Today the Church Commemorates The Visitation

John the Baptizer and Jesus, the two great figures of salvation history, now come together in the visit to Elizabeth by the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:39-45), both of whom conceived their children under miraculous circumstances.  Thus John is brought into the presence of Jesus while they are still in their mothers' wombs.  This presence of the Lord causes a response by the child John as he leaps in Elizabeth's womb.  John's response to the presence of Jesus, the Messiah, foreshadows John's own role as forerunner.  Already now, a new creation is beginning, and a baby still in the womb hails the new creation's inception.  Foreshadowed in John's leap are the miracles of Jesus, who will cause all creation to leap at His presence: "The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them" (Luke 7:22).  The incarnate presence of the Messiah also evokes a response from Eliazbeth, who proclams Mary's blessedness.  Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) provides the theological significance of this meeting as Mary sums up her place in salvation history.  Mary's song is a hymn to God for His gracious gifts to the least in this world, whom He has lifted up out of lowliness solely because of His grace and mercy.



To read the account of the Visitation from Luke 1:39-56 click here

To listen to an interview of Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on The Visitation: Mary Visits Elizabeth on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Time of the Church

The Time of the Church or as it is sometimes called the Season of Pentecost begins the day after Pentecost.  This year that was Monday, May 28.

The Sundays of "The Time of the Church" year are known as the Sundays after Pentecost.  Picking up on Pentecost as the season of growth, the Sundays after Pentecost are often refered to as the "Green Sundays."  It is during this season that the reading focus on the teaching of the Lord for the Church.  We hear Jesus teaching His disciples and healing the faithful.

During this season it is the custom of Grace Lutheran Church to use the processional cross, setting aside the processional crucifix used during the time of our Lord, which reminds us that during that time we are focused upon His life.   

Sermon - Sunday, May 27, 2012

Click here to listen to the sermon.
Preacher: Vicar Dan Murray
Text: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Timm

Brandon Timm and Jordan Bradley were joined in holy matrimony at Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE on Saturday, May 26, 2012.  Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Sermon - Sunday, May 20, 2012

Click here to listen to the sermon.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 17:11b-19

Memorial Day

Let us Pray:
Heavenly Father, protect the armed forces of this country as they protect our nation from those who would harm us. On this Memorial Day weekend, we especially give You thanks for those who have given their lives in service to the nation, sacrificing themselves for our well-being.  If it be Your will, grant peace among all nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever.  Amen.

Today the Church Commemorates the Pentecost

Pentecost, "the Fiftieth [day]" is a prominent feast in the calendar of Ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai, and also later in the Christian liturgical year commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the remaining eleven Apostles of Christ (Judas had hanged himself), included in the 12 Disciples in the Upper Room, after the Resurrection of Jesus.
Among Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Twelve apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-31.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on The First Pentecost on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Vacation Bible School 2012

Vacation Bible School
Below are pictures taken at this year's VBS.
We learned about the Lord's Prayer as well as stories of Adam and Eve, Manna in the Wilderness, the temptation of Jesus, and Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.



If you would like to download one of these pictures, click on the lower right hand corner (multicolored circle) of the slideshow and it will take you to the Picasa website where you can download them.

THANK YOU
Thank you to all the Parents who sent their children.
Thank you to this years VBS staff who did an excellent job.
Thank you to Vicar who planned and organized everything.

Welcome
All who attended VBS and their families are invited and welcome to join us as we gather with our Lord on Sunday's to receive His gifts.  Sunday School and Adult Bible class are at 9:15AM and Services at 10:30AM.

Prepare for Sunday - May 27, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Today the Church Commemorates Bede the Venerable, Theologian

Bede (673-735) was the last of the early church fathers and the first to compile the history of the English church. Born in Northumbria, Bede was given by his parents to a monastery in Northern England at the age of seven. The most learned man of his time, he was a prolific writer of history, whose careful use of sources provided a model for historians in the Middle Ages. Known best for his book, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, he was also a profound interpreter of Scripture; his commentaries are still fresh today. His most famous disciple, Cuthbert, reported that Bede was working on a translation of John's Gospel into English when death came, and that he died with the words of the Gloria Patri on his lips. He received the title "Venerable" within two generations of his death and is buried in Durham Cathedral as one of England's greatest saints.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran-Worden, IL on the 8th Century Monk and Historian, the Venerable Bede on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.



If you would like to read from "The Ecclesiastical History of the English People" click here.

Bible Study - Sunday May 27

True Friendship
What is true Friendship?
Why is Friendship important?
How can you be a true Friend?

