Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19

She read it to me anyway. Carol likes to read the newspaper and when she gets to a good part she likes to read it to me. I wasn't really interested in another sad story about those who suffered a year ago. Yesterday, it was hard to miss. Everybody was doing stories on “Katrina, a year later.” We who live here get our fill of how bad things are everyday. Yesterday the national media and the national politicians decided to help us remember. So I didn’t think that one more really sad story (and there are so many of them) would be a good idea. But she read it to me anyway. It is the story of how a family’s house washed off its foundation and they were all thrown into the flowing, flooding water. One of their children did not survive. There is not one parent out there who hears that story and doesn't feel a little shiver of fear. For a parent this is “The Worse Case Scenario.” This is the stuff that nightmares are made of. It was a bad story.

The Lord knew there would be days like this. Fortunately most of us don't have to go through them. But he gave us something to do so that we don't have to stand idly by waiting to see if it will happen to us. He has given us Baptism in which he gives forgiveness of sins and eternal life, even to our babies. The water of Baptism then becomes stronger than the water of any flood. And then he has told us those words printed above. You can busy yourself with teaching your children these words of the Lord. Showing them how they apply to your life and theirs, reinforcing with the Word what God has promised in baptism. God has given parents something to do before the “worse case scenario.”

I know you are busy with soccer practice and ballet lessons. But how about making sure that you spend as much time teaching them about the Word of the Lord, the love of God in Jesus. It is the ultimate gift of love from a parent to their child. It is a gift that will give them eternal life. And then at least, if the flood pushes your house off its foundations and one of your babies does not make it, you won’t be left saying, “Well, at least he enjoyed soccer practice.”

News:

1. The pews are almost completely installed. Looking good!
2. Randy made it back safely to California. 1900 miles in a pick up truck. What do they call that in German? Sitzfleisch? (That can’t be spelled right, my spell checker is underlining it.)
3. Joshua and Lee should finish the ridge cap today. Nothing like working on a tin roof in the middle of summer.
4. Did you notice what happened with Ernesto? Here is a quote from the Times Picayune this morning, “Tropical Storm Ernesto sloshed rather than slammed ashore – surprising forecasters by failing to strengthen Tuesday as it approached Florida….” “Frankly, I am surprised it has not strengthened…. as a forecaster I’m not very happy,” said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center. Well Max may be director of the Hurricane Center, but we know the director of the hurricanes. Thank you, Lord, for once again stopping it.
5. Chris Driesbach makes it back home for a short stay. Drive safely!
6. “The Word is Near” Saturday, Noon, AM800 or www.wsho.com. Call in: 504-527-0800.
7. In Service of the King this week: Organist: C. Driesbach; Altar: B. Sternhagen; Ushers: J. Wessel, K. Smith, H. Noland; Acolyte: M. Beaulieu; Refreshments: W. Theodore; Cleaning: C. Sternhagen Mowing: (A) K. Smith, (B) S. Sternhagen

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Colossians 3:16

She couldn't remember it and neither could I. About a month ago I visited a lady in the hospital. She went home but then I got a call that she was back in the hospital again. I called her on the phone. After we talked for awhile about her condition and what was wrong, she asked me, "Could you use the same Bible passage as you used last time. I can't remember what it was, but it was such a comfort to me." Pastors usually try not to do that (although I'm sure I have many times without realizing it), use the same passage with the same person twice in a row. Well I couldn't remember what I used and neither could she. All she knew is that she had been comforted by it. Was she still comforted by it? Is it possible to be comforted by words we don’t even remember? That would seem a little strange.

St. Paul talks about the word of Christ dwelling in the Colossians. It is pretty clear that he is saying that they should be using the word of Christ the way he describes here to “teach and admonish one another.” We have this sort of sharing back and forth with the word of Christ. You admonish me, I teach you but the purpose is that we grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus. We also know that our faith is strengthened by these same words. Through the power of the word of God, my faith is stronger. Because of the Bible passage I’ve heard, I have greater confidence in the forgiveness of sins. I have more assurance of God’s love in face of challenges and illnesses. I may not be able to quote a Bible passage that tells me that I don’t have to be afraid of an operation, but because of all the passages I’ve heard, I know that it is true.

Think of all the Bible passages you have heard in your lifetime. Each one of them has been like a brick in the house that is your faith. You might not be able to point to each brick and remember where it came from but it is still holding you up. And if anyone knows how important a strong house is, we do.

News:

1. The pews are in. Nice!
2. Lee and Joshua have been cutting down dead trees in the yard. Now is the big job of cleanup.
3. A cold front actually made it through last night. (They say it is because of Ernesto.) It is down right chilly (89). I don’t remember a cold front getting through in August before.
4. The alarm people are working on the church today. They should finished tomorrow. I was going to call this "AN ALARMING DEVELOPMENT” but that would be too much for even me.
5. “The Word is Near” radio show on Saturday at Noon, AM800 or www.wsho.com.
6. Please remember dedication October 29. Mr. Ison says he can get his band to play for us.
7. Choir practice at 10:00 AM Worship at 11:00
8. In Service of the King this week: Organist: C. Driesbach; Altar: B. Sternhagen; Ushers: J. Wessel, K. Smith, H. Noland; Acolyte: M. Beaulieu; Refreshments: W. Theodore; Cleaning: C. Sternhagen Mowing: (A) K. Smith, (B) S. Sternhagen

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

The trees are coming down. They looked bad enough standing there on the church property, killed by the floodwaters. But they even look worse now that quite a few of them are on the ground. I counted them up. Over the past 20 years here, I planted 14 trees. Most of them were citrus trees but I thought, "Not only can I enjoy them but others will be enjoying them years after I'm gone." Wrong! All but one were killed. We usually think of trees living longer than we do but they didn't in this case; as a matter of fact they never do.

Jeremiah talks about a tree that never dies. He talks about a tree that is not afraid of any circumstances, good weather or bad weather; it lives on forever, forever producing fruit. That's me. That's anyone who trusts in the Lord. We are the trees planted by the water. We have a source of strength and life, eternal life. It is Jesus.

There are some pretty ugly dead trees on our church property right now. I'm glad that, thanks to Jesus, I'll never look like that.

