Salem Renaissance

Weekly News, Reformation - 2010

2010-10-31T21:08:00.026-05:00

October has been a hectic month:

Pastor Beane and his family were away for a week visiting family out of town, and we are grateful to Pastor Warren Schulingkamp for filling in both the Sunday and the Wednesday for both Bible Class and Divine Service.
Our dear brother in Christ Vic Nunez went home to be with his Lord on October 20, while Pastor Beane was out of town. Pastor Kelly Bedard officiated at Vic's funeral service and beautifully proclaimed the comfort of the resurrection. Please keep Elaine Nunez and her family in your prayers, even as we grieve, and yet knowing that we do not grieve as the unbelievers (1 Thess 4:13). Vic's name (Victor) is a reminder to all Christians and a confession of faith in our Lord's victory over death and the grave. Vic is missed here in the fallen world by his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ, but we look forward to our heavenly reunion!
Our 41st annual Ladies' Retreat was a great success, was well-attended, and retreat speaker, pastor and author Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski did a superlative job in leading a study of women in the Bible and leading a retreat covering the topic of women in the church. It was a great blessing to all attendees - thank you Pastor Kurowski!
Pastor Beane has just concluded an adult confirmation class, and is happy to announce that Janice Favaloro has joined Salem as of Reformation Day (October 31) and her fiance, Robert Ritter (who had moved away during Katrina) has been officially reinstated as a member of Salem. Welcome home!
Corrie Coyne was married to Brodie Benoit on 10-10-10 on the Creole Queen River Boat. The boat captain officiated over the ceremony, and Pastor Beane gave a blessing over the newly married couple. Congratulations Brodie and Corrie, and may the Lord grant you many years!
You will notice the extraordinary work of our Board of Trustees: Ron Cantrelle, Gary Green, and Martin Hidalgo. All of our church's doors have been repaired and repainted, the red surfaces on the external parts of our school building have likewise been repainted, overgrown shrubs and bushes have been pruned and trimmed (and this work is ongoing), and the parking lines and foursquare courts in the parking lot and playground have been freshly painted. And the guys have even more ambitious plans for repair and improvements to our campus!
Our Saturday night Confessions class, while having a bumpy schedule in October, is going strong. We have completed the Augsburg Confession, and have made a good start on the Apology of the Augsburg Confession.
Our Reformation Day service (using the festival setting Divine Service 5 - known as Luther's German Mass) was a great celebration of our Lutheran heritage, with Shelly Kiletico leading several musicians to enhance our worship. We are especially grateful to Kyle Bergeron for his playing of the trumpet during the service.
Our Reformation Day potluck was also well-attended and fun. It included a good turnout of children in costume who trick-or-treated from table to table. Some of our "former children" were decked out in Halloween costumes as well. We even had Luther's 95 Theses posted on the wall!

This just in...

Book of Concord Class: will meet this Saturday, November 6. We will study Article 3 and part of Article 4 of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. See pages 108-118 in the first edition Concordia Reader's Edition (Ap 3 and Ap 4:1-74). We start at about 7:00 pm with fellowship, a brief prayer service, and we usually continue our reading and discussion until about 9:00 am. Questions, a sense of humor, food, and Lutheran beverages are encouraged!

Salem School Choir to Sing This Sunday: Salem's Sanctus Singers will be singing at this Sunday's All Saints Day Divine Service (November 7) under the direction of Miss Rehema Kavugha. They will sing during the Gradual ("Blessed Are They"), the Offering ("May the Angels Lead You") and during communion distribution ("Thine The Amen," LSB 680).

This Sunday is a brunch Sunday!: You are welcome (but not required!) to bring something to share at Sunday's Bible class.

Hymnals for Africa: Thanks to the generosity of your mission box donations and the chapel offerings from Salem Lutherean School's Wednesday chapel offerings, we sent a gift of $1014 to Lutherans in Africa to purchase hymnals. This amounts to 50 much-needed hymnals for use in Africa, where Christianity is growing more rapidly than anywhere else on earth. Please keep our missionaries and all brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa in your prayers!

Stoles for Holy Spirit - Chelyabinsk: Thank you to the several people who generously donated money so that we can now send two deacon's stoles (one white and one purple) to our sister congregation in Russia. These will be ordered and delivered as soon as possible. To assist Pastor Vladislav Ivanov, Deacon Victor Shtraube will soon begin work at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Please keep our brothers and sisters in your prayers, especially Pastor Ivanov's wife Svetlana who is expecting their second child!

What's Happening This Week...

Elders: Wednesday (November 3): Rick Iverson, Sunday (November 7): Brent Matherne

Altar Guild (for November): Set-up: Judy Enos; Clean-up: Caroline Gelbke, Bonnie Orndorff; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School (For November): Younger kids: Sharon McSherry, Older kids: Lisa Matherne.

Book of Concord Class: Meets this Saturday, November 6 at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class will conclude Acts 2 and will begin Acts 3. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians (currently on the 6th and final chapter). Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 9:00 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 10:00 am). All are welcome!

Youth Confirmation Class: is being held right after the Sunday Divine Service.

This Coming Wednesday's Readings (November 3)

REFORMATION (Observed)

Revelation 14:6–7, Romans 3:19–28, John 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19

The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace

“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus the incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).

This Coming Sunday's Readings (October 3)

ALL SAINTS (Observed)

Revelation 7:(2–8) 9–17, 1 John 3:1–3, Matthew 5:1–12

Saints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ

“A great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages,” cry out “salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–17). Faith-filled saints from every place and time with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we too, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:1–3). Joined with the throng of angels and a myriad of saints, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:9–17). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, sacred and profane, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears, comfort our spirits, and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ propels us forward, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure, and the persecuted are all blessed and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12).

Coming soon...

School Board Meeting: will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 13. This will take the place of the regularly-scheduled Tuesday meeting.

Luncheon at Copeland's: will take place November 14 after Divine Service. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!.

Board of Directors/Elders Meeting: is scheduled for Monday, November 15, at 7:00 pm in the Library.

Advent Decoration Day: to prepare the Church for Advent and Christmas will take place Saturday, November 27 at 9:30 am in the sanctuary. Is it really that time of year already? Yikes!

Sicily's Day: for November will be Sunday, November 28. Eat at Sicily's any time during the day, write Salem on your receipt and drop it in the box, and our Scholarship Fund will receive 25% of the proceeds. Many of us go to Sicily's right after the service.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has been supporting the Gretna Food Bank for quite some time now. They appreciate our donations very much. You can continue to bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office. Offerings placed into the misson box are currently set aside to provide hymnals for Lutherans in Africa. If you would like to commit to support our sister church in Russia, please contact Pastor Beane (pastorbeane@gmail.com).

Pink Envelopes: In memory of Barbara Althage, we have collected over $1,200 in the pink envelopes for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This money will be sent to a breast cancer charity of Rich Althage's choice very soon! Thanks be to God!

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Errol Michell, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes, John Ryan

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Loretta Chandler, Nick Hatzgionidis, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joseph Althage, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Dale Michell, Marshall Kline, Stacie Smith, Mike Marchetta, the Hall family, Gretchen Allman, Sue Smith, Harry Grasser, the Nunez family, Hilda Jung, Donna Kaufman, Evelyn Duet.

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Iran. Nine foreign Christians were recently arrested in Hamedan and charged with "engaging in journalistic activities" due to their involvement with Christian television networks. You can read more here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs for more information about our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

God is the great Provider

2010-10-30T09:58:00.001-05:00

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 145:16, “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Indeed, God is the great Provider, the One who supplies each of us with what we need to support this body and life.

All that we have materially in this life is a blessing from God. In Deuteronomy 8:17-18, we read, “Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.”

As Christians we are led to realize that God gives us His blessings for our benefit and for us to serve our neighbor. The way we use these blessings glorifies God. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Through the atoning blood of Christ, we are free to use our God-given blessings to God’s glory. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in Word and Sacrament, we “lay up for” for ourselves “treasures in heaven . . . ” for where our treasure is, there our “heart will be also” (Matt. 6:20-21).

Through baptism Christ lives in us, and the life we live in this body is by faith in Him. In Christ, we glorify God by giving generously of ourselves, of our possessions and of our money.

Weekly News, Trinity 17 - 2010

2010-09-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

This just in...

Book of Concord Class: Due to some upcoming schedule conflicts in the month of October, we will only be meeting on the 9th and the 30th. We start at 7:00 pm with a brief prayer service, and we usually continue our reading and discussion until about 9:00 am. Please mark your calendars!

Salem School Choir to Sing This Sunday: Salem's Glory Givers will be singing at this Sunday's Divine Service under the direction of Miss Rehema Kavugha. They will sing during the Introit, the Offering ("Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart," LSB 708) and during communion distribution ("One Thing's Needful," LSB 536).

This Sunday is a brunch Sunday!: You are welcome (but not required!) to bring something to share at Sunday's Bible class.

News Items of Interest: The Times-Picayune had an article about Robert Ziifle's 98th birthday party, the Rev. Matthew Harrison was installed as the Missouri Synod president and the sermon was preached by the Lutheran Archbishop of Kenya (who was warmly received in St. Louis), and here are some updates about Salem's support of mission work in Siberia and in Africa.

What's Happening This Week...

Elders: Wednesday (September 25): Rick Iverson, Sunday (October 3): Brent Matherne

Altar Guild (for October): Set-up: Louise Davenport, Kelli Barrois; Clean-up: Lisa and Madison Matherne; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School (For September): Younger kids: Grace Beane, Older kids: Allison Clement.

Book of Concord Class: won't meet this Saturday due to the Gretna Heritage Festival. We will resume class on Saturday, October 9. See above.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying the Book of Acts (currently on chapter 2). Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians (currently on chapter 5). Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 9:00 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 10:00 am). All are welcome!

New Youth Confirmation Class: is being held right after the Sunday Divine Service.

This Coming Wednesday's Readings (September 29)

MICHAELMAS

Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3; Revelation 12:7-12; Luke 10:17-20

The name of the archangel St. Michael means “Who is like God?” Michael is mentioned in the book of Daniel (12:1), as well as Jude (v.9) and Revelation (12:7). Daniel portrays Michael as the angelic helper of Israel who leads the battle against the forces of evil. In Revelation, Michael and his angels fight against and defeat Satan and the evil angels, driving them from heaven. Their victory is made possible by Christ’s own victory over Satan in His death and resurrection, a victory announced by the voice in heaven; “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come” (Revelation 12:10). Michael is often associated with Gabriel and Raphael, the other chief angels or archangels who surround the throne of God. Tradition names Michael as the patron and protector of the Church, especially as the protector of Christians at the hour of death. (from Treasury of Daily Prayer, pg. 768. CPH 2008)

This Coming Sunday's Readings (October 3)

TRINITY 18

Deuteronomy 10:12-21
1 Corinthians 1:(1-3) 4-9
Matthew 22:34-46
In Life and Death, Christ Fulfills the Law of God
The Pharisees ask a Law question. Jesus asks a Gospel question. The Pharisees seek to test Jesus in His own words. Jesus seeks to “test” them in the saving reality of who He is as the Messiah (Matt. 22:34–46). The Law requires you to “fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” and to “love the sojouner” (Deut. 10:12–21). Failure to keep the Law perfectly brings judgment. On the other hand, the Gospel brings the grace of God given by Jesus Christ, that you may be blameless in the day of His return (1 Cor. 1:1–9). Jesus is David's Son yet David's Lord, true God and true man. He is Love incarnate who fulfilled all the demands of God's Law on our behalf, that we might be saved from the Law's condemnation and sanctified in the Gospel's forgiveness. Thereby we see that “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9)..

Coming soon...

41st Annual Salem Ladies' Retreat: will take place October 15-17, 2010. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski - Topic: A Lady's Greatest Resource. Dr. Kurowski will be returning again this year. We all knew he had much more to share with us last time, and are blessed to have him available to return again this year. The cost is $150.00. Registration is $30.00 and the forms are available and the forms are available in the narthex. If you have any questions, speak with Sharon McSherry at 504-367-8155, Sheila Begnaud at 504-340-6551, or Judy Enos at 504-361-3732.

