Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas Services
Great News from St Silas!!!
From the St Silas Lutheran Blog
In the Space
When you walk into St. Silas Lutheran Church, this is what you see. The space is done and we had our first Divine Service there this past Sunday. The day before this we had our first major snowfall of winter. Did that stop us from moving in? Nonsense! A couple of families actually braved the roads from Cedar Rapids simply because this was our first service in the new space. It was great to be there.
I'm glad to finally have a picture of the following:
One of the very first people I talked with upon arriving in North Liberty was Jon Rinderknecht from Atkins, IA. He wanted to know how he could help this budding congregation. I heard from a couple of people that he was fabulous at wood-working, so I asked him if he would build us a portable altar and pulpit and give his time if we paid for the materials. He agreed and has had them ready to go since this past Easter. He also built a lectern and a cross with a stand. All of it is easily disassembled because we didn't know what our situation would be, whether we would have a permanent space or whether we would be setting up and tearing down each week. We're glad to have the permanent space for one more reason now: we get to use these beautiful pieces of liturgical furniture without worrying about damaging them by moving them around. The pieces are built from walnut with spalted maple paneling. The pattern of the spalted maple on the altar quite resembles blood dripping, calling to mind the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus that we receive each Lord's Day. And to top it all off, Jon requested that we pay him absolutely nothing. He's been one of the unsung saints who has supported our congregation, and I'm glad to finally be able to see and share his work. This past Sunday the congregation stood to hear the Holy Gospel read from that lectern, heard the Word of God preached from that pulpit, and received the body and blood of Christ from that altar.
We will be having a Service of Carols and Lessons this evening to celebrate the Eve of the Nativity and Divine Service tomorrow for the Nativity of Our Lord. The space came at the perfect time, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to meet today or tomorrow. We have a bit of settling in to do, which hopefully won't take more than a month. After that point we'll be celebrating our one-year anniversary as a congregation and turn our attention to our community to bring people in to receive the Lord's gifts with us.
On January 19th we will be having a formal dedication of the building, welcome of the congregation into synod, and installation of a pastor. We'll be in touch, probably through the district, to give the specifics when we have everything ironed out.
In Christ
Pastor Andrew Richard
St. Silas Lutheran Church
www.stsilaslutheran.org
www.facebook.com/stsilaslutheran
stsilaslutheran@gmail.com
In the Space
When you walk into St. Silas Lutheran Church, this is what you see. The space is done and we had our first Divine Service there this past Sunday. The day before this we had our first major snowfall of winter. Did that stop us from moving in? Nonsense! A couple of families actually braved the roads from Cedar Rapids simply because this was our first service in the new space. It was great to be there.
I'm glad to finally have a picture of the following:
One of the very first people I talked with upon arriving in North Liberty was Jon Rinderknecht from Atkins, IA. He wanted to know how he could help this budding congregation. I heard from a couple of people that he was fabulous at wood-working, so I asked him if he would build us a portable altar and pulpit and give his time if we paid for the materials. He agreed and has had them ready to go since this past Easter. He also built a lectern and a cross with a stand. All of it is easily disassembled because we didn't know what our situation would be, whether we would have a permanent space or whether we would be setting up and tearing down each week. We're glad to have the permanent space for one more reason now: we get to use these beautiful pieces of liturgical furniture without worrying about damaging them by moving them around. The pieces are built from walnut with spalted maple paneling. The pattern of the spalted maple on the altar quite resembles blood dripping, calling to mind the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus that we receive each Lord's Day. And to top it all off, Jon requested that we pay him absolutely nothing. He's been one of the unsung saints who has supported our congregation, and I'm glad to finally be able to see and share his work. This past Sunday the congregation stood to hear the Holy Gospel read from that lectern, heard the Word of God preached from that pulpit, and received the body and blood of Christ from that altar.
We will be having a Service of Carols and Lessons this evening to celebrate the Eve of the Nativity and Divine Service tomorrow for the Nativity of Our Lord. The space came at the perfect time, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to meet today or tomorrow. We have a bit of settling in to do, which hopefully won't take more than a month. After that point we'll be celebrating our one-year anniversary as a congregation and turn our attention to our community to bring people in to receive the Lord's gifts with us.
On January 19th we will be having a formal dedication of the building, welcome of the congregation into synod, and installation of a pastor. We'll be in touch, probably through the district, to give the specifics when we have everything ironed out.
In Christ
Pastor Andrew Richard
St. Silas Lutheran Church
www.stsilaslutheran.org
www.facebook.com/stsilaslutheran
stsilaslutheran@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
An excellent article, reprinted below, on the O Antiphons and hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" posted by Pastor Joseph Abrahamson at Steadfast Lutherans. Today starts the last seven days before Christmas.
The “O Antiphons”
The hymn “O, Come, O, Come, Emmanuel” (TLH 62; LW 31; CW 32; ; ELH 110; LSB 357) is a rendition of the medieval “O Antiphons” also called the “Greater Antiphons.” An Antiphon is a selection of Scripture and prayer chanted responsively by the officiant and assembly. The purpose of the Antiphon is to set the focus for the reading selected for that particular day of the Church year.
The O Antiphons were to be sung during Vespers one on each day seven days before the feast of the Nativity of Christ: that is, from December 17th through the 23rd. Each Antiphon focuses on a Scriptural title for Christ as He is named in Biblical prophecy and a petition to Christ to come fulfilling the promise made through that title and prophecy.
