MLS faring well during long vacancy | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). How Far Will the Board Go?

MLS faring well during long vacancy | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS):

Why not call the Anonymouse blogger from Fox Valley?

"On Oct. 18, the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Governing Board issued a call to Rev. John Bortulin to serve as the next president of Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS), Saginaw, Mich. The position of MLS president has been vacant since September 2010, but Rev. George Ferch, chairman of MLS’s Governing Board, says that the vacancy is being capably filled by Dr. William Zeiger, vice president of MLS.

“We understand that the Lord has the right man for us,” notes Ferch, “and we are grateful to all of the faculty and staff, who have served so well while we wait for the Lord to give us that man.”"

'via Blog this'

New Book by Northwestern Publishing House, Already Endorsed by Glende's Illiterate Pal

Dr. Gregory L. Jackson Finally Shows His Hand

Dr. Gregory Jackson on his blog, Ichabod the Glory Has Departed, has finally revealed what he's all about. On his site he is resurrecting the old inuitu (sic) fidei heresy by promoting the names and works of men such as F.W. Stellhorn and F. A. Schmidt. If our readers are unfamiliar with this controversy that plagued American confessional Lutheranism in the late 1800's, we invite you to read this very thorough and informative paper in the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Essay File--

http://www.wlsessays.net/files/RardinElection.pdf

This comment is even funnier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...
I noticed this- I have always wondered about this. Of course the inuitu (sic) fidei heresy has always been the logical implication of his rejection of UOJ. But he never really came out and said it.

Another interesting point: he brings up Gerhard. Of course Gerhard and most of the Lutheran orthodox weren't so orthodox on the question of election. After Leonard Hutter's work, pretty much everyone abandoned the predestination of Luther and the FC in favor of a (sic) inuitu (sic) fidei.

Jackson generally doesn't know what he's talking about, not only because of his ignorance of anything but Schmid and Lenski, but because he lacks theological nuance and jumps to conclusions a lot- like with his idiotic claim that Robert Preus rejected UOJ before his death or that Bonhoeffer was a Nazi. So, I'm not really certain if he knows that he's actually rejecting the orthodox doctrine of predestination. I suspect he might be unaware that there are difference (sic) between Lutheran theologians in the 16th and 17th century on this question, and has just sort of smattered (???) together a bunch of stuff in his brain about what's the real doctrine is (sic!) without much systematic study. After all, most of his argument involve (sic) the accumulation of lists of citations thrown together as if they (sic) don't actually need any interpretation or context.

Ah, the blind leading the blind!!

Keep up the good work. I'll be interested to see if Jackson makes another ex cathedra pronouncement about this post.

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Anonymous said...
I guess he did respond. See the post this morning. It's insulting (of my misspelling in a hastily written post). But that's good. When Jackson starts insulting, then you know he has no response and you've won. If you think about it, that's his career. Without much theological research or knowledge, he decided he was smarter than every theologian in the LCA, LCMS, WELS, and whatever. When he was condemned, he just started insulting them and their theological positions with his website. He has no real arguments other than his made up theological critiques, bogus histories, and childish insults. When he can't answer, he just insults. I seen (sic) this in action many times.

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GJ - Neither one of you can write a short post in lucid English. I seen that many times. Where did you two go to school? Let me guess - the Wisconsin Synod's superior educational system.

Worship at The SORE: Multi-Sites Are Parasites

There is a God has left a new comment on your post "Stealth Calendar at The CORE.Does This Need Commen...":

This is how the CORE describes its worship:

"Maybe you have had a bad experience at church and it has led you to think that church worship doesn't connect with you, your heart or life. At The CORE, we'll try to change that impression with straight honest talk about issues that concern you as well as the feelings that trouble you. Our music and messages will put your life into the context of God's Word so that you can see his purpose and promises for you."

How would the CORE like it if my church set up shop next door and advertised worship like this:

"Maybe you have had a bad experience at a church that met in a theater and it has led you to think that theater worship is shallow and self-serving. At (fill in the name of your church), we'll talk about what Jesus has done for you. Our worship will bring God himself to you through sermons and sacraments. You can be sure that in our worship God's Word will not return to Him empty, but accomplish the purpose for which He sent it."

