That's not Santa up on the roof of the church. Trustee Roy Urbanec is up looking for a leak in the church roof, with Randy Reinke running equipment from below.
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Monday, December 14, 2015
Monday, May 26, 2014
Charlie Brown and Memorial Day
Pastor Kuhfal gave the Address at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day
Pastor Kuhfal's Address:
When you think of Halloween and Christmas something that everyone can relate to is Charlie Brown. Who can forget “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin.” But Charlie Brown and Memorial Day? Perhaps you might think of Snoopy and the Red Baron and their airplane battles. But I am thinking of another Charlie Brown, not the Charles Schulz cartoon character, but Charlie Brown the American WWII B-17 Bomber pilot. It’s a story you will not forget.
The story starts with Franz Stigler a German who came from a family of pilots. However, Stigler started to study to be a priest. However, soon his love for flying took over and he decided to become an airline pilot. The war started and he was forced into the military as a pilot. Stigler wasn't just any fighter pilot. He was an ace. One more kill and he would win the Knight's Cross, German's highest award for valor. Five days before Christmas in 1943 he was refueling on the runway in Bremen when he heard a low flying bomber. He immediately dropped what he was doing to get that final kill and exact revenge upon the enemies who had killed his brother, who also was a fighter pilot.
Up in the skies was American bomber pilot Charlie Brown, who had no clue he had just flew over a disguised German airfield. Charlie Brown was happy to be alive. It was Brown’s first bombing mission. Halfway through the bomb run the flak was heavy and hit at least three of the squadrons planes. Both his number two and number four engines were badly damaged. He described it as taking your foot off the gas pedal in a car, the plane slowed and could not keep up with the squad. Eight German fighters suddenly appeared and began to attack.
On Charlie Brown’s plane, one was dead, and four others injured, including Charlie Brown with a bullet fragment in his right shoulder. The oxygen system had been shot out and he had been inverted. He says, “I either spiraled or spun and came out of the spin just above the ground. My only conscience memory was of dodging trees but I had nightmares for years and years about dodging buildings and then trees. I think the Germans thought that we had spun in and crashed.”
Many Americans throughout our history have suffered the fate of giving the ultimate to their country -- their life. That is why we gather here today -- to remember and never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom. Some of them are family members, friends and loved ones of you who are gathered here. Perhaps they were very close to you. Perhaps you have heard their stories passed down through the years. Many were lives taken in their prime -- a loss never to be forgotten. Jesus, who in the greatest sacrifice gave His life to pay the price of the sins of the world, understood such a sacrifice. That is why He said, “13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus didn’t just speak such words, He also lived them out. He had that love and died upon the cross not just for Americans, but for the sins of the world.
A different cross was on Franz Stigler’s mind as he too off in his German Messersmith fighter plane - the Knights Cross and revenge. He easily caught up to Charlie Brown’s B-17 and was surprised not to be taking fire. He flew about 500 feet above the enemy aircraft, trying to decide the best way to finish it off. “I thought I would do it the classic way, from the rear,” remembers Stigler. “So, I flew above and to the rear of the airplane, about 200 feet. I wanted to give his tail-gunner a chance to lift the guns, to point the guns at me. The guns were hanging down.” The guns never rose to take aim at Stigler. Flying within 20 feet, he was able to find out the reason. “I saw his gunner lying in the back profusely bleeding…”
Charlie Brown’s rear gunner is one of those that we remember today on Memorial Day -- those who sacrificed their lives for us. There are many of them. Nameless, but we dare not forget them collectively -- fallen American warriors. They answered the call to serve their country, willing to pay the price, ending in sacrifice. As Americans we don’t glory in war, nor the shedding of blood, for life is precious. We are a country founded upon the principle that God created life and life is sacred. Our nations first document, the Declaration of Independence, states it this way: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Because this Christian influence, America fights differently: protecting civilians, treating prisoners with dignity, and following the Geneva Convention. Because life is sacred, we also gather to remember those who gave their life, like the nameless gunner on Charlie Brown’s B-17. Yet, that nameless gunner’s death might have saved the rest of the crew.
Franz Stigler said, “I saw his gunner lying in the back profusely bleeding….. so, I couldn’t shoot.” Franz also had been taught the value of life. In pilot training, his commanding officer, Gustav Rödel, during his time fighting in North Africa once told him – “You are fighter pilots first, last, always. If I ever hear of any of you shooting at someone in a parachute, I'll shoot you myself." Franz Stigler later commented, "To me, it was just like they were in a parachute. I saw them and I couldn't shoot them down." Franz pulled up beside Charlie Brown’s B-17.
It was then that Charlie Brown glanced out the cockpit and saw the Messerschmitt fighter hovering 3 feet off their wingtip. Brown blinked hard and looked again, hoping it was just a mirage. But his co-pilot stared at the same horrible vision. "My God, this is a nightmare," the co-pilot said. Charlie Brown agreed, "He's going to destroy us." But when Brown and his co-pilot, Spencer "Pinky" Luke, looked at the fighter pilot again, something odd happened. The German didn't pull the trigger. He nodded at Brown instead.
Twice, Stigler tried to get Brown to land his plane at a German airfield and surrender, or divert to nearby neutral Sweden, where he and his crew would receive medical treatment but be interned and sit out the remainder of the war. Brown and the crew of the B-17 didn't understand what Stigler was trying to mouth and gesture to them and flew on. Stigler then flew near Brown's plane, escorting the damaged B-17 over the heavily defended North Sea coast until they reached open water and departed with a salute. Stigler's escort prevented the B-17 from being shot at by German anti-aircraft batteries as they flew towards the coast.
In 1986, the then-retired Colonel Brown was asked to speak at a combat pilot reunion event called "Gathering of the Eagles." Someone asked him if he had any memorable missions during World War II; Brown thought for a minute and recalled the story of Stigler's escort and salute. Afterwards, Brown decided he should try to find the unknown German pilot. After four years of searching vainly, Brown hadn't come up with much. He then wrote a letter to a combat pilot association newsletter. A few months later, Brown received a letter from Stigler, who was living in Canada. "I was the one", it said. When they spoke on the phone, Stigler described his plane, the escort and salute confirming everything Brown needed to hear to know he was the German fighter pilot involved in the incident. Between 1990 and 2008, Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler became close friends and remained so until their deaths within several months of each other in 2008.
Today we gather to salute those who bore the uniform of our country and gave their lives -- in thanksgiving and remembrance of their sacrifice.
Pastor Kuhfal's Address:
When you think of Halloween and Christmas something that everyone can relate to is Charlie Brown. Who can forget “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin.” But Charlie Brown and Memorial Day? Perhaps you might think of Snoopy and the Red Baron and their airplane battles. But I am thinking of another Charlie Brown, not the Charles Schulz cartoon character, but Charlie Brown the American WWII B-17 Bomber pilot. It’s a story you will not forget.
The story starts with Franz Stigler a German who came from a family of pilots. However, Stigler started to study to be a priest. However, soon his love for flying took over and he decided to become an airline pilot. The war started and he was forced into the military as a pilot. Stigler wasn't just any fighter pilot. He was an ace. One more kill and he would win the Knight's Cross, German's highest award for valor. Five days before Christmas in 1943 he was refueling on the runway in Bremen when he heard a low flying bomber. He immediately dropped what he was doing to get that final kill and exact revenge upon the enemies who had killed his brother, who also was a fighter pilot.
