Prepare for Sunday, July 1, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 5:21-43

Title: "Talitha Cumi"

Today the Church Commemorates St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

The festival of St. Peter and St. Paul is probably the oldest of the saints' observances (dating from about the middle of the third century).  An early tradition held that these two pillars of the New Testament Church were martyred on the same day in Rome during the persecution under Nero.  In addition to this joint commemoration of their deaths, both apostles are commemorated separately: Peter on January 18 for his confession of Jesus as the Chrsit (Matthew 16: 13-16) and Paul on January 25 for his conversion (Acts 9:1-19).

The New Testament tells us much about both apostles.  Peter was with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry and served as a leader among the disciples.  Despite his steadfast faith, Scripture also records some of his failures, such as his rebuke of Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23) and his threefold denial of his Lord (Matthew 26:69-75).

Paul, a devout Jew also know as Saul, entered the scene as a persecutor of the Church.  Following his miraculous conversion, in which the risen Christ Himself appeared to him, Paul became a powerful preacher of the grace of God.  During his three missionary journeys (Acts 13-14; 16-18; 18-21), Paul traveled throughout modern day Turkey and Greece.  The New Testament account of his life ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16), though tradition holds that he went on to Spain before returning to Rome.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of Hope Lutheran-Aurora, CO onThe Apostles Peter and Paul on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Bible Study - July 1, 2012

Bible Class on Sunday, July 1 will be “Ask the Pastor” on Sunday morning at 9:30AM.  This is a time ask Pastor questions that you might have from the Bible.  Any Bible related question is fair game.

Today the Church Commemorates Irenaeus of Lyons, Pastor

Irenaeus (ca. A.D. 130-200), believed to be a native of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey), studied in Rome and later became pastor in Lyons, France. Around 177, while Irenaeus was away from Lyons, a fierce persecution of Christians led to the martyrdom of his bishop. Upon Irenaeus' return, he became bishop of Lyons. Among his most famous writings is a work condemning heresies, especially Gnosticism, which denied the goodness of creation. In opposition, Irenaeus confessed that God has redeemed his creation through the incarnation of the Son. Irenaeus also affirmed the teachings of the Scriptures handed down to and through him as being normative for the Church.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Bill Weinrich of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on Second Century Bishop of Lyon Irenaeus on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Cyril of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor

Cyril (ca. A.D. 376-444) became archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt, in 412. Throughout his career he defended a number of orthodox doctrines, among them the teaching that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is "rightly called and truly is the Mother of God"--Theotokos, "the God-bearer" (Formula of Concord, VIII, Ep VIII, 12). In 431 the Council of Ephesus affirmed this teaching that the Son of Mary is also true God. The writings of Cyril on the doctrines of the Trinity and the person of Christ reveal him to be one of the most able theologians of his time. Cyril's Christology influenced subsequent church councils and was a primary source for Lutheran confessional writings.



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

Sermon - June 24, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Luke 1:57-80

20th Anniversary of Pastor Kuhfal's Ordination

Below is a slideshow of pictures for the Anniversary Celebration follow the Divine Service on Sunday of Pastor Kuhfal's 20th year in the ministry.  Wonderful pulled pork sandwiches (made by the Legate's) and a variety of salads were served along with punch and cake.  Flowers were on the altar from Pastor's parents and brother and sister.  The congregation gave pastor Kuhfal a pewter Luther's Rose clergy cross (pictured below).  Rebekah and Tami made a video linked below for the occasion.  Secretary Lorna Boggs deserves special recognition in organizing the special day.

Thrivent Day at the Zoo

Here are some pictures from the Thrivent Day at the Zoo.  A great time was had by all.

Today the Church Commemorates Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

The Augsburg Confession, the principal doctrinal statement of the theology of Martin Luther and the Lutheran reformers, was written largely by Phillip Melanchthon. At its heart it confesses the justification of sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, for the sake of Christ alone. Signed by leaders of many German cities and regions, the confession was formally presented to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at Augsburg, Germany, on June 25, 1530. A few weeks later Roman Catholic authorities rejected the Confession, which Melanchthon defended in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531). In 1580 the Unaltered Augsburg Confession was included in the Book of Concord.

