O Come, King of Nations

Tomorrow, Sunday, December 30 we conclude our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, King of Nations."  Services start at 10:30AM (also 8:00AM at Trinity Lutheran in Elgin).



Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Today the Church Commemorates David

David, the greatest of Israel's kings, ruled from about 1010 to 970 B.C. The events of his life are found in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2 and in 1 Chronicles 1029. David was also gifted musically. He was skilled in playing the lyre and the author of no less than 73 psalms, including the beloved Psalm 23. His public and private character displayed a mixture of good (for example, his defeat of the giant Goliath, 1 Samuel 17) and evil (as in his adultery with Uriah's wife, followed by his murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11). David's greatness lay in his fierce loyalty to God as Israel's military and political leader, coupled with his willingness to acknowledge his sins and ask for God's forgiveness (2 Samuel 12; see also Psalm 51). It was under David's leadership that the people of Israel were united into a single nation with Jerusalem as its capital city.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Dan Gard of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on David on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Matthew's Gospel tells of King Herod's vicious plot against the infant Jesus after being "tricked" by the Wise Men.  Threatened by the one "born King of the Jews." Herod murdered all the children in and around Bethlehem who wee two years old or younger (Matthew 2:16-18).  These "innocents," commemorated just three days after the celebration of Jesus' birth, remind us not only of the terrible brutality of which human beings are capable but more significantly of the persecution Jesus endured from the beginning of His earthly life.  Although Jesus' life was providentially spared at this tie, many years later, another ruler, Pontius Pilate, would sentence the innocent Jesus to death.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Peter Scaer of Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN on The Slaugher of the Innocents on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates St. Stephen, Martyr

St. Stephen, "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), was one of the Church's first seven deacons.  He was appointed by the leaders of the Church to distribute food and other necessities to the poor in the growing Christian community in Jerusalem, thereby giving the apostles more time for their public ministry of proclamation (Acts 6:2-5).  He and the other deacons apparently were expected not only to wait on tales but also to teach and preach.  When some of his colleagues became jealous of him, they brought Stephen to the Sanhedrin and falsely charged him with blaspheming against Moses (Acts 6:9-14).  Stephen's confession of faith, along with his rebuke of the members of the Sanhedrin for rejecting their Messiah and being responsible for His death, so infuriated them that they dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.  Stephen honored as the Church's first martyr and for his words of commendation and forgiveness as he lay dying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, do no hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60).

To listen to an interview of Dr. Jeff Kloha of Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO on St. Stephen, Martyr on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

O Come, Dayspring

Tomorrow, Christmas Day, December 25 we continue our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, Dayspring."  Services start at 9:00AM.



O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

O Come, Key of David

Tomorrow, Monday, December 24 we continue our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, Key of David."  This Christmas Eve Candlelight Service starts at 11:00PM (also there will be a service earlier in the evening 7:30PM at Trinity Lutheran in Elgin).



O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Today the Church Commemorates St Thomas, Apostle

All four Gospels mention St. Thomas as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.  John's Gospel, which names him "the Twin," uses Thomas's questions to reveal truths about Jesus.  It is Thomas who says, "Lord, we do not know where You are going.  How can we know the way?"  To this question Jesus replies, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:5-6).  John's Gospel also tells how Thomas, on the evening of the day of Jesus' resurrection, doubts the report of the disciples that they had seen Jesus.  Later, "doubting Thomas" becomes "believing Thomas" when he confesses Jesus as "my Lord and my God" (John 20: 24-29).  According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost, eventually reaching India, where still today a group of people call themselves "Christians of St. Thomas."  Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Peter Scaer of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on The Apostle Thomas on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.
http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/issuesetc.org/podcast/647122110H1S1.mp3

Today the Church Commemorates Katharina von Bora Luther

Katharina von Bora (1499-1552) was placed in a convent when still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April 1523 she and eight other nuns were rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. There Martin Luther helped return some to their former homes and placed the rest in good families. Katharina and Martin were married on June 13, 1525. Their marriage was a happy one and blessed with six children. Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household, which always seemed to grow because of his generous hospitality. After Luther's death in 1546, Katharina remained in Wittenberg but lived much of the time in poverty. She died in an accident while traveling with her children to Torgau  in order to escape the plague.

Trinity and Grace Mentioned in St Silas Newsfeed

Pastor Andy Richard and families visit to Trinity Lutheran, Elgin and Grace Lutheran, Neligh is mentioned in the latest St Silas Newsfeed.  Check out the article by clicking on the picture below.