Up in the skies was American bomber pilot Charlie Brown, who had no clue he had just flew over a disguised German airfield. Charlie Brown was happy to be alive. It was Brown’s first bombing mission. Halfway through the bomb run the flak was heavy and hit at least three of the squadrons planes. Both his number two and number four engines were badly damaged. He described it as taking your foot off the gas pedal in a car, the plane slowed and could not keep up with the squad. Eight German fighters suddenly appeared and began to attack.
On Charlie Brown’s plane, one was dead, and four others injured, including Charlie Brown with a bullet fragment in his right shoulder. The oxygen system had been shot out and he had been inverted. He says, “I either spiraled or spun and came out of the spin just above the ground. My only conscience memory was of dodging trees but I had nightmares for years and years about dodging buildings and then trees. I think the Germans thought that we had spun in and crashed.”
Many Americans throughout our history have suffered the fate of giving the ultimate to their country -- their life. That is why we gather here today -- to remember and never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom. Some of them are family members, friends and loved ones of you who are gathered here. Perhaps they were very close to you. Perhaps you have heard their stories passed down through the years. Many were lives taken in their prime -- a loss never to be forgotten. Jesus, who in the greatest sacrifice gave His life to pay the price of the sins of the world, understood such a sacrifice. That is why He said, “13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus didn’t just speak such words, He also lived them out. He had that love and died upon the cross not just for Americans, but for the sins of the world.
A different cross was on Franz Stigler’s mind as he too off in his German Messersmith fighter plane - the Knights Cross and revenge. He easily caught up to Charlie Brown’s B-17 and was surprised not to be taking fire. He flew about 500 feet above the enemy aircraft, trying to decide the best way to finish it off. “I thought I would do it the classic way, from the rear,” remembers Stigler. “So, I flew above and to the rear of the airplane, about 200 feet. I wanted to give his tail-gunner a chance to lift the guns, to point the guns at me. The guns were hanging down.” The guns never rose to take aim at Stigler. Flying within 20 feet, he was able to find out the reason. “I saw his gunner lying in the back profusely bleeding…”
Charlie Brown’s rear gunner is one of those that we remember today on Memorial Day -- those who sacrificed their lives for us. There are many of them. Nameless, but we dare not forget them collectively -- fallen American warriors. They answered the call to serve their country, willing to pay the price, ending in sacrifice. As Americans we don’t glory in war, nor the shedding of blood, for life is precious. We are a country founded upon the principle that God created life and life is sacred. Our nations first document, the Declaration of Independence, states it this way: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Because this Christian influence, America fights differently: protecting civilians, treating prisoners with dignity, and following the Geneva Convention. Because life is sacred, we also gather to remember those who gave their life, like the nameless gunner on Charlie Brown’s B-17. Yet, that nameless gunner’s death might have saved the rest of the crew.
Franz Stigler said, “I saw his gunner lying in the back profusely bleeding….. so, I couldn’t shoot.” Franz also had been taught the value of life. In pilot training, his commanding officer, Gustav Rödel, during his time fighting in North Africa once told him – “You are fighter pilots first, last, always. If I ever hear of any of you shooting at someone in a parachute, I'll shoot you myself." Franz Stigler later commented, "To me, it was just like they were in a parachute. I saw them and I couldn't shoot them down." Franz pulled up beside Charlie Brown’s B-17.
It was then that Charlie Brown glanced out the cockpit and saw the Messerschmitt fighter hovering 3 feet off their wingtip. Brown blinked hard and looked again, hoping it was just a mirage. But his co-pilot stared at the same horrible vision. "My God, this is a nightmare," the co-pilot said. Charlie Brown agreed, "He's going to destroy us." But when Brown and his co-pilot, Spencer "Pinky" Luke, looked at the fighter pilot again, something odd happened. The German didn't pull the trigger. He nodded at Brown instead.
Twice, Stigler tried to get Brown to land his plane at a German airfield and surrender, or divert to nearby neutral Sweden, where he and his crew would receive medical treatment but be interned and sit out the remainder of the war. Brown and the crew of the B-17 didn't understand what Stigler was trying to mouth and gesture to them and flew on. Stigler then flew near Brown's plane, escorting the damaged B-17 over the heavily defended North Sea coast until they reached open water and departed with a salute. Stigler's escort prevented the B-17 from being shot at by German anti-aircraft batteries as they flew towards the coast.
In 1986, the then-retired Colonel Brown was asked to speak at a combat pilot reunion event called "Gathering of the Eagles." Someone asked him if he had any memorable missions during World War II; Brown thought for a minute and recalled the story of Stigler's escort and salute. Afterwards, Brown decided he should try to find the unknown German pilot. After four years of searching vainly, Brown hadn't come up with much. He then wrote a letter to a combat pilot association newsletter. A few months later, Brown received a letter from Stigler, who was living in Canada. "I was the one", it said. When they spoke on the phone, Stigler described his plane, the escort and salute confirming everything Brown needed to hear to know he was the German fighter pilot involved in the incident. Between 1990 and 2008, Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler became close friends and remained so until their deaths within several months of each other in 2008.
Today we gather to salute those who bore the uniform of our country and gave their lives -- in thanksgiving and remembrance of their sacrifice.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
The Movie “Noah”
A new “biblically based” movie is scheduled for release March 28: “Noah” starring Russell Crowe as Noah. When such religious movies come out people often ask me about them. Viewing the trailer and promotional videos for the movie peaked my interest, for it looks very interesting. As I write this the movie has not been released, so I have not seen the movie. However, the reviews leading up to this movie have been mixed. Even the Pope has gotten in on the action, refusing to have an audience with Russell Crowe who plays Noah. Muslims, who share a version of the story of Noah have banned Muslims from seeing the movie, because it depicts the “prophet Noah.” Before reading on, and especially before going to this movie, please read the Biblical account of Noah in Genesis chapters 6-9.
The Filmmaker
The movie is directed by Darren Aronofsy [known for Requiem for a Dream (2000), Pi (1998), The Fountain (2006), and Black Swan (2010)]. I find it interesting that he was chosen or chose to do such a movie for he has described himself as an atheist. In one interview he said, “...I'm Godless. And so I've had to make my God, and my God is narrative filmmaking…” In another interview on his movie The Fountain he said: “I think the themes of The Fountain, about this endless cycle of energy and matter, tracing back to the Big Bang... The Big Bang happened, and all this star matter turned into stars, and stars turned into planets, and planets turned into life. We’re all just borrowing this matter and energy for a little bit, while we’re here, until it goes back into everything else, and that connects us all. The cynics out there laugh at this crap, but it’s true. [Laughs] The messed up thing is how distracted we are and disconnected from that connection, and the result of it is what we’re doing to this planet and to ourselves. We’re just completely killing each other and killing the planet, and it’s a state of emergency right now, I think. All of my charity work has always been about the environment. There are 15,000 species on the endangered species list.” These two quotes ought to give the Christian who believes in “God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth” pause. Can one who denies the faith, direct a faithful rendition of the Biblical account?
The Controversy
The United Kingdom newspaper The Telegraph ran an article on the movie with the headline: “Noah Epic Awash in Flood of Controversy for Green Agenda and Taking Liberties with Bible.” That headline points out the two major criticisms of the movie (1) the Green (environmentalist) depiction of the story, and (2) the liberties it takes with the story. Let’s look a little deeper at each of these in reverse order.