The Messianic prophecies in Isaiah form the heart of the seven antiphons, which draw particularly on Isaiah 11.
The traditional order of the seven antiphons is
(1) Sapientia: “O Wisdom” Isaiah 11:2-3,
(2) Adonai: “O Lord of Might” Isaiah 11:4-5,
(3) Radix Jesse: “O Root/Branch/Rod of Jesse” Isaiah 11:1 and 10,
(4) Clavis David: “O Key of David” Isaiah 22:22,
(5) Oriens: “O Dayspring” Isaiah 9:2,
(6) Rex Gentium: “O Desire of Nations/King of Gentiles” Isaiah 2:4; 9:6; 11:10-12,
(7) Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel” Isaiah 7:14.
When one takes first letters of the titles for Christ in the antiphons and reads them from right to left they form a Latin acrostic “Ero Cras” which means “I will be (with you) tomorrow” or “I will come tomorrow”–a thematically appropriate mnemonic.
The basic progression of themes can be understood this way: The framer of the Universe (Wisdom) Who gave the Law (Adonai) promised through David’s throne (Radix Jesse) to set free the captives of sin (Clavis David) and bring the Light of salvation to dawn (Oriens) not only on His chosen people but all nations (Rex Gentium) and dwell with us as one of us eternally (Emmanuel).
The basic petition through all the verses is an echo of the closing two passages of Scripture looking forward to the consummation of all things:
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The Latin text that forms the basis for the hymn dates back at least to manuscripts from the 11th century. Based on their use in an Old English poem called “The Christ” by Cynewulf the antiphons probably date from the 8th century or earlier. Amalarius of Metz (780-850) a student of Alquin wrote that the antiphon “O Key of David” was used for Alquin’s funeral in 804 (in Thurston, p. 622).
The order of the antiphons was rearranged for the hymn “O, Come, O, Come, Emmanuel” as we see in LW 31, ELH 110, and LSB 357 by placing the 7th antiphon first. Indeed, TLH 62 (followed by Christian Worship 23) included only four verses of the original in the order 7354. The Norwegian Synod’s Lutheran Hymnary included five verses in the order 73542. This puzzling arrangement and choice of verses came about because of the choices of the man who translated them into English.
The translator for the most widely accepted English versions of the antiphons was John Mason Neale in his 1859 Hymns Ancient and Modern where he translated only five antiphons in the order 73542 (Hymn 47, p. 67). He had previously translated these same verses in his 1851 Medieval Hymns and Sequences with the words “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel” (p. 171-172). By Neale’s time he transcribed the use of the plainsong melody called Veni Emmanuel. The Norwegian Synod’s Lutheran Hymnary used the tune St. Petersburg by Dmytri Borniansky.
God willing, on each of the next seven days of Advent, December 17 through 23 we will post each of the O Antiphons with their Scriptural sources. We hope this will be of value to your families in your devotional preparations for the Nativity of Christ.
Resources:
Anglicans Online A reflection on the O Antiphons.
Burgert, Edward (1921) The Dependence of Part I of Cynewulf’s Christ Upon the Antiphonary. J. D. Milans and Sons, Washington, DC.
[Discussion on the O Antiphons in Cynewulf's poem "Christ" in greater detail is found in pp. 55-66. Incidentally, for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien this poem of Cynewulf not only describes the O Antiphons, but lines 104-5, contain these word:
"Eala earendel, engla beorhtast,
ofer middangeard monnum sended,"
"Hail Earendel brightest of angels
Above Middle-earth sent unto men."
]
Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary Handbook (Online Draft edition) Hymns starting MNO.
Dahle, John Library of Christian Hymns hymn 172 of the Lutheran Hymnary (1913).
Gree, Everard (1885) “On the words O Sapientia in the Calendar.” Archaeologia, Society of Antiquaries of London: volume 49:219-242.
Henry, H. (1911). “O Antiphons”. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11173b.htm
Polack, W.G [compiler] (1942) Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal CPH, St. Louis, p. 50.
Staley, Vernon (1907) The Liturgical Year: An Explanation of the Origin, History & Significance of the Festival Days & Fasting Days of the English Church. A.R. Mowbray, London.
[Staley's history of the development of Advent begins on p. 64, treating the The O Antiphons on pp. 70-71. The O Antiphons are listed with Scripture references in Appendix A, p. 219-20.]
The Hymns and Carols of Christmas: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Thurston, Herbert (1905) “The Great Antiphons, Heralds of Christmas.” The Month: A Catholic Magazine, Longman, Greens and Co, London. vol 106:616-631.
[This article has some very good historical research on the early development of Advent and the O Antiphons]
The “O Antiphons”
The hymn “O, Come, O, Come, Emmanuel” (TLH 62; LW 31; CW 32; ; ELH 110; LSB 357) is a rendition of the medieval “O Antiphons” also called the “Greater Antiphons.” An Antiphon is a selection of Scripture and prayer chanted responsively by the officiant and assembly. The purpose of the Antiphon is to set the focus for the reading selected for that particular day of the Church year.