Nah, forget it, that's boring.

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GJ - The parasitic mission model has always been basic to Church Growth/Emergents. Fuller bigshot C. Peter Wagner (lavishly praised by WELS in the Quarterly) admitted decades ago that "Church Growth principles do not work."

The mega-churches, when they work, are simply gatherings of people who already belong to a church. Fuller has pulled in many millions of denominational offerings to wreck the denominations. Fuller is the chief beneficiary. Robert Schuller claims to be the model, and he probably was in many ways. But ol' Bob is broke and his Crystal Cathedral is bankrupt, literally.

WELS deliberately starts parasitic new congregations, designed to draw off the local WELS members into a spiffy new circus. WELS did that in the Love's Park area (Larry Olson's one and only parish, which never grew).

WELS has another one of those para-sites in Indianapolis, led by a spikey-haired graduate of Patterson's Exponential road trip.

Gurgle is trying to jump-start yet another para-site a short distance from Rock N Roll, Doebler's WELS mission. Gurgle-Patterson will move the church school there and innocently start worship services. But it is going to take barrels of money.

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There is a God has left a new comment on your post "Worship at The SORE: Multi-Sites are Parasites":

Remember Monkey Junction (Lutheran Church)? Here's MJ's web site invitation:

"If....you’ve found church boring and dull, give us a try at Life!" (www.lifelutheran.com)

How would Life like it if I moved in next door and worded my web site:

"If you’ve found your gown-less-pastor-praise-band-centered "church" talks too much about your feelings, but not much about Jesus, give us a try at.....!"

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GJ - There Is, I would love to see those ads. I used to tell WELS pastors, "We are going to try the Means of Grace for a few months. If that doesn't work, we will go back to gimmicks."

Deception is the Name of the Game

Groeschel, Stanley, and Ski are grouped together in this fun-filled Photoshop.
Ski adores the sermons of Groeschel (Methodist Pietist) and the leadership of Stanley (Babtist but dishonest about it).


There is a God has left a new comment on your post "Stealth Calendar at The CORE.Does This Need Commen...":

"The Change or Die! brochure brags that Ski has 300 people each Sunday evening. How many are WELS members from the area? If services were held Sunday morning, how many would attend?"

Yes, GJ, inquiring minds want to know. Just how has the CORE fulfilled its mission, which reads in part:

About the CORE: Where we've been

"The purpose of (the CORE) is to have a church that, without compromising our beliefs, removes all barriers possible to reaching people outside the church."

Anyone with access to the WELS 2010 Statistical Report? It should be there in black and white under "adult confirmations" or "Baptisms" (esp. adult).

(..."without compromising our beliefs,"... - LOL!)

***

GJ - The CORE was a lie from the start, promoted at St. Peter, Freedom as a separate church. However, Ski was listed as a St. Peter pastor in the WELS Yearbook. Some people "join" The CORE by joining St. Peter, as transfers from other WELS congregations in the area.

The CORE is really an excuse to go multi-site, which is the Emergent Church fantasy. Apparently the St. Peter members were sold on a "new mission" when it was really a method of changing the congregation forever and importing an alien, anti-Lutheran doctrine and worship. Of course, Ron Ash prepped St. Peter for a few decades, as chairman of Church and Change. The CORE is the final assault, Ron's revenge. He was there for popcorn, colo opening night extravaganza.

Do you recall that the attorney at St. Peter was not allowed to transfer to another WELS church for doctrinal reasons? And yet local WELS members can join The CORE for being anti-Lutheran, surely a doctrinal reason if there ever was one.

False doctrine is always advanced by lying. If they told the truth about their teaching and their plans, no one would follow. They pick off the willing sheep, one by one. Where are the DPs and CPs, under the haystacks, fast asleep - with Little Bo Peep.

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dobrin (http://dobrin.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Deception is the Name of the Game":

Members unfortunately trust these manipulative fools with their salvation.