First, the liberties taken. In a movie a movie that takes over two hours and covers a mere 3 chapters in the Bible, liberties have to be taken. The three chapters can’t and don’t tell the whole story. In fact, when you examine the three chapters of the Genesis account there are only two who speak -- God and Moses (who narrates the account as the writer of Genesis). Noah, his wife, his son’s, his daughter’s in law, and the people do not say a word. Therefore any words in the movie other than God or a narrator have to be made up. You couldn’t produce a movie without having Noah and his family speak. Therefore, know in advance that whatever words are spoken in the movie (other than God’s, if Aronofsky uses the Bible’s words) are made up by Aronofsky himself (who is not a Christian). The viewer should be warned. From what I have read in the media, there is much in the movie that will cause you to scratch your head, wondering “where did that come from?” In an effort to smooth over early Christian reviewers concerns, Paramont Pictures agreed to add the following to all publicity of the movie:
"The film is inspired by the story of Noah.
While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.
The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis."
Second, let us examine the movie’s environmental agenda. In one movie trailer online, there is a discussion of Noah in his tent telling his family about the upcoming flood (such a conversation is not recorded in the Bible). The conversation goes like this:
Noah: “Our family has been chosen for a great task - to save the innocent.”
Noah’s older son: “The innocent?”
Noah: “The animals.”
Noah’s older son: “Why are they innocent?”
Noah’s younger son: “Because they still live as they did in the Garden.”
Noah: “Yes. We will need to save enough of them to start again.”
Noah’s older son: “But what of us?”
Noah: “I guess we get to start again too. A new and better world. But first, we have to build.”
Here you can clearly see both liberties taken and the environmentalism of the Aronofsky. According to Aronofsky the chief reason for building the ark was to save the innocent animals. The animals are seen as higher than man. In the Bible, God’s chief concern is man. God created man in His image. Man fell in sin. Mankind became increasingly wicked. God sought to destroy mankind and start over with Noah and his family. The Bible clearly states the reason for the flood, “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:5–7)
The reason God saved Noah is then stated in the next verses, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 … Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:8-9) The writer the Hebrews explains this further saying, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7) Noah was not perfect (which the movie will portray, read Genesis 9:18ff). He was a sinner just like all the rest of us. Where Noah was different is he believed in God, he had faith. By faith -- trust in God -- Noah was accounted righteous and blameless, just as all who believe in Jesus Christ today. That faith is seen in Noah’s actions in the book of Genesis. While Noah never speaks in the Genesis account, we learn much from him. He walked with God in faith, just as Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8) and Enoch (Genesis 5:22, 24). Noah feared and loved God. Noah’s faith was seen in his actions. At the end of chapter 6 where God gives Noah the instructions, we are told, “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” (Genesis 6:22). In Genesis 7:5 we are told, “And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.” (as well as 7:9) The first thing that Noah does when he exits the ark is to build an an altar and offer a sacrifice to God in thanksgiving (as Abel in Genesis 4). Noah follows God’s commands. Noah walks with God. Noah has faith, unlike all the rest of mankind. It was God’s intent to save righteous Noah and his household (Hebrews 11:7) as He condemned the rest of mankind in the Flood.
Why the animals on the ark? The animals were saved for the sake of Noah, his family, and the future of mankind. Man was the final crown of God’s creation originally made in the image of God. It wasn’t until God created man that He said “very good.” (Genesis 1:31) Man was made to rule the animal and care for them (Genesis 1:28). Some reports suggest that in the movie Noah thinks of eliminating mankind, so that the peaceful innocent animals can live together.
Reaction
So, would I encourage you to see “Noah”? I would not encourage children seeing the movie. There is just too much that can be misunderstood. If you do take your children, much teaching needs to take place before and after the movie. If you decide to see the movie and have questions, please feel free to ask me. I love answering questions.
The account of Noah is much more than what people usually think - Noah saving the nice animals. Rather the account is of God’s judgment and grace.
This movie can be a teaching point for much discussion that you might have with those who you would see it with (especially if you were with a non-Christian). God’s judgment plays a major role in the Biblical account of Noah. God’s judgment is a theme that does not get much attention today. God has and will punish evil (because of man’s wickedness He destroyed all mankind with the flood). God will stand as judge at the end of time. Those who do not believe in Him will go to hell. The account of Noah is not just a made up story, it actually happened.
The account of Noah is also an account about grace. Like Noah, each of us also are sinful and deserving of God’s judgment. But, God has told us that those who trust in Him and His grace will be forgiven. When God, in grace, gave Noah a way through the flood, Noah trusted God. God Himself tells us that in Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” God’s grace extended to Noah and Noah’s faith in that grace, brought Noah into the ark. The same waters that destroyed the world, saved believing Noah with the ark of God’s grace.
Martin Luther saw the wonderful parallel of Noah and Baptism. He wrote a prayer (often called the “Flood Prayer”) that we still use in our Baptisms today that bring out this association. It goes like this:
Almighty and eternal God, according to Your strict judgment You condemned the unbelieving world through the flood, yet according to Your great mercy You preserved believing Noah and his family, eight souls in all….We pray that You would behold name(s) according to Your boundless mercy and bless him/her/them with true faith by the Holy Spirit, that through this saving flood all sin in him/her/them, which has been inherited from Adam and which he himself/she herself/they themselves has/have committed since, would be drowned and die. Grant that he/she/they be kept safe and secure in the holy ark of the Christian Church, being separated from the multitude of unbelievers…” (Lutheran Service Book, pages 268-269)
One article I read had the following advice
Compare everything you read, hear, or see with the Word of God. Be like the Jews in Berea who were praised by Luke for comparing Paul’s teachings to Scripture on a daily basis (Acts 17:11).
For the truth about Noah, read the following passages of the Bible:
The historical account of the Noah, the Ark, and the Flood: Genesis 5:28–9:29
Other details about Noah’s character: Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Hebrews 11:7
Other details about the time in which he lived: Matthew 24:37–38; Luke 17:26–27; 2 Peter 2:5
I hope this gives you some fact about the movie to make an informed decision on whether to see it and helps prepare you if you do decide to see Noah. To find out more about the movie Noah you can check out the following links:
For a neat future reconstruction of Noah’s Ark and articles on it see:
Friday, January 24, 2014
Seattle's Richard Sherman: Pass Coverage and Covering Sins
I found this wonderful article by Rev Mark Buetow over at Higher Things. It is a great example of how we as Christians can use current events to talk about Christ. Many people will be watching the Super Bowl. Richard Sherman's actions very well will be mentioned. What an awesome opportunity for you to use the discussion to talk about Jesus and His coverage.
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way [alternately: put the best construction on everything]. - The Small Catechism, Eighth Commandment
I'm not much of a sports fan. I don't really have an interest in who winds up in the Super Bowl, though I'll watch it in order to see funny commercials and eat gobs of junk food. But I follow enough news and social media to have heard about Richard Sherman and heard the clip of his post game comments after Seattle beat the 49ers yesterday. The guy was amped up on adrenaline after a play that shut down San Francisco and secured the Seahawks' place in the Super Bowl. Reaction was fast and furious about how he could be so rude, so mean, so unprofessional, etc. Sherman was vilified for comments which may seem harsh in and of themselves but in the context of a post-game adrenaline rush and on-field chaos seem pretty tame. It's a good illustration of just how bad we are at covering people's sins.
How often do you hear people say or say yourself, "I can't believe they did...!" or "Did you hear what so-and-so just said or did?" or "There's no excuse for behavior like that!" When we see someone sin, it is the easiest thing in the world to blab it all around to everyone else. It's easy to accuse and condemn and judge because someone said or did something that is clearly out of bounds, over the top, excessive, and bad. And it may well be that what a person says or does is bad. But what are we supposed to do about it? "Explain everything in the kindest way." It's no secret that reporters are looking for the juicy story, the scandal-laden report. The opportunity to bring down a person's reputation and expose hypocrisy is something we like to look for because it makes us feel important at the expense of others. But Christian love compels us to to do otherwise. Being forgiven and being a new creation in Christ teaches us not to instantly go for the jugular when someone says or does something we could point out and for which we could judge them. Rather, as Christ has forgiven us, so we forgive others and when they say and do something that is embarrassing or even shocking, we overlook it and keep from making an issue out of it.