The O Antiphons were to be sung during Vespers one on each day seven days before the feast of the Nativity of Christ: that is, from December 17th through the 23rd. Each Antiphon focuses on a Scriptural title for Christ as He is named in Biblical prophecy and a petition to Christ to come fulfilling the promise made through that title and prophecy.
The Messianic prophecies in Isaiah form the heart of the seven antiphons, which draw particularly on Isaiah 11.
The traditional order of the seven antiphons is
(1) Sapientia: “O Wisdom” Isaiah 11:2-3,
(2) Adonai: “O Lord of Might” Isaiah 11:4-5,
(3) Radix Jesse: “O Root/Branch/Rod of Jesse” Isaiah 11:1 and 10,
(4) Clavis David: “O Key of David” Isaiah 22:22,
(5) Oriens: “O Dayspring” Isaiah 9:2,
(6) Rex Gentium: “O Desire of Nations/King of Gentiles” Isaiah 2:4; 9:6; 11:10-12,
(7) Emmanuel: “O Emmanuel” Isaiah 7:14.
When one takes first letters of the titles for Christ in the antiphons and reads them from right to left they form a Latin acrostic “Ero Cras” which means “I will be (with you) tomorrow” or “I will come tomorrow”–a thematically appropriate mnemonic.
The basic progression of themes can be understood this way: The framer of the Universe (Wisdom) Who gave the Law (Adonai) promised through David’s throne (Radix Jesse) to set free the captives of sin (Clavis David) and bring the Light of salvation to dawn (Oriens) not only on His chosen people but all nations (Rex Gentium) and dwell with us as one of us eternally (Emmanuel).
The basic petition through all the verses is an echo of the closing two passages of Scripture looking forward to the consummation of all things:
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The Latin text that forms the basis for the hymn dates back at least to manuscripts from the 11th century. Based on their use in an Old English poem called “The Christ” by Cynewulf the antiphons probably date from the 8th century or earlier. Amalarius of Metz (780-850) a student of Alquin wrote that the antiphon “O Key of David” was used for Alquin’s funeral in 804 (in Thurston, p. 622).
The order of the antiphons was rearranged for the hymn “O, Come, O, Come, Emmanuel” as we see in LW 31, ELH 110, and LSB 357 by placing the 7th antiphon first. Indeed, TLH 62 (followed by Christian Worship 23) included only four verses of the original in the order 7354. The Norwegian Synod’s Lutheran Hymnary included five verses in the order 73542. This puzzling arrangement and choice of verses came about because of the choices of the man who translated them into English.
The translator for the most widely accepted English versions of the antiphons was John Mason Neale in his 1859 Hymns Ancient and Modern where he translated only five antiphons in the order 73542 (Hymn 47, p. 67). He had previously translated these same verses in his 1851 Medieval Hymns and Sequences with the words “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel” (p. 171-172). By Neale’s time he transcribed the use of the plainsong melody called Veni Emmanuel. The Norwegian Synod’s Lutheran Hymnary used the tune St. Petersburg by Dmytri Borniansky.
God willing, on each of the next seven days of Advent, December 17 through 23 we will post each of the O Antiphons with their Scriptural sources. We hope this will be of value to your families in your devotional preparations for the Nativity of Christ.
Resources:
Anglicans Online A reflection on the O Antiphons.
Burgert, Edward (1921) The Dependence of Part I of Cynewulf’s Christ Upon the Antiphonary. J. D. Milans and Sons, Washington, DC.
[Discussion on the O Antiphons in Cynewulf's poem "Christ" in greater detail is found in pp. 55-66. Incidentally, for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien this poem of Cynewulf not only describes the O Antiphons, but lines 104-5, contain these word:
"Eala earendel, engla beorhtast,
ofer middangeard monnum sended,"
"Hail Earendel brightest of angels
Above Middle-earth sent unto men."
]
Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary Handbook (Online Draft edition) Hymns starting MNO.
Dahle, John Library of Christian Hymns hymn 172 of the Lutheran Hymnary (1913).
Gree, Everard (1885) “On the words O Sapientia in the Calendar.” Archaeologia, Society of Antiquaries of London: volume 49:219-242.
Henry, H. (1911). “O Antiphons”. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved December 5, 2013 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11173b.htm
Polack, W.G [compiler] (1942) Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal CPH, St. Louis, p. 50.
Staley, Vernon (1907) The Liturgical Year: An Explanation of the Origin, History & Significance of the Festival Days & Fasting Days of the English Church. A.R. Mowbray, London.
[Staley's history of the development of Advent begins on p. 64, treating the The O Antiphons on pp. 70-71. The O Antiphons are listed with Scripture references in Appendix A, p. 219-20.]
The Hymns and Carols of Christmas: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Thurston, Herbert (1905) “The Great Antiphons, Heralds of Christmas.” The Month: A Catholic Magazine, Longman, Greens and Co, London. vol 106:616-631.
[This article has some very good historical research on the early development of Advent and the O Antiphons]
St Silas Lutheran Church: New Space and Called Pastor
Great News from St Silas Lutheran Church
The following is from St Silas Lutheran Church's blog:
When I moved to North Liberty I was called as Assistant Pastor to St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City for the purpose of planting an LCMS congregation in North Liberty. When I accepted that call the new mission congregation didn't have a name or members or a location, and if it was on me to make those things come about we still wouldn't have any of them. But thanks be to God! Just under a year and a half after being ordained and installed at St. Paul's the saints of St. Silas Lutheran Church in North Liberty, IA have called me to be their pastor. After prayerfully considering this call (for over a year) I accepted and St. Silas now has their first pastor. When I say, "As a called and ordained servant of Christ" that word "called" means a little more now to the congregation because Christ has called me through them.
