From the Pastor
Going with the Times
Going with the Times
Fashions come and go.
Take men’s hair cuts, for example. In the nineteen fifties short, “crew
cut” hair was the norm for men and boys. Those who wanted to make a statement
grew pompadours and sideburns. In the late sixties and seventies long hair was
fashionable. In the eighties “mullets” became the rage (short on top, long at
the back). In the nineties and beyond, no hair became the trend! Men who appear in eighties style hair
these days tend to get noticed, and perhaps even invite a few chuckles. This is
because they haven’t gone “with the times” and adapted to the latest trends
dictated by contemporary culture. It is true that, in the world of fashion, not
keeping up with the latest style can be costly.
Some
have made the same observation about the Christian Church. Some see much about
the Christian Church as “old fashioned” and out of step with the times. Some
say that in order to attract a younger generation, the church needs to revise
its teachings and practices to be more relevant—that the church change
according to the dictates of contemporary culture and society.
But
sisters and brothers, this kind of thinking is nowhere to be found in Scripture!
Yes, it is true that the Gospel (the Good News) is proclaimed in specific times
and places. God’s Word speaks to specific people in languages which they can understand. This is why there is such a wide variety
of worship style in
Christianity. Christian
music, for examples, ranges from Gregorian chants, Bach cantatas, old time
gospel, to more contemporary
expressions like rap. Some
congregations have a lot of liturgy while some have little. Preachers are
constantly challenged to bring relevance to their messages.
But this is not to say that the
Christian Church ought to follow the lead of surrounding society! As Paul
tells the Colossians, “ Set your
minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you
have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”( 3:2). Christians, given
their true identities by Jesus Christ, are called to be beacons of light in a
world of darkness. God has created the Church to proclaim the Gospel and to
live it out in action. In doing so, communities in Christ will face much
opposition. Some people will,
sadly, turn away. Panic can set in and, soon, church leaders begin to ask:
“ What are we doing wrong?” Under these circumstances, we need to be
reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “ So we do not lose heart. Even
though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day
by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal
weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but
at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be
seen is eternal.”( I Corinthians 4:16-18). Yes, change can be necessary, good, and life-giving. But any change within the church must be moved
by the Word of God. It must be scripturally rooted and theologically justified.
Simply “going with the times,” cannot be our motive. Let us keep our hearts and minds on the
eternal truth proclaimed to us, and be bold in proclaiming this truth to
others!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Thomas
From the President
Dear Friends in
Christ of Dunbar Lutheran
How quickly the
months have passed – it’s almost the end of June and only 6 months left in 2010.
Also – it is almost a full year since Pastor Thomas accepted our call to Dunbar
. On Sunday, June 13th I was glad to report as Stewardship Chairman that out
giving was about $6,000 over our budget for 2010 – up to June 8th.
However, the not so good news is that while our giving is up, we still have a
shortfall of $7,700.00 up to June 8th. Thanks to everyone who supports our church ministry
and please don’t forget our church when you go on holidays or are away – our
costs continue and we need your support and prayers. As I mentioned last
Sunday – our church is completely supported by the congregation – that is each
and every person you see on Sunday morning. We do not receive any
financial assistance from the synod, government or any other agency.
Big news for Ute and
I –we have bought a house in Ladner , BC . It is a large, beautiful home
on one acre of land. Now I can have a big vegetable garden and a real
fruit orchard. The new property even has a small greenhouse. It
needs some work but I look forward to spending more time gardening and a little
less time at work. But Dunbar will always be our church home, and it’s
less than 30 minutes from our new home in Ladner to church.
I am still working on
the vacant lot with the City of Vancouver and the BC Land Registry and while it
has been frustrating at times, I am determined to get it all done.
I am really excited
about our church stained glass windows – Richard has agreed to take over the
job of coordinating this project. Richard has experience with stained
glass and I am sure he will be able to answer any questions you may have about
any aspect of this.
Dunbar Lutheran
church will again be hosting a Blüthner Concert on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 at
7:30 p.m. The cost to attend this concert is $25.00 for adults and $15.00
for students. The pianist is 20 year old Devon Juner. This concert
will be the season closing recital. All are welcome to come and enjoy
this classic grand piano concert. If you want more information, please
talk to me.
Our council is
working well and is united in working for our Lord and Saviour. I
continue to be impressed with the support and kindness of our congregation and
that God has given us all the opportunity to work and worship together.
God bless us all and Pastor Thomas as our shepherd at Dunbar and please
continue to keep Craig and Sarah in our prayers.
Hans Gust
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR OFFERING
DURING VACATION TIME!