Consider how Christ deals with us. Over and over we give the Lord reasons to condemn, judge, and cast us into Hell. But He can't. He won't. Because He's covered it. In fact, if the devil were to say about you, "Look at His sin!" Jesus' reply would be, "No, it's My sin. I took it. Deal with me." It's like the story in the book of Genesis when Noah was drunk and laying around naked after the Flood (Genesis 9). His son Ham saw it and went and told his brothers. Perhaps he was mocking Dad or just pointing it out to shame him. Either way, Noah's other two sons, Shem and Japheth, took a blanket, and walked backwards, covering up their naked dad. They covered Noah's nakedness. In the same way, Jesus, by taking our place on Calvary, covers our sin with His righteousness. He gives no one any occasion to accuse us, for He has taken way our sin and made it His own. No one can say anything to God against you because of your sins because He won't hear it.
Likewise, as Christians, we don't learn the Commandments so we can point out other people's sins. Rather, the Spirit teaches us the Law of love in Christ which says, "Well, maybe Richard Sherman was just excited after that intense game." "Maybe mom has a lot on her mind." "Maybe my friend just had an off day." If that sounds like making excuses, well, maybe so, but it's doing the hard work of forgiving and not treating another person as their sins might deserve. That's how the Lord deals with us and that's how the Spirit teaches us to deal with others. And yes, we can be very bad at that. So we are grateful when our pastors and other Christians teach us by the Word and by examples in our own lives, of what it means to forgiven and overlook our sins.
The media makes us quick to judge others and social media makes our judgments almost instantaneous. It's easy to see the faults of others and magnify and broadcast them, to make ourselves look good or to feel better about ourselves. Except the very condemnation we might bring against another person could come back to us too, for our own faults and transgressions! But Christ has set us free from the Law's condemnation. That means, in part, that we learn in our lives as Christians how to put up with, overlooked, and cover the sins of others. Whether it's a famous football player or just an average person you deal with every day, their faults, mistakes, and goofs are always an opportunity for us to remember the love God has for us in Christ and to demonstrate that same patience and kindness of not rubbing it in their face or tossing it out for the attention hounds to go after. Instead, we "walk backwards" and "cover their nakedness" exposing not their sin but exposing them the same forgiveness we rejoice to receive always from Jesus.
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way [alternately: put the best construction on everything]. - The Small Catechism, Eighth Commandment
I'm not much of a sports fan. I don't really have an interest in who winds up in the Super Bowl, though I'll watch it in order to see funny commercials and eat gobs of junk food. But I follow enough news and social media to have heard about Richard Sherman and heard the clip of his post game comments after Seattle beat the 49ers yesterday. The guy was amped up on adrenaline after a play that shut down San Francisco and secured the Seahawks' place in the Super Bowl. Reaction was fast and furious about how he could be so rude, so mean, so unprofessional, etc. Sherman was vilified for comments which may seem harsh in and of themselves but in the context of a post-game adrenaline rush and on-field chaos seem pretty tame. It's a good illustration of just how bad we are at covering people's sins.
How often do you hear people say or say yourself, "I can't believe they did...!" or "Did you hear what so-and-so just said or did?" or "There's no excuse for behavior like that!" When we see someone sin, it is the easiest thing in the world to blab it all around to everyone else. It's easy to accuse and condemn and judge because someone said or did something that is clearly out of bounds, over the top, excessive, and bad. And it may well be that what a person says or does is bad. But what are we supposed to do about it? "Explain everything in the kindest way." It's no secret that reporters are looking for the juicy story, the scandal-laden report. The opportunity to bring down a person's reputation and expose hypocrisy is something we like to look for because it makes us feel important at the expense of others. But Christian love compels us to to do otherwise. Being forgiven and being a new creation in Christ teaches us not to instantly go for the jugular when someone says or does something we could point out and for which we could judge them. Rather, as Christ has forgiven us, so we forgive others and when they say and do something that is embarrassing or even shocking, we overlook it and keep from making an issue out of it.
Consider how Christ deals with us. Over and over we give the Lord reasons to condemn, judge, and cast us into Hell. But He can't. He won't. Because He's covered it. In fact, if the devil were to say about you, "Look at His sin!" Jesus' reply would be, "No, it's My sin. I took it. Deal with me." It's like the story in the book of Genesis when Noah was drunk and laying around naked after the Flood (Genesis 9). His son Ham saw it and went and told his brothers. Perhaps he was mocking Dad or just pointing it out to shame him. Either way, Noah's other two sons, Shem and Japheth, took a blanket, and walked backwards, covering up their naked dad. They covered Noah's nakedness. In the same way, Jesus, by taking our place on Calvary, covers our sin with His righteousness. He gives no one any occasion to accuse us, for He has taken way our sin and made it His own. No one can say anything to God against you because of your sins because He won't hear it.
Likewise, as Christians, we don't learn the Commandments so we can point out other people's sins. Rather, the Spirit teaches us the Law of love in Christ which says, "Well, maybe Richard Sherman was just excited after that intense game." "Maybe mom has a lot on her mind." "Maybe my friend just had an off day." If that sounds like making excuses, well, maybe so, but it's doing the hard work of forgiving and not treating another person as their sins might deserve. That's how the Lord deals with us and that's how the Spirit teaches us to deal with others. And yes, we can be very bad at that. So we are grateful when our pastors and other Christians teach us by the Word and by examples in our own lives, of what it means to forgiven and overlook our sins.
The media makes us quick to judge others and social media makes our judgments almost instantaneous. It's easy to see the faults of others and magnify and broadcast them, to make ourselves look good or to feel better about ourselves. Except the very condemnation we might bring against another person could come back to us too, for our own faults and transgressions! But Christ has set us free from the Law's condemnation. That means, in part, that we learn in our lives as Christians how to put up with, overlooked, and cover the sins of others. Whether it's a famous football player or just an average person you deal with every day, their faults, mistakes, and goofs are always an opportunity for us to remember the love God has for us in Christ and to demonstrate that same patience and kindness of not rubbing it in their face or tossing it out for the attention hounds to go after. Instead, we "walk backwards" and "cover their nakedness" exposing not their sin but exposing them the same forgiveness we rejoice to receive always from Jesus.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
I found the picture and quote below on another Lutheran blog and thought it was very well written. The quote is from Past Wil Weedon (LCMS) director of Worship and International Center chaplain.
“If I decided one Sunday just to skip Church that week, do you think anyone would notice? Ah, you say, but you’re the pastor. Yes, they’d notice. I agree. They would. But it also makes a difference when YOU decide to skip Church this Sunday.
“Each Sunday is a gathering of the family – and when a beloved family member doesn’t show up for the family gathering and meal at Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving, there’s a hole, a gap, a pain that everyone feels. We’re all the less for that person not being with us to revel in the celebration of that day. Their absence diminishes the joy of the family. So when you choose to skip on Sunday, when you don’t come together with your church family to join in offering the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and to receive the gifts your Lord has for you, it’s not just you that miss out. Your extended family – the Church – misses out. They are diminished by your decision to absent yourself. The singing is that much quieter. The “amens” that much softer. The spot where you usually sit and stand reminds us all of your absence.
