Pastor Phone

Pastor Norlyn Bartens (618) 553-9932
graceneligh@gmail.com
Worship times: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Saturday Evening before 1st and 3rd Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Today the Church Commemorates St Andrew, Apostle


File:Martyrdom of andrew.jpg   File:Saint Andreas.jpg
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.  

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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.



Saturday, November 24, 2012

Prepare for Sunday - November 25, 2012


To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 13:24–37
Title: "That Hour"

Friday, November 23, 2012

Today the Church Commemorates Clement of Rome, Pastor

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Clement (ca. A.D. 35-100) is remembered for having established the pattern of apostolic authority that governed the Christian Church during the first and second centuries. He also insisted on keeping Christ at the center of the Church's worship and outreach. In a letter to the Christians at Corinth, he emphasized the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection: Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ, realizing how precious it is to His Father, since it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to the whole world (1 Clement 6:31). Prior to suffering a martyr's death by drowning, he displayed a steadfast, Christ-like love for God's redeemed people, serving as an inspiration to future generations to continue to build the Church on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, with Christ as the one and only cornerstone.

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


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

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Prepare for Thanksgiving - November 21-22, 2012

To help you prepare for Thanksgiving services click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Luke 17:11-19
Title: "The Thanksgiving Journey"
Services
Grace Neligh - 7:30PM Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Trinity Elgin - 9:00AM Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2012

Monday, November 19, 2012

Sermon - November 18, 2012


To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Mark 13:1-13

Baptism - Sunday: Aiden Christopher and Braxton Douglas

Aiden Christopher and Braxton Douglas Boggs were baptized on November 17, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church. Here are some pictures.









Today the Church Commemorates Elizabeth of Hungary


Born in Pressburg, Hungary, in 1207, Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II and his wife Gertrude. Given as a bride in an arranged political marriage, Elizabeth became the wife of Louis of Thuringia in Germany at the age of 14. She had a spirit of Christian generosity and charity, and the home she established for her husband and three children in the Wartburg Castle at Eisenach was known for its hospitality and family love. Elizabeth often supervised the care of the sick and needy and even gave up her bed to a leper at one time. Widowed at the age of 20, she made provisions for her children and entered into an austere life as a nun in the Order of Saint Francis. Her self-denial led to failing health and an early death in 1231 at the age of 24. Remembered for her self-sacrificing ways, Elizabeth is commemorated through the many hospitals named for her around the world.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Matthew Phillips of Concordia University Nebraska on Elizabeth of Hungary on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Prepare for Sunday - November 18, 2012


To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 13:1–13
Title: "Be on Your Guard"



Prepare for Sunday - November 11, 2012


To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Mark 12:38–44
Title: "Beware of the Scribes"


Friday, November 16, 2012

Neligh Seeing Double - Neligh News & Leader : News: Twins, Twin Baby Boys, Megan and Scott Jacob, Troy and Shantell Boggs, Neligh

Neligh News has a front page article on Troy and Shantell Boggs new twins, which will be baptized this Saturday night at Grace Lutheran.  To read the Neligh News article click the picture below.
Twins Times Two

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Today the Church Commemorates Emperor Justinian, Christian Ruler and Confessor of Christ

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Justinian was emperor of the East from A.D. 527 to 565 when the Roman Empire was in decline. With his beautiful and capable wife, Theodora, he restored splendor and majesty to the Byzantine court. During his reign the Empire experienced a renaissance, due in large part to his ambition, intelligence, and strong religious convictions. Justinian also attempted to bring unity to a divided church. He was a champion of orthodox Christianity and sought agreement among the parties in the Christological controversies of the day who were disputing the relation between the divine and human natures in the Person of Christ. The Fifth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in A.D. 533 was held during his reign and addressed this dispute. Justinian died in his eighties, not accomplishing his desire for an empire that was firmly Christian and orthodox.

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

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Today the Church Commemorates Martin of Tours, Pastor

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Born into a pagan family in what is now Hungary around the year A.D. 316, Martin grew up in Lombardy (Italy). Coming to the Christian faith as a young person, he began a career in the Roman army. But sensing a call to a church vocation, Martin left the military and became a monk, affirming that he was Christ's soldier. Eventually, Martin was named bishop of Tours in western Gaul (France). He is remembered for his simple lifestyle and his determination to share the Gospel throughout rural Gaul. Incidentally, on St. Martin's Day in 1483, the one-day-old son of Hans and Margarette Luther was baptized and given the name Martin Luther.

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

Veterans Day

On this Veterans Day below you will find a video about Those Who Serve our military as well as a prayer 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.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

St. Silas Lutheran Church: Location Update


St. Silas Lutheran Church: Location Update: Having seen all that's available to us in North Liberty, the time has come to choose a location and work on getting into it.  We are worki...

Friday, November 9, 2012

Here is a St Louis news article on our synod's work with Sandy.  On Sunday we will take a collection for hurricane Sandy.




St. Louis, MO (KSDK) - The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), headquartered in St. Louis, has contributed nearly $100,500 in grants to help the Superstorm Sandy relief effort.

On November 1, LCMS gave $15,000 to the LCMS Atlantic District to provide housing for families affected by damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

As of Tuesday, November 6, the LCMS will disburse an additional $25,000 to the LCMS Atlantic District, and $40,000 to the LCMS New Jersey District in emergency disaster grants.

According to LCMS spokesperson Vicki Biggs, grants are used to provide victims food, clothing, housing, generators and other basic human needs.

LCMS disaster response teams traveled to storm-damaged areas in New York and New Jersey October 31- November 3, and plan to return with a second team. But in order to meet the long-term needs created by the superstorm, LCMS needs help from contributors.