Link to St Silas Newsfeed

Pastor Richard mentioned in his visit, that people could sign up for internet news from St Silas Lutheran church.  To do so, enter your email in the subscribe box.  You will then need to type in the letters/numbers that you see in a popup box.  Then you will receive an e-mail from "FeedBurner" with a link that you will need to click upon, which will confirm and activate your subscription.  To go to the St Silas Newsfeed to start the process click on the St Silas logo/banner below.

Sermon - December 16, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor Andy Richard
Text: Luke 7:18-28

Sermon - December 12, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
O Come, Adonai

Sermon - December 9, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Vicar Walter Gilkey
Text: Luke 3:1-14

Today the Church Commemorates Adam and Eve

Adam was the first man, made in the image of God and given dominion over all the earth (Gen 1:26). Eve was the first woman, formed from one of Adam's ribs to be his companion and helper (2:1824). God placed them in the Garden of Eden to take care of the creation as his representatives. But they forsook God's Word and plunged the world into sin (3:17). For this disobedience God drove them from the Garden. Eve had to suffer the pain of childbirth and be subject to Adam; Adam had to toil amid thorns and thistles and return to the dust of the ground. Yet God promised that the woman's Seed would crush the serpent's head (3:824). Sin had entered God's perfect creation and changed it until God would restore it again through Christ. Eve is the mother of the human race, while Adam is representative of all humanity and the Fall, as St. Paul writes, For in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Cor. 15:22).

To listen to an interview of Dr. David Adams of Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO on Adam and Eve on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

O Come, Branch of Jesse

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 19 we continue our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, Branch of Jesse."  Services start at 7:30PM (also 7:30PM on Thursday, December 20 at Trinity Lutheran in Elgin).

The youth will serve supper from 5:30-7:00 as a fundraiser, please support them.

O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree,
Free them from Satan's tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow'r to save,
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Today the Church Comemorates Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men

Daniel the prophet and the Three Young Men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were among the leaders of the people of Judah who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Even in that foreign land they remained faithful to the one true God in their piety, prayer, and life. On account of such steadfast faithfulness in the face of pagan idolatry, the Three Young Men were thrown into a fiery furnace, from which they were saved by the Lord and emerged unharmed (Daniel 3). Similarly, Daniel was thrown into a pit of lions, from which he also was saved (Daniel 6). Blessed in all their endeavors by the Lord—and in spite of the hostility of some—Daniel and the Three Young Men were promoted to positions of leadership among the Babylonians (Dan 2:48–49; 3:30; 6:28). To Daniel in particular the Lord revealed the interpretation of dreams and signs that were given to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar (Daniel 2, 4, 5). To Daniel himself the Lord gave visions of the end times.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University-Chicago on The Prophet Daniel and the Three Young Men on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Lucia, Martyr

One of the victims of the great persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian, Lucia met her death at Syracuse on the island of Sicily in the year A.D. 304, because of her Christian faith. Known for her charity, “Santa Lucia” (as she is called in Italy) gave away her dowry and remained a virgin until her execution by the sword. The name Lucia means “light,” and, because of that, festivals of light commemorating her became popular throughout Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries. There her feast day corresponds with the time of year when there is the least amount of daylight. In artistic expression she is often portrayed in a white baptismal gown, wearing a wreath of candles on her head.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran-Worden, IL on The 4th Century Martyr St. Lucia on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

O Come, Adonai

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 12 we begin our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, Adonai."  Services start at 7:30PM (also 7:30PM on Thursday, December 13 at Trinity Lutheran in Elgin).

The youth will serve supper from 5:30-7:00 as a fundraiser, please support them.