***

GJ - Unfortunately, the clergy and teachers keep re-electing DPs like Englebrecht. The DPs appoint the CPs, who are the only ones who can depose the man who appointed them.

John Seifert, as a CP, wanted me to bring charges against DP Mueller, but Seifert supported Mueller. Mueller betrayed the trust of so many that he chose to run away rather than run again. So Seifert became DP. Mueller got a free trip to Russia.

See how that works, little flocks?

Ichabod, The Glory Is Departed

Ichabod, The Glory Is Departed

Tim Blende borrows sermons from Groeschel and blog titles from me.

The wit displayed on his anonymous blogs is entirely his own.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

Former MLS Pres. Aaron Frey Writes on Facebook about Greg Jackson

Aaron Fry wrote the following on Facebook Sept. 21, 2010. It is obvious he is writing about Dr. Gregory Jackson and his Ichabod, the Glory Has Departed blog--

Like a fool still holding out hope for a man I used to respect long ago, I did check a very inflammatory anti-WELS blog just before sharing this. I know the issue of which he speaks, we've already addressed it in class and leaving for that ...reason would not be for the good of MLS. It would be lying. I only comment on it for the sake of the students who might be hurt by his unhelpful and injurious blogging habits. If he was correct, I would have had to resign for cause of heresy. It's hard to believe even now that he is so quick to believe a rumor just so that he can have a more sensational accusation, but now that he has attacked me directly without any knowledge and without a word to me, I don't know how else to take it.

The Fourth Reich - Proposed Constitutional Changes at St. Peter - Light from Light

"You seconded that schtoopid motion??

Proposed Constitutional Changes at St. Peter � Light from Light

Proposed Constitutional Changes at St. Peter

October 29, 2010 by Rick

On June 28, 2010, the voters of St. Peter met to consider proposed changes to our congregation’s constitution and bylaws. A number of changes were approved, and these proposed changes will be voted on at the Autumn voters’ meeting sometime in November 2010.

Article VI, Powers and Rights of the Congregation, Section 4, of our current (unchanged) constitution reads as follows:

No group or society may be organized within the congregation without the approval of the congregation. The congregation shall be assured that the aims of such a group are in complete harmony with the congregation’s aims before it grants its approval (1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25).

This is the proposal that was presented to the voters on June 28:

No group or society may be organized within the congregation without first speaking with the pastor(s) who will discuss it with the church council (the approval of the congregation). The congregation shall be assured that the aims of such a group are in complete harmony with the congregation’s aims (before it grants its approval) (1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25).

I moved to delete the parenthesis, and add a comma & the word “and” after “council,” so that the first sentence would read:

No group or society may be organized within the congregation without first speaking with the pastor(s) who will discuss it with the church council, and the approval of the congregation.

I believed that “the approval of the congregation” was the most important phrase, and was too important to be relegated between parenthesis. As part of the discussion, Pastor Glende revealed that the parenthesis were supposed to mean that what was between the parenthesis would be deleted, and that the words in parenthesis were intended to show what the original language was. (16:30). (My impression was that most people did not catch that the parentheticals were proposed deletions).

So to clarify for the reader, here is what was actually being proposed (with the proposed additions underlined, and the proposed deletions crossed out):

No group or society may be organized within the congregation without first speaking with the pastor(s) who will discuss it with the church council the approval of the congregation. The congregation shall be assured that the aims of such a group are in complete harmony with the congregation’s aims before it grants its approval(1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25).

The first problem with this language is that in order for someone to form a small group, all they have to do is first speak with the pastor. Nothing is said about the pastor’s approval. That is not what was intended, but that is what the language says. I believe the intent was to take away group and society approval from the congregation, and give it to the pastor(s) and council. Pastor Glende said this would make small group approval more efficient.

I believe that it is important for the congregation to have the only say with regard to any group or society formed within the congregation. The ratification of any small group or society within a congregation is too vital a power to take away from the full congregation.

Because my motion was seconded, there was a vote. However, the person who seconded my motion apologized for doing so, and explained that his second was only so that we could have some discussion, not because he actually supported my motion. Thus, lacking any additional support, my motion was defeated.

