Harbinger Cremation Camping

Let's put this to rest. May a Christian be cremated? In a word, "yes." Last month I addressed the question about cremation. Some members suggested I was not clear enough. Cremation is the not the Christian's preferred mode of placing the bodily remains to rest. However we are free to provide a Christian burial for those who select cremation. As I indicated last month it is not a sin to be cremated. We only seek to treat the body God has created with respect as part of creation but also as the shell that enveloped an immortal human soul.
By the way do you know the difference between "immortal" and "Eternal?" Think about it and I will tell you at the end of the column.

How far is it from Onalaska to Oakdale Campground? If you go with Pastor Stein it is about 30 miles further than if you follow the signs!

I intended to be early Saturday and enjoy the company of campers. However, my sister and brother-in-law called late Friday t0 tell me they were on their way back from Sturgis (Motorcycle Rally) and wanted to stop in to visit Saturday. We invited them for lunch and just before they left I suggested they try exit #61 and HWY 80 to head back to HWY 21 and then on home. I had that exit in my mind and was enjoying the ride so much I took that exit myself! I am sorry that I made 40 campers wait and worry.

But what a great group was camping. They had a wonderful time. They laughed and they even took turns with a couple of impromptu choirs to lead us in song. Ron, Bob, Jerry and Faye provided instruments to accompany the worship service. Next year join us for the fun!

Do you know anyone interested in learning what we teach & why? Please invite them to the adult class I will be leading Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm. It is the class for those who wish to join us as well. It is free and open to the public! We call it the Good News Class. It begins Saturday September 11 at 7:00 pm and will meet Saturdays through October 30.

Harbinger-that is a forerunner, herald or indication of things to come. Harbinger is also the name of a Christian vocal and musical group from Missouri. The good news is, they will be here Saturday September 18 to lead us in worship and to hold a concert afterward. The group has ties to our area. I will let Dave explain in his own words.

"My name Is Dr. Dave Schaller and I am a member of Harblnger… you may have heard us on KFUO radio. (www.harblngermlnlstrles.org). We will be In the La Crosse/Onalaska area the weekend of September 17-19 to sing for a special worship service at St. Martin’s in Winona on that Sunday.
We were wondering if your church would allow us to come and perform on Saturday night after your worship service

•••. or even help WITH that service. We only ask that you would consider a love offering at the door.

Why you might ask? You see, I grew up In La Crosse ..• my folks are still there and I am an Onalaska Luther Grad.

A little background about Harbinger ... but best if you just go to our website… we are members and worship leaders of St. John Lutheran, Ellisville, MO (LCMS) •.. one of the synods largest churches and on the cutting edge of contemporary worship.

••. I think we could pack the place and have a great concert/worship experience."

Immortal - has a beginning but no end. We are created by God but our souls will live forever.

Eternal- has no beginning and has no end. That only is applies to God Himself.
Where are you spending time?

Last week I read Proverbs 13:20 'Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Pastor Stein