Trinity Trumpet Trinity Lutheran Church
Springfield, Missouri
October 2024
WELCOME TO OUR TRINITY FAMILY!
MISSION STATEMENT
The family of Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all people to share in the life of the Christian faith in worship, friendship, and service.
OUR CORE VALUES
Faithfulness to God’s Word . . . Integrity . . . Compassion . . . Family focused . . . Engagement in Service . . . Welcoming to all people . . . Fiscal responsibility & stewardship
VISION STATEMENT
The family of Trinity builds and nurtures the bonds of faith through love, learning, and sharing with others.
OUR CRITICAL TARGETS
Faithful Worship . . . Christian Education . . . Healthy Christian Homes . . . Caring Relationships in Christ . . Robust Community Connectivity & Outreach
TrinityLutheranChurch 1415SouthHolland
Springfield,Missouri 65807
Phone:417-866-5878
Fax:417-866-5629
www.trinity-springfield.org
Tocontactourstaff,callthechurchofficeor Email: tlcoffice@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+Rev.Dr.NicholasHagerman,Pastor nhagerman@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+VicarPeytonHolland pholland@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+CalebStaehr,DirectorofParishMusic cstaehr@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+Mrs.HannahKnehans,DirectorofFamilyLife Ministry (DFLM) hknehans@trinitylutheranspfd.org
+Mrs.AngelaBruton,OfficeManager abruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org
TOGODALONE BETHEGLORY!
DevotedtoJesusChrist, theSonofGodandtheSavior andLordoftheWorld
DevotedtoGod’sWord, teachingthepuredoctrinesof thefaith
DevotedtotheSacramentsof HolyBaptismandHoly Communion,throughwhich theHolySpiritblessesGod’s peoplewithHispresence andHisgifts.
DevotedtoChristian Fellowshipandtolovingand caringforeachother
Devotedtosharingthe Gospelwithallpeople (Acts2:42)
Officers
President: Curt Brand
Vice Pres: Chris Straw
Secretary: Angie Reitmeier
Treasurer: Amy Collins
Mission & Ministry Council
Ev. & Mission: Laura McCune
Christian Care: Dick & Jan McGuire
Fellowship: Melinda Brown
Stewardship: Jen Gabathuler
Endowment: Ann Marie Baker
Trustee: Jeff Winter
Personnel: Zeke Young
Parish Ed.: Heather Newman
Elders: Kevin Scheer
Family Ministry: Amy Scheer
Age-Based Ministry: Jody Hackley
Your Board of Elders
Zone 1 (A/Bo) Johnny Dicks
Zone 2 (Br/C) Tim Peters
Zone 3 (DE) Jason Gabathuler
Zone 4 (FG) Mark Jones
Zone 5 (HIJ) Brock Buerck
Zone 6 (KL) Josh Sexton
Zone 7 (M) Zack Peters
Zone 8 (NOP) Clate Baker
Zone 9 (QR) Joe Western
Zone 10 (S/Se) David Mitchell
Zone 11 (Sh/T) Kevin Scheer
Zone 12 (UVWXYZ) Steve Otto
Your Board of Parish Education
Chair: Heather Newman
Member/ABS: vacant
Member: Patrice Winter
Sunday School: Linda Young
Midweek School: Heather Newman
VBS: Claire Hagerman
Attendance: 8:15a.m. 138 Previousweek: 140 11:00a.m. 171 164
TithesandOfferings: Undesignated
2,036.00 TotalGifts $12,438.52
SundaySchoolandAdultBibleClassAttendanceforSeptember22
Preschool: 8
Elementary: 30
DearTrinityFamily,
Jr.High: 5
Adults/H.S./Teachers:101
FROM the PASTOR
GreetingstoyouinthenameofourLordandSaviorJesusChrist! Asyouallknowwell,thisyearisa presidentialelectionyear,andelectiondayiscomingupinjustoveramonth. I’llhavesomemorethingstosay abouttheelectioninNovember’seditionoftheTrumpet,butthismonthIwantedtotalkaboutonespecific issuethatwillbeappearingontheballot. Manyofyoumayhaveseensignsaroundtownreferringto Amendment3,whichisasignificantballotmeasurethatvoterswillbeaskedtoconsiderthisyear. Among Amendment3’smanyprovisionswouldbeareversalofthebanonabortionsthatMissouri’sstatelegislature passedafterthe Roe v. Wade decisionwasreversedbytheSupremeCourtin2022. Obviously,weaspro-life Christiansareveryconcernedaboutthisissue,andwewanteveryonetoknowwhatexactlyisontheballotso thatwecanvoteinawaythatrespectsGod’sgiftoflife.
ManyofyoumayhavealsonoticedthatthereareafewsignsonTrinity’spropertynowurgingpeopleto vote“No”onAmendment3. Oneofourmembersapproachedmeacoupleofweeksagoandaskedifwecould putoutthesigns,andIreadilygavemysupportfordoingso. Sincethen,afewmembersofthecongregation haveexpressedsomeconcernsabouttheappropriatenessofhavingthesignsonourproperty,wonderingifthe churchshouldbepubliclytakingsidesonthisissue. Iunderstandtheconcerns,andImyselfhadtothinkabout whetherornotitwas agoodidea. Ultimately,though,Icametotheconclusionthatitwasnotonlyappropriate toplacethesignsout,butthatitwouldbeaderelictionofdutyonthepartofthechurch not toplacethemout (oratleasttotakesomeequivalentclearandpublicstanceontheissue). Iknowthatsomeofyoufeel differently,andIrespect that. ButhereIwouldliketoofferadefenseofmypositiononthisissueandexplain exactlywhy Igavethepermissionforthesignstobeplacedonourproperty.