Sunday I also had the pleasure of announcing after the service: "This will be our last Sunday in this space! Next Sunday go to the storefront. Don't come here." And there was clapping and cheering. The contractor is on track to have an occupancy permit for us by this Thursday December 19th, giving us a couple days to move things over from the North Liberty Living Center and get ready for our first service in our new space on The Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22nd. Then on Christmas Eve we'll have a Service of Carols and Lessons and on Christmas Day Divine Service. This transition in space comes at a great time as we enter into the second most joyous season of the Church Year.
Christ has shown that he truly is the one who builds his Church (Mathew 16:18), the one who speaks into the darkness and creates something out of nothing. Christmas Day when we hear the reading from John 1 we will be rejoicing and giving thanks to God that "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
In Christ
Pastor Andrew Richard
St. Silas Lutheran Church
www.stsilaslutheran.org
www.facebook.com/stsilaslutheran
stsilaslutheran@gmail.com
The following is from St Silas Lutheran Church's blog:
When I moved to North Liberty I was called as Assistant Pastor to St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City for the purpose of planting an LCMS congregation in North Liberty. When I accepted that call the new mission congregation didn't have a name or members or a location, and if it was on me to make those things come about we still wouldn't have any of them. But thanks be to God! Just under a year and a half after being ordained and installed at St. Paul's the saints of St. Silas Lutheran Church in North Liberty, IA have called me to be their pastor. After prayerfully considering this call (for over a year) I accepted and St. Silas now has their first pastor. When I say, "As a called and ordained servant of Christ" that word "called" means a little more now to the congregation because Christ has called me through them.
Sunday I also had the pleasure of announcing after the service: "This will be our last Sunday in this space! Next Sunday go to the storefront. Don't come here." And there was clapping and cheering. The contractor is on track to have an occupancy permit for us by this Thursday December 19th, giving us a couple days to move things over from the North Liberty Living Center and get ready for our first service in our new space on The Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22nd. Then on Christmas Eve we'll have a Service of Carols and Lessons and on Christmas Day Divine Service. This transition in space comes at a great time as we enter into the second most joyous season of the Church Year.
Christ has shown that he truly is the one who builds his Church (Mathew 16:18), the one who speaks into the darkness and creates something out of nothing. Christmas Day when we hear the reading from John 1 we will be rejoicing and giving thanks to God that "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
In Christ
Pastor Andrew Richard
St. Silas Lutheran Church
www.stsilaslutheran.org
www.facebook.com/stsilaslutheran
stsilaslutheran@gmail.com
Monday, December 16, 2013
Lutheran Radio?
Did you know the LCMS has a Radio Station? Yes, it is called KFUO. Programing on KFUO has improved dramatically. Young Adults you might want check out these programs:
His Time
Cross Matters
Issues Etc
Here is a promo video for Cross Edges
"His Time" 7-9AM is a devotional and current events program
"Cross Edges" The new program at 2:04PM varies from day to day.
– CROSS DEFENSE – (Mondays@2:04 p.m.)
Interviews of some of the best authors of Christian books–newly released books, old classics–nothing but talk about books you’ll want to read and give as gifts. Hosted by Rod Zwonitzer.
- ISSUES ETC
Christ-Centered Cross-Focused talk radio. This weeks line up is: CHRIST-CENTERED, CROSS-FOCUSED TALK RADIO…You can listen to Lutheran experts teaching on topics like: The Book “Jesus Feminist,” Advent Hymnody, The Third Use of the Law, Adam & Eve, Daniel the Prophet & the Three Young Men and more. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org.
His Time
Cross Matters
Issues Etc
Here is a promo video for Cross Edges
"His Time" 7-9AM is a devotional and current events program
"Cross Edges" The new program at 2:04PM varies from day to day.
– CROSS DEFENSE – (Mondays@2:04 p.m.)
This is a program of Christian Apologetics which strives to answer the hard questions that skeptics may ask concerning the Christian faith. Hosted by Rod Zwonitzer.
– CONCORD MATTERS – (Tuesdays@2:04 p.m.)
Join in this round table discussion on the Lutheran Confessions. The hosts will revolve, they are (in order) Rod Zwonitzer, Craig Donofrio, Charlie Henrickson, and Joshua Scheer.
– CULTURE AND CHRISTIANITY (Wednesdays@2:04 p.m.)
Look into the vocations and the lives of today’s top musicians, artists, chefs and more. This show deals with the Christian’s place in modern culture as they interact with it in their service to God and neighbors. Hosted by Lori Lewis.
– GOD WHISPERERS (Thursdays@2:04 p.m.)
This is an offbeat program that discusses the everyday life of Christians with humor and intelligence. Check out past podcasts atwww.godwhisperers.org Hosted by Craig Donofrio and Bill Cwirla.
– BOOKTALK (Fridays@2:04 p.m.)Interviews of some of the best authors of Christian books–newly released books, old classics–nothing but talk about books you’ll want to read and give as gifts. Hosted by Rod Zwonitzer.