A church council member stated that our “church council has been elected to make decisions for the congregation,” and we need to trust them. If “there is anything major, then it will be brought to the congregation for a vote. But if it’s a minor group that wants to start up, the pastors and church council should have the right to allow them to do that.” (35:15). He then proposed language which the congregation adopted:

No group or society may be organized within the congregation without first speaking with the pastor(s) who will discuss it with the church council the approval of the congregation. The congregation shall be assured that the aims of such a group are in complete harmony with the congregation’s aims before it grants its approval (1 Corinthians 1:10; 12:25).

The “approval of the congregation” was struck from the first sentence. Receiving only one “no” vote, this proposed language passed. The end result is unclear. (However, when a written constitution is unclear, it allows the interpreters to forbid and permit what the interpreters wish).

Overall, because the proposed constitutional changes were presented to the voters in bold and (parenthesis) instead of being underlined and crossed out, it is difficult to determine what was supposed to be in parenthesis (such as Bible citations) and what was actually supposed to be deleted. (When I read through the proposed changes before the meeting, I did not fully realize that some of what was in parenthesis were proposed deletions).

Moreover, some language in the proposal just disappeared without any parenthesis. (Article VIII of the Constitution “Officers of the Congregation,” Section 3 would be an example of quietly disappeared/changed language).

Below are some additional changes to our constitution and bylaws that passed this first meeting with little discussion. For purposes of clarity, disappeared language from our present bylaws is included here (and crossed out), and the proposed new language is underlined, so that the reader can see more clearly the proposed changes:

• Committee members shall be elected approved at the October Junevoters’ meeting. (Bylaws, Article IV, Section 7. Terms of Office, A – Committees of the Church Council).
• Vacancies occurring on any of these committees shall be filled through appointment approved by the church council. (Bylaws, Article IV, Section 8. Vacancies – Committees of the Church Council).
• Language in the constitution was made gender-neutral.
• Also, numerous bylaws were made to be non-binding by changing words like “shall” to “should.” For example, in Article IV, Section 4 the Committee of Elders no longer “shall consist of at least three members,” but instead “should consist of at least three members…”

One of the reasons given for these proposed changes is that we need to bring our constitution and bylaws in line with “reality,” i.e. what works and what we are actually doing. (34:20). If the congregation approves the proposals a second time, they will then be sent to the Synod for final approval.

Recently, all of St. Peter’s members were encouraged to fill out a congregational survey that was supposed to identify our membership’s strengths and weaknesses. This was to assist the “Vision Team” as they work to modify the congregation’s “Vision.” One of the purposes of this effort is to help establish more small groups.

According to a sermon preached by Pastor Sievert on September 16, 2010, St. Peter will be aggressively targeting and training lay-leaders and facilitators to conduct small group programs outside of the church building. The lay-leaders and facilitators will be chosen and trained beginning in October 2010, and the entire membership will be encouraged to join a small group starting in January 2011. (Sermon entitled “Be the Church: Devoted to God’s People,” 38:30).

***

GJ - Confidential to Pastor Tim - we all miss your posts on Fake-O-Bod.

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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "The Fourth Reich - Proposed Constitutional Changes...":

Directly related -
Rogue Lutheran.

J-641.1


"Sixth, our false apostles justly reward us by smiting us in the face. That is, they consider us inferior to dogs; they abuse us, and treat us as foot-rags."

Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9.

The CORE - Listed Under Other

Places of Worship in Appleton

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PCXIAN has left a new comment on your post "The CORE - Listed Under Other":

Greg,

So the Core is listed in the Appleton Post-Cresent as a church under "Other." Who cares?

It appears that the Core is trying to reach out, with a variety of tools from the Holy Spirit, to those whom don't know of Jesus's saving grace. I think we call it evangelism...something that the WELS, in general, isn't very good at doing.

P. C. Christian

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OTHER

Active Living Ministries, 600 Airport Road, Menasha, 920-729-6215.

