From the Pastor September + In the Year of Our Lord + 2011

T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

THE NEWSLETTER

Why Do You Practice Closed Communion at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church? This is a very honest and legitimate question deserving of a thoughtful and truthful answer. I hope to share in this letter the biblical and theological reasons that support our practice of closed communion here at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inglewood, CA. In doing so, I seek to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) as we discuss a most important aspect of the Christian faith. Anytime we consider the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, we are contemplating a precious and wonder-ful gift the Lord Jesus Christ has given to His church. It’s a gift that carries with it amazing promises and blessings from God revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. It’s also a majestic treasure of the church to which the Scriptures ascribe strong words of warning. We’ll look at both of these matters in this letter. Closed Communion as Opposed to Open Communion Before we can actually address closed communion, there is, necessarily, an implied difference between it and open communion. Therefore, we should define these terms and how they apply in the context of the Divine Service of our congregation. Practicing open communion is generally understood to mean the members of a local congregation invite and encourage all of the participants in their public worship services to partake of the Sacrament of the Altar whenever it is offered. This invitation is inclusive of all individuals participating in the worship service regardless of their understanding of what the Sacrament is or their own personal beliefs in what the Sacrament does. The practice of open communion is understandably viewed as being very loving and generous by virtue of the fact that nobody is excluded from the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Indeed, the perception is created that in this sacred act, all of the participants “are in full communion with God and with each other.” A person’s own understanding or misunderstanding of what is actually oc-curring in this very holy activity is of no consequence. I must respectfully state that despite this appearance that open communion may seem loving because of its inclu-

sive characteristics, it is in reality quite the opposite: It’s a prac-tice that leads to great harm. The Bible speaks of this danger (and we shall consider this matter further). Closed communion, as the name suggests, is a restrictive and, I believe, much more respon-sible and caring approach to celebrating the Sacrament within the context of the local congregation. Closed communion is our practice here at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Despite the appearance that closed communion is a “screening” process in which the elders and pastor set (cont’d on page 3)

Inside this issue:

PERICOPES AND HYMNS

2

FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS

5

PICNIC INFO 6

LCMS NEWS 7

BIRTHDAYS/HOMEBOUND

8

CALENDAR 9

WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES

10

2

This Month’s Pericopes and Hymns

Please use the following readings and hymns during the week

to prepare yourself for worship

September 4—Proper 18

Ezekiel 33:7-9

Romans 13:1-10

Matthew 18:1-20

902—Lord Jesus Christ, be present now

820—My soul, now praise your Maker

920—Forth in the peace of Christ I go

September 11—Proper 19

Genesis 50:15-21

Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35

719—I leave all things to God’s direction

501—Come down, O Love divine

793—Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven

September 18—Proper 20

Isaiah 55:6-9

Philippians1:12-14, 19-30

Matthew 20:1-16

705—The man is ever blessed

688—”Come follow Me,” the Savior spake

742—For me to live is Jesus

September 2011

September 25—Proper 21

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Philippians 2:1-18

Matthew 21:23-32

538—Praise be to Christ in whom we see

655—Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word

857—Lord, help us walk Your servant way

Law and Grace,

Lucas Cranach the

Elder, woodcut,

1529/1530

3

themselves as “arbiters” who decide who can and who cannot partake of the Lord’s Supper, the truth is that in practicing closed communion we earnestly desire for everyone to have a thorough knowledge and accurate understanding of what we, as Lutherans, believe – not only about the Sacrament of the Al-tar, but other basic doctrines of the Christian faith. We firmly believe in the supreme importance of the individual communicant truly being able to examine himself properly before partaking of this Holy Sup-per. A flawed understanding of the Sacrament (knowing what it is and what it does) can only lead to a flawed self-examination before the Sacrament. The Scriptures clearly warn of the danger in not properly discerning the body and blood of the Lord Je-sus Christ in the Sacrament.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person ex-amine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

These are very strong words from St. Paul. And they certainly carry with them the premise that as we consider the Sacrament of the Altar, we indeed consider a most important aspect of the Christian faith. The Sacrament is a holy gift God has given to His church that we regard with the highest care.

This is very serious business. The pastor of the local congregation has a critical role to play as he has been called to officiate in the cel-ebrating of the Sacrament. The pastor is not simply a “facilitator” or “ring master” to see that the process of administering the Sac-ramental elements occurs in an orderly and reverential manner. He is, in fact, responsible for every sin-gle person who comes forward to the altar to receive the bread and wine. The Scriptures speak to this aspect of the pastoral office.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Regarding his office as pastor, Martin Luther wrote:

“I have the commission and charge, as a preacher and a doctor, to see to it that no one is misled, so that I may give an account of it at the Last Judgment.”

