Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5 (ESV)

 

"In God we trust" was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956.  It first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864.  Now there are people who want to do away with it.  For us as Christians there is no doubt about our trust in the Lord.

 

We also have to trust others. Presently there are parents who trust the chaperones to watch over their children as they attend the LCMS youth gathering in San Antonio.  Members of LCMS congregations trust delegates who either attended the LWML convention in Pittsburgh or the delegates attending the 65^th LCMS convention in St Louis to be responsible and carefully fulfill their role. 

 

Trust is the central issue in human relationships if we are going to get along whether it is in the home or in an organization.  There are four seminary candidates who will be installed at their congregations in our District this summer.  They must gain the trust of the people if they are to be a shepherd to their people.  Without trust you cannot lead.  Without trust you cannot have a strong team.

 

As church leaders you can build trust by communicating and sharing the plans you have.  Sit down and share your ideas for ministry and take time to listen to what the other person has to say.  People do not like surprises whether at home or at church.  Be honest in your communication and be honest with each other and the people at your church.  The good news is that it is God's church and in Him we ultimately put our trust.

  

  

 

You are invited to participate in one of two events organized by members of the Shawano/Bonduel area circuit. All proceeds from registration fees will be donated to LMI, an initiative shared by the United Nations Foundation, the Global Fund, Lutheran World Relief and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, aiming at ending all malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. 

 

The Golf Outing will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Golden Sands Gold Course in Cecil, WI. The 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 in downtown Shawano. For more information, and to print out registration forms, visit the following two links: Golf - http://goo.gl/HPli4

OR  Run/Walk - http://goo.gl/v14MN

 

  

The impending Supreme Court decisions on same sex marriage underscore the importance of clear biblical teaching and winsome communication on matters of sexuality and marriage.

  

DOXOLOGY is sponsoring a major conference August 14 & 15 at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, Illinois (Greater Chicago area).  Laity, pastors, and other church workers are welcome.

  

If you wish to learn more about this conference and/or register go to www.doxology.us.  If you have any questions, please contact either Dr. Harold Senkbeil, Executive Director for Spiritual Care hsenkbeil@doxology.us or byanke@doxology.us.                    

 

Addiction takes on many forms. Once it becomes reality it is both destructive and progressive. Satan desires both outcomes, with death, without hope, as the ultimate destiny for every addict.

 

What is essential to address addiction is the acceptance of its reality and the vital need for God to intervene to bring about the miracle of transformation. This is the summary of Steps 1-3 of the effective "12 Step Recovery Program."

 

At the very center of these Steps are four "Steps" that could be called the "crucible for lasting change." Here are "Steps 4-7"-

 

4.  Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

 

5.  Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the

     exact nature of our wrongs.

 

6.  Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of

     character.

 

7.  Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

 

What is involved here is a combination of-honest and deep soul-searching...full and humble confession...and gracious and freeing absolution. This is the inner work of life transformation to bring forth the "new self" which the apostle Paul speaks about-

 

            "...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of

 life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in

 the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after

 the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." 

 (Ephesians 4:22-24; also see Romans 6:11-13)

 

God, the Holy Spirit, is in the transformation business. The Spirit fully understands our sin nature; and is fully equipped to move an addict from corruption to righteousness...from death to new life.  All this is made possible through Christ's redeeming work on the cross! God offers true hope for addicts!

 

For more counseling information, contact Rev. Dan Kohn, District Counselor, at revkohn@gmail.com or 715-610-2400. 

The District office strives to keep you informed and provide easy access to information for your congregation, school, or for you personally. If there is something we can do to improve this publication, please feel free to drop us a note or give us a call and let us know.  Thank you!