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Sunday, December 31, 2023

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Glimpses of Glendale
Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter


December 28, 2023

Christmas Broke Out - article by Joel Hempel

 

In a little book of devotions entitled Letting God by Philip Parham, I read a story about an American writer who, a few decades ago, spent Christmas Eve with his wife in a drab little café in Paris. Everyone was eating in complete silence. The only conversations were between the servers and the patrons. It seemed to the writer that nearly everyone in the nearby area who didn’t like or didn’t believe in Christmas found their way to this restaurant.

 

While he and his wife were eating, an old flower woman came through the door and went from table to table. But she made no sales. She then sat down to have a bowl of soup.

 

Stepping into this sad scene, a handsome young sailor rose from the table where he had written a letter. He went to the flower lady’s table and said,

 

Merry Christmas! And proceeded to choose two corsages. How much are these?

 

Two francs, monsieur.

 

The sailor pressed one of the small corsages flat, put it into the letter with a kiss, and then handed the woman a twenty-franc note.

 

I don’t have change, monsieur; I’ll get some from the waiter.

 

No Ma’am. This is my Christmas present to you.

 

The sailor then went to the writer’s table. May I have permission to present these flowers to your beautiful wife? With the writer’s permission, in one quick motion, he gave her the corsage, wished them a holy Christmas, and departed.

 

Everyone had stopped eating to watch the sailor. When he left, there was a different kind of silence. Then suddenly, Christmas broke out throughout the restaurant with smiles, laughter, tears of joy, and intimate conversations.

 

Christmas broke out throughout that café, and it began with one person who could not keep Christmas contained within himself. The joy he felt, the love he felt, had to be shared!

 

In a similar but much more profound way, Christmas broke out on the face of the world 2000 years ago when God could not keep his love for us within himself (see John 3:16). It had to be shared.

 

Unto us a child was born, unto us the Son of God was given . . . given to die for each of us.

 

When Jesus was born into the world, angels sang, shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, and kings followed a star because the joy and love given in the person of Jesus was for more than Mary and Joseph. It was for shepherds and kings of all times, for people of all nations and generations; it was for young and old alike.

 

The Son of God was given for you! Please, whatever you do, don’t read that last sentence and then let it go. Ponder what the gift of Jesus means for you. At the bare minimum, it means a life of meaning now, a life of service and love for others. And ultimately, it means life eternal with God for all who believe in the Miracle of Christmas. 

Mortgage Update

 

Members keep chipping away with additional principal payments to the point that our original mortgage balance of $900,000 is now only an incredible $357,000. In the last 8 months our mortgage principal has been reduced by $100,000, due to a combination of our regular mortgage payments, and the additional principal payments. We are so far ahead of scheduled monthly payment obligations that currently almost 75% of our monthly payment, $5,750, goes directly to the reduction of principal. The 25-year term of our mortgage has also been reduced by 9 years. We are truly blessed by our members’ generous and on-going specified donations. Check the kiosk for latest update.

Financial Update

Next Sunday's Bible Readings

Isaiah 61:10--62:3; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Worship Leaders

This Sunday - 12/31

Lector: Greg Frimel

Communion: Steve Phelps and Seminary Student

Greeters: Steve & Phyllis Phelps

S/V: Jerry Nicolaus

Ushers: Terry Buchholz, Ron Froesel, Rodger Lubben, Ken Clark

Children's Message: Janet Leet

Next Sunday - 1/7

Lector: Steve Phelps

Communion: Jerry Nicolaus and Seminary Student

Greeters: Paul & Sandy Barbercheck

S/V: Ken Clark

Ushers: Judy George, Lisa Grossenheider, John Steele, Jack Hurley

Children's Message: Pastor Soctt

The Word Within the Word
Online Calendar

Glendale Lutheran Church

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm

(314) 966-3220

glendalelutheranchurch@gmail.com

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Worship Bulletin


Welcome to Glendale Lutheran!


Deacon List…If you need to talk to a fellow believer, email or call Pastor Scott or one of these deacons: Joel Hempel (jhempel411@gmail.com), Marcia Hempel (mshempel11@att.net), Bob Jacobson (rjacobson@hy-c.com), or Tony Petzoldt (tonypetzoldt@sbcglobal.net). 


Choir rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm.

The First Sunday after Christmas

December 31, 2023

Sunday 9:15am

Divine Service I

Prelude 


Greeting and Welcome


Lighting of the Candles


Hymn of Invocation – Of the Father’s Love Begotten (LSB 384, verses 1-3)


Of the Father’s love begotten

Ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega,

He the source, the ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see

Evermore and evermore.


