10/2/2009

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

Have you ever turned on the TV and looked for something to watch and found nothing worth watching?  I do personally enjoy watching sports programs.  But, more and more what is presented for entertainment on TV and other media not only does not interest me, it offends me. 

In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives good advice to the Christians in Philippi, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.  So where do you go to consider things that are true, and noble, and right, and pure?  Today I want to share with you 3 books I found worth reading and “thinking about.”  In fact, these are the books I was reading when I hunted this year. 

I am usually reading a book.  My pattern for years was to try to read an enrichment book, followed by an entertainment book.  The reason I do this is that my Lord died and rose for me, and I want to grow as His child.  Often these books are tools to help me grow as a Christian.  Maybe they’ll help you grow too.

Seeking to grow in the knowledge and grace of my Lord,
Pastor Rockey

Recommendations:
The first two books I read in moose camp were by Paul Maier.  We have asked Dr. Maier to come to St. John January 8-10.  He is a professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, an LCMS pastor, and a Vice-President of our church body.  In these Documentary Novels Dr. Maier puts in novel form history surrounding events in Scripture.  His principles for writing these books are a) he does not write about anyone not mentioned in historical documents, b) nothing he writes about his characters contradicts what is written about these people in historical documents, and c) he fills in the holes in historical records with what is probable in the lives of his characters. 
When Dr. Maier visits he will be speaking on the world of Jesus’ time, hopefully to help us better understand the Bible.  Reading these books may help prepare us for his presentations.

The first book I recommend by Dr. Maier is Pontius Pilate.  This tells the story of the man who condemned Jesus.  Copies of the book are in our church library.  However, if you want to order it on the internet you can go to the following link:  http://www.amazon.com/Pontius-Pilate-Paul-L-Maier/dp/0825432960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254522334&sr=8-1

The second book, also a documentary novel written by Dr. Maier is The Flames of Rome.  This tells the story of Rome and Christians in Rome in the time of Paul.  The book is more a political romance revolving around the life of the mayor of Rome.  This too can be found in the library.  Or, you can find it at the following link:  http://www.amazon.com/Flames-Rome-Paul-L-Maier/dp/0825432979/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254522471&sr=1-1

Finally, the book which touched me the most concerning God’s people is called Unchristian.  This book shares the results of a study about what the younger generation thinks of the Christian Church.  They believe the church often does not act as Jesus would have the church to act, and the church is, in fact, Unchristian, in their view.  This book touched me deeply and is actually a call for Christians to live the faith of the Gospel.  This book is not in our church library.  But, you can order it at the following link.  http://www.amazon.com/unChristian-Generation-Really-Christianity-Matters/dp/0801013003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254522908&sr=1-1 
A quote from the book, UNchristian is found at the end of this edition of “Thoughts.”
**********

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.
**********

THREE ACTIVITIES OR GROUPS BEGIN MEETING THIS COMING WEEK AT St. John.

CONGREGATIONAL FINANCES.  For the last 4 years our giving increased with our budgets.  This year’s budget did not require as large an increase as previous years.  However, giving has not increased with our budget this year, and while spending has been less than budgeted, spending has exceeded income by over $60,000.00! 
We have been able to deal with this shortfall in a number of ways.  The budget committee for next year will keep this in mind.  However, the last quarter of the year is often when our finances catch up, and we are praying that is the case this year too. 
Please continue praying for St. John finances.

PERMANENT FUND CHECKS Alaskans will receive their permanent fund checks again beginning this Thursday, October 8.  For many years members have been asked to consider at least tithing from their permanent funds toward the work of the Lord at St. John. 
Please consider returning to the Lord as He has blessed you with this permanent fund.  Considering the amount of this year’s check, if every St. John member gave 10% from their permanent fund (not the whole permanent fund) to God’s work at St. John, our deficit for the year would be wiped out! 
(Many of you remember Pioneer Alaskan June Liebing standing up in worship and saying, “God made the earth.  The oil is in the earth.  My permanent fund is a gift from God.  I encourage you to give to the Lord from this gift from God.”  June is now in the Pioneer Home.)

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - On Sunday, November 8, we are going to have “A Day of Thanksgiving” with a pot luck meal after worship.  We’ll be remembering all God’s goodness, and celebrating by sharing our blessings of food.  This will also be our Stewardship Sunday for the year.

********
DID YOU KNOW THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN is available on our church website?  The link is:  http://www.st-john-lutheran.org  At the current time our web master, Jacki Rose, is revising our web site with some new pictures and software.  The new version will be available soon.


QUOTE FROM Unchristian:
“We’re labeled hypocritical because we are.  I know I’m a hypocrite, and I’m not sorry for it.  I have this thing called sin, which is like a disease – or at least it gives me a lot of dis-ease – woven into the fabric of my being.  I didn’t ask for it; I don’t want it.  More often than not, the sin manifests itself in the form of self-destructive behavior.  So if I look a little inconsistent on the outside, you can only imagine what’s going on inside.
As for dealing with the perception, I think we’ve got to get honest with ourselves and others and admit not just to the hypocrisy but to the fact that we need help.  I know in my own life, I’ve opened myself up to friends (even when it stings) pointing out my hypocrisy.  Slowly it’s helping, but I have a long way to go.
A recent entry in from my blog reads:
I thought that becoming a follower of Jesus would help me kick the sin habit, providing the inoculation I needed, but in some ways the symptoms just grew worse.  I realized how much I was infected and how it was affecting my attitude, my relationships, my life.  So the truth is that I’m fighting.  I’m fighting sin with everything I’ve got.  Some days I fare better than others.  Odds are that if you’re calling me a hypocrite then you caught me on one of my worst days.
I am sorry.  I’m sorry that I let you down and disappointed you.  But the truth is that I’m not giving up or letting go.  I’ve encountered a God who promises that the battle ends in victory – life instead of death.  So call me crazy – but I’m holding on to that promise.  I’m also trying to uphold the standards God has set.  They’re pretty high, and some days I just find myself laying on the ground, staring at the ceiling.  But then I feel an urge, an energy, to get up and fight once again.
I could use your help.  The next time you see me behaving like a hypocrite, pull me aside and gently let me know.  I’d really appreciate it.

UNchristian, page 63
Margaret Feinberg, author and speaker