FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
GOD vs. SATAN: IT’S NO MATCH

(This is written for youth and older children. Parents, give this to them to read or read it with them)

On August 21^st, Pastor Beck led our services. It was while I was on vacation. In his sermon, Pr. Beck told a story that said Satan had caused God not to be able to speak. It was as if God could not say anything or do his own will. But then Satan allowed God to say just one word. God said, “Jesus.” And Satan was defeated.

This is like a “tall tale.” This story is not in the Holy Bible, which is God’s Word written down. Pr. Beck intended to tell us how powerful Jesus is to defeat Satan and to save us. Jesus is so powerful that just to speak his name beats Satan. Unfortunately, Pr. Beck did not say clearly that this was just a tale or just a sermon illustration. So it confused some of you about the power of God versus the power of Satan.

Let me tell you clearly, there is NO comparison between them. Satan may be a lot more powerful than we are, but he is no match for the almighty God. Do not doubt this truth. I want you to know some things about the Bible to help your faith.

Since you don’t know many things that are in the Bible and that are not, remember this. Anything you hear that makes God and Satan sound like equals does not come from the Bible. It has to be only an interesting story or a tall tale that comes from other sources. Just like many jokes about God and Satan do.

Here’s why:

1)       Satan is a “fallen angel.” God created the angels. They may be heavenly beings and more powerful than us human beings. But God is their creator, just like he is our creator. The creator is more powerful that his creatures.

2)       This angel’s name is Lucifer. Satan is his title (just like “Jesus” is a name; “Christ” is a title.) Satan means “the deceiver.” He got this title because he rebelled against God and started all the trouble in the world. He gets other lesser angels and some human beings to work with him. He tries to deceive us (or lie to us) about right and wrong in our beliefs and morals.

3)       Truth is more powerful than lies or falsehoods. True beliefs and morals can be found in the Bible, and they almost always feel like the right thing when you do them. (Notice, I did not say they are easy, just right.) And you never have to hide it or pretend.

4)       God can be every where and do anything. Satan, even as an archangel, can only be in one place at a time and he can only do what angels can do. So Satan might be able to stop you from speaking because you are a human, but he could not do this to God – ever.

In the Bible there is a story about Satan testing a man called Job by hurting him. God allowed this to happen. Job was a human. The Bible has no story of Satan overpowering God or Jesus, though he tried.

The Bible also says that Satan can’t beat you unless you allow it to happen. 1 John 4:5 reads, “Greater is he who is in you (that’s Jesus the Son of God) than he who is in the world (that’s Satan.)” Find it in your Bible and highlight it.

So, if you were confused about what you heard Pr. Beck say, don’t worry about God. He is almighty and he won’t be defeated. As for you, stay close to Jesus and learn of the Bible. Jesus is your Savior. He has already beaten the power of the devil, especially when he died and rose again. And Jesus lives in you ever since you were baptized. Call on him when you need power.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

BAPTISM

Emma Kay Wise, daughter of Russ and Cara was joined to Christ’s body, September 25^th. “For all of us were baptized into one Body.”

NEWS AND EVENTS:

BLESSED TO BE…

A “Christ-ulean” (holier, if not bigger than a Herculean) effort was put forth in a few days by many folks to open, clean and supply the parsonage and move in a family from New Orleans. I mostly watched as members of our church family, figuring things out on the fly, came together to be a blessing. Is that not why we are blessed?

I will not name all the people because I know I will leave somebody out but cleaning, painting, disposing, moving, driving, phone calling, coordinating, asking for help from generous GL businesses… well, it was amazing. It is like our vision says, “… participation through sharing our gifts to the glory of God.”

The Clark-Showers will be our guests in the parsonage for some months to come.

We are blessed to be a blessing. We are blessed to be used of God. We are blessed to know where the Christian caring we have wanted to give is actually helping. We are blessed to be…

CROSS STITCHERS

I was surprised by two members responding to the request for cross stitching. One respondent is 10 (Jayne W.), the other 9 (Vanessa C). Just thought you might like to know that young people can participate by sharing their gifts, too.

3^RD SERVICE ON HOLD

A 3^rd worship time has been discussed at Council and among regular worship attenders. I suggested it for Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. However, due to the crowded agenda at September’s Council, it was not proposed for discussion. It looks now like January 2006 might be the next time to get this service going on the right foot, if Council gives its whole hearted support. I apologize to those who were anticipating this opportunity.

Luther League II

October Outing Monday, October 10 to the original Schuler's Restaurant and Pub in Marshall, MI for lunch and also for a visit to shops in the historic downtown area.  Enjoy the Scarecrow Festival exhibits and autumn colors too.  Meet in the Church parking lot at 10:30 a.m. for car pooling.  Lunch at Schuler's is at 11:45.  Call George or Annette Ryan, 627-9511 or Lee or Sandra Bair, 627-4272 if you have questions.

NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY – OCTOBER 6, 2005
DEPRESSION DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE

Do you ever feel that life might not be worth living?  Are you often too sad, anxious or moody to carry on your daily responsibilities?  Do you channel these emotions into misdirected anger?  If moods are negatively affecting your life or you are witnessing these behaviors in someone you love, and you don’t know what to do, then Immanuel Lutheran Church NDSD Mental Health Screening, a free event held on October 6 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, can help.

