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April 2025
Dear Friends,
“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we
would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and
adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to
it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three
nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:38-40
The three days.
This is our cause for celebration. As Christians worldwide gather for worship
during the time of Holy Week and Easter, we are drawn to the singular act in
human history: the death and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ.
This is the sign that Jesus speaks of when addressing the representatives of the
scribes and of the Pharisees. Although Jesus had already performed many signs
and wonders, the scribes and Pharisees demanded more. Jesus tells them that the
greatest sign that will be given is the sign of Jonah “For as Jonas was three
days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three
days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40 Jesus says this,
because there is no greater sign that demonstrates both the power of God over
the forces of darkness and the relentless love of God that would send His Son to
the Cross. The events on those three days would forever change the course of
human history. To say that this sign of Jonah was an earth-shattering event is
no exaggeration. The Gospel of Matthew records that the earth literally shook
when Jesus died on the Cross, and also when He rose from the dead. It is the
sign of Jonah that sends forth the glorious message “Your sins are forgiven! The
devil is defeated! Death is swallowed up in victory!”
In the celebration of the three days, we do not celebrate a mere historical
event. The tremors of the Christ event still resonate in a deeply personal
manner in us even today. The Apostle Paul says “For in Him dwelleth all the
fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in Him, which is the head
of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the
circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the
flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also
ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised
Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of
your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all
trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us,
which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:9-15 Jesus was crucified for you. Jesus
died for you. Jesus rose for you. Because He lives, you too shall live. Praise
be to God! God bless you during your celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
Christ is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas
DONATIONS RECEIVED...
In memory of Esaias Somero
From David Kangas
In memory of Ernest G. Bylkas Sr.
From Judy Bylkas
Pastor Ernest Bylkas III, Joy & family
In memory of Ernest G. Bylkas Jr.
From Judy Bylkas
Pastor Ernest Bylkas III, Joy & family
In memory of Martha Bylkas
From Judy Bylkas
Pastor Ernest Bylkas III, Joy & family
STUDENT TUITION PROGRAM
As noted in the past, the seminary has established a student tuition
program for those students taking classes for credit. This is an opportunity for
students to receive help with paying tuition bills. Using the designated funds
the seminary has received, the students can pay a portion of their bill and the
seminary will match that payment thus lowering the balance due.
Many students, especially those taking classes full time, find it difficult to
juggle working a job and taking classes. This program helps lower their bill,
taking away the stress of outstanding tuition bills.
If you are interested in contributing to this fund, please earmark your check
“student tuition program” and it will be used specifically for this program.
As always, the seminary appreciates your continued support!!!
ATTENTION: SUPPORTERS
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SEMINARY.
CHOICE DOLLARS DETAILS: Eligible clients with membership can recommend
where Thrivent distributes some of its charitable grant funds. These
recommendations are shared by directing Choice Dollars to enrolled nonprofit
organizations, including churches.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible to direct Choice Dollars as part of
Thrivent Choice®, you must be a client with benefit membership. Individual
eligibility is also based on at least one of the following:
• Having $750 or more in annual billed premiums of qualifying life and health
insurance products.
• Having $20,000 or more in contract value of qualifying life insurance and
annuity products.
Eligibility is determined monthly and reevaluated on an annual basis.
Minimum and maximum Choice Dollars designations: Eligible clients will be
designated a minimum of 25 Choice Dollars and a maximum of 5,000 Choice Dollars
per eligibility period (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31).
Choice Dollars expiration date: Choice Dollars designated during the calendar
year can be directed until March 31 of the following year.
For more information about Choice Dollars, visit http://www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice
or call 800-847-4836 or contact your local Thrivent Financial representative.
THRIVENT CHARITABLE IMPACT & INVESTINGTM
The Inter-Lutheran Seminary has established an Endowment Fund through Thrivent
Charitable Impact & InvestingTM (formerly InFaith Community Foundation). All
earnings of the endowment will be used for the seminary’s needs thereby ensuring
the continued existence of this funding source. This is the preferred method
used by many non-profit entities, especially ongoing religiously focused
organizations such as seminaries. To learn more about this organization, go to
www.thriventcharitable.com.
We would love to grow our endowment into a major source of ongoing seminary
support. Although the seminary still needs the financial ongoing regular
contributions of our supporters, please consider the endowment fund for your
planned giving needs. For more additional information, please contact Kirk Otto,
Jr. at (715) 821-8574 or Cheryl Hendrickson at
(906) 482-3337.
ANOTHER OPTION FOR GIVING – PayPal
Online giving is as easy as clicking the DONATE button on our website: https://ilseminary.org.
Simply go to the How to Contribute tab and tap the yellow DONATE button to
begin. There are options for credit and debit card donations and even the option
to help the seminary cover the PayPal processing fee. (Note we are charged 1.99%
+ $.49/transaction fee). As always, we are thankful for your continued support!
**PLEASE NOTE**
If you are receiving this newsletter in error or would prefer to be taken off
the mailing list, please complete the form below and mail to: P.O. Box 449,
Hancock, MI 49930.
Or call 906-482-3337 or email: cilseminary@ilseminary.com. Thank you!
Date:_________________
Name:_______________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
I wish to be removed from the Inter-Lutheran Seminary’s mailing list.
Inter-Lutheran
Theological Seminary
James Weidner, President
P.O. Box 449
Hancock, MI 49930
administrator@ilseminary.org
Phone: 906-482-3337
FAX: 906-482-0694