"The Gift That Keeps On Giving" - St. Paul's Lutheran Church ...
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Concordia, MO January 2022
“The Gift That Keeps On Giving”
By the time you read this article, most—if not all—of the Christmas gifts have been
opened. The kids’ toys may have already been played with and set aside as they
move on to the next great thing (which might actually be the box the toy came in).
Perhaps a few items are in a stack, ready to be returned since they were not the right
size or style. Due to shipping delays, delivery drivers could still be dropping off last-
minute gifts to your front porch.
Thankfully, the true Gift of the holidays is not found amidst the colorful paper and
bows, has no sales receipt for a quick-and-easy return, nor is it stuck on some cargo
ship off the California coast. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
401 S Main
PO Box 60
Concordia MO 64020
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV,
emphasis added). This is God’s gift to you, to me, and to all people—the Gift that
keeps on giving.
monthly newsletter
Long after the holidays are a distant memory, Jesus continues to offer forgiveness
for our every sin (Hebrews 10:14). He shares His supernatural peace, which cannot
be found in the things of this world and which surpasses all human wisdom and un-
Proclaim
derstanding (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). Our Savior extends mercy in place of
punishment (Luke 6:35-36). Jesus shares grace that covers all our imperfections
(Ephesians 2:8-9). In Word and Sacrament and in our public worship and private or
family devotions, we unwrap His gifts once again. Every day is like Christmas
morning.
As a congregation, we are sharing a gift with you to help you
experience this Good News of the Savior—a gift you can
enjoy at church, school, home, and on the road. We’ve pur-
chased unlimited access to thousands of Christian videos and are
giving free access to everyone in our church and school as well as friends of St. Paul’s.
RightNow Media offers discipleship resources for kids, youth, adults, couples, fami-
lies, and church leaders. These videos can be accessed on your TV, phone, or tablet.
My family has enjoyed watching a number of their resources, including “What’s in
the Bible?” (a show for families with kids) and “Bible Unearthed” (a series geared
for children and youth that has useful information for adults too). RightNow Media
is scheduled to launch at St. Paul’s on January 9, so watch for more information.
In the New Year, our commitment to preaching, teaching, and reaching remains. This
has been our congregation’s calling for over 180 years. As times and technology
changes, we continue to share the gift of Jesus to those in our church, school, com-
munity, and beyond—the Gift that keeps on giving.
RightNow Media serves Christian congregations that represent diverse traditions and doctrinal
affiliations, including sister congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To
read their doctrinal statement, visit www.rightnowmedia.org/about/us-doctrinal-statement.
To understand how RightNow Media selects its content, which currently includes over 20,000
titles, see www.rightnowmedia.org/us/selecting-content.
Pastor Michael
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 2
Family Life Ministry
Be Near Me Lord Jesus
I gaze out the window watching as the sun’s rays dwindle and
the evening shadows lazily lengthen across the landscape.
Advent has been preparing me for the coming of Christmas,
the coming of Christ. I gaze into the crystal globe sitting on my
library table that has shepherds surrounding the manger with
Mary and Joseph loving looking upon the Savior of the world.
My mind wanders back to that account that I have heard so
many times before. I try to imagine myself in Bethlehem on that
crowded evening. I try to put myself in Mary’s shoes traveling
some rugged miles on the back of a donkey carrying the Savior
in my womb, arriving late with no place to stay. I try to put my-
self in Joseph’s shoes seeing this bizarre chain of events play out
as I knock upon countless doors only to be rejected by the person
on the other side because there simply is no room. And before
the account ever reaches this point, I wonder what the angel Ga-
briel thinks before he delivers the news to Mary. Does he wonder what God is up to or does he simply
deliver the news without hesitation? And then there are the shepherds in the field. To imagine that the
angels appeared in all their glory to this group of ragtag men on a hillside. My, what a sight that must
have been! When it comes down to it, it really does not matter what questions were swirling around in
the minds of these people whom God called to be a part of His plan. What does matter is that they said
“yes” to God’s calling and moved forward in faith.
If you have ever doubted God’s love, all you need to do is look into the manger. God descended to
earth when He sent His Son to be born of a virgin. He had eyebrows and possibly pimples. He experi-
enced pain and fatigue. His feelings were hurt and he probably had headaches, too. It seems almost
uncomfortable to think of God in this way, doesn’t it? Yet that is exactly how He planned it. God sent
Jesus specifically into our world to experience what we experience. Jesus is not a pre-packaged item to
be set upon a shelf. He came into the muck and mire of this world to save us so for goodness sake, let
Him in. It is only through His entering our muck and mire that He can pull us out of it.
I’m sure all of us have been where Joseph and Mary were at some point. Lingering in the inbetween of
what God says and what makes sense. Questioning God’s plan and wondering why He does what He
does. I’m sure that we have stared into a dark sky having doubts. I’m sure we have wondered if we are
on the right road, and I’m sure we have wondered if there is a plan behind the events that are currently
transpiring.