I’mgoingtoframethisdiscussionasaresponseto objectionsthatpeoplecouldraisetoplacingthesigns out,someofwhicharetheoretical,andsomeofwhichIhaveheardfromactualmembersofTrinity. OurTrinityFamilyStewardship–September22,2024
1. Doesn’tthelawprohibitchurchesfromengaginginpoliticalactivity? Wouldputtingoutthesigns causeustoloseourtax-exemptstatus?
Thelawprohibitschurchesandothernon-profitorganizationsfromendorsingparticularcandidatesforofficeor participatinginacandidate’spoliticalcampaign. Itdoesnot,however,preventnon-profitsfromaddressing particular issues thatmightappearonaballot,aslongassuchlobbyingislimitedanddoesnotconstitutea substantialpartoftheorganization’sactivities. Churchesarewellwithintheirlegalrightstotakepublic positionsonballotinitiatives.SeethisIRSguideformoreinformation: https://www.irs.gov/charities-nonprofits/lobbying
2. Thechurchshouldn’tinvolveitselfinpoliticsortellitsmembershowtovote. Normally,Iwouldagreewiththisstatement,especiallyifyou’retalkingaboutendorsingparticularcandidates orpoliticalparties. Notonlywouldthatbeagainstthelaw,butitwouldalsobeburdeningtheconsciencesof peoplewhomightseelegitimateChristianreasonstovoteformultiplecandidatesorparties. Additionally,there areotherinitiativesthatcanappearonballotsthatmighthavereligiousimplications,butdonothaveclear teachingsofScripturethatofferadefinitive“right”or“wrong”position. Acurrentexampleofsuchameasure isAmendment2,whichwouldlegalizesportsbettinginMissouri. ManyChristianshavedeeplyheld convictionsaboutthisissue,butwithoutclearteachingsofScripturetojustifyonepositionortheother,the churchshouldnotspeakoutaboutitandburdenpeople’sconsciences.
However,inthecaseofAmendment3,we’retalkingaboutasingleballotinitiativethatclearlyviolatesthe WordofGod,leadstothedeathsofunbornchildren,anddenigratesGod’ssacredgiftofhumanlife. Thereis noScripturaljustificationthatcanpossiblybemadetolegalizeunfetteredaccesstoabortioninourstate. Andif thechurchwon’tspeakoutaboutthisissueandurgeitsmemberstovoteinagodlyway,thenhowcanittruly claimtospeakforGodandHisWord?
Oftentimesourunderstandingofwhatisappropriatepoliticalspeechbythechurchisinfluencednotby Scriptureororthodoxtheology,butratherbythesecularconceptof“separationofchurchandstate,”whichhas itsoriginsinthethoughtofThomasJeffersonandotherFoundingFathers ratherthantheBible. “Separationof churchandstate”isNOT thesamethingastheLutherandoctrineofthetwokingdoms,whichrecognizesthat thechurchandthestatearedifferentrealms,butneverthelessthatbothbelongtoGodandthatGoddesiresthe actionsofbothtobeinaccordancewithHiswill. Thechurchdoesnotcontrolthestate,butitcertainlyspeaks tothestateandurgesittoactinagodlymanner. PuttingoutsignsaboutAmendment3isperfectlyconsistent withtwokingdomstheology,eventhoughmanyAmericanshavebeenconditionedtobelievethatchurches shouldneverspeakpoliticallyatall. Thisissimplyafalseunderstandingofthechurch’sroleintheworldthat opponentsofGodandHisWordhaveusedtotheiradvantagetosuppressthechurch’switnessinthepublic square.
3. Puttingoutsignslikethatwillcausedivisioninthechurch.
Iwouldarguethatthedivisionisactuallybeingcausedbythoseinoursocietywhopromoteabortionandseek tohaveitlegalizedinall circumstancesinMissouri. Thesignsareintendedto unite thechurchinitsopposition tothemurderofunbornchildrenandinitssupportforGod’ssacredgiftofhumanlife. Beforeseeingthesigns, somepeopleatTrinitymaynothaveknownanythingaboutAmendment3orevenbeenawarethatit exists. Nowtheydo,andbecausetheyareawareofitandknowwhatit’sabout,theyarebetterinformedand preparedtovoteonit. Ifdivisionsarehappening,it’sbecausethereisconfusion,misunderstanding,orwillful oppositiontowhatGodwouldwantustodointhissituation. TheWordofGodandthesignsarenotcausing thedivision;rather,ourownsinandhardnessofheartaredoingso. Thesolutionisforusalltorepentand returntothetruthofGod’sWordratherthanforthechurchtobeafraidtotakeastandforfearofalienating people.
4. PuttingoutthosesignsisaslipperyslopethatcouldleadtoTrinitytakingpublicstandson everything.
Iwouldsimplystresstheextraordinarilyseriousnatureofthisamendmentandtheclarityoftherightandwrong positionsfromtheperspectiveofGod’sWord. It’shardformetoimagineanyotherballotinitiativesthat wouldevencomeclosetosomethingofthemagnitudeofAmendment3(althoughyoucan’truleitout,I guess). Ihavenointentionofmakingfrequentpoliticalstatementsonbehalfofmyselforofthe congregation. Myprayeristhatwewouldneverhavetodoanythinglikethisagain.
