President Matt Harrison's Holy Week Video Message

Here is an excellent video message from President Matt Harrison for Holy Week.

March 31 - Today the Church Commemorates St Joseph, Patriarch

Joseph was the son of the patriarch Jacob (February 5) and Rachel. The favorite son of his father, he incurred the jealousy of his older brothers, who sold him into slavery in Egypt and told their father he was dead (Genesis 37). In Egypt he became the chief servant in the home of Potiphar, a military official.  Because Joseph refused to commit adultery with his master's wife, he was unjustly accused of attempted rape and thrown into jail (Genesis 39). Years later, he interpreted dreams for Pharoah, who then freed him from prison and placed him in charge of the entire country. When his brothers came from Canaan to Egypt in search of food, they did not recognize him. He eventually revealed his identity to them, forgave them, and invited both them and his father to live in Egypt. He is especially remembered and honored for his moral uprightness (Genesis 39) and for his willingness to forgive his brothers (Genesis 45 and 50).

You can listen to an Issues Etc. show interviewing Dr Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University - Chicago about St Joseph, Patriarch by clicking on the image below.

Sunday Morning Bible Class - Priorities

What are the priorities in your life?
How do you set your priorities?
What does God say concerning what is important in life?



These questions and more will be discussed in Sunday Morning Bible Class this Sunday at 9:30.  Come join us for this exciting study on Priorities.

Difficulties of Inner City Mission Work

Below is a picture of Rev. Joshua Gale ministering on the streets of Philadelphia.  This is the Pastor whom Vicar Murray will be training under this June.  Pastor Gale's ministry, Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries, is currently having difficulty working in the city.  You can read more about it by clicking on the picture below.  The article gives you a great idea of what Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries is doing.  In the picture is Rev Gale ministering to a homeless man in the red hat.  Below the picture is a "teaser" (part of the article) to get you interested enough to read the whole.

From Pastor Joshua Gale:

"While hanging rafters in a Chicago suburb seven years ago, I decided I would go to seminary to be a pastor in the LCMS. I never thought much of my work in my first call would be illegal. I serve food to the homeless every Saturday night in Love Park, and often throughout the week while on foot—something that will be illegal in a few short weeks."

"In a statement from Philadelphia’s Mayor Michael Nutter delivered Wednesday, giving food to the homeless in public will be illegal, punishable by fines. The rationale the mayor gave us for the ban is that he wants safer food conditions for the poor, increased dignity for the homeless, better access to public programs for those who need them, improved coordination between aid agencies, and cleaner streets. I think those are great goals. I want those things. I hope those things become a reality. I work for those things every day."

The Hunger Games

Those of you interested in "The Hunger Games" might find this article by Pastor Philip Wolf from the Lutheran Witness to be interesting.  Those of you not aware of the book might find this article helpful in speaking with those interested in the book.  Click on the picture below to read the article.

Youth Dinner Wednesday, March 28 -- Mexican

The Youth will be serving Quesadillas, Nachos, and Sopapillas from 5:30-7:00PM Wednesday night before the final 7:30PM Wednesday Lenten Service.

         

A quesadilla is a flour tortilla shell filled with cheese (and chicken) which is toasted until the cheese is melted and cut into wedges (They are not spicy). Pictured top left.
Sopapillas are fried pastries with cinnamon and sugar that can be topped with honey.  Pictured bottom.

Prepare for Wednesday - March 28

Prepare for Wednesday

From the Catechism

What is the Fourth Commandment?

Honor your father and your mother.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

For self-examination*

+ Have I cared for my children as father or mother placed by God to nurture these children in the fear and love of His Name?

+ Have I taught my children, prayed for them, brought them to worship, and instructed them in the baptismal life as God’s own beloved children?

+ Has the fear and love of God shaped my honor and obedience to parents and others in authority over me?

+ Have I trusted God to bless me and make my life good when I submit to the authority of parents and those over me, or have I been angry with them, rebelling, fighting against them because I was afraid I was not getting what I had a right to get?

+ Have I been insolent, sullen, and disrespectful to my parents, teachers, employers, or authorities over me?

+ Have I been on good behavior when they are present and mocking them when they are absent?

+ Have I given honor and respect to the pastoral office?

+ Have I helped those who carry responsibilities of governing?  Do I pray for parents, leaders of the nations, schools and church?  Do I grumble about work given me to do?

*Questions from Lutheran Service Book Pastoral Care Companion, p. 657ff

Encouragement for Moms

Click on the picture of Katie Luther below to read this wonderful article for moms, especial mothers of young children.  Talk about "creative memories" Dort Preus does a great job reminding moms of the wonderful task God has granted them and the wonderful memories such will bring.  Reading this article reminded me of many of the memories I have watching Tami raise our daughters.  I would love to read your comments about the story, by clicking on the "post a comment box" below this blog post.  What challenges do you face as a mother?

