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