Iknowthatthisarticlewillnotconvinceeveryone,andIknowthatthereareplentyofmembersof TrinitywhoopposeAmendment3whoarenonethelessuncomfortablewiththechurchtakingapublicstance againstit. IhopethateveryoneatleastunderstandswhyIandmanyothermembersofTrinitysupportputting thesignsoutonourpropertyinthisinstance,evenifyoupersonallydonotagree. I’malsoveryopentofurther dialoguewithanyonewhowantstoknowmoreorevenchallengewhatwe’vedone. Aslongasweallrealize thatthemostimportantthingisthatweupholdthetruthofGod’sWord,thenwecanattimesdisagreefruitfully onhowbesttodothatinanygivensituation. IpraythatGodwouldgrantusunitygoingforwardinourfidelity toHisWordandinourfighttoupholdthesanctityofhumanlife. HehaspromisedtobefaithfultoHischurch always,soletusbefaithfultoHimaswell!
InChrist, PastorHagerman
AdultBibleStudy(ABS)
SUNDAY
Time Topic Leader Location
9:45AM ChristianSexualEthics
9:45AM Luke
9:45AM GrandparentingStudy
9:45AM SeniorHighYouth
PastorHagerman Gym
BobQuebbeman WokerRoom
ZekeYoung FamilyRoom
JoshSexton YouthRoom,WestWing
5:30PM WeThePeople (Oct. 6) HomeofBill&Katherine Marler/rotatinglocations
MONDAY
9:15AM FaithFoundations–TheGospel ofJohn(Part1)
10:30AM MinorProphets
6:30PM StewardshipBasics
PastorHagerman Gym
WEDNESDAY
VicarHolland Gym
PaulHambrick FamilyRoom
AdultBibleClassDescriptions
ChristianSexualEthics–Intoday'sworld,therearefewtopicsmorecontroversialthansexuality. Inrecent decades,debateshaveragedaboutwhocanhavesexwithwhom,howmuchsexualcontentisappropriatefor publicdisplay,andeventheverynatureofbiologicalsexitself. Sexisoneofthemostsignificantandintimate aspectsofourhumanity,andthusitisimportantthatweunderstanditrightly. CometoPastorHagerman's BiblestudyonSundaymorningstolearnwhattheBibleteachesabouthumansexualityanditsproper expressionsinGod'seyes. Topicscoveredwillincludemarriage,procreation,adultery,divorce,homosexuality, andtransgenderism,amongothers.LedbyPastorHagerman.
Luke–IntheBookofLuke,Jesusteachesusabouthowtoliveourlife.Throughparables,heteachesushowto treatoneanotherandliveintheworldwithkindnessandhumility.InLuke,wealsolearnaboutwhatJesus holdsinhighregard.Thathehaslovefortheafflictedandthesinners.ThisclassisledbyDr.BobQuebbeman.
GrandparentingStudy–Grandparenthoodisastrategicprivilege.Inthisclass,youwilllearnhowtoleavea legacyoffaiththatwilllastforeternity.ThisclassisfacilitatedbyZekeYoung.
HighSchoolBibleStudy-JoshSextonteachesourHighSchoolStudents.Allhighschoolstudentsare welcome!
WeThePeople--Politicsandpoliticians--there'sseeminglynowaytoescapethem.Thoughgovernmentand thosewhogovernareoftencriticizedbypressand citizenalike,itisthroughgovernmentthatGodworksHis designsinthisworld.JoinhostDr.DaleMeyerashesurveysgovernmentinhistory,thecharacteroftheUnited Statesasanation,andtheChristian'sroleasacitizenofanycountry.InthisstudyPresidentMeyersurveysthe emergenceoftheUnitedStates'governmentalsystembyconsideringthereligiousandphilosophicthinkingthat shapeditsearlydevelopment.Alongthewayconceptslike"ceremonialdeism,""democracy,""theocracy," "republic,"MartinLuther's"TwoKingdoms"andmorewillbeexplored.
TheGospelofJohn(Part1) --TheladiesofFaithFoundationswillbestudyingtheGospelofJohninits entiretyoverthenexttwoyears. John'saccountofJesus'ministryisverydifferentfromthatofMatthew,Mark, andLuke:itrecountsdifferentevents,includesdifferentmonologuesandsayingsofJesus,andoverallfocuses themostonJesus'divineidentityasGodintheflesh,cometodwellwithHispeople. CountlessChristiansover thepasttwothousandyearshavefoundinspiration,joy,andhopeinJohn'sGospel,andtheywillcontinuetodo sountilthedaythatJesusreturnsinglory. JoinusatFaithFoundationsonMondaymorningssothatyoutoo maybeencouragedbyJesus,whomJohn'sGospeldescribesasthelivingwater,thebreadoflife,thelightofthe world,theGoodShepherd,andtheresurrectionandthelife!
MinorProphets–TheWednesdaymorningBibleStudyfortheFallseasonwillbeanoverviewanddiveinto someoftheMinorProphetsandwhattheirpurposeforusasChristiansis.Onlyhalfofthemwillbeexamined, sojoinustofindoutwhichonestheywillbe!LedbyVicarHolland.