Oh, that birth forever blessèd,

When the virgin, full of grace,

By the Holy Ghost conceiving,

Bore the Savior of our race,

And the babe, the world’s Redeemer,

First revealed His sacred face

Evermore and evermore.


This is He whom seers in old time

Chanted of with one accord,

Whom the voices of the prophets

Promised in their faithful word.

Now He shines, the long-expected;

Let creation praise its Lord

Evermore and evermore.


+ Preparation +


Invocation

P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit

C: Amen.


Confession and Absolution

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.


P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.


+ Word +


Introit 

P: The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

C: Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

P: The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

C: He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

P: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen


Hymn – Of the Father’s Love Begotten (LSB 384, verses 4-5)


O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him;

Angel hosts, His praises sing.

Pow’rs, dominions, bow before Him

And extol our God and King.

Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Ev’ry voice in concert ring

Evermore and evermore.


Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,

And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee

Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving

And unending praises be,

Honor, glory, and dominion,

And eternal victory

Evermore and evermore. Amen.


Salutation and Collect of the Day

P: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you.

P: Let us pray. O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.


First Reading Isaiah 61:10—62:3

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.


P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.


Epistle Galatians 4:4–7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.


P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.


Alleluia and Verse

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia. 

 

Holy GospelLuke 2:22–40

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.


When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.


P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ. 


Children’s Hymn – Away in a Manger (LSB 364, verses 1, 3)


Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.

The stars in the [bright] sky looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.


Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.


Children’s Sermon – Janet Leet


Hymn of the Day – O God, Our Help in Ages Past (LSB 733, verses 1-2, 4, 6)


O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home:


Under the shadow of Thy throne

Thy saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.


A thousand ages in Thy sight

Are like an evening gone,

Short as the watch that ends the night

Before the rising sun.


O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be Thou our guard while troubles last

And our eternal home!


Sermon – “Faith with a Future”


Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.


And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.


I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.


Prayers


+ Celebrating birthdays this week: 1 – Frank Gaal; 2 – Maggie Bach; 3 – Abraham Ryan, Michelle Fiala; 6 – Matthew Schaefer


Special Celebrations and Needs:


+ Church family members: Vicki Lucas, recovering from a stroke; Terry Buchholz, recovering from an appendectomy; Dan DeFosset, undergoing surgery; Sharon Gaal, anticipating surgery; Cathie Albers, recuperating from hip replacement; Layton Wille, recovering from back surgery; Hank Schlichter, diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer; Ken Kight, in the hospital

+ Friends of our congregation: Seminarian Ryan Barnett, healing from leg surgery; Gary Schouten, cousin of Valerie Wehmueller, fighting kidney cancer; Don, friend of the Wehmueller family, upon a diagnosis of liver cancer; Rebecca Guion, daughter-in-law of Mary Guion, in the hospital

+ Those who are homebound or in nursing facilities: Twylah Atwood, Mary Aufderheide, Jules Bush, Frank & Sharon Gaal, Mary Guion, Jerry & Jane Keathley, Shirley Williams


Offering


+ Sacrament +


Preface

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you. 

P: Lift up your hearts. 

C: We lift them to the Lord. 

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C:  It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:


Sanctus

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow'r and might: 

Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Hosanna, Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.


Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.


The Words of Our Lord

P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”


Pax Domini 

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen.

 

Agnus Dei

Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;

grant us peace. 

 

Distribution 


Distribution Hymn – Now Greet the Swiftly Changing Year (LSB 896, v 1, 4-6)


Now greet the swiftly changing year

With joy and penitence sincere.

Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace

Another year of grace.


His love abundant far exceeds

The volume of a whole year’s needs.

Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace

Another year of grace.


With Him as Lord to lead our way

In want and in prosperity,

What need we fear in earth or space

In this new year of grace!


“All glory be to God on high,

And peace on earth!” the angels cry.

Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace

Another year of grace.


Blessing


Thank the Lord

Thank the Lord and sing His praise;

tell ev'ryone what He has done.

Let all who seek the Lord rejoice

and proudly bear His name.

He recalls His promises

and leads His people forth in joy

with shouts of thanksgiving.

Alleluia, alleluia. 

 

Post-Communion Collect

P: Let us pray. We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.


Benediction 

P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

 

Closing Hymn – Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace (LSB 937)


Lord, bid Your servant go in peace,

Your word is now fulfilled.