Reformation Trick or Treat and Potluck: will take place in the Family Life Center after the Reformation Day Divine Service on October 31.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has been supporting the Gretna Food Bank for quite some time now. They appreciate our donations very much. You can continue to bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office. Offerings placed into the misson box are currently set aside to provide hymnals for Lutherans in Africa. If you would like to commit to support our sister church in Russia, please contact Pastor Beane (pastorbeane@gmail.com).

Pink Envelopes: From now until the end of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) we will collect funds in memory of the sainted Barbara Althage to be donated for breast cancer research. Please use the pink envelopes in the pew.

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Errol Michell, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes, John Ryan

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Loretta Chandler, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joseph Althage, Louise Davenport, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Dale Michell, Marshall Kline, Stacie Smith, Mike Marchetta, the Hall family, Gretchen Allman, the Ikpe family

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Iran. Nine foreign Christians were recently arrested in Hamedan and charged with "engaging in journalistic activities" due to their involvement with Christian television networks. You can read more here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs for more information about our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Salem Mission Work Update: Africa

2010-09-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

The above video was made by Pr. Jonathan Fisk in his unique style. He presents the wonderful mission opportunities in Africa. We have wonderful and faithful servants of the Lord working tirelessly across the continent of Africa - where Christianity is spreading rapidly.

There are more Lutherans in Madagascar than in North America. There are also numerous political challenges facing African Christians - including persecution from non-Christians. The multiplicity of languages and poverty are also great challenges.

We can help by supporting the hymnal project mentioned in the above video. The Board of Elders has approved mission box funds to be used to purchase hymnals for Africa. Every $20 puts a hymnal in the hands of a Christian in Africa. So far, there has been a tremendous response from the congregation! Please keep Pastor James May (LCMS missionary to Africa) and his family in your prayers, as well as the many African pastors and laypeople who are working around the clock for the sake of the spread of the Gospel.

Here is a link to Lutherans in Africa, including their latest newsletter. Here is additional video from a recent theological seminar in Kenya.

Salem Mission Work Update: Siberia

2010-09-28T11:23:00.000-05:00

Based on ongoing committed gifts from Salem members, we now support a sister parish, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Chelyabinsk, Siberia, with $250 per month for their ongoing missionary work in Russia, where Lutheranism was all but destroyed and Christianity severely suppressed under the heel of Communism.

If you are unfamiliar with the story of Russian Lutheranism, its survival and revival, here is a must-see short online video.

Our brethren in Russia are both gracious and grateful. The bishop of the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Most Rev. Vselodod Lytkin, has been very appreciative of Salem for our support of his flock that is small in numbers but the largest Lutheran church in the world in terms of geography. The work of the SELC is nothing short of miraculous in bringing the Gospel to what was once the land of the Gulag and concentration camps. Their stories are compelling, and you can read them in their own words in the outstanding and inspiring newsletters of the U.S.-based Siberian Lutheran Mission Society.

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church is located in Chelyabinsk, an industrial center of some one million people. The fledgling congregation is led by Pastor Vladislav Ivanov ("Father Vlad"), who is married to Svetlana. The Ivanovs have a daughter Sophia, and another child on the way. Pastor Ivanov is one of the earliest graduates of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novisibirsk (note: the LTS website may be down temporarily at this time) - a seminary that began with great help from Concordia Theological Seminary - Fort Wayne. Holy Spirit Lutheran Church also has a deacon, Victor Shtraube, who is, like Pastor Ivanov, a Ukranian. He is getting his work permits so that he can assist in the ministry of the Word in Russia. Pastor Ivanov also has a close working relationship to Pastor Sergey Glushkov in the city of Ekaterinburg. They often make missionary trips and pastoral visitations together.

Bishop Lytkin, Pastor Ivanov, Deacon Shtraube, and Pastor Glushkov are all on facebook (as are several other Russian Lutheran clergy and laypeople) - and several Salem members communicate with them on a regular basis. Some gifts from our parish and our parishioners are in transit to Chelyabinsk. You can see pictures of the congregation here. Holy Spirit rents a civic hall for worship services and Bible classes. They are a young congregation with great missionary zeal for the Word of God and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to commit to send a gift every month - no matter how large or small - please contact Pastor Beane. We would like to be able to increase our support of our sister church. And please do keep them in your prayers!

A Beautiful Picture of World Lutheranism

2010-09-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

On the left is the Rev. Rich Heinz, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Chicago, and on the right is the Most Rev. Walter Obare, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK). The picture is published on Pastor Heinz's facebook page.

Our church bodies are in full altar and pulpit fellowship. Bp. Obare is a hero of world Lutheranism and an inspiration for all Christians around the globe who believe in God's Word - even in the face of rank unbelief and outright persecution.

Lutherans are white, black, brown, yellow, and everything in between. Lutherans speak Germanic languages, Romance languages, Oriental languages, African languages, Indian languages, and nearly every dialect known to man. Lutherans are governed episcopally by bishops in apostolic succession, as well as in more congregational forms of polity. Our church buildings are Gothic cathedrals with organs and bells and incense and beautifully chanted liturgies located in the world's great cities, and our church buildings are mud huts in the bush with simple tables and chairs and liturgies sung with the aid of guitars. Among the world's Lutherans, diversity is not just some silly politically-correct bromide. We are truly as diverse in tribe and tongue as the heavenly choir in Rev 5:9.

And yet, in matters of doctrine, we biblical and confessional Lutherans rally around the divinely inspired Scriptures and their correct exposition in the Book of Concord. We flock to the Gospel in Word and Sacrament, proclaimed in preaching and partaken of in the Church's worship life of liturgy, prayer, and hymnody. We find unity at the baptismal font and in the holy words of Absolution. Though there is a healthy diversity of members in the body, we serve the head, who is Christ. And it is His blood that gives us life, and His body in us that makes us one body in Him.

Among the world's confessional Lutherans there is a glorious Augustinian melding of diversity in non-essentials with unity in the essentials of confessed doctrine and lived-out practice.

This picture showing the brotherly handshake and the joyful smiles of these devoted servants of the Lord from opposite hemispheres of the globe says it all. Both pastors are vested in the red of the martyrs' blood and of the Holy Spirit's fire, both bearing the stole of the yoke of the Holy Office established by the Lord Jesus Himself, both wearing the cross upon their chests and both bearing the cross in their ministries.

What a glorious picture of the Church Militant and an inspiring icon of Christian hope as we move toward the Church Triumphant in the hope of the resurrection and the new creation!

Archbishop Obare Preaches at Pres. Harrison's Installation

2010-09-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

On September 11, 2010, the Rev Matthew Harrison was officially installed as the president of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Above is an all-too brief snippet of the sermon delivered in the chapel of Concordia Seminary - St. Louis by the archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya, the Most Rev. Walter Obare.

Bishop Obare is a true hero of the faith. He bucked the extremely powerful (and apostate) Lutheran (sic) World Federation and the condescending and defied the threatening archbishop of the Church (sic) of Sweden on February 5, 2005 when he consecrated the Rt. Rev. Arne Olssen to be an indigenous Mission Province bishop to serve the faithful remnant within Sweden (and later Finland) by providing a path for faithful priests and deacons to be ordained. Bishop Obare was awarded the Sabre of Boldness award by Gottesdienst - a tribute to his courage, fidelity, and status as a true Lutheran confessor. Bishop Obare paid a high price in terms of LWF retribution - but he remains faithful and steadfast to the Bible and the Lutheran confessions. His courage is an inspiration to Bible-believing Christians everywhere - especially Lutheran clergy and laypeople.

It is impressive that he was chosen to be the preacher at this critical juncture in the LCMS.

Here is the link to Archbishop Obare's sermon at the LCMS website. It includes a video of the sermon as well as an audio version and a written transcript.

As a postscript, here is Pr. Weedon's description of the Installation Service.

Ziifles in the News

2010-09-28T10:42:00.002-05:00

Longtime Salem members Myra Thalheim, Ruth Ziifle, and Hilda Jung were written about were written about in an article in the September 23, 2010 Times Picayune about their brother Robert Ziifle's 98th birthday. Robert is a great friend of, and frequent visitor to, Salem, being a member of our sister parish Trinity Lutheran in Algiers:

Few of us were born in Gretna before it became a city in 1913. Robert Ziifle, one of those few, celebrated his 98th birthday at a family reunion.

Born in 1912 in the house adjacent to St. Joseph's Church, which was also his family's grocery store, he remembers crossing the ferry in a horse-drawn wagon, to buy produce at the French Market.

His sister, Myra Thalheim said, "He was a child in his father's arms when the Storm of 1915 knocked down the steeple of St. Joseph's."

Ziifle was in the last class to graduate from McDonogh-Jefferson High School. His class was the first to use the new stage in Gretna High School's auditorium. GHS opened the next fall.

After graduating as an engineer from Tulane University in 1933, Ziifle spent his career at New Orleans Public Service Inc. as head of the transportation department. He received a World War II deferment when NOPSI officials considered him too important to leave his position, Thalheim said.

He is an active member of Gretna Historical Society, German Heritage Cultural and Genealogical Society, and Friends of the German American Cultural Center.

Happy Birthday, Robert!

The Earth is the Lord's, and everything in it

2010-09-07T23:41:00.003-05:00

God made it all. God owns it all. This is a simple biblical truth we have often forgotten. Yet, it is one of the most important in understanding the relationship that exists between God and man.

In Genesis chapter one, we are told, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In Exodus 19:5-6, the Lord said to Moses, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” In Psalm 50, we read, “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.” And in his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul echoes the Psalmist in Chapter 10, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

God has never relinquished ownership of His creation. When man fell, God immediately put into place a plan of salvation. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). Christ came into the world to save the world. He kept the law perfectly in the place of everyone. He suffered, died and rose from the dead. Now, God has “...seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:20-22).

God truly owns and cares for his creation. He is the Proprietor. He gives us blessings for our needs, for our use, for our enjoyment and to do good to others.

By grace, for Christ’s sake, we are God’s people. Through Word and Sacrament, the Spirit nourishes and strengthens us in faith and life. As God’s people, we live lives of good works. This includes the use of our money to glorify God and serve our neighbor. By the power of the Gospel, we are able to do this freely, generously and joyfully.

Uncle Buddy's Prayer

2010-09-06T23:10:00.005-05:00

This is the magnificent prayer prayed every day by our brother in Christ Herb "Uncle Buddy" Bennerfield. Uncle Buddy graciously agreed to let us videotape his prayer in the narthex last Sunday so that we can transcribe this glorious prayer that is so full of scripture and the Small Catechism.

Thank you, Uncle Buddy! We love you!

Uncle Buddy's Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Heavenly Father we thank You for the many blessings that You have bestowed upon me and my family, me and my household. You have given us both temporal, earthly blessings and spiritual blessings. We do appreciate these blessings, Lord, and we thank and praise You for them. We thank You too for providing for the necessities of this life: our daily bread. You have truly exceeded our fondest hope and our greatest expectations.

But Lord, we thank You most of all for our most precious and wonderful gift, Your Son, Jesus Christ, who purchased and won us from sin, death and hell. And He did it not with gold or silver but with His holy, precious blood and his innocent suffering and death on Calvary’s cross. He, Jesus Christ, became sin for us - He who knew no sin - that we might become the righteousness of God through Him.

Lord we pray that your Holy Spirit remain with us all the days of our lives, to guide, guard and protect us and keep us in the one true saving faith, until we finally we meet You in heaven. This we pray in our blessed savior’s name. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Uncle Buddy adds: "And then I say the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Benediction, and then I go to bed."

[Note: if you click on the above video player, you can watch the video right here. If you double-click on it, you will be leaving the Salem Renaissance and will be in YouTube - beyond the control of what is posted here.]