- ISSUES ETC
Christ-Centered Cross-Focused talk radio. This weeks line up is: CHRIST-CENTERED, CROSS-FOCUSED TALK RADIO…You can listen to Lutheran experts teaching on topics like: The Book “Jesus Feminist,” Advent Hymnody, The Third Use of the Law, Adam & Eve, Daniel the Prophet & the Three Young Men and more. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Advent Service - Wednesday, December 11
Series: Joseph a Man for Our Time
7:30PM Wednesday, December 11 - Joseph: Real Guardian
When the Christmas story is told, we often hear about Mary and Jesus. Joseph is the forgotten man. This week we will see how a real guardian acts in real life difficult circumstances.
Newsletter article about the whole series:
“Mind the Gap” were words Tami and I heard often on our recent anniversary trip to the United Kingdom -- meaning watch your step as you enter a subway, boat or elevator. Just this month, I heard of another “gap” that needs to be “minded” in the United Kingdom -- the gender gap in churches. “The UK’s official religion [Anglicanism] is dwindling at a record speed, with the decline of the Church "approaching rock bottom," experts warn. While Christian congregations age, most British mosques are bringing more and more young people on board. Public mosque services attract thousands of British Muslims, but when you check out a church, there are hardly a dozen participants at Sunday morning worship…” (RT News)
When you look at many religious services (and we visited some) in the UK the churches are mostly empty and those there are mainly older women. Yet look at pictures of Mosques in the UK and you see them full -- full of young males. It is happening in America as well, we just aren’t as far down the path. “In America, among evangelical churches, 57 percent of members are women and, among mainline Protestant churches, 66 percent are women, according to a 1998 book American Evangelicalism (University of Chicago Press).”
Some call what is happening the “feminization of the church.” Where Islam challenges young men to live up to a higher standard, Christianity is often softening its message to try to attract people. Contemporary Christian songs often are like love songs to Jesus, which for men are hard to sing. Islam is challenging men to be men. The American Christian message is becoming more and more feminine.
What the American church and society needs are good male role models of what the Christian life is all about. There is no greater male role model than Joseph the guardian of Jesus. This Advent we will be looking at Joseph: Real Man, Guardian and Father -- A Man for Our Time. When the Christmas story is told, we often hear about Mary and Jesus. Joseph is the forgotten man. This year we will hear about this important man of the Bible. This series will be great for young men and fathers. Make sure to invite the young men and fathers that you know. But, it won’t only be for young men and fathers. Women will find much that they can gain from the series as well. This series will be on Wednesday Nights at 7:30PM in December leading up to Christmas.
December 4 - Joseph: Real Man
December 11 - Joseph: Real Guardian
December 18 - Joseph: Real Father
According to an oft-quoted statistic, when a mother comes her family follows 34 percent of the time, but when a father comes his family follows 93 percent of the time. Men are vital to the family and society. We all need to “mind the gap” by reaching out to the young men and fathers in our church and community and giving them the wonderful God given message of the importance of the role men play in the family and society.
7:30PM Wednesday, December 11 - Joseph: Real Guardian
When the Christmas story is told, we often hear about Mary and Jesus. Joseph is the forgotten man. This week we will see how a real guardian acts in real life difficult circumstances.
Newsletter article about the whole series:
“Mind the Gap” were words Tami and I heard often on our recent anniversary trip to the United Kingdom -- meaning watch your step as you enter a subway, boat or elevator. Just this month, I heard of another “gap” that needs to be “minded” in the United Kingdom -- the gender gap in churches. “The UK’s official religion [Anglicanism] is dwindling at a record speed, with the decline of the Church "approaching rock bottom," experts warn. While Christian congregations age, most British mosques are bringing more and more young people on board. Public mosque services attract thousands of British Muslims, but when you check out a church, there are hardly a dozen participants at Sunday morning worship…” (RT News)
When you look at many religious services (and we visited some) in the UK the churches are mostly empty and those there are mainly older women. Yet look at pictures of Mosques in the UK and you see them full -- full of young males. It is happening in America as well, we just aren’t as far down the path. “In America, among evangelical churches, 57 percent of members are women and, among mainline Protestant churches, 66 percent are women, according to a 1998 book American Evangelicalism (University of Chicago Press).”
Some call what is happening the “feminization of the church.” Where Islam challenges young men to live up to a higher standard, Christianity is often softening its message to try to attract people. Contemporary Christian songs often are like love songs to Jesus, which for men are hard to sing. Islam is challenging men to be men. The American Christian message is becoming more and more feminine.
What the American church and society needs are good male role models of what the Christian life is all about. There is no greater male role model than Joseph the guardian of Jesus. This Advent we will be looking at Joseph: Real Man, Guardian and Father -- A Man for Our Time. When the Christmas story is told, we often hear about Mary and Jesus. Joseph is the forgotten man. This year we will hear about this important man of the Bible. This series will be great for young men and fathers. Make sure to invite the young men and fathers that you know. But, it won’t only be for young men and fathers. Women will find much that they can gain from the series as well. This series will be on Wednesday Nights at 7:30PM in December leading up to Christmas.
