First Youth Night 2012

We had a great first youth night with hot dogs, kickball, and ask the Pastor and Vicar Bible questions.

It Matters Whom You Marry

A must read article.  Pass it on to unmarried women.  Unmarried men read this article and aspire to be the man it describes.  The Christian Pundit hits it on the head.

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

In contrast to the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (observed on June 24), this festival commemorates his beheading by the tetrarch Herod Antipas (Mark 6:14-29).  From the perspective of the world, it was an ignominious end to John the Baptist’s life.  Yet it as in fact a noble participation in the cross of Christ, which was John’s greatest glory of all.  Christ himself said that there had arisen none greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11). He was the last of the Old Testament prophets and also the herald of the New Testament.  As the forerunner of Christ, John fulfilled the prophecy that the great prophet Elijah would return before the great and terrible Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:10-13).  By his preaching and Baptism of repentance, John turned the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6).  And in the footsteps of the prophets who had gone before him-in anticipation of the Christ whose way he prepared-this servant of the Lord manifested the cross by the witness of his death.

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

Today the Church Commemorates Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian

Augustine was one of the greatest of the Latin church fathers and a significant influence in the formation of Western Christianity, including Lutheranism. Born in A.D. 354 in North Africa, Augustine's early life was distinguished by exceptional advancement as a teacher of rhetoric. In his book Confessions he describes his life before his conversion to Christianity, when he was drawn into the moral laxity of the day and fathered an illegitimate son. Through the devotion of his sainted mother Monica and the preaching of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (33997), Augustine was converted to the Christian faith. During the great Pelagian controversies of the 5th century, Augustine emphasized the unilateral grace of God in the salvation of mankind. Bishop and theologian at Hippo in North Africa from A.D. 395 until his death in 430, Augustine was a man of great intelligence, a fierce defender of the orthodox faith, and a prolific writer. In addition to the book Confessions, Augustine's book City of God had a great impact upon the church throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Thomas Von Hagel of Concordia University Chicago on Fifth Century Bishop Augustine of Hippo on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Monica, Mother of Augustine

A native of North Africa, Monica (A.D. 333-387) was the devoted mother of Saint Augustine. Throughout her life she sought the spiritual welfare of her children, especially that of her brilliant son, Augustine. Widowed at a young age, she devoted herself to her family, praying many years for Augustine's conversion. When Augustine left North Africa to go to Italy, she followed him to Rome and then to Milan. There she had the joy of witnessing her son's conversion to the Christian faith. Weakened by her travels, Monica died at Ostia, Italy on the journey she had hoped would take her back to her native Africa. On some church year calendars, Monica is remembered on May 4.

To listen to an interview of Pastor David Petersen of Redeemer Lutheran-Ft. Wayne, IN on Saint Augustine and His Mother Monica on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Confirmation Retreat

Below is a slideshow from the Confirmation Retreat.  Hover over the picture and then click the bottom left multicolored circle to download individual pictures.

Sermon - August 26, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Vicar Walter Gilkey
Text: Mark 7:1-13

Sermon - Sunday, August 26, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Vicar Walter Gilkey
Text: Mark 7:1-13

Youth Night Begins Tomorrow

Grace Lutheran Youth Night starts again tomorrow night 6:15PM Wednesday, August 22.  All 7th - 12th graders and their friends are welcome.  Bring a friend.  Topic: Wisdom.  Game: Kickball.

Congratulation Mr and Mrs Kevin Patras

Kevin Patras and Jennifer Kittelson were joined in holy matrimony at St. Francis Catholic Church in Neligh on August 18, 2012.  Congratulations to the newlyweds.


Jennifer is the daughter of Karen Strong of Milton, Fla., and Joe Kittelson of Elgin.  She is a 2005 graduate of Elgin Public High School and a 2009 graduate of Wayne State College with a degree in human service counseling.  Jennifer is employed as a pharmacy technician at Wanek Pharmacy and also works at Subway in Neligh.
Kevin is the son of Walt and Rosemary Patras of Tilden.  He graduated from Elkhorn Valley High School, in 2004, and from Wayne State College, in 2009, with a degree in criminal justice.  Kevin is employed as a community support provider at Behavior Health Specialists in Norfolk.
The couple plans to reside in Tilden.

