Heritage Herald – June 2026 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
The Athanasian Creed
The Athanasian Creed is one of the three ancient Christian professions of faith still confessed by our Evangelical Lutheran Synod and by other Lutheran church bodies around the world. Those three ancient creeds are the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed- all included in our Hymnary. The Athanasian Creed, the less well known of the three ecumenical creeds, is used traditionally by Lutherans on Trinity Sunday, while the Nicene and Apostles’ creeds are used regularly through the Sundays of the year. No doubt the Athanasian creed is used infrequently because of its length compared to the other creeds. Heritage congregation observed Trinity Sunday on May 31. So we recited the Athanasian creed, to the appreciation of some, and to the dismay of others. Truth be told, the Athanasian takes less than five minutes during the worship service, though, I’m sure, it seems very much longer to some worshippers. It is important for our congregational identity and for our profession of the true Christian faith that we continue the public proclamation of this ancient creed in a confused, mislead, and faithless world.
The Athanasian Creed uses the word “catholic” in the sense of universal, world-wide, Apostolic and authentic Christian belief. “Catholic” meant just that before the word was coopted and claimed by the Roman Catholic church. The word creed comes from the Latin word credo which means “I believe.” Luther said of this creed, “I doubt whether the New Testament church has a more important document since the Apostolic age.”
Although named for Athanasius, the bishop of Alexandria (ca. 296-373), it is almost certain that he did not write it. Neither Athanasius nor his contemporaries ever refer to it. But even if Athanasius did not write the creed, he certainly would have ascribed to it. It embraces all that Athanasius fought for regarding the proper scriptural teaching of the Trinity. Athanasius was one of the bishops at the ecumenical Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) which opposed the heresy of Arius (ca. 250-336). Arius taught that Christ is of a similar substance to God the Father, but not of the same substance. In essence, Arius claimed that Jesus Christ is not the eternal God. This belief has resurfaced in modern-day cults such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. The Council of Nicaea adopted the Nicene Creed to affirm that Jesus is “God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God” and “of one being with the Father.”
In its present form, the Athanasian Creed probably does not date back farther than the sixth century. It is not from Greek Eastern, but from Latin Western origin, and is not recognized by the Greek Church today. Apart from the opening and closing sentences, this creed consists of two parts, the first setting forth the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, and the second dealing chiefly with the incarnation and the two natures of Christ. This Creed does not depart from the simpler and more ancient declarations of the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds. Rather, it is a more thorough and advanced declaration of the very same fundamental truths. It is in the Athanasian Creed that the Church has its most explicit confession of what the Trinity is and what it is not. The creed confesses what must be confessed by anyone who wishes to be recognized as a true Christian and yet leaves the Trinity a mystery since there is nothing on earth that the Triune nature of God can be compared to. God.
The Athanasian Creed first appeared in Gaul (modern day France) late in the 5th century. Early in that century, Europe was invaded from the east by barbarian tribes, notably the Vandals and Goths. This event marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. During this time, the people and the clergy of Europe lapsed into illiteracy and ignorance of the Scriptures. In addition, some of the invaders were Arian in their beliefs. Out of this confusion came the need for a clear statement of faith. The result was the Athanasian Creed.
The Athanasian Creed quickly assumed an important role in the orthodox church. Much of the visible church was overrun with Arianism. Emperor Charlemagne (ca. 742-814), in order to preserve the true Christian faith, decreed that all churchmen had to learn this creed and to be able to teach it to the laity.
The second portion of the Athanasian Creed reaffirms the Nicene Creed regarding the person of Jesus Christ. However, it begins with a most excellent presentation on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. It says no more and no less than Scriptures say, letting the paradox of God’s nature stand (i.e., God is one; God is three).
This creed ought to bring us great comfort, as it speaks clearly about our God and his plan for our salvation. Its clearness and boldness are refreshing in this age of doctrinal confusion. This is no wishy-washy confession. It states what the Scriptures teach – there is no God but the Lord revealed in the Scriptures, and there is no salvation outside of the name of Jesus Christ. All who deny this deny the truth; and all who deny the truth forfeit salvation.