December 4 - Joseph: Real Man
December 11 - Joseph: Real Guardian
December 18 - Joseph: Real Father
According to an oft-quoted statistic, when a mother comes her family follows 34 percent of the time, but when a father comes his family follows 93 percent of the time. Men are vital to the family and society. We all need to “mind the gap” by reaching out to the young men and fathers in our church and community and giving them the wonderful God given message of the importance of the role men play in the family and society.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Thanksgiving Dinner and Thrivent Builds Presentation
The first Sunday in November we had our second annual Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by the Mary Martha LWML. As you can see it was well attended. In addition, Darrel, Marlene, Russ, Sharlene, and Jeri presented on their Thrivent Builds trip. Here are some pictures of the event.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
LWML Christmas Party Pictures
Grace Lutheran has two wonderful LWML groups - Ladies Aid (day) and Mary Martha (night). They both celebrated the Christmas season this past week in their meetings.
Mary Martha ladies decorated the church for Christmas season. One tree was decorated with crismons and lights and the other a sin tree is dark with red apples. The sides of the church are decorated with evergreen and blue banners with the verses of O Come, O Come, Immanuel on them.
Ladies Aid after their party.
Mary Martha ladies decorated the church for Christmas season. One tree was decorated with crismons and lights and the other a sin tree is dark with red apples. The sides of the church are decorated with evergreen and blue banners with the verses of O Come, O Come, Immanuel on them.
Ladies Aid after their party.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
+ Richard P. Martensen + Funeral, September 20, 2013
Richard P. Martensen
April 30, 1944 - September 17, 2013
Funeral services for Richard Martensen, age 69 of Oakdale, Nebraska, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, Nebraska. Pastor David Kuhfal will officiate, with burial in the Oakdale Cemetery.
Military Honors will be conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7603 and American Legion Post 170, both of Tilden, and the Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Team.
Visitation will be Thursday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Brockhaus-Harlan Funeral Home in Tilden, Nebraska.
Richard died Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh, Nebraska.
Richard P. Martensen, son of Peter and Caroline (Beck) Martensen, was born April 30, 1944, at Tilden, NE. Richard attended rural school District #47 near the family home and later attended Zion Lutheran School in Pierce, NE. He then graduated from Neligh High School in Neligh, NE. Upon completion of high school, Richard continued his education at Wayne State College, and also served in the Nebraska Army National Guard for six years, before receiving his Honorable Discharge.
On August 20, 1967, Richard was married to DeAnna Dragoo at Neligh. The couple was blessed with four children: Lisa, Jeremy, Travis, and Jenna. Richard and DeAnna lived in the same house near the Elkhorn River for 46 years, where they farmed until he retired in 2008. Besides farming, Richard also worked as a crop adjuster for Farm Bureau Insurance.
Richard was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, served on the Neligh Rural Fire Board, was a 40 year member of American Legion Post #170, and served as president of the Neligh-Oakdale Warrior Booster Club for four years. During the winter, he also did consulting work on a weekly basis for “Coyote Hunters Extraordinaire”. In his free time, Richard enjoyed watching football on all levels, fishing, coyote hunting, golfing, R-V’ing, traveling to Germany, having coffee and visiting with friends, but most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Richard is survived by the love of his life and life partner, DeAnna Martensen of Oakdale, NE; daughter, Lisa and Jason Mercer, and their children, Dalton and Lane of Omaha, NE; son, Jeremy and Staci Martensen and their children, Riley, Tanner, and Macoy of Honey Creek, IA; son, Travis and Sarah Martensen of Omaha; and daughter, Jenna Martensen and James Horne and their soon-to-be child, Richard’s grandson, Kadyn Richard Horne; sisters, Hilda and Carl Lehman of Billings, MT, and Lorine and Cecil Fields of Leigh, NE; sister-in-law, Deb and Jay Davis of Bellevue, NE; brother-in-law, Doug and Connie Dragoo of Oakdale; as well as many other friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and sister, Florine.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Confirmation Retreat 2013
Eight Confirmands, April Buck and Pastor Kuhfal had a great time on the Confirmation Retreat at Camp Luther in Schuyler, NE. We studied why we do in our worship on Sunday mornings. Click on the picture below to see more pictures and videos from the retreat.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Sermon - September 8, 2013
To listen to the sermon click on the picture below.
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Luke 14:25-35
Preacher: Pastor David Kuhfal
Text: Luke 14:25-35
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Sunday School Rally Day
Sunday, September 8th will be Rally Sunday for Sunday School. Students will start in their new classes. Third Graders will receive their Bibles in church, there will be a children's sermon, after church we will have a potluck with children's games. It all starts with Sunday School at 9:15AM. Join us! 
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
A Simple Way to Pray Bible Study Starts Sunday!
Sunday, September 8 we will be starting a new Bible Study on Prayer called "A Simple Way to Pray."
When asked by his barber and good friend, Peter Beskendorf, for some practical guidance on how to prepare oneself for prayer, Martin Luther responded by writing this brief tract.
A Simple Way to Pray is a fresh modern translation bringing us Luther's practical instruction, using Luther's I.T.C.P. method of prayer. This method anchors prayer in the catechism or other biblical texts, but allows the Holy Spirit to prompt thoughts via the Word, which may be chased more freely by the mind at prayer.