Angels of Hope Metropolitan Community Church, (meets at First Congregational United Church of Christ) 724 East South River St., 920-983-7453, www.angelsofhopemcc.org.

Appleton Church of Christ, 3601 E. Newberry St., Appleton, 920-733-5009, www.appletonchurchofchrist.org.

Apostolic Truth Church, 2720 Kesting Court, Appleton, 920-738-7800, www.atchurch.org.

Apple Valley Church, 1750 Olde Buggy Drive, Neenah, 920-969-1650, www.avcopc.org.

Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton, 920-968-0700, www.appletonalliance.org.

Appleton Community Ev. Free Church, 2490 W. Capitol Drive, Appleton, 920-735-9971, www.applefreechurch.org.

Bahai Faith, 325 E. Timberline Road, Appleton, 920-730-9156, www.bahai.org.

Brillion Community Church, 821 Fairway Drive, Brillion, 920-756-2040, www.brillion.net.

Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Road, Neenah, 920-725-3896, www.cbcneenah.org.

Calvary Chapel, 2136 E. Newberry, Appleton, 920-735-1242, www.ccappleton.org.

Christian Life Center, 670 N. Green Bay Road, Neenah, 920-725-3424, www.connect2clc.com.

Christ's Church of the Valley, McKinley School, 1125 E. Taft St., Appleton, 920-832-0829, www.ccvappleton.com.

Christ the Rock Community Church, U.S. 10 and State 114, Menasha, 920-730-8383, www.christtherock.org.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Stake Center and Neenah Ward, 115 Castle Oak Drive, Neenah, 920-729-1694; Fox Cities Hmong Branch, 425 W. Park Ridge Ave., Appleton; 920-731-5060.

Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 1601 S. Covenant Lane, Appleton, 920-731-5731. www.covenantcrc.org.

Crossroads Foursquare Church, 1209 London St., Menasha, 920-725-1295, www.crossroadsfoursquare.org.

El Shaddai Christian Fellowship, W158 State 55, Kaukauna, 920-766-7701, www.elshaddaicf.com.

Evangel Worship Center, 357 Broad St., Menasha, 920-725-7252, www.evangelworshipcenter.com.

Faith Alliance Church, 468 N. State St., Chilton, 920-849-7444, http://faithcmachurch.org.

Faith Christian Church, N3302 State 15, New London, 920-982-3101, http://faithchristian.50webs.org.

Faith Family Church, Meets at Radisson Paper valley Hotel, downtown Appleton, 218-624-7717.

First Church of Christ Scientist, 320 N. Badger Ave., Appleton, 920-733-3403.

Fox Valley Bible Chapel, Meets at Little Chute Civic Center, 625 Grand Ave., Little Chute, 920-766-1325, 920-788-0149, www.foxvalleybiblechapel.org.

Fox Valley Christian Fellowship, 1200 W. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, 920-991-1117, www.fvcf.org.

Fox Valley Islamic Society, 103 Kappell Drive, Neenah, 920-722-7860.

Fox Valley Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E. Philip Lane, Appleton, 920-731-0849, www.fvuuf.org.

Freedom Fellowship Church, Worship Sundays at Apple Creek YMCA, 2851 E. Appleton Creek Road, Freedom, 920-450-2010.

Freedom Moravian Church, W3457 Center Valley Road, Appleton, 920-734-1278, www.freedommoravianchurch.org.

Frontline Community Church, Meets at Mapleview School, 125 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, 920-257-6854, www.frontlinecc.org.

Gateway Apostolic Church, 415 S. Main St., Waupaca, 715-258-0866, www.gatewayapostolic.net.

Hmong Alliance Church of C & M & A, 303 N. Oneida St., Appleton, 920-832-1310.

Home Church, 1215 Buchanan St., Little Chute, 920-423-3039, www.homechurchconnections.org.

Hope Lutheran Brethren Church, 415 E. Hoover Ave, Appleton, 920-733-3319, http://my.execpc.com/~hopelbc/.

Iglesia de Cristo Mission, 1620 W. Winnebago St., Appleton, 920-733-0797.