These eyes have seen salvation’s dawn,

This child so long foretold.


This is the Savior of the world,

The Gentiles’ promised light,

God’s glory dwelling in our midst,

The joy of Israel.


With saints of old, with saints to come,

To You we lift our voice;

To Father, Son, and Spirit blest

Be honor, love, and praise.


Postlude 



+ + +


+ WORSHIP LEADERS +

Preacher/Celebrant/Liturgist – Pastor Albers

Organist/Pianist – Seth Carruthers

Lector – Greg Frimel

Communion – Steve Phelps and Seminary Student

Sound/Video – Jerry Nicolaus

Ushers – Ron Froesel, Terry Buchholz, Rodger Lubben, Ken Clark

Greeters – Steve & Phyllis Phelps



Altar Flowers this morning are given with the following dedication:

“Remember not the former things…Behold, I am doing a new thing…

I will make a path in the wilderness.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

“Ask using my name and you will receive, 

and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:24)


Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Biodynamic Gardening Guide: Definition, Key Principles, Best Practices, Benefits, Tools and Preparations

Biodynamic gardening offers a profound approach to cultivating the earth, resonating with ancient wisdom and modern ecological consciousness. It transcends conventional organic practices by fostering a holistic understanding of the garden as a living organism, intertwined with the rhythms of nature and the cosmos. Embracing this philosophy nurtures vibrant, nutrient-rich produce while promoting a deeper connection to the natural world.

Key Principles of Biodynamic Gardening

1. Understanding the Farm as a Living Organism:

  • Biodynamics views the farm or garden as an interconnected entity, where soil, plants, animals, and cosmic forces collaborate in a delicate dance of life.
  • Nurturing this interconnectedness is paramount, ensuring a synergistic balance that promotes vitality and resilience.

2. Strengthening the Soil:

  • Biodynamic preparations, meticulously crafted from natural substances, act as catalysts for soil health.
  • These preparations invigorate microbial life, enhance fertility, and promote a thriving soil ecosystem—the foundation for robust plant growth.

3. Aligning with Cosmic Rhythms:

  • Biodynamics recognizes the profound influence of celestial rhythms on plant growth.
  • Planting, cultivating, and harvesting in harmony with lunar cycles, planetary alignments, and seasonal transitions optimizes plant vitality and yields.

4. Embracing Biodiversity:

  • Biodynamic gardens embrace diversity, fostering a tapestry of plant species, insect life, and beneficial organisms.
  • This biodiversity fosters resilience, thwarts pests, and creates a harmonious ecosystem where each element contributes to the garden's overall health.

Essential Practices for Biodynamic Gardening Success

1. Composting: The Heart of Soil Fertility

  • Biodynamic composting is a meticulous art, transforming organic matter into a nutrient-rich elixir for the soil.
  • Specific preparations, such as BD500 and BD502, enhance compost vitality, accelerating decomposition and enriching the soil's microbial life.

2. Planting by the Moon and Stars:

  • Biodynamic planting calendars guide gardeners to align sowing and harvesting with auspicious cosmic rhythms.
  • This practice is believed to optimize plant growth, nutrient uptake, and flavor development.

3. Fostering Biodiversity:

  • Intercropping, companion planting, and cultivating a diversity of species create a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all inhabitants.
  • Beneficial insects thrive, pests are kept in check, and the garden becomes a resilient, self-sustaining microcosm.

4. Honoring Animals and Their Role:

  • Biodynamic farms often integrate livestock, recognizing their crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and overall farm health.
  • Animals contribute manure for compost, grazing for weed control, and their unique energy to the farm's ecosystem.

The Rewards of Biodynamic Gardening

1. Nutrient-Rich, Flavorful Produce:

  • Biodynamic practices yield produce that is not only free of chemicals but also brimming with vitality and flavor.
  • The heightened nutrient density and vibrant energy of biodynamically grown food are often palpable to those who consume it.

2. Deeper Connection to Nature:

  • Biodynamic gardening cultivates a profound sense of connection to the natural world, fostering respect for the delicate balance of life forces that sustain us.
  • This intimate relationship with nature enriches both the gardener and the garden, fostering a sense of stewardship and gratitude.

3. A Path to Regeneration:

  • Biodynamic principles offer a roadmap for healing the Earth and restoring vitality to our food systems.
  • By nourishing the soil, honoring biodiversity, and embracing cosmic rhythms, we can participate in a movement that nurtures life and promotes a thriving planet for generations to come.