News:
1. Joshua and Lee are busy cutting trees and cleaning them up. We will probably have to put together a work day to get rid of them all.
2. Joshua leaves tomorrow. He has done a lot in this last week. Thanks!
3. The pews are all in and looking good. Toby McCracken from Sauder was by to have a look. I think they did a nice job.
4. Southern Decadence is this weekend so if you go to the French Quarter be forewarned. Say a prayer for them.
5. Chris D made it back safely. We thank God.
6. “The Word is Near” Saturday radio show at noon, www wsho.com or AM800.
7. Sunday Choir practice at 10 Worship at 11:00
8. Please remember dedication October 29. Mr. Ison says he can get his band to play for us.
9. In Service of the King this week: Organist: C. Driesbach; Altar: B. Sternhagen; Ushers: J. Wessel, K. Smith, H. Noland; Acolyte: M. Beaulieu; Refreshments: W. Theodore; Cleaning: C. Sternhagen Mowing: (A) K. Smith, (B) S. Sternhagen

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-20 [sic - Webmaster]

I guess it is to be expected. The gas price at the station nearest us is 20 cents a gallon more than it is at other places. But they are about the only gas station open around us. Could they be taking advantage of the situation? If you want to hire a plumber or air conditioner guy it will cost you twice as much as anywhere else in the country. Could they be gouging us? Chris Driesbach got a chance to play his music for a lot of people while they were down here and now they are asking him to play at their church. Is he too taking advantage of the situation?

St. Paul talks about making the most of every opportunity. We usually think in terms of the positive opportunities that arise. But St. Paul says to take advantage of every opportunity, not in spite of the fact that the days are evil, but because they are evil. Evil days certainly give some people the opportunity to do greater evil. Do evil days give us the opportunity to do greater good?

It is clear that some have used our personal plight to take advantage of us. Others will take advantage of the troubled times to do good. To be a source of comfort and support in the face of difficult times is one of the good things we have experienced and one of the good things we can do. If it is true the evil times have the ability to bring out our best, then we are in position to do some amazing things. The gas station and Chris are not doing the same thing. They are both seizing one for bad, one for good.

News:

1. Attendance was a little weak yesterday but with Chris and Wanda back the music was great. Ellsworths were in too; that was nice.
2. Carol and I are up here at the WELS Holy See, Milwaukee. They don't even need streetlights here; there is just a natural glow. 60 degrees and drizzling. I forgot to bring a jacket.
3. The desk for the church office should be in this week. The McKinneys donated a computer desk. Chris is getting us some new music equipment. It should be 1st class stuff.
4. The Schultz clan had a reunion this weekend. Happy Reunion! Did that guy from Hogan’s Heroes come?
5. After the service Sunday Mike Phelps was baptized. We thank God the Holy Spirit.

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Thought you might like reading this Diaspora letter. It is the earliest one I have, September 12, 05. I know I wrote some earlier but I don’t have them. Saturday Chris said, “I lived through it but it seems like a blur.” That is the way I feel when I read these.

Dear Scattered Family Members of Crown of Life: (written Sept 12, 2005)

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14

One man, and we would assume he is of sound mind, jumped in his truck and came down from someplace in Illinois. He didn’t have a place to stay and he didn’t know exactly what he’d be doing. He brought chain saws, but the last time I checked he was using his electrician skills to help people with their electrical problems. It is kind of a nutty thing to do if you think about it.

In the mail came a check for $1000.00. “Spend it on whatever you need,” they said. People don’t just part with $1000.00.

Over and over people have said, “Have your people come and live with us. It usually isn’t a very wise idea to invite complete strangers into your house.

Sunday School classes color a bunch of “Get well soon” cards and send them to us. I know little kids like to do things like this but if you read them, you can tell that they are truly moved.

Why all this “odd” behavior? Because there are a lot of people in the Wisconsin Synod these days with itchy feet. They have to do something. They apparently see the need of the people of our congregation and they just want to do something.

They do that because they know that they have a Savior with “itchy” feet. When he saw our need for forgiveness, love and life, he couldn’t just stand there, he had to do something. That “something” was everything. He gave his life on the cross for us.

And now we people find ourselves there too. For the “Love of Christ compels us.” Now we are the ones with itchy feet.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be heading up to Milwaukee for the Board for World Missions meeting. Unfortunately, we will have to cut more missionaries. Our synod, you see, is experiencing financial problems. But I’m heartened by what I’ve seen the last few weeks since the hurricane. There are still a lot of people in our synod with “itchy” feet.

News: (written Sept 12, 2005)

1. We found Maurice and Kathy Mercadel in Atlanta. I’m trying to get them in touch with the pastor Piepenbrink. Their truck broke down along the highway. They are safe in the Wingate Hotel. I’m hoping we can get some help their way.
2. Beth is back in Covington. They arrived yesterday afternoon. She begins work today.
3. Lee and Gretchen are going to try to contact Joy Feast in Cameron LA on their way to Houston. (Joy Feast died November 29, 2005)
4. Ill: Jesse, Katherine, Karen Woodard. Keep them in your prayers.
5. Still missing: Horace (found Sep. 17, '05), Connienaice (found Nov. 16, '05) and Christien (found Nov. 16, '05), Margie (found Oct. 17, '05) and we just realized that none of us have talked with Arva (found Sep. 14, '05) since the hurricane. Keep praying.
6. 29 people in church yesterday. Some new faces and new stories. Communion next week.
7. The water is going down faster in the city than they said at first.
8. Family Day is set for Oct 16th. We’ll miss Mr. Ison’s band and many other people, but a family doesn’t stop being a family just because we aren’t all together, right?
9. Yesterday we set up a partner system where people volunteered to keep in touch with those who were dispersed. Keep us all informed.
10. A church in Michigan is sending down 4 semi trucks, loaded with food and other items to Cross of Glory in Baton Rouge. Pastor Greenlee asked if any of us would be willing to come over on Friday to help unload them. (To the church in Baton Rouge) Also if you or anyone you know is in need, plan to go and pick some things up. Cross of Glory is planning to give these things away in the community. If you can help, call Pastor Greenlee at 225-752-7894 for arrival times and other information. More “itchy” feet in Michigan.