To read the Augsburg Confession click here.

Today the Church Commemorates The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptizer, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was born into a priestly family.  His birth was miraculously announced to his father by an angel of the Lord (Luke 1:5-23), and on the occasion of his birth, his aged father proclaimed a hymn of praise (Luke 1:67-79).  This hymn is entitled the Benedictus and serves as the traditional Gospel Canticle in the Church's Service of Morning Prayer.  Events of John's life and his teaching are known from accounts in all four of the Gospels.  In the wilderness of Judea, near the Jordan River, John began to preach a call to repentance and a batpismal washing, and he told the crowds, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the  world!"  (John 1:29).  John denounced the immoral life of the Herodian rulers, with the result that Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, had him arrested and imprisoned in the huge fortress of Machareuus near the Dead Sea.  There Herod had him beheaded (Mark 6:17-29).  John is remembered and honored as the one who with his preaching pointed to "the Lamb of God" and "prepared the way" for the coming of the Messiah.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Peter Scaer of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on the Nativity of John the Baptist on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Prepare for Sunday, June 24, 2012 - The Nativity of St John the Baptist

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Luke 1:57-80

Title: "What Then Will This Child Be?"

Bible Study - Sunday, June 24

We The People: Citizens of Two Kingdoms
Session 3: Now What?

President Harrison Issues Open Letter on Religious Freedom

In response to the incursion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) into the realm of religious freedom with its controversial contraceptive mandate issued earlier this year, we are compelled to offer “Free Exercise of Religion: Putting Beliefs into Practice,” an open letter to our members and, indeed, all Americans.

Twenty-four leaders of religious organizations across the country have joined with us in signing the letter. Together, these signatories represent more than 10 million American men, women and children. They represent religious organizations that stand with us in opposition to the contraceptive mandate on the grounds that it is an infringement of our God-given right to act according to the tenets of our faith.


To read the letter click here.

Ladies Aid Baby Quilt

Grace Lutheran Ladies Aid were to make a quilt for the LWML Convention.  Diane Bolling embroidered this beautiful quilt for the group.  The quilt blocks have the bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep..."  The quilt will be given to Lutheran Family Services.  Miranda Mosel who works for them will see that it gets to someone special.

Sermon - Sunday, June 10, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 3:20-35

Sermon - Sunday, June, 17 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 4:26-34

Jeanette Peterson Memorial Service

To listen to the Jeanette Peterson Memorial Service click on the picture above.

For a printout of the service click here.

Vicar in Philadelphia

Vicar added more pictures to his blog.  You can see them by clicking on the picture below.

Vicar Murray's Blog

Click on the picture below to read Vicar Murray's blog.

2012 Nebraska District Convention

2012 Nebraska District Convention
The Nebraska District Convention was held at Concordia University, Seward, on June 8-9, 2012. The theme verse for Convention was Galatians 6:9-10, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.



The Rev. Russell Sommerfeld, Seward, was elected to his fourth term as president of the Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod by the delegates attending the 17th convention of that body in Seward Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. This will be Sommerfeld’s final term due to term limits.

Named for a third term as first vice-president was the Rev. Richard Snow, pastor of St. John, Battle Creek.            

Chosen for his first term as second vice-president was the Rev. James DeLoach, pastor of Zion, Kearney.

Named third vice president for his first term was the Rev. Scott Porath, pastor of Immanuel, Eagle.

Chosen for his first term as fourth vice president was the Rev. Rick Kanoy, pastor of St. Paul, Arlington.

Other officers elected included:

Secretary: Rev. Roland Jank, Jr., of Mount Olive, Omaha.

Board of Director members: Darla Rosendahl of Omaha, Dr. Marvin Swan of Grant, James Kovac of Utica, Kent Warneke of Norfolk and Kathy Brashear of Omaha.

Holding current terms on the Board of Directors are: Glenn Van Velson of North Platte, David Knorr of Humboldt, Virginia Von Seggern of Orchard, Harlan Metschke of Papillion, and Rhonda Burk of Lincoln.

