From Pastor Ken
On Reformation Sunday, October 25 I spoke of Martin Luther and how God brought him from fear to freedom. Luther had pictured God as being distant and demanding, and wondered “How can I get right with God?”
That question was answered when he read Romans 3 where Paul says, “we are made right with God by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is Christ Jesus.” Finally, Luther realized that we are not saved by climbing up to God but by his coming down to save us in the cross of Christ. It’s all grace. All gift.
In the preface to his commentary on Romans, Luther pens theses powerful words: Faith is God’s work in us which changes us…
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God and his grace, so sure and certain that one would stake his life on it a
thousand times.
Because of it (God’s goodness we can trust) a person is ready to do good to everyone, serve everyone, and suffer
everything out of love and Praise to God.
In what ways does the Lord want to impact your life? How does he want to give you a servant heart?
Join me on Sundays, 9:30 AM for a Bible Study: Stewards of God’s Influence.
Didi Update
We are privileged to partner with the Panzo’s in their ministry to the Congo. Thank you for helping Didi and Serafina purchase a used vehicle. We are sending to them over $18,500. When Didi heard about it, he said “I cried”.
Other Updates
Worship: If you haven’t tuned into our online worship recently, tune in. We have improved our video and sound quality. Thank you to all who make it possible.
Thanksgiving : Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 25 for our Thanksgiving Eve service. Bring non-perishable food to be brought forward (safely) for our Black Forest Cares food pantry. Also, think of what you are thankful for during this unusual year.
Kirsten Regennitter Bush will share what she is thankful for even though she is a half a world away from her husband. Carson Bush, stationed in South Korea, will also join us online.
Call Process: You may wonder, ‘What’s taking so long?’ in finding an associate pastor who can train and lead us in
reaching out to our neighbors and community. Out of a dozen candidates, we considered 3 as good possibilities. 2 of these chose to stay in their present congregations and we are continuing our conversation with the third. COVID has restricted travel and has slowed the process. We continue to be open to applicants and are confident in God’s leading.
‘Unveiled’: The North American Lutheran Church is holding an online mission event on Nov. 4-6. Tune in to hear Greg Finke (author of Joining Jesus on his Mission) as well as Gemechis Buba and others. Please register for this free event at: Unveiled
Pastor Ken
QUILT DRAWING
“Although we will not be able to have a Ladies Christmas Tea this year, we will still offer a handmade quilt (made by the Quilter’s Group) to be won in a drawing. Beginning November 1 through November 22, anyone may purchase a ticket for $1.00 and receive a pencil, tea bag and cookie. A drawing to determine the winner of the quilt will be held in early December. Also, our handmade plush dogs are available for purchase for $12.00 and along with your dog you will get 5 tickets, tea bag and cookie. Stop by one of our tables to see the quilt and get your ticket between church services. We will be social distancing in the Fellowship Hall.”
Youth and Family Ministries
Greetings all, Jacob here. Although we are still technically in the Fall season it is beginning to feel more and more like winter has already arrived! We’ve certainly been busy around here and I am excited to share some things that have been going on in the realm of youth and family ministries. Confirmation class continues to go well as we have now met for multiple sessions.
I know both the students and teachers have enjoyed the Fall break but I always look forward seeing the students and having class together in person. We also had the opportunity to have our Confirmation Sunday on the 18th in which we confirmed the students who have met the criteria. I want to say congratulations to those whose hard work and dedication has paid off and I look forward to seeing what God has in store.
We also had the opportunity to have our annual Family Pumpkin carving here at the church on Saturday the 24th. It was a great time of fun and fellowship (at a distance) with over 15 families represented. It was a blast having the opportunity to share in some laughs as we all attempted to carve overgrown orange vegetables together! We will be putting some of the pictures on our website so be on the lookout for those.
As for other fun events we have a few that are coming up in the month of November. We are looking at having a
ceramic painting night with our more artsy teens and young adults. This event will be sometime in late November and will give the students an opportunity to show off their artistic skills in painting! I am also looking into the potential of doing more sports nights and capture the flag as well as a table tennis tournament for the youth. Included in these events are games, activities, and lesson plans for the coming months which I am looking forward to being a part of. As always If you are wanting to volunteer or help out with any of these events feel free to reach out to me and we’ll see how we can get you plugged in!
We have also begun offering different Sunday programs. This includes providing a nursery space for parents with young children, wiggle worship, and Sunday school classes. Sunday school is offered at 9:30 and Wiggle worship will be offered after the children’s message at the 10:30 service.
I was reminded this last week of just how great it is to be a part of a loving church community. Regardless of where you find yourself during these times of the unknown you have a place and a people here at Black Forest Lutheran Church.
For His Glory,
Jacob Oglesby
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