Sermon - Sunday, August 19, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 6:51-69

Sermon - Sunday, August 12, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 6:35-51

Today the Church Commemorates Samuel

Samuel, last of the Old Testament judges and first of the prophets (after Moses), lived during the 111th century B.C. The child of Elkanah, an Ephraimite, and his wife Hannah, Samuel was from early on consecrated by his parents for sacred service and trained in the house of the Lord at Shiloh by Eli the priest. Samuel's authority as a prophet was established by God (1 Sam. 3:20). He anointed Saul to be Israel's first king (10:1). Later, as a result of Saul's disobedience to God, Samuel repudiated Saul's leadership and then anointed David to be king in place of Saul (16:13). Samuel's loyalty to God, his spiritual insight, and his ability to inspire others made him one of Israel's great leaders.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Walter A. Maier III of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on The Prophet Samuel on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Today the Church Commemorates Bernard of Clairvaux, Hymnwriter and Theologian

A leader in Christian Europe in the first half of the 11th century A.D., Bernard is honored in his native France and around the world. Born into a noble family in Burgundy in 1090, Bernard left the affluence of his heritage and entered the monastery of Citeaux at the age of 22. After two years he was sent to start a new monastic house at Clairvaux. His work there was blessed in many ways. The monastery at Clairvaux grew in mission and service, eventually establishing some 68 daughter houses. Bernard is remembered for his charity and political abilities, but especially for his preaching and hymn composition. The hymn texts O Jesus, King Most Wonderful and O Sacred Head, Now Wounded are part of the heritage of the faith left by Saint Bernard.
To listen to an interview of Dr. Matthew Phillips of Concordia University-Nebraska on Bernard of Clairvaux on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

St. Silas Lutheran Church - Mission Statement

Pastor Andy Richard has just put this video up on his church webpage.  I thought you might enjoy it.  It is St Silas Lutheran Church's Mission Statement.  (Sorry I couldn't resize it to fit better on our page.)

Today the Church Commemorates Johann Gerhard, Theologian

Johann Gerhard (15821637) was a great Lutheran theologian in the tradition of Martin Luther (14831546) and Martin Chemnitz (152286) and the most influential of the 17th-century dogmaticians. His monumental Loci Theologici (23 large volumes) is still considered by many to be a definitive statement of Lutheran orthodoxy. Gerhard was born in Quedlinburg, Germany. At the age of 15 he was stricken with a life-threatening illness. This experience, along with guidance from his pastor, Johann Arndt, marked a turning point in his life. He devoted the rest of his life to theology. He became a professor at the University of Jena and served many years as the Superintendent of Heldberg. Gerhard was a man of deep evangelical piety and love for Jesus. He wrote numerous books on exegesis, theology, devotional literature, history, and polemics. His sermons continue to be widely published and read.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Ben Mayes of Concordia Publishing House on Johann Gerhard on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

A Message to LCMS Rural Families and Congregations

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison offers a message of thanks and encouragement for families who labor in the agricultural industry and have been adversely affected by this summer's record drought. President Harrison's message also extends to rural and small-town congregations as he thanks them for their support of these beleaguered members.

Today the Church Commemorates Isaac

Isaac, the long promised and awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, was born when his father was 100 and his mother 91. The announcement of his birth brought both joy and laughter to his aged parents (so the name Isaac, which means laughter). As a young man, Isaac accompanied his father to Mount Moriah, where Abraham, in obedience to God's command, prepared to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. But God intervened, sparing Isaac's life and providing a ram as a substitute offering (Gen. 22:114), and thus pointing to the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world. Isaac was given in marriage to Rebekah (24:15), and they had twin sons, Esau and Jacob (25:1926). In his old age Isaac, blind and feeble, wanted to give his blessing and chief inheritance to his favoriteand eldestson, Esau. But through deception Rebekah had Jacob receive them instead, resulting in years of family enmity. Isaac died at the age of 180 and was buried by his sons, who by then had become reconciled, in the family burial cave of Machpelah (35:2829).