StewardshipBasics--ThisBibleclass,produced bytheLCMSofficeofstewardship,willhelpparticipantsto understandtheirobligationsasChristianswhohavebeenblessedbyGodwitheverythingtheyhave. Stewards aremanagersofresourcesthatdonotultimatelybelongtothem,andthisisexactlywhatweChristians are. Cometothisclasstolearnhowtobegoodandfaithfulstewardsofthemanyblessings,materialand spiritual,thatGodhasgiventous,sothatwecanuseourresourcestoserveothersandfurtherGod'smissionon earth. LedbyPaulHambrick.
FROM VICAR HOLLAND
After that overview of the existence and general understanding of the Apocrypha, it is now time to delve into each of these books more specifically. Most of the scriptures are full length books, so each of those will be tackled in(mostly) no particular order. If you’re most interested in the very small Additions to Daniel, Additions to Esther, and Prayer of Manasseh, those will be compiled togetherafter the main books have been covered.
The first book that we will be looking at is one of my favorites: The First Book of the Maccabees. This book is extremely fascinating, especially if one is interested in history and the prophecies of Daniel 11. Although there is not much for devotional content (there is some), the book makes up for it in the sheer amount of context that it brings in bridging the gap between the Prophets and the Gospels. The text of 1st Maccabees does in ensuring that we are aware of a marked period by which the Prophets had ceased and hope for a future savior was high; it specifically says:
“Thus there was great distress in Israel, such as had not been since the time that prophets ceased to appear among them... The Jews and their priests were pleased that Simon would be their leader and high priest for-ever, until a trustworthy prophet should arise.” (1st Macc 9:27; 14:4)
Martin Luther himself says this about this book: “This is another book not to be found in the Hebrew Bible. Yet its words and speech adhere to the same style as the other books of sacred Scripture. This book would not have been unworthy of a place among them, because it is very necessary and helpful for an understanding of chapter 11 of the prophet Daniel. For the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy in that chapter, about the abomination and misfortune which was going to befall the people of Israel, is here describednamely, Antiochus Epiphanes — and in much the same way that Daniel [11:29-35] speaks of it: a little help and great persecution by the Gentiles and by false Jews, which is what took place at the time of the Macca-bees. This is why the book is good for us Christians to read and to know....We should take heart that God helped those people not only against Antiochus and the Gentiles but also against the traitorous and disloyal Jews who had gone over to the Gentiles and were helping to persecute, kill, and torment their own people and brethren... However those same enemies and traitors are amply punished by God at the end; their tyranny and treachery does not go undetected. (AE 35:350-52)”
Now that a bit of the staging is complete, wecan now get into the actual text of 1st Maccabees. For your aid, here is an outline of the entire book.
I. Prologue: The Hellenistic Empirefrom Alexander to Antiochus IV (1:1-64)
Il. The Hasmonean (Maccabean) Revolt (2:1-4:61)
III. Jewish Expeditions against Neighboring Tribes (5:1-68)
IV. Lysias Usurps the Throne (6:1-63)
V. The Reign of Demetrius I Soter (7:1-50)
VI. The Alliance between the Jews and the Romans. (8:1-31)
VII. Jonathan Succeeds Judas (9:1-73)
VIII. The Rise and Fall of Alexander Balas (10:1-11:19)
IX. Demetrius II Betrays the Jews (11:20-53)
X. Trypho and the Reign of Antiochus VI (11:54-12:53)
XI. The Emergence of the Jewish Nation under Simon (13:1-16:24)
Author-Although the authorof 1st Maccabees never identifies himself, it may reasonably be assumed that he was an orthodox Jew familiar with both the geography and the topography of Judea.
Date- About 104 BC, according to the last two verses of the book (16:23, 24).
The work was compiled during or shortly after the reign of John Hyrcanus I (134-104 BC), the high priest and ruler of Israel. It covers the period from the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) to the succession of John Hyrcanus.
Major Theme- God's deliverance of Israel during the Jewish Wars. The author makes it clear that God chose the Hasmonean family as the instrument of his deliverance (5:62). Their primary objective was the rededication of the temple (4:36-61), an event still celebrated by Jews everywhere as the festival of Hanukkah, from the Hebrew word for "dedication."
Background- 1st Maccabees was most likely originally written in Hebrew and was probably called "The Hasmoneans," after Mattathias of the house of Hashmon (2:1). It was Mattathias who began the Jewish revolt with the help of his five sons. The bulk of the book recounts Judah's war against Antiochus IV, the Seleucid ruler who tried to force Hellenism upon the Jews.
1st Maccabees tells ofa very volatile period. Prior to this time, we can see in Sacred Scripture the description of the Israelites returning to their land by decree of the Persian King Cyrus the Great. Persian rule of Judea lasted from 538-330 BC. This time was quite peaceful. The loss of Persian rule over Judea and the whole Middle East would occur between 330-325 BC, as the Macedonian, Alexander the Great, would concur much of the known world. Although he suffered an early death, his conquest would prove vital to the situation that is seen in both the Maccabean Books and the time of Jesus’ Birth and Early Church, as Greek was made the dominant trade language of the region. As soon as Alexander died, four of his notable generals immediately succeeded him. The two that are hardly relevant would be Cassander, who ruled Macedonia, and Lysimachus, who ruled Syria. The two others are of extreme importance, namely Ptolemy I Lagi Soter, who ruled Egypt, and Seleucus Nicator, who ruled Babylonia. From 319-198 BC, the Ptolemaic Kingdom maintained control of Judea. This time was extremely propitious for the Judeans, and most of the Ptolemaic kings treated those Judeans well; Ptolemy II Philadelphus even instigated the first translations of the Old Testament into Greek. However, the real issue of the time was the concurrent war with the Seleucid Empire. The descendants of both Ptolemy I and Seleucus would keep up an extensive series of wars, which led right into the political and religious context of 1st Maccabees.