Today the Church Commemorates Esther

Esther is the heroine of the biblical book that bears her name. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means "myrtle." Her beauty, charm, and courage served her well as queen to King Ahasuerus. In that role she was able to save her people from the mass extermination that Haman, the king's chief advisor, had planned (2:19--4:17). Esther's efforts to uncover the plot resulted in the hanging of Haman on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai, her uncle and guardian. Then the king named Mordecai minister of state in Haman's place. This story is an example of how God intervenes on behalf of his people to deliver them from evil, as here through Esther he preserved the Old Testament people through whom the Messiah would come.

To read the book of Esther click here.

To listen to an interview of  Dr. Andrew Steinmann of Concordia University Chicago on Esther on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Vacation Bible School Tonight

Vacation Bible School starts tonight from 6:30-9:00PM

Come and bring a friend.

• Bible Stories
• Music
• Crafts
• Snacks
• Recess

Tonight:

Adam and Eve Leave the Garden

God Promises to Save us From our Sins

Today the Church Commemorates Emperor Constantine, Christian Ruler, and Helena, Mother of Constantine

Constantine I served as Roman Emperor from A.D. 306 to 337. During his reign the persecution of Christians was forbidden by the Edict of Milan in 312, and ultimately the faith gained full imperial support. Constantine took an active interest in the life and teachings of the church and  called the Council of Nicaea in 325 at which orthodox Christianity was defined and defended. His mother, Helena (ca. 255-329), strongly influenced Constantine. Her great interest in locating the holy sites of the Christian faith led her to become one of the first Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Her research led to the identification of Biblical locations in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and beyond, which are still maintained as places of worship today.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Heath Curtis of Trinity Lutheran Church-Worden, IL on Emperor Constantine and His Mother Helena on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Sermon - Saturday, May 19, 2012

Click here to listen to the sermon.
Preacher: Vicar Dan Murray
Text: John 17:11b-19

Funeral Sermon - Emma Rabbass

To listen to the funeral sermon for Emma Rabbass click here.

Prepare for Sunday - May 20, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: John 17:11b–19

Tomorrow We Celebrate Ministry to the Armed Forces Sunday

Today Grace Lutheran Church remembers those who serve in the Ministry to the Armed Forces.  Thank God for those who care for our soldiers.

The Chaplains serving in the Nebraska District are:

Rod Armon (Army Guard)
Doug Irmer (Air Guard)
Phil Houser (Army Guard)
Chad Boggs (Air Force Reserve)
Mike Moreno (Navy Reserve - Marine Corps)


Below you will find a prayer for our Armed Services.




Since the Civil War, LCMS pastors have served as military chaplains. Today, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces supports a total of 208 chaplains. Among these chaplains, 67 are active duty LCMS chaplains and 83 are serving Reserve and National Guard units. Currently, 4 of these Reserve/Guard chaplains are mobilized and serving at sea or in Afghanistan or Kuwait. LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces also supports 25 Veterans Administration chaplains, 29 Civil Air Patrol and four chaplains for the Federal Bureau of Prison ministry.

Our active duty members usually work on a base or post, with a large support staff to care for their needs, such as financial counseling, baby sitting, health care, etc. However, our reserve community and their families are often located large distances from those support structures. Our hope is that our LCMS congregations can reach out to these families, especially when their loved ones are deployed, and help care for many of their needs.

LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces initiated Operation Barnabas in 2007 as a response to the ever-increasing needs of returning servicemen and women. The program’s goal is to equip and encourage LCMS congregations and their members, as well as local Operation Barnabas district counselors, for compassionate care and Gospel-sharing outreach.  To learn more about Operation Barnabus click the image below.

     Lord, God, you have sustained our nation in the past and continue to bless us.  We recall how so many have given their lives for the cause of freedom.  Men and women continue to sacrifice and serve in the Armed Forces.  Today, we pause to reflect and honor those who gave, and continue to give, their lives.
     We remember the great courage and selfless service of so many throughout history.  We remember their honorable sacrifice for the freedom of others.  Comfort the families who mourn the loss of loved ones.  Comfort also those who suffer permanent injuries as a result of serving our nation in the military.
      We remember with thankfulness the millions of Americans who give so generously of their life and labor in times of national conflict, particularly the family members of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.
     We are grateful for the devotion and sacrifices of military families.  Grant us the resources and willing hearts to support them in their needs.
     Lord, You prayed earnestly for Your disciples, that they would be kept in Your Name, filled with Joy and sanctified in Your Word of Truth.  Keep our chaplains in Your Name.  Fill them with the joy that comes from knowing You have defeated sin and death.  Sanctify their ministry in Your Word of Truth.
     Gracious Lord, we ask for Your strength for our chaplains who serve in the Veterans Administration hospitals as they provide pastoral care to hurting and wounded veterans.
     Lord, mend the wounds of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit.  Grant their physicians knowledge and wisdom as they seek the best treatments for patients' suffering.
     God of mercy, grant patience and insight to our chaplains who serve in all branches of our Armed Forces, the Veterans Administration hospitals, federal prisons and the Civil Air Patrol.   Only through Your sustaining love can they move out daily with confidence and joy.  These and all things we ask through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and rules with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Bible Study - Sunday, May 20