Reminder!

2010-09-03T12:34:00.003-05:00

This Sunday (September 5) begins our new Sunday service times:

Bible Class/Sunday School - 9:00 am
Divine Service - 10:00 am

Weekly News, Trinity 13 - 2010 (Week of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist)

2010-08-31T00:51:00.006-05:00

Church sign made by Ron Cantrelle as a gift from Salem to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Chelyabinsk, Siberia.

This just in...

New Service Time Begins This Sunday!: Remember, beginning this Sunday, September 5, 2010, Sunday School and Bible Class will begin at 9:00 am instead of 8:30, and Divine Service will start at 10:00 instead of 9:30. Hopefully, this extra half hour will help increase Sunday School and Bible Class attendance and still leave plenty of time to cheer on the Saints!

Support for Holy Spirit Lutheran Church: Several Salem members have committed to giving a monthly amount to support the missionary work of the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Chelyabinsk, Siberia. In September, we will begin sending a monthly check of $250 to the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society for Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. This is being done by donors above and beyond our church budget at Salem. We would like to be able to increase this amount with time, and so if you would like to join us in this wonderful work to support those who are bringing Christianity and the Lutheran Church back to Russia, as well as providing materially for our brothers and sisters, please e-mail Pastor Beane at: pastorbeane@gmail.com. Pastor Vladislav Ivanov ("Father Vlad") speaks English and is on facebook - and has posted pictures here. He recently wrote to us regarding his ministry and church. You can find it here. You can also see video of Pastor Ivanov here. Pastor Ivanov has also just shared with Pastor Beane that his wife, Svetlana, is expecting their second child!

Double Baptism: on the Feast of St. John the Baptist (August 29), which was also the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, two baptisms were conducted before the Divine Service. First was 15 year old Zachary Graft, followed by 7 day old Emily Fogle (daughter of Josh and Carrie). Video of the two baptisms can be seen here!

What's Happening This Week...

Elders: Sunday (September 5): Charles Gelbke, Wednesday (September 8): Chris LeBlanc.

Altar Guild (for August): Set-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Clean-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School (For September): Younger kids: Tammy Wichers, Older kids: Kathy LeBlanc.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study the Article 27 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying the Book of Acts (currently chapter 1). Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians (currently chapter 4). Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 9:00 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 10:00 am). All are welcome!

New Youth Confirmation Class: will begin this Sunday, September 5 after the Divine Service (about 11:30). If you are aware of any young people interested in confirmation, please contact Pastor Beane at 256-3440.

This Coming Sunday's Readings (August 8)

TRINITY 14

Proverbs 4:10–23
Galatians 5:16–24
Luke 17:11–19

The Cry of Faith: Lord, Have Mercy

The ten lepers cried out from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:11–19). Their condition cut them off from God and others. So also do the works of the flesh cut us off from God and others. “Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:16–24). Thus we cry out with the lepers, “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy,” eagerly seeking His good gifts. Jesus said to the lepers, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. So too, we walk by faith and not by sight, being confident of Jesus' help before we see any evidence of it, trusting that Jesus' cleansing words of forgiveness will restore us to wholeness in the resurrection. Let us be as the one leper who returned to the true High Priest to give Him thanks and glory. For Jesus bore our infirmities in His sacrifice at Calvary. His words are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh (Prov. 4:10–23).

Coming soon...

41st Annual Salem Ladies' Retreat: will take place October 15-17, 2010. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski - Topic: A Lady's Greatest Resource. Dr. Kurowski will be returning again this year. We all knew he had much more to share with us last time, and are blessed to have him available to return again this year. The cost is $150.00. Registration is $30.00 and the forms are available and the forms are available in the narthex. If you have any questions, speak with Sharon McSherry at 504-367-8155, Sheila Begnaud at 504-340-6551, or Judy Enos at 504-361-3732.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates! (Note, the Board of Directors meetings are currently being re-scheduled, thanks for your patience).

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and for worldwide missions (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Pink Envelopes: From now until the end of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) we will collect funds in memory of the sainted Barbara Althage to be donated for breast cancer research. Please use the pink envelopes in the pew.

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Errol Michell, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes, John Ryan

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Loretta Chandler, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Dale Michell, Marshall Kline, the Fokkema family, Stacie Smith, Mike Marchetta, Pamela Vincent

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Waris Pura, Pakistan who are under attack by militant Muslims. You can read more about it here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Live, from Gretna...

2010-08-31T00:25:00.005-05:00

it's Saturday Night Confessions!

Salem's Saturday night Book of Concord class is going on its eighth month now, and we have read together and studied the Preface, the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and we have completed 26 of the 28 articles of the Augsburg Confession. God willing, we will complete the Augsburg Confession in a couple weeks, and will begin tackling the Apology of the Augsburg Confession.

We typically have about 20 people or so on any given Saturday. The presentations are done on power point, and the discussions are informal and lively. And even though we have a lot of fun, we do roll up our sleeves, usually spending a couple hours in study - following a brief prayer devotion from the Treasury of Daily Prayer.

There is also always plenty of food and drink. On one occasion, we had a surprise crab boil.

If you would like to join your brothers and sisters in a joyful celebration of what it means to be Lutheran and to study what we believe, teach, and confess, come and join us in Schmid Hall! Bring your sense of humor, something to eat, and if you wish, Lutheran beverages of your choice.

And here is a trivia question related to the photo above. The word "margarita" actually appears in the Bible (it is both a Greek and a Latin word). Where?

Double Baptism!

2010-08-30T23:44:00.007-05:00

Note: Click on the videos above to play them here. If you double-click on them, you will leave this blog and go into YouTube and will no longer be looking at our church's newsletter.

Both of the above baptisms happened at the beginning of the Divine Service at Salem on Sunday, August 29, 2010 - the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist and also the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Zachary is 15 years old and is the brother of Salem member Josh Graft, and the son of frequent Salem visitor and friend of the parish Ralph Graft. The Grafts frequently attend Salem's Saturday night Book of Concord classes.

Emily is the newborn daughter (seven days old at her baptism) of Josh and Carrie Fogle (Carrie is a member of Salem). The Fogles are a military family, and sadly they are leaving Salem the as Josh is being redeployed. The Fogles have been with us for three years. Pastor Beane also baptized the Fogles' daughter Madelyn (also seen in the video) - who was born on Christmas Eve 2007 (Carrie had gone into labor during the early Christmas Eve service). We are sad to see them go, but wish them Godspeed and blessings in their travels and lives.

Thanks to Grace Beane for videoing the baptisms.

Weekly News, Trinity 11 - 2010

2010-08-21T12:13:00.003-05:00

This just in...

Teacher Installation and Potluck: This Sunday, August 22 at the Divine Service, four new Salem teachers will be installed! They are: Mrs. Alexis Thibodeaux (Kindergarten), Mrs. Micah Putman (grade 3), Mrs. Lynne Borden (grade 5) and Mr. Larry Schaff (Athletic Director/P.E.). We will celebrate with a potluck after the Divine Service in honor of both our new teachers and our returning faculty.

New Sunday Service Time to Start in September: Remember, beginning on Sunday, September 5, 2010, Sunday School and Bible Class will begin at 9:00 am instead of 8:30, and Divine Service will start at 10:00 instead of 9:30. Hopefully, this extra half hour will help increase Sunday School and Bible Class attendance and still leave plenty of time to cheer on the Saints!

Support for Holy Spirit Lutheran Church: Several Salem members have committed to giving a monthly amount to support the missionary work of the Lutheran Congregation of the Holy Spirit in Chelyabinsk, Siberia. We will begin sending a monthly check of $250 to the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society for this congregation. This is being done by donors above and beyond our church budget at Salem. We would like to be able to increase this amount with time, and so if you would like to join us in this wonderful work to support those who are bringing Christianity and the Lutheran Church back to Russia, as well as providing materially for our brothers and sisters, please e-mail Pastor Beane at: pastorbeane@gmail.com. Pastor Vladislav Ivanov ("Father Vlad") speaks English and is on facebook - and has posted pictures here. He recently wrote to us regarding his ministry and church. You can find it here. You can also see video of Pastor Ivanov here.

What's Happening This Week...

Elders: Sunday (August 22): Chris LeBlanc, Wednesday (August 25): No elder, Ron Cantrelle assisting.

Altar Guild (for August): Set-up: Sharon McSherry, Barbara Buccola; Clean-up: Lisa Matherne, Madison Matherne; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School: Younger kids: Tammy Wichers, Older kids: Rehema Kavugha.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study the Article 25 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying in the Book of Acts. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (August 8)

TRINITY 12

Isaiah 29:17–24
2 Corinthians 3:4–11 or Romans 10:9–17
Mark 7:31–37

Faith Comes from Hearing

A man who was deaf and therefore also had an impediment in his speech was brought to Jesus (Mark 7:31–37). In the same way, all are by nature deaf toward God and therefore also unable to confess the faith rightly. For “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:9–17). Jesus put His fingers into the man's ears, and He spat and touched His tongue. Even so in Holy Baptism, water sanctified by the words of Jesus' mouth is applied to us; and the finger of God, that is, the life–giving Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:4–11) is put into our ears in the hearing of the baptismal Gospel. Jesus' sighing “Ephphatha” opened the man's ears, and his tongue was loosed to speak plainly as Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah, “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book” (Is. 29:18–24) So also, He who sighed and breathed His last on the cross for us has given us to hear and believe in Him and has opened our lips that our mouths may declare His praise.

Coming soon...

New Youth Confirmation Class: will begin on September 5 after the Divine Service (about 11:30). If you are aware of any young people interested in confirmation, please contact Pastor Beane at 256-3440.

41st Annual Salem Ladies' Retreat: will take place October 15-17, 2010. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski - Topic: A Lady's Greatest Resource. Dr. Kurowski will be returning again this year. We all knew he had much more to share with us last time, and are blessed to have him available to return again this year. The cost is $150.00. Registration is $30.00 and the forms are available and the forms are available in the narthex. If you have any questions, speak with Sharon McSherry at 504-367-8155, Sheila Begnaud at 504-340-6551, or Judy Enos at 504-361-3732.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and for worldwide missions (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Pink Envelopes: From now until the end of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) we will collect funds in memory of the sainted Barbara Althage to be donated for breast cancer research. Please use the pink envelopes in the pew.

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Errol Michell, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes, John Ryan

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Loretta Chandler, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Dale Michell, Marshall Kline, the Fokkema family, Stacie Smith, Mike Marchetta

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Waris Pura, Pakistan who are under attack by militant Muslims. You can read more about it here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

A Facebook Message from Pastor Ivanov

2010-08-21T11:57:00.009-05:00

[Note: This is a facebook message to me from the Rev. Vlad Ivanov. ~ Pr. Beane]

Vladislav Ivanov August 15 at 1:23pm

Hi Larry!

This is a short story about our community in Chelyabinsk.

Community of the Holy Spirit is very young. In our congregation of 10 people. We serve the liturgy at the center of aid to the blind people in a small room which we rent for a few hours a week. Every Sunday after worship we study the Small Catechism, or hold Bible hour. Once a month we have an Evening Prayer with Holy Communion. When one of our parishioners come with their grandchildren, my wife holds classes for children.

My daughter is always happy when there is occupation, she quickly tired of the fact that she needs to sit or stand still all the liturgy:) She was two years.

Last year we ended with two-year Bible school, which we helped to organize the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Novosibirsk. Once a month we go to Beloreck. This we do with Father Sergei, a priest from Yekaterinburg. City Beloreck located 400 km from Chelyabinsk. There lives, our parishioner and her daughter. Perhaps there will soon also be missionary community. This fall, we want to hold it once a month Bible hour for all who are interested in Lutheran Church and the Christian faith. Every year our community participate in the city exhibition devoted to the birthday of Chelyabinsk. This year we will also take part in it. For us this is a good opportunity to tell others peoplesabout the saving faith and our church.

