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Immanuel June/July 2009 Newsletter
Greater Than Our Heart
“Our hearts condemn us. But, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
1 John 3:20
A couple of weeks ago, the Scripture above was the second reading in worship. As I heard it read, it spoke clearly to me. I pray to speak as clearly to you now. Read it again.
How often do our hearts condemn us? How often do we look to our hearts for evidence that we are God’s children and we find so little. At first thought the truth revealed above, “He knows everything” brings no comfort. I may try to hide my sin, but to no avail. I try to hide from God the impure thoughts that travel frequently through my brain, but to no avail. I try to hide from God that at times I stay away from worship for no good reason and so spurn His gifts, but to no avail. I try to hide from God that my nearly every thought is about myself and my desires, but, alas, to no avail.
No wonder the notion that “God knows everything” is such a fearful idea to a nonbeliever. He sees all my sins that lurk in my heart and life. I can hide none of them. No wonder our heart so often condemns us.
Yet, there is comfort for the believer, in this eternal truth that “He knows all things.” What could it be? What does God know that my deceitful heart could and would never tell me? It is this: God not only knows that I am a sinner, He also knows that all of my sins have been paid for in Jesus Christ! God knows that too! God knows that the sin that stains my soul has been washed clean in the blood of Christ.
God knows we are forgiven. There is never a moment He does not know this. Our hearts may condemn us, but God never forgets we are forgiven. A storm cloud may darken the sky by blotting out the sun, but the sun never ceases to shine. Our heart may try to blot out brightness of God’s love in Christ, but that does not stop the forgiveness of Christ on His cross from shining.
Therefore, let my heart, my soul, my mind, or anything else tell me that I am lost. They mean nothing. My peace comes in knowing that my God knows all things. He is “greater than my heart” and He promises me and you that in Christ we are saved. Thanks be to God He is greater than our lying hearts. Thanks be to God He knows all things, including my salvation.
Have a great summer! See you in church. I am
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Summer Sermon Series
On the Ten Commandments
Pastor Bangert has planned a special sermon series during the summer that will focus on God’s Law found in the Ten Commandments. Each week we will focus on that Law that both shows us our sin, but also shows the redeemed the ways God would have us offer our lives as thanksgiving to Him. You will be blessed in this series of sermons. See you in church.
Summer Confirmation Class
Sun., June 14, 8–10:30 a.m.
All newly graduated 8th graders both from Immanuel and from public schools are expected to attend the Sunday summer session on June 14. Pastor Bangert will be leading the young adults in a seminar on worship. For those children who have family obligations that day, he will schedule a make up session in July. Confirmation for these children is scheduled for Sunday, October 25.
Vicar Ted Hopkins
To Begin August 1
Many of you had opportunity to meet and greet our new vicar and his wife, Ted and Beth Hopkins, on a recent Sunday. They will be a great fit into our ministry for the next year. We are still working on possible living arrangements for them. We plan a welcome grocery shower for them early in August. God bless their year with the Immanuel family.
Summer Monday Worship
Begins June 1, 6 p.m.
Do you plan to be out of town a couple of weekends this summer? Then do one of two things:
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Find a Lutheran church where you are vacationing, and join your brothers and sisters in Christ there in worship. It is always an interesting and useful experience to worship in other places.
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If you cannot worship while away on a weekend, join your family of faith back at Immanuel at 6 p.m. on Mondays. We average about 60 people on Mondays during the summer. It is great to get away, but it is also great to be home. See you in church.
Look What Immanuel Has Done For Me
We had a great beginning to our “Look What Immanuel Has Done” for me series with Julie Emmons’ story about the birth and death of their daughter, Emily. All were blessed in their hearing. We are putting together what, I believe, will be a very effective video of her telling the story of Immanuel’s blessings to them. We hope to link this on our new website soon. Our next monthly installment will be on the weekend of June 13-15, when we will hear from Terry Witthaus.
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Church Picnic/Worship
Sunday, August 23
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Vacation Bible School
June 15th – June 19th
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Special closing on
Thursday, June 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Registration forms are located in the church narthex or you can call the Church office at 239-4705.
VBS is for children entering 3 year old preschool in the fall of 2009 through those entering 6th Grade.
(A suggested $10.00 registration fee is requested for each child to help defray the costs of this program.)
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News from Robin, our missionary in Bangkok
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalms 148:5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they
were created.