By age 24, three quarter of Americans will have shown signs for a mental disorder, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, according to a recent Harvard Medical School study.  These disorders are not something that must be with you for the rest of your life.  Mental illness often develops early in life.  Half of all cases start by age 14, and many cases begin with mild symptoms such as persistent shyness or low-level anxiousness, according to a study headed by Harvard Medical School’s Ronald C. Kessler.  About 46 percent of people involved in the study had experienced a mental illness at some point in their lives, 26 percent within the past year.

“The stigma associated with depression and related disorders had decreased in recent years, but many people still aren’t able to recognize a problem in themselves and others, says Charlene Pahl, LMSW, a local social worker.  “This event is an easy first step for anyone who’s concerned about their own mental health or the mental health of someone close to them.”

NDSD Mental Health Screening offers free and anonymous screenings to help assess the likelihood that you may be suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder or postpartum depression.  There is also an opportunity to receive information pamphlets and brochures and follow up privately with a mental health professional if necessary.  For more information call 517 627-6310

Healing and Prayer MINISTRY
CYVA Training
(Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults)

CYVA is a policy that was created to guard our workers and volunteers from being suspected or falsely accused of wrongful behavior.  It was created to meet insurance requirements and needs to be done yearly.  If you have not updated your paperwork since July 2005 or completed the course before please arrange to attend either:

1)      Thursday, October 20 @ 7:00 p.m.
or
2)      Sunday, October 23 @ 11:45 a.m. (following worship)

How do you know if you need to attend?  If you are ever alone with another person then you need the training.  If you are in question as to weather or not you need the training, please contact myself or Denise Lund at the church office (627-6310).

Parish Nurse

SPECIAL SERVICES

Sunday, October 16, 2005 at the 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. worship services.  Personal prayer will be available during both services.

REFORMATION SUNDAY

October 30  Holy Communion celebrated at both 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. worship services.

A PUMPKIN PRAYER

Gather in heaven, like a farmer,
you have watched me grow
And picked me out from all the rest
to house your light and glow.

Open my mind to think of you. 
Open my mouth to sing.
Open my eyes to see your world and
share the joy you bring.

Open my heart to be your home –
a warm and welcome shell,
Washed clean of sin.
A place wherein your love and light may dwell.

CONTINUING PROGRESS

As summer ended we were continuing to make progress on our congregation’s financial deficit. As you recall we had reached $17,200 in the red at the beginning of February by June 1, we had reduced that to 14,200. As of Sept 1, our deficit had shrunk to $9,300.

Fred Koos is overseeing all spending; committees are holding back spending for ministry, Council discusses finances with faith and concern, not with a sense of panic, some are giving more, others are holding steady; others are backing special expenses. Each part helps the whole. 

I hope the members will be encouraged by this progress so that it can continue as we head toward the end of the year.

Please remember that this is a spending deficit. The budget shortfall is higher because Council and committees are under spending the 2005 budget.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Bring your cat, dog, bird, hamster, pony, pig, or parakeet. All pets are welcome!

The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies,the earth and the sea.  They share in the ways of human beings.  They have a part in our lives.  St. Francis of Assisi recognized this when he called the animals - wild and tame - his brothers and sisters.  Remembering St. Francis' love for these brothers and sisters of ours, we invoke God's blessing on these animals, and we thank God for letting us share the earth with all creatures.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES
SPOTLIGHT ON

Immanuel’s Small Groups

	Adult Choir	Healing Prayer Ministers
	Adult Study Classes	Hope Circle
	Art Fair Hospitality Day	Luther League II
	Crop Walk	Prayer Shawl
	Drama Club	Quilting
	Duh-ciples	Relay for Life
	Friendship Club	Second Circle
	Frozen Chosen	Tuesday Men’s Bible Study
	God’s Crusaders	Visitation Team
	Golf Group	At Independence Village:
	Habitat for Humanity	Prayer Group
	Handbell Choir	Purpose Driven Life Group

For more information on any of the groups listed above please call the church office (627.6310). 

Group contacts and leaders – did you know? – there is a file folder in the Small Group Ministries drawer at the church office where you can put form originals and other information you might wish to access  in the future.

Opportunities to Serve:

FBI READING CLUB
(Fundamental But Important)

If anyone would be interested in helping Bob Buckley (649-2314) with his reading club, see him after church or complete form below and return to the church office.  Bob is going into schools, homes, and retirement communities to read to the residents.

  q Yes, I would like to support this ministry

Name ____________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

NOTES:

I would like to thank my church family for your prayers, words of encouragement, meals and cards.  Your wonderful acts of kindness lift me up in so many ways that words cannot express my sincere gratitude for all that you have done.  I see the Holy Spirit at work in our church family and in my healing.  Thank you again!!

 Your sister in Christ,
Lisa Baptista

From Pr. Tom Pederson: “Thanks be to God! Your gift is already at work in the following ways: making some financial assistance to needy seminary students from Michigan; support given to Extended Grace Lutheran Mission in Muskegon; a new start in Lake Ann began on August 1.” (We donated our Lent Offerings to the Bishop’s Project for an endowment fund. A current total of $78,000 is in the Fund.)

CELEBRATIONS:
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

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