In missionary work, we use the book of Lutheran Heritage Foundation and the magazine "Good News". I have some interesting photos of life in our community. I can put these photos in an album of our parish. My family sends greetings to you all!

Vlad

Weekly News, Trinity 9 - 2010

2010-08-07T17:10:00.004-05:00

John Ryan (left) on the day of his baptism at home with Pastor Beane (July 23)

This just in...

New Sunday Service Time to Start in September: Beginning on Sunday, September 5, 2010, Sunday School and Bible Class will begin at 9:00 am instead of 8:30, and Divine Service will start at 10:00 instead of 9:30. Hopefully, this extra half hour will help increase Sunday School and Bible Class attendance and still leave plenty of time to cheer on the Saints!
New Fellowship Committee Schedule: Jean and the Committee are planning on keeping us very busy this next year with restaurant outings, potlucks, an in-house movie night for kids and adults, and even a Springtime ferry ride and walk to Cafe Du Monde. Click here for the Fellowship Committee schedule.
Pastor's Class: Pastor Beane has begun a new Adult Information Class for anyone interested in learning or reviewing the basics of the Christian faith and the Lutheran tradition. It's not too late to sign up if you are interested! Call pastor at 256-3440 if you have any questions.
Help for Siberia: Salem has just approved another disbursement of mission box funds ($465.52) for the aid of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The Rev. Vladislav Ivanov is the young pastor of the church, and you can friend him on facebook here. Pastor Ivanov ("Father Vlad"), who was actually born in Ukraine, wrote to me that he is happy to "gain new friends and brothers in Christ! I speak a little English. I would be glad to communicate with you and your parish. Thank you for your help for us and give greetings to all your parishioners." There are some truly remarkable videos about our courageous Siberian brothers and sisters and the miracle of their restored church and seminary here and here.

What's Happening This Week...

School Board: will hold its kickoff meeting for the 2010-2011 school year 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 10.

Elders: Sunday (August 8): Charles Gelbke; Wednesday (August 11): Rick Iverson

Altar Guild (for August): Set-up: Sharon McSherry, Barbara Buccola; Clean-up: Lisa Matherne, Madison Matherne; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School: Younger kids: Tammy Wichers, Older kids: Rehema Kavugha.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study the Article 22 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is beginning a study in the Book of Acts. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 4. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (August 8)

TRINITY 10

Jeremiah 8:4–12 or Jeremiah 7:1–11
Romans 9:30—10:4 or 1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Luke 19:41–48

Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem

Our Lord wept over Jerusalem for the destruction that would soon come upon her. For she did not recognize the time of God's visitation in Christ, who had come to bring her peace (Luke 19:41–48). Through His prophets God had consistently called His people to turn from their deceit and false worship. “But My people do not know the judgments of the Lord” (Jer. 8:4–12). They sought to establish their own righteousness rather than receive Christ's righteousness through faith (Rom. 9:30–10:4). So it was that God was in His temple to cleanse it, a precursor to the once-for-all cleansing from sin which He would accomplish in the temple of His own body on the cross. God grant us to know the things that make for our peace—His visitation in the Word and Sacraments—that by the Holy Spirit we may penitently confess “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor. 12:1–11).

Coming soon...

School year begins!: It hardly seems possible, but the new school year is just around the corner, and begins August 16. Please pray for the faculty, staff, administration and students of Salem Lutheran School, as well as for all the families in our Salem family. Our school is not only a wonderful blessing to the families of Gretna, but also to our parish.

Teacher Installation and Potluck: on August 22 at the Sunday Divine Service, four new Salem teachers will be installed! We will celebrate with a potluck after the Divine Service in honor of both our new teachers and our returning faculty. There are planning forms in the narthex. It is a big help to fill them out and hand them back in either to Bonnie Orndorff at the church office or to Fellowship Committee Chairman Jean Richoux.

New Youth Confirmation Class: will begin on September 5 after the Divine Service (about 11:30). If you are aware of any young people interested in confirmation, please contact Pastor Beane at 256-3440.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Pink Envelopes: From now until the end of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) we will collect funds in memory of the sainted Barbara Althage to be donated for breast cancer research. Please use the pink envelopes in the pew.

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Errol Michell, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes, John Ryan

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Dale Michell, Chris Hende

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Waris Pura, Pakistan who are under attack by militant Muslims. You can read more about it here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Salem Fellowship Calendar 2010-2011

2010-08-07T17:07:00.002-05:00

Month	Date	Event	Notes
August	1	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	22	Teacher Installation Pot Luck	In the Family Life Center after the Divine Service. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy fellowship and welcome the new and returning teachers!
	29	Sicily’s Italian Buffet.	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
September	5	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	17	Salem Movie Night Friday 7PM	Movies to be announced. Pizza Party. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. There will be a sign up sheet in the narthex so we can get a pizza count. Free will offering for the pizza. There will be two movies: one for children and one for the adults. No drop offs, please.
	26	Sicily’s Italian Buffet.	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
October	3	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	31	Reading of 95 Theses	Immediately after Divine Service, Pastor Beane will read them (in English!)
	31	Reformation Fest/Potluck/Trick or Treat (after Divine Service)	Potluck in the Family Life Center (gym) Bible class will be in FLC before church. Children and adults may wear a costume if they wish and “trick or treat” at each table. Bring a bag of candy for handing out.
November	7	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	7	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund. *Changed from October 31 - Tentative*
	14	Copeland’s Restaurant on Lapalco after church for whoever wants to come.	1700 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA The lunch menu is reasonably priced and small lunch tasting plates under $7.00 are available.
	27	Decorating Sanctuary	Saturday 9:30AM
	28	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
December	4	*Salem* *School* *Winter Carnival*	*Come visit the Salem Church table*
	5	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	18	Salem Christmas Party	Saturday at 5PM. Potluck. There will be a bounce house/space walk for the children. Bring a dish to share and celebrate the miraculous incarnation and the coming of our Lord.
	26	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
January	2	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	8	Undecorate Sanctuary	Saturday 9:30AM
	9	Epiphany/King Cake Sunday after church.	Mini-potluck. Bring mini-sandwiches, vegetable plates and different flavors of king cakes.
	30	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
February	6	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	20	Picadilly on Lapalco	Salem will have our own room but hopefully a bigger one than last year since last years attendance at this event was great!
	27	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
March	6	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	8	Mardi Gras Day Parade Party	Tailgate in the parking lot. 10AM open gates. Set up some tables in the parking lot. Bring a snack to share if you wish. Bring your friends!
	20	March to the Quarter	Take Gretna Ferry to French Quarter and walk to Café du Monde
	26	*Salem* *School* *Fun N Run*	*Come visit the Salem Church table*
	27	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
April	3	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	24	Easter Breakfast/Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt	In Schmid Hall. Between the sunrise and celebration services. Bring a brunch dish to share. There will be an egg hunt for the children in the playground (inside if it’s raining)
	24	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
May	1	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	14	Congregational Picnic	Saturday. Matherne Residence outside. Pot Luck. Bring food, snacks, games
	29	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
June	5	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	5	Seafood Pot Luck	Bring your favorite seafood dish to share. Drinks will be provided.
	26	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
July	3	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
	10	Ice cream social after church	Mini-potluck. Bring mini-sandwiches, vegetable trays and different flavors of ice cream. Toppings will be provided.
	31	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.
August	3	Bible Class/Sunday Brunch	If you wish, you may bring a brunch dish to share.
		TBA
	31	Sicily’s Italian Buffet	Benefits Salem member scholarship fund.

Lois Coyne Has Been Called Home

2010-07-19T11:57:00.003-05:00

Our dear sister in Christ and former church secretary Lois Coyne was called to her heavenly home Saturday.

Her funeral service will be held at Salem tomorrow (Tuesday, July 20). Visitation will be in the sanctuary from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, with internment at Westlawn.

Here is Lois's obituary notice in the Times-Picayune.

Peace in the Lord's resurrection be to the Coyne family and to Lois's many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thess 4:13-14

Almighty God, You have knit Your chosen people together into one communion in the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Give to Your whole Church in heaven and on earth Your light and Your peace. Amen.

Weekly News, Trinity 6 - 2010

2010-07-16T09:33:00.010-05:00

Confirmation, Salem Lutheran Church, May 26, 1929. Click to enlarge

This just in...

New Synodical President Elected: The Rev. Matthew Harrison was elected on the first ballot on Wednesday, along with a new slate of synodical vice presidents. The new leadership takes office on Sept 11. You can read all the results of the convention here.

What's Happening This Week...

Board of Directors: will not meet this Tuesday, having already met a couple weeks ago.

Elders: Sunday (July 11): Rick Iverson; Wednesday (July 14): (no elder, assisting will be Steve McSherry)

Altar Guild (for July): Set-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Clean-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School: Younger kids: Lindsey Titman, Older kids: Allison Clement.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study the "Summary of the Conflict" and "A Review of the Various Abuses That Have Been Corrected" that follows Article 21 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 15. Wednesday's class is working on Ephesians 3. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (July 11)

TRINITY 7

Genesis 2:7–17
Romans 6:19–23
Mark 8:1–9

Jesus Restores Paradise and Feeds Us Freely

In the Garden of Eden, our first parents received food freely from the gracious hand of God, apart from any burdensome work (Gen 2:7–17). But after the fall, food would be received only through toil and labor. The curse declared, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground . . .” (Gen. 3:19). In other words, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). But into this wilderness world came Jesus the Messiah to restore creation. Having compassion on the weary multitudes, He renewed the bounty of Eden on the third day, freely granting an abundance of bread to the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–9). So also our Lord Jesus, having endured the burden of our sin, was raised on the third day to bring us back to Paradise. He now miraculously turns the bread of death into the Bread of Life in the Sacrament, giving you His very body and blood for your forgiveness. For “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

Coming soon...

The Feast of St. James the Elder, Martyr and Apostle: on July 25 falls on a Sunday this year. Here is a short explanation from the Treasury of Daily Prayer (page 559): "St. James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee and Salome (see Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40), were fishermen in the Sea of Galilee who were called with Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22).... The Book of Acts records that James was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I, probably between AD 42 and 44 (Acts 12:1-2). Thus James is the first of the Twelve to die a martyr." [Note: the basic version of the Treasury of Daily Prayer is available at Amazon for ten dollars cheaper than CPH, and includes free shipping.]

Sicily's Day: Sunday, July 25, all day. If you eat at Sicily's Italian Buffet on Manhattan, you can write "Salem" on your receipt and drop it in the box, and Sicily's will donate 25% of the proceeds back to Salem's scholarship fund. A good number of Salem members go right after church.

Fellowship Committee Meeting: The Fellowship Committee will meet on Sunday, August 1st, in Schmid Hall after the Divine Service. We will be discussing and planning events for the upcoming year. Bring your ideas, and if you wish, maybe a snack to share. If you are not on the Fellowship Committee but have an idea for a fellowship event, please feel welcome to come and share your idea or tell a member of the committee so we can discuss it.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Thanks to Dona Smith: for scanning and e-mailing the pictures shown here. Both are from her mother Cleo's May 26, 1929 confirmation by Pastor Schmid. At the top is a picture taken in the old church sanctuary, which was located within what is now our church sanctuary, though at that time the altar faced Fourth Street. Notice the same statue of our Lord behind the altar, though at that time, it was unpainted. Also, note the altar crucifix. The pulpit and baptismal font are the same ones in use today, though they were on opposite sides of the altar. We still use the tatted lace frontal covering of the altar during the Easter season. Cleo continues to worship with us on Wednesday evenings. She is in the picture, front row, fifth from the right - basically in the center below the youthful Rev. Eugene Schmid. Harold Ziifle is in the back row, second from the right. Gladys Davies is in the front row, third from the left. In the picture below, Cleo is third from the right in the back row, and Gladys is second from the right. Thanks again, Dona for this treasure from our parish's history! And if anyone else has any old photographs, feel free to scan them and e-mail them to Pastor Beane at: pastorbeane@gmail.com, or Pr. Beane can also scan them for you.

