ELCA Proves That Threats Do Not Work

In Western IA synod: Bethany in Laurens, former LCA, taking second vote on Dec 12.

Question: Was Morningside, Sioux City former LCA? They left for LCMC a few years back.

The reality is that the majority of former LCA congregations in Iowa are clustered in SE Iowa. I gave a presentation at tiny Munterville Lutheran west of Ottumwa on Nov 14, despite a heavy-handed attempt by the SE Iowa synod to scare me off (got a phone call from an assistant to Bishop Burke, who told me if I made the presentation that Bp Burke would inform Bp. Ullestad that I was engaging in activities contrary to the interest of the ELCA. I took the phone call the same time I was holding a letter from Bishop Ullestad censuring and admonishing me--1st level of discipline--for my association and actiivity (sic) on behalf of a body, the NALC, that was schismatic to the ELCA...threats, threats, threats...all that is left in the ELCA arsenal is the attempt to intimidate and coerce...).

Ken

ALPB

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" ... the ELCA is willing to try this pure lunacy out of love for one another ..." - Brian Stoffregen

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Forgive me if some of the info below has already been reported this thread is a pretty long oneat this point.

The following link to the Northeast Iowa Synod lists abiut eleven churches which have all solidly voted on the first ballot to leave the ELCA

http://www.neiasynod.org/synod_news/CongregationalVotes.asp

I also note that it is interesting to read the latest listing of NALC churches (type NALC Lutheran on the search engines and it will give you the link.) To me the listing indicates several clear clusteirng (sic) of congregations which should bode well for the future of the NALC in terms of building awareness of it and cooperative ventures among its congregations. The presence of congregations from both Iowa and South Dakota indicates that NALC is building a more diverse membership of congregations than some suspected would be the case, and the rapid growth towards a hundred congregations should help it meet its budget needs quite handily or so I would think. it is also interestuing (sic) to see how just as Word Alone helped to birth CORE and LCMC that now CORE is helping to birth NALC and I imagine that NALC will be able to establish its distinct identity fairly quickly given the growth it is expereincing (sic)and the low overhead for its national staffing and office. Meanwhile Word Alone continues to expand its influence via Sola Publishing and other ventures, it is in a transition phase, rapid adaptation is having to take place on a number of fronts. I also note that the AFLC is picking up a few congregations still a look at its growth pattersn (sic) over the years would indicate a small but healthy church body that has steadily expanded around much of the country.

ALPB

Mid-Week Advent Service

Norma Boeckler


Advent, 2010

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Mid-Week Advent, Thursday, 7 PM Central

The Hymn # 558 All Praise to Thee 4.44
The Order of Vespers p. 41
The Psalmody Psalm 100 p. 144
The First Lection 1 Timothy 3:16
The Second Lection Luke 1:46ff
The Sermon Hymn #251 We All Believe 4.87

Merciful, Gracious God

The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer p. 44
The Collect for Peace p. 45
The Benediction p. 45
The Hymn # 70 Hosanna 4.55

KJV 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
received up into glory.

KJV Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Merciful Gracious God

There is only one truth, and God reveals that truth to us. He is the source of all truth. Any falsehood is against His nature. For instance, when people claim the universe evolved--or that Creation and evolution blended somehow—that is an attack on the nature of God as Creator.

What is given to evolution as a skilled designer, randomly over time, is taken away from God the Creator.

Nothing helps us more than to start with God as the Creator. When we meditate on the Holy Trinity at Creation, Gen 1:1, everything else can be seen in perspective. People look for purpose, to comprehend many different mysteries, and Creation is the foundational mystery.

The term mystery is used for the teaching of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. Although every person has some sense of God and Creation, the actual Creation by God through the Word, in six 24-hour days, is revealed by the Holy Spirit alone, and not discerned by human intellect and reason.

The relationship between the Word and the Holy Spirit is revealed by the Scriptures and adds additional insight. God works through the Word at all times and always accomplishes His purpose.

Recently I saw a photo of pilgrims in Tibet, walking toward their special place of worship, the palace of the Dalai Lama. They were crawling on their hands and knees to get there, because it is a practice of their religion. It probably gave them enlightenment and atoned for their sins, but it was pitiful to see. People live in darkness and suffer for the paganism they hope will save them.

The truth is revealed in the Word of God. That truth emphasizes that God is merciful, loving, and gracious.

The novelist Wm Makepeace Thackeray had a great saying in Vanity Fair, and it applies to our view of God. He said, “If a man frowns at the world, the world frowns back. If he smiles at the world, he finds it a jolly companion.” Luther said much more about God. Those who understand through faith the true nature of God realize how He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

Luther was often plagued with the weight of his responsibilities, and he suffered many spiritual onslaughts. He called them “Anfectungen” in German. He overcame them by dwelling on the true nature of God and by enjoying the blessings of life, his large family, and his monastery-home filled with guests.

If we condensed Luther’s thought into a few paragraphs, it would be focused on the Gospel of forgiveness through God’s grace. Luther knew how burdensome it was to try earning God’s forgiveness through works. He suffered physically from those efforts as a monk, but more importantly he suffered emotionally. He saw the loving, patient God as stern, unforgiving, and always angry at him for his many short-comings. The more he confessed and engaged in mortification, the more he hated God.

Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat, is one of the most beautiful poems in the Bible. I heard a skeptical professor make fun it, as if a maiden could not have composed such a masterpiece. Mary was brought up on the Word of God and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Later I often thought of how little the professor understood from the Magnificat. If the first response is “I don’t believe its origin,” then the entire work is in doubt and subject only to criticism. That is also a good illustration of how the Word blinds and hardens people who handle it as if they are juggling bright colored objects at a circus. I have seen swords, chain saws, hammers, and many other objects tossed around. When people juggle the Word, they consider themselves very entertaining. But the more they juggle it, they less they regard it. Finally they hate it and only mention it to attack it and God. The fault is not with the Word but with the juggler.

That is why many well-meaning rationalists start out by explaining the Word according to human reason and end up rejecting it on the same basis. If the Word must be reasonable to man, the mysteries are gone. The Trinity becomes One God (one person). Jesus becomes a Good Teacher. Holy Communion becomes a Memorial Meal. Good works are necessary because faith does not matter. Man must make up for his terrible sins because he is guilty and there is no salvation outside of those redeeming works. Thus the rationalist puts himself on the road to Tibet, crawling on his hands and knees for enlightenment and atonement. Very sad and very common.

Only God can reveal His true nature, and that can come only through His revelation in the Scriptures. We need to know what they say and to interpret them in their plain, simple words. The truth of the Word is available to everyone who reads the Word of God. The orthodox Christian faith does not require a single book or commentary to help it, since everything is revealed plainly. However, the Confessions and faithful books help us by guiding us past the previous errors, which are so often repeated. Clergy must be students of the Word and doctrine to maintain this truth.

Mary’s song of praise is instructive because it is so true. She was nothing in terms of status but is now the most important feminine figure in the world.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Some rail against her. Others want to make her another member of the godhead. She was humble and faithful, so she suffered terribly but also received great homage from mankind. Mary would say to people today, “The Magnificat is about God, not about me.”

49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

People doubt God’s love and His power. This is a clear confession of the might of God and power to do great things, which we can hardly imagine. He is answering our prayers before we even ask them (Isaiah) and He gives us far more than we can even ask for or imagine (Ephesians).

God’s name is holy because there is no one who compares. When we confess His name, we also mean that simply using His name makes Him listen to us. We can and should call upon Him in every time of trouble and distress. Because of His love and power, He delivers us from trouble – beyond our ability to comprehend. Afterwards we see, yes, only God could do that.

50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Fear is an expression of respect. Lack of respect is often displayed in a foolish display of bravado, such as the skeptic who makes fun of the Scriptures and asks why God has not struck him down. Perhaps God is giving him time to repent. A believing family is given many blessings unknown to others.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

God can and does overturn the mighty in a second. The prouder they are, the faster they fall. At the same time, He raises up the humble and faithful.


53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

The contrast is great. He cares for the hungry and takes away from the greedy.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

His promises are forever, never broken, never forgotten. Our faith is built upon all the Promises of God, from first promise of the Messiah in Genesis 3.

Monkey Business Statement of Faith

Mother yelling: "Are you trying to make my children purpose-driven?"



First - The black version will serve as the control, the standard, the norma normata. The second one, in blue, is from a different denomination: rock-ribbed, orthodox, strict in followship principles. Yes, they will follow anything that is not Lutheran.

ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has existed from eternity. Though there is only one God, he is three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are equal in power, authority and majesty. -- Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

ABOUT MAN
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God´s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2.

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People were originally created in the spiritual image of God and were sinless and holy. Since the fall of mankind into sin, this is no longer true. Now, all people are born sinful and are constantly inclined to sin by nature. We are spiritually lost and dead apart from Jesus Christ. However, through faith in Christ we are new-born and are given the ability to serve God, live for his purposes and enjoy his blessings. -- Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12-21; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1-5; Luke 15; Luke 19:10; John 3:1-21; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

ABOUT ETERNITY
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven´s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father in power, authority and majesty. Jesus is both God and man. He lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days and demonstrated his power and victory over sin and death. He ascended to heaven to be beside the Father. From there he will one day return to earth to exercise judgment. Jesus lives and rules eternally as King of kings and Lord of lords. -- Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6: 14-15; Titus 2:13

ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God´s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin´s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1.

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us. It comes to us through no effort or decision on our part. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or a life of goodness and kindness. God won salvation for us by loving us, sending his son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life and die a sacrificial death as our substitute. It is through this act of Jesus that salvation became ours. Even faith is not to our credit, for there too God provides his Holy Spirit to create faith in our hearts and minds. Salvation comes to lost mankind by grace alone, through faith alone, in God’s word alone. -- Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 15:5-16, Romans 3:20-26; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:17.

ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1.

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son in power, authority and majesty. Since we cannot by our own thoughts or choices believe in Christ or come to him, the Holy Spirit calls us to faith through the good news of Jesus Christ. He makes us aware of our sin and deep need for Christ. He also draws us to Christ by working through the word of God and Baptism. After drawing us to faith, the Holy Spirit then carries out the work of renewing us through word and sacrament – giving us power for Christian living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is pleasing to God. As Christians, we strive to live under his control daily. -- 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.

ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God´s word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5).

ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, but this was done under the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit, a process called inspiration. The Bible is the source of the message of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the source of all truth for Christian beliefs and living. Being inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible is completely free of mistakes, errors or contradictions. -- 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.

***

GJ - The black words are from Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Hisself (I heard him live - a real clown, but not funny.)

It is impossible to have the citations line up so closely, in the same order, and not be copied.

"But Greg," some of you are saying. "The wording is not exactly the same. Another source must be involved, Q or Pseudo-Marcion, or someone like that."

Read below the Statement of Faith from CrossWalk in Phoenix. DP Buchholz is the somnolent Doctrinal Pussycat supervising that debacle:

Statement of Beliefs

CrossWalk Church is a Lutheran Church. This means, first and foremost, that the teaching at our church conforms to the teaching of the Bible. But it also means that we humbly, yet boldy, express ourselves to be in full agreement with the Confessions of the Lutheran Church as a right explanation of the teachings of the Bible. For a full treatment of the Confessions of the Lutheran Church, known as the Book of Concord, you can click here. [GJ - Isn't that the funnest paragraph you ever did read? Does Gunn believe a syllable of that?]

For a brief treatment of our beliefs, you can continue to read below what we believe and teach...

ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has existed from eternity. Though there is only one God, he is three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are equal in power, authority and majesty. -- Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

ABOUT OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

God the Father’s special work was to create the universe in which we live. He made us along with every creature, gave us our bodies and souls, as well as our gifts and abilities. He still daily preserves us by richly and daily providing all that we need for our bodies and lives. -- Genesis 1:1-2:3; Psalm 33:6-9; Job 10:10-12; Job 38:36; Psalm 36:6-7; Psalm 145:15-16

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father in power, authority and majesty. Jesus is both God and man. He lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days and demonstrated his power and victory over sin and death. He ascended to heaven to be beside the Father. From there he will one day return to earth to exercise judgment. Jesus lives and rules eternally as King of kings and Lord of lords. -- Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6: 14-15; Titus 2:13

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son in power, authority and majesty. Since we cannot by our own thoughts or choices believe in Christ or come to him, the Holy Spirit calls us to faith through the good news of Jesus Christ. He makes us aware of our sin and deep need for Christ. He also draws us to Christ by working through the word of God and Baptism. After drawing us to faith, the Holy Spirit then carries out the work of renewing us through word and sacrament – giving us power for Christian living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is pleasing to God. As Christians, we strive to live under his control daily. -- 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, but this was done under the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit, a process called inspiration. The Bible is the source of the message of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the source of all truth for Christian beliefs and living. Being inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible is completely free of mistakes, errors or contradictions. -- 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People were originally created in the spiritual image of God and were sinless and holy. Since the fall of mankind into sin, this is no longer true. Now, all people are born sinful and are constantly inclined to sin by nature. We are spiritually lost and dead apart from Jesus Christ. However, through faith in Christ we are new-born and are given the ability to serve God, live for his purposes and enjoy his blessings. -- Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12-21; Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1-5; Luke 15; Luke 19:10; John 3:1-21; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us. It comes to us through no effort or decision on our part. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or a life of goodness and kindness. God won salvation for us by loving us, sending his son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life and die a sacrificial death as our substitute. It is through this act of Jesus that salvation became ours. Even faith is not to our credit, for there too God provides his Holy Spirit to create faith in our hearts and minds. Salvation comes to lost mankind by grace alone, through faith alone, in God’s word alone. -- Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 15:5-16, Romans 3:20-26; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:17

ABOUT OUR PURPOSE IN THIS LIFE

God’s children live to thank him for his acts of love and to magnify his name in the world. First and foremost, our purpose is to seek and find God, who has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ, and to understand his plan of salvation. Apart from God, there is no true purpose to our lives. Once God has called us to faith, we live to serve him and obey him, which brings great blessings into our lives. In short, once saved, our purpose is to love God foremost and to love our neighbors. Our mission is to tell as many others as we can, through our loving actions and speech, that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind. -- Acts 17:24-28; John 1:1-18; Psalm 148; Psalm 150; Romans 12:1-21; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 28:18:19; Acts 1:8

ABOUT A LIFE DRIVEN BY GOD

Paul the apostle very clearly tells us what a life driven by the love of God looks like: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” -- 1 Corinthians 5:14-15

Paul adds in his letter to the Galatians that a Christian’s spiritual life is fulfilling and joyful: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” -- Galatians 5:22

Jesus wants us to have a full life, and a fulfilling life, as he once told his disciples: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -- John 10:10

ABOUT THE LIFE TO COME

People were created to exist forever. We will exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation won by Christ. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death or hell. To be eternally united with him in the enjoyment of all his blessings is eternal life or heaven. Heaven and hell are real places where all mankind will exist eternally. In eternity, our bodies and souls are reunited either to suffer the pains of hell or to enjoy the eternal blessings of heaven. -- John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

***

GJ - The closest relationship is between CrossWalk (Church and Change) and Monkey Business Lutheran. However, CrossWalk's statement is derived from Rick Warren, perhaps through another source.

When I dealt with this before, I noticed the affinity between CrossRoads (WELS started, with Rick Miller, Mark Freier, and another yahoo - now E. Covenant with Pastor Joe) and CrossWalk in their confession of faith.

The Mother Ship is Saddleback Community Church in LA. I was there, as noted above. The church is closet-Babtist, like NorthPoint in Atlanta (Ski, Glende, Parlow).

Readers will have to ask Monkey Business Lutheran and CrossWalk about the DNA of their confession of faith.

I can add this. More than 20 years ago WELS Pastor Rick Miller urged people to attend CrossRoads if they were tired of "boring worship services," just like Monkey Business does now.

DP Buchholz was supposedly wroth over CrossWalk. The only discipline extended so far has been electing Jeff Gunn to the Board of Willowcreek Liberal College - along with TWO OTHERS from the same congregation, which includes the new college prez.

I guess Buchholz has adjusted to CrossWalk. WELS has adjusted the CrossWalk. The Circuit Pussycats have adjusted to CrossWalk. And Monkey Business Lutheran is just one more example of where this leads.

Guess what - a Doctor of Divinity found this out while the Conference of Pussycats was working as hard as always - doing nothing.

Monkey Junction - What Is Your Function? - Now Open! |

Monkey Junction - Now Open! |

Life Lutheran is excited to open Monkey Junction, a children's indoor play space, open to the public (for children 0-6 years old.)

On Saturday, September 11, we celebrated our Grand Opening. The kids were entertained with zoo animals, face painting and also got to try out our brand new indoor playroom!

Starting September 14, Monkey Junction will be open on Tuesdays, Wendnesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:00am - 1:00pm.

Monkey Junction is located at 4500 60th Ave. NW - Rochester; on 60th Ave. NW - north of Valleyhigh Dr. & south of 55th St. NW

Come check it out!

Monkey Junction is an indoor play space designed for children ages 0-6 to use under a parent or guardian's supervision. It is located inside of Life Lutheran Church, 4500 60th Ave. NW in Rochester, MN.

Please park in the parking lot and enter through the main doors on the south side of the building.

Monkey Junction opened on September 11, 2010 and is opened through the winter months. Monkey Junction is opened to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The site will be closed if Rochester Public Schools close due to inclement weather.

Admission is $1.00/child.

Life Lutheran Church reserves the right to limit the number of children in the play space at any given time.

There will be a volunteer on site during hours of operation for the purpose of safety and security. We kindly ask that you clean up after yourself and your child(ren).

Code of Conduct:
Monkey Junction aims to provide a SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE environment. Monkey Junction's code of conduct includes:

- 4 children maximum per adult
- Children may NOT be dropped off. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult 16 years of age or older. The parent/adult that accompanies the child(ren) to Monkey Junction is responsible for supervising the child(ren) while in the play space.
- Children must be kindergarten-age or younger.
- Only soft-soled clean gym shoes are allowed in the play area - no boots, stocking or bare feet allowed. Winter boots may be left in the coat room.

Monkey Junction will be closed on Christmas Day.

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WELCOME

Are you looking for a full and fulfilling life? Jesus wants that for you, and so do we. But, a full and fulfilling life doesn’t start with us - it starts with God. So, Life Lutheran offers serious Bible teaching in a casual atmosphere. We want you to know God and his Word. If you’ve rarely been in a church before, or if you’ve found church boring and dull, give us a try at Life!

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

***

GJ - The hallmarks of WELS training are all there, with a plus. No one could have persuaded me that Monkey Junction would be added to the hilarity of WELS as a "confessional, conservative" Lutheran body. This one sound more like Joel Osteen Lite to me.

I feel sorry for the pastors who have been manipulated into thinking this is the Lutheran ministry.

But I am sure that the ELS Bored of Doctrine will jump on this like a hobo on a hotdog. The ELS cherishes its fellowship with WELS and would not want the least little departure from orthodox doctrine and practice to develop, even incidentally.

Facebook pictures of Monkey Junction.

If this were a real ministry, would they be charging money for it? That sounds like daycare, taking advantage of the tax-free status of the congregation.

Breaking the law - or bending it - is not a new tactic in WELS.

Thy Strong Word - Proof Copy - Now At Lulu.com

Cover by Norma Boeckler

Thanks to my trusty editor, Thy Strong Word is now at Lulu.com as a proof copy. That means the content is 99.9% done. I am going to look at the Table of Contents and the cover for improvements.

The PDF download is free. The printed copy is hardcover. I suggest waiting a little before ordering it. I discounted the price by 50%, to provide it as inexpensively as possible. Those in a rush to buy the proof copy will save $10 by ordering with this code HOLIDAY305 in the window at the end. That has to be done by December 14th - a special deal from Lulu.com.

The hardcover copy is $28.48, so the shipping adds quite a bit, but it is a 667 page book.

This is the link where books and downloads can be ordered.

If you are serious about writing a review, I will send you a free copy. However, I do expect quotable comments, an actual review. Several clergy asked for review copies and did not do the work required. One just wanted to write a nasty letter back. He is an alleged Church Growth opponent - hahahahaha. Yes, he has been stoning the false teachers with popcorn for years now. A witty saying here, a tepid essay there.

I am also interested in people doing additional proof-reading. I have seen the text so often that I cannot edit effectively. If you volunteer, I will send a free proof copy. That is not a criticism of the editor-in-chief, by the way. No one has ever published a perfect book, so additional readers are always useful. LI found about 100 errors in CLP after many readers had worked it over, including Herman Otten and a sharp German student.

I anticipate doing final work on Justification during the Winter Break. That is when we gather around the Winter Tree, sing Winter Carols, and open our Winter presents. I enjoy the season where we can say "Merry Winter!" to everyone.