As a Christian, I often take for granted knowing how things were created (Who created them). I had an opportunity to share this information with a friend/former student as we were coming back from visiting with a friend outside of the Bangkok area. It was a 2-2½ hour ride back to Bangkok and we were having fun talking about many things. The conversation dwindled at one point and I was looking out the window, enjoying the starry night sky. (Can’t see many stars in Bangkok because the sky is too bright from the city lights). I looked over at Noklek and asked her what the Thai people think about the stars and how they got into the sky. She began to tell me a story about a rabbit that sat on the moon and put the stars there. After I listened to her interesting story, she then asked me, “Robin, do you know how the stars got in the sky?” I told her yes and shared creation with her. She listened with a look of new found information. She asked many questions and after I told her all about creation she asked me how I could know about that. I told her it is all in the Bible, and I told her how the Bible was written. She told me she would like to know more about how God made everything so I told her I would give a Bible to her. When we got to the CGM Center I gave her a Thai/English Bible and saw that it was only in the New Testament, so I explained about the Old Testament/New Testament. I let her take the Bible home with her. Two days later she came to my apartment so I could help her cook. She wants to be a chef and wants me to teach her some American dishes. We went shopping for the food, cooked, ate and watched a movie. After the movie was finished she asked, “Robin will you read to me about God to make everything?” I got my Bible and opened to Genesis and began to read to her. She had more questions about God, creation and Jesus. When we were finished talking, she said, “I believe what you tell me because I can see your heart in your eyes.” I said, “Noklek, I really want you to know the truths in the Bible so you can know and feel what I do.” She said, “I really want to feel too.” So, we prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to come into her heart and to help her to understand the truth. Please pray that Noklek will read the Bible and learn more truths, especially the truth of our loving Savior.
Another Noklek story: We went to dinner at Pizza Company (a couple of weeks before the visiting trip we took). Before we ate, Noklek folded her hands to get ready for prayer. After I said the mealtime prayer she said, “I really like you pray before you eat every time.” Then she told me about a close call that she had had in traffic the day before. She said, “I really believe that God protect me in that.” I said, “I think He did too!”
Grace is 14 years old and in one of my conversation classes. Her English is good and it is easy to have a one-on-one conversation with her. I usually have 6 students in her conversation class, but this particular evening, she was the only one who came to class. We sat in our lobby for about a half hour talking. I asked her if she could come to our Easter party and she said she would like to but that she would be going out of the city to visit with her brother at that time. She then asked me to explain what Easter is. So, I explained. She then told me that she knew about heaven, so I asked her to tell me what she knew. She had a good idea what heaven is and then I asked her, “How do you get to heaven?” She said, “You have to do many good things.” So, I then asked her if she knew about her name (Grace), that her name is in the Bible and it is a very important name. She said she didn’t know that, so I explained what Grace meant. As I shared God’s grace to her through the passion of our Lord, she said, “The love so strong, I think I would cry.” I asked her if she would like to read more about grace and about Jesus and she said she would like to read, very much, so I gave a Bible to her and showed her where to begin to read. She thanked me and said, “I will read more to learn.” Please also remember Grace in your prayers, that she will come to know the saving grace through our God’s love.
Our Easter party was fun. We played games, made beaded bracelets, had an Easter egg hunt and sang songs. Jey played the guitar for the songs. He has been taking lessons from Ar. He and his cousin Pom Pam have been coming to the center before classes to learn and to sing. The songs were All in All, Freely Freely and This is the Day. (It’s so wonderful to hear them enjoying the singing of the Christian songs); then I read an Easter story to them, “Where is Jesus” When I finished the story I asked the students if it was true or just a story. Tidjon (one of the boys in my children’s class) said it was just a story, so we read from the Bible (Thai/English) to help them to understand that it is true, with the help of Ar explaining in Thai. We then enjoyed a feast of BBQ chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, fruit, papaya salad, McDonalds burgers (Jey and Pom Pam bring them because they like them and for Teacher Robin too) and white cake with strawberries on top.
One of my Level 1 students named Lak (pronounced Lahk) came to church with me on the 26th. She and I walk, talk and share on Monday evenings and she wanted to know what church was like, so I invited her to come. I was happy to have her sitting next to me. Boom helped her to know about the service. Pray that the service was heart inspiring for her.
Sohn Kran (the Thai water festival) is always fun. There was a “quiet” called during the conflicts in Bangkok so that the people would feel safe to go out and enjoy the festivities. Suthep called and asked if I wanted to go out with the family to enjoy…so I accepted, happy to get to go out and about. Sohn Kran is a wonderful time of the year for Thailand. Everyone has such a great time, playing in the water, dancing in the streets, just enjoying life. Before we decided to go home, we stopped at an outdoor restaurant to have a drink. Suthep had a beer, but I had a coke which was a good choice since we were across from the Coca Cola bottling company. As we were sitting there, a snake crawled (about a foot away) past my leg. Pom Pam and Pat said excitedly, “Look Teacher, a snake!!”(They know how I feel about snakes!!!)….I was happy it was already past. It was a green snake. (The green snakes like to live in the mango trees and there were several mango trees around the restaurant).