For the pastor to properly carry out his responsibilities in his congregation means he has a pastoral re-lationship with the members. It means he genuinely loves his people. He preaches to and teaches them true doctrine. And he knows what the members of his congregation believe regarding the Lord’s Supper as well as all other doctrines of the faith. For the pastor to be faced at the altar by a (cont’d on page 4)

From the Pastor, continued

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person he does not know who intends to receive the Lord’s Supper is to cause him to seriously compro-mise his pastoral responsibilities. In concluding this section of my letter, I need to state that the practice of closed communion is not a re-cent innovation in the Lutheran Church. It is a practice that is clearly taught in the Bible. Again, St. Paul’s language is strong:

Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

The Scriptures do not allow for varying interpretations of the meaning and purpose of the Sacrament. They teach one very clear and succinct doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. St. Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. If you would like to consider this very important and wonderful doctrine further or to discuss it with me, I certainly stand ready to visit with you anytime and at anyplace. As the Elders here at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church can say, I love to talk about the Lord’s Supper. Please call or write. My num-ber is 559-285-8972, and my e-mail address is prbjvh@yahoo.com What are the responsibilities of the congregation in regard to our practice of closed communion? Very simply let me state that you are not the “communion police.” It is not your responsibility to “judge” whether someone is worthy to receive Holy Communion. However, if you have friends and/or relatives who will be attending church with you who are not mem-bers of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, you do have a responsibility to inform them of our prac-tice of closed communion. This does not have to come across as a “mean” statement or one that makes it an “us vs. them” situation. It is also not a practice for which you have to apologize. We are following the Word of the Lord and the will of God, not man’s will or interpretation.

If you have someone who is visiting who would like to know more about the Sacraments please have them contact the pastor. This does not mean they should do so just prior to the Divine Service on Sunday morning. Have them call prior to coming to church and the pastor will gladly and willing explain to them what we believe, teach, and confess in regard to the Lord’s Supper. If this is not possible, and you feel uncomfortable leaving your friend or relative “alone in the pew,” by all means, you may refrain from par-taking of communion on that day. The Sacrament is a gift offered – not one that is forced upon any person. Note, however, that by partaking of the Sacrament you are being a witness as to both its importance and its

necessity. You can explain to your friends/relatives of your need to receive the precious gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation which come to you through the Body and Blood of Christ. Just a few cautions which, I pray, will be a help rather than a hindrance. If someone attended school at

From the Pastor, continued

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the Good Shepherd Lutheran School, even if they went through confirmation class at a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and have since left the LCMS, they are not automatically served at the altar. They should speak first with the pastor. If someone whom the pastor does not know approaches the altar they will be asked if they are baptized and will receive a baptismal blessing. So please, if you have visi-tors who are LCMS members, introduce them to the pastor prior to the service. In the next month we will have brochures available in the Narthex that explain Holy Communion, Con-fession, Worship, etc. There will also be laminated cards in the pews further explaining our commun-ion practice. We do this, not to separate ourselves from others, but in love, with the desire that all may know the wonderful gifts that are offered to us through the Means of Grace. If you would like to preview these brochures, please check out The Good Shepherd’s page at www.facebook.com/#!/thegoodshepherdinglewood

In His service,

Pastor von Hindenburg

From the Pastor, continued

Christians “exalt” (raise on high) the cross of Christ as the instrument for

our salvation. Adoration of the Cross is, thus, the adoration of Jesus

Christ, the God Man, who suffered and died on this Roman instrument of

torture for our redemption from sin and death. The cross represents the

One Sacrifice by which Jesus, obedient even unto death, accomplished

our salvation. The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion

and Resurrection of Christ—all in one image.

The Cross—because of what it represents—is the most potent and uni-

versal symbol of the Christian faith. It has inspired both liturgical and pri-

vate devotions: for example, the Sign of the Cross, which is an invocation

of the Holy Trinity; the “little” sign of the cross on the head, lips and heart

at the reading of the Gospel; reverencing the Processional Cross.

Placing a crucifix (a cross with Christ’s body, or corpus) in churches and

homes, in classrooms of Lutheran schools and other institutions, or wear-

ing this image on our persons, is a constant reminder—and witness—of Christ’s ultimate triumph, His victory over sin

and death through His suffering and dying on the cross.

We remember our Lord’s words: “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds

his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 10:38,39) Meditating on these words we

unite ourselves—souls and bodies—with His obedience and His sacrifice; and we rejoice in this in estimable gift

through which we have the hope of salvation and the glory of everlasting life.

As Rev. William Weedon, pastor at St Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL states, “The purpose of this feast is to glorify

the wisdom and power of God in choosing what appears to us to be the foolish and weak cross upon which to defeat

our enemy and bring us an everlasting salvation.”

Notes for Holy Cross Day, September 14

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September 2011

Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Beverly Hills

invites you to the

Held at

Our Savior Lutheran

6705 W. 77 St. - Westchester - 90045

Mt. Calvary will provide:

Hot dogs/condiments

Watermelon

Chips

Water

Please bring:

A dessert to share

Softball glove and equipment

Favorite table/board game

Sunblock

Friends!

Activities include: Feasting, friendship, fun

1- 4 p.m.

6th

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Read the Summer issue of Caring magazine online to learn what Lutherans are doing in response to disasters in

Japan and among U.S families battered by spring storms.

In Sunday morning Bible class we’ve been studying President Harrison’s emphasis for the church of Witness

Mercy, Life Together.

As President Harrison pondered his new role and the task of restructuring the national office, he focused on the work

and emphasis for the church.

These phrases—Witness, Mercy, Life Together—illustrate how the church lives and works together to proclaim the

Gospel and to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ in our congregations, communities and throughout the

world. And in all we do, Christ is at the center, leading us, sustaining us,

keeping us focused on our mission. This will never change.

For more information on this, please visit Synod’s WMLT page.

Around the Web and Around the World

Living Together as Lutherans

As we remember the events from September 11, 2001, we are wise to remember that God is always in charge. We

do not seek revenge, but lift our cares to God in prayer.

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has provided us with the following prayers to encourage the faithful:

Good government

Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spir-it, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For the nation

Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, dis-cord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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A birthday prayer when you remem-

ber your fellow congregants: Watch

over your child, ___, O Lord, as

his/her days increase; bless and

guide him/her, wherevers/he may

be. Strengthen him/her when s/he

stands; comfort him/her when dis-

couraged or sorrowful; raise

him/her up if s/he falls. Lead

him/her always to the Cross, where

forgiveness may be found, and the

peace which passes all understand-

ing abide all the days of his/her

life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

September 2011

Birthdays

15 Melda Schoenbaum

24 Jocella Collins

Mickey Dwyer

Art Dawson - 949-493-5385

Mickey Dwyer— 310-671-5517

Marjorie Haener— 310-891-3348

Jeanette Hedrick— 310-675-5198

Ken Lange— 310-324-2160

Jean Peterson— 310-670-2859

Evelyn Sibbing— 310-973-7590

Adena Yeates—310-643-6546

Those at Home

Remember in Prayer

Anniversary

18 Leon & Gayle Tarr

An anniversary prayer: O, Lord, we

give you thanks and bless Your holy

name. You created man and woman

in your image and blessed their un-

ion. Remember __ and ___ today.

Protect them and grant that their love

may be in the image of devotion and

love that Christ has for His Church.

Grant their life together be of joy

and peace, devoted and forgiving to

one another. Through Jesus Christ our

Lord, Amen.

For the homebound: Gracious Father, You

have assured us that we shall receive

strength for every day of our lives. Grant

Your servant ____, who is homebound,

both the desire and will to spend his/her

days as an obedient child, trusting in your

goodness and remembering with thankful-

ness Your mercies, which are new every

morning; though Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Amen.

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902 S Maple St.

Inglewood, CA 90301

310-671-7644

Royce Morton, Administrative

Assistant

Jay Rogers, Organist

thegoodshepherdinglewood.org

+ Join Us for Liturgical Worship +

Reverend Bruce J. von Hindenburg, Pastor

Sunday morning Adult Bible Class—8:30 a.m.

Sunday Divine Service—10:00 a.m.

Tuesday morning Bible class—10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Class/Midweek Service—7:00 p.m.

Private Confession and Absolution—By Appointment

+ + +

Preaching God’s Word to Inglewood and beyond since 1935

T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

President—Norm Morton

Vice President—Franklin Tilley

Secretary—Mary Flett

Treasurer—Clinton Galloway

Financial Secretary—Dick Huhn

Board of Elders—Leon Tarr, Chair; Franklin Tilley; Jim Weishaar

Board of Trustees—Jim Weishaar, Chair; Leon Tarr

Board of Evangelism—Karina Lindsey, Chair; Royce Morton

+

Altar Guild—Gayle Tarr, Chair

LWML—Royce Morton, Gayle Tarr, Co-Presidents

Ushers—Norm Morton, Chair

Future Needs—Susie Fritts, Royce Morton, Gayle Tarr

Special Services—Mary Flett, Karina Lind-sey

Council and Committee Members