August 2019 Vol. 25 No.8 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions Blessed to be a Blessing Dear friends, Have you taken time to count your blessings lately? Once you start, it's kind of hard to stop. You may begin with the blessing of a specific answered prayer and move on to blessings that many people enjoy with you, like the free- doms we enjoy living in this great country. You can always count the blessings of your faith in God which God the Holy Spirit gave you! One of the greatest blessings we have is God's Word, the Bible, written down and pre- served for us over all these centu- ries. The Bible tells us what God is like, what He has done, what He has promised to do and what He is doing today. Big chunks of the Bible are narrative stories. These stories show us how God deals with people. Taken together these stories paint the picture of an amazingly powerful God who is also patient, compassionate, loves uncondi- tionally, bends over backwards to help people and always, always keeps His promises. The culmination of the Bible is Jesus. He is the heart and center of all the stories in the Bible and they all point to Him as the greatest, fullest example of who God is and what He is like. At Apostles Lutheran Church our theme is "Blessed to be a Blessing". What does that look like in action? It looks like blessing people with God's word. We have been greatly blest with knowledge about God though His Word. How can we be a blessing? One way is teaching God's Word to kids, ours and other people's kids. We are making an extra effort this year to be a blessing though our Sunday School. Each week a different story of God's grace in Jesus is featured in Sunday School. We will start of- fering an adult level class on that particular story each week. When you bring children to Sunday School, (your own, or grandchildren, neighbors, nieces/nephews, etc.) you can at- tend the adult class and discuss the stories with the child you bring. Both of you will learn more about our wonderful God. You will also get to know other par- ents and grandparents in the church who can support and en- courage you in your important parenting job. It's a win, win, win! (for you, the child you bring, and for God). Please start thinking and more importantly praying about which child you can bring so they can be blessed with God’s Word and knowledge of our wonderful God. Its no secret that the world influences children from early on through on-line media, television, music, and other people. Rarely is this influence for Jesus. Help these children to get to know Jesus with your prayers, your example, your love for them and for God by blessing them with our Sunday School. You have been blessed and you can be a blessing to them! Peace, Pastor Andrew
Transcript
August 2019 Vol. 25 No.8
Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
Blessed to be a Blessing
Dear friends,
Have you taken time to count your blessings
lately? Once you start, it's kind of hard to stop.
You may begin with the blessing of a specific
answered prayer and move on to blessings
that many people enjoy with you, like the free-
doms we enjoy living in this great country. You
can always count the blessings of your faith in
God which God the Holy Spirit gave you!
One of the greatest blessings we have is
God's Word, the Bible, written down and pre-
served for us over all these centu-
ries. The Bible tells us what God
is like, what He has done, what
He has promised to do and what
He is doing today. Big chunks of
the Bible are narrative stories.
These stories show us how God
deals with people. Taken together
these stories paint the picture of
an amazingly powerful God who
is also patient, compassionate, loves uncondi-
tionally, bends over backwards to help people
and always, always keeps His promises.
The culmination of the Bible is Jesus. He is the
heart and center of all the stories in the Bible
and they all point to Him as the greatest, fullest
example of who God is and what He is like.
At Apostles Lutheran Church our theme is
"Blessed to be a Blessing". What does that
look like in action? It looks like blessing people
with God's word. We have been greatly blest
with knowledge about God though His Word.
How can we be a blessing?
One way is teaching God's Word to kids, ours
and other people's kids.
We are making an extra effort this year to be a
blessing though our Sunday School. Each
week a different story of God's grace in Jesus
is featured in Sunday School. We will start of-
fering an adult level class on that particular
story each week. When you bring children to
Sunday School, (your own, or grandchildren,
neighbors, nieces/nephews, etc.) you can at-
tend the adult class and discuss
the stories with the child you
bring. Both of you will learn more
about our wonderful God. You
will also get to know other par-
ents and grandparents in the
church who can support and en-
courage you in your important
parenting job. It's a win, win, win!
(for you, the child you bring, and
for God).
Please start thinking and more importantly
praying about which child you can bring so
they can be blessed with God’s Word and
knowledge of our wonderful God. Its no secret
that the world influences children from early on
through on-line media, television, music, and
other people. Rarely is this influence for Jesus.