Instruction: Lord Christ, You instruct me here that I am to listen carefully and heed the word of my pastor when he speaks Your Word. The pastoral office is profound; my pastor is not only charged to watch over my soul, but You also call him to account for his service to me. Finally, You tell me in this text that I am to be a joy to my pastor and not a pain, and this for my own spiritual benefit.
Thanksgiving: Jesus, I thank You for my pastor. In fact, I thank You for the pastor who baptized me, and all pastors who have served me in my life as a Christian. Thank You for all the sermons that have clearly shown me my sin and delivered to me the free forgiveness of the Gospel because of Your sacrifice for me on the cross.
Confession: Lord, I confess that so often I fail to pray for my pastor. I fail to be gracious to his family. I do not pay attention to his preaching. I have gossiped and failed to love and defend him and “put the best construction on everything.” I deserve to have my faithful pastor taken away. Forgive me my many sins, and help me to do better. Help me especially to be a joy to my pastor and to encourage him in his difficult office.
Prayer: Savior, bless my pastor with faithfulness to Your Word. Cause him to grow in knowledge of Your Word. Give him courage and strength for his tasks. I thank You for (name) and for all faithful pastors. Grant success to the work of our seminaries. Bless our professors and students. And give my pastor joy. I ask all this for Your sake alone. Amen.
When asked by his barber and good friend, Peter Beskendorf, for some practical guidance on how to prepare oneself for prayer, Martin Luther responded by writing this brief tract.
A Simple Way to Pray is a fresh modern translation bringing us Luther's practical instruction, using Luther's I.T.C.P. method of prayer. This method anchors prayer in the catechism or other biblical texts, but allows the Holy Spirit to prompt thoughts via the Word, which may be chased more freely by the mind at prayer.Instruction: Lord Christ, You instruct me here that I am to listen carefully and heed the word of my pastor when he speaks Your Word. The pastoral office is profound; my pastor is not only charged to watch over my soul, but You also call him to account for his service to me. Finally, You tell me in this text that I am to be a joy to my pastor and not a pain, and this for my own spiritual benefit.
Thanksgiving: Jesus, I thank You for my pastor. In fact, I thank You for the pastor who baptized me, and all pastors who have served me in my life as a Christian. Thank You for all the sermons that have clearly shown me my sin and delivered to me the free forgiveness of the Gospel because of Your sacrifice for me on the cross.
Confession: Lord, I confess that so often I fail to pray for my pastor. I fail to be gracious to his family. I do not pay attention to his preaching. I have gossiped and failed to love and defend him and “put the best construction on everything.” I deserve to have my faithful pastor taken away. Forgive me my many sins, and help me to do better. Help me especially to be a joy to my pastor and to encourage him in his difficult office.
Prayer: Savior, bless my pastor with faithfulness to Your Word. Cause him to grow in knowledge of Your Word. Give him courage and strength for his tasks. I thank You for (name) and for all faithful pastors. Grant success to the work of our seminaries. Bless our professors and students. And give my pastor joy. I ask all this for Your sake alone. Amen.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
First Confirmation Class 2013
Students started their first afternoon of Confirmation classes on Wednesday, August 28. We had an after school snack, opened with devotions (Responsive Prayer 2), recited the ten commandments and their meanings, and started looking through the various parts of the catechism (spending quite a bit of time on the church year, Luther's seal and Christian symbols). The students were inquisitive and eager to learn. Here is a couple pictures of the class afterward.
Monday, August 26, 2013
After School Care Program
Here are some pictures from the first day of the Grace Lutheran After School Care Program. We have 31 signed up and 23 came the first day. They had a cupcake snack, story, made name tags and played games. Helpers were Nicole, Lorna, and Barb along with Director Kathy Heckert.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Free After School Care
Grace Lutheran to Offer Free After School Care Program
Grace Lutheran Church has announced it is beginning a free after school care program for students in first to sixth grades. The program will provide a safe place for young school children to enjoy activities, crafts, snacks, an object lesson or Bible story, and an opportunity for study. The program will be one day a week, Mondays, from after school to 5:45 starting Monday, August 26. School buses will bring the students to the church. All students must register. Registration forms can be picked up at either of two open houses 7:00-8:30PM Monday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 21 at Grace Lutheran Church (508 K St) or picked up at the church office (402-887-4791). This free program is being funded by the Grace Lutheran Thrivent group. The Thrivent group wanted to do something to give back to the community. Pastor Kuhfal said, "Our members desired to do something to help serve the families in our community. It is hard to parent today. We want to provide a safe place where parents can bring their children one day a week.". A director will be hired to oversee the program. Members of the church will help volunteer to staff the program, as well as provide snacks and craft materials.
Grace Lutheran Church has announced it is beginning a free after school care program for students in first to sixth grades. The program will provide a safe place for young school children to enjoy activities, crafts, snacks, an object lesson or Bible story, and an opportunity for study. The program will be one day a week, Mondays, from after school to 5:45 starting Monday, August 26. School buses will bring the students to the church. All students must register. Registration forms can be picked up at either of two open houses 7:00-8:30PM Monday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 21 at Grace Lutheran Church (508 K St) or picked up at the church office (402-887-4791). This free program is being funded by the Grace Lutheran Thrivent group. The Thrivent group wanted to do something to give back to the community. Pastor Kuhfal said, "Our members desired to do something to help serve the families in our community. It is hard to parent today. We want to provide a safe place where parents can bring their children one day a week.". A director will be hired to oversee the program. Members of the church will help volunteer to staff the program, as well as provide snacks and craft materials.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Confirmation Sunday - May 5, 2013
Confirmation Class 2013
Back
row: Pastor Kuhfal, Clayton, Ryanne, and Vicar Gilkey
Front
row: Kayla, Geoffrey, and Claudia
Confirmation Verses:
Clayton: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Geoffrey
:
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Ryanne
: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do no be afraid.