“Surely old Neuhaus was dead right on this: Christian discipleship should begin with a very simple commitment that any given Lord’s Day will find you in the assembly of God’s people, singing His praise, offering your prayers, receiving His gifts. The *only* reasons for missing is because you’re too sick to be present or because you’re away traveling – and even in the later case, blessed are you if you find the family gathered in that location and join with them.”
“Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
“If I decided one Sunday just to skip Church that week, do you think anyone would notice? Ah, you say, but you’re the pastor. Yes, they’d notice. I agree. They would. But it also makes a difference when YOU decide to skip Church this Sunday.
“Each Sunday is a gathering of the family – and when a beloved family member doesn’t show up for the family gathering and meal at Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving, there’s a hole, a gap, a pain that everyone feels. We’re all the less for that person not being with us to revel in the celebration of that day. Their absence diminishes the joy of the family. So when you choose to skip on Sunday, when you don’t come together with your church family to join in offering the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and to receive the gifts your Lord has for you, it’s not just you that miss out. Your extended family – the Church – misses out. They are diminished by your decision to absent yourself. The singing is that much quieter. The “amens” that much softer. The spot where you usually sit and stand reminds us all of your absence.
“Surely old Neuhaus was dead right on this: Christian discipleship should begin with a very simple commitment that any given Lord’s Day will find you in the assembly of God’s people, singing His praise, offering your prayers, receiving His gifts. The *only* reasons for missing is because you’re too sick to be present or because you’re away traveling – and even in the later case, blessed are you if you find the family gathered in that location and join with them.”
“Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
Monday, January 28, 2013
Soup Supper
Here are some pictures taken by Dennis Schwager of the 2013 Soup Supper.
Thanks to all who helped make it so successful, especially Brian and Teresa who organized everything.
Thanks to all who helped make it so successful, especially Brian and Teresa who organized everything.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Art and Religion and Grace Lutheran
Seth Boggs and son Ethan
The LCMS National Youth Gathering identity mark is a design treatment of the theme, Live Love(d) and incorporates a distinctive cross that will help tell the story of the theme. Seth Boggs, a graphic designer and art instructor at Concordia University Nebraska, designed the mark. Seth Boggs is a former member of Grace Lutheran and son of Tom and Lorna Boggs. He painted the mural of Jesus and the children at the bottom of the steps of the church basement.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Sports Parenting
Now Baseball and Softball season is in full swing. I haven't coached in a number of years. Walking by practices and attending games brings back many wonderful memories of my girls playing and me coaching. Looking back, I am embarrassed by my intense enthusiasm for my teams as a coach and parent, sometimes I just couldn't keep my mouth shut.
My favorite professional baseball team is the St Louis Cardinals. Since I can't get the games on television, but can get the postgame show, I watch almost every postgame show to keep up on the Cardinals. This year they have a new coach Mike Matheny. I recently found this letter by him to parents of the little league team that he coached. I wish I had this letter when I was a coach. I certainly could have used it as a parent. While it is a little long, I think you will enjoy it.
Pastor Kuhfal
St Louis Cardinal's Coach Mike Matheny
Letter from Mike Matheny.....
I always said that the only team that I would coach would be a team of orphans, and now here we are. The reason for me saying this is that I have found the biggest problem with youth sports has been the parents. I think that it is best to nip this in the bud right off the bat. I think the concept that I am asking all of you to grab is that this experience is ALL about the boys. If there is anything about it that includes you, we need to make a change of plans. My main goals are as follows:
(1) to teach these young men how to play the game of baseball the right way,
(2) to be a positive impact on them as young men, and
(3) do all of this with class.
We may not win every game, but we will be the classiest coaches, players, and parents in every game we play. The boys are going to play with a respect for their teammates, opposition, and the umpires no matter what.
With that being said, I need to let you know where I stand. I have no hidden agenda. I have no ulterior motive other than what I said about my goals. I also need all of you to know that my priorities in life will most likely be a part of how I coach, and the expectations I have for the boys. My Christian faith is the guide for my life and I have never been one for forcing my faith down someone's throat, but I also believe it to be cowardly, and hypocritical to shy away from what I believe. You as parents need to know for yourselves and for your boys, that when the opportunity presents itself, I will be honest with what I believe. That may make some people uncomfortable, but I did that as a player, and I hope to continue it in any endeavor that I get into. I am just trying to get as many potential issues out in the open from the beginning. I believe that the biggest role of the parent is to be a silent source of encouragement. I think if you ask most boys what they would want their parents to do during the game; they would say "NOTHING". Once again, this is ALL about the boys. I believe that a little league parent feels that they must participate with loud cheering and "Come on, let's go, you can do it", which just adds more pressure to the kids. I will be putting plenty of pressure on these boys to play the game the right way with class, and respect, and they will put too much pressure on themselves and each other already. You as parents need to be the silent, constant, source of support.
Let the record stand right now that we will not have good umpiring. This is a fact, and the sooner we all understand that, the better off we will be. We will have balls that bounce in the dirt that will be called strikes, and we will have balls over our heads that will be called strikes. Likewise, the opposite will happen with the strike zone while we are pitching. The boys will not be allowed at any time to show any emotion against the umpire. They will not shake their head, or pout, or say anything to the umpire. This is my job, and I will do it well. I once got paid to handle those guys, and I will let them know when they need to hear something. I am really doing all of you parents a favor that you probably don't realize at this point. I have taken out any work at all for you except to get them there on time, and enjoy. The thing that these boys need to hear is that you enjoyed watching them and you hope that they had fun. I know that it is going to be very hard not to coach from the stands and yell encouraging things to your son, but I am confident that this works in a negative way for their development and their enjoyment. Trust me on this. I am not saying that you cannot clap for your kids when they do well. I am saying that if you hand your child over to me to coach them, then let me do that job.
A large part of how your child improves is your responsibility. The difference for kids at this level is the amount of repetition that they get. This goes with pitching, hitting and fielding. As a parent, you can help out tremendously by playing catch, throwing batting practice, hitting ground balls, or finding an instructor who will do this in your place. The more of this your kids can get, the better. This is the one constant that I have found with players that reached the major leagues....someone spent time with them away from the field.
I am completely fine with your son getting lessons from whomever you see fit. The only problem I will have is if your instructor is telling your son not to follow the plan of the team. I will not teach a great deal of mechanics at the beginning, but I will teach mental approach, and expect the boys to comply. If I see something that your son is doing mechanically that is drastically wrong, I will talk with the instructor and clear things up. The same will hold true with pitching coaches. We will have a pitching philosophy and will teach the pitchers and catchers how to call a game, and why we choose the pitches we choose. There is no guessing. We will have a reason for the pitches that we throw. A pitching coach will be helpful for the boys to get their arms in shape and be ready to throw when spring arrives. Every boy on this team will be worked as a pitcher. We will not over use these young arms and will keep close watch on the number of innings that the boys are throwing.
I will be throwing so much info at these boys that they are going to suffer from overload for a while, but eventually they are going to get it. I am a stickler about the thought process of the game. I will be talking non-stop about situational hitting, situational pitching, and defensive preparation. The question that they are going to hear the most is "What were you thinking?" What were you thinking when you threw that pitch? What were you thinking during that at bat? What were you thinking before the pitch was thrown, were you anticipating anything? I am a firm believer that this game is more mental than physical, and the mental may be more difficult, but can be taught and can be learned by a 10 and 11 year old. If it sounds like I am going to be demanding of these boys, you are exactly right. I am definitely demanding their attention, and the other thing that I am going to require is effort. Their attitude, their concentration, and their effort are the things that they can control. If they give me these things every time they show up, they will have a great experience.