Here is the start of the article:

God’s Word is our great heritage, And shall be ours forever;

To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor.

Through life it guides our way; In death it is our stay.

Lord, grant, while worlds endure, We keep its teachings pure,

Throughout all generations.

This hymn is a wonderful outline for advice and guidance in raising up a child, especially for mothers. When a woman becomes a mother, she doubts her ability to be a good mother. Verily she should doubt!  The Christian mother humbles herself before God and prays for guidance.  God’s Word tells her to bring her child to the baptismal font for cleansing.  God’s Word tells her to teach her child how much God loves through His only begotten Son, Jesus.  (click the picture for more.)

Today the Church Commemorates the Annunciation of our Lord

The Annunciation of the Lord, is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary, that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus the Son of God. Gabriel told Mary to name her son Jesus, meaning "Savior". Many Christians observe this event with the Feast of the Annunciation on 25 March, nine full months before Christmas.  According to Luke 1:26, the Annunciation to Mary occurred "in the sixth month" of Elisabeth's pregnancy with the child later called John the Baptist.



Luke 1:26–38 
     In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.  And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.  And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 
     And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 
     And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.  For nothing will be impossible with God.”  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”  And the angel departed from her.

Sermon - Sunday, March 25, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 10:35-45

Prepare for Sunday March 25, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture to read the reading for this Sunday.
Sermon Title: "Leave a Legacy"
Sermon Text: Mark 10.35-45

Sermon - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Click here to listen to the sermon.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Genesis 4; 5th Commandment

Sunday Morning Bible Study - God's Will

Have you struggled with what God wants you to do with your life?
What is God's Will for us?



These and more questions will answered in Sunday Morning Bible Class this Sunday, March 25 at 9:30.  Come join us as we study God's Word together.

March 21st Youth Supper Postponed to Next Week

There will be NO youth supper tomorrow night, it has been postponed to next Wednesday.  There WILL BE Weekday School, Youth Night and Lenten Services.

Automatic E-mail Update

Did you know you can get updates to this blog site automatically sent to you in e-mail?  That way you won't miss any message.  To do so click in the box under the line drawing of the church and enter your e-mail address.  Then click the "submit" box to the right.  Then follow the instructions.  You will be sent an e-mail explaining what you need to do next.  Then you will receive e-mails whenever a new blog is posted.

Prepare for Wednesday - March 21

Prepare for Wednesday





From the Catechism
What is the Fifth Commandment?

You shall not murder.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

For self-examination*

+ Have I treated my neighbor’s body and life as great gifts of God to him?

+ Have I “killed” my neighbor with violent actions, hurtful words, or murdered him with thoughts of anger, contempt, or hatred?

+Have I “killed” my neighbor with ridicule, neglecting to feed or clothe him, withholding compassion and comfort from him?

+ Have I avoided giving help to my neighbor or getting involved with him in his difficulty?

+ Do I abuse my own body with neglect of health care, excess use of food, drink, tobacco, or drugs?

+ Do I abuse my own body and life with contempt an disgust, withdrawing it from service to my neighbor?

*Questions from Lutheran Service Book Pastoral Care Companion, p. 657ff

Sermon - Sunday, March 18, 2012

Click here to listen to the sermon
Preacher: Vicar Dan Murray
Text: John 3:14-21

March 17 - Today the Church Commemorates St Patrick

Patrick is one of the best-known of the missionary saints. Born to a Christian family in Britain around the year 389, he was captured as a teenager by raiders, taken to Ireland, and forced to serve as a herdsman. After six years he escaped and found his way to a monastery community in France. Ordained a bishop in 432, he made his way back to Ireland, where he spent the rest of his long life spreading the Gospel and organizing Christian communities. He strongly defended the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in a time when it was not popular to do so. His literary legacy includes his autobiography, Confessio, and several prayers and hymns still used in the church today. Patrick died around the year 466.

You can listen to an Issues Etc. show interviewing Pastor Heath Curtis about St Patrick by clicking on the image below.

