Heritage Herald – October 2026 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
The Original Christian Church
Have you noticed, as I have, the repeated assertion of the Roman Catholic Church that it is the official child of Christ’s original Church on earth? A few years ago a man challenged me when I referred to the Roman Catholic Church. He; a member of that church, insisted that the proper name is The Catholic Church- without the Roman clarification- because it is the original Christian Church. All others are Johnny-come-latelys. That Roman Catholic claim appears frequently today in television spots and internet platforms. The truth is that the Roman Catholic Church can indeed trace its history back to Christ, as every Christian denomination also does, but the claim of exclusive originality is not historically accurate.
In the generation of the Apostles and following generations, there was only one Christian Church. There were no denominations within Christianity. No Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans. All were catholic (distinct from Roman Catholic), that is members of the one, Holy, Christian Church on earth. Universal- that’s what catholic originally meant. Webster’s Dictionary:
Catholic : of, relating to, or forming the church universal
Catholic : of, relating to, or forming the ancient undivided Christian church or a church claiming historical continuity from it.
The one catholic, universal church of Christ was identified as those communions who confessed and abided by the Nicene Creed (a.d.325). While cultural, language, and geographic distinctions were easily recognized, the catholic churches were recognized as those who held to the teachings universally and always held by true Christians.
As the church grew in the first centuries, churches were identified geographically into patriarchates- large metropolitan areas and surrounding countryside, under the direction of a Patriarch, or Bishop. Three original patriarchates were recognized: Rome, Antioch (Syria region) and Alexandria (North Africa). These original patriarchates were recognized in the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Constantinople (modern Istanbul) was added in the 4th century, and Jerusalem in the 5th. These five patriarchates, or Sees, were later recognized by the Council of Chalcedon in 451ad.
The five Patriarchs (later, Bishops) were recognized as equals. None stood above another in honor or authority. But differences developed and led to a split in 1054 AD. The Eastern half of the Church was identified as all the terrirtories under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchs of Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem.. The western half claimed only on Patriarch- the Bishop of Rome. The western Church was united culturally and by the Latin language. The eastern half was dominated by the four great Patriarchies, combined with Greek language and culture. Controversies between East and West developed, including debate over the date of Easter, the use of Icons in the church, the proper form of the Nicene Creed, and the Roman insistence on the preeminence of the Bishop of Rome over all the Bishops. The great schism happened in 1054 when the Bishop of Rome excommunicated the Bishop of Constantinople and the Bishop of Constantinople responded in kind. The one, holy, apostolic, universal/catholic Christian Church was from that point divided not only geographically and culturally, but theologically. The West, under the one remaining Bishop of Rome, came to be known as the Western Catholic Church. The East, under the Bishop of Constantinople, became known as the Eastern Catholic Church. Later, the Western Church retained the name catholic, though it could not legitimately claim universal presence or doctrine. Eventually, the Eastern Catholics became known as the Easter Orthodox, as they are commonly identified today.
That east/west schism was never resolved or healed. Additional strange teachings continued to build in the doctrine of the West, influenced inevitably by the existence of only one Bishop remaining in the West- Rome. In the East, the remaining four patriarchs were a check and balance on each other regarding the introduction of new doctrines and practices. That check and balance in the East prevented the introduction of many errors in doctrine and practice. That lack of check and balance in the Roman church resulted in a mountain of error that finally led to the Lutheran/Protestant Reformation of the 1500s when Luther and the other protestant reformers rebelled against the doctrinal inventions of Rome.
Conclusion
The Roman Catholic Church falsely claims to be the true descendant body of the original Christian Church. Likewise the Eastern Orthodox churches have no right so to claim. Nor can the Lutherans and Protestants so claim. They are all historical developments within the history of the Christian Church. No denomination is universally present or dominant. No denomination’s doctrine is universally accepted. No denomination validly satisfies the definition of Catholic.
What we can claim is that our congregation, our Lutheran Fellowship, is a continuation of the doctrine and practice of the earliest Christian (Catholic) Church. The enduring marks of a true church- a true community of believers- are that (1) the infallible Word of God, correctly taught and preached, is the final authority in doctrine and life. (2) The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are accurately taught and administered according to Christ’s institution. Those marks invisibly bind us together with every Christian everywhere who professes and practices the same. Regardless of denominational name, we rejoice in knowing that there are Christians around the world who believe as we do. We treasure every opportunity to acknowledge them and fellowship with them.
-Pastor K.J. Anderson
Worship Times
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
Monday evenings at 6:30 pm
Junior Catechism Class
Catechism class meets on Wednesdays at 4:15 pm.
Council Update
Inreach
- The In-Reach Board is overseeing the beginning of the Sunday School year, with particular attention to ensuring that each class is appropriately staffed with teachers and substitutes and that curriculum materials are readily available to support lesson preparation. The Sunday School curriculum is being uploaded online to the Heritage Google Drive, providing teachers with convenient access to upcoming lessons and resources as they prepare each week. These online curriculum materials will also be distributed to Sunday School families as a resource for faith formation in the home. The In-Reach Board has paired each week’s lesson outline with corresponding memory work and hymns, allowing families to reinforce what their children are learning in Sunday School through regular in-home devotions. This approach is intended to strengthen the connection between Sunday School instruction and family devotional life, equipping parents to participate actively in the spiritual formation of their children throughout the week.