Be strong in the Lord

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and see, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:17-20

If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

The plaque on the building said, “We dedicate this building to the glory of God.” I’m talking about St. Josephat’s Basilica here in Milwaukee. (Is Josephat the polish way to say Joseph?) Newly renovated, this big Catholic Church is truly beautiful. Filled with impressive statues (a few too many of popes for my taste), wonderful artwork, and stained glassed windows. There are five altars in the front. They all had statues on them. I recognized one as Mary. One was probably Josephat but since I’ve never met him I don’t know what he looks like. One room off to the side was dedicated to all the people who had helped in the renovation. On gold plaques on the wall in large print down the middle were the names of those who had helped in a large way and on the side in smaller print were the names of those who had helped in a smaller way. There were also the names of the Most Reverend so and sos and the Very Reverend so and sos. (I guess the Very Reverends need to do a little more reverending) But I thought about the plaque on the outside of the church and the tree in the woods. Was this beautiful building glorifying God just standing there….just standing there with no people?

The shepherds had just found their Savior in the manger. There were no statues there or stained glassed widows. But their hearts were filled with joy and thanksgiving. They then set out to tell anyone who would listen what they “had seen and heard.” It says that they returned “glorifying and praising God.” How do you think they did that? They might have done it in song or prayer. But I think we have been told how they did it, “They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” No church at all, where ever they went, every day.

We will be dedicating Crown of Life’s Basilica (Basilica lite) at the end of October. We too will dedicate it to the Glory of God. We will probably not have a plaque on the wall with the names of those who made it possible. There would be too many. But it is always important to remember that a church building is not a very reliable way to glorify God. A much more reliable way is do it the shepherd’s way, to glorify God for all the things that we have seen and heard – to build our lives to His glory.

P.S. When a tree falls in the wood and no one is there, the important thing is that it doesn’t fall on anyone’s head.

News:

1. Talked with Cathy Mercadel yesterday. They are all doing fine. Keep them in your prayers.
2. We spent the day yesterday touring Carol’s childhood haunts: plaques with her name on the churches and schools she attended, little parks set up in her name where she lived, etc.
3. We stopped by Northwestern Publishing House to buy a few things for church. The people are so nice in there. “Don’t worry, I’ll come back later.” “No, no, I’ll get it for you now.” Could they be letting their light shine?
4. Lee is the preacher on Sunday. No heckling!
5. No Choir practice but Worship at 11:00.
6. Preacher: Lee McKinney Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: Beth Refreshments: Quiana Acolyte: Allegra Usher: M. Phelps, S. Harris Mowing: A: D. Sternhagen, B: H. Noland Cleaning: K. Jefferson

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Then he (Jacob) placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so that they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted. Gen 30:37

Louisiana doesn’t have a plan. At least that is what we’ve been hearing. It depends on who you talk to. Some say, “Yes we have a plan but others are holding it up.” Of course the “others” don’t agree. But there does seem to be a plan for ways to spend the billions of dollars the other people in the United States are giving us to recover. Plans are good and necessary things. Did you hear about the oil discovery just south of us in the Gulf? I think it is one of the largest oil discoveries in history. I’m sure it will bring lots of jobs and money into our area. Which will help our recovery the most?

The passage above is one of those rather odd stories in the Bible. Jacob made a deal with Laban that he would get all the spotted goats. So, being the sneaky guy that he was (and Laban was no better) he hits upon this “junk science” project of putting spotted sticks in the watering troughs of the animals, so that if they see a spotted stick they would have spotted babies. (If this works please tell the pregnant women you know not to look at plaid.) Of course it didn’t work. He did get rich but God had promised to bless him and that is why his wealth grew. All his plotting and scheming wouldn’t help him. It was his plotting and scheming that got him in trouble in the first place. (Genesis 27) In our lives too it is important to remember that “our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8)

So we will make plans, hopefully good ones. We will look for ways to use the gifts we have received from others to aid in our recovery. We will see that this oil find in our area could be a gift of God to us in our time of need. But in the end we know that all good things come from God and if our city comes back it will be from His hand.

News:

1. Since I’m away from home, I don’t really have any news; you’ll have to give me the news.
2. Gretchen and Evelyn are working at getting an invitation list together for our rededication.
3. It looks like Florence will stay weak and stay away. Thank you Lord, again for hearing our prayers.
4. No Choir practice Sunday. Worship at 11:00
5. Preacher: Lee McKinney Liturgist: K.Smith Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: Beth Refreshments: Quiana Acolyte: Allegra Usher: S. Sternhagen, S. Harris Mowing: A: D. Sternhagen, B: H. Noland Cleaning: K. Jefferson
6. The old Diaspora news letters can be found on the web site under archives. Thanks Michael. Colnola.com

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

….in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:20

Go ahead and blame God. There was an airplane crash last week, where the plane took the wrong runway. All but 1 were killed. When he became conscious again he asked, “Why did God do this to me?” It seems like a question that has been spooking around in a lot of our minds lately. Of course we know and believe in God. We know he can do anything. So we know like this man that he could have prevented that plane crash just like he could prevent a hurricane. (We’ve seen him do it.) So at least on some level God is responsible for all this. But should we blame the one who has given himself for us?

The passage above always struck me as kind of a stretch. St. Peter is talking about the water of the flood. We know that God caused the water of the flood and that it inundated the whole earth. In it, every person who was living at the time lost his life, except Noah and his family. Peter says that when we look at the flood we should not see the ones who were killed but the ones God saved from the flood. Maybe the guy on the plane should be asking “Why did God, out of all these people choose to keep me alive?” Maybe that should be our perspective too.

So go ahead and blame God. He has broad shoulders and he’s used to it. But don’t ask me that question, ask God. Ask him, “Why?” And then go read your Bible and find the answers there. Listen to his answers in his Word. You might be surprised what you find out. Noah’s home and life were destroyed too. But it seems like he eventually understood.