O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the Law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Today the Church Commemorates Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter

Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great). He was a prolific author of hymns, the most common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium (“Savior of the Nations, Come”). His name is also associated with Ambrosian Chant, the style of chanting the ancient liturgy that took hold in the province of Milan. While serving as a civil governor, Ambrose sought to bring peace among Christians in Milan who were divided into quarreling factions. When a new bishop was to be elected in 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop!” The entire gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a 34-year-old catechumen, led to his baptism on December 7, after which he was consecrated bishop of Milan. A strong defender of the faith, Ambrose convinced the Roman emperor Gratian in 379 to forbid the Arian heresy in the West. At Ambrose's urging, Gratian's successor, Theodosius, also publicly opposed Arianism. Ambrose died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. As a courageous doctor and musician he upheld the truth of God's Word.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Will Weedon of St. Paul Lutheran-Hamel, IL on 4th Century Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Nicholas of Myra, Pastor

Of the many saints commemorated by the Christian Church, Nicholas (d. A.D. 342) is one of the best known. Very little is known historically of him, although there was a church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century. Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the name of Nicholas in the city of Myra in Lycia (part of Turkey today) in the fourth century. From that coastal location, legends about Nicholas have traveled throughout time and space. He is associated with charitable giving in many countries around the world and is portrayed as the rescuer of sailors, the protector of children, and the friend of people in distress or need. In commemoration of “Sinte Klaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas, in English “Santa Claus”), December 6 is a day for giving and receiving gifts in many parts of Europe.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Will Weedon of St. Paul Lutheran-Hamel, IL on Nicholas of Myra on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Advent Message from President Harrison

O Come, Wisdom

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 5 we begin our Advent-Christmas Series "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" based on the hymn of the same title with "O Come, Wisdom."  Services start at 7:30PM (also 7:30PM on Thursday, December 6 at Trinity Lutheran in Elgin).

The youth will serve supper from 5:30-7:00 as a fundraiser, please support them.



O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ord'rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

The theme of this Advent–Christmas season is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” derived from both the popular hymn.  The popular version, translated by the Rev. John Mason Neale in rhymed poetry, often departs from the original Latin.  Traditionally, one antiphon was chanted on each of the seven days before Christmas.  The antiphons generally derive from the prophecies of Isaiah and follow a rough chronology through history until the coming of Emmanuel, Hebrew for "God [is] with Us" (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

Today the Church Commemorates John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter

John (ca. 675–749) is known as the great compiler and summarizer of the orthodox faith and the last great Greek theologian. Born in Damascus, John gave up an influential position in the Islamic court to devote himself to the Christian faith. Around 716 he entered a monastery outside of Jerusalem and was ordained a priest. When the Byzantine emperor Leo the Isaurian in 726 issued a decree forbidding images (icons), John forcefully resisted. In his Apostolic Discourses he argued for the legitimacy of the veneration of images, which earned him the condemnation of the Iconoclast Council in 754. John also wrote defenses of the orthodox faith against contemporary heresies. In addition, he was a gifted hymnwriter (“Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain”) and contributed to the liturgy of the Byzantine churches. His greatest work was the Fount of Wisdom which was a massive compendium of truth from previous Christian theologians, covering practically every conceivable doctrinal topic. John's summary of the orthodox faith left a lasting stamp on both the Eastern and Western churches.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran-Worden, IL on John of Damascus on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.


To listen to an interview of Dr. Bill Weinrich of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on John of Damascus on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates St Andrew, Apostle

   

St. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was born in the Galilean village of Bethsaida.  Originally a disciple of St. John the Baptist, Andrew then became the first of Jesus’ disciples (John 1:35-40).  His name regularly appears in the Gospels near the top of the lists of the Twelve.  It was he who first introduced his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:41-42).  He was, in a real sense, the first home missionary, as well as the first foreign missionary (John 12:20-22).  Tradition says Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on a cross in the born of an X.  In AD 357, his body is said to have been taken to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople and later removed to the cathedral of Amalfi in Italy.  Centuries later, Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland.  St. Andrew’s Day determines the beginning of the western Church year, since the Fist Sunday in Advent is always the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew’s Day.  

Today the Church Commemorates Noah

Noah, the son of Lamech (Gen 5:30), was instructed by God to build an ark, in which his family would find security from the destructive waters of a devastating flood that God warned would come. Noah built the ark, and the rains descended. The entire earth was flooded destroying every living thing that was on the face of the ground, both man and beast (7:23). After the flood waters subsided, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. When Noah determined it was safe, and God confirmed it, he and his family and all the animals disembarked. Then Noah built an altar and offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for having saved his family from destruction. A rainbow in the sky was declared by God to be a sign of His promise that never again would a similar flood destroy the entire earth (8;20). Noah is remembered and honored for his obedience, believing that God would do what He said He would.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Joel Heck of Concordia University-Texas on Noah on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.


To listen to an interview of Dr. Nathan Jastram of Concordia University Wisconsin on Noah on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.