Iglesia Senda de Amor, meets at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 N. Mason St., Appleton, 920-886-0785.

Interfaith Christian Assembly, 344 Smith St., Neenah, 920-725-5227, www.interfaithchristianassembly.org.

Islamic Center of Wisconsin, 720 W. Parkway Blvd., Appleton, 920-882-3001.

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, 2909 Roemer Road, Appleton, 920-731-7481; County JJ, Neenah, 920-722-7996; N3285 County D, New London, 920-982-4100.

Lakewoods Christian Center, 800 N. Superior St., Appleton, 920-734-1947, www.lakewoodschristiancenter.com.

Lighthouse Church of Jesus Christ, 1717 Main Ave., Kaukauna, 920-766-2602, www.lighthousechurchofkaukauna.com.

Moses Montefiore Synagogue, 1620 N. Meade St., Appleton, 920-733-1848, www.mosesmontefioresynagogue.org.

Nativity of the Mother of God Orthodox Mission, 525 N. Bateman St., Appleton, 920-738-9548.

New Hope Assembly of God Church, 1008 Hyland St., Kaukauna, 920-766-5270.

Overflow Church, 1110. S. Oneida St. Appleton, 920-475-7983, www.overflowchurch.net.

Pathways Church, 311 W. Evergreen Drive, Appleton, 920-735-0422, www.pathwayschurch.us.

Pentecostals of the Fox Cities, 1445 Midway Road, Menasha, 920-734-5588, www.pofc.org.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 3333 N. French Road, Appleton, 920-730-8119, www. stnicholasappleton.com.

Seventh Day Adventist Church, 921 Smith St., New London, 920-982-9939, http://newlondon23.adventistchurchconnect.org.

Seventh Day Adventist Fox Valley, 265 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah, 920-727-9161.

Sikh Temple, 1304 Midway Road, Menasha, 920-209-7786, http://sikhtempleoffoxvalley.org.

The Core, 215 E. Washington St., Appleton, 920-364-0200, www.gotocore.com.

The Potter's House Church, 3121 W. Spencer St., Appleton, 920-993-9159.

The River Ministries of the Fox Cities, The Siekman Center, 300 N. Appelton St., Appleton, 920-213-2062, www.the-river-church.com.

The Vine Christian Fellowship, 3395 W. College, Ave., Appleton, 920-560-5244, www.thevinecf.com.

Unity Church of Christianity, 1800 S. Lawe St., Suite 400, Appleton, 920-739-4823, www.unityofappleton.org.

Valley Harvest Church, 2216 American Drive, Appleton, 920-733-4748, www.valleyharvestchurch.info.

Victory Bible Assembly of God, 140 W. Bell St., Neenah, 920-722-3343, www.victorybibleneenah.org.

Read more: http://www.postcrescent.com/article/99999999/APC0115/80617099/Places-of-worship#ixzz13DNCThQ2

Leading Lutheran Moms Astray at The CORE

Lutheran Moms

The Core in Appleton

515 posts

Posted by Imah on Jan 17, 2010 at 06:44 PM

     

We missed our regular church service this morning.  My DH and I decided we needed to get a few things done because time is tight before we both start our semesters of school.  So after working hard all day, I decided we'd try the Core in Appleton.  It's an outreach congregation and really cool.  The music is very contemporary-- in fact, all songs were songs I hear on 91.9 or the Q, 90.1.  The boys age 9 and 5 were happy to eat popcorn and drink water while listening to the service.  The place was comfortably full and everyone was smiling!!  I highly recommend going to a service.  It was fun!!  

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310 posts by  Coley22  on Jan 29, 2010 at 08:34 PM       Personally, I prefer a traditional service and I've also heard that The Core isn't really teaching God's Word so much. I think it's a step backwards for the WELS. If a church wants to do something more contemporary, that's fine, but what good is it if you're not even teaching God's Word?