News:
1. Gretchen is faithfully looking for a caterer for our rededication.
2. Evelyn is looking into someone to work on our trees.
3. If you live in the area you can bring your trash to a site at Crowder and the I-10 Service Road. You need proof that you are from New Orleans.
4. Today we go to the Builders for Christ Retreat. I know I’ll be seeing a lot of the people who spent so much time in our church. I’ll pass your greetings on.
5. No Choir practice on Sunday. Worship at 11:00. See you soon.
6. Preacher: L. McKinney Liturgist: K. Smith Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: Beth Refreshments: Quiana Acolyte: Allegra Usher: M. Phelps, S. Harris Mowing: A: D. Sternhagen, B: Noland Cleaning: Kimberly Jefferson

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you. 2 Timothy 1:3-4

Is fat a good conductor? I was privileged to spend 3 days at the Builders for Christ reunion in Wautoma, WI this last weekend. These are the people who put our fellowship hall and parsonage back together. Some of them also helped with the chapel. And do you know what? They gave us gifts. They presented us with a carving of Jesus and a plaque to hang on the wall. Herb Mehne, the project director, presented me with the plaque. As tears rolled down his face he said with breaking voice, “We received more than we gave.” (Of course that’s not true, but I'm glad he feels that way.) Now Herb is a guy who is not lacking in “crust.” What is with these tears? Well I know what is happening here. Lately it happens to me a lot. I never had any trouble in church with the announcement of the forgiveness of sins. We do it all the time. But over the past few years sometimes I get a little emotional when saying, “Your sins are forgiven.” What are Herb and I going through?

St. Paul is writing to his student Timothy. He tells Timothy that he is always praying for him. He tells him how he longs to see him and remembers their emotional tearful separation. St. Paul impresses me as a man with considerable “crust.” Yet he gets emotional when talking with his friend and student. He had been through a lot. I have a feeling that the trials of life don't make us less sensitive but more. Nothing teaches you about life like life. (I guess that isn't quite true, nothing teaches you about life like God’s Word.)

So what is the answer? Is fat a good conductor? See, what I was thinking was that when I was young and thin I wasn’t as emotional as I am today. But now that I’ve put on a few pounds it seems like the circumstances of life get inside a lot easier. OK, that’s pretty silly. But life teaches us lessons. And the more we know the more we appreciate the gifts of God, like friendship, fellowship, love, forgiveness…

News:

1. Thanks to Lee and Kris for conducting the service on Sunday.
2. Did you hear the new sound system we have in the church? Pretty nice. Thanks Chris for getting them for us. This should be basically all we need.
3. Chris also played for the Builders for Christ reunion. Did a great job!
4. Sunday we begin our new schedule. Sunday School and Bible Class at 10:00, Worship at 11:00 Choir at 12:00
5. Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: R. Schultz Cleaning: K. Jefferson Acolyte: Myraja Usher: Jensen, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: McKinney, B: Walker Sunday School Teachers: Cade, McKinney

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Romans 12:15

Its starting to sort out a little bit now. People who weren't sure what they were going to do are starting to make plans. I helped my neighbor hook up her FEMA trailer yesterday. They will be coming back even though for a long time they were unsure. While waiting for our baggage Sunday night at the airport we saw Karen Woodard there. She had been up to Tennessee to visit her sister Cheryl and Tyrone. She reports that Cheryl and Tyrone are happy there, have good jobs and plan to stay. Karen also says she plans to move there. These are people who will not be coming back to the Family at Crown of Life. Can we rejoice even when it makes us sad?

The heading in my Bible for the passage above is simply “love.” Verse 9 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” 10. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Sometimes what seems good for us is not what is good for others. We can stubbornly hang on to what we feel is good for us, but that isn’t love. Love places the good of others above what is good for us; otherwise it isn’t love. Love allows us to rejoice when others rejoice even if we wish it weren’t so.

So let’s rejoice with those who have found a better place for them to be. Let’s pray that the Lord will use their new home and new church to strengthen their faith and increase their joy in life. We love them, so we rejoice with those who rejoice.

News:

1. The chandeliers are in. I haven't opened the boxes yet but they are big.
2. Talked with Stoneman (Not Stoned Man) yesterday. He is planning to return to finish up October 9.
3. Thank the Lord for what he has been doing with the hurricanes lately. They have been weak and staying away. Keep praying.
4. Remember: Sunday School and Bible Class on Sunday at 10:00, Worship at 11:00. Choir at 12:00.
5. Saturday: “The Word is Near” radio show at noon www.wsho.com or AM800. Call in, be a radio star, 504-527-0800.
6. In the Service of the King this Sunday: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: R. Schultz Cleaning: K. Jefferson Acolyte: Myraja Usher: Jensen, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: McKinney, B: Walker

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

“We're praying for you.” I think I've heard those words more in the last year than ever before. While I was up in Wisconsin at the Builder’s reunion a lot of people came up just to say to me, “We are praying for you.” I've gotten a lot of letters from individuals, Sunday Schools, and churches who have never met us and they say the same thing, “We are praying for you.” It feels good to know that. I'm sure one of the reasons they tell us is that they know too how good it feels to know that someone is praying for them. It feels good because we know what a difference prayer makes. But there is more.

The passage above is from the Epistle reading for next Sunday. It comes after the marvelous passage about standing: standing against the devil's attacks, standing in the full armor of God, standing. But we are not just standing in the armor of God to protect ourselves, we are to be interested in protecting our fellow believers (saints). We do it not just because it makes them feel better. We do it not just because it makes us feel like we are doing something. We do it because our prayers go to the almighty, eternal, loving Father who hears them and is willing to move mountains if they are according to his will. We pray for other people because we love them.

So I suppose for someone to say, “I'm praying for you,” is a better way of saying, “I love you.” It is love already engaged. Of course knowing that someone is praying for you is not nearly as important as someone praying for you.

News:

1. Did you see the survey. 54% of those who are still out plan to return. Something like 11% plan not to return and 33% are still unsure. (There was another category that accounted for the rest. Maybe those coming back to the state but not the city.)
2. The people across the street from me moved into their FEMA trailer yesterday. “It is better than living with someone,” she said.
3. I delivered the Disaster Relief Trailer to our WELS church in Mobile. It was put together by the South Atlantic District with Committee on Relief money. It was a huge help to the folks in Abita Springs and to us. Now it will be kept in a safer place so that it can be delivered in case of another hurricane. Thanks to those who put it together and brought it here over a year ago.
4. Garnet and George are wondering if anyone can help them move October 1st. It is a short move from one apartment to another in the same complex.
5. Saw Gary and Paulette, they pass their greetings on to you as well as many of the other builders who were down here last winter. They are praying for us.
6. Remember: Sunday School and Bible Class on Sunday at 10:00, Worship at 11:00. Choir at 12:00.
7. Saturday: “The Word is Near” radio show at noon www.wsho.com or AM800. Call in, be a radio star, 504-527-0800.
8. In the Service of the King this Sunday: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: R. Schultz Cleaning: K. Jefferson Acolyte: Myraja Usher: Jensen, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: McKinney, B: Walker Sunday School Teachers: Quiana and Gretchen
9. Family Day, September 24th. Bring something to cook on the grill and a dish to share.

