' love,
           Pastor

July 12,

Greetings from Houston, Texas. I am at the 64th National Convention of the LCMS.
Although I missed the Opening Worship, I caught up quickly. There are literally dozens of resolutions to consider.  In the past 2 days, after considerable debate, a couple of motions came forth that were very important to the structure of LCMS:
1.  One which was favored by the majority but did not receive 2/3 majority (constitutional change) was changing the convention cycle for district and synod from 3 yrs to 4 yrs
 2.  A measure which narrowly passed was the streamling of the missions into international and national boards. This willgive greater accountability and be more cost effective.
 3. Also narrowly approved was a resolution dividing the Synod into 5 geographic regions each overseen by a Synodical VP
There is often tedious debate and amendments on top of amendments....some think Trinity's meetings are difficult to get thru. Try a National Convention with 1200 delegates!
There are also many inspiring moments.  Example: The church in Plantation, Florida on a main highway who canvassed 300 people in their community and not one knew the church existed. They recommitted themselves to community outreach. They mentor students at local schools and have picnics to thank local police and fire departments. Another moving statement from President Kieschnick was the announcement that LCMS just this morning was approved by the country of Vietnam to begin the first Christian school there. That's an "open door" into a foreign country with the Gospel. On a sad note, Pastor Benke got word early this morning that his mother died. He left for Milwaukee immediately That's it for now. I will report again to y'all.

 Peace in Christ
     Pastor

HELPING HANDS

It is not too late for YOU to join. GET INVOLVED AT TRINITY!! Helping Hands works! We are gathering names and e-mails of those who want to be a part of our group. Under the direction of Pastor, I am given the name of one of our members who is in need of our assistance. I e-mail the need out to the group, along with the dates needed for meals. When you are ABLE to commit to a day you would then e-mail me back with the date you can cook or buy a meal for the member and their family. It is not expected of you to be involved every time. The more people who can lend a hand, ther easier it will be. If you are interested in being a part of this group of "Helping Hands" please e-mail Denise at eimath@hotmail.com. Please be a blessing to others. When there is a crisis and you dont know how you can help out, know that cooking meals is a tremendous help. Let others see the love of Christ in you by being a blessing to others.

LWML IS SPONSORING "CASH FOR TRASH"

Please donate your old/used ink cartridges, cell phones, laptops, gps systems, pagers , DVD players, PDAs, I-pods, digital cameras (include accessories if availabl). A box will be available in the Narthex for these items. The money raised will help defray the cost of the 2013 LWML convention. Any questions please call Sharon Ladigoski - 851-0133.

The LWML has been thankful that our congregation has supported our Mite Mission. March will be the end of our Biennium and the Mite Mission Grants. It has come to our attention through the Suffolk Zone and the Atlantic District that there is a huge shortfall. We are asking for any and all donations to help close this gap. We appreciate all that you have done in the past and paray that you will be able to help out this time. The large Mite Box is located on the table in the Narthex. Thank you!

BABYSITTING
Is now available for the Sunday 10:00 am worship service! If you have a child three years old and under and would like to make use of this service during worship, babysitting will be in the room across from the library..

TRINITY IS ON FACEBOOK!
If anyone is interested in joining the social website Facebook, Trinity has a group presence called Union Blvd. and Nassau Ave.  Facebook is a great place to keep in touch with family and friends and fellow members of Trinity too. Check it out!