The best situation for all of us is for you to plan on handing these kids over to me and the assistant coaches when you drop them off, and plan on them being mine for the 2 or so hours that we have scheduled for a game, or the time that we have scheduled for the practice. I would like for these boys to have some responsibility for having their own water, not needing you to keep running to the concession stand, or having parents behind the dugout asking their son if they are thirsty, or hungry, or too hot, and I would appreciate if you would share this information with other invited guests...like grandparents. If there is an injury, obviously we will get you to help, but besides that, let's pretend that they are at work for a short amount of time and that you have been granted the pleasure of watching. I will have them at games early so we can get stretched and loosened up, and I will have a meeting with just the boys after the game. After the meeting, they are all yours again. As I am writing this, I sound like the little league Nazi, but I believe that this will make things easier for everyone involved.
I truly believe that the family is the most important institution in the lives of these guys. With that being said, l think that the family events are much more important than the sports events. I just ask that you are considerate of the rest of the team and let the team manager, and myself know when you will miss, and to let us know as soon as possible. I know that there will be times when I am going to miss either for family reasons, for other commitments. If your son misses a game or a practice, it is not the end of the world, but there may be some sort of repercussion, just out of respect for the kids that put the effort into making it. The kind of repercussions could possibly be running, altered playing time, or position in the batting order.
Speaking of batting order, I would like to address that right from the top as well seeing that next to playing time this is the second most complained about issue, or actually tied for second with position on the defensive field. Once again, I need you to know that I am trying to develop each boy individually, and I will give them a chance to learn and play any position that they are interested in. I also believe that this team will be competitive and when we get into situations where we are focusing on winning; like a tournament for example; we are going to put the boys in the position that will give the team the best opportunity. I will talk with the boys individually and have them tell me what their favorite position is and what other position they would like to learn about. As this season progresses, there is a chance that your son may be playing a position that they don't necessarily like, but I will need your support about their role on the team. I know that times have changed, but one of the greatest lessons that my father taught me was that my coach was always right...even when he was wrong. The principle is a great life lesson about how things really work. I hope that I will have enough humility to come to your son if I treated him wrong and apologize. Our culture has lost this respect for authority mostly because the kids hear the parents constantly complaining about the teachers and coaches of the child.
I need all of you to know that we are most likely going to lose many games this year. The main reason is that we need to find out how we measure up with the local talent pool. The only way to do this is to play against some of the best teams. I am convinced that if the boys put their work in at home, and give me their best effort, that we will be able to play with just about any team. Time will tell. l also believe that there is enough local talent that we will not have to do a large amount of travel, if any. This may be disappointing for those of you who only play baseball and look forward to the out of town experiences, but I also know that this is a relief for the parents that have traveled throughout the US and Canada for hockey and soccer looking for better competition. In my experiences, we have traveled all over the Midwest and have found just as good competition right in our back yard. If this season goes well, we will entertain the idea of travel in the future.
The boys will be required to show up ready to play every time they come to the field. Shirts tucked in, hats on straight, and pants not drooping down to their knees. There is not an excuse for lack of hustle on a baseball field. From the first step outside the dugout they will hustle. They will have a fast jog to their position, to the plate, and back to the bench when they make an out. We will run out every hit harder than any team we will play, and will learn how to always back up a play to help our teammates. Every single play, every player will be required to move to a spot. Players that do not hustle and run out balls will not play. The boys will catch on to this quickly. The game of baseball becomes very boring when players are not thinking about the next play and what they possibly could do to help the team. Players on the bench will not be messing around. I will constantly be talking with them about situations and what they would be doing if they were in a specific position, or if they were the batter. There is as much to learn on the bench as there is on the field if the boys want to learn. All of this will take some time for the boys to conform to. They are boys and I am not trying to take away from that, but I do believe that they can bear down and concentrate hard for just a little while during the games and practices.
I know this works because this was how I was taught the game and how our parents acted in the stands. We started our little league team when I was 10 years old in a little suburb of Columbus, Ohio. We had a very disciplined coach that expected the same from us. We committed 8 summers to this man and we were rewarded for our efforts. I went to Michigan, one went to Duke, one to Miami of Florida, two went to North Carolina, one went to Central Florida, one went to Kent State, and most of the others played smaller division one or division two baseball. Four of us went on to play professionally. This was coming from a town where no one had ever been recruited by any colleges. I am not saying that this is what is going to happen to our boys, but what I do want you to see is that this system works. I know that right now you are asking yourself if this is what you want to get yourself into and I understand that for some of you it may not be the right fit. I also think that there is a great opportunity for these boys to grow together and learn some lessons that will go beyond their baseball experience. Let me know as soon as possible whether or not this is a commitment that you and your son want to make.
Thanks,
Mike Matheny
My favorite professional baseball team is the St Louis Cardinals. Since I can't get the games on television, but can get the postgame show, I watch almost every postgame show to keep up on the Cardinals. This year they have a new coach Mike Matheny. I recently found this letter by him to parents of the little league team that he coached. I wish I had this letter when I was a coach. I certainly could have used it as a parent. While it is a little long, I think you will enjoy it.
Pastor Kuhfal
St Louis Cardinal's Coach Mike Matheny
Letter from Mike Matheny.....
I always said that the only team that I would coach would be a team of orphans, and now here we are. The reason for me saying this is that I have found the biggest problem with youth sports has been the parents. I think that it is best to nip this in the bud right off the bat. I think the concept that I am asking all of you to grab is that this experience is ALL about the boys. If there is anything about it that includes you, we need to make a change of plans. My main goals are as follows:
(1) to teach these young men how to play the game of baseball the right way,
(2) to be a positive impact on them as young men, and
(3) do all of this with class.
We may not win every game, but we will be the classiest coaches, players, and parents in every game we play. The boys are going to play with a respect for their teammates, opposition, and the umpires no matter what.
With that being said, I need to let you know where I stand. I have no hidden agenda. I have no ulterior motive other than what I said about my goals. I also need all of you to know that my priorities in life will most likely be a part of how I coach, and the expectations I have for the boys. My Christian faith is the guide for my life and I have never been one for forcing my faith down someone's throat, but I also believe it to be cowardly, and hypocritical to shy away from what I believe. You as parents need to know for yourselves and for your boys, that when the opportunity presents itself, I will be honest with what I believe. That may make some people uncomfortable, but I did that as a player, and I hope to continue it in any endeavor that I get into. I am just trying to get as many potential issues out in the open from the beginning. I believe that the biggest role of the parent is to be a silent source of encouragement. I think if you ask most boys what they would want their parents to do during the game; they would say "NOTHING". Once again, this is ALL about the boys. I believe that a little league parent feels that they must participate with loud cheering and "Come on, let's go, you can do it", which just adds more pressure to the kids. I will be putting plenty of pressure on these boys to play the game the right way with class, and respect, and they will put too much pressure on themselves and each other already. You as parents need to be the silent, constant, source of support.
Let the record stand right now that we will not have good umpiring. This is a fact, and the sooner we all understand that, the better off we will be. We will have balls that bounce in the dirt that will be called strikes, and we will have balls over our heads that will be called strikes. Likewise, the opposite will happen with the strike zone while we are pitching. The boys will not be allowed at any time to show any emotion against the umpire. They will not shake their head, or pout, or say anything to the umpire. This is my job, and I will do it well. I once got paid to handle those guys, and I will let them know when they need to hear something. I am really doing all of you parents a favor that you probably don't realize at this point. I have taken out any work at all for you except to get them there on time, and enjoy. The thing that these boys need to hear is that you enjoyed watching them and you hope that they had fun. I know that it is going to be very hard not to coach from the stands and yell encouraging things to your son, but I am confident that this works in a negative way for their development and their enjoyment. Trust me on this. I am not saying that you cannot clap for your kids when they do well. I am saying that if you hand your child over to me to coach them, then let me do that job.