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new.” Revelation 21:3-5

I read somewhere that there are more new cars in New Orleans than in any city in America. That of course wasn't true not long ago. I thought about that as I watched my second old car being taking away this last week. And it is true there are a lot of shiny new cars around. Some people call it “their Katrina car.” (The new car they were forced to buy because their old one was destroyed. As I look around me, I see almost all new things. But I think we have a much healthier view of these new things than we used to. They may be “new things” but they are still only “things.” I think most of us have vowed not to become too attached to them.

We have a picture of heaven in the passage above…. God living with his people in perfect love and harmony. All the sad things will be gone. The old order will pass away. I guess the old order is the order that we live with now. People buy new things and they get old. People start off new and then they get old. It is pretty common. I'm not sure we really get used to it, but it doesn't surprise us much anymore. What does surprise us is when that order changes. But it doesn't happen much that old things get new and old people get young. (Merlin is a myth.) The change is that we lose property that we didn't expect to lose. A person dies who is “too young.” But the day is coming when the old order will be gone. God will make everything new, and here is the good part, they will stay new. New bodies, new lives, never ending. I'm looking forward to the new order.

In the meantime we can thank God for anything new we have. But we know we are still in the old order; they won’t be new forever. But we do have one thing that will never get old. We have a new life in Christ and it is new every morning. Let’s cling to that, rejoice in that. It is forever new, forever young.

News:

1. Looks like the Ladies Guild is making good progress with getting our dedication invitation out and getting ready for the meal afterwards.
2. One of the Mold Krewe members asked if we could video tape the service and put it on the Internet. (Tech help here please.)
3. Watch out all y’all Cheese Heads, the Saints are coming to town. (Looking at both records from last year the good news is that one of these teams will actually win.)
4. Tomorrow, “The Word is Near” radio show at noon www.wsho.com or AM800. Topic: Should the Pope apologize? and “In our witness how much should we compromise so that others will listen?” Call in, be a radio star, 504-527-0800.
5. Sunday: Sunday School and Bible Class at 10:00 AM and Worship at 11:00. Choir at 12:00.
6. In the Service of the King this Sunday: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: R. Schultz Cleaning: K. Jefferson Acolyte: Myraja Usher: Jensen, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: McKinney, B: Walker
7. Family Day, September 24th. Bring something to cook on the grill and a dish to share.

Be strong in the Lord: (Sermon theme for Sunday)

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us. Luke 24:32

It was like sitting around a campfire. You know how that is. You build a campfire at night and everyone pulls their chairs up until they feel its warmth. People seem to immediately get in a good mood. There is a warmth there that doesn’t come from the fire. Sociologists tell us it is because it takes us back to our ancestors who lived around a campfire, sort of a primordial life source. That’s the way it was. We were seated in our new chapel for Sunday School (Children and adults) for the first time in over a year. We opened our Bibles. We talked about what was on the page. It was comfortable, warm….it felt good. We laughed a little, learned a little, seated there together around the word.

They sat around the fire that was Jesus. He had just risen from the dead and now he was holding Sunday School for his disciples. First they walked and then the sat as he opened scriptures to them. All these things had been predicted; his life and death on the cross, His resurrection. When they recognized that it was Jesus, he disappeared. Those disciples looked at each other and realized that their hearts had just been warmed by the word of God and the Word of God.

The source of our life is God. The source of our new life in Christ is God. So it is only natural that our life is warmed by the words of our God. Through baptism and the word, our lives began. It would be surprising if that word didn’t renew us, strengthen us, warm us. There should be no warmer place than seated with our fellow disciples around the campfire of God’s word.

News:

1. Did you see the nice carving that Mr. Connick made for our church?
2. Karen Woodard, Gary and Paulette, Sidney Harris were back in church. Nice to see them again.
3. I wish you could have seen their faces. Gary and Paulette left Lutherville when the chapel was still just studs. I saw their faces as they walked in for the first time. They really liked it. Most of us saw the transformation gradually. They saw it all at once.
4. Family Day next Sunday. Wear your RED T-shirts if you still have them. (New ones will be available if you lost yours.) We’ll have Michael’s Monster Grill going if you would like to use it. Bring something to share.
5. Adult Sunday School will study the same stories as the children for the time being. I’m taking suggestions for future Bible studies.

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho…. Then the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, I will give it to your descendants.’ ‘I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.’ And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. He buried him in Beth Peor, but to this day no one know where his grave is. Deuteronomy 34:1, 4-5

Yesterday Carol and I went to visit Kay. We couldn't because she had died. (Actually she is not dead, she is truly living for the first time in her life.) As you remember we had a hard time finding her after the flood. Her nursing home had been evacuated and she had ended up in several facilities but finally ended up in Harvey. Since we were not family they would not tell us anything about her at the nursing home. They knew she had been there, got sick. They sent her off to the hospital and she died there. No one knew when. No one knew how. Her family was always distant. She no longer remembered who we were from one visit to the next. I'm sure she couldn't tell them who to call. They said they tried calling us, but they used our phone that hasn't worked for a year. So she died alone with no funeral. I thought of Moses.

I’m not sure if Moses was a “people person.” I guess he had to be if we were going to lead millions of people through the wilderness for 40 years. If nothing else he was used to being around a lot of people. And there were probably a lot of people who would have wanted to be there when he died. Instead Moses chooses to die with no people around him at all. He died with the one person he wanted to die with, God. God shows Moses how his life’s work had been accomplished. He brought the people to the promised land. Then the Lord takes Moses to the real promised land. God does the funeral. Moses was by no means alone.

God’s people never are. The Holy Spirit has taken it upon Himself to bring the souls of God’s people to heaven. You know that he is standing by. Kay died with the one person it is important to die with. She is a member of our family and we will miss her. But she died, as all God’s people die, with God by her side and He does a better funeral anyway.

