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   Statistics tell us that 78% of American households have a pet. Two of my daughters bear that out. Katie has a beagle named Scout and Jenni has a Great Pyrenees named Delilah.
     Did you ever notice how similar people and dogs are in several ways—and I’m not talking about the commercials they have on TV where they find people who look like their dogs either. I’m talking about behavior. Consider this: Both dogs and people can be very loyal or very disobedient. Both dogs and people can be nice or mean. Some growl at others; some want to be patted on the head. Both dogs and people need to be cared for and led by a superior master. Both are well-treated by their master, but seldom offer thanks. Both dogs and people run away from their master if they get the chance. Some come back; some don’t.

     My neighbor (whose grade school daughter was the object of my ‘puppy love’ at the time) had their dog run away. It was a very stressful time. Those who loved the dog (and those who liked the girl) searched diligently for it. We called out its name loud and long. We came armed with its favorite treat. The day consisted of long hours; many tears; hollow feelings; what-if-he-never-comes back thoughts; many tears; and frustration.
     We finally located the dog and tried to get it to come to us. But he was enjoying his freedom, or maybe he thought it was a game, and so he ran away from us. Then something scared him and he took off at top speed. More owner tears; no appetite (people, not the dog); frustration; more tears.
     Meanwhile, the dog was seemingly having a good ol’ time, we found out later. He nosed through any garbage can he could find. He stuck his tongue out at other dogs behind fences. He chased other dogs, perhaps looking for a date. He even found shelter that night. But the next day, the dog catcher nabbed him. The dog had a short

Something to Think About…
     June 1 is the 96th birthday of noted author Herman Wouk. Herman Wouk is best noted for three of his books that were turned into movies. His ‘Caine Mutiny” became a box office smash in the 1950’s starring Humphrey Bogart. His “Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance” were turned into mini-series movies for television.

        Last week I decided to re-read “War and Remembrance.” I first read this book 20 years ago after seeing the promos for the mini-series. I wanted to see how closely the mini-series came to the book. I also wanted to see how closely the book reflected my understanding of World War II. I picked it up this time because I liked the book and wanted something to read for pleasure during the Memorial weekend.

        “War and Remembrance” addresses the events of WWII through the lives of the Victor Henry family. While this family is fictional, the events they witnessed relate how people and their families dealt with the terrors and troubles caused by this great war. Reading this book can help one understand the events of that bygone era. Mr. Wouk wrote these books in order that we who follow might remember those who fought for freedom in the 1940s. He wrote these books, as he put it, “Lest we forget.”

        A week ago we commemorated another Memorial Day. The citizens of the United States held memorials ‘lest we forget’. We never want to forget those who made the supreme sacrifice that we might enjoy freedom. These men and women of our armed services have been sent to many places around the world over our history to protect freedom and to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Those soldiers have fought in the past to preserve our present and by God’s grace, our future. Sometimes those who sent them may have been misguided or even wronged. But the soldiers, sailors, aviators, and marines fought for their country and us. We

thank them. We also remember to offer our prayers to God that he might protect them as they continue to serve us around the world in the fight for freedom. Lest we forget…..

        We remember another war as well. We remember the war that we must fight every day. This war pits the enemies of Jesus Christ and his people against Jesus and his people. It’s a battle that is waged on the battlefields of history and this world. It is fought on the battlefield of our schools and places of work. It is fought on the battlefield of each believer’s heart. The sinful nature wars against faith to create doubt and despair. The philosophies of this age war against the truth of God’s Word. The people of the world war against Christians with their accusations and ridicule. And often, Christians fall wounded to these sinful thoughts, words, and deeds because they forget that the victory over our enemies has been won by Jesus Christ.

        Jesus won the victory by going to battle. After living a perfect life, he went to the cross to battle sin and guilt while enduring the punishment for the sins of the world. He died in battle. But instead of receiving a “purple heart” God raised him from the dead. He triumphed! He won for us all. Those who believe in this truth – believe in Jesus – have what he won: eternal life, forgiveness, salvation, life, peace, hope, and all the rest of God’s blessings. Those who believe share in his victory now and forever, no matter the wounds they suffer on the battlefield of this life.

        Since God blesses us through government, we remember those who fought to create and sustain our freedoms as citizens of the United States of America. But this is freedom only for this life. God blesses us through Jesus with freedom from sin, death, and the power of the devil. This freedom is for this life and all eternity. So remember our countries heroes! But more importantly, remember Jesus by hearing his Word in worship and at home. Yes, read his Bible, lest we forget!
          Pastor Tim Henning

GARAGE SALE (Part II): Several people have again expressed a desire to contribute to a sale that helps with non-budgetary needs of church or the needs of others. The Altar Guild has decided to have it on the day of the city-wide sale, June 18th. You are invited and requested to bring your unwanted saleable treasures to church whenever Pastor is around. Call him at 371-5565 to be sure he can be there for you. The money last time went for Bible Camp Scholarships and games for our activities.

In My Readings- (As I read, I come across sayings/ideas that stick in my mind. I think they’re worth sharing. Here is one)
The most dreadful thing on Earth is being alone with our sins and the miseries of life. The most wonderful thing is being alone with Christ.
August Pieper

HELP WITH ALZHEIMERS: Wisc. Lutheran Child & Family Service has given us a video and booklet on the disease to help Christian families facing Alzheimers. It helps you understand the disease, how it progresses, how family and friends can help and how to deal with the legal necessities, all from a solidly Christian perspective. See Pastor.

BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG: We distributed play baby bottles that you can put your spare change in (and bills too). We began on Mothers Day and will collect them on Father’s Day (June 19th). They will be used to support the local Alameda Pregnancy Counseling Center (run by Peace & Apostles churches) and the New Beginnings Home For Mothers in Denver. If you need a ‘bottle’, look on the table.

BIBLE QUIZ… ON PENTECOST (Acts 2)
1.    Pentecost means…
     a.    50 hours that Jesus was in the tomb
     b.    50 days after Jesus rose
     c.    50 months after Jesus began his ministry
     d.    50 years, the time until the rapture
    e.    The lower priced dwelling unit next to the pente-house; the pente-cost

2.    The Disciples were in the Upper Room to
     a.    hide from the Jewish authorities
     b.    celebrate the Lord’s Supper again
     c.    baptize new converts
     d.    play cards and drink beer

3.    While the disciples were in the upper room,
    a.    the leaders tried to arrest them; angels blinded the authorities; and God rained down brimstone
     b.    5000 people came to be fed; a paralyzed man wanted to be made well; and 10 more lepers were healed
     c.    A sound like a violent wind began; tongues of flame were on the heads of the disciples; and they spoke languages they had never studied
    d.    Thomas drew an inside strait; Philip drank Baal Beer and was not harmed, and Peter cut off an ear of corn

4.    After Peter’s sermon (to repent of sin), 3000 people…
     a.    were Baptized
     b.    were speaking in languages they had not studied
     c.    were fed fish and bread from a little boy’s lunch
   d.    tuned in to Harold camping’s Family radio, waited for a rapture that never came and chanted “Hare’, Hare’ Krishna

NEW SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS TOPICS: Starting TODAY, we’ll begin a series on Great Men of the Bible. The first one will be St. Paul. Then will follow St. Peter, Jonah, Joseph, Moses, David, and Elijah. Following that will be the video & discussion of God’s Most Marvelous Creation- Man and his Inmost Being. The new Bible Basics Class will be delayed until those attending can get their schedules in synch.

Questions or Comments? Please email the Webmaster skerst@comcast.net

Just Mutts

Statistics tell us that 78% of American households have a pet. Two of my daughters bear that out. Katie has a beagle named Scout and Jenni has a Great Pyrenees named Delilah. Did you ever notice how similar people and dogs are in several ways—and I’m not talking about the commercials they have on TV where they find people who look like their dogs either. I’m talking about behavior. Consider this: Both dogs and people can be very loyal or very disobedient. Both dogs and people can be nice or mean. Some growl at others; some want to be patted on the head. Both dogs and people need to be cared for and led by a superior master. Both are well-treated by their master, but seldom offer thanks. Both dogs and people run away from their master if they get the chance. Some come back; some don’t. My neighbor (whose grade school daughter was the object of my ‘puppy love’ at the time) had their dog run away. It was a very stressful time. Those who loved the dog (and those who liked the girl) searched diligently for it. We called out its name loud and long. We came armed with its favorite treat. The day consisted of long hours; many tears; hollow feelings; what-if-he-never-comes back thoughts; many tears; and frustration. We finally located the dog and tried to get it to come to us. But he was enjoying his freedom, or maybe he thought it was a game, and so he ran away from us. Then something scared him and he took off at top speed. More owner tears; no appetite (people, not the dog); frustration; more tears. Meanwhile, the dog was seemingly having a good ol’ time, we found out later. He nosed through any garbage can he could find. He stuck his tongue out at other dogs behind fences. He chased other dogs, perhaps looking for a date. He even found shelter that night. But the next day, the dog catcher nabbed him. The dog had a short	lride to a long captivity. The fun was over. How the dog now longed for his master to come rescue him. The saddest eyes you’ve ever seen peered out of that cage. Would his master take him back? Would he pay the fine? Would he…? Isn’t that the way people are? God created people to be pure-breads. Gen. 1: 27 states that fact, “God created man in His own image (perfect and Holy), in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” But that loving relationship never seems to be enough for people. Adam and Eve listened to the slithering reptile. Ever since then, we’re all mutts, no longer pure-breeds. Now we no longer have that God-image. We have the sin-stained human image. Gen 5:3, “Adam…had a son in his own image, in his own likeness.” Notice the cosmic shift? Ever since that awful day, each of us is born with the defect of sin. Ever since Snakey came a-callin’, people have been only too eager to bolt out of God’s yard. We run from God and His ways. We nose through the garbage (of sin) till we get our fill—and end up in Satan’s dog pound; Caged, Sad, Forlorn, Fearful, Angry. Things inevitably go wrong and we look for someone to bail us out and get us out of our self-imposed cages. We’re forced to come crawling back with our tails between our legs. Like canines we find both comfort and restraint in our leash (God’s Ten Commandments), even though God’s ways have been proven over and over to be a good and healthful cord. Jesus too not only unlocks our cages, he pays our fine, puts his collar on us, and welcomes us back into the main house (not the dog house). Bark with joy fellow pooches!