Completing terms on the Board of Directors are: Rev. Mark Middendorf of Scotia, Rev. Arnold Jurchen of Beaver Crossing, Rev. Dr. Orville Walz of Bennington, Mr. Glennis Holtmeier of Tobias, and Mr. Paul Leckband of Norfolk.

Nominations Committee: Rev. Michael Awe of Tilden, Rev. Paul Beyer of Daykin, Rev. Carl Lilienkamp of Wayne, Linda Ahrens of Lincoln, Ron Rathe of Tecumseh, Mick Onnen of Davenport and Burnell Von Seggern of Orchard.

Constitution and Handbook Committee: Rev. Terell Huber of Creighton, Rev. Rob Kuefner of Lexington,  David Koopman of Seward, and Richard Kreutzer of Kearney.

Board of Regents, Concordia University Nebraska, Seward: Rev. Eugene Gierke of Seward, James Knoepfel of Fremont, Lyle Middendorf of Lincoln and Andrew Stadler of Columbus.

The 343 voting delegates, a pastor and lay person from congregations in the Nebraska District, were joined by 117 advisory delegates, generally teachers and other pastors serving in the District, and 86 guests and staff members, for a total of 546 attending the triennial convention at Concordia University campus in Seward.

The delegates, under the convention theme of “The Good Life,” based on Galatians 6:9-10, devoted considerable time to worship, study of the Word, education, and prayer. They also viewed six short videos of stories from people in Nebraska who are "Livin' the Good Life" through Jesus. These videos are available at the links to the right and may be used by congregations, Bible studies, or other individuals to share the message of the convention.

The convention was opened with a worship service with communion at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with the Rev. Dr. John Wohlrabe, second vice president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, delivering the sermon. Speaking to full pews, Wohlrabe said there can be a dilemma for some people if they aren’t doing good deeds for the right reason or if they despair that their efforts are not appreciated, but for Christians who glory in Christ and keep “their nose straight ahead on the cross of Jesus Christ,” there should be no dilemma. “In Christ, we not only have the good life, we have the only life,” Wohrabe said in echoing the convention theme.

The Rev. Rick Marrs, professor at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, led keynote presentations during the convention.  He spoke on a spirit of reconciliation, and focused on the difference between conflict resolution and reconciliation and that we need to seek peace, joy, harmony, and forgiveness with each other that the world may see and be drawn to the same reconciliation with Jesus Christ.

Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, spoke to the delegates during his time in Seward. He also took time to address questions presented to him by delegates in attendance.    

As the delegates discussed the ministry of the Nebraska District, as well as the ministry of the LCMS, they voted to recommend a mission focus to the LCMS of seeking those who have not heard the Gospel and those who have become disconnected from the church with specific emphases on Family Life Ministry and Rural/Small Town Ministry. They also agreed to encourage Christian citizenship and vigilance regarding mandated termination of unborn life through government mandated health programs, including a memorial to the 2013 LCMS convention in this regard. Other topics to be passed along to the LCMS in convention include restoring the sole authority of the Synod in convention in declaring altar and pulpit fellowship and the selection of a faithful translation of the Holy Scripture to be used in the Catechism if permission is not obtained for continued use of the 1984 version of the NIV. Delegates also encouraged the financial support of the Nebraska District LCMS by member congregations and spent considerable time in debate over the nature of the pastoral office and removal of men from that office.

Prepare for Sunday, June 17, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 4:26-34
Title: "A Man Should Scatter Seed"

My Ordination - 20 Years Ago Today

VP Ernst and Pastor Kuhfal 

    Twenty years ago on June 14, 1992 at Faith Lutheran Church, San Diego my home congregation I was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry.  Anniversaries are a time for reflection.  At that service I made some sacred promises to the Lord, promises similar to what each of our Vicars make when they are ordained.  Each year around the time of my ordination date I am reminded of those promises.  I thought it might be helpful for you to see what I promised I would do as I stood at the altar where I was baptized, confirmed and took my first communion.