It is good that we publicly remember the Athanasian Creed, even if on only one Sunday in the Church year. Perhaps we should name another Sunday on which we might also join in reading it aloud. A study of this creed and the history which surrounds it shows how important it is for us to be familiar with the history of the Christian Church. One historian has commented that all the heresies plaguing the Christian Church today were born in the first three centuries. Every false belief today can be traced back to that time. When we understand how Christians who have gone before us identified error and combated it, then we will better be able to do the same in our generation.
Pastor Anderson
Worship Time Change
The Council voted to change our second service to Monday evenings at 6:30 pm. This change takes place June 1st.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for the week of July 27-30.
Budget Meeting
Annual Congregational Forum & Voters’ Meeting
Sunday, June 14th after church.
Council Update –
Inreach
- Heritage will host a potluck for Every Member Sunday on May 17th, 2026. New members to the Heritage Community will be welcomed.
- LYA planning continues with early registration closing on June 1. InReach Board is still seeking one additional female chaperone to consider attending with the youth.
- InReach Board has connected with a landscape contractor about the pavilion project to consider submitting a bid. That bid would be reviewed with the hopes of having some or majority of the work done by volunteers in coordination with the properties board.
- InReach Board has continued to stay connected with Good Shepherd about the formation of a pickleball league or open gym for basketball at their new gym.
- VBS dates have been set for the last week of July (27-31) with Laura Mears being the director for the week.
Spiritual Oversight
- Member Updates
- Tyler Sather has joined by profession of faith
- Caroline and Jake Gray officially new members
- Budget
- We’re 95% there on finalizing our budget. Just clarifying a couple questions around it.
School Board
- End of the year picnic planned with recognition for MaKenna, date TBD. Notice will be put in the school newsletter and bulletin.
- Air purifiers purchased for classrooms from Hike for Heritage funds.
- Last field trip (Grand Prairie Park) of the year occurred today
Outreach
Properties
- Bill W. replaced the water heater.
- Parking lot light closest to gym has been fixed (faulty bulb replaced)
- Parking lot light in the corner of the north lot has had parts ordered
- Lawn guy is in place. He’ll also be cutting down the growth in the drainage ditch (2-3x per year)
Treasurer
- Budget presentation will be provided in advance of the 5/31 budget forum.
Chairman
- Security cameras and door access systems continue to be updated, modified and adjusted.
- There were three calls to AVPD in the last month. One requiring a police report.
- Camera for the rear of the building has been purchased (previously backordered).
- Bids for parking lot remediation have been collected and will be presented to council.
- Fire alarm system upgrade (move from landline to cellular) quote has been received. No action will be taken at this time.
TLC/Office
- TLC:
- TLC’s next meeting will be a fellowship evening at Julie O’Gara’s home on June 23 at 5:00. An effort is being made to invite every woman of the congregation.
Lime Creek Decommissioning
On Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM, the Friends of Lime Creek Society is planning a decommissioning service for the Lime Creek Lutheran Church building (rural Lake Mills, Iowa). This is the historic location where thirteen pastors, desiring to remain faithful to God’s Word rather than compromise, met to reorganize our Synod in 1918. We are inviting convention delegates and anyone interested to attend, as we thank God for the many years He provided Word and Sacrament ministry in this location and officially close the building. Following the service, there will be a meal and then a program. Please RSVP to attend the service and meal at FriendsofLimeCreek.org. A charter bus will be available for transportation between Mankato and Lime Creek for $26.00 per seat. It will depart Bethany College at 9:00 AM and return after the program in the afternoon. If you plan to ride the bus, please also register for that at FriendsofLimeCreek.org.
School & Church Security
The security of our building and grounds is very important. Here are a few points that need your attention:
1) Council has appointed Alex Hanson as Security Consultant: Alex has great expertise in this area and is leading us through a security assessment and in developing a security plan for both the church and the school. We’ve already identified a few items that we can take immediate action on.
Time & Talent Survey
The Church Council has updated the Time & Talent Survey. They are asking that all members take a moment to click on the Heritage Time and Talent Survey 2025 and fill out the simple Google form.
If you haven’t taken the Time & Talent Survey yet, we will have an electronic version (tablet) circulating during fellowship time for the next few Sundays. Please plan to take a few minutes to fill it out. Thanks!
Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Women’s Bible Study.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Class will reconvene in the fall.