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Sal Buccola

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Waris Pura, Pakistan who are under attack by militant Muslims. You can read more about it here. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Confirmation, Salem Lutheran Church, May 26, 1929. Click to enlarge

Congratulations to the New LCMS President

2010-07-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Beane

Today, the Rev. Matt Harrison was elected the 13th president of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. He is a conservative, confessional Lutheran - and a theologian. In fact, here is a nice write-up by the traditionalist Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, editor-in-chief of Gottesdienst, the world's foremost journal of Lutheran liturgy.

I'm sure Pastor Harrison doesn't remember me, but ten years ago, when he was pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I was one of many seminarians placed under his supervision for field work. Pr. Harrison can be an intimidating fellow: deep voiced, barrel chested, and theologically learned. And Zion (where I was later to be ordained) can also be an intimidating church: massive, historic, traditional, and laid out like a cathedral. On my first assignment to serve as subdeacon for a midweek Vespers service - which meant being vested (awkwardly at that time) in collar, cassock, and surplice; reading the lesson from the lecturn; and chanting the response - I was nervous, to say the least.

That evening, we had a big snowstorm. So I set aside my dress shoes and pushed my stocking feet into my oversized, sturdy, fur-lined winter boots. Problem is, in my nervousness, I forgot my dress shoes at home. There was no time to go back for them.

I was mortified.

Hangdog and expecting a dressing-down, I went to Pr. Harrison to face the music just prior to the service. I told him I didn't think I could serve that evening. When he asked why not, I pointed with embarrassment to my silly snow-booted feet.

Pr. Harrison laughed and laughed. He got the associate pastor and they both laughed. Not in meanness or mockery, but in a reassuringly backslapping kind of way, as brothers might tease each other. Pr. Harrison told me it would be just fine. So there I was in cassock, surplice, and clownish fur-lined boots performing the sacred office of liturgical subdeacon for the first time on the marble floor within the chancel of historic Zion church the same place where I would be ordained and celebrate my first Mass (properly shod that time) only four years later.

Pr. Harrison also lectured our field education classes at the seminary and occasionally preached in chapel. He had a well-worn copy of the Greek New Testament, and would read to us out of it without a translation, rendering it into English on the fly.

Five years ago, Pr. Harrison also came to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to meet with several of us area pastors, and distributed funds from LCMS World Relief and Human Care to help us get our churches up and running again. On that occasion, he was gracious to sign a copy of Johann Gerhard's Meditations on Divine Mercy for me, a book he translated from the German. He inscribed the book for me in Latin.

I don't think Pr. Harrison will be able to fix all of our problems in the LCMS (and I hope people don't expect him to be a miracle worker), but we as a synod have certainly voted to move in a different direction than the path we've been on for nearly a decade. It should be an interesting time in the life of the LCMS.

Congratulations and blessings to Pr. Harrison, and let us keep the synod in our prayers.

Weekly News, Trinity 5 - 2010

2010-07-08T18:20:00.002-05:00

This just in...

Back in the Saddle: I'm back from retreat and a couple days vacation - which put me behind on other things. I hope you've missed your Renaissance, and I also hope to be back on track now! ~ Pr. Beane

New Church Sign: Thanks to the initiative of our treasurer Ron Cantrelle and the kind permission of New Hope Baptist Church, Salem now has a church sign (see above) posted at the cemetery located at the corner of the Westbank Expressway and Lafayette Avenue. And if that weren't enough...

Door Fixed! The longtime annoyance of the sticky door at the Fourth Street entrance (which resulted in estimates in the thousands of dollars to fix) has been fixed by Ron Cantrelle. Thank you, Ron!

Another Thank You: to Michelle Ellsworth for once again overseeing and managing our very successful Vacation Bible School last month!

Still Another Thank You: to Kathy LeBlanc, who is stepping down from our all-volunteer secretarial staff after four years of hard work, excellence, and devotion to the needs of our church office and congregation. We were blessed to have Kathy taking care of us, and Bonnie Orndorff and Leslie Buisson will be joining Grace Beane to serve as church secretaries.

What's Happening This Week...

Ice Cream Social/Potluck: This coming Sunday right after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am). In addition to ice cream (with toppings) provided by the Fellowship Committee, y'all are invited to bring mini-sandwich, fruit, or vegetable trays.

Elders: Sunday (July 11): Chris LeBlanc; Wednesday (July 14): (no elder, assisting will be Ron Cantrelle)

Altar Guild (for July): Set-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Clean-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Sunday School: Younger kids: Lindsey Titman, Older kids: Allison Clement.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study Article 21 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 15. Wednesday's class is working on Ephesians 3. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (July 11)

TRINITY 6

Exodus 20:1–17
Romans 6:(1–2) 3–11
Matthew 5:(17–19) 20–26

Our Only Hope Is in Christ's Righteousness

“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20). God demands nothing less than perfection and holiness from you in regard to His commandments (Ex. 20:1–17). Your only hope, then, is not in your own goodness but in the goodness of Christ, who did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them for you. In Christ, your righteousness does indeed exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. For you have been baptized into Christ's death and your sinful nature crucified. Therefore, he who has died has been freed from sin (Rom 6:1–11). You are now raised with Christ to walk in newness of life and to share in His resurrection on the Last Day. Christ has brought you through the baptismal sea “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Therefore, “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11).

Coming soon...

Sicily's Day: Sunday, July 25, all day. If you eat at Sicily's Italian Buffet on Manhattan, you can write "Salem" on your receipt and drop it in the box, and Sicily's will donate 25% of the proceeds back to Salem's scholarship fund. A good number of Salem members go right after church.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Salem's Officers: Following our recent elections and installation of new officers, here is the list of all of Salem's current officers serving on executive boards and committees, including when their terms expire. Thank you very much!

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Sal Buccola

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in Iran. Thanks be to God, Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh were acquitted of all charges and released on May 22 (after serving several months in prison and being pressured to renounce Christ). You can read more about these heroic sisters in Christ here. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Salem's Elected Officers

2010-07-08T18:13:00.002-05:00

Office	Name	Term Expires
Board of Directors
President	James Badeaux	2012
Vice-President/Elder	Richard Iverson	2012
Treasurer	Ron Cantrelle	2012
Secretary/Elder	Brent Matherne	2011
Member (School Board)	Elder Observer
Member (Board of Elders)	Charles Gelbke	2011
Member (Board of Elders)	George Williams	2012
At Large Member	Vacant
Board of Elders
Chairman	Charles Gelbke	2011
Member	Chris LeBlanc	2011
Member	Richard Iverson	2011
Member	Brent Matherne	2011
Member	George Williams	2012
School Board
Chairman	(Elder Observer)
Member	Shannon Lassiegne	2012
Member	Tammy Wichers	2012
Member	Lisa Matherne	2011
Member	Allison Clement	2012
Member	Jean Richoux	2011
Member	Louise Davenport	2012
Member	Jerri Linn Parker	2012
Treasurer, ex-officio	Ron Cantrelle	2012
Board of Christian Education
Chairman	TBA
Member	Michelle Ellsworth	2012
Member	Richard Althage	2012
Member	Marian Althage	2011
Member	Sharon McSherry	2012
Member	Grace Beane	2012
Member	Lisa Matherne	2012
Member	Lindsey Titman	2012
Member	Leslie Buisson	2012
Member	Kelli Barrois	2012
Member	Jerri Linn Parker	2012

Office	Name	Term Expires
Board of Fellowship
Chairman through June 30	Jean Richoux	2012
Member	Dianne Brown	2012
Member	Lindsey Titman	2012
Member	Lisa Matherne	2012
Member	Lisa Iverson	2012
Member	Kelli Barrois	2011
Member	Grace Beane	2012
Member	Leslie Buisson	2011
Member	Bonnie Orndorff	2011
Member	Caroline Gelbke	2011
Member	Cora Bergeron	2012
Member	Corrin Bergeron	2012
Member	Shana Meladine	2012
Board of Stewardship/Evangelism
Chairman through June 30	Lisa Matherne	2012
Member/Elder Observer	Brent Matherne	2012
Member	Leslie Buisson	2012
Member	Bonnie Orndorff	2012
Member	Lindsey Titman	2012
Member	George Williams	2012
Member	Tammy Wichers	2012
Member	Sherry Johnston	2011
Member	Caroline Gelbke	2012
Board of Trustees
Chairman	TBA
Member	Steve McSherry	2012
Member	Ron Cantrelle	2012
Member	Martin Hidalgo	2012
Member	Gary Green	2012
Member/Elder Observer	Chris LeBlanc	2012
Board of Youth Ministry
Chairman/Elder Observer	TBA
Member	Jaimee Levandoske	2012
Member	Heather Imbraguglio	2011
Member	Kelli Barrois	2012
Member	Lindsey Titman	2012
Member	Grace Beane	2012
Youth Group Liaison	Kyle Bergeron	2012

Weekly News, Trinity 1 - 2010

2010-06-10T19:51:00.006-05:00

This just in...

2010 Congregational Elections: Our congregational elections will take place at our summer quarterly congregational meeting, this Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am). The slate is posted in the narthex.

Pastoral Schedule: Pastor Beane will be going on a retreat in Milwaukee Monday through Wednesday, followed by a couple days of vacation. Pastor Warren Schulingcamp will be filling in for Bible Class and Divine Service for Wednesday (June 16) and Sunday (June 20). Pastor Brandon Simoneaux will be available to be on call for any pastoral emergencies that might arise. His cell phone number is: 504-812-8445.

What's Happening This Week...

No Board of Directors Meeting: since we have a congregational meeting this Sunday.

Elders: Sunday (June 13): George Williams; Wednesday (June 16): Chris LeBlanc

Altar Guild (for June): Set-up: Kelli Barrois, Louise Davenport; Clean-up: Leslie Buisson, Lindsey Titman; Linens: Bonnie Orndorff, Lisa Matherne

Vacation Bible School: is running this week (June 7 - 12) from 9:00 - 12:00 am. So far, things are going smoothly thanks to our volunteers and our ever-intrepid VBS coordinator, Mrs. Michelle Ellsworth.

Book of Concord Class: this Saturday at 7:00 pm. in Schmid Hall. Food, Lutheran beverages, and a sense of humor are welcome (encouraged). This week, we study Article 15 of the Augsburg Confession.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 15. Wednesday's class is finishing Ephesians 2. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome! Bible classes for Wednesday June 16 and Sunday June 20 will be taught by Pastor Schulingcamp, and will cover whatever topic he wants to teach!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (June 13)

TRINITY 2

Proverbs 9:1–10
Ephesians 2:13–22 or 1 John 3:13–18
Luke 14:15–24
The Gospel Call Goes Out to All
Wisdom has issued an invitation to the divine feast: “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Prov. 9:5–6). This is the call of the Spirit of Christ to believe the Gospel and to receive His saving gifts in the Holy Supper. Many make excuses and reject this invitation, even as the Jews did in the days of Jesus, yet the Master's house will be filled. The Gospel call therefore goes out to the lowly and despised, into the highways, even to all the Gentiles (Luke 14:15–24). For “you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13–22). In Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are no longer strangers but fellow members of the household of God. The enmity of class and race is put to death through the cross. Having been reconciled in the one Body of Christ, we are enabled to love one another (1 John 3:13–18) as we await the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which will have no end.

Coming soon...

Officer Installation: Salem's newly elected officers will be installed at the June 27 Divine Service.

Coach Althage's Retirement Party/Potluck: on June 27 after the service. Rich "Coach" Althage has faithfully served the Church for 45 years as a Lutheran school teacher. He is retiring from Salem Lutheran School as the Athletic Director, Coach, and Teacher of 7th Grade World Geography. He will be missed in the classroom, gym, and halls of our school. But Coach will be sticking around and will continue to serve the Lord and our Salem community. Come and thank Coach for his years of service! There will be potluck sign-up forms in the church bulletins over the next couple weeks.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Joey Althage, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita and Wayne St. Clair, Jan Bateman, Sal Buccola

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted brothers and sisters in Iran. Thanks be to God, Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh were acquitted of all charges and released on May 22 (after serving several months in prison and being pressured to renounce Christ). You can read more about these heroic sisters in Christ here. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Peace in Christ!

