The Messenger - A
October 2008
The Messenger is the monthly e-newsletter for the Rocky Mountain District - LCMS. If you would like to receive The Messenger electronically, please click The Messenger link on our homepage.
Messenger Contents
Church Structure 
by President Randall Golter
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not
submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
Church structure is neutral: committees, officers, constitution, and
bylaws. The Holy Spirit is not silent on doctrine, but He is on church
structure.
Be careful, however, of a reverse leavening of structure that binds doctrine. Fundamental to any church—the local congregation and the church at large—is the absolute necessity of letting God’s Word have free course in everything done. Nothing should bind the Lord’s voice as revealed in His Word.
I heard of one congregation—a total of twenty-six members—who had by constitutional mandate fourteen committees! What a strangle-hold on the ministry in that place!
Constitutions and bylaws must be absolutely subservient to the Word. Practically speaking, nothing should bind the pastor from freely preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God, not even the voice of the laity. The pastor must be held to God’s measure of accountability as revealed in I Timothy 1 and Titus 3, not to any corporate measurement. The pastor must not budge on what the Lord has given him to preach.
And the laity should have free course to be free as they truly are in the blood of Christ, redeemed children, a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:6). They are even to judge the pastor’s preaching and teaching (Matthew 7:15; Acts 17:11), but all is to be done in love (1 Cor. 13:7; 1 Peter 4:8; Col. 3:14).
I have met many, many laity who have a good “horse-sense” for doing what is right and needed in the church. According to St. Paul, the laity have authority over the pastor, even as they are under Christ, “and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor. 3:21-23). At the same time, the laity are to “obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17), as the pastor preaches the Lord’s doctrine.
All this is freedom, freedom to be who we are in Christ, and setting up structure in order to support and aid the proclamation of the Word, both within and beyond the church walls.
The Missouri Synod is doing the same thing, looking at structure. Follow the process, give your input, we need your wisdom. Together—with the Spirit’s discernment—we don’t want to do anything to bind or hinder the very Word that sets us free, free indeed.
Reformation Service
This year’s Reformation worship service will be at 4 PM on October 19, 2008, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2100 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO.
Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz will stir our hearts with the meaning of the Reformation.
This special service is cosponsored by the Central Zone of the Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and the LCMS congregations of the Denver area.
Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe to Preach on Reformation Day at ULC Boulder
University Lutheran Chapel in Boulder will end its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Reformation Service on Friday, October 31st, at 7:00 PM. Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe (3rd Vice President of the LCMS) will serve as guest preacher and will hold a Q and A session during the reception following the service. There will also be a Soup Meal at 5:30 PM with a presentation on the history and current mission of University Lutheran Chapel during the meal. For more information, visit www.ulcboulder.org or email pastor@ulcboulder.org.
Conversations of Grace Web - Conference November 8 2008
The registration deadline of November 1, 2008, is fast approaching for the one day, live, Conversations of Grace Web-Conference “Planning for Harvest” to be held November 8, 2008, from 9 am to 5 pm MST at a church near you. The $15.00 registration fee includes materials, snacks, and lunch. Child care will be provided at each location with advance registration.
Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick will lead the Bible study titled “Planting and Watering: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing” in our life of mission and ministry. He will point out that two key thoughts are made very clear in regard to God’s mission. One of these teaches us what our role is in the work of mission. The other thought very plainly explains God’s role. One, we plant and water, and two, God causes growth.
The focus for the panel discussions will be on the five elements of a congregational evangelism plan. Plowing: preparing our congregation and community for evangelism; Planting: sharing Christ with others; Cultivating: cultivating on-going relationships; Harvesting: bringing people into the family of Christ; Evaluation: monitoring and adjusting your plan.
There will be Guided Table Discussions during which time attendees can prepare any questions for the live Q & A period. Faith stories will also be shared which include Colorado and Kansas outreach, including Hispanic Ministry, Ablaze Sharing the Faith, and Post-Modern outreach.
Locations, program and registration information is available at www.conversationsofgrace.org . Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Jan Bloss
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Evangelism Team // CDL
Light of the Valley in Riverton, Utah, To Begin Services
Several exciting occurrences have happened recently that are moving the life of Light of the Valley Lutheran Church ahead in a dramatic fashion. First, the constitution of Light of the Valley Lutheran Church was approved by the District Board of Directors which makes Light of the Valley Lutheran Church an actual church of the LCMS.
Next, The LCEF board approved a loan that will be used to assist Light of the Valley in remodeling a facility, which is the third item of interest. The pictures are of warehouse space that has been leased at 3383 W. 12600 South in Riverton, UT. This location became available coincidentally at the same time as did our loan approval. It is a much better value than the original retail space we were looking to lease only a few blocks away.
God is certainly blessing Light of the Valley with gifts, and the prayers of churches within the Rocky Mountain District are very much appreciated. Worship services are in the planning stages now and depending on the construction of the space, we are planning a dedication in November and a launch of the congregation early next year.
Rev. Al Borcher
12952 S. Zuni Dr.
Riverton, UT 84096
Reformation is a Living Thing
This is Reformation month! Garrison Keillor (of Prairie Home Companion on NPR) says that he used to think Reformation was the time the Lutherans got their new pew assignments for the coming year. Lots of people think lots of different things about the Reformation, and that’s why it is helpful to focus on the Reformation. Historically, we know that God used Martin Luther to get the church back on track … following God rather than man. It may surprise you to know that parts of the Christian church in Africa didn’t have this “Reformation” because they didn’t have the same church history as the European church. I think that Reformation is a living thing. What person or church body or congregation in this world does not need to examine themselves and see where they need to change?
At Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, we can see Reformation as a living focus to advance God’s message to those who are lost without it. In this sense, the “mission re-start” is very much a mission reformation. We have had the truth in God’s Word restored for over three centuries now. Now is the time to act on that truth and set the course to follow God’s plan for our congregation.
Reformation takes examination. We must listen to God’s Word, and in prayer, do what God commands. Dr. Luther was willing to give up his life rather than turn from the truth. Should we be any less resolved to follow God in steadfast love?
Rev. Ken Desoto
Shepherd of the Hills, Rio Rancho, NM
Specific Ministry Pastor Program
The first week of September marked the date for a newly designed ministry program designated as the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP). At the St. Louis Seminary campus a group of 32 men seeking entrance into the pastoral ministry met to begin their seminary experience. As a mentor pastor for Stephen Weems, a new SMP student, I see great ministry on the horizon.
This brief article is to share my appreciation and gratitude for our seminaries. As a grateful 1990 graduate of the St. Louis Seminary, I am thankful for the scholarly yet practical seminary experience that is preparing soon to be shepherds for our church body. Whether rubbing shoulders with my former professors or having lunch with new faculty, I sense an overarching and profound passion to equip and release for ministry passionate shepherds who desire to equip the church to share the Good News that God's forgiveness is ours because of Christ Jesus.
Thanks be to God!
Rev. Dr. Michael A.L. Eckelkamp
Senior Pastor, St. John's Lutheran Church and School
Vicars Installed at Redeemer, Ft. COllins, CO
Sunday, September 21, four men who are a part of the LCMS’s new Specific Ministry Pastor program were installed as vicars at Redeemer Lutheran Church by Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick. Pictured from left to right are: Rev. Tim Runtsch, Senior Pastor, Vicar Ryan Meyer, Vicar Gerry Harrow, President Kieschnick, Vicar Phil Wilgers, Vicar Scott Coerber, Rev. Matt Blackford, Associate Pastor. Scott Coerber and Ryan Meyer currently serve as DCE’s at Redeemer. Phil Wilgers and Gerry Harrow are joining Redeemer’s staff to assist with multi-site ministry efforts. The Specific Ministry Pastor program is a new in-service pastoral training program adopted by the Synod at its 2007 convention. Both of our seminaries are implementing this distance education program this fall. President Kieschnick was at Redeemer to help kick-off their congregation’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Vail Christian High School Charity Concert a Success!
It’s good to be back home. In 1998 I remember moving up to the Vail Valley to begin my ministry at a new school called Vail Christian High School as the first English teacher. Within three modular classrooms we began sharing Christ with kids, all 32 of them, on the campus of Gracious Savior Lutheran Church. Through the next two years I remember dreaming of a permanent campus and having numerous meetings about our future school. At that time, we didn’t know where we would be moving to in our Valley or when it might happen, so we just continued to pray about it.
I then took a call away from VCHS. After serving in Southern California for the past eight years, I was called back this year to Vail Christian, this time as principal. In the meantime, the Lord blessed us immensely by giving Vail Christian a permanent and beautiful riverside campus in Edwards. And in my first month here we were given a tremendous gift by God … Michael W. Smith agreed to play a charity concert in our brand new performing arts center. Wow. I remember growing up with the music of Michael W. Smith and even sang a number of his songs through choir as I grew up in Lutheran schools.
This charity concert benefitted not only the Vail Christian High School scholarship program but a new foundation of his good friend Diane Dike. Diane struggles with a horrible disease in her blood called cryoglobulemia. However, she fights through her disease visiting hospitals and orphanages, sharing Christ with children who have been victims of disease and abuse. Michael wanted to support his friend Diane and was pleased that he could support Christian education in the Vail Valley. That night Michael said, “I’m such a big fan of Diane and this school … isn’t this facility a blessing?” I believe it is. Our school partners with parents to encourage individual academic excellence and nurture faith in Jesus Christ to promote service and leadership. We are a light for Christ in this Valley and that night we shone brightly, for Him.
That night over 500 people came to this charity event from as far as Denver, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs. People came to bless our ministry and hear a Christian recording artist icon, and he didn’t disappoint. With over twenty of our students serving as ambassadors to the community that
night, the Rocky Mountain District can be proud of our ministry and students as Jesus Christ was honored and glorified that night. Interestingly enough, after the Christian group Third Day heard Michael was coming to our school, they said “You better put us on the ticket next year!”
Jeremy Lowe
Principal
Vail Christian High School
31621 Highway 6
Edwards, CO 81632
On Target: Heathier Ministries
L’chaim meets monthly at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. The purpose of L’chaim (Life) is to equip leaders of our churches and Schools with healthy biblical principles and coach them in a process of becoming healthier communities. This learning community, begun and developed by Dr. Michael Eckelkamp and Paul Albers, has grown into a vibrant mission minded entity. This thriving learning community is a result of the work of the healthier Ministries Task Force. L’chaim encourages attendees to grow in receiving and sharing God’s love, word and forgiveness.
Campus Ministry - Student Referral
Are you attending a college or university this fall?
Is your son or daughter attending a College?
How about your grandson or daughter?
One of your friends?
If the answer is yes, please let the district know where you/they are going to go to school so that the student “off to school” can easily connect with a Lutheran Pastor or Campus Ministry program near the campus they are or will be attending.
Contact the district office at 303.695.8001 ask for Laura Raben.
Click here to refer a student.
AND HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?
How much does it cost to train a pastor? Concordia Seminary in St. Louis puts that figure at $33,000 per year. You may believe that Synod fully funds the seminaries from our Sunday worship offerings, but less than 2% of that $33,000 comes from Synod. Students are charged $21,600 for tuition, and they must also pay for living expenses, books, health insurance, etc. The seminary attempts to discount the tuition charge by about 50% from donations by individuals toward financial aid. But this target is not always met because each year requires a new effort for those donations.
It should not surprise you that many new pastors have educational debt to repay, especially when you remember that they earned a Bachelor degree before entering the seminary. The Rocky Mountain District Debt Assistance Program helps pastors repay their educational debts.
Please pray for pastors (and their families) with educational debt to repay. And please consider giving to the Debt Assistance program, either to the endowment fund, or for year 2008 grants.
Call Paul Gutknecht at 303.465.1236 with any questions.
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The Lutheran Chorale
“Reformation - God's Grace in Action”
We celebrate the Reformation and All Saints Day with a commentary on God's grace in our lives today.
"The Lord Is My Shepherd,” "Lord, Thou Hast Been our Dwelling Place" -- Praise God.
Sunday, October 26 • 3:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
7100 W. Mississippi Ave, Lakewood
Sunday, October 26 • 7:30 p.m.
Risen Savior Lutheran Church
3031 W 144th Ave, Broomfield, CO
Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call 303.366.1827 for for information.
Calls Accepted // Calls Declined // Change of Status
Calls Accepted
Kate Wright, Zion, Brighton, CO to Mt. Olive, Aurora, CO
Rev. Richard Wertz, Christ Our Savior/Sangre de Cristo, Angel Fire/Taos, NM to Hope,
Socorro, NM
David McWilliams, Candidate, Concordia, Seward, NE to Zion, Brighton, CO
Lucas Gerlach, Bethlehem, Lakewood, CO to Concordia International School, Shanghai,
as Missionary
Calls Declined
Christina Heiss, Immanuel, Higginsville, MO as Director of Kids of the Kingdom ECC to
Wheat Ridge Lutheran, Wheat Ridge, CO
Rev. Timothy Runtsch, Redeemer, Ft. Collins, CO to St. Paul, Boca Raton, FL
Rev. David Reimnitz, Bethlehem, Raymore, MO to Abiding Word, Falcon , CO
Change of Status
Rev. Robert Oeltjen, St. Andrews, Denver, CO to Candidate Status
Rev. Richard Pierson, Calvary, Wary, CO to Emeritus
Richard Buettner, Our Savior, Pagosa Springs, CO to Candidate Status
We Encourage Your Prayers
O heavenly Father, may all Christian parents regard their children as gifts from You. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving with DCE Micah Steiner and his wife Amanda for the gift of their daughter Madison. Amen. (Micah serves as DCE at Our Father, Centennial, CO.)
O Lord God, may Your hand of blessing and healing be with Rev. William Keller, Trinity, Greeley, CO as he recovers from recent surgery. Amen.
O Lord of all mercies, may Your loving presence surround Rev. Karl Wright, Trinity, Alamosa, CO and his family as they mourn the death of his mother. We entrust them to Your love and mercy, asking that You comfort them in this time of sadness and loss. Amen.
O loving Father, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving that Paul Brill is now at rest in the arms of his beloved Savior Jesus. May the Holy Spirit bring peace to the saddened hearts of his wife Geraldine, family, friends, and colleagues. Amen. (Paul, a former teacher in Lutheran schools, was for many years the treasurer for the RMD.)
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