I read these words yesterday and I think they are worth thinking about. “Change always brings fear
before it brings faith. We always assume the worst before we look for the best. God interrupts our lives
with something we’ve never seen, and rather than praise, we panic! We interpret the presence of a prob-
lem as the absence of God” (God Came Near by Max Lucado).
Joseph did not let his confusion disrupt his obedience. He packed up his family and went to another
country because God told him to. He didn’t have all the answers. He didn’t know how things would turn
out, but he drew near to God because he trusted Him completely. Let us do the same. Draw near to the
manger and open your hearts to receive your Savior. Immanuel, God with us. “She will bear a son, and
you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
~Gina Martens, Family Life Director
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 3
Congregation News
Tails from Thomas Comfort Dog
Greetings to all of you! I hope you are enjoying this Advent season and are looking
forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Jessy talked me into writing this article again. That’s OK with me. I have many
things to tell you. I am happy to tell you about my health. When I came here, it was
thought that I might have a problem with my body, specifically with my bones,
joints, and ligaments. My handlers took me to a special place called MU, where sev-
eral dog doctors looked at me and did many tests. They decided that I am healthy, and that I am “good to go” being a Com-
fort Dog. I should be able to do all the commands that I have been taught. I must admit, sometimes I’m a little “stinker” and
don’t do the commands quickly or correctly. But as they say, “He’s still a pup,” so I get to try again to do it right.
I greeted those who came to the Family Advent Sunday School. Families were able to start the holiday season with ideas
about making those few weeks leading up to Christmas to be Christ-filled.
All of my Comfort Dog people hosted the Advent meal before the first Advent service of the year. They served baked pota-
toes, salad, delicious desserts and drinks. We had a good crowd. Thank you to all who came to eat and support the Comfort
Dog Ministry.
We were asked to visit our friends in Joplin. They are working on getting another
Comfort Dog since Jackson and Louie have passed in the last couple of years. I under-
stand that those two dogs were the inspiration for our congregation getting Comfort
Dogs, namely Jessy and me. As people from our congregation went to help out after
their terrible tornado, they met Jackson and Louie and raved about how helpful they
were in comforting those devastated at that time. That excitement led to us getting
info about the dogs and finally receiving one--and then, two. The Joplin congregation
is having trouble getting all the people they need for their team. Their Top Dog
thought that maybe having Jessy and me visit, it would spark interest in their congre-
gation.
Christkindlemarkt was held again this year on the campus of St. Paul Lutheran High
School. Jessy had told me it was a special event, so we both went this year. I walked
around and met many people. My problem is that I like to sniff and eat some of the
things that are on the ground, and there were many smells that night. But it was still fun to see all the people who attended
and to listen to the special music.
One night there were many tornadoes in the country. One of the places hit was Edwardsville, IL. Jessy has good friends that
live in the country there. They were fine. However, an Amazon plant was hit and several people died. Our good Comfort
Dog friend, Esther, lives very close. She was able to be there for the vigil and to comfort those who had lost loved ones.
Thank you, Esther, for sharing God’s comfort with those hurting people.
Speaking of hurting people, we were asked to visit Sweet Springs High School following the death of one of their students.
We visited her first hour homeroom classroom. There were many tears, but also many stories of friendship and fun that
made them laugh. We then went into the halls and computer room, where students could come visit when they felt sad. We
were happy we could be there for them.
One of the students at school thought I needed a special covering for my crate. She and her
Grandma made a special blanket, with dog paws and even my name on it. Thanks, Layla and Grandma Sharon. That is
really cool!
There are many special services in the next few days. Jessy and I are looking forward to seeing our friends and many new peo-
ple who may be here visiting family and friends. Since this is my first year at St. Paul’s, I would like to say how much I love
this church and all the people here. God has certainly blessed this congregation, and I am so thankful to be here.
Jessy and I would like to wish you Merry Christmas. Rejoice in Jesus, the new-born Savior!
Love,
Thomas and Jessy
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 4
Congregation News
Lutheran Women in Mission
LWML Mission Statement
As Lutheran Women in Mission, we joyfully
proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip
women to honor God by serving others.
“Serve the LORD with gladness! “(Psalm 100:2).
Missouri District LWML Convention will be June 3-5,
2022, in St. Louis at the Sheraton Westport Chalet, St. Louis. The theme will be “For Such a Time as
This” from Esther 4:14.
New Heart to Heart Logo
The current LWML Heart to Heart (H2H) Sisters Committee has
updated their name. They are now the Heart to Heart — Sisters
of All Nations Committee. This new name will enable a clearer
understanding of the purpose of this program. Heart to Heart —
Sisters of All Nations is LWML’s program to motivate, equip,
challenge, and mentor multicultural women to serve the church,
participate in LWML, witness to the world, and grow in relation-
ships.