Claudia
: Matthew 28:20 Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Kayla
: Psalm 119:73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Baptism - May 21, 2013
Baptized in the service on May 21, 2013 were sisters Izabella Keith and Paityn Christiansen
Saturday, April 20, 2013
I found the picture and quote below on another Lutheran blog and thought it was very well written. The quote is from Past Wil Weedon (LCMS) director of Worship and International Center chaplain.
“If I decided one Sunday just to skip Church that week, do you think anyone would notice? Ah, you say, but you’re the pastor. Yes, they’d notice. I agree. They would. But it also makes a difference when YOU decide to skip Church this Sunday.
“Each Sunday is a gathering of the family – and when a beloved family member doesn’t show up for the family gathering and meal at Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving, there’s a hole, a gap, a pain that everyone feels. We’re all the less for that person not being with us to revel in the celebration of that day. Their absence diminishes the joy of the family. So when you choose to skip on Sunday, when you don’t come together with your church family to join in offering the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and to receive the gifts your Lord has for you, it’s not just you that miss out. Your extended family – the Church – misses out. They are diminished by your decision to absent yourself. The singing is that much quieter. The “amens” that much softer. The spot where you usually sit and stand reminds us all of your absence.
“Surely old Neuhaus was dead right on this: Christian discipleship should begin with a very simple commitment that any given Lord’s Day will find you in the assembly of God’s people, singing His praise, offering your prayers, receiving His gifts. The *only* reasons for missing is because you’re too sick to be present or because you’re away traveling – and even in the later case, blessed are you if you find the family gathered in that location and join with them.”
“Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
“If I decided one Sunday just to skip Church that week, do you think anyone would notice? Ah, you say, but you’re the pastor. Yes, they’d notice. I agree. They would. But it also makes a difference when YOU decide to skip Church this Sunday.
“Each Sunday is a gathering of the family – and when a beloved family member doesn’t show up for the family gathering and meal at Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving, there’s a hole, a gap, a pain that everyone feels. We’re all the less for that person not being with us to revel in the celebration of that day. Their absence diminishes the joy of the family. So when you choose to skip on Sunday, when you don’t come together with your church family to join in offering the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and to receive the gifts your Lord has for you, it’s not just you that miss out. Your extended family – the Church – misses out. They are diminished by your decision to absent yourself. The singing is that much quieter. The “amens” that much softer. The spot where you usually sit and stand reminds us all of your absence.
“Surely old Neuhaus was dead right on this: Christian discipleship should begin with a very simple commitment that any given Lord’s Day will find you in the assembly of God’s people, singing His praise, offering your prayers, receiving His gifts. The *only* reasons for missing is because you’re too sick to be present or because you’re away traveling – and even in the later case, blessed are you if you find the family gathered in that location and join with them.”
“Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thrivent Builds Prime Rib Fundraiser
Here is a picture from the Prime Rib dinner fundraiser for the Thrivent Builds El Salvador trip. Thanks to all who helped make this a success.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
It was on this day, April 18, 492 years ago that Martin Luther gave testimony at the Diet of Worms, saying those famous words, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Here is a short clip from the old Martin Luther movie. Enjoy this faithful man's stand for truth.
Here is Christian Cyclopedia's description of the Diet of Worms:
"First diet called by young Emperor Charles V, where April 18, 1521, Luther made world-changing speech refusing to recant. He stood alone on Scripture against pope, prelates, and emperor. The diet also presented the Centum gravamina, “Hundred Grievances,” which German nation had against abuses of papacy. Former diets had made similar protests. This time, as previously, no real reforms were effected. "
Here is Christian Cyclopedia's description of the Diet of Worms:
"First diet called by young Emperor Charles V, where April 18, 1521, Luther made world-changing speech refusing to recant. He stood alone on Scripture against pope, prelates, and emperor. The diet also presented the Centum gravamina, “Hundred Grievances,” which German nation had against abuses of papacy. Former diets had made similar protests. This time, as previously, no real reforms were effected. "
Monday, April 15, 2013
A Prayer for Boston
Heavenly Father, we come to Your throne of mercy bowed down and wearied by the weight of suffering and death visited upon our country this afternoon. Bring peace amid the chaos and provide help to those in need. Be with all those who have suffered bodily injury due to the explosions in Boston. Guard and guide the emergency service workers, police, fire, medical and homeland security personnel whose vocation is to respond to events such as this. Grant to the leaders of this nation wise counsel, calm thinking and unselfish aims. Turn the hearts and minds of all to You, that they might find peace through the cleansing of Jesus' blood. Let us not be confounded or dismayed, so that we, as Your children, may courageously speak to this needy world of the hope that is within us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (From the LCMS Facebook Site)
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
St Silas Lutheran Church: General Update
Click on the picture below for an update how things are going at St Silas Lutheran Church, North Liberty, IA.
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