Michael Ernst Second Vice-President of the English started,

P “In the presence of God and of this congregation I now ask you:  Do you believe the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice?”

R  I do.

Ordination Picture Pastor Kuhfal center in red

P  Do you accept the three Ecumenical Creeds, namely, the Apostles’, Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds, as faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and do you reject all the errors which they condemn?

R  I do.

P  Do you believe that the Unaltered Augsburg Confession is a true exhibition of the Word of God and a correct exhibition of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; that the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Authority and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord – as these are contained in the Book of Concord – are also in agreement with this one scriptural faith?

R  I do.

P  Do you solemnly promise that you will perform the duties of your office in accordance with these Confessions, or Symbols, and that all your teaching and your administration of the sacraments will be in conformity with the Holy Scriptures and with the aforementioned Symbols?

R  I do.

P  Will you faithfully instruct both young and old in the chief articles of Christian doctrine; will you forgive the sins of those who repent, and will you promise never to divulge the sins confessed to you; will you minister faithfully to the sick and dying; will you demonstrate to the Church a constant and ready ministry, admonishing people to a lively confidence in Christ and holy living?

R  I will with the help of God.

P  Finally, will you adorn the office of the public ministry with a holy life?

R  I will, the Lord helping me through the power and grace of His Holy Spirit.

At that point, I knelt and VP Ernst placed his hands upon my head and said:

P  David Kuhfal, I ordain and consecrate you to the holy office of the public ministry in the one, holy, Christian, and Apostolic Church, in the name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

It is hard to believe I have served twenty years in the office of the ministry.  When I consider the office to which I was called, I am often humbled by the task.  Through the years I have experienced many joys and also many sorrows, times of laughter and times of pain. 

When Vicars or other pastors ask me what the secret of being in the ministry so long is, I tell them it is the same as staying in a marriage – mutual forgiveness.  In a marriage no spouse is perfect – both are sinners.  When that sin rears its head – when troubles come – the important thing is what you do with them.  Do you run from them or work them out.

There are times when I feel like I am not worthy of this office, nor perform the duties to the high standard that I would like – I am not perfect.  It is then that I need to first confess it and place it into the hands of the Lord who placed me into this office.  Then I need to hear the words the Lord said to Moses when he in frustration threw down the tablets, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, ⁷ keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6-7)

Similarly, there are times as your Pastor that I have failed you.  There are times I am aware of and I am sure many more times I am not aware.  When I fail, which as a sinner I will, I pray that you come to me, show me my sin, that I might ask your forgiveness.  I need your forgiveness. 

That mutual forgiveness between Pastor and people is so important.  The devil is constantly trying to destroy the relationship between pastor and people, just as he does with marriages.  He tries to destroy congregations by allowing sins to go without forgiveness, thereby building a wall of hostility.  Those walls develop when sin continues to build without reconciliation.

I have served the Lord here at Grace for seventeen and a half years and I hope to continue many more years.  The longer I serve here, the more important I see forgiveness between Pastor and people to be.  Too often Pastors think the grass will be greener somewhere else – that at another place they will not have to deal with sinful people – wrong.  Too often congregation members think, “If we could get rid of pastor x then things will be much better, for then we will have a perfect pastor” – wrong. 

If you sin against me, I pledge to come to you, to not harbor it, to not talk behind your back.  I ask that you do the same.  It is my desire that our many years in the future will be as blessed as they have these past years.

Left pastor’s dad, center VP Ernst, far right Pastor Bremer (pastor’s home pastor), knelling for blessing Pastor Kuhfal 

Today the Church Commemorates Elisha

Elisha, son of Shaphat of the tribe of Issachar, was the prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel ca. 849-786 B.C. Upon seeing his mentor Elijah taken up into heaven, Elisha assumed the prophetic office and took up the mantle of his predecessor. Like Elijah, Elisha played an active role in political affairs. He also performed many miracles, such as curing the Syrian army commander Naaman of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-27) and restoring life to the son of a Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-37). A vocal opponent of Baal worship, Elisha lived up to his name, which means "my God is salvation."

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