Possessions
What does God's Word say concerning possessions?
Are possessions bad?
How would God have us use our possessions?

+ Emma Rabbass + Funeral Saturday, May 19 2012

Emma Rabbass
Emma Christina Rabbass
June 14, 1910 - May 16, 2012
Neligh, Nebraska

Funeral Services for Emma Christina Rabbass, age 101 of Neligh, NE will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh with Pastor David Kuhfal and Vicar Dan Murray, Officiating.
Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6 - 7 pm, Friday, May 18, 2012 at Beyer-Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh.

Emma passed away on May 16, 2012 at the Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh, NE.

Emma Frahm was born at Plainview, Nebraska, on June 14th, 1910. Her parents were Arthur and Dollie (Meisel) Frahm and she had two younger brothers, Floyd and Roy. Her family moved around while she was growing up, but they always farmed in the Northeast Nebraska area. She attended school at Atkinson, Nebraska. She met Alvin Rabbass and they were united into marriage on September 27, 1936; in the Lutheran church, which was south of Orchard. Emma and Alvin had four children to this marriage, Delvin, Sharon, Arlen, and Lowel. Alvin passed away in 1992. Emma was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her Birthday Club and had great friends and neighbors, along with Germaine Berry, her longtime friend; Bev Wright, her caregiver, Diane Ahlers, from Home Instead and Ralph and Kathy Heckert, her next door neighbors.

She is survived by Delvin Rabbass and his wife Claudia, of El Paso, TX, Sharon Meyer, of Gothenburg, NE; Arlen Rabbass, of Hickman, NE and Lowel Rabbass and his wife, Patty of Hickman, NE. 5 grandchildren; Franklin (Gloria) Rabbass, Kristy Pfau, Charlotte (Scott) Wall, Mark (Karen) Meyer and Brett Meyer; 9 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

LCMS Missions

On Sunday we heard Vicar and Rochelle tell us about their mission work.  The LCMS does mission work around the world.  President Matt Harrison shares some comments on the importance of the mission work of the LCMS in this short video.

Today the Church Commemorates the Ascension of our Lord

Ascension Day is the coronation celebration of our Lord as He is proclaimed to be King of the universe.  Jesus' ascension to the Father is His entrace to the greater existence beyond the confines of time and space, being no longer bound by the limitations of His state of himiliation.  Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, which Luther correctly taught is everywhere, having again taken up the power and authority that were His since before time.  Yet our Lord is present with us who remain bound by time and space.  He is with us as true God and true man, exercising His rulership in the Church through the means of grace which He establishes: His Word and His Sacraments.  We mortals in those means of grace can grasp the King of the universe and receive a foretaste of the feast to come.

To listen to an interview of Dr Norman Nagel on the Ascension of our Lord on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Youth Bonfire Wednesday, May 16

The Youth Group will be having a Bonfire to end the school year this tomorrow (Wednesday, May 16).  We will meet at the church at 6:15PM and carpool to the Reuss' house.

Pastor Elect Andy Richard - North Liberty Mission Start

To read more about what former Vicar Andy Richard will be doing click on the picture of the Richard family or read below.



From the Iowa District East Web Blog:

We’re Planting a Church in North Liberty!

No doubt you’ve been hearing a bit of buzz lately about the new church that we – the congregations of Iowa District East – are planting in North Liberty, Iowa.  And no doubt you’d love to know a little more about this new opportunity and the new pastor who will be serving this budding congregation.

So that we can continue to walk together and support each other as a district, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, here are a few questions and answers to give you the full scoop on all things North Liberty:

Why Bother to Plant a Church?
Our Lord tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Also, research shows it is the most effective and biblical way to do evangelism, all centered on Word and Sacrament.

Why North Liberty?
Located in the heart of Johnson County, North Liberty is a young and vibrant community, and is one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa with over 13,000 residents. The median age is just 29 years old, yet 62% of Johnson County is un-churched. North Liberty is a community ripe for harvest and in need of God’s Word and Sacraments.