In the last five years, the LCMS have provided more than $35 million to domestic and international disaster response efforts.

For more information on the LCMS disaster response effort, visit www.lcms.org/disaster.

KSDK

Today the Church Commemorates Martin Chemnitz (birth), Pastor and Confessor


Martin Chemnitz (1522-1586) is regarded after Martin Luther as the most important theologian in the history of the Lutheran Church. Chemnitz combined a penetrating intellect and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Scripture and the church fathers with a genuine love for the church. When various doctrinal disagreements broke out after Luther's death in 1546, Chemnitz determined to give himself fully to the restoration of unity in the Lutheran Church. He became the leading spirit and principal author of the 1577 Formula of Concord, which settled the doctrinal disputes on the basis of the Scriptures and largely succeeded in restoring unity among Lutherans. Chemnitz also authored the four volume Examination of the Council of Trent (15651573), in which he rigorously subjected the teachings of this Roman Catholic Council to the judgment of Scripture and the ancient church fathers. The Examination became the definitive Lutheran answer to the Council of Trent, as well as a thorough exposition of the faith of the Augsburg Confession. A theologian and a churchman, Chemnitz was truly a gift of God to the Church.

To listen to an interview of Pastor Paul McCain of Concordia Publishing House on “The Second Martin” Martin Chemnitz on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.



Thursday, November 8, 2012

Open House for 1st Lieutenant/Chaplain/Pastor Chad Boggs


Pastor Chad Boggs swore in as 1st Lieutenant with the Air National Guard unit (155 ARW) in Lincoln.  He is appointed as Chaplain whose duties will entail serving one weekend each month (Friday & Saturday), in addition to any other training assignments.

He will continue to serve Zion, Red Cloud and Grace, Franklin as he has the past three years.  A reception will be held here at Grace, Fellowship Hall on Saturday, (4-6 PM).  You are all invited to attend.

Today the Church Commemorates Johannes von Staupitz, Luther's Father Confessor


Johannes von Staupitz (ca. 1469-1524), vicar-general of the Augustinian Order in Germany and friend of Martin Luther, was born in Saxony. He studied at the universities in Leipzig and Cologne and served on the faculty at Cologne. In 1503 he was called by Frederick the Wise to serve as dean of the theological faculty at the newly founded University of Wittenberg. There he encouraged Luther to attain a doctorate in theology and appointed Luther as his successor to professor of Bible. During Luther's early struggles to understand God's grace, it was Staupitz who counseled Luther to focus on Christ and not on himself.

To listen to an interview of Dr. Franz Posset of  Luther Digest on Johann von Staupitz, Luther’s Father Confessor on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.


To listen to an interview of Dr. Martin Noland of Trinity Lutheran-Evansville, IN on Johann Von Staupitz, Luther’s Father Confessor on Issues Etc, click on the Issues Etc logo below.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Sermon - November 4, 2012

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Revelation 7:9-17
File:All-Saints.jpg

To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Revelation 7:9-17

File:All-Saints.jpg

Sunday, November 4, 2012

LCMS President Update on Superstorm Sandy

Here is the latest post from President Harrison regarding the LCMS work with Superstorm Sandy.  We will be taking a door collection on Sunday, November 11 for LCMS Relief efforts.

Grace's Gracious Giveaway - Start Bringing!!!


The 17th annual Grace’s Gracious Giveaway is this Saturday 8-12.  You may bring your clean giveaways anytime and put out on the labeled tables anytime this week!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Prepare - All Saints Day Commemoration - Sunday, November 4, 2012

To help you prepare for Sunday click on the picture below to read the readings.
Text: Revelation 7:9-17
Title: "Your Future"
File:All-Saints.jpg

On this day we remember those who have become saints (holy) in Christ through baptism and those who have joined the departed saints in heaven this past year.  Those baptized: Ashton Soper; Collins Hamilton; Brenden Wieneke; and Savannah Schindler.  Those departed: Karen Wagner; Marvin Lichtenberg; Walt Mosel; Emma Rabbass; and Jeanette Peterson.

Friday, November 2, 2012


To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: John 8:31–36

Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday - November 4


The Mary-Martha ladies are serving a Thanksgiving meal for the Congregation on Sunday, November 4; regular potluck Sunday.  They will provide the turkey, dressing and rolls.  Each family attending is asked to bring their favorite salad, vegetable or desert.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

New Youth Group Officers

Congratulations to our new Youth Group Officers.
Sorry this is late, but better late than never.

President: Bailey (center)
Vice-President: Brady (right)
Sec/Treasurer: Dallas (left)

Today the Church Commemorates All Saints’ Day


File:All-Saints.jpg
This feast is the most comprehensive of the days of commemoration, encompassing the entire scope of that great cloud of witnesses with which we are surrounded (Hebrews 12:1).  It holds before the eyes of faith that great multitude which no man can number; all the saints of God in Christ – from every nation, race, culture, and language – who have come “Out of the great tribulation...who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9).  As such, it sets before us the full height and depth and breadth and length of our dear Lord’s gracious salvation (Ephesians 3:17-19).  It shares with Easter a celebration of the resurrection, since all those who have died with Christ Jesus have also been raised with Him (Romans 6:3-8).  It shares with Pentecost a celebration of the ingathering of the entire Church catholic – in heaven and on earth, in all times and places – in the one Body of Christ, in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Just as we have all been called to the one hope that belongs to our call, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:406).  And the Feast of All Saints shares with the final Sundays of the Church Year an eschatological focus on the life everlasting and a confession that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”   (Romans 8:18).  In all of these emphases, the purpose of this feast is to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, that we might not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:2-3).