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

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Craig Heckert

Craig Heckert and Lia Heckenlively were joined in holy matrimony at Grace Lutheran Church, Neligh, NE on Saturday, August 11, 2012.  Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Brady Fernau

 Sharissa Marie Schlote and Brady Lester Fernau, both of Omaha, will exchange marriage vows on August 11, 2012, at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
    Parents of the couple are Dale and Tammy Schlote of Norfolk, Stan Fernau of Blair and Lou Ann Blecher of Neligh.
    The bride-elect is a 2006 graduate of Lutheran High Northeast at Norfolk.  In 2010, she earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration, with a major in accounting, from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She received a master of professional accountancy degree from UNL in 2011. Sharissa is employed as a staff accountant by Lutz & Company P.C. in Omaha.
    Her fiancé, a 2007 graduate of Neligh-Oakdale High School, attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln. Brady is employed by Woodhouse in Blair as a sales consultant.

How Does Olympic Volleyball Relate to the LCMS?

Click on the picture of three time Olympic Beach Volleyball player Misty May-Treanor to find out how she is related to the LCMS.  

Hint: See the picture below.

LCMS President Harrison Op Ed in Washington Post

Click on the picture below to read an opinion letter published in the Washington Post by LCMS President Matthew Harrison and The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.  The letter is titled "HHS mandate: An attack on all people of faith"

Today the Church Commemorates Lawrence, Deacon and Martryr

Early in the third century A.D., Laurence, most likely born in Spain, made his way to Rome. There he was appointed chief of the seven deacons and was given the responsibility to manage church property and finances. The emperor at the time, who thought that the church had valuable things worth confiscating, ordered Laurence to produce the treasures of the church. Laurence brought before the emperor the poor whose lives had been touched by Christian charity. He was then jailed and eventually executed in the year 258 by being roasted on a gridiron. His martyrdom left a deep impression on the young church. Almost immediately, the date of His death, August 10, became a permanent fixture on the early commemorative calendar of the Church.

Vicar Move-in

Grace and Trinity members: Vicar Gilkey and Laura will be arriving at 4PM tomorrow (Thursday, August 9).  If you can come help them move in that would be appreciated.  Don't worry about the picture below, we will not be moving the whole house, just their belonging.  Thanks.  (707 P St)

Bible Study - August 12, 2012

A new Bible Study on the book of 1 Peter starts this Sunday.  Join us at 9:15AM.



Do you ever wish you were more secure, more confident, more steady, more faithful in your witness about Jesus?  Do you ever wonder what it might be like to stand rock solid in hope, no matter what is happening around you?  If so, this Bible Study on First Peter is for you.  Jesus changed Peter in remarkable ways.  First, Jesus changed his name to "Peter"- "Rock."  And then He changed Peter's life so that Peter became a "rock" others could look to and rely on for comfort and hope.  In his letters, Peter shares some remarkable insights about the process.  And he helps us as readers fit those insights into our own faith.

Sermon - August 5, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 6:24-35

Sermon - July 29, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 6:45-56

Today the Church Commemorates Joanna, Mary, and Salome, Myrrhbearers

Known in some traditions as the faithful women, the visit of these three persons and other women to the tomb of Jesus on the first Easter morning is noted in the Gospel records of Matthew (28:1), Mark (16:1), and Luke (24:10). Joanna was the wife of Cuza, a steward in Herod's household (Lk. 8:3). Mary, the mother of James (the son of Alphaeus), was another of the women who faithfully provided care for Jesus and His disciples from the time of His Galilean ministry through His burial after the crucifixion. Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt. 27:56), joined with the women both at the cross and in the bringing of the spices to the garden tomb. These faithful women have been honored in the church through the centuries as examples of humble and devoted service to the Lord.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN on Joanna, Mary and Salome on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Pre-Confirmation Camp

Below you will find pictures of this years AWESOME Pre-confirmation Camp.  These seven young people going into 5th and 6th grade have been meeting each morning for three hours to study the Bible.  For one hour we work on memory work (look forward to a future post on this).  Then we take a break for games and snack.  The last hour we go through Bible stories (12 stories a day, 60 for the week!).  These students have been great listeners, they have worked hard, and have been very dedicated.  Their parents should be proud of them.

St Silas Lutheran Church, North Liberty, IA Facebook Site

Pastor Andy Richard and St Silas Lutheran Church now has a Facebook site.  Click on the logo below to go to that site.  It might be a site you will want to "like" so you receive updates and posts.