Prepare for Sunday - March 18, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture to read the reading for this Sunday.
Sermon Title: The Old Familiar Gospel
Sermon Text: John 3:14-21

Sermon - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Genesis 39

Confessing the Faith…Through All Generations – In Honor of Lutheran Schools Week (Featuring Lyle Lovett)

Rev. Paul McCain at Cyberbrethern posted this.  I thought our members would appreciate this short video of the Nicene Creed.  Here is the description Rev McCain posted

Here is a beautiful YouTube video of the reading of the Nicene Creed which dates back over a 1,000 years in the the Christian church. This recitation was done at Trinity Lutheran Church, Klein, TX during the March 4, 2012 church services by three members of Trinity as part of Lutheran Schools week. These three members, and students (former and present) are: Mr. Erich Klenk, 97 years old, confirmed in 1928, past Chairman of the congregation, charter member of the Men’s Club in 1946,  and Trinity’s oldest member. Lyle Lovett, great grandson of Trinity founding father Adam Klein, confirmed in 1971, singer/songwriter, and winner of four Grammys. Erin Pali, class of 2016 and current 4th grade student of Miss Marilyn Peterson/ Erin’s Dad Brett also had Miss Petersen in 4th grade during his years at Trinity. This video was posted to YouTube by Pat Blake.

Sermon - March 11, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 2:13-22

Bible Study Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow we start a new Bible Study on Basic Bible Stories.  Tomorrow's story is "On the Road to Emmaus" from Luke 24.  If you have never attended or haven't attended Bible Study in a long time -- this is a perfect series for you.  Join us in this very basic, practical, and interactive Bible Study Series.

Prepare for Sunday - March 11, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture to read the reading for this Sunday.
Sermon Title: "Out of Character?"
Sermon Text: John 2:13-22

Sermon - March 7, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here.
Preacher: Vicar Dan Murray
Text: 8th Commandment

LCMS in the News

The LCMS relief efforts for the most recent tornadoes is mentioned in World Magazine a Christian news magazine.  You can read the article by clicking on the photo below.

Camp Luther Summer Camp

Camp Luther in Schuyler, NE has released its summer Camp Brochure and information.  To find out more about their many summer camps click on the picture below.

Steadfast Dads — The First Duty of a Dad

In my readings, I came across this article that I thought was well done of Christian Family and on a father's role in particular.  I think parents and especially fathers will find this article helpful.  Below you will find the start if the article.  You can click the picture of Martin Luther and his family below to get to the full article.  Let me know what you think in the comment section, by clicking on the pencil icon below this post.



Here is the start:

The first duty of Dad is to know who is boss.  No, it’s not you.  And it’s not your children.  It’s God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  “I believe that God has made me.”  In making you he has defined for you what you are all about.  The fatherhood of God determines for us Christian fathers what fatherhood is all about.

Fathers, you don’t need your children’s permission to be their father.  God made you their father.  God decides what you are to do.  Your children don’t decide.  You don’t decide.  God decides.

God has given to fathers and mothers the responsibility of teaching God’s word to their children.  (Read more of the article by clicking on the picture above.)

March 7 - Today the Church Remembers Perpetua and Felicitas, Martrys

At the beginning of the third century, the Roman emperor Septimus Severus forbade conversions to Christianity. Among those disobeying that edict were Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and her maidservant Felicitas. Both were jailed at Carthage in North Africa along with three fellow Christians. During their imprisonment, Perpetua and Felicitas witnessed to their faith with such conviction that the officer in charge became a follower of Jesus. After making arrangements for the well-being of their children, Perpetua and Felicitas were executed on March 7, 203. Tradition holds that Perpetua showed mercy to her captors by falling on a sword because they could not bear to put her to death. The story of this martyrdom has been told ever since as an encouragement to persecuted Christians.

You can listen to an Issues Etc. show interviewing Dr Carl Beckwith of Beeson Divinty School about these two women by clicking on the image below.

Prepare for Wednesday - March 7

Prepare for Wednesday


Naboth's Vineyard 1 Kings 21:1-16

From the Catechism

What is the Seventh Commandment?

You shall not steal.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

For self-examination*

+ Have I been lazy at work, doing poor work in school or at the job, or working hard only when the boss was around?

+ Have I been stingy in paying my workers?

+ Have I worked for myself, rather than for Christ and for the benefit of my neighbor?

+ Have I cared for the property in the neighborhood, school, or church, so that it was improved?

+ Have I stolen from the office, from school, or the church, or stood silently by while others took what was not theirs?

+ Have I wasted time and food and money, or caused others to waste time and money by my neglect?

+ Have I been greedy when it comes to returning to the Lord a generous portion of my money as a thankoffering?

+ Have I stolen from my neighbor when I did not help him in time of his need?

*Questions from Lutheran Service Book Pastoral Care Companion, p. 657ff

LCMS Coordinates Response to Indiana, Kentucky Tornadoes

Here is an article about some of the work that LCMS World Relief and Human Care is doing for those effected by the recent Tornados.  To find out more click on the picture below.  There are videos and more information at this link as well as information on how you can help.

Sermon - March 4, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 8:27-38

Prepare for Sunday - March 4, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture to read the readings.
Sermon Title: "Things of Man" and "Things of God"
Sermon Text: Mark 8:27-38

Sermon - February 29, 2012

To listen to the sermon click here.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: 8th Commandment