Help these children to get to know Jesus with
your prayers, your example, your love for them
and for God by blessing them with our Sunday
School. You have been blessed and you can
be a blessing to them!
Peace, Pastor Andrew
Page 2 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
Apostles Preschool News Guess what time it is?
Our Quality First assessment window opens at the beginning of October. Quality
First is the group that rates our school and provides us with scholarships for kiddos who
otherwise cannot afford school, the ability to attend a quality school. This is where our 4
star rating came from two years ago, and we need to keep our rating but to do so, we need
some volunteers to help us get the playground in order.
The journey begins with assessors in and out for a few months, and hopefully be
done with it all by the end of January. We are in great need of some volunteer workers
to help with a variety of playground refurbishing. We have equipment to build, some
gardening, a little bit of sand to move (not anything like two years ago) we are in need of
someone who can built the edges to pour cement and people to smooth the cement, people
who can cut wood and built a few things for us, and some painting. These are just a few
things needed to get us through the assessments this year and we need volunteers to help
us.
Please prayerfully consider coming out, we have a sign up in the narthex so I know how
many for breakfast. Our volunteer days are August 3rd and 10th, from 6 am to 11 to
avoid as much heat as we can.
School begins on Monday, August 12. Give me a call to see what our Lutheran church
member discount is, 623-979-3497.
Seeing His Blessings,
Miss Beckie
Page 3 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
Applying Bible Principles
There are some wonderful principles in the Old Testament which apply to present-day Christians. One of
these is in Deuteronomy 8:10-18. Stated in contemporary language, it says, “When you have eaten and are
full, and when your cars, houses and bank accounts multiply, don’t forget where it came from: Remember
the Lord your God.”
In truth, all that we have comes from God. He determines what we will receive, whether it be money, gold,
silver, houses, land, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, etc. It all belongs to Him in the first place, and He en-
trusts it to us. According to David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29, riches, honor, power, and wealth all come
from God.
That’s why there is no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Oh, we have to do our part. God’s plan is
not that we just sit around praying and reading the Bible all day long so that what we need to survive will
miraculously drop into our hands. We’re not just to pray for our “daily bread,” but we’re also to get up
each day and work for it! That’s why the Apostle Paul stated clearly, “If a man will not work, he shall not
eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). But in reality, the amount of money and wealth which we receive is determined by
God. According to His divine will and knowledge, He entrusts to each of us the amount which He knows
will be best for us.
What should be our reaction to our financial state? Some might pray, “Dear Lord, you must have made a
mistake concerning me and my finances. Please give me more money.” Others might try to circumvent
God’s design for their lives by trying to win the lottery or to obtain large sums of money through some oth-
er means. Mature Christians, however, will realize God’s infinite wisdom far surpasses their limited per-
spective. They will accept with a thankful spirit what God has entrusted to them and seek to honor God by
their living and by their giving.
8/06/2100 JJ & Amber Scott
8/15/1960 Randy & Lana Herndon
8/15/1996 Benny & Lucy Ochoa
8/16/1979 Gary & Marla Johnson
8/24/1957 Bill & Darlene Toops
8/26/1983 Don & Donna Foxhoven
8/27/1994 Gary & Deborah Rayburn
Page 4 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
Aug. 4 Pat Bilovesky in memory of loved ones
Aug. 11 Dan & Deb Kamps for all God’s blessings
Aug. 18 Paul Wise in living memory of Maron
Aug. 23 Dan & Deb Kamps in memory of father and in celebration of Aubrey’s birthday
Altar Flowers AugustAltar Flowers August
If you wish to donate flowers for a special occasion, the cost is $25. Please sign the flower chart located in the Fellowship Hall. Our florist
is Four Seasons located at 67th Ave. and Cactus 623-878-2740. Please keep them in mind for your floral needs.
Flower sign up sheets can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall—please remember to PRINT. We have
space for 2 arrangements per Sunday. Please call the church office if you sign up once the month has started.