The Seleucid ruler of greatest importance in 1st Maccabees is Antiochus IV Epiphanes. With “Epiphanes”meaning “the manifest god,” Antiochus IV sought to be worshiped as Zeus. He appointed Menelaus as High Priest in the Temple of Jerusalem, ousting the current Onias III (known as Jason) through bribery; this did not go over well with the Judeans. When Antiochus was away, Jason regained hispossession by force, which didnot go over well with Antiochus. At this point, the Seleucid ruler decidedto make Judea pay. Marching into the city, his men slaughtered upwards of 40,000 people. Antiochus himself then entered “the most Holy Temple of all the earth” in Jerusalem and desecrated it with swine offerings to Zeus. Allattempts to worship the True God of Israel were outlawed. No Jewish customs were allowed to be maintained, especially circumcision, Sabbath observance, and avoidance of unclean food. If any of these were done, death was certain. Mothers
who had their children circumcised wouldbe crucified with their babies hanging around their necks. The situation itself is described in 1st Maccabees:
“And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, to forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offering in the sanctuary, to profane Sabbaths and feasts, to defile the sanctuary and priests, to build altars and sacred precincts and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and unclean animals, and to leave their sons uncircumcised. They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, so that they should forget the law and change all the ordinances. "And whosoever does not obey the command of the king shall die." (1st Macc 1:44-50)
As an aside, the most notable and historic event occurs relativelyearly on in the book. Judas Maccabeus orders the cleansing of the Temple and its dedication. This dedication became known as Hanukah. We even see in John 10:22-24 that this Feast of the Dedication is mentioned; Jesus himself was even in the temple area! It is also during this time that Jesus plainly says “I and the Father are one.” I just think that the coinciding of these details is very interesting, considering the Jews hope for a Messiah in conjunction with the time of the Maccabees.
Back to 1st Maccabees and the rest of the persecutions, from this point, people resisted; this resistance is what led to the cleansing of the Temple that I just mentioned. There are stories of strong resistance in 2nd Maccabees, namely of seven brothers and theirmother, along with elders resisting and being killed. The martyrs of this time were vast and plenty, but through all of those that died, John, Simon, Judas, Eleazor, and Jonathon revolted in totality and waged a guerilla war against the Seleucids and apostatized Judeans. During this entire conflict, Judas, Jonathon, and Simon were able to make a pact with the Roman Republicin help against the Seleucids.
“Now Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were very strong and were well disposed toward all who made an alliance with them, that they pledged friendship to those who came to them. Men told him of their wars and of the brave deeds… among the Gauls, how they had defeated them and forced them to pay tribute” (1st Macc 8:1-3).
After the death of Judas Maccabeus, his brother Jonathon “The Cunning” took the position of high priest at the altar; this was in fact LEGAL as his house, House of Mattathias, was of priestly descent. A lot of political events occurred which then culminated in the death of Jonathon. “Thus, the final Maccabean brother, Simon, became the leader of the party. When the people heard these words, they shouted, "You are our leader... all that you say to us we will do" (1Macc 13:8-9).” The rule of Simon was extremely prosperous. He was declared an absolute sovereign and his office of rule was made hereditary. He fostered a treaty with Demetrius II of Syria, who in turn granted the Jews independence and released them from their debt. Also, Simon made an official treaty with the Roman Republic, which in turn saw the Romans declare an official alliance with Israel, warning none to make war on the Jews. Sadly, Simon’s rule was cut short, as his son in law Ptolemy (not to be confused with the previously mentioned Ptolemy’s) killed him. Although Ptolemy sought to kill all of Simon’s sons and become ruler, he failed. 1st Maccabees ends with the ascension of John Hyrcanus, son of Simon, becoming the high priest in 134 BC, thus ushering in the rule of the Hasmonean Dynasty. “The rest of the acts of John and his wars and the brave deeds that he did and the building of the walls that he built and his achievements, behold, they are written in the chronicles of his high priesthood, from the time that he became high priest after his father.” (1st Macc 16:23-24)
That certainly is a lot of information, but there is still much more that was not mentioned. The purpose of this book was to record the trials and victories of the Judeans, led by the Maccabees, against those who oppressed them all.I hope that by reading this you are able to see the value that such a book has in bridging the large gap between the Old and NewTestaments.
Memory Verse: 1st Maccabees 3:19- “It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from heaven.”
FROMtheDPM
byCalebStaehr
WeworshipeverySundaytobeblessedbytheWordofGod,taughtinitstruthandpurity,andbythe sacramentsofHolyBaptismandTheLord’sSupper.Goddoesnotneedourworship—infact,Goddoesnot needanythingfromus!Healonecreatesandsustainsalllivingthings,andHealoneisresponsibleforthe forgivenessandsalvationthatwe,Hispeople,receiveasafreegiftbyHisGRACEALONEthrough FAITHALONE.WediscovermoreaboutourgraciousGodandthebountifulgoodnessHehasshown tosinnerslikeusbyreadingSCRIPTUREALONE.