News:

1. The phones came on yesterday afternoon. You can call the old numbers now 504-242-3442 (parsonage) 504-242-7646 (Church). But don't call them yet, I don't have any phones.
2. We are trying to get more information on Kay’s death.
3. Rumor has it that a “cold” front is coming through. It’s about the right time for that.
4. Council meeting at 7:00 PM this evening.
5. Chris called. He continues to enjoy his touring. The CDs are going fast.
6. Got E-mails from Robin and Tanner. Good to hear from them. They are OK.
7. In Service Sunday, September 25: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: Family Day (bring a dish to share) Cleaning: Boczon Acolyte: Allegra Usher: Heier, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: Heier, B: Noland

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

This year it will be different. Last year our annual Family Day was a very emotional thing. We were still reeling from the storm, our family had not all been found, one had died in it. Our church and property were still underwater but we had our Family Day at Halls in Baton Rouge. There were plenty of you who were determined that we were going to do this come hell or high water. (We didn’t get the hell.) But this year will be different. This year we have learned more about what it means to be a family.

St. Paul tells us how we get into God’s family: through faith, through baptism. It is a heart thing. The Lord has called us by the gospel to be his children. Jesus has forgiven all our sins, washed us clean and the Father has adopted us into his family. We even wear the same clothes. I know it would look kind of dorky if your whole family walked around in matching outfits. But we do have absolutely matching outfits, we have all been baptized and as such we are clothed with Christ. We always knew that our family consisted of more than those people who were in church with us. But this year it has become clearer. All these people came and went and gave and prayed throughout the year and they were all wearing the same “dorky” clothes. They were all baptized in Christ like us. We have learned that our family was a lot bigger than we thought. If we know that, how can we show that?

This year, as every year, we will remember those family members who are now in heaven. We will have a couple more to add this year. But this year it should be a lot easier to see how big our family is. It should make our thanksgiving even better.

News:

1. Gary and Paulette are moving back to Lutherville on Saturday. It is nice to have them back.
2. Hotel information: For those who are planning to come to our dedication and need a hotel, we have reserved 15 smoke free rooms at the Best Western Avalon Hotel, less than a mile from church. It just reopened this week. The rooms are $79 per night with a minimum of 2 nights ($89 if you just stay one night). They are holding the rooms until October 1st. If you reserve a room and decide later to cancel it, you have to cancel at least 14 days ahead of the date you arrive or you will be charged for one night. The telephone number for reservations is: 877-859-8887, identify yourself as part of the Lutheran Church. www.avalonneworleans.com. The Motel 6, about a mile from church has rooms available also for $85 per night, no minimum stay, no special rate: 504-240-2862. I hear there are plenty of rooms available in the French Quarter also, but probably with a higher price tag.
3. Plans are moving ahead for our rededication.
4. Family Day is Sunday. T-shirts with be available. We have grills and hamburgers and hotdogs or bring your own. Bring a dish to share!
5. In Service Sunday, September 25: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: Family Day (bring a dish to share) Cleaning: Boczon Acolyte: Allegra Usher: Heier, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: Heier, B: Noland

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

“But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Judges 6:13

His name is Gideon. He is the child of Jill and Pastor Steven Prahl who is the pastor of our sister church in Fort Walton Beach, Fl. Gideon was born with a chromosome problem and not expected to live. This last week, the Lord took Gideon home. Parents aren't designed to handle things like this. (Actually none of us are.) Why give him life only to take it away so soon? Why let him live here long enough to be loved and then take him away? Why do things like this happen? It is a common Christian question. We know that God can do anything, so why didn't he? It is a question that we've stood before the Lord with in this last year. The answer to that question rests in the heart of our God.

It was the question that the first Gideon asked. God had brought them to the promised land but now they were being besieged at the hand of the Midianites. “If the Lord is with us,” Gideon wants to know, “Then why are we having all these problems?” God doesn't answer Gideon’s question. (I’m sure he hears it a lot.) It is none of Gideon’s business. Instead he sends Gideon out to take care of the problem. He says, “Go in the strength that you have. Am I not sending you?” One thing Gideon could not question is the love and care of God. If you read this section in Judges chapter 6 you see that Gideon remembers all the great things God had done for them. The one thing he does not mention is God’s promise to send a Savior. We might be so bold as to question God’s decisions but we can never question his love.

And maybe that is where the question finds rest, not the answer, but rest… in God’s love. I can usually think of some things that are evidence of God’s love in these cases, but it isn’t much help when you've lost your baby, your home, your job. But we know that this God has loved us so. From there we can move. We can never understand everything that God does. We can’t even understand the depth of his love. But we know he does. And that’s enough.

News:

1. Family Day is Sunday. T-shirts with be available. We have grills and hamburgers and hotdogs or bring your own. Bring a dish to share!
2. In Service Sunday, September 25: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Refreshments: Family Day (bring a dish to share) Cleaning: Boczon Acolyte: Allegra Usher: Heier, M. Schultz Altar: Beth Mowing: A: Heier, B: Noland
3. “The Word is Near” radio show, Saturday, Noon, www.wsho.com or AM 800. Call in 504-527-0800.
4. Richwell called. He is getting his band together for the 29th of October.
5. Hotel information: For those who are planning to come to our dedication and need a hotel, we have reserved 15 smoke free rooms at the Best Western Avalon Hotel, less than a mile from church. It just reopened this week. The rooms are $79 per night with a minimum of 2 nights ($89 if you just stay one night). They are holding the rooms until October 1st. If you reserve a room and decide later to cancel it, you have to cancel at least 14 days ahead of the date you arrive or you will be charged for one night. The telephone number for reservations is: 877-859-8887, identify yourself as part of the Lutheran Church. www.avalonneworleans.com. The Motel 6, about a mile from church has rooms available also for $85 per night, no minimum stay, no special rate: 504-240-2862. I hear there are plenty of rooms available in the French Quarter also, but probably with a higher price tag.
6. Got the first two calls on our land line today. (off for over a year) One was a tele-marketer and the other a junk fax. Why did I want this phone?
7. Sunday School for Children and Adults 10:00 AM Worship 11:00, Choir: noon

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Ephesians 3:14-15

Yesterday was Family Day at the church. I’m sorry if you missed it. It looked a lot like other Family Days. People wore their red “Crown of Life” shirts. Patience, Michael and Leroy cooked on the grill. We had a new banner with the tree and all the families as leaves on it. It rained, which I don’t believe has ever happened before, so we had to hold it inside. But this year more than any other, we understood how important our Family is. We have called ourselves a Family for as long as I can remember. We wanted to emphasize that even though we might be different colors and born in different places that we share something that makes us a family, maybe even more of a family than our family.