A large part of how your child improves is your responsibility. The difference for kids at this level is the amount of repetition that they get. This goes with pitching, hitting and fielding. As a parent, you can help out tremendously by playing catch, throwing batting practice, hitting ground balls, or finding an instructor who will do this in your place. The more of this your kids can get, the better. This is the one constant that I have found with players that reached the major leagues....someone spent time with them away from the field.
I am completely fine with your son getting lessons from whomever you see fit. The only problem I will have is if your instructor is telling your son not to follow the plan of the team. I will not teach a great deal of mechanics at the beginning, but I will teach mental approach, and expect the boys to comply. If I see something that your son is doing mechanically that is drastically wrong, I will talk with the instructor and clear things up. The same will hold true with pitching coaches. We will have a pitching philosophy and will teach the pitchers and catchers how to call a game, and why we choose the pitches we choose. There is no guessing. We will have a reason for the pitches that we throw. A pitching coach will be helpful for the boys to get their arms in shape and be ready to throw when spring arrives. Every boy on this team will be worked as a pitcher. We will not over use these young arms and will keep close watch on the number of innings that the boys are throwing.
I will be throwing so much info at these boys that they are going to suffer from overload for a while, but eventually they are going to get it. I am a stickler about the thought process of the game. I will be talking non-stop about situational hitting, situational pitching, and defensive preparation. The question that they are going to hear the most is "What were you thinking?" What were you thinking when you threw that pitch? What were you thinking during that at bat? What were you thinking before the pitch was thrown, were you anticipating anything? I am a firm believer that this game is more mental than physical, and the mental may be more difficult, but can be taught and can be learned by a 10 and 11 year old. If it sounds like I am going to be demanding of these boys, you are exactly right. I am definitely demanding their attention, and the other thing that I am going to require is effort. Their attitude, their concentration, and their effort are the things that they can control. If they give me these things every time they show up, they will have a great experience.
The best situation for all of us is for you to plan on handing these kids over to me and the assistant coaches when you drop them off, and plan on them being mine for the 2 or so hours that we have scheduled for a game, or the time that we have scheduled for the practice. I would like for these boys to have some responsibility for having their own water, not needing you to keep running to the concession stand, or having parents behind the dugout asking their son if they are thirsty, or hungry, or too hot, and I would appreciate if you would share this information with other invited guests...like grandparents. If there is an injury, obviously we will get you to help, but besides that, let's pretend that they are at work for a short amount of time and that you have been granted the pleasure of watching. I will have them at games early so we can get stretched and loosened up, and I will have a meeting with just the boys after the game. After the meeting, they are all yours again. As I am writing this, I sound like the little league Nazi, but I believe that this will make things easier for everyone involved.
I truly believe that the family is the most important institution in the lives of these guys. With that being said, l think that the family events are much more important than the sports events. I just ask that you are considerate of the rest of the team and let the team manager, and myself know when you will miss, and to let us know as soon as possible. I know that there will be times when I am going to miss either for family reasons, for other commitments. If your son misses a game or a practice, it is not the end of the world, but there may be some sort of repercussion, just out of respect for the kids that put the effort into making it. The kind of repercussions could possibly be running, altered playing time, or position in the batting order.
Speaking of batting order, I would like to address that right from the top as well seeing that next to playing time this is the second most complained about issue, or actually tied for second with position on the defensive field. Once again, I need you to know that I am trying to develop each boy individually, and I will give them a chance to learn and play any position that they are interested in. I also believe that this team will be competitive and when we get into situations where we are focusing on winning; like a tournament for example; we are going to put the boys in the position that will give the team the best opportunity. I will talk with the boys individually and have them tell me what their favorite position is and what other position they would like to learn about. As this season progresses, there is a chance that your son may be playing a position that they don't necessarily like, but I will need your support about their role on the team. I know that times have changed, but one of the greatest lessons that my father taught me was that my coach was always right...even when he was wrong. The principle is a great life lesson about how things really work. I hope that I will have enough humility to come to your son if I treated him wrong and apologize. Our culture has lost this respect for authority mostly because the kids hear the parents constantly complaining about the teachers and coaches of the child.
I need all of you to know that we are most likely going to lose many games this year. The main reason is that we need to find out how we measure up with the local talent pool. The only way to do this is to play against some of the best teams. I am convinced that if the boys put their work in at home, and give me their best effort, that we will be able to play with just about any team. Time will tell. l also believe that there is enough local talent that we will not have to do a large amount of travel, if any. This may be disappointing for those of you who only play baseball and look forward to the out of town experiences, but I also know that this is a relief for the parents that have traveled throughout the US and Canada for hockey and soccer looking for better competition. In my experiences, we have traveled all over the Midwest and have found just as good competition right in our back yard. If this season goes well, we will entertain the idea of travel in the future.
The boys will be required to show up ready to play every time they come to the field. Shirts tucked in, hats on straight, and pants not drooping down to their knees. There is not an excuse for lack of hustle on a baseball field. From the first step outside the dugout they will hustle. They will have a fast jog to their position, to the plate, and back to the bench when they make an out. We will run out every hit harder than any team we will play, and will learn how to always back up a play to help our teammates. Every single play, every player will be required to move to a spot. Players that do not hustle and run out balls will not play. The boys will catch on to this quickly. The game of baseball becomes very boring when players are not thinking about the next play and what they possibly could do to help the team. Players on the bench will not be messing around. I will constantly be talking with them about situations and what they would be doing if they were in a specific position, or if they were the batter. There is as much to learn on the bench as there is on the field if the boys want to learn. All of this will take some time for the boys to conform to. They are boys and I am not trying to take away from that, but I do believe that they can bear down and concentrate hard for just a little while during the games and practices.
I know this works because this was how I was taught the game and how our parents acted in the stands. We started our little league team when I was 10 years old in a little suburb of Columbus, Ohio. We had a very disciplined coach that expected the same from us. We committed 8 summers to this man and we were rewarded for our efforts. I went to Michigan, one went to Duke, one to Miami of Florida, two went to North Carolina, one went to Central Florida, one went to Kent State, and most of the others played smaller division one or division two baseball. Four of us went on to play professionally. This was coming from a town where no one had ever been recruited by any colleges. I am not saying that this is what is going to happen to our boys, but what I do want you to see is that this system works. I know that right now you are asking yourself if this is what you want to get yourself into and I understand that for some of you it may not be the right fit. I also think that there is a great opportunity for these boys to grow together and learn some lessons that will go beyond their baseball experience. Let me know as soon as possible whether or not this is a commitment that you and your son want to make.
Thanks,
Mike Matheny
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Creeds are Not Biblical! Oh, Really? Use This Next Time You Hear That
Tomorrow, Trinity Sunday, we will be confessing together the long Athanasian Creed which clearly articulates our beliefs in the Triune God. Some people have a hard time with creeds and say they are man made and not necessary. The link below is an excellent answer to those who claim "Creeds are Not Biblical. Click on the title below to read the article.
Creeds are Not Biblical! Oh, Really? Use This Next Time You Hear That
Confessing "I believe ... in Jesus Christ, His Son our Lord..." also gives us the wonderful assurance of our salvation as St Paul says in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Tomorrow We Celebrate Ministry to the Armed Forces Sunday
Today Grace Lutheran Church remembers those who serve in the Ministry to the Armed Forces. Thank God for those who care for our soldiers.