Who Will be Planting the Church?
You are!  But for the sake of decency and good order, St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City will be serving as the “mother church.” As such, she will be facilitating resources and support as well as providing encouragement to the church planter, his family, and the new congregation. However, while St. Paul’s will be serving as mother, she will need help and support from her 119 sister congregations.

Who is the Church Planter?
Pastoral Candidate Andrew Richard, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was recently assigned to St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel as Assistant Pastor for Church Planting.  This summer, Candidate Richard will be ordained and installed and will begin his work in North Liberty.  He received his Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester, MI before going on to study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Candidate Richard has specialized training in church planting, having studied also at the Church Planter Assessment Center in Chicago.  He is married to Renae, who is trained as a deaconess, and together they have a ten-month old daughter, Alexandria.

A Number of Denominations have Planted Churches in North Liberty. How will this one be Different?
This church will be distinctively Lutheran. To that end, she will be biblical and confessional, liturgical, sacramental, Christ-centered and when conflict arises, she would be committed to the practice of biblical reconciliation. In other words, she will look like her mother and her sisters!

How Can I Help?
St. Paul’s pastor, Rev. W. Max Mons, notes, “We need our sister congregations to help us and Candidate Richard in nearly every way imaginable. To be sure, we will need financial support. But we also need people, especially those who are willing to help us reach out to the community of North Liberty. Perhaps there are people in our district who would be willing to be “deployed” to North Liberty to help this congregation get started.” Those wishing to help should contact Pastor Mons at 319-337-3652.

Sermon - May 13, 2012

Click here to listen to this sermon.
Preacher: Vicar Dan Murray
Text: John 15:9-17

Today the Church Commemorates Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs

Cyril (826-69) and Methodius (c. 815-85) were brothers who came from a Greek family in Thessalonica. The younger brother took the name "Cyril" when he became a monk in 868. After ordination, Cyril became librarian at the church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) in Constantinople. In 862 the brothers were sent by the emperor as missionaries to what is now the Czech republic, where they taught in the native Slavic tongue. Cyril invented the alphabet today know today as "Cyrillic," which provided a written language for the liturgy and Scriptures for the Slavic peoples. This use of the vernacular established an important principle for evangelical missions.

To listen to an interview of Rev. Greg Alms of Redeemer Lutheran Church-Catawba, NC on Cyril and Methodius on Issues Etc click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Neligh Oakdale High School Baccalaureate Address

Click on the image above to listen to the Baccalaureate Address and Prayer from tonight (May 9, 2012).

Today the Church Commemorates Job

Job was a blameless and upright man who came from Uz (Job 1:1), a land northeast of Canaan. The Book of Job examines the depths of his faith, which was severely tested through the sufferings God permitted. Despite the sudden death of his ten children and the loss of all his wealth and his health, Job refused to curse God: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21). Still, in the midst of his tribulations Job questioned the meaning and purpose of suffering to the point of asserting his own righteousness (34:5-6). Finally, the Lord revealed that a man cannot know the mysteries of God (chapters 38-41). Job's faith in his Redeemer and the resurrection prevailed (19:25-27). In the end the Lord restored his wealth and blessed him with another seven sons and three daughters.

To listen to a Bible Study on the Book of Job by Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of Hope Lutheran-Aurora, CO from Issues Etc click on the logo below



To read the book of Job click the Bible image below

LCMS Director of Worship Installed

Yesterday Rev Wil Weedon was installed into the new position of LCMS Director of Worship.  Below are some short video clips about the new position.

First a video clip of Pastor Harrison's comments:


Second an interview of Rev Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS and Rev David Johnson, Director, Worship Arts Resources, Concordia Publishing House.


Third, an interview with Rev Wil Weedon, Chaplain .  Rev Weedon discusses his aspirations and new roles.

Today the Church Commemorates C. F. W. Walther, Theologian

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (1811-87), the father of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, served as its first president from 1847 to 1850 and then again from 1864 to 1878. In 1839 he emigrated from Saxony, Germany, with other Lutherans, who settled in Missouri. He served as pastor of several congregations in St. Louis, founded Concordia Seminary, and in 1847 was instrumental in the formation of the LCMS (then called the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States). Walther worked tirelessly to promote confessional Lutheran teaching and doctrinal agreement among all Lutherans in the United States. He was a prolific writer and speaker. Among his most influential works are Church and Ministry and The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel.

Click on the Bicentennial logo below to learn more about C. F. W. Walther.



To listen to an Issues Etc interview with Dr Martin Noland on C. F. W. Walther click on the logo below.