Celebrating in AugustCelebrating in AugustCelebrating in August
01 Susie Ayala-Vasquez
Jesus Ramirez
Brenda Smith
03 Ginnie Bargmann
04 Caleb Ellis
05 Gerardo Garcia
06 Duane Bargmann
07 Christina Coffman
08 Patty Gerber
Lori Nassif
09 Elsie Mallard
10 Abel Abraha
13 Sheri Smatana
15 Matthew Andi
Leonardo Gonzalez
17 Leo Lochner
18 Donna Casanova
20 Luis Vazquez
21 Shirley Henzler
Fidel Neira-Gonzalez
23 Camila Lopez-Rodriguez
Alessandro Ramirez-Torres
25 Luis Munoz
26 Valeria Escobar-Martinez
27 Carlyn Ellis
Del Ellis
28 Maria Alaniz
Dameon Gray
29 Aubrey Kamps
Judy Larrieu
Christina Sesma
Page 5 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
Those Serving Us This MonthThose Serving Us This MonthThose Serving Us This Month 8:00 am 10:45 am
August 4 w/communion
Video operator:
8am– Larry Mohrweis
10:30am - Abel Abraha
John Gudritz, elder
Pastor Cabrales, communion asst.
Rick Grulke, usher
John Nicol, usher
Terri Grulke, reader
Daisy Obbs, acolyte
Deb & Gary Rayburn, altar guild
Carol Kitchen & Judy Sattelmeier, greeters
JD Ellis, elder
Tom Schleier, communion asst.
Cindy Wetzstein, usher
Jimmy Hoffman, usher
Joyce Heil, reader
Logan Nunn, acolyte
Joyce LaRosa, altar guild
Paul & Diane Clements, greeters
August 11
Video operator:
8am– Mark Skrabanek
10:30am– Tom Schleier
Steve Lopez, elder
Oscar Obbs, usher
Roman Scott, usher
JJ Scott, usher
Jean Morriss, reader
Aaron Peserik, acolyte
Martina Koch & Duane Danner, greeters
Del Ellis, elder
Paul Wise, usher
Jimmy Hoffman, usher
Paul Clements, usher
Julie Roorda, reader
Logan Nunn, acolyte
Joyce Heil & Cindy Wetzstein, greeters
August 18 w/communion
Video operator:
800am - Oscar Obbs
10:45am - Ruby Ellis
Steve Sears, elder
Pastor Cabrales, communion asst.
Rick Grulke, usher
Terri Grulke, usher
Duane Bargmann, reader
Emily Skrabanek, acolyte
Leah Peserik, altar guild
Sharon Ferraro & Judy Sattelmeier, greeters
Del Ellis, elder
JD Ellis, communion asst.
Paul Wise, usher
Jimmy Hoffman, usher
Cindy Wetzstein, reader
Dave Beltran, acolyte
Cindy Wetzstein, altar guild
Carole Ellis & Tom Schleier, greeters
August 25
Video operator:
800am - Roman Scott
10:45am - Abel Abraha
Russ Hodgden, elder
Lyle Schlenz, usher
Duane Danner, usher
Larry Mohrweis, usher
Ginnie Bargmann, reader
Israel Scott, acolyte
Connie Schulz & Martina Koch, greeters
Dave Stoural, elder
Diane Clements, usher
Ruby Ellis, usher
Joyce Heil, usher
Tom Schleier, reader
Logan Nunn, acolyte
Paul Clements & Paul Wise, greeters
Amethyst Assisted Living 18170 N. 91st Ave 2:00 pm Sunday worship
Aug. 4 Pastor Cabrales & JD Ellis Aug. 11 Duane Danner Aug. 18 Del Ellis Aug. 23 John Gudritz
Anyone who would like to be involved/lead are welcome. See Pastor Byars or an elder for more details.
This is part of our goal of being blessed to be a blessing.
Pew Maintenance: Joyce LaRosa & Jean Morriss If you are interested in helping with this weekly task, please contact the office.
Sounds of the Southwest Chorale
Christmas Cantada and Cookie Extravaganza
Sunday, December 1 4:00 pm Apostles Lutheran Church
Watch for details—this is an afternoon you won’t want to miss!
Hosted by Apostles Lutheran Church Preschool
Page 6 Apostles Lutheran Church Visions
It’s A Miracle!