Concordia Zone LWML Spring Rally is scheduled for April 23, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in
Saline City (Slater), Missouri. The speaker will be Katie Davis, a Young Woman Representative who
attended the 2021 National LWML Convention.
Ladies Aid No. 1 will meet January 4, 2022, at 7 p.m., in the Parish Office. A Bible study, “A New
Spring Wardrobe,” will be led by Joanne Reinke. Programs for the year will be discussed.
1912 Ladies Aid will meet January 11, 2022, at 7 p.m., in the Parish Office. Mission and service projects
for the year will be selected. Their theme for the year will be “For Such a Time as This,” which is the
theme for the upcoming Missouri District convention. The group plans to sort at Orphan Grain Train on
January 25, at 1 p.m.
New LWML Vinyl Stickers are available for purchase.
Designs include the LWML logo, President Debbie’s
HIS logo, and the “I am the Heart of LWML” logo.
They are priced at $1 each or 3 for $2.50. Vinyl stickers
can be used on travel mugs, laptops, phones, and many
other surfaces. They are a great way to promote LWML!
The stickers are approximately 3” x 2” and may be pur-
chased through the LWML Office at (800)252-5965.
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 5
School News
Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year!
At the end of January, St. Paul’s Lutheran School celebrates National
Lutheran Schools Week during which we celebrate our freedom of reli-
gion in schools. National Lutheran Schools Week provides our net-
work of more than 1,800 LCMS preschools, elementary schools and
high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate
God’s work among us in Lutheran schools. We thank God for the op-
portunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we
serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing
love with children and their families.
National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to proclaim these great blessings within the
communities we serve. Lutheran schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of God’s love for
us through Christ by teachers and students alike. “In All Things” is the theme for the 2022 National
Lutheran Schools Week celebration.
Please join with us through prayer from January 23rd-January 29th as we celebrate school teachers,
pastors, aides, and staff as well as students and families! On Sunday, January 23rd, the whole school
choir will sing in the 10:30 AM service to kick the week off. National Lutheran Schools Week is one of
our students’ favorite weeks. Students celebrate with dress up days (pajama day, twin day, career day),
special events and activities (bowling and ice skating are past examples), and special snacks.
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 6
Mission News
From Darkness into Light
Twenty years ago, a former executive director of Lutheran Bible Transla-
tors traveled to Liberia for the dedication of the Krahn New Testament.
One afternoon he and three others accompanied a colleague from Jar-
wode, the village where they were staying, to the nearby village of
Gbarkeh, where the colleague planned to spend the night. After meeting
with the village elders and enjoying a meal together, the director and his
three friends began the walk back. But they didn’t really know the way
and the further they got from Gbarkeh, the darker it became. With no
streets or streetlights, road signs or GPS, they were not confident they would be able to keep to the trail
as they crossed through the countryside back to Jarwode.
With one small flashlight between them, they pressed on. As they crossed a dry, rocky streambed they
met up with a young boy who was also going to Jarwode—and knew the way. What a relief! Having a
guide made all the difference. The small group made their way out of the darkness back to the light and
security of the village.
Moving from spiritual darkness—living apart
from God—towards the light of Christ is the
experience of all who have come to faith. For
some of us, that happens at an early age. And
we usually have Christian parents and grand-
parents, pastors and teachers to guide us, with
an abundance of Biblical materials to study
along the way. For those without such re-
sources, coming to faith—and maintaining
and growing in faith—is much more difficult.
They are like that small group in Liberia, try-
ing to find their way in the dark, struggling to
keep to the path, unsure of their direction.
Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) serves in over 100 language communities, translating Scripture, pro-
moting literacy, and developing resources that allow people to interact with God’s Word in their own
languages. You can offer prayer support to missionaries, translation teams, and those still finding the
path to faith by subscribing to LBT’s monthly prayer calendar. Visit https://lbt.org/pray to sign up to
receive the calendar by email. To receive a printed copy, call 660-225-0810 and ask to sign up for the
printed version of the prayer calendar.
God’s blessings to you in this new year as we bring the Light to those in need of Christ’s love and
grace.