Traditionally, the summer months
are financially difficult ones for congregations. This is because when folks go
on vacation their offerings have a tendency to go with them. Please remember
that while you are on vacation, the ministry of the church continues. Writing
post-dated cheques in advance of your vacation is a way of ensuring that your
regular offering is made.
--a reminder from the
stewardship committee
HAPPY FATHER’S
DAY!
The Wrong Diet for Your
Husband to Be on. He might love it…….but read on!
Breakfast:
Large
cup or coffee with heavy cream and white sugar. No fresh juice or fruit
allowed.
At
least two slices of white spongy toasted bread with butter, the more, the
better.
Top
it with jam bought in the store {don't read the
label for ingredients content}
The more preservatives, the better.
In
medium size plate, place four or more strips of bacon, “fried of course”, two
scrambled eggs done with the bacon drippings, salt for sharper taste and don't
forget to decorate it with lots of Ketchup. This will start him on his way to
become overweight and high blood pressure.
Mid-morning
snack:
A
strong cup of black coffee with cream and white sugar. One slice of Black
Forest cake or large muffin will do. Top it with whip cream. This is excellent
for artery blockage.
If
he feels a bit tired and wishes to sit in front of the TV set, please do not go
against his wishes, the less he does, the sooner his arteries will clog and the
sooner you will get rid of him!
Lunch:
Canned
soup with preservatives and mono-sodium glutamate {excellent
for the body, heart and arteries and may even be a good help for premature
cancer} served with a sandwich made with that white spongy bread filled
with over salted cured colds meat cuts and lots of mayonnaise. After lunch,
encourage him to nap for at least an hour, that way the fat will accumulate in
his body and he will become overweight sooner than planned. Heart arteries will
plug faster.
Mid
afternoon snack:
Give
him all the cheese he desires, salted crackers and cold beer, the colder, the
better. This will cause the fat to harden and become more difficult to digest
it or to lose weight.
He
can sit in front of the TV set again. Don't forget
to give him a bowl of chips to munch while he watches television.
Dinner
time:
An
option of pork chops or steak at least an inch thick. Serve with a generous
amount of mashed potatoes with butter, white gummy buns and lots of gravy made
with left over bacon drippings. No salad allowed, the lack of fiber in his body
will set the scenario for constipation and colon cancer?
Dessert:
Ice
cream with cookies or a generous slice of that beautiful Black Forest cake
topped with more ice cream or whip cream, excellent for diabetes. After such a
tasty dinner, encourage him to watch the evening news, bring him a cup of
coffee with all the trimmings or one more of those cold beers....
No walks or exercise permitted, this will speed up his illnesses
and lead him to the land of no return before his time....
Almost
forgot about that much needed bedtime snack....A good cup of hot chocolate with
delicious whip cream and cookies is essential for his cholesterol especially at
bedtime. Yes!
Now, if you really love
your husband and want to be at his side for many years, prepare wholesome meals
using a minimum of fats or oils, small amounts of red meat rather then large
portions, more fish and poultry than pork, lots of fruit and vegetables, whole
grain breads and pastries, no gravy or heavy sauces. Any kind of exercise at
least three times a week, half to one hour walks a day, plenty of drinking
water instead of black teas, beer black coffee or wine. But more than anything,
give him your love and thank God for your husband. Good luck and may you both
live long, healthy and happy live together.
Wishing you well. Gigi
PLANNERS
NEEDED! We are planning a block
party, as part of a “rally weekend”, September 18-19. We envision this as a
time for a great time and a great opportunity to outreach to the surrounding
community. But we need to start early! Please speak to Ute or Pastor Thomas if you are
interested in helping
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Letters to the Pastor
Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but
He never met my sister.
Yours sincerely, Arnold. Age 8, Nashville.
Dear Pastor, My father should be a
minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something.
Robert, Age 11, Anderson.
Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more
money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could
you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance?
Love, Patty. Age 10, New Haven
Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious.
She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold. Yours
truly,
Annette. Age 9, Albany
Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people
would come to your church if you moved it to Disneyland.
Loreen. Age 9. Tacoma
Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our
Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher.
Thank you.
Alexander. Age 10, Raleigh
Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn
the Ten Commandments. But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules
already in my house.
Joshua. Age 10, South Pasadena
Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday.
Especially when it was finished.
Ralph, Age 11, Akron
June July service schedule:
Readers: Communion
Servers:
June 27 ? Don Simpson
July 4 Marie Frick
July 11 Ute Gust Hans Gust
July 18 Carmen Funk
July 25 Don Simpson Don Simpson
