News

Announcements — October 15, 2017

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Rick C., hospitalized; Ruby S., suffering from shingles for the last month; Earl G., suffering various serious health issues; Lee Ann C., at National Health Center in Joplin after a fall; Nan B., undergoing rehab at home for her shoulder; Jody G., on hospice; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer; Stephen Ministry and their care receivers.

† GSLC CELEBRATES 30 YEARS  This fall marks the 30th year of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  To celebrate this milestone, the Fellowship Committee is planning a pot-luck lunch for Sunday, November 5, after the 10:45 am service.  The Fellowship Committee will be providing the dessert, cake & ice cream. Everyone is asked to bring a dish or two to share, a German theme has been suggested, but of course, all dishes are welcome.  Hoping to have everyone together for a wonderful celebration of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church!

† SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN The Sunday School students plan to sing in church on Sunday, November 5, at the beginning of the 10:45 am service to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Good Shepherd.

† HELP NEEDED  The altar guild is in need of some more help.  If you would be able to help with communion setup and cleanup for the month of November, please contact Janet C., or the church office, 358-1325.

† NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY  It is time for a new GSLC photo directory.  Pictures for the new directory will be taken toward the end of October.  There are sign-up sheets on the round table in the narthex, so you can schedule a time to have your picture taken.  In addition, we will be in need of some help during the scheduled times to welcome people and make sure all of their directory information is     correct.  If you could help during any of these times, please use the volunteer sheet on the round table to sign up or contact the church office, 358-1325.

† ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT STOOL  GSLC is in need of an adjustable height stool as part of our equipment for taking the directory photos.  If you have one you would be willing to lend for a couple of weeks please contact Karen M.

† MEAL DELIVERY  Thank you to all those who helped with the Over 60 Center meal delivery this past week.  What a great way to help support our local community!

† JANITORIAL STAFF  GSLC is seeking a person to fill the upstairs cleaning position.  If you are interested in this position, please contact the church office, 358-1325.

† VOTERS’ MEETING  At our upcoming Voters’ Meeting on Sunday, October 22 at 7:00 pm, our congregation has the opportunity (though we are not required) to nominate individuals for various Missouri District positions.  If you would like more information contact Pastor Mehl.  As noted in the Oct. Newsletter, at our next Voters’ Meeting we are required to nominate a lay person from our congregation to represent us at circuit and district gatherings.  Keep that in mind as well.  Of course, the normal business of approving a budget and electing officers for 2018 will also occur at this meeting.

† LWML FALL RALLY  Have you ever been to an LWML Rally?  Do you even know what an LWML Rally really is?  Come find out as our own LWML hosts the Fall   Rally here at Good Shepherd on Saturday, Nov. 4.  All women (and men) are invited.  Registration with coffee and rolls begins at 9:30 am and the Rally starts at 10:00 am.  There will be a portrayal of Katie Luther, a lesson on addiction and a delicious lunch will be provided.  We hope you will come and enjoy this wonderful day of fellowship.

SERMON AUDIO  Good Shepherd is now sharing audio of Pastor Mehl’s sermons each week at https://soundcloud.com/gslc-carthage.  You may use this link to subscribe on your smartphone app, such as Apple Podcasts or BeyondPod (Android): http://bit.ly/gslcsermons.  These links are also available to click on at the church Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gslc.carthage

Announcements — October 8, 2017

† IN OUR PRAYERS Ruby S., suffering from shingles for the last month; Earl G., suffering various serious health issues; Lee Ann C., at National Health Center in Joplin after a fall; Nan B., undergoing rehab at home for her shoulder; Jody G., on hospice; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer; Stephen Ministry and their care receivers.

† THANK YOU to all who shared our 50th wedding anniversary celebration or sent good wishes.  We appreciate our Church family.                  ~ Don & Carol L.

† THANK YOU so very much for all the beautiful cards, well wishes, and your prayers and love you’ve shown me.  Hope to be back with you again soon.                                                                                                                                             ~ Lee Ann Christiansen

† SUNDAY SCHOOL PLANNING MEETING  There will be a meeting today after the late service to discuss the current Sunday School quarter and to start planning for this year’s Christmas Program.  Anyone currently helping with Sunday School or interested in helping out is encouraged to attend.

† NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY  It is time for a new GSLC photo directory.  Pictures for the new directory will be taken toward the end of October.  There are sign-up sheets on the round table in the narthex, so you can schedule a time to have your picture taken.  In addition, we will be in need of some help during the scheduled times to welcome people and make sure all of their directory information is correct.  If you could help during any of these times, please use the volunteer sheet on the round table to sign up or contact the church office, 358-1325.

† MEAL DELIVERY  Good Shepherd’s week to deliver meals for the Over-60 Center is this week of October 9-13.  If you can help with this worthwhile project, please contact Betty E.

† JANITORIAL STAFF  GSLC is seeking a person to fill the upstairs cleaning position.  If you are interested in this position, please contact the church office, 358-1325.

† VOTERS’ MEETING  At our upcoming Voters’ Meeting on Sunday, October 22 at 7:00 pm, our congregation has the opportunity (though we are not required) to nominate individuals for various Missouri District positions.  If you would like more information contact Pastor Mehl.  As noted in the Oct. Newsletter, at our next Voters’ Meeting we are required to nominate a lay person from our congregation to represent us at circuit and district gatherings.  Keep that in mind as well.  Of course, the normal business of approving a budget and electing officers for 2018 will also occur at this meeting.

† SERMON AUDIO  Good Shepherd is now sharing audio of Pastor Mehl’s sermons each week at https://soundcloud.com/gslc-carthage.  You may use this link to subscribe on your smartphone app, such as Apple Podcasts or BeyondPod (Android): http://bit.ly/gslcsermons.  These links are also available to click on at the church Facebook page:www.facebook.com/gslc.carthage.

† LWML FALL RALLY  Have you ever been to an LWML Rally?  Do you even know what an LWML Rally really is?  Come find out as our own LWML hosts the Fall   Rally here at Good Shepherd on Saturday, Nov. 4.  All women (and men) are invited.  Registration with coffee and rolls begins at 9:30 am and the Rally starts at 10:00 am.  There will be a portrayal of Katie Luther, a lesson on addiction and a delicious lunch will be provided.  We hope you will come and enjoy this wonderful day of fellowship.

† WORKSHOP  In an instant, your life can change unexpectedly.  Please come to learn how you and your family can prepare for long-term care-emotionally, physically and financially.  Thomas Mehl will be hosting a workshop with guest speaker, John Estes, Managing Partner from Thrivent Financial as he will answer important questions.  Join us for a complimentary dinner.  Event details: Wed., Oct. 11 at 6:00 pm at Granny Shaffer’s, 2728 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO.  RSVP   by the Oct. 9 at (888)243-8225 or thom.mehl@thrivent.com.  Seating Limited.

Grace Alone

Last month I wrote about the Reformation in terms of its effects on Christians today as its 500th anniversary approaches. I talked mostly about its importance to Germans, Lutherans, (German Lutherans) other protestants, and even Roman Catholics. I didn’t talk all that much about the theology behind the reformation though. Certainly there are a lot of parts to the Reformation. Some of them really have nothing to do with the church (i.e. the printing press being the first form of mass media, the relationship that the various rulers had with each other and with the Pope, etc.). For us, one of the most influential parts of the Reformation is the theology. Certainly as Lutherans we carry Luther’s name and we also carry his theology.

When one considers Luther’s impact on Christian theology, it is always good to remember that he did not set out to create a new or separate church body. Luther was a good Catholic who was interested in making the rest of the Church good Catholics too. He set out to help correct the church, to reform it. Not to leave it. However, due to the circumstances of the time, this was not possible and the Reformation has become known as the time when the Christian Church was split into multiple denominations. Luther first engaged his superiors over the issue of indulgences. Selling indulgences in exchange for the forgiveness of sins was an understandable money-maker for the Roman Catholic Church but this is not Luther’s chief concern. His argument was more theological. Could anyone, the Pope included, even provide what indulgences claimed to offer? It was possible to buy an indulgence that forgave you all of your sins and thus guaranteed your entrance to heaven. On October 31, 1517, Luther asked some questions about this. He asked if the Pope even had a storehouse of forgiveness to dish out to paying customers. If he did, why did he not forgive everyone for free? Why make poor people pay for forgiveness, more than that, potentially send them to hell if they could not?

This issue is the one that Luther and various representatives of the church would argue about in the early days of the Reformation. But it was really more of a jumping off point to a larger issue which was: How do people get to heaven in the first place? Do they get there by doing works, by being good, by helping others, by saying prayers (or buying indulgences)? Or do we go to heaven because Jesus died on the cross and won forgiveness for us?