Delving Deeper into the Cosmos: Advanced Biodynamic Techniques

We've established the core principles and practices of biodynamic gardening, but the journey doesn't end there. For those seeking to truly connect with the cosmic rhythms and unlock the full potential of their gardens, several advanced techniques await exploration.

Honing Your Sensitivity to Cosmic Forces

1. Observing the Subtle: Planetary Influences

Each planet in our solar system exerts a unique influence on plant growth. For example:

  • Mars: Associated with vitality and action, Mars days are ideal for seeding fast-growing plants like lettuce and radishes.
  • Venus: Ruling over love and beauty, Venus days favor planting flowering ornamentals and nurturing delicate fruits.
  • Saturn: Known for structure and boundaries, Saturn days are well-suited for tasks like transplanting seedlings and pruning woody plants.

By keeping a keen eye on planetary movements and aligning your gardening activities accordingly, you can tap into these subtle cosmic forces and potentially enhance your yields and harvest quality.

2. Harnessing the Moon's Cycles: The Biodynamic Sowing Calendar

The moon's waxing and waning phases have long been recognized as potent influences on plant growth. Biodynamic sowing calendars, meticulously crafted to correspond with these lunar cycles, offer detailed guidance for optimal planting times.

  • Root Days: During the waning moon, focus on planting root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets. The downward pull of the moon's gravity is believed to encourage vigorous root development.
  • Leaf Days: Under the waxing moon, prioritize leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. The moon's upward pull is thought to stimulate lush foliage growth.
  • Flower Days: The days surrounding the full moon are auspicious for sowing flowering plants, fruit trees, and herbs. The moon's heightened energy is believed to promote vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests.

3. Rhythms of the Zodiac: A Deeper Dive

For the truly dedicated biodynamic gardener, delving into the specific influences of the zodiacal constellations can add another layer of complexity and potential benefit. Each constellation is associated with different plant parts and qualities, offering further guidance for aligning your gardening activities with cosmic rhythms.

For instance, planting tomatoes under the sign of Leo (associated with fire and fruit) or sowing leafy greens under Libra (linked to air and balance) might be seen as particularly auspicious choices. However, mastering this level of astrological integration requires dedication and ongoing study.

Tools and Preparations for the Advanced Biodynamic Gardener

1. The Seven Preparations: Catalysts for Life

Biodynamic preparations are potent natural concoctions crafted from specific plant and animal materials. These preparations, numbered BD500 through BD507, each address different aspects of soil health and plant vitality.

  • BD500 (Horn manure): Enhances soil fertility and humus formation.
  • BD501 (Horn silica): Strengthens plant stems and resistance to disease.
  • BD502 (Cow manure): Stimulates composting and microbial activity.
  • BD503 (Chamomile): Promotes flower formation and fruit quality.
  • BD504 (Nettle): Enhances leaf growth and chlorophyll production.
  • BD505 (Oak bark): Strengthens root systems and resistance to pests.
  • BD506 (Dandelion): Balances soil moisture and nutrient uptake.

Mastering the application and timing of these preparations takes time and experience, but their potential to invigorate your garden and elevate your biodynamic practice is significant.

2. The Dowsing Rod: Intuition Meets Practicality

The dowsing rod, a simple Y-shaped tool, can be used to intuitively locate underground water sources, ley lines (energetic lines in the Earth), and even compost piles with optimal activity. While its scientific validity is debated, many biodynamic gardeners swear by the dowsing rod as a valuable tool for connecting with the subtle energies of the land.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey with Biodynamic Gardening

Biodynamic gardening is not merely a set of techniques; it's a lifelong journey of observation, experimentation, and deepening connection with the natural world. As you delve deeper into its principles and practices, you'll witness firsthand the vibrant life force coursing through your garden, responding to your care and resonating with the rhythms of the cosmos.

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Glimpses of Glendale
Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter


December 21, 2023

Are You a Happy Person? - article by Joel Hempel

 

The words joy, rejoice, and joyful have been stalking me for several months. Not in a creepy sense, but as if to be saying, write about me. Then, the other day, my friend Dr. Ed asked me if I was a happy person. I quickly said, No. Now that I have had time to think about his question, my answer is still No.

 

It is true I am not a happy-go-lucky, cheerful person. I admire people who are. They are a blessing to me. But being happy and being joyful are two very different things. Joyful I am!

 

Has it occurred to you – as it has recently been brought to my attention – that God may have our joy at the top of his agenda for us? These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).