St. Paul reminds us of a couple of really important things about our Family. First of all it is a lot bigger than we might have thought. “Heaven and earth.” And look at what we share with them, we get our name from the Father. Remember that a name, especially in the Bible, is a description of who we are. We are God’s family. We share a common Savior and a common Spirit. We even share a common faith. We share a common purpose, a common goal, a common home. I’m not sure any family is closer than that.

Over the past year we have tried to get our Family back together. That is what families long to do, be together. At least good families long to be together. Ours is a good family drawn together by God himself. What we have learned in the last year is that our Family is a lot bigger than we thought it was.

News:

1. The Winn Dixie on Gentilly is opening this week. That will make the drive to the grocery store a lot shorter.
2. Tonight is a big night for our city. Everybody is going a little nuts. The Saints are playing in the Dome again for the first time on Monday Night Football. For many it is a psychological landmark. Of course it will be a lot better if the Saints win.
3. Speaking of the Saints, in case you hadn’t heard, this is the first time in the Saints history that they are a season ticket sell out. With a waiting list even.
4. Check out Pepper’s web site “www.504forever.com”
5. Kind of nice outside today, but it should be it isn’t summer anymore.

Be strong in the Lord

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20

What does the Saints playing on Monday night (and winning quite nicely, thank you) in the Superdome have in common with the resurrection of Jesus? Well, I guess you could say that the team was dead last year but now it is alive. But that’s not it. You could say that the Superdome had become a symbol of death because of the way so many suffered in there, but now it is a symbol of life, like Jesus’ empty tomb. Hmm, not bad…but not it. I can’t tell you how many times I heard this yesterday, but people from the government and from the media were saying the dome is a symbol. If we can rebuild this dome you can rebuild your home. I’m not sure that is true but that is what made me think of it.

St. Paul is making the case to the Corinthians and us for the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. Basically he is saying if you don’t have the resurrection from the dead, you have nothing. Because Jesus rose from the dead we know that we will rise to. He is the firstfruits. That is why Easter (I forgot we aren’t suppose to call it Easter), that is why the Resurrection has always been the most important of Christian holidays. There is a difference of course. Jesus resurrection isn’t just a symbol to us that people can rise from the dead, His resurrection is the final step in the work that brings about our resurrection.

I guess it is nice to look at a big completed project like the Superdome and know that the reconstruction of our homes is possible. It would be better if the reconstruction of the Superdome actually affected the reconstruction of our houses, then it would be more like Jesus’ resurrection. How is the Saints playing in the Superdome like Jesus rising from the dead? Well, now that I think about it, I guess not much.

News:

1. Those of you who are still away, you can remember how the mood of the city was determined by how the Saints played. Well, you won’t believe how happy this place is right now.
2. Gary and Paulette have been working around the church getting some of the wiring problems straightened out.
3. Just heard that Trinity in Abita Springs is planning a shortened service so that can join us in our rededication. What nice friends we have!
4. Talked with Bill Rose. He’s the guy who built our chancel furniture. He has agreed to make us a matching baptismal font. What nice friends we have!
5. How about this weather! And no hurricanes. We know who we need to thank, don’t we?
6. Bible Information class on Wednesday at 7:30. All are invited.
7. In the service of the King this week: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: B. Schultz Refreshments: Garnet/Myraja Acolyte: Myraja Ushers: McKinney, T. Schultz Cleaning: Baughman Mowing: A: S. Sternhagen, B: K Smith

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31

My dog is dying. I remember when my daughter brought him home from the SPCA. A tiny almost all white ball of fir. That was about 17 years ago. Most of you have met him at one time or another. He came to a crawfish boil or two and probably greeted you at the door when you stopped by. He has seen a lot of changes in our family over those years. He has recovered from some health problems in the past but it is clear that this one he won't recover from. So today we went out in back. I sat on the patio; he lay in the grass. It is a truly glorious day. The sun is shining the air cool. The blossoms on the papaya trees put perfume in the air. God's creation was testifying.

When God made this world he did so with genius and love. Even people who don't believe in God can see it. They call it nature. It seems like it all fits together somehow. It seems like there is some kind of force that is behind it all. Of course there is. Since sin came into the world, we don't always like what nature dishes out: huge thunderstorms, lightening, tornadoes and of course hurricanes. But you don't have to be all that observant to see that what God has made for us is as he said, "Very Good."

So if this is his last day, it will have been a good one. He can rejoice in God's beautiful creation and I can thank God for his gift that we named Levi.

News:

1. Gary installed the phone line in the church and fixed the drinking fountain. I'm sure he has done a few other things too.
2. Robin is coming to town this week. Maybe we'll get to see her.
3. Nice attendance on Sunday. We ate too much but...
4. Seth got the keys to his FEMA trailer.
5. Bible Information class tonight at 7:30. Come and join in.
6. Saturday, “The Word is Near” radio show at noon, www.wsho.com or AM800. Call in, 504-527-0800. Last week I had Ronald McDonald's chauffeur call in. I'm in the big time now.
7. Sunday: Sunday School/Bible Class at 10:00. We've had good attendance there too. Worship 11:00 AM. Choir to follow.
8. In the service of the King this week: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: B. Schultz Refreshments: Garnet/Myraja Acolyte: Myraja Ushers: McKinney, T. Schultz Cleaning: Baughman Mowing: A: S. Sternhagen, B: K Smith

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37

I got this e-mail letter yesterday. Randy is talking about the Monday Night Football game the Saints won. I thought you’d enjoy his take.

I heard last night something that we have been talking about. One of the announcers at the game stated how much he admired the spirit and attitude of the people he met in and around New Orleans. Undefeated is an appropriate term. For us though, undefeated is not just, "I don't give up," rather we are undefeated by our membership in the Communion of Saints. The outcome is clear by faith. If God be for us, who can be against us? That gives me strength to step out of my comfort zone and into the red zone. Together we can rebuild with confidence that the One who placed the stars in the sky, will be with us all the way through. By His spirit of peace and unity, we can give and forgive each day as we work through what seems at times to be a hill too high, or a valley too wide. Like the story of the "footprints," the Lord will carry us through as on eagles’ wings.