What is a miracle? C.S. Lewis in his book Mira-
cles defines one as ‘an interference with Nature
by supernatural power. ‘ The women of Apostles
Lutheran Church will explore this question dur-
ing the 13 week Living Way Bible study titled
Great Miracles of the Old Testament. The study
covers the following topics:
The Exodus Miracle
The Fall of Jericho
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Gideon’s Signs
Dallying with Delilah
Sleepless at Shiloh
Whose God Rules
A Firey Farewell
Naamans Needs
The Angel of Death
The Future in a Dream
The Heat is On
This Bible study will begin on August 15, 6:30
pm in the conference room of the church office.
Prayerfully consider joining us for a time of
study, fellowship, and prayer. All women are in-
vited. If you would like to be a part of this study,
or if you have questions, please call or text Mary
By all accounts, the youth and chaperones had a great
time at the National Youth Gathering. Ask one of them
about their experience and what they learned.
West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop
10615 West Peoria Ave, Sun City http://www.wvlutheranthrift.com/
--623-815-7061--
Clothing Sale Do you know anyone who needs a fantastic deal on quality, like new or gently worn clothing? August 13 and 16 are "Dollar Clothes Days. Almost all items of clothing are just $1.00. Furniture and Lamp Sale For the month of August, almost all furniture and lamps are 50% off our regular process. And our reg-ular prices are already very reasonable! Truckers Needed We are desperately looking for volunteers to work on our truck one day a week or one Saturday a month. The truck is operated 100% by volunteers. But, we often have more truck than volunteers. We would love to have enough volunteers to run the truck 6 days each week; we struggle to operate 3 days. Consider getting a group together to join us, won’t you? Or volunteer as an individual. Call us today to schedule a ride-along with the truckers and see if you can love this job! Keep up with the WVLTS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop/ Please “Like” us today!
Lunch To Go
Sunday, August 18
Baked Potato Bar/Salad
$8.00 per meal
Skip the cooking on a hot day - pick up your meal after
LWML Sets 2019-2021 Mission Goal at $2.1 Million The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) welcomed 3105 people with 691 as first timers to the LWML Convention in Mobile, Alabama, June 20-23, 2019, under the theme "In Praise to the LORD!" The convention theme was based on 1 Chroni-cles 16:23-24a. Delegates to the 38th Biennial Convention of the LWML adopted a $2,100,000 mis-sion goal for the 2019-2021 biennium. This goal, by the grace of God, will fund 21 mission grants as men and women respond in prayer and offerings during the next two years. LWML chose to support the following mission grants, pledging their sup-port with prayers and mites (offerings) given over the next biennium:
Water and the Word for Rural Schools in Kenya, $80,000 Teach Me Too - Preschoolers with Learning Needs in Austin, TX (LSEM),
$100,000 Mission Outreach for At-Risk Young Women in Africa (LHM), $100,000 God's Grace for This Generation (LAMP), $100,000 God's Word Changes Everything (LBT), $95,000 Mobile Medical Mercy Mission Bus in Guatemala, $100,000 Restoring Hope for Detroit Children and Families - Camp Restore Detroit,
$100,000 Lights for Christ Scholarships in Guatemala, $95,000 Wind River Indian Reservation Transportation in Wyoming (WRLM), $40,000 Ministry in Motion at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mobile, AL, $58,000 Touching the Living Word (LBW), $100,000 Women's Witness and Mercy in Asia (Mission Central), $100,000 Digital Media Development (LFL), $30,000 Hope and Healing Hub of Downtown Lincoln, NE, $50,000 Pre- and Post-Seminary Training for Local Church Workers in Africa, $62,650 Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow (LCMS School Ministries), $80,000 Christ for You, Anytime, Anywhere (KFUO Radio), $60,000 Sri Lanka Multipurpose Building Construction (LCMS OIM), $50,000 Making Jesus Known in the US Ethnic Communities at Concordia Seminary,
St. Louis, MO, $100,000 Music Outreach, Classes, and Resources on the Border in El Paso, TX,
$98,400 LCMS Deaconess Ministry (LCMS OIM), $39,523 Please pray for these missions and the people who will administer them.