I began our Sunday school in April. The class is small at this time, but I am praying for other children from our center to decide to come to learn more English through the Sunday school program. I am looking for materials for preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade Sunday school lessons and projects, if anyone has extras that they would like to share/send, it would be appreciated. Please keep this in your prayers that our Sunday school will grow.
In my Level 3 Let’s Talk class, we were on a subject of dates and times. In the subject, we talked about the Pyramids and how they were built and we talked about BC and AD. Pik asked why there were two times of dates, so I explained. She said, “There was more time before Buddha?” I shared with her and the class the time before Buddha. There were many questions asked.
In my Level 3 conversation class, Pui (this Pui is a young man, not my daughter Pui) asked me questions about the DiVinci Code movie. As he was asking and I was answering, other students in the class were also asking questions. Suthep answered a couple of the questions which made me very happy! I love that the relationships with these students are so strong and comfortable that they are asking so many questions about Christianity.
At the end of this term, Yui, one of my Level 1 (Wednesday night) students said to me at the end of our class, “I missing you already.” It’s only two weeks that we are on term break…but I miss all of them greatly when they are not here at the center for classes too!!
Prayers:
For our center, the students here at the CGM Center and our Into Light Church
Diana Hedtke, who has been diagnosed with TB.
Safe travels for Betsy and Sarah during their furloughs home to the states.
Ar’s mother who fell two days ago and broke her collar bone.
Prayers of thanks for all who support me in so many ways. I couldn’t do what I am blessed to do without your loving support.
There are so many opportunities to share with the students here at the CGM Center; through the relationships, studies, and between class share times. What a privilege it is to be a part of this ministry. If you have any interest in sharing God’s love through teaching, please let your pastor know and or contact LCMS World Missions at email address: www.lcmsworldmission.org
LCMS World Mission
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63122-7295
To contact me:
Email address: bangkokbirdie@hotmail.com
CGM Center
34/51-53 Chaengwattana Rd. 14
Soi Muang Thong 1
Toong Song Hong, Laksi
Bangkok 10210 Thailand
To send a financial support of love, please send it to LCMS World Mission at the above St. Louis address. Please write: “support Robin McCoy” on your check to insure proper crediting to my account. Thank you and may God bless you all……Love in His service Robin (Birdie)
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Annual Rummage Sale
Are you finding your life a bit cluttered? Immanuel’s Annual Rummage Sale is a great opportunity to donate your extra items to a good cause! The MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry will gratefully accept your donations on Monday – Wednesday, June 1st -3rd, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, and from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. No TVs or computers, please. The sale itself will take place on Friday, June 5th, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, June 6th, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!
Prayer Bible Study
“Lord, teach us to pray” was a request of the disciples who wanted to imitate Jesus in relating to their Heavenly Father. In an informal setting we will explore the essence and blessing of PRAYER for God’s children. Join us on Wednesday mornings, 8:30-10:30, June 3 – July 1, in the Upper Room (3rd Floor). Childcare will be provided. Sign up in the church narthex.
August Newsletter
articles are due
in the Church office by
July 15th!
LWML NEWS
Under the theme “Who is calling….” based on 1 Samuel 3:10, the LWML Zone Spring Rally was held in Rosebud on Sunday, April 26. Pat Kappelman was elected as new Zone Treasurer and Dorothy Segelhorst was chosen as new Zone Secretary. Both were installed by Pastor Kotila of Rosebud. It was announced that Deb Schroeder, Zone Christian Life Chairman, will be the zone delegate to the LWML Convention in Portland in June. Paul Brune, a member of the Washington Circuit Mission Society, spoke to the ladies about the group’s upcoming short term mission trip to Zacapa, Guatemala. He encouraged us to consider being a part of this mission or future mission trips.
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 1, beginning at 7 p.m. The program for the evening will be a Bible study from the Spring Quarterly, entitled “The Journey of Life”. The study can be found on page 20. Bring along your Quarterly and your Bible. Guests are always welcome.
Help Needed!
We still need leaders and helpers for our 2009 VBS! We’re also looking for a Bible Challenge Leader and PreSchool Story Teller. It’s not difficult and materials are provided for you. Why not consider helping out? Contact Jamie Puetz for more information – or to say you can help! Her number is 636-432-1060.
VBS Meetings
There will be meetings for all teachers and helpers of VBS on Thursday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will be identical, so you only need to attend one of them. Each meeting will last less than an hour, so please make plans to attend. If you cannot attend either meeting, please contact Jamie Puetz at 636-432-1060.