Are You A Thrivent Member
Are you a Thrivent Member? Did you know that Thrivent has 2 ways to benefit Heritage? First is the Choice Dollar program. This is a simple program that throughout the year you can Direct Choice Dollars to your chosen non-profit. The Second is through Thrivent Action Teams. You sign up to “lead” a group of volunteers for an educational event, fundraiser, community service or fellowship project. Thrivent will provide $250 seed money to use for expenses incurred. Fiesta Night, Synod Youth Lock-in, Math & Science Night, VBS, Game Night, School Field Trips & Roller Skates rental are just some of the ways Heritage has already benefitted throughout the years. For more information you can log on to your account, both programs are under the Generosity tab across the top.
Heritage Choir
Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church
Members Helping Members
TLC – The Ladies’ Connection
The Ladies’ Connection will meet on Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Julie O’Gara’s home.
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
June has arrived with its crystal clear blue skies, trees in full foliage, flowers blooming. Summers go by so fast that we have to enjoy each day – even the rainy days. That being said, I once again am struggling to come up with a “story”. I am going to share what some of my favorite Bible verses are. One of them is Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me ’Let us go into the house of the Lord.’ Another is Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Also John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I am sure you have some verses which give you comfort, express your joy, and express your love of God and His promises. I hope to “interview” members to have the “Prayer Story” include your thoughts and examples, so be ready to answer a couple of questions. What is an example of a time when prayer was particularly memorable to you? What is your favorite Bible verse or story? Talk to you soon!
Congregation Prayer Suggestions:
Intercessory prayer – prayers on the behalf of others – is a part of a Christian’s life. If you have a request for Companions in Prayer at Heritage to pray for you or someone you know, please contact Alice Schmidt, Pastor Anderson or the Office.
Each of you have a list of those you pray for, but consider adding these to it.
- It seems like the news keeps us constantly aware of how much turmoil is going on in our world, nation, state and locally. I am going to refer you to Pastor Anderson’s Daily Devotion Meditation, “The Hard Prayer”, that he shared during COVID. It is very helpful in describing how we can pray for leaders at all levels, even if we don’t agree with them.
Serving in June
Click the link –> Greeter Calendar
Greeter Guidelines
To provide a consistent, friendly, and sincere greeting every Sunday to all members and visitors to Heritage Lutheran Church, guidelines have been developed to help accomplish that goal. Following are some of those guidelines:
- Please mark your calendar for the date you are assigned. The date assigned will be published in the Heritage Newsletter for a two-month period.
- Please be ready to greet no less than 20 minutes before each service for which you have been assigned.
- As you greet visitors, please encourage them to sign our guest book. If there are two people greeting, one of you could escort them to the guest book while the other continues to greet. Ideally you should try to introduce them to another member standing nearby. Sometimes this is difficult to do as the service is starting. In that case, try to chat with them after the service and introduce them to other members after the service.
- Stay at the door until the service is underway; visitors quite often show up late and really need extra help in getting bulletins and a place to sit. Feel free to involve the ushers as needed.
- If you have a chance, get their contact information from the guest book or by asking them for it, and then follow up with a thank you text, email, or note sent to them thanking them for visiting our church. If you inform the church office, they could help with this task.
- If you are unable to greet at both services, please ask someone to fill in for you. If you find out at the last minute, text the following who are willing to help – Remus 651-800-5827, Braun 612-237-1064, Fahning 952-200-2870, Eisenbeis 651-230-4423, Barb Oachs 952-465-5272
- If you have a conflict with the date you were assigned, please contact someone from your month or the next month and trade with them. This helps those doing the scheduling with juggling all the rescheduling. Thank You!
June Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers
Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar
June Recording
6/7 – Alex Hanson
6/14 – Stan Miller
6/21 – Libby Paulsen
6/28 – Jason Eisenbeis
June Altar Guild
Hannah Anderson/Maley Remus
June Fellowship
6/7 – Siewert
6/14 – Braun
6/21 – Rynders/Blaha
6/28 – Kooy
June Birthdays
2 Steve Cook
3 Jane Fahning
7 Oliver Cook
7 Katie Henricks
7 Crystal Arehart
7 Howard Siewert
9 Gerrie Koeplin
9 Naomi Krueger
10 Lyle Fahning
12 Dennis Braun
20 Kyle Leary
21 Eric Olp
28 Maria Reedstrom