Pastor Beane

Weekly News, Pentecost Week - 2010

2010-05-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

This just in...

No Book of Concord Class this Saturday owing to a last-minute schedule conflict. Pastor Beane apologizes for any inconvenience and invites everyone to regroup in Schmid Hall the next Saturday (June 5) where we will take up Article 14 of the Augsburg Confession on Order in the Church.

Salem's New Red Chasuble was inaugurated this Sunday for Pentecost. Read more here.

Classroom Crosses: Most of Salem's new classroom crosses are installed (thank you, Mr. Mike Steve!). You can see a few of them here.

What's happening this week...

This coming Wednesday's readings (May 26):

THE DAY OF PENTECOST (observed)

Genesis 11:1–9
Acts 2:1–21
John 14:23–31

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah's descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Gen. 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Book of Concord Class: is postponed this week!

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 14. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 2. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

This Coming Sunday's Readings (May 30)

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY

Isaiah 6:1–7
Romans 11:33–36
John 3:1–15 (16–17)

The Holy Trinity Reveals Himself to Sinners

When Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he cried out “Woe is me!”
For the sinner cannot stand in the presence of a holy God and live (Is. 6:1–7). But God the Father lifted up His Son Jesus for us on the cross, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This eternal life of Christ is given us according to the Holy Spirit’s good pleasure in Baptism. “Unless one is born [again] of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). To sinners in fear of death, the messengers of God place on our lips the living body and blood of Christ and speak His words of absolution, “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Is. 6:7). Having received forgiveness and life from the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit, we join with the angels in praising the blessed Trinity, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!”Is. 6:3). “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33–36).

Coming soon...

2010 Congregational Elections: Our congregational elections will take place at our summer quarterly congregational meeting, Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am). Our Nominations Committee (Judy Enos, Rick Iverson, Brent Matherne, and Pastor Beane) is actively seeking names for nomination to boards and committees. There is a chart in the narthex showing which offices are up for election this year. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or someone else to serve in the lay leadership of our parish!

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret, Juanita and Wayne St. Clair

The Mourning: The Ward Family

Persecuted Christians: Please continue to pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. On April 24, seven more Christians were killed in Jos. Here is a report. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Come, Holy Ghost!

Pastor Beane

Salem's New Chasuble

2010-05-26T12:49:00.002-05:00

Salem now has a complete year's worth of chasubles custom made for our congregation with the completion of the red chasuble in time for Pentecost.

It joins our purple, green, and white chasubles.

The red chasuble features Luther's Seal, a heraldic emblem employed by Martin Luther that was quickly adopted by the churches of the Augsburg Confession as a symbol of our evangelical Lutheran tradition within the church catholic. It includes Luther's addition of the Latin word "vivit" - which means "He lives!"

Thank you to all the donors who gave generously to beautify our divine worship with these chasubles, and thank you to Grace for all of her hard work not only in research, design, and sewing, but also in shopping around for the best prices for quality materials and saving us thousands of dollars in the process.

Although we are now completely covered for the church year, there are additional optional colors we can look into getting down the road - especially black for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and rose for Gaudete and Laetare - if it be the Lord's will.

For the short term, there are already other projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned!

Soli Deo gloria!

Leo was outvoted on this design...

Weekly News, Easter 7 - 2010

2010-05-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Announcements for the week of Easter 7 (Rogate), the Sunday after the Ascension.

This just in...

Pentecost is this coming Sunday! We start a new season in the church year, focusing on the coming of the Holy Spirit, followed by Trinity Sunday, which in turn kicks off the long summer "green" season of the church. Here is the LCMS webpage article about Pentecost.

The Siberian Lutheran Mission Society has a new website, and the 22-minute video showing the work of our Siberian brothers and sisters is now online. You can read more here. Their latest newsletter is also available online here.

New Answers in Genesis Materials have been donated to our School Library. Read more here!

Church Picnic: Pictures from Salem's Picnic last Saturday are posted online here. In spite of the rain and storms, there was a good turnout, lots of food, and a great time by everyone!

What's happening this week...

Book of Concord Class: BOC study is held Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall. Lutheran beverages and food are permitted (read: "encouraged"). We are currently studying the Augsburg Confession, beginning with Article 13 (The Use of the Sacraments) this week. All are welcome!

This coming Sunday's readings (May 16):

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Genesis 11:1–9
Acts 2:1–21
John 14:23–31

The Holy Spirit Gives Peace

Following the flood, Noah's descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather, they exalted themselves; with “one language and the same words” (Gen. 11:1) they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing “the language of all the earth,” dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the fiftieth day of Easter), when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. “At this sound the multitude came together” (Acts 2:6), for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27).

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 14. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 2. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

Coming soon...

2010 Congregational Elections: Our congregational elections will take place at our summer quarterly congregational meeting, Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am). Our Nominations Committee (Judy Enos, Rick Iverson, Brent Matherne, and Pastor Beane) is actively seeking names for nomination to boards and committees. There is a chart in the narthex showing which offices are up for election this year. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or someone else to serve in the lay leadership of our parish!

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Pat Stoltz, Gretel Verret,

The Mourning: The Ward Family

Persecuted Christians: Please continue to pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. On April 24, seven more Christians were killed in Jos. Here is a report. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

New Library Materials

2010-05-21T12:18:00.005-05:00

Ms. Silvia and daughter Chiara in the Salem Library

In addition to the new crucifix for the wall, Salem's school library has some new materials.

Thanks to donors answering the call, our library has not only a current subscription, but also a near-complete collection of back issues of Answers Magazine, a wonderful scientific journal from the creation science perspective produced by Answers in Genesis. AIG is a pan-Christian organization dedicated to the literal reading of Genesis regarding creation and the origins of the universe and of human life. There is LCMS representation in AIG, including Dr. David DeWitt, biology professor at Liberty University, and Dr. David Menton, retired medical research and anatomy professor for several medical schools.

In addition, our librarian and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Silvia Faircloth, took all of the Kids Answers inserts from the magazines and laminated them. Ms. Silvia has also been showing several AIG videos to our Salem students, and is making sure that our faculty are aware of these wonderful resources defending the biblical view of creation, science, and human origins.

New Siberian Newsletter

2010-05-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

Click here for the May 2010 newsletter of the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society.

You will be amazed.

Weekly News, Easter 6 - 2010

2010-05-12T05:29:00.005-05:00

Dear members and friends of Salem Lutheran Church:

Announcements for the week of Easter 6 (Rogate):

This just in...

Remember! - There is no Wednesday night Divine Service or Bible class this week, as they are transferred to Thursday for the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord.

Congregational Picnic: Salem's picnic this Saturday, May 15th at Bellevue Park (Gretna Blvd at Lafayette Blvd). We will have the park, including the gazebos, from sun-up till sun-down. Here are a few rules we need to keep in mind:

No DJ (small radios are allowed), No alcohol, No boiling seafood on premises. (If seafood is brought in, it cannot be left if the garbage cans, if so you lose your clean up fee. The clean up fee is returned as long as the garbage is not left in the garbage can when you are finished. Please dispose of the seafood garbage into a dumpster.) Charcoal pits only. Electricity is not provided. Also no slides, ponies or pets are allowed. Spacewalks, a train and carousel are allowed but not provided.

The Siberian Lutheran Mission Society has a new website, and the 22-minute video showing the work of our Siberian brothers and sisters is now online. You can read more here.

What's happening this week...

This coming Thursday's readings (May 13):

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

2 Kings 2:5–15
Acts 1:1–11
Mark 16:14–20 or Luke 24:44–53

Jesus Is Ascended, but Not Absent

On the fortieth day after His resurrection, our Lord ascended to the right hand of the Father. But although Jesus is hidden from your eyes, He is not absent from you. For He now fills all things in heaven and on earth. He continues “to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1), preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins through those sent in His name (Mark 16:14–20; Luke 24:44–53), giving you His true body and blood in the Supper. Jesus is your great Elijah who pours out on you a double portion of His Spirit in the Word and the Sacraments (2 Kings 2:5–15). He is Lord over all things for the sake of the Church. He whom heaven cannot contain has raised your human nature to share fully in the glory of God. You who believe and are baptized into Christ's body are already sitting in the heavenly places; for you are in Him who is at the Father's right hand. When He comes again in the clouds on the Last Day, you also will appear with Him in glory.

Congregational Picnic: see above.

Book of Concord Class: BOC study is held Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall. Lutheran beverages are permitted. We are currently studying the Augsburg Confession, beginning with Article 12 (Repentance) this week. All are welcome!

This coming Sunday's readings (May 16):

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Exaudi

Ezekiel 36:22–28
1 Peter 4:7–11 (12–14)
John 15:26--16:4

The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness to Jesus

The Spirit of Truth bears witness to Jesus, who is the truth. But the world does not receive the truth. It loves its own and hates those who are of the truth. Just as Jesus was scorned, so is His Church. “The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). Yet it is by Jesus' suffering and death that we are saved. Therefore we rejoice to share in His sufferings, that we may also share in His resurrection glory (1 Pet. 4:7–14). Through the ministry of the Spirit of Truth, we are cleansed from the deceit of our idols and given a new heart and a new spirit, the heart and Spirit of Christ (Ezek. 36:22–28). He now works in us fervent, self-giving love for one another, love which covers a multitude of sins, “that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 14. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 1. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

Coming soon...

2010 Congregational Elections: Our congregational elections will take place at our summer quarterly congregational meeting, Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am). Our Nominations Committee (Judy Enos, Rick Iverson, Brent Matherne, and Pastor Beane) is actively seeking names for nomination to boards and committees. There is a chart in the narthex showing which offices are up for election this year. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or someone else to serve in the lay leadership of our parish!

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, Vic Nunez, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Pat Ward, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Jasmine Simline, Pat Stoltz, Christian Beane, Gretel Verret, the Johnston family

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. On April 24, seven more Christians were killed in Jos. Here is a report. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

Weekly News, Easter 5 - 2010

2010-05-06T06:40:00.002-05:00

Dear members and friends of Salem Lutheran Church:

Announcements for the week of Easter 5 (Cantate):

This just in...

Nominations Committee Named: In anticipation of our congregational elections Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am), our Nominations Committee is actively seeking names for nomination to boards and committees. There is a chart in the narthex showing which offices are up for election this year. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or someone else to serve in the lay leadership of our parish! Committee members are: Judy Enos, Rick Iverson, Brent Matherne, and Pastor Beane.

What's happening this week...

Book of Concord Class: There will be no BOC Class this Saturday.

This coming Sunday's readings (May 9):

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Rogate

Numbers 21:4–9
1 Timothy 2:1–6 or James 1:22–27
John 16:23–30 (31–33)

The Father Answers Our Prayers Because of Jesus

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (John 16:23). To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as one who has been baptized. For it is in the water that He put His name upon you, claiming you as His own, making you a son of God with access to the Father. By His incarnation and crucifixion, our Lord Jesus broke through the barrier of sin which separated us from God, opening a portal to the Father. To pray in Jesus' name is to pray with faith in Him as the one Mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:1–6). Like Moses in the wilderness, Jesus is our go-between and intercessor before the throne of heaven. He was lifted up for us on the cross that we might be saved and restored to fellowship with the Father (Num. 21:4–9). Looking into this perfect teaching of liberty (James 1:22–27) we pray with boldness and confidence as dear children of God.

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 14. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 1. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

Coming soon...