7 Preaching...Teaching...Reaching
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
13. Rolland Beerman
Cynthia (Paul) Heins
Justin Hemme 23. Jules Bobzin
1. Nancy Reinwald Blake Northen Lettie Brandt
2. Rebecca Brunkhorst Blair Sayre Mark Oehlschlaeger
Cheryl Inman 14. Kaitlin Horstman Beth Schlesselman
Gary Inman Jennifer Jones Sydney Wiles
Lia Meineka Ethan Strobel 25. Julie Boehmer
Matthew Werneke 15. Sarah Meineka Hannah Hoeppner
Ross & Lacey Fiene Mina Phillips Cameron Holsten
3. John Foster Judy Roepe Kendall Holsten
Isabella Haas 16. Cody Hass Krystal Inman
Wayne Myers Janna Hess Carol Mueller
Leah Simmons Gail Nierman Sarah Stilwell
Whitney Todd 17. Donald Dedeke 26. Kaden Kruse
4. Matthew Rudowske Melissa Heath Rebecca Schnackenberg
Jim & Jan Mills Larry Meineka Freya Stilwell
5. John C. Bobzin Mischeal Stauch Tim Wulser
Susan Foster Scarlet Stilwell 28. Deb Demel
6. Jaxson Butler 18. Joshua Bushman Tyler Frerking
Kylie Dittmer Esther Mehl Paul Tebbenkamp
Gary Martens Donald Phillips Stephen Wienberg
Dayton Schnakenberg Alan Riesterer 29. Rick Heimsoth
Benjamin Stumbaugh Victoria Strobel Kenneth Hemme
7. John T. Bobzin 19. Ronald Cordes Rebecca Lemmert
Barry Frerking Alic Frerking Christian Matisko
8. Gavin Kueck Tammy Schlueter
9. Elizabeth Frerking Jonah Lange Rick Stumbaugh
Mathew Heath Gina Martens 30. Vivian Harms
Madeleine Kuecker Luther Schmidt Gary Muehler
Karol Meyer 20. Erin Chrisman Todd Nierman
Mark Oetting Bailey Dunkin Jessy Otero
Paul Schnackenberg Trent Kuecker Carol Wilckens
David Schnakenberg Otto Urban 31. Susan Petty
Cully & Cathy Jobe Greg & Risa Bushman Jerry Werneke
10. Seth Harrington Edward & Kristina Strobel Amy Woods
Bill & Sandra Blankenship 21. Logan Estes
11. Steve Bishop Diane Heimsoth
Paul Brackman Nathanael Poppe
Jennifer Bredehoeft Kyle Schemmer
Caleb Hentges Robert & Phyllis Nuelle
Cathy Jobe 22. Spencer Brown
David Pfannkuch Elois Muehler
Beth Schemmer Mark Northen
John Schlesselman Kelly Rose
Edward Strobel Garth Stuenkel
Katelyn Stuenkel Jacob Wasson
12. Faith Anne Brown Rick & Sheree Heimsoth
Preaching...Teaching...Reaching 8
Serving this Month - January
Elders - Altar Guild - Linda Strobel;
Becky Haase; Rachel Lange
Sound System - 8:00am Dial-A-Devotion - Rev. Andrew
10:30am Lehenbauer
Ushers - Jeff Schlueter; Darl Fuhrmann;
Chris Wasson
8:00 AM - Randy Mahnken, Capt.; 10:30 AM - Ben Lange, Capt.;
Rusty McGinnis, Alan Vogelsmeier, Greg Schmidt, Andrew Oetting,
Jeffrey Heins, Roger Luedeman, Stan Kirchhoff, Greg Brown,
Kevin Hemme, Neal Hinck, Kyle Borgstadt, Aaron Frerking,
Kent Petty, Mark Schelp, Allan Hentges
Pat Inman, Mark Petersen,
Chris MaggertJanuary 2022 - Church Calendar
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
2 3 4 5 6 7 1
8 (C) & 10:30 Worship
Services
9:15am SS & Bible Study 12pm Womens Bible Study
9:30am GSCC Worship (PO)
8
7pm Ladies Aid #1 (PO)
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
8 & 10:30 (C) Worship
Services 10am Lifelight (PO) 9am Lifelight (PO)
9:15a, SS & Bible Study 12pm Womens Bible Study
9:30am GSCC Worship (PO)
7pm Worship
w/Communion 7pm 1912 Ladies Aid (PO)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
8 (C) & 10:30 Worship
9
Services 9am Lifelight (PO) 10am Lifelight (PO) 9am Lifelight (PO)
9:15am SS & Bible Study 12pm Womens Bible Study
9:30am GSCC Worship (PO)
7pm Mens Club (PO)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
8 & 10:30 (C) Worship
Services 9am Lifelight (PO) 10am Lifelight (PO) 9am Lifelight (PO)
9:15a, SS & Bible Study 12pm Womens Bible Study
9:30am GSCC Worship 1pm Orphan Grain Train (PO)
7pm Worship
w/Communion 7pm Elders
30 31
CC - Conference Center
8 & 10:30 Worship
Services 9am Lifelight (PO)
St. Paul’s Evangelical PO - Parish Office
Lutheran Church GSCC - Good Shepherd
9:15a, SS & Bible Study
Care Community
9:30am GSCC Worship 401 S. Main S.S. –Sunday School
Concordia, Missouri 64020 B.C. -Bible Class
Church Office: 463-2291 (C) - CommunionYou can also read
