Devotion on the Verse of the Month for November 2006

And he who sat upon the throne said: „Behold, I make all things new
Revelation 21,5

Dear Members and Friends of Martin Luther Church,
In an sermon aid from Germany, I saw this picture. It is John Paul II, who visits his assailant, the Turk Mehmet Ali Agca, in prison in 1983. On May 13th 1981, Agca  fired four shots at the Pope, when he drove through the crowds across St. Peter’s Square in Rome, and he injured him seriously. John Paul needed a long time to recover physically from this attack. Two and a half years later, shortly before Christmas, the Pope meets with this man who wanted to hill him. Both sit closely together in this bleak cell. They have an intimate talk. The content of this conversation never became public. It is, however, known that John Paul II stayed in regular contact with Agca. He also visited his mother and brother. Mehmet Ali Agca even wanted to attend the funeral of the Pope in 2005, but the authorities of Turkey, where he was held in prison for the murder of the journalist Abdi Ipekci, did not allow it. The lives of these two men cross twice. Once, on St. Peter’s Square in Rome, and once in this cell. The first time the meeting is dominated by hate and the wish to kill. In the second meeting there is understanding and forgiveness. „Behold, I make all things new,“ it says in the verse for the month. Even though this text speaks of a different time, which will start when this world has passed, it can still give us a foretaste of what it will be like when Christ makes all things new. Through faith we know, that things which seem impossible, can be possible – even now. Whoever forgives, can overcome hate, whoever goes towards others, makes the chance of a new beginning possible. Perhaps there is a faith needed here, which already has God’s future in view. God makes all things new, but, therefore, we must not stand by inactively and just wait. While waiting for God’s future, we must not be afraid of changes. Why should things remain as they are? Why should we not go ahead, instead of waiting for what is to come, and change this world in small ways while trusting in God’s strengthening power? Do we not accept too many things as a given? Are we not under the impression that violence and death dominate? This, however, is not what God wishes for us. God wants life. He makes all things new, he says. This is the hope with which all new things can begin. Not at some time in the future, but right now.
With best wishes for November and with kind regards, I am your Pastor
Stefan Wolf

The Sale of the Book has continues!
The book “50 Years Martin Luther Church” will still be sold after the church services. It is colourful, informative and consists of 128 pages. The events of the years from 1955 to 2005 are clearly arranged and vividly presented. It contains documents and photos which give insight into the events and the history of the congregation. The text is in German and English. The sale price is $ 40, including a beautiful book mark. It is a valuable memento and is also suitable as present. Furthermore, we would like to ask for additional donations, as the total production price has amounted to $ 54.28. In case you want to participate, mark the amount on your donation envelope.

Janitor Need!
After some unsuccessful attempts to find a janitor for our congregation, we now want to turn directly to the congregation and ask for help. We are looking for someone who takes on the duties of opening and locking the church and performs small repairs in the church. It would be important to have someone close to the church, who can be reached in an emergency and can check the church daily. Snow removal in winter, putting out garbage cans and taking care of the grounds are part of the duties; but not cleaning the church. There is also an apartment available in the nursery building, 5 Superior Avenue. If you yourself are interested, or if you know someone, please contact the church council. For further information regarding remuneration and renting the apartment, please speak to Mr. Edmund Scholz

Choir Leader Needed!
It seems that we are looking for people in different areas of congregational work, as we do for the church choir. Who is interested in leading the choir (for remuneration)?  Please contact Pastor Wolf.

Postage Stamp Collection for Bethel
In September, we could again send three well-filled bags with used stamps to the stamp department in Bethel, Germany. Many thanks to all those who have contributed. Did you know that our congregation has supported this mission for 30 years now? The stamp department in Bethel was founded more than 100 years ago. The stamps donated to Bethel make it possible to create and maintain productive places of work and activities for disabled people. Resale to stamp collectors is a special acknowledgement of the work which is performed by disabled persons. Furthermore, through the proceeds, the social work among sick and disabled people can be supported. Please continue to collect stamps for Bethel. Thank you! Yours, Inge Koo-Tze-Mew

Who Takes Care of the Flowers on the Alter?
Once again, we want to draw your attention to the list for flowers at the entrance of the church and renew our wish to find someone who can co-ordinate the purchase and donations of flowers. Would that not be something for YOU?       

Playground completed!
The playground renovation work is complete. The  remaining toy structures have been installed. The playground can also be used for parking during church services. Please take care when you park, so that the new structures will not be damaged.

Trip of the Senior's Circle
Unfortunately, the planned trip [to St. Jacob's] had to be cancelled due to low attendance. That was very sad, particularly for the eleven persons who had registered! I do not understand why we, as a congregation, cannot succeed in generating enough interest.

Help in Preparing Coffee Needed!
We are looking for help in preparing coffee after the services. Please call the church office (416-251-8293).

Thanks for the Food Service at Thanksgiving
We thank Sam Lades and Nicki Albrecht for the food and the service at Thanksgiving, and also the ladies of the congregation, who, once again, were a big help.

We baptized...

Elizabeth Todorovic
Kaitlyn Iannone
Charlie Griffin
Nolan Henneke

 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Philippians 4, 4

Married were...

Melanie Aussems und Harald Benz

 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
First Corinthians 13, 13

We buried...

Herr Günter Schubert

 Thou art with me.
Psalm 23, 4

The Last Word

As far as oneself is concerned, one is willing to accept most compromises.
(Frank Dommenz)