 

“These things” Jesus was referring to were shared with his disciples the day before his crucifixion. He was preparing his disciples for what was about to happen, which included his death and departure. Although his death would be painful and his departure distressing, what he shared with them would result in great joy.

 

You can check it out in the Gospel of John, chapters 13-16, but to summarize, Jesus first tells his disciples that where he is going is where he will welcome them (and us) in the next life. Second, until then, he reassures them that the new way of living he has been teaching them is trustworthy because it comes from God the Father. Third, although he is going away, he will still be as close as a vine is to its branches because he will send them his Spirit, who will continue to teach and help them in their new life.

 

In other words, Jesus was saying – to his disciples and us – that he was not only going to the cross to take our sins upon himself so we could be with him in heaven but also to give us a new way of living, and the power to live this new life. That is, Jesus came not only to give us life eternal but also life now.

 

Joy is at the top of God’s agenda for us because joy is the natural outgrowth of receiving Jesus as our Savior and living the life we are called to as Jesus-followers (see Galatians 5:22). As the Holy Spirit inspires, equips, and empowers us to grow in our dedication to the life he has prepared for us here on earth, the greater our joy will be because we are living in sync with God’s will.

 

If you are a happy person, great! If you are not, we can all rejoice, for we are God’s children who get to live the life prepared for us now and in eternity.

The Glory of Christmas - article by Seth Carruthers

 

Christmastime is a great season to stop and explore all of the creativity around us, from beautiful light displays to classic movies. It is a great time for sure! The same is true within our rich history of carols and poetry. As Christmas Eve nears, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the words of Laverne Riley O'Brien.


The Glory of Christmas


Give thanks to the baby asleep in the hay,

For it's Jesus who gave us our first Christmas Day.

A king in disguise, God sent Him to men,

Revealed to our hearts, He comes again.


Lord of the galaxies as well as our earth,

A hymn of the Universe celebrates His birth.

He gives us His Spirit, His kingdom's within,

His peace can be ours by believing in Him.


His truth is a flame that ignites young souls,

He is comfort to men for whom the bell tolls,

He restores an image both marred and grown dim,

He's a constant wonder to those who love Him.


As we wrap up our presents to give them away,

We do this because of that first Christmas Day,

When the Lord of all glory and beauty and wealth

Came to earth as a Baby to give us Himself.

Mortgage Update

 

Members keep chipping away with additional principal payments to the point that our original mortgage balance of $900,000 is now only an incredible $357,000. In the last 8 months our mortgage principal has been reduced by $100,000, due to a combination of our regular mortgage payments, and the additional principal payments. We are so far ahead of scheduled monthly payment obligations that currently almost 75% of our monthly payment, $5,750, goes directly to the reduction of principal. The 25-year term of our mortgage has also been reduced by 9 years. We are truly blessed by our members’ generous and on-going specified donations. Check the kiosk for latest update.

Financial Update

Next Sunday's Bible Readings

Isaiah 61:10--62:3; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Worship Leaders

Christmas Eve/Day Worship Leaders below are listed as they were assigned, unless substitute information was communicated to Michelle. Apologies for any confusion! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve - 5:30pm

Lector: Jerry Nicolaus

Communion: Mike Toney and Seminary Student

Greeters: Jerry & Beth Nicolaus

S/V: Tony Petzoldt

Ushers: Terry Buchholz, Ken Clark, Ron Froesel, Rodger Lubben

Children's Message: Pastor Scott

Christmas Eve - 7:30pm

Lector: Miriam Lee

Communion: John Steele and Seminary Student

Greeters: Jack & Norma Bentzinger

S/V: Paul Barbercheck

Ushers: Gerry Lucas, Becci Sasser, Judy George, Jack Hurley

Children's Message: Pastor Scott

Christmas Day - 9:15am

Lector: Lisa Grossenheider

Communion: Tony Petzoldt and Seminary Student

Greeters: Mike & Lisa Grossenheider

S/V: Ken Clark

Ushers: Mike Toney, John Steele, Ron Froesel, Lisa Grossenheider

Next Sunday - 12/31

Lector: Greg Frimel

Communion: Steve Phelps and Seminary Student

Greeters: Steve & Phyllis Phelps

S/V: Jerry Nicolaus

Ushers: Terry Buchholz, Ron Froesel, Rodger Lubben, Ken Clark

Children's Message: Janet Leet

The Word Within the Word
Online Calendar

Glendale Lutheran Church

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm

(314) 966-3220

glendalelutheranchurch@gmail.com

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