Until we meet again, your friend in Christ,

Randy

News:

1. The Winn Dixie in Gentilly will open tomorrow. Food is getting easier to get. Does that mean we’ll get fatter?
2. The city is putting pressure on people who have not done anything with their homes yet.
3. Bible Information Class on Tuesdays, Baton Rouge (10:00 AM) and Wednesdays, New Orleans (7:00 PM)
4. Chris is in his third printing of his CD called, “After the Storm.” Pick up your copy at church. Keep him in your prayers.
5. “The Word if Near” radio show on Saturday, Noon, www.wsho.com or 800 AM.
6. Sunday School for children and adults at 10:00 A.M. Worship at 11:00 A.M.
7. NEXT WEEK: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: B. Schultz Refreshments: Garnet/Myraja Acolyte: Myraja Ushers: McKinney, T. Schultz Cleaning: Baughman Mowing: A: S. Sternhagen, B: K Smith

Be strong in the Lord.

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psalm 127:1

The Builders for Christ gave us a plaque with that passage on. (Somehow I think we should have given them a plaque.) They rebuilt our parsonage and fellowship hall and gave us a plaque that I hope will remind us all that the effort of rebuilding will only be worthwhile if it is built for and with the Lord. With a church it is easy to see. We can put up a nice building where everything is shiny and new but if it isn’t done for the glory of God and if he doesn’t bless it with members, all it is, is an empty shell.

Next to the church stands a building that used to be a Winn Dixie and an Eckert Drug Store. Long before the hurricane, a fire burned through it. It has been sitting there ever since. It is an eyesore. If the Lord doesn’t build our church that is what our building will be. (Something you might want to put in your prayers.)

But if you read that whole psalm, 127, you will see that it isn’t just about building a church, it is really about everything that we do: all our labor, all our work, all our endeavors. When you go to work, raise your family, get an education, rebuild your house it is all the same. If the Lord doesn’t do the building it will end up being an eyesore.

News:

1. There has been some problem with the Avalon Hotel reservation line. Michael Eaton reports that there is a better number. Here it is. 1-800-366-2743 Hotel information: For those who are planning to come to our dedication and need a hotel, we have reserved 15 smoke free rooms at the Best Western Avalon Hotel, less than a mile from church. It just reopened this week. The rooms are $79 per night with a minimum of 2 nights ($89 if you just stay one night). They are holding the rooms until October 1st. If you reserve a room and decide later to cancel it, you have to cancel at least 14 days ahead of the date you arrive or you will be charged for one night. The telephone number for reservations is: 877-859-8887, identify yourself as part of the Lutheran Church. www.avalonneworleans.com. The Motel 6, about a mile from church has rooms available also for $85 per night, no minimum stay, no special rate: 504-240-2862. I hear there are plenty of rooms available in the French Quarter also, but probably with a higher price tag.
2. There have been some requests about how not to get the “Crown of Life Diaspora.” I certainly don’t want to be spamming anybody. I send these out two ways. There is a rather large list that goes through a list serve at wels.net If your e-mail comes from wels messenger you have to go to the WELS website and have your name removed. If you get one just from me (ecadave@aol.com) let me know you don’t want these anymore and I’ll take you off that list.
3. Talked with Willie Ann last night. Ann made it safely through her surgery and she thanks us for our prayers. She did report that Leroy was in an accident on his way back to Houston. We thank the Lord that he was not seriously injured. (Seems like some whiplash.) God’s angels are busy.
4. Just got off the phone with Kim Bechet in the hospital in Baton Rouge. Her operation is today. Please lift her up in prayer.
5. Saturday “The Word is Near” radio show at Noon, www.wsho.com or AM 800.
6. Sunday School at 10:00, Worship at 11:00, Choir Noon.
7. THIS WEEK: Preacher: D. Sternhagen Organist: Katherine Jefferson Altar: B. Schultz Refreshments: Garnet/Myraja Acolyte: Myraja Ushers: McKinney, T. Schultz Cleaning: Baughman Mowing: A: S. Sternhagen, B: K Smith

Be strong in the Lord:

Dear Scattered Members of the Family:

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. Psalm 108:1,2

We sang, baby! I'm talking about yesterday. Our choir practiced after the service yesterday and most of our choir members were there. We also have a few new choir members. The blended voices sounded really good even though no one could hear us but God. I noticed that the choir members were smiling a lot. It was nice to get our choir back closer to the way it was. (We still didn't have Chris back but we did have his recorded music.) I guess it didn't hurt that we sang some of our old standards: those powerful words, that unique gospel antiphonal style.

King David uses the phrase, “my heart is steadfast” in a couple different psalms. I don't really think he is bragging about the strength of his heart but telling us that his heart feels solid and secure. It does because it rests upon the knowledge that God is with him. Even though there are a lot of enemies out there, God lets his heart rest secure. I guess a secure heart sings. There aren't many “I'm afraid” songs out there. A frightened heart doesn't feel like singing. But a secure heart does. That is where the best music comes from. David sings at the end of the psalm, “With God we will gain the victory.”

It was nice to have most of our choir back even if it was only for a day. There was that hint that things were beginning to come back, if not for all our members then at least for some, at least for the church. We sang about Jesus. We sang about heaven. It sounded like the words were coming from secure hearts. I'm glad Jesus has given us something to sing about.

News:

1. Kim is home from the hospital. Still in pain but getting better.
2. Margie Thomas is back at work if only part time. Her eye infection is improving. She has moved into a new house with her mother on the West bank.
3. Melissa asks that we thank God for bringing Andy and his unit back safely from the war.
4. Miss Land will be having eye surgery in a couple weeks. Put her in your prayers, please.
5. Randy returns next Saturday. He is coming with our Webmaster, Michael. They are driving…. guardian angels, you are on notice. (I guess they probably know.)
6. Rededication planning meeting after church next Sunday.
7. Robin was in church for the first time since the flood. It was nice to have her back.

Be strong in the Lord: