TheArkEncounter In July 2016 the largest timber-frame structure in the world opened as an exhibit in northern Kentucky. What is this massive structure? A full-scale replication of Noah’s ark, built according to the dimensions and instructions given in Holy Scripture. The exhibit is called The Ark Encounter. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel stretches more than one and a half football fields in length and offers visitors a unique look at the size, scope, and interior of Noah’s home for the 40-day worldwide flood and the months that followed when the water receded from the earth’s surface.

Members of our youth group had the privilege of seeing The Ark Encounter last month. It was incredible. Because so many in our world are eager to deny or re-write history, this project is a welcome attraction.

For Christians, God’s Word is all the evidence we need that Noah built the ark, a worldwide flood occurred, and all but eight people perished. Moses records these events in Genesis 6–9. These events are also attested to by the psalmist (104:5-9), Isaiah (54:9), Jesus (Matthew 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27), the author of Hebrews (11:7), and Peter (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5). Added to this Scriptural record is a plethora of non-Scriptural evidence for a worldwide flood. Geology and archeology bear witness to sudden, massive flooding. Most ancient cultures, scattered all over the globe, have an account of an ancient flood that is remarkably similar to the Scriptural record. Coincidence? Most of these ancient cultures, scattered all over the globe, also built remarkably similar structures to the Tower of Babel. Another coincidence?

One of the things The Ark Encounter did so well is explain the feasibility of Noah fitting all those animals and the necessary food, water, and supplies on the ark. Here are a few of the facts presented:

• According to estimates published in 2014, there are fewer than 1.8 million documented species of organisms in the world. Over 98% of these species are fish, invertebrates, and non-animals (like plants and bacteria). This means there are fewer than 34,000 species of known, land-dependent vertebrates in the world today.

• The Bible says that Noah brought representatives of every land-dependent, air-breathing kind. Kind is a broader category than species (kind usually includes many species). “Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive” (Gen 6:20). An animal kind, or baramin (from the Hebrew words for “created” and “kind”), is a group of related animals not related to any other animals.

• How many kinds were on the ark? Recent studies estimate that among land-dependent vertebrates, there are fewer than 1,400 known living and extinct kinds. In a worst-case scenario, it is projected that Noah was responsible for fewer than 6,700 individual animals—most of them small, young, and easily kept. 85% of these young animals would have weighed 22 pounds or less; 7% weighed 22.1–220 pounds; and 8% weighed over 220 pounds.

• It is estimated that 322,400 gallons of water and 400 tons of food was needed. Exhibits showed how 285,300 gallons of water could have been stored in giant cisterns, 95,100 gallons in smaller storage vessels (with collection of rain from the roof if additional water was needed), and the food contained in 15,000 individual storage vessels.

• There was also ample room for living quarters, food preparation, medicinal supplies, waste collection and disposal, and more.

(continued…)

Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

SEPTEMBER 2017 NEWSLETTER

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [Saint John 10:27]

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Granted, the ark wasn’t a 21st century cruise ship with all the latest and greatest amenities. No endless buffets. No entertainers or masseuses, cooks or bartenders, crew or cleaning staff. No theaters or pools or sun decks. It was simply a floating farm with one purpose—preserve humanity and animal kinds from the worldwide flood. Saint Peter uses the worldwide flood of Noah’s day to teach us what happens in Holy Baptism, where God drowns our sinful flesh and raises up in us the new man — Christ in us — to live before God in righteousness and purity. He writes, “God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20-21). Given that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), we don’t need The Ark Encounter to confirm what we already believe. Yet it offers a unique look at what Noah’s ark looked like. Just as a crèche reminds us that God entered this world as a baby to save us, a wall crucifix reminds us of our Lord’s sacrificial death for sinners, and a painting of a Scriptural scene reminds us of that story, so this life-size exhibit reminds us of God’s hatred of sin and God’s love for His people in Jesus Christ. I encourage you to re-read Genesis 6–9 at your convenience. I also encourage you to make the trip to Williamstown, Kentucky when you are able. Plan on a whole day at The Ark Encounter so that you can see and read the many exhibits inside. It is well worth your time and attention. PastorMumme

Calendar

Week of Proper 17 (September 3-9)

Sun, Sep 3, 9:00 am Divine Service Sun, Sep 3, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Mon, Sep 4 Labor Day Tue, Sep 5, 7:00 pm Elders Meeting Wed, Sep 6, 3:45 pm Youth Catechesis Fri, Sep 8, 6:00 pm Cruz-Kiefer Rehearsal Sat, Sep 9, 10:00 am Data Baptism Sat, Sep 9, 1:00 pm Cruz-Kiefer Wedding

Week of Proper 18 (September 10-16) Sun, Sep 10, 9:00 am Divine Service Sun, Sep 10, 10:00 am Thrivent Meeting Sun, Sep 10, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Sun, Sep 10, 2:00 pm Bolingbrook Parade Sun, Sep 10, 4:00 pm Ice Cream Social Tue, Sep 12, 7:00 pm Luther Film (PBS) Wed, Sep 13, 7:00 pm Choir Practice Thu, Sep 14, 7:00 pm Council Meeting Sat, Sep 16, 8:30 am Men’s Bible Breakfast Sat, Sep 16, 10;00 am Altar Guild Meeting Sat, Sep 16, 11:00 am Ladies Aid Meeting

Week of Proper 19 (September 17-23) Sun, Sep 17, 9:00 am Divine Service Sun, Sep 17, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Tue, Sep 19, 1:00 pm Women’s Bible Study Tue, Sep 19, 7:00 pm Book of Concord Study Wed, Sep 20, 11:00 am Pastor @ NICL Study Wed, Sep 20, 3:45 pm Youth Catechesis Wed, Sep 20, 7:00 pm Choir Practice Sat, Sep 23, 9:00 am Reformation Walk Sat, Sep 23 Bolingbrook Fall Festival

Week of Proper 20 (September 24-30) Sun, Sep 24, 9:00 am Divine Service Sun, Sep 24, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Mon, Sep 25 Pastor @ SRPC Tue, Sep 26 Pastor @ SRPC Wed, Sep 27 Pastor @ SRPC Wed, Sep 27, 3:45 pm Youth Catechesis Wed, Sep 27, 7:00 pm Choir Practice

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Reformation 500 Divine Shepherd will celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation with a festive Divine Service on Sunday, October 29. This service will feature the recitation of several of Luther’s 95 Theses, special music by our youth and adult choirs, and more. Pastor Mumme will have a few of his Luther collectibles on display in Luther Hall that day. All of these morning festivities will be followed by our annual Oktoberfest luncheon. Come, celebrate with us, and re-learn how Lutheranism is still all about Jesus!

Bible & Lutheranism Studies Sunday Bible Class Topic: A Man Named Luther When: Sunday mornings @ 10:45 a.m. Where: Luther Hall Men’s Bible Breakfast Topic: Man Up! The Quest for Masculinity When: Saturday, September 16 @ 8:30 a.m. Where: Family Square Restaurant Women’s Bible Study Topic: A Sparrow’s Worth When: Tuesday, September 19 @ 1:00 p.m. Where: Luther Hall Book of Concord Study Topic: The Augsburg Confession When: Tuesday, September 19 @ 7:00 p.m. Where: Luther Hall

Sunday Bible Class With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation just around the corner, we will spent the next two months using a video-based study titled A Man Named Martin: The Man, the Moment, the Movement. This class is held on Sunday mornings beginning about 10:45 a.m. (following the Sunday School opening) in Luther Hall. Come, join the discussion, ask questions, and learn more about the Reformation and our Lutheran heritage.

August Birthdays 06 Amy Edgar 06 Kevin Pape 11 Bryan Schilling 13 Daniel Data 16 David Dobbs 18 Elizabeth Parmenter 19 Spenser Fox 20 Linda Shurhay 21 Stephen Dobbs 22 James Cruz 22 Cindy Simonetti 23 Judy Yuenger 24 Levi Fox 25 Cindy Rambeaux 27 Dale Thornton 30 William Peters

Baptismal Anniversaries 01 Aubrey Learnahan 01 Bill Tilker 03 Lynn Henricks 05 Alicia Kreier 06 Miles Mueller 11 Matthew Wise 13 Charlotte Soukup 16 Terri Kreier 17 Kevin Olifirowicz 23 Courtney Nurczyk 23 Emily Nurczyk 25 Mary Braasch 25 Taylor Jordan 26 Kevin Pape 27 David Dobbs

Wedding Anniversaries 04 Dan & Linda Data 11 Bill & Maredith Robertson 18 Greg & Val DeWitt 18 Don & Renata Fiolka 19 Darrin & Colette Johnson 21 Tim & Nadine Parmenter 28 Jeff & Charlotte Soukup

Choir Practice Choir practice will resume on Wednesday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to lend their voices in praise to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Asleep in Christ

Ottilie Stroh, a member of Divine Shepherd since 2003, fell asleep in Christ on August 4 at the age of 84 (that day was also Steve & Ottilie’s 55th wedding anniversary). Final arrangements were held privately.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” [Revelation 14:13]

United in Christ

James Cruz and Sarah Lawrence were united in holy matrimony here at Divine Shepherd on August 9. God’s richest blessings to you both as you seek to reflect the union of Christ and His bride, the Church!

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” [Matthew 19:6]

Prayer Chain Several members of our congregation are part of a church prayer chain. If you (women or men) would like to join them in praying for our congregation’s special needs, please contact Bobbie Light at 630-251-7860 or Pastor Mumme.

Adult Catechesis We will begin a new round of adult catechesis (confirmation class) shortly after Labor Day. It is a 12 session class — anchored in Scripture, catechism, and hymnal — designed to impart and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ, teach the Christian faith, answer questions, and prepare participants to receive the Lord’s Supper. If interested or for more information, please contact Pastor Mumme. It also makes a great refresher for the longtime and lifelong Christian. All are welcome!

Little Lambs Preschool

Little Lambs is ready and excited to start another year! We thank all of our members who pitched in to help clean our toys. Your help was greatly appreciated. Our first day of school is on Tuesday, September 5, so please remember that children will be at the school Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you would like to volunteer to help in the classroom, please contact Terri Kreier for more information on how to make that happen. Many of you ask if I need supplies. I don’t need anything specific, but if you have any fall themed craft materials you can send them to me. I also always look for writing materials like unused cards, notepads, stationary, etc. If you have something unique, ask me and I will let you know if I can use it. Something I am looking for is a tablet for use in the classroom. So if you have one that you are not using and are looking for a place to get rid of it, considering giving it to the preschool. We need board members! Our board members are an important support to the preschool. They help set policies, with fundraising, setting goals, hiring help and more. If you are interested, please contact Terri Kreier or Teresa Pape.

Terri Kreier, Director

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Rally Day & Church Picnic

Our annual Rally Day was held on Sunday, August 27. During the service we installed our Sunday School and Preschool teachers and offered prayers on their behalf. The youth choir also sang. Following the service a new ESV Bible was presented to David Dobbs. The festivities concluded with a delicious church picnic. Special thanks to our Board of Elders for organizing the picnic and grilling the burgers, brats, hotdogs, and corn on the cob, and to Thrivent for the seed money for this picnic. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for a meal with your church family!

Pathways Parade & Ice Cream Outreach Event

We will be participating in Bolingbrook’s annual Pathways Parade on Sunday, September 10. Though we are not putting together a float this year, we invite our congregation’s children to walk with us, help carry our banners and signs, and wave to those along the parade route. We also hope to have matching Thrivent shirts for the participants as well. This year we are doing an outreach event in conjunction with the parade. We will be inviting our community to join us here at church immediately after the parade for an ice cream social. Weather permitting, this will take place outside. We will also have the inside open. As the parade begins at 2:00 p.m. and normally ends before 4:00 p.m., we are planning to serve ice cream from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. We have applied for and received an Action Team grant from Thrivent to cover the costs of advertising and everything needed for the ice cream social. We want you to be a part of this. Come and make some new friends as we welcome our neighbors.

Reformation Walk

Join us on Saturday, September 23 for a brief walk through multiple stations that focus on Martin Luther and the Reformation. This exciting, informative event is for both children and adults. Participants will…

• meet Luther’s parents, • learn a little German, • see Tetzel sell indulgences, • taste a fresh pretzel, • learn about the 95 Theses, • meet Frederick the Wise, • find out what Katie had to do with fish barrels, • learn about Martin & Katie’s home life, • sing a hymn of praise, and • learn the meaning behind Luther’s seal.

All it takes is 30 minutes. The first walk begins at 9:00 a.m. New groups begin every half hour. The last walk begins at 12:30 p.m. Please pre-register by visiting…

www.vbsmate.com/DSLutheranBolingbrookIL

Luther Film to Air on PBS

Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World — the full-length feature film that premiered in selected theaters in February — is set to air nationally on PBS on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Funded by Thrivent Financial, the film dramatizes the events that shaped Luther and examines the questions he wrestled with, such as “Who am I?,” “What is my purpose?,” and “How do I get right with God?” Included are insights and commentary from LCMS theologians and historians.

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Church Library Our “book of the month” for September is Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs by Matthew Richard. In our world, there is no shortage of false christs. Like the Elvises who roam the streets of Vegas, these counterfeit christs look and sound like Jesus, but they couldn’t be further from the real deal. This book not only reminds us who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but it also reveals to us twelve false christs who are embraced, loved, promoted, and revered—even by well-meaning Christians. So who exactly are these false christs? Do you know them? Do you worship them? You might be surprised at the answers. You can browse the selection of books in our library by visiting librarything.com/catalog/DivineShepherd. Books may be checked out at any time by members.

Ladies Aid CHANGE IS COMING: The announcement is in the bulletin each week. The Ladies Aid is planning to renovate the kitchen. Well it is going to begin soon. The first step will be replacing the table and cabinet in Luther Hall along the wall with the TV and the serving window from the kitchen. Base cabinets have been donated by Colleen and Terry Donaldson’s daughter and son-in law, Trish & Kurt Johnson. Within a few weeks these will be ready to install. Thank you to the Donaldson family for their donations. Additional thanks to members of the congregation who have volunteered to help install these. A new counter top will be purchased and we will have a great place for serving food and there will be a lot of additional storage for plates, cups, tableware, etc. Additional donations will certainly be welcome as we shop for kitchen cabinets, counter tops, and perhaps a new stove for the kitchen. A part of the plans is to move the stove and oven away from the door where it presents a burn hazard for all going in and out of the kitchen. We will keep you apprised of future developments as they are finalized.

If you have a relative or friend serving overseas in the military, please give their name and address to Karen Moritz so we can send them a gift card this holiday season. Monetary donations are always accepted. Please join us for our next meeting on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. in Luther Hall.

Manna (Scrip Cards)

Turn in dates are September 10 & 24 and October 8 & 22.

The basic concept behind scrip is: • the retailers sell the certificates at a discount; • families buy the certificates at full face value and

redeem them for full face value; • your organization gets the difference as revenue. Presto Pay and reloading cards are also available. Printable forms are also available on the website (shopwithscrip.com). Why Scrip is better for families: 1. There are over 700 brands to choose from, so they

can use scrip on practically every purchase. 2. Scrip is a great budgeting tool since families can use

scrip for gas, groceries, and other household expenses.

3. Families can shop in-store or online at participating retailers.

4. They could place their own orders online, which will maximize their earnings.

5. Paying with gift cards keeps families safe from credit card fraud.

Your Organization:

Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church - Manna

Your Coordinator: Lisa Cruz

630-636-6359 dslcmanna@yahoo.com

Your Enrollment Code:

B2LD2C7A55973

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Creation Museum & Ark Encounter

This past month seven of our youth — Zachary, Caleb, Michael, Adam, Quentin, Liz, and Olivia — visited the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky and the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. Both were incredible experiences that reinforced the truths recorded in Genesis 1–11 and offered the youth glimpses into what Eden was like before the fall, the pre-flood era, life on the ark for both man and beast, and what happened between the flood and the Tower of Babel. They also enjoyed meals together and zip lining.

Yard Work Our youth group is ready and willing to assist you with yard work, mulching, tilling, planting, cleaning gutters, etc. as a fundraiser for next summer’s Higher Things youth conference. Look for the signup sheet in Luther Hall. See Lori Mumme or Nadine Parmenter for more information.

Quentin Earns Eagle Scout

This summer Quentin Parmenter became an Eagle Scout. His Eagle ceremony was held on August 13 here at church. He completed his Eagle project here last year by putting in a fire pit, horseshoe pits, a volleyball set, and a tetherball set, as well as purchasing horseshoes, a volleyball, and a ladder ball set. Congratulations, Quentin, from our entire congregation!

2018 NID Convention Lay Delegate Needed

The 2018 Northern Illinois District (NID) Convention will be held on Friday-Saturday, 9-10 March 2018, at Concordia University in River Forest. The convention delegates are one called pastor and one lay member selected by each district congregation. Our church council will select our lay delegate at the September council meeting, as the district deadline is the end of the month. If you would like your name considered, please speak with Pastor Mumme by Wednesday, September 13. Thanks for your consideration.

Bolingbrook’s Fall Fest Bolingbrook is holding its first annual “Fall Fest: An Explosion of Color” at the Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Center (Lindsey Lane) on Saturday, September 23, 3:00–7:30 p.m. As this event replaces the long-running Summer’s Last Blast and is being advertised as ending with fireworks, we invite you, your neighbors, and your friends to join us in our church parking lot that evening at dusk to watch the fireworks. Watch for more information in the bulletin announcements.

Thrivent Directing Choice Dollars is a great way for eligible Thrivent members to show support for what matters most to them. If you have not given your Choice Dollars to Divine Shepherd, please do so. If you were told you were not eligible, please try again as Thrivent has changed some policies. Haven’t signed up yet; it’s easy. Just go to Thrivent Choice Dollars and follow the prompts. Thrivent members and Choice Dollars are an important source of support for the work the organization does. Why not do everything you can to make sure that you are getting the most out of your participation. The next meeting will be held in Luther Hall after Divine Services on Sunday, September 10. So grab your coffee and goodies and meet us there.

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CareNet Contribution

Thanks to your generosity, we contributed $637.78 to CareNet’s “Coins for CareNet” drive between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Your donation will help CareNet provide local women in need with pregnancy tests, counseling, ultrasounds, and material goods such as diapers; empower youth to make wise decisions through abstinence education; and provide opportunities for healing for women who have already had an abortion. Thanks for your coins!

Pre-Service Conversations Many members use their time before our worship service on Sunday morning to read the Scripture readings for the day, pray, and/or prepare themselves for the Lord’s Supper. Outside of a quiet greeting in the sanctuary or narthex, please hold pre-service conversations in Luther Hall. There are also plenty of opportunities for post-service conversations with your brothers and sisters in Christ in the sanctuary, narthex, and Luther Hall. Thanks for helping us maintain a quiet, reverent setting in the sanctuary before we receive Christ’s good gifts in Word and Sacrament!

Luther Hall Door For general safety reasons, the elder on duty will be locking the Luther Hall door (a.k.a. the preschool entrance) each Sunday morning at about 9:05 a.m. It will be unlocked again during the closing hymn or immediately following the Divine Service. Both sets of glass doors in the narthex will remain unlocked during the entire Divine Service each Lord’s Day.

Treasurer’s Report As of July 31 Actual Budget Expenses $105,323 $113,523 Income $104,367 $98,800

Sunday Treats Do you enjoy treats and fellowship after Sunday services? If so, please consider signing up on any given Sunday(s). Why not sign up with a friend? Empty slots means no treats. To enable our diabetic members to enjoy these treats, please consider supplementing some of the “sugary goodies” with crackers and cheese and/or fruit. The 2017 signup sheet is posted on the Luther Hall bulletin board. Monetary donations are accepted to defray the cost of drinks and paper products, which are supplied by Ladies Aid.

Bulletin Covers & Altar Flowers The 2017 flower chart and September–December bulletin charts are posted in the narthex. Sign up for any open Sunday(s) to celebrate a special occasion or to honor/remember someone. Cost of two bouquets is $40, $45, or $50 (subject to change). Cost of bulletins is $10. See Karen Moritz for details.

Important Phone Numbers Church Office: 630-759-5300 ext. 1 Preschool: 630-759-5300 ext. 2 (Terri Kreier) Pastor Mumme: 815-676-4444 Prayer Chain: 630-251-7860 (Bobbie Light) Newsletter: 630-759-3188 (Karen Moritz)

(items are due September 25)

Amazon Smile Do you order online from Amazon? Did you know that a small percentage of your order can come back and benefit Divine Shepherd? Simply go to smile.amazon.com, select Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bolingbrook as your charitable organization, and shop like you normally do. Then, begin each of your purchases at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will do the rest. Our congregation will receive 0.5% of every Amazon Smile purchase made by those who designate our congregation as their charitable organization.

Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: fb.me/DSLCbolingbrook Twitter: @dslc60440

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Hurricane Harvey Help You’ve seen the hurricane damage on TV. You may even personally know some who are affected by all the rain and flooding. Please keep those along the gulf coast in Texas and Louisiana in your prayers. LCMS World Relief and Human Care, through LCMS Disaster Response, is coordinating with Texas District Disaster Response to launch a significant and sustained relief effort in response to Hurricane Harvey. This relief effort will fully deploy as soon as emergency officials allow them to enter the disaster zone, working through the roughly 160 LCMS congregations affected to reach out in the their communities. To donate toward this effort, please go the following website:

www.lcms.org/harvey

Labor Day Prayer

Encourage us, heavenly Father, to be honest, diligent, and faithful in all our labors. Give us the help, health, and ability to accomplish them successfully. Bless our labors each day, so that they may be a blessing to You and to those for whom we labor. Be with all who are seeking employment. May all our labor be done to the glory of God and the welfare of others. We ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Portals of Prayer