Congregational Picnic - The Salem Fellowship Committee is excited to announce that we will have a Salem picnic on Saturday, May 15th at Bellevue Park (Gretna Blvd at Lafayette Blvd). We will have the park, including the gazebos, from sun-up till sun-down.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, The Nunez Family, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Pat Ward, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Jasmine Simline, Pat Stoltz, Christian Beane, the Johnston family

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. Here is a video report from Voice of the Martyrs in Jos. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

Weekly News, Easter 4 - 2010

2010-04-29T23:00:00.007-05:00

Dear members and friends of Salem Lutheran Church:

Announcements for the week of Easter 4 (Jubilate):

This just in...

"Thank You" to Immanuel Lutheran Church: in West Plains, Missouri for their gift to our church to be used for school in the amount of $2,100. The Board of Directors voted to allocate the funds to purchase crucifixes for all of our classrooms, with the remaining money (about $1,400) to go into our scholarship fund. The first of the crucifixes has been put up in Schmid Hall which doubles as our school's lunch room. Anyone who is interested in having one just like those that will be in our classrooms can click here. They are very reasonably priced and are a beautiful reminder of our Lord's passion and death that purchased salvation and eternal life for us.

Nominations Committee Named: In anticipation of our congregational elections Sunday, June 13, after the Divine Service (about 11:00 am), our Nominations Committee is actively seeking names for nomination to boards and committees. There is a chart in the narthex showing which offices are up for election this year. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or someone else to serve in the lay leadership of our parish! Committee members are: Judy Enos, Rick Iverson, Brent Matherne, and Pastor Beane.

What's happening this week...

Book of Concord Class: BOC study is held Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall. Lutheran beverages are permitted. We are currently studying the Augsburg Confession, beginning with Article 11 (Confession) this week. All are welcome! Thanks to the Cantrelles for the surprise crab & shrimp boil last Saturday!

Choir Singing This Sunday: We are pleased and honored that Salem School's 3rd and 4th Grade choir will be singing at Sunday's Divine Service.

This coming Sunday's readings (May 2):

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Cantate
Isaiah 12:1–6
James 1:16–21
John 16:5–15

Jesus Promises to Send His Holy Spirit, the Helper

Though Jesus has departed from us visibly to the right hand of the Father who sent Him, yet this is to our advantage. For Jesus--who is Lord over all creation, who intercedes for us before the Father, who is preparing a place for us in heaven--has sent the Helper, the Spirit of Truth (John 16:5–15). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” through Jesus Christ (James 1:17). The Holy Spirit helps us by taking what is Christ's and declaring it to us. In the Word of truth, the Spirit works repentance and delivers to us the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ, and victory over the devil. For the ruler of this world is judged and defeated by the cross. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we have been brought forth to new life in Him who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Confident of our resurrection with Christ we confess, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid” (Is. 12:2).
Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is studying Romans 15. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 1. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). This Sunday's Bible Class is a brunch! All are welcome!

Coming soon...

Congregational Picnic - The Salem Fellowship Committee is excited to announce that we will have a Salem picnic on Saturday, May 15th at Bellevue Park (Gretna Blvd at Lafayette Blvd). We will have the park, including the gazebos, from sun-up till sun-down.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, The Nunez Family, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Pat Ward, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Andrea Tilley, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Jasmine Simline, Pat Stoltz

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. Last month alone, some 500 Christian men, women, and children were killed and buried in a mass grave. Here is a video report from Voice of the Martyrs in Jos. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

Crabby confessionals

2010-04-24T23:13:00.000-05:00

Lutherans who pay attention to the confessions of our church often have a reputation for crabbiness. And in South Louisiana, crabbiness is a virtue - at least when it comes to seafood.

Thanks to Ron (wearing the hat) and Shelly Cantrelle (in the red shirt), tonight's Book of Concord class was treated to a first class crab boil. We also had a boatload of shrimp, lots of spicy potatoes, corn, and sausage, and even some mint juleps and some mighty fine desserts.

You can see the pictures here.

We had a wonderful turnout (from every age group) as we took up Augsburg Confession Article 10 on the Lord's Supper. This evening's devotion from the Treasury of Daily Prayer, including a writing from Thomas Kempis, was most fitting indeed.

Thanks, Ron and Shelly, and to everyone else who brought food and drink!

We also had a few other reasons to celebrate. First, it was announced that Dale Barrois, Kelli's husband (both of whom were in attendance), has been received into membership at Salem! Second, the first of our classroom crucifixes has been installed in Schmid Hall, which doubles as our school's lunchroom. Third, our class was enjoyed by former Salem member, Michael Green, currently living in Utah, thanks to teleconferencing by Skype! We got to enjoy our god-daughter, Mike and Amy's baby daughter Jillian, thanks to the wonders of technology.

Mike also kept Leo in stitches.

We really are having a blast studying the Lutheran confessions on Saturday evenings. All are welcome! We typically start around 7:00 pm with a brief order of prayer from the Treasury, followed by our class and discussion on the particular reading from the Book of Concord. Next week: Augsburg Confession Article 11 on Confession and Absolution.

Y'all come! And lâche pas la patate!

Weekly News, Easter 3 - 2010

2010-04-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

Dear members and friends of Salem Lutheran Church:

Announcements for the week of Easter 3 (Misericordias Domini):

This just in...

Salem School Concert: This evening's Spring Concert was a triumph celebrating Christ's Triumph! You can read about it here, and here are a few snapshots. Thank you Miss Kavugha, musicians, and choir members!

What's happening this week...

This Wednesday evening's readings (April 21)

The Commemoration of St. Anselm

Psalm 119:89-105
Romans 5:1-11
Matthew 11:25-30

St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, England (1033 - April 21, 1109) was born in what is today Italy. In his youth, he became a Benedictine monk, eventually becoming an abbot. He was a remarkable theologian and author of the classic Why God Became Man, in which St. Anselm meditates upon the Incarnation and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross through which we are saved.

Book of Concord Class: BOC study is held Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall. Lutheran beverages are permitted. We are currently studying the Augsburg Confession, beginning with Article 10 (The Lord's Supper) this week. All are welcome!

This coming Sunday's readings (April 25):

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Jubilate
Isaiah 40:25–31 or Lamentations 3:22–33
1 Peter 2:11–20 or 1 John 3:1–3
John 16:16–22
Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Rejoice

The people of God are pilgrims and sojourners in this world, looking ahead to a destination yet to come (1 Peter 2:11–20). Though we are now children of God, the fullness of what we shall be has not yet been revealed (1 John 3:1–3). We are those who wait on the Lord. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him” (Lam 3:25). Jesus tells us that the wait is just a little while. “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me” (John 16:16). Though you must experience sorrow for a time, though you must live as strangers in a world that is at enmity with Christ, yet your sorrow will be turned to joy when He returns. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Is. 40:31). The little while of weeping shall be replaced with an eternity of rejoicing in the presence of Christ the crucified and risen Savior. “And no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).
Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is starting Romans 15. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 1. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

Coming soon...

Board of Directors Meeting - April 27 (note date change!) - 7:00 pm - Library

Congregational Picnic - The Salem Fellowship Committee is excited to announce that we will have a Salem picnic on Saturday, May 15th at Bellevue Park (Gretna Blvd at Lafayette Blvd). We will have the park, including the gazebos, from sun-up till sun-down.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, The Nunez Family, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Pat Ward, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Doug Poche, Andrea Tilley, Al Martin, Lindy Hall, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Juanita and Wayne St. Clair, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux, Jasmine Simline

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. Last month alone, some 500 Christian men, women, and children were killed and buried in a mass grave. Here is a video report from Voice of the Martyrs in Jos. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

Salem Lutheran School Spring Concert: Christ Has Triumphed!

2010-04-20T21:53:00.003-05:00

This evening's Salem Lutheran School's Annual Spring Concert: Christ Has Triumphed! was a rousing success.

Miss Rehema Kavugha led our school's student choristers, as well as directing our musicians (Mrs. Kristin Albarado, piano and organ; Miss Kimberly King, clarinet; and Mr. Kyle Bergeron, trumpet) in an ambitious program of classical Christian hymnody that included Felix Mendelssohn's O Rest In the Lord, Johann Sebastian Bach's Rejoice O My Spirit, St. Patrick's classic hymn I Bind Unto Myself Today, as well as more modern hymns (including the Carol of Prophecy by Shirley W. McRae that had the children singing the Latin chorus: "Exultate, jubilate Deo!"

They were outstanding!

The choirs included:

The Alleluia Chorus: Madeline Appel, Luke Althage, Joshua Ballay, Matthew Clement, Isabella Clouatre, Madeline Grisoli, Trinity LeBlanc, Nathan Levandoske, Jessica Lotz, Cross Mitchell, Madison Meladine, Madison Olson, Jena Stallings, Christian Swoop, Emily Vedros, and Joshua Wichers.

The Sanctus Singers: Jae'la Every, Isabella Grisoli, Karrington Keller, Brianna Lassiegne, Jonathan Pagan, Haley Rodrigue, Kennedi White, and Kaylee Wichers.

The Glory Givers: Macey Boudreaux, Keslea Hall, Elyssa Lassiegne, Imani Mulmore, Joye Pate, and Cheryl Ricks.

The Chime Choir: Colton Darnell, Jacob DeMoss, Keslea Hall, Brant Jambon, Freddreionne King, Elyssa Lassiegne, Imani Mulmore, Kourtney Parker, Joye Pate, Jaelyn Robinson, and Zoey Turner.

There are a few pictures here. They aren't the best pictures, but were taken from the balcony with no flash. But what the snapshots lack in quality our choirs, musicians, and Miss Kavugha made up for in the quality of their work.

Thank you for you magnificent performance to the glory of our triumphant and risen Lord!

Weekly News, Easter 2 - 2010

2010-04-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

Dear members and friends of Salem Lutheran Church:

Announcements for the week of Easter 2 (Quasimodo Geniti):

This just in...

Salem School Crucifixes: Thanks to a generous donation from Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Plains, MO, we have purchased crucifixes to install in our classrooms. They arrived on Good Friday. They are really beautiful, and they were blessed today during our Wednesday chapel service for Salem Lutheran School. Here are pictures.

Nick from Afghanistan: Here is Nick's latest report, and here are pictures. You are welcome to e-mail Nick at motor275@yahoo.com.

What's happening this week...

Book of Concord Class: BOC study is held Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm in Schmid Hall. Lutheran beverages are permitted. We are currently studying the Augsburg Confession, beginning with Article 9 this week. All are welcome!

This coming Sunday's readings (April 18):

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Misericordias Domini
Ezekiel 34:11–16
1 Peter 2:21–25
John 10:11–16
The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep
Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–16). He is not like the hireling, who cares nothing for the sheep and only for himself, who flees when he sees the wolf coming. Rather, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep to deliver them (Ezek. 34:11–16). He gathers them and feeds them in rich pasture. He binds up the broken and strengthens the sick. He lays down His life for wandering and wayward sheep. On the cross, Christ bore in His body the attacks of the predators of sin and death and the devil for you that you might be saved. He now lives to restore your soul in the still waters of baptism, to lead you in the paths of righteousness by the voice of His Gospel, to prepare the table of His holy supper before you, that you may dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23). “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25).

Salem Bible Classes: Our Sunday Bible class is concluding Romans 14. Wednesday's class is studying Ephesians 1. Bible class is held in Schmid Hall one hour before services (Wednesday's Bible class is held at 6:30 pm with Divine Service at 7:30 pm; Sunday's Bible class is held at 8:30 am - the same time as Sunday School - with Divine Service at 9:30 am). All are welcome!

Coming soon...

Salem School Concert - Tuesday April 20th at 7:00pm at church for our annual Spring Concert given by Salem Lutheran School. This year, “Christ Has Triumphed” will celebrate the great victory we have through Christ’s resurrection and will be an uplifting program with singing, instruments, and readings. The concert will feature all three choirs from the school as well as select chime choir and instrumentalists.

Board of Directors Meeting - April 27 (note date change!) - 7:00 pm - Library

Congregational Picnic - The Salem Fellowship Committee is excited to announce that we will have a Salem picnic on Saturday, May 15th at Bellevue Park (Gretna Blvd at Lafayette Blvd). We will have the park, including the gazebos, from sun-up till sun-down.