So,ifworshipissupposedtobeablessingtousfromGod,whorevealsHimselfinHisWordand Sacraments,whatisthedealwithallthesingingwedoinworship?Whydowehavetheorgan?Why music?Doweevenneedit?
Theshortanswer—no,wedonot.
Musicisnotameansofgrace,norisit(inspiteofBeethoven’snotionthatmusicisthe“languageofGod”)a wayinwhichGodcommunicatestoHispeopleanywhereinScripture.Infact,ofthethreeprimary ringleadersoftheProtestantReformation(MartinLuther,JohnCalvin,andUlrichZwingli),onetaught thatmusicshouldNOTbeusedATALLinworship.I’llgiveyouahint:itwasn’tLuther!
UlrichZwingli,theleaderoftheSwissReformation,wasa1nemusicianandcomposer—arguablybetter thanCalvinorLuther—buthebelievedthatmusichadsuchpotentcapabilitiestostirtheemotionsof mankindthatChristiancongregantswouldbecometooquicklyswayedbythemusicandwouldforgetto focusontheWordofGoditself;therefore,noinstruments,nochoirs,andnocongregationalsingingwas usedinchurchesthatwereunderZwingli’sinfluence.
MartinLuther,however,valuedmusicasagiftfromGod,possessingtheabilitiestorageagainst wickednessandupholdGodliness.Heconsideredmusicagreattoolofthechurchinpromoting ChristianeducationandassistinginthememorizationofScripture.
So,weshouldhavemusicinchurchbecauseMartinLutherthoughtso?
Well,asLutherans,wemaybehard-pressedinarguingwiththemanhimselfonthismatter;butthetruth is,Luther’sprinciplesforvaluingmusicinworshipandeducation(aswithhisprinciplesonmattersof theology)werefoundedonGod’sWord.ThereisareasonthattheLutheranServiceBookcontainssongsof Moses,Isaiah,Hannah,Mary,andotherBiblicalcharacters.Thereisareasonmuchofthesungliturgyin LutheranworshipisbasedonthePsalms.Itisbecausethehistorical1guresoftheBibleactuallysangthese songsinprayerbeforeourGodandinpraiseofHisawesomepowerandofHiswonderfulmercy.Itiseven recordedinMatthew2GthatthedisciplesofJesussangahymntogetheraftertheLastSupperbefore goinguptotheMountofOlives.
Wesingbecausetheysang.WemakemelodiesbeforetheLordbecauseithelpsusmemorizeHiswordsto us.Wemakemusicbecauseweknowthat“whateveristrue,whateverishonorable,whateverisjust, whateverispure,whateverislovely,whateveriscommendable,ifthereisanyexcellence,ifthereis anythingworthyofpraise,”weshould“thinkaboutthesethings”(Philippians4:8).Notthatmusicbyitself isanyofthosethings!ButcombinedwiththeWordofGod,musicisarutterthatsteersourthoughtsand ourtonguestowardChristandthemeansofgraceHeextendstousincorporateandinprivateworship.
Sunday School Singers is looking for adult or youth volunteers to lead the kids' communion singing during service each week. Use the SignUpGenius QR code to sign up for Sunday services when you will be in attendance, or text Shannon Crosby at 417-597-5895 when you can help. Thankyoutoallofthevolunteerswhomakethisprogrampossible!
SCRIP PROGRAM
Current Scrip sales will go toward Concordia Seminary Food Pantry. Please see us in the gym every Sunday morning from 9-9:45 a.m. or email Linda Oughton at oughtonlinda@yahoo.com to place an order or to find out about this amazing money raising program.
LutheranStudentCenterwillbehostingaPickleball Fundraiserat TrinityonNovember3at12:30p.m. Theyarealsoputtingtogethera SilentAuction,soifyouhaveabusinessthatwouldliketomakea donation,orifyouwanttoputtogetherafunbasketanddonatethat, itwouldbeverymuchappreciated. Questions,contactAngelaBruton atabruton@trinitylutheranspfd.org
Specialprojectstoconsidercontributingtowardthisyear
Oneprojectistopowerwashthebelltoweralongwiththeconcreteframes aroundthewindowsoneachsideofthesanctuary.Thecostis$5,000andwe alreadyhave$1,450collected. Ifthisissomethingyouwouldliketoseedone, pleasemarkyourcheckorenvelope“BellTowerCleaning”.
Thesecondprojectisgettingnewblindsforthechurchoffice. Theofficewas builtin2008andmanyoftheblindsarenowbroken. Wewouldliketohave thewideslatblindsinstalled. Estimatedcostis$2,000. Ifyouwouldliketo contributetothisproject,pleasemarkyourcheckorenvelope“OfficeBlinds”.
**Thank you so much, Trinity Congregation, for the Mite Offerings this month, which totaled $24.00. “She hath wrought a good work on me.”-Mark 15:6. The Mite collections worldwide will continue to go to one of the LWML Mission Grants-“Sharing Christ Crucified with High School Youth-Lutheran High School of Greater New Orleans, LA.” You can save your daily pocket change and we’ll collect for missions in the LARGE purple Mite Box that will be displayed in the narthex on the second Sunday of each month. The next opportunity will be Sunday-October 13, 2024.