- The In-Reach Board has coordinated with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to provide an opportunity for fellowship through Men’s Open Gym Basketball, taking place every other Monday evening at Good Shepherd in their new gym. Men from the congregation and surrounding church communities are invited to participate in these informal pickup basketball games as an opportunity for recreation, fellowship, and connection. Anyone interested in participating should contact Joshua Mears to be added to the Open Gym email list. Prior to each scheduled Monday, the group will use the email list to confirm attendance and ensure that enough players are available for a pickup game. We encourage interested men to join the list and participate whenever their schedules allow. Additional opportunities such as pickleball leagues are also being explored.
Spiritual Oversight (Elders)
- Usher Update – Jason has been working on recruiting Ushers due to men moving or retiring. It appears that Jason has a list of ten or more new ushers volunteering for next year. Will keep everyone posted.
- Of course, we’ve begun our regular fall service schedule inclusive of Bible study and Sunday school.
School Board
- Finding a Teacher’s Aide is our top priority. We are still looking for help on Fridays from 11:15 – 5 pm.
- The 2026–27 school year is off to a strong start, with classrooms prepared, home visits completed, and enrollment remaining steady across the classrooms and Extended Care program. Teresa is trialing a micro-school concept
- The Summer Program has wrapped up, and staff feedback will be gathered to help evaluate and improve it for next year.
- Continue encouraging volunteer involvement as needs come up throughout the school year.
Outreach
- Jesse and Micah are trying to schedule a meeting.
Properties
- Kurt has officially been appointed to fill the remainder of Jesse’s term (1 year)
- Kurt has met with TLC to discuss carpeting options
- Gray patterned tiled carpet for the narthex and aisle in sanctuary
- Dark gray tiles in front of the entryway doors
- Light gray rolled carpet for altar area
- ~$21k for the project funded by memorials and TLC (no additional gifts required)
- $910/yr for annual cleaning
- Timing Carpet has been ordered ~4-6 weeks to receive order and schedule installation
- Unanimous approval by board on carpet selection
- Gym floor cleaning and repair was discussed
- The dishwashers and the sprayer in the old kitchen need to be mended.
Treasurer
Chairman
TLC/Office
TLC:
- Our next meeting is October 3rd at 9:30 am.
- The Mission Rally is October 24 in Princeton. Please sign up on the volunteer board if you would like to attend.
- The new carpet has been ordered.
Office:
- Two Synod committees once again used our building for meetings the week of the GPC.
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.
Heritage Choir
Heritage Choir meets on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45. Please come and sing with us!
Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Women’s Bible Study.
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible study meets at 9:00 am on Thursdays with a study of the 1st Epistle of John.
Now Hiring – Teachers’ Aide Position
Heritage Lutheran School is hiring for a part-time teachers’ aide position. Click the link below to see the job description. Hours would be 11:15 am – 5 pm on Fridays. Please reach out to the Heritage office if interested – office@heritagelutheran.org or 952-431-6225.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church
Members Helping Members
TLC – The Ladies’ Connection
The September TLC meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30 a.m. The big focus of this meeting will be discussing plans for the Bazaar.
Mission Rally
The Mission Rally is coming up on Saturday, October 24th from 9-2 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Princeton. There is info and a sign-up sheet on the volunteer board if you would like to attend.
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
Once again I am baffled by my computer! I can’t get my computer to “talk to” my printer so…. I also seem to have lost my manual during my move. I have an appointment with the Geek Squad to see if they can give me some guidance on what to do. How many times have you needed guidance of some sort. As a youth, rules, curfews, guidance counselors all provided help in learning and doing what is best for us. As adults we may seek help/direction from financial experts, doctors, and friends. Of course, there is always the internet and YouTube for all ages! All of those sources may not be consistent or reliable. You might really be confused by the mixed messages! Sometimes we forget that the best source for guidance is the Bible. It gives us rules – the 10 Commandments. It gives us parables to help us understand what we should do. While it is totally appropriate to seek the advice of others for things like the computer or how to do a recipe, remember that if you are troubled or uncertain, God’s Word is there for you. He tells us to call upon Him whenever we are in need of guidance – “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”(Matt.21:22)
O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep His statues still!
O that my God would grant me grace To know and do His will. (ELH #441 vs 1)
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.
- Pray for the shut in of our congregation that they know God’s love and care for each of them.
- Throughout the world natural disasters and wars are raging. Pray for those directly and indirectly impacted by these events.
Serving in October
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, 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!
October Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers
Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar
October Recording
10/4 – Stan Miller
10/11 – Alex Hanson
10/18 – Jason Eisenbeis
10/25 – Libby Paulsen
October Altar Guild
Maria Reedstrom/Sondra Frimanslund
October Fellowship
10/4 – Natvig
10/11 – Siewert
10/18 – Merseth
10/25 – Weitzel
October Birthdays
2 David Krueger
3 Nicholas Henricks
7 John LaSalle
8 Johanna Krueger
8 Fischer Chapman
12 Sophia Robb
24 Carrie Holz
26 Evan Anderson
27 Zack Sickmann