Summer Sunday
Bible Classes
“The Ten Commandments” – led by Pastor Bangert – Each Sunday morning we will take a deeper look at that Sunday’s Commandment.
“Summer Choir and Bible Study” – led by LuAnn Kaaz – Would you like an opportunity to sing in the choir? Join the practices each Sunday morning, enjoy a brief Bible Study and then sing with the choir several times over the summer. This is a great opportunity for anyone whose schedule hasn’t allowed them to sing with the choir in the past.
Attention!
Instrumentalists and Soloists
If you are interested in providing special music for our summer worship services, please contact LuAnn Kaaz at 239-4705 (office) or 390-0285 (home).
Back Page
Advertisers
Have you taken a good look recently at our advertisers on the back inside cover of this newsletter? These members of our church and school pay a small yearly amount that goes directly into our newsletter supplies budget. In return, their business card is displayed on the inside cover as a “sponsor”.
If you have need of any of the services displayed on these cards, please consider these businesses when making your choices.
In the same respect, if you would like to have your business card displayed as a “sponsor” of the Immanuel newsletter, please contact Terri in the church office (239-4705) for more information.
July Quarterly
Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendar now for our next Quarterly Congregational Meeting which will be held on Sunday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. We will review Board reports and Financial reports. All members are encouraged to attend
SCHOOL NEWS
GOD’S BLESSINGS
The 8th grade graduation was held on Wednesday evening, May 27th. Mr. Wunderlich gave a great message to our 20 graduates as they leave Immanuel and move into high school. A reception was held immediately following the service to recognize their achievements and celebrate with their families.
The class of 20 graduates will be attending the following high schools:
Washington High School – Collin Anderson, Helena Ballmann, Kyle Bone, Jessica Brown, Sam Chapman, Michaela Edmond, Jordan Epperson, Brady Frost, Luke Hoemann, Alexis Husmann, Madeline Ince, Jaryn Love, Mandy Mueller, Corey Reiling-Clark, Leah Scheer
Union High School – Alison Grim, Ashlee Grim, Josh LaBeau, Emily Siedhoff
Metro East Lutheran High School – Alexander Engelbrecht
ENJOY THE SUMMER!
Thank you for your prayers, assistance, and support during this school year. This year was a great success – due in no small part to your commitment to ILS! We thank God for blessing our ministry with individuals who give of their time and talents for the benefit of our students. Your dedication and service to the school is truly appreciated!
There are still openings in most of our classes for the 2009-2010 school year. Word of mouth is the most effective way to share what is happening at ILS with families who may be looking for a formal Christian education for their children. It is my prayer that families in the school and the church intentionally share information about ILS with families in the community. Share about ILS by:
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Talking to parents at the swimming pool
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Mentioning some of the activities your child/grandchild is involved in at ILS
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Telling them about successes of some of our alumni/current students
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Talking with parents at your child’s summer league games
If you know of a family interested in enrolling at Immanuel, please have them call the school office and talk to Mr. Hopfensperger.
AS WE LOOK TOWARD NEXT YEAR….
Parents should received packets in July regarding information for next school year. Please look for this packet near the middle of the month and take time to thoroughly read the material enclosed. This information will be beneficial in your planning for the coming school year.
SUMMER PROGRAM
Our summer Enrichment Classes begin in June and give children the opportunity to enroll in mini-courses on various topics of interest. These classes are available for children who are entering 1st grade through 6th grade and are open to all children from the church and community, not just ILS students. Classes will be held from June 8th through June 12th and another session from June 22nd through June 26th.
If you are interested in having your child attend, please pick up a packet of information from the narthex or the school office. Feel free to pass this information on to others so that they are aware of this opportunity. It is my hope that these classes provide fellowship and learning opportunities for all students in attendance! For more information, contact Mr. Hopfensperger at (636)239-1636.
Youth News
Jr. & Sr. High Youth WILL meet through the summer!
We go back to our regular meeting days for both Jr. and Sr. High youth in June or the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. Times may change as events warrant, but we look forward to seeing everyone as much as possible over the summer months.
Some events are already in the works for the summer:
We need youth to help with the Rummage Sale set-up on Sunday, May 31st and tear down on Saturday, June 6th – and to help with babysitting for MOPS. Stop by the table in the narthex to sign up. Funds raised through this event will go into your individual accounts for upcoming events and retreats.
Regular meetings will occur on the 2nd and the 4th Sundays. We also hope to get off-site for various activities throughout the summer. Sr. Youth will continue to have “Chillin’” on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, and, over the summer months, Jr. High will also have the chance to experience their own “Chillin’” event on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
THE BEST WAY TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IS TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND READ THE BULLETIN ON THE WEEKENDS. ALL YOUTH OF THE CONGREGATION ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!