Be sure to check the Salem Church Calendar often for updates!

Other announcements...

Mission Work and Acts of Mercy: Salem has also been supporting the Gretna Food Bank (you can bring food and clothing to Pastor Beane's office), and the Siberian Lutheran Mission Society (you can put money in the mission box in the church narthex).

Please remember the following in your prayers...

Salem's shut-ins: Betty LaChute, Helen Adams, Cora Teate, Lois Coyne, Error Michell, Dorothy Cook, Earsking "Gate" Gatechair, Ruth Calzada, Anna Maness, Anne Rhodes

The sick, suffering, and in difficult circumstances: Nancy Daigneault, Anthony Percle, The Nunez Family, Debra Murry, Charles Gelbke, Pat Ward, Melissa Riggle, Loretta Chandler, John Ryan, Nick Hatzgionidis, Beverly Scales, Aimee Wolf, Jesse Gros, Doug Poche, Andrea Tilley, Al Martin, Lindy Hall, Joseph Bethancourt, Kaaren Miller, Joey Althage, Juanita and Wayne St. Clair, Raymond Meladine, Louise Davenport, Sarah Riggle, Emily Gossiaux,

Persecuted Christians: Please pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, especially for the widows and orphans, as religious and ethnic violence has been raging since January in the city of Jos. Last month alone, some 500 Christian men, women, and children were killed and buried in a mass grave. Here is a video report from Voice of the Martyrs in Jos. Persecution against Christians is happening all over the world. Please visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Beane

Nick Reports from Afghanistan, March 24

2010-04-14T23:05:00.003-05:00

[Note: Salem member Nick Hatzgionidis is deployed in Afghanistan. This is his latest report. Here is his latest batch of pictures.]

Hello everyone,

I am currently assigned in Kabul. I have been on a number of missions with the assignments I've had. Everyday I thank God for Blackie who was my partner in Kandahar. Blackie is an Explosive Detection Working Dog that is directly responsible for my safety and well being today. Blackie is with another partner now and continues to do his job above reproach.

The main impression here is the poverty level and the working conditions of children throughout Afghanistan. From as early as 5 years old the children start working, selling goods, scavenging through garbage dumps , washing windows on the cars in the street, to just begging. This is in all weather conditions no matter it is snowing, raining, or high summer temps. Your heart goes out to them as you look at their faces. We just do our small part here to make it a better place for them in the future. We have a long way to go in the culture that has been neglected for years.
With the majority of Afghans their is no animosity on the fact that we are Christians and they are Muslims. They understand that we are here to help and assist them not govern or conquer them.As with a number of third World Countries that I have been to the Afghans just want a foot on the ladder to have a good life.

Although they are not educated to our level they are a very good judge of character which has been important for me because they can see i genuinely care about them and will assist them in their problems.

Next month I hope to visit a girls school here and give a report on the education progress there. I will also see if I can obtain some emails or an address where Salem students can start a penpal communique.

Nick Hatzgionidis

Weedon on our Lutheran Liturgical Heritage

2010-04-13T10:56:00.001-05:00

You might be familiar with the Rev. William Weedon (pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL) from his Bible study in this past December's Lutheran Witness, his many appearances on Issues, Etc., his work with the PALS program, his service with our seminaries as a vicarage and field education supervisor, or his being acknowledged on page 991 as a contributor to our hymnal.

He has served in the holy ministry since graduating from our St. Louis seminary in 1986, and earned a second masters degree from Concordia - St. Louis in 1998. His expertise on liturgical matters was acknowledged in Joseph Herl's treatise Worship Wars in Early Lutheranism (Oxford University Press) - see Dr. Herl's endorsement. Pastor Weedon also edited a new edition of the Starck's Prayer Book published last year by Concordia Publishing House (CPH).

He is also a blogger who always has interesting insights, pastoral sensitivity, and excellent scholarship. I can't recommend his blog enough.

Pastor Weedon recently blogged a few passages from the Lutheran Confessions, from Martin Luther, and from C.F.W. Walther "on the liturgical heritage of Lutheran Christians - the formation of which in these gray and latter days is never an easy task." And he adds: "May these few lines be of some help!"

I believe they are, and here they are:

The Lutheran Confessions on Various Matters of Worship:

Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. The Mass is held among us and celebrated with the highest reverence. Nearly all the usual ceremonies are also preserved… Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV:1,2

Because the Mass is for the purpose of giving the Sacrament, we have Communion every holy day, and if anyone desires the Sacrament, we also offer it on other days, when it is given to all who ask for it. Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV:34

We answer that it is lawful for bishops, or pastors, to make ordinances so that things will be done orderly in the church, but not to make satisfaction for sin… It is proper that the churches keep such ordinances for the sake of love and tranquility, to avoid giving offense to another, so that all things be done in the churches in order, and without confusion. Augsburg Confession XXVIII:53-55.

However, it is pleasing to us that, for the sake of peace, universal ceremonies are kept. We also willingly keep the order of the Mass in the churches, the Lord’s Day, and other more famous festival days. With a very grateful mind we include the beneficial and ancient ordinances, especially since they contain a certain discipline. Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article VII/VIII:33

Masses are celebrated among us every Lord’s Day and on other festivals. The Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have been examined and absolved. And the usual public ceremonies are observed, the series of lessons, of prayers, vestments, and other such things. Apology to the Augsburg Confession, XXIV:1

Nothing in customary rites should be changed without a reasonable cause. So to nurture unity, old customs that can be kept without sin or great inconvenience should be kept. Apology to the Augsburg Confession, XV:51

Luther on the Elevation (lifting up the body and blood of the Lord):

We do not want to abolish the elevation, but retain it because it...signifies that Christ has commanded us to remember Him. For just as the sacrament is bodily elevated, and yet Christ's body and blood are not seen in it, so he is also remembered and elevated by the word of the sermon and is confessed and adored in the reception of the Sacrament. In each case, He is apprehended only by faith; for we cannot see how Christ gives His body and blood for us and even now daily shows and offers it before God to obtain grace for us. -- Blessed Martin Luther, *The German Mass* AE 53:82

Luther on Genuflecting during the Creed:

And when the congregation came to the words “from the Virgin Mary, and was made man,” everyone genuflected and removed his hat. It would still be proper and appropriate to kneel at the words “and was made man,” to sing them with long notes as formerly, to listen with happy hearts to the message that the Divine Majesty abased Himself and became like us poor bags of worms, and to thank God for the ineffable mercy and compassion reflected in the incarnation of the Deity. [Luther on John 1:14]

Luther on Kissing the Bible:

It [kneeling before the Sacrament] is a matter of freedom, just as one is at liberty to kiss the Bible or not. -- Table Talk 344

Luther on what was spilled:

[In 1542, in Wittenberg] a woman wanted to go to the Lord’s Supper, and then as she was about to kneel on the bench before the altar and drink, she made a misstep and jostled the chalice of the Lord violently with her mouth, so that some of the Blood of Christ was spilled from it onto her lined jacket and coat and onto the rail of the bench on which she was kneeling. So then when the reverend Doctor Luther, who was standing at a bench opposite, saw this, he quickly ran to the altar (as did also the reverend Doctor Bugenhagen), and together with the curate, with all reverence licked up [the Blood of Christ from the rail] and helped wipe off this spilled Blood of Christ from the woman’s coat, and so on, as well as they could. And Doctor Luther took this catastrophe so seriously that he groaned over it and said, “O, God, help!” and his eyes were full of water. (Johann Hachenburg, quoted in Peters, p. 191)

The Lutheran Confessions on Adoration of the Sacrament:

However, no one - unless he is an Arian heretic - can and will deny that Christ Himself, true God and man, is truly and essentially present in the Supper. Christ should be adored in spirit and in truth in the true use of the Sacrament, as He is in all other places, especially where His congregation is assembled. (FC VII:15)

Walther (Synod’s first President) on Chanting:

It is a pity and dreadful cowardice when a person sacrifices the good ancient church customs to please the deluded American denominations just so they won't accuse us of being Roman Catholic! Indeed! Am I to be afraid of a Methodist, who perverts the saving Word, or be ashamed in the matter of my good cause, and not rather rejoice that they can tell by our ceremonies that I do not belong to them?

It is too bad that such entirely different ceremonies prevail in our Synod, and that no liturgy at all has yet been introduced in many congregations. The prejudice especially against the responsive chanting of pastor and congregations is of course still very great with many people -- this does not, however, alter the fact that it is very foolish. The pious church father Augustine said, "Qui cantat, bis orat--he who sings prays twice."

This finds its application also in the matter of the liturgy. Why should congregations or individuals in the congregation want to retain their prejudices? How foolish that would be! For first of all it is clear from the words of St. Paul (1 Cor. 14:16) that the congregations of his time had a similar custom. It has been the custom in the Lutheran Church for 250 years. It creates a solemn impression on the Christian mind when one is reminded by the solemnity of the divine service that one is in the house of God, in childlike love to their heavenly Father, also give expression to their joy in such a lovely manner.

Whenever the divine service once again follows the old Evangelical-Lutheran agendas (or church books), it seems that many raise a great cry that it is "Roman Catholic": "Roman Catholic" when the pastor chants "The Lord be with you" and the congregation responds by chanting "and with thy spirit"; "Roman Catholic" when the pastor chants the collect and the blessing and the people respond with a chanted "Amen." Even the simplest Christian can respond to this outcry: "Prove to me that this chanting is contrary to the Word of God, then I too will call it `Roman Catholic' and have nothing more to do with it. However, you cannot prove this to me."

If you insist upon calling every element in the divine service "Romish" that has been used by the Roman Catholic Church, it must follow that the reading of the Epistle and Gospel is also "Romish." Indeed, it is mischief to sing or preach in church, for the Roman Church has done this also . . .Those who cry out should remember that the Roman Catholic Church possesses every beautiful song of the old orthodox church. The chants and antiphons and responses were brought into the church long before the false teachings of Rome crept in. This Christian Church since the beginning, even in the Old Testament, has derived great joy from chanting... For more than 1700 years orthodox Christians have participated joyfully in the divine service. Should we, today, carry on by saying that such joyful participation is "Roman Catholic"? God forbid! Therefore, as we continue to hold and to restore our wonderful divine services in places where they have been forgotten, let us boldly confess that our worship forms do not tie us with the modern sects or with the church of Rome; rather, they join us to the one, holy Christian Church that is as old as the world and is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.”

Good Friday in Pictures at Redeemer - Fort Wayne

2010-04-08T11:14:00.001-05:00

Though we are now in the joyful celebration of Eastertide, please have a look at these just-published beautiful pictures of the somber Good Friday Mass as celebrated by one of our sister LCMS congregations, historic Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The pastor in the pulpit chanting the Reproaches is the Rev. Douglas Punke, who ordained Pr. Beane at Redeemer's sister historic congregation, Zion Lutheran Church (where he serves as senior pastor), also in Fort Wayne. The kantor (shown in the last two pictures), the Rev. Dr. Daniel Reuning, is a beloved and learned professor emeritus from the Fort Wayne Seminary, an expert on Liturgics, former dean of Kramer Chapel, and now serves as the conductor of the critically acclaimed Fort Wayne Bach Collegium.

Redeemer has been the church home of many Fort Wayne professors throughout the years, including one of Pr. Beane's most beloved professors, mentors, and fathers in Christ, the sainted Rev. Prof. Kurt Marquart. The Rev. Dr. Charles Evanson, who has served many years now as a seminary professor in Lithuania (on loan, so to speak, from Ft. Wayne), was Pr. Petersen's predecessor as Redeemer's pastor.

Redeemer is a congregation where the Law is proclaimed in all its fierceness, the Gospel is preached in all its sweetness, and the sacraments are given and received with joy, with reverence, and with an unabashed fidelity to our Lutheran tradition.

Christ is risen!