If you have been a Lutheran for any length of time, I trust you know how Luther (and therefore, we) answer this question. We have salvation, we go to heaven, because Jesus died and rose to earn it for us. He gives it to us free of charge. We do not have, nor are we able, to add anything to Jesus’ work. This is the essential difference between Lutheran Theology and Roman Catholic Theology (and most other Christian Theology as well for that matter). Relying solely on God’s grace for our salvation is the touchstone of Reformation theology.
This month, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, rest at ease knowing that you are not asked to do things in order to earn your salvation. You get to go to heaven for free. You get to go because of God’s grace, because of what He has done for you. And because of the Reformation you get to hear that gospel message in church every week.
~ Pastor Mehl

Announcements — October 1, 2017

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Ruby S., suffering from shingles for the last month; Earl G., suffering various serious health issues;  Lee Ann C., at National Health Center in Joplin after a fall; Nan B., undergoing rehab at home for her shoulder; Jack H., at home, undergoing rehab; Jody G., on  hospice; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer; Stephen Ministry and their care receivers.

† GUEST PASTOR  It is nice to have Reverend Bart Mueller, Advancement Director at Saint Paul Lutheran High School, here today to lead both services and teach our Adult Bible Class.  Because it is homecoming weekend for Pastor Mehl’s Alma  Mater, he and his family are in Concordia, MO.  He is preaching at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church today.  Thank you, Reverend Mueller, for leading the services and Bible Class today.

† 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION  Don & Carol Lovland were married on Oct. 20, 1967.  Family and friends will celebrate this milestone today from 1:30 – 3:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  They would like to extend an invitation to the congregation.  No gifts, just good wishes please.

† TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY The Tuesday morning Bible Study will not meet this Tuesday, October 3.

† THE ANNUAL MEN’S FISHING/CAMPOUT is October 6 – 7 at Dale’s Fish’n Hole.  There are maps available in the narthex.  Please add your name to the provided sign up sheet if you plan to attend.

† SUNDAY SCHOOL PLANNING MEETING  There will be a meeting on Sunday, October 8, after the late service to discuss the current Sunday School quarter and to start planning for this year’s Christmas Program.  Anyone currently helping with Sunday School or interested in helping out is encouraged to attend.

† NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY  It is time for a new GSLC photo directory.  Pictures for the new directory will be taken toward the end of October.  There are sign-up sheets on the round table in the narthex, so you can schedule a time to have your picture taken.  In addition, we will be in need of some help during the scheduled times to welcome people and make sure all of their directory information is correct.  If you could help during any of these times, please use the volunteer sheet on the round table to sign up or contact the church office, 358-1325.

† MEAL DELIVERY  Good Shepherd’s week to deliver meals for the Over-60 Center is the week of October 9-13.  If you can help with this worthwhile project, please contact Betty E.

† GIDEONS  Thanks to everyone who donated to The Gideons International last Sunday.  GSLC donated a total of 620.27!

† WORKSHOP  In an instant, your life can change unexpectedly.  Please come to learn how you and your family can prepare for long-term care-emotionally, physically and financially.  Thomas Mehl will be hosting a workshop with guest speaker, John Estes, Managing Partner from Thrivent Financial as he will answer important questions.  Join us for a complimentary dinner.  Event details: Wed., Oct. 11 at 6:00 pm at Granny Shaffer’s, 2728 N Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO.  RSVP by the Oct. 9 at (888)243-8225 or thom.mehl@thrivent.com.  Seating Limited.

† REFORMATION CELEBRATION  Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin is hosting an afternoon of fellowship and fun to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  It will be a family-oriented afternoon with activities for everyone.  The event will be Saturday, October 7th from 3-7.  Events include bounce houses and games for the children.  There will be a Martin and Kate Luther Look-a-like Contest.  They will host a wiener dog race and runway show with prizes.  Later in the evening, there will be a Gospel band for a sing-a-long.  They are catering an authentic German meal.  There will also be a cash bar available in a separate tent.  The games are free.  There will be a charge for the meal and drinks.  Please come for a day of fellowship and fun.  Please contact Betty Lingenfelter of Immanuel Lutheran Church at 417-622-3118 with any questions.