In worship we glorify God. We give praise to our Maker and Creator. The One is most deserving of praise is glad when those whom He created gladly give Him their worship and praise.
Come glorify God this weekend at Life in Christ. Saturday worship is held at 5 pm. Sunday worship takes place at 8 and 10:45 am. Sunday school and Bible classes meet at 9:20 in the morning.
Hope to see you this weekend!
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
Top Ten Failed Church Mission Statements
It is fashionable and even very helpful for a church to have a mission statement. Such statements provide a congregation direction and help as it seeks to carry out its ministry. Unfortunately, some of those mission statements miss the mark. Here's are some of those statements that failed.
10) A going church for a coming Lord seeking the people who got up and left.
9) Looking for a child-proof church? Try ours!
8) A church built on the teachings of the Apostles', the Prophets and Joel and Victoria Osteen.
7) We've got a wonderful story to tell, if you don't listen you're going to hell!
6) We proclaim God's Holy Word - the King James Bible!
5) We proudly serve a Jewish carpenter and Colombian coffee.
4) A searching church in search for those not being searched for.
3) Our church stands on the historic Creeds, Confessions and flooring from Lumber Liquidators.
2) Welcome to Jesusville!
1) We're saved - you're on your own!
10) A going church for a coming Lord seeking the people who got up and left.
9) Looking for a child-proof church? Try ours!
8) A church built on the teachings of the Apostles', the Prophets and Joel and Victoria Osteen.
7) We've got a wonderful story to tell, if you don't listen you're going to hell!
6) We proclaim God's Holy Word - the King James Bible!
5) We proudly serve a Jewish carpenter and Colombian coffee.
4) A searching church in search for those not being searched for.
3) Our church stands on the historic Creeds, Confessions and flooring from Lumber Liquidators.
2) Welcome to Jesusville!
1) We're saved - you're on your own!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
One good reason for the liturgy
It was my vicarage year. Pastor Mirly had asked me to visit one of the older members of the church. She was living in a care facility suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
I found my way to her room and wondered, "What do I do now?" I tried to make small talk. Mostly she just sat there, looking me over, probably trying to determine if we'd ever met. I had a feeling this was going to be a short visit.
Then I asked her, "Do you like singing hymns?" She just looked at me. So I quickly found "Beautiful Savior," in my hymnal and started to sing. And so did she.
She didn't remember all the words but she knew the hymn. I took another shot with a "Mighty Fortress is our God." She didn't sing but she smiled.
Next up was my favorite hymn, "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less." She knew the first verse pretty well and she sang the refrain every time. I was getting excited!
So I turned to the Confession and Absolution and asked her to join me. "I a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto Thee all thy sins and iniquities..." She didn't say all the words but she knew them. I was sure of it.
Then she put a smile on my face as we both confessed the Apostles' Creed. She knew the Creed. Probably learned it from her parents or her pastor. Confessed it every Sunday in church. "I believe in God the Father Almighty...I believe in His only begotten Son...I believe in the Holy Spirit..."
From there was spoke the Lord's Prayer together and as I pronounced the Benediction, she mumbled the words right along with me. As is often the case in visiting the sick and shut-in, I received the greater blessing from a woman who would probably never remember my visit but who knew and remembered the important parts of Lutheran Worship.
I got back to church and spoke to Pastor Mirly about my visit. His simple reply, "That's why the liturgy is so important."
And it is. Modern worship today in many churches either changes or eliminates the Creed, the prayers and the great hymns of the church. Often worshipers are reduced to spectators. If you don't know the tunes to the songs (culled