Trinity Women in Action have a busy year planned and welcome all women of Trinity's Congregation to join us at any time. We'll continue supporting the students at LSC with monthly snacks. Two important events are coming up in October so mark your calendars and plan to come.
Saturday, OCT. 5, Potluck Salad Luncheon, 11:30 AM. Church Gym. We'll also be working on making items to help Lutherans for Life. Bring a salad to share and the rest will be provided. All Women and Children are invited.
Thursday, OCT. 17, 6:00 PM we will meet in the gym to eat a light supper meal for our TWIA QUARTERLY Meeting. Please RSVP to Linda Oughton by Sunday Oct. 13 so we can have enough food. The program will start at 6:30 and will be presented by church members, Larry and Juanita Roesslet, who will tell us about the Christmas Shoebox Mission they are involved in. TWIA members are looking forward to adopting this mission project as well.
Thisisthethirdyearwehavepurchaseditemsandpackedshoeboxesfor needychildrenaroundtheworld.Millionsoftheseboxesarepackedeach year.ManyofthemgotochildrenwhohaveneverreceivedaChristmasgift sotheseboxesareveryspecialtothem.Afterreceivingtheirgifttheyare invitedtoa 12-lessonBiblestudyprogramwheretheyleanhowtofollow ChristintheirlivesandtelltheirfamilyandfriendsaboutHim.
TherearelistsofsuggestedideastofillaboxontheNarthextable.Boxesarefilledfor2–14-year-old boysandgirls.Youpicktheageandsexyouwanttofillaboxfor.
Ifyouhaveaninterestinparticipatinginfillingaboxortwowewouldbehappytoanswerany questionsyouhaveandwhereyoucangetmoreinformation. Thisisaprojectwe reallyenjoybeing abletobeapartofeachyear.
Youcanreachusat417-224-4040(JuanitaRoesslet)or417-224-4050(LarryRoesslet) ThankyouforconsideringtomakeachildhappyaswellasgivingthemachancetohearaboutChrist.
WearecollectingAdultsizeshoeboxesforthisproject. Pleasedropthemoffin theNarthexorinthegymentrywayarea.
Meal Schedule
(We ask for a $3 per person donation to help off-set the cost of food. Thank you to our chefs Jen Cotner-Jones and Laura McCune along with all the other helpers each Wednesday night. If you want to help, just ask and we will find a spot that will work for you!)
Oct.2
Oct.9
Oct.16
Sweet&SourMeatballswithRice LauraMcCune
BajaBowlsandSalad JenJones
BakedZitiandveggies LauraMcCune
Oct.23 ChiliandSalad JenJones
Oct.30 Hamburgers&HotDogs(TrunkorTreat) Laura&Jen&Crew
ToregisterforthiseventpleasescantheQRcode,usethis link https://forms.gle/oBSEju6hugvjRoFa9 orcontact HannahKnehansathknehans@trinitylutheranspfd.org
Stewardship Moment
“TheSingingChurch”
Lutheranshavehistoricallybeencalled“thesingingchurch.”There isnodoubtthatmusic hasbeenamajorcomponentinthetheology andpracticeoftheLutheranchurch.Lutheronceremarkedabout music,“We canmentiononlyonepoint,namely,thatnexttothe WordofGod,musicdeservesthehighestpraise.”(1)Musichasa powerandpurposethatcannotbeunderstatedinourworshipand thelifeofthecongregation. Butmusicdoesmorethantouchtheemotions.Musicisavehicle thatcarriesboththe musicianandthehearerdeeperintoconnection withthetruthoftheScriptures.ThisistrueofthemostcomplexBachchoraleandeventhesimplestof songslike“JesusLovesMe,ThisIKnow.”Eachmusicalselectionwithinthechurchshapesthe thoughts,mindsandfaithofthepeoplewhoexperiencethem. Thisisalsotrueofstewardshiphymns.Wearecurrentlyconsideringtheversesof“ForgiveUs,Lord, forShallowThankfulness”(LSB788)asitshapesourunderstandingandpracticeofstewardship.This monthwetakeadeeperdiveintoversetwo: Teachusto thankyou,Lord,forloveandgrace
Forlifeandvision,forapurposeclear, ForChristYourSon,andforeachhumanface thatshowsYourmessageevernewandnear. ThestanzabeginsbytouchingonthetruthoftheLaw.Thankfulnessisnotanaturalpostureforfallen humanity.Forsinnerscurvedinuponthemselves,thankfulnessforloveandgraceissomethingthat mustbetaught.We are thosewhohoardandclutch.Ourconfessionofourshallowthankfulness highlightstheneedforustolearnthankfulnesstoGod. Thankfulnessalsopointstowhatwearestewardsof:loveandgrace!Allthethingswehave traditionallycalledstewardshiparen’tactualstewardship.Rather,whatmattersishowwestewardthe one,trueandonlytreasure:theloveandgraceofGodrevealedtousintheGospelofJesusChrist.So, allstewardshipisstewardshipoftheGospel! Howcanwegazeatthecrossandemptytombandnotbe thankful?
TheLCMSdefinesstewardshipas“thefree andjoyousactivityofGod’sfamily —the church—in managinglife’sresourcesforHispurposes.”God’sloveandmercygiveusaclearpurpose aswelive outourBaptismandpracticethisjoyousstewardship.Allweare,allwehaveentrustedtous,andall wearecalledtodoistoconnectotherswiththeloveandmercyofGodrevealedinJesus! Thefaithfulstewardsingswithlipsandlifeofthisloveandmercythatisevernewandnear.Inthe Scriptures.IntheLord’sHouse.AttheLord’sTable.Thisiswhereourstewardshipsongstartsand ends.Ourfamily,ourco-workersandclassmates,andourworldneedtohearthissong!
FOOTNOTE:
1.MartinLuther,“PrefacetoGeorgRhau’sSymphoniaeiucundae,”inLuther’sWorks,ed.JaroslavPelikan, HelmutT.Lehmann,andChristopherBoydBrown,vol.53(PhiladelphiaandSt.Louis:FortressandConcordia PublishingHouse,1955–),321–322.
Reminder: Sunday,November3willbetheAnnualConservationMarathonhosted byBassProShops. Theracesbeginat7:00a.m.andwillbecomingbyTrinity around7:20a.m.andwillcontinueuntil10:00a.m. Toseetheroutevisit fitness.basspro.comandseehowitmightimpactyourroutetochurchthatmorning.
ThankyoutoeveryoneatTrinitywhoprayedformeduringmyshoulderinjuryand surgeryandrecovery.Itistrulyablessingtobeprayedfor.–JonathanStraw (sonofChris&DotStraw)
Comeonecomeall. Ifyouknowthegameofbasketballorjustwantto havefunwithfellowenthusiastsofthegame,pleasejoinus.Everyone, juniorhighageorolder,isinvitedtorunupanddownthecourton Sundayseveningsfrom5to7pm.ContactAhrenLoveat417-2992822orlove2draft@gmail.comifyouhaveanyquestions.
TRINITYFAMILYPRAYERPAGE
Each week immediate prayer needs are published in “The Trinity Family Prayer Page.” Each month in The Trumpet, those we pray for weekly as well as others with long term prayer needs are listed to be included in members’ personal and household devotions and prayers. . .if you’d like to add a family member or friend, please call or e-mail the Trinity office with your request. . .May God bless all for whom we pray. . .
ForThoseCopingWithCancer
Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:
GinnieBeaman,co-workerofMelindaBrown
MarkJohnson,brotherofDianeLewis
JeneeKernan,friendofCarl&LindaOughton
LynnRogers,friendofCarmenSwinney
SharonSchmidt,motherofCandaceGaede
JeremySummers,nephewofErnieLewis
GaryWillliams,Uncleof CandaceGaede
ForThoseWhoAreHomeboundinourTrinityFamily Members permanently or temporarily homebound. . .
BobBell
LidaChism
SandyCotton
PhyllisHansen
MarianMattlage
FrankBennett
CarolEtherton
EastonFitzgearlds
JoshuaGaede
DonnaGann
RoyMerritt
PamOsterloh
TimPeters
KathyPolacoff
GeorgiaMikessell
KayQuasius
PaulaSpalding
JerryWilliams
ForThoseFacingOngoingHealthIssues
AlbertShook
DaveSommerer
Friends/FamilyofTrinityMembers:
EliApplegate,grandsonBen&DebSchroeder
EliseDrennan,great-nieceofDebbieShell
JerilHeine,brotherofAmyJohnson
CherylKinkade,sisterofLindaOughton
VerlaWillilams,AuntofCandaceGaede
ForOurNationandForMembersofOurArmedForces
We pray not only for the soldiers listed here, but also for their families!
ChrisAdams
PhillipHackley
BenjaminSchmidt
RobertStillings,Jr.
NickCostello,nephewofMark&KarenFreiert
FrankEdling,sonofAlfredEdling
WilliamJones,brotherofLaurynPeters
KevinMyers,brother-in-lawofKathyPolacoff
AustinPeregory,nephewofMark&Karen Freiert
WeekofSeptember29-October6,2024
Today
Monday
Tuesday
St.Michael&AllAngels
FamilySunday
8:15&11:00a.m. DivineServices
9:30a.m. Fellowship
9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass
12:30p.m.F.L.E.A.Event,gym
12:30p.m.Jr.HighYouth@LakeSpringfield
6:00p.m. FamilyGameNight,gym
9:15a.m.FaithFoundations
1:00p.m.ChurchOfficeOpens
6:00p.m. LSCPrayer&Praise
6:00p.m.Pickleball,gym
10:30a.m. AdultBibleClasswithVicarHolland–MinorProphets
5:00p.m. MidweekDinner
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
NextSunday October6
5:45p.m.KidsoftheKingdom
6:00p.m. 7th-8th gradeclass
6:30p.m.3rd-6th gradeclass&GoodNewsCrew
6:30p.m.StewardshipBibleStudy
5:25p.m.AdultChoir,FamilyCenterroom2
6:50p.m. Handbells,sanctuary
Churchofficeclosed
PastorHagerman&VicarHolland’sdayoff
9:00a.m.CircuitForum,FaithLutheran
11:30a.m.LadiesSaladLuncheon
TwentiethSundayafterPentecost
8:15&11:00a.m. DivineServices
9:30a.m.Fellowship,gym
9:45a.m. SundaySchool&AdultBibleClass
5:00p.m.Basketball
HannahKnehans’part-timeofficehours: MondaysandWednesdaysfromNoon-4:30p.m. Shewillbeworking herotherhoursfromhomeorintheeveningsatmeetings/events.