The Chaplains serving in the Nebraska District are:
Rod Armon (Army Guard)
Doug Irmer (Air Guard)
Phil Houser (Army Guard)
Chad Boggs (Air Force Reserve)
Mike Moreno (Navy Reserve - Marine Corps)
Below you will find a prayer for our Armed Services.
Since the Civil War, LCMS pastors have served as military chaplains. Today, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces supports a total of 208 chaplains. Among these chaplains, 67 are active duty LCMS chaplains and 83 are serving Reserve and National Guard units. Currently, 4 of these Reserve/Guard chaplains are mobilized and serving at sea or in Afghanistan or Kuwait. LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces also supports 25 Veterans Administration chaplains, 29 Civil Air Patrol and four chaplains for the Federal Bureau of Prison ministry.
Our active duty members usually work on a base or post, with a large support staff to care for their needs, such as financial counseling, baby sitting, health care, etc. However, our reserve community and their families are often located large distances from those support structures. Our hope is that our LCMS congregations can reach out to these families, especially when their loved ones are deployed, and help care for many of their needs.
LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces initiated Operation Barnabas in 2007 as a response to the ever-increasing needs of returning servicemen and women. The program’s goal is to equip and encourage LCMS congregations and their members, as well as local Operation Barnabas district counselors, for compassionate care and Gospel-sharing outreach. To learn more about Operation Barnabus click the image below.
Lord, God, you have sustained our nation in the past and continue to bless us. We recall how so many have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Men and women continue to sacrifice and serve in the Armed Forces. Today, we pause to reflect and honor those who gave, and continue to give, their lives.
We remember the great courage and selfless service of so many throughout history. We remember their honorable sacrifice for the freedom of others. Comfort the families who mourn the loss of loved ones. Comfort also those who suffer permanent injuries as a result of serving our nation in the military.
We remember with thankfulness the millions of Americans who give so generously of their life and labor in times of national conflict, particularly the family members of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.
We are grateful for the devotion and sacrifices of military families. Grant us the resources and willing hearts to support them in their needs.
Lord, You prayed earnestly for Your disciples, that they would be kept in Your Name, filled with Joy and sanctified in Your Word of Truth. Keep our chaplains in Your Name. Fill them with the joy that comes from knowing You have defeated sin and death. Sanctify their ministry in Your Word of Truth.
Gracious Lord, we ask for Your strength for our chaplains who serve in the Veterans Administration hospitals as they provide pastoral care to hurting and wounded veterans.
Lord, mend the wounds of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Grant their physicians knowledge and wisdom as they seek the best treatments for patients' suffering.
God of mercy, grant patience and insight to our chaplains who serve in all branches of our Armed Forces, the Veterans Administration hospitals, federal prisons and the Civil Air Patrol. Only through Your sustaining love can they move out daily with confidence and joy. These and all things we ask through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Chaplains serving in the Nebraska District are:
Rod Armon (Army Guard)
Doug Irmer (Air Guard)
Phil Houser (Army Guard)
Chad Boggs (Air Force Reserve)
Mike Moreno (Navy Reserve - Marine Corps)
Below you will find a prayer for our Armed Services.
Since the Civil War, LCMS pastors have served as military chaplains. Today, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces supports a total of 208 chaplains. Among these chaplains, 67 are active duty LCMS chaplains and 83 are serving Reserve and National Guard units. Currently, 4 of these Reserve/Guard chaplains are mobilized and serving at sea or in Afghanistan or Kuwait. LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces also supports 25 Veterans Administration chaplains, 29 Civil Air Patrol and four chaplains for the Federal Bureau of Prison ministry.
Our active duty members usually work on a base or post, with a large support staff to care for their needs, such as financial counseling, baby sitting, health care, etc. However, our reserve community and their families are often located large distances from those support structures. Our hope is that our LCMS congregations can reach out to these families, especially when their loved ones are deployed, and help care for many of their needs.
LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces initiated Operation Barnabas in 2007 as a response to the ever-increasing needs of returning servicemen and women. The program’s goal is to equip and encourage LCMS congregations and their members, as well as local Operation Barnabas district counselors, for compassionate care and Gospel-sharing outreach. To learn more about Operation Barnabus click the image below.
Lord, God, you have sustained our nation in the past and continue to bless us. We recall how so many have given their lives for the cause of freedom. Men and women continue to sacrifice and serve in the Armed Forces. Today, we pause to reflect and honor those who gave, and continue to give, their lives.
We remember the great courage and selfless service of so many throughout history. We remember their honorable sacrifice for the freedom of others. Comfort the families who mourn the loss of loved ones. Comfort also those who suffer permanent injuries as a result of serving our nation in the military.
We remember with thankfulness the millions of Americans who give so generously of their life and labor in times of national conflict, particularly the family members of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.
We are grateful for the devotion and sacrifices of military families. Grant us the resources and willing hearts to support them in their needs.
Lord, You prayed earnestly for Your disciples, that they would be kept in Your Name, filled with Joy and sanctified in Your Word of Truth. Keep our chaplains in Your Name. Fill them with the joy that comes from knowing You have defeated sin and death. Sanctify their ministry in Your Word of Truth.
Gracious Lord, we ask for Your strength for our chaplains who serve in the Veterans Administration hospitals as they provide pastoral care to hurting and wounded veterans.
Lord, mend the wounds of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Grant their physicians knowledge and wisdom as they seek the best treatments for patients' suffering.
God of mercy, grant patience and insight to our chaplains who serve in all branches of our Armed Forces, the Veterans Administration hospitals, federal prisons and the Civil Air Patrol. Only through Your sustaining love can they move out daily with confidence and joy. These and all things we ask through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
10 New Members - May 6, 2012
We added 10 new members today. After church we had a potluck welcoming them.
From the left: Betty Gunter; Nate, Tracy, April, and Allyssa Buck; Paul Wieneke; and Jennifer, Bria, Geoffrey and Brian Carr. What a wonderful new addition!
From the left: Betty Gunter; Nate, Tracy, April, and Allyssa Buck; Paul Wieneke; and Jennifer, Bria, Geoffrey and Brian Carr. What a wonderful new addition!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Over 70s Dinner - April 29, 2012
Care Care served a dinner in honor of those in the congregation over seventy years old. Vicar Dan Murray played banjo and guitar for entertainment. Following dinner and entertainment some stayed to play bingo. Below you will find pictures of the event and a video of Vicar playing banjo.
Pictures
Video of Vicar
[Please note video quality is not very good, it was shot on a cell phone. It starts sideways and then turns right side up. It is a cool effect ;) ]
Pictures
Video of Vicar
[Please note video quality is not very good, it was shot on a cell phone. It starts sideways and then turns right side up. It is a cool effect ;) ]
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| From Over 70s Dinner |
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Hunger Games
Those of you interested in "The Hunger Games" might find this article by Pastor Philip Wolf from the Lutheran Witness to be interesting. Those of you not aware of the book might find this article helpful in speaking with those interested in the book. Click on the picture below to read the article.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Automatic E-mail Update
Did you know you can get updates to this blog site automatically sent to you in e-mail? That way you won't miss any message. To do so click in the box under the line drawing of the church and enter your e-mail address. Then click the "submit" box to the right. Then follow the instructions. You will be sent an e-mail explaining what you need to do next. Then you will receive e-mails whenever a new blog is posted.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Lenten Devotions
You can pick up a copy of Higher Things Reflections at Church Wednesday night. They are also available online at the Higher Things Website. Click on the picture below to go the the Higher Things website. Then follow the instructions below.
On the website look for the section pictured below. There you can press the play button to hear the devotion or you can click the "Read today's Gospel Reflection" to download it to read.
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