515 posts by  Imah  on Jan 29, 2010 at 09:32 PM       I can agree with you, absolutely.  The service was uplifting and fun.  We definately will go to our church every Sunday morning for the traditional service.  I should have brought my bible along because they do all the services in sessions (sessions isn't the right word here but I am drawing a blank on a better description) they had the message and there was reference to the verses.   I prefer my pastor's sermons -- my kids looked at it as a treat and though we will probably go back at some point, I, too prefer our WELS church and will "treat" my kids to an occasional opportunity to worship there-- not in place of our home church.

2 posts by  shesheshe  on Feb 02, 2010 at 06:47 AM       "A step backwards" ???  That made me giggle.  We visited The Core for the first time on Sunday.  We belong to a traditional WELS church and I too prefer the traditional service.  However, I found the service at The Core gave a traditional message in an untraditional way(and the rumors that they are not teaching God's word is untrue from the sermon I heard).  It is an outreach church and fills a void in the valley(Do the missionaries in Africa hand over the red hymnal and say this is how we worship?  I don't think so!!!!  My brother-in-law served in Africa)  Go and check it out before you talk about things you do not know.  Pastor Ski needs our prayers and support.  Just because The Core is not a fit for you, does not mean that it is wrong.

75 posts by  JulieMomof5  on Feb 04, 2010 at 11:55 AM       Coley22, I hope you actually visit the CORE instead of just listening to rumors... Just because the CORE focuses on theme-based sermons instead of on the lectionary doesn't mean it's not true to Scripture.  Not only have my DD17 and I visited the CORE (close to a dozen times for me, more for DD), but I've started getting involved on the creative end (at this point, helping come up with items for the Lenten season).  The truths of God's Word are emphasized, in terms that unchurched people can more easily understand (I like that Pastor Ski explains church terms when he uses them!).  The fill-in-the-blank folder makes it easier to remember what was said.  The visuals are used to reinforce the message.  Remember, the CORE's focus is REACHING OUT to the unchurched.  Pastor Ski likes to remind us not to cause unnecessary offense to others before introducing them to Jesus!  Too often, our "traditional" services risk doing just that. Shesheshe put it well..."Just because The Core is not a fit for you, does not mean that it is wrong." Julie

310 posts by  Coley22  on Feb 06, 2010 at 10:27 AM       I'm sorry if I've offended some people by stating a concern. The link I've posted below has some information regarding St. Peter's in Freedom, which is directly affiliated with the Core. This is a blog, so it's possible that some of the information may not be entirely true, however, I do think that it is food for thought. http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/ Also, my DH and I listened to a couple of the sermons online. We have no interest in visiting the Core because we are not interested in going to a non-traditional worship. If that is what interests your family, great, I just hope that for everyone's sake, Pastor "Ski" is staying true to Scripture.

2 posts by  shesheshe  on Feb 12, 2010 at 11:40 AM       Coley22, I think you are missing the point....During the service, I thought of a lot of people in my life who do not go to church and are turned off by tradtional church(but have traditional values).   I feel blessed to have been able to go to this church and witness how they are reaching out to so many people.  Go and check it out and maybe you will feel compelled to get out and spread the word.  Not for you, but for some of our "unchurched" friends who need to find a home.

75 posts by  JulieMomof5  on Feb 16, 2010 at 07:48 AM       Come hear Pastor Ski at the District Workshop on March 6 at FVL! From the folder:  "This session [Be Relevant, #15] will explore why being relevant as a church is important and ways to be relevant as a church in order to reach young people ages nineteen through thirty-five who, statistically, are missing from churches today.  Examples will be given from Pastor Ski's experience with such worship at his church, the CORE, in Appleton as well as previous experiences at St. Marcus in Milwaukee." Interested?  Ask your church for a registration form.  While you can drop in on March 6, you may find the session filled (or dropped due to lack of interest - I don't expect that to happen here!).  The only cost to you is lunch... Schedule:  Registration 8:00, Worship 9:00, Session 1 9:30, Lunch 11:00, Session 2 12:00, Session 3 1:30, Closing devotion 3:00.  Sorry, there's no way to know ahead of time when Pastor Ski will be scheduled. God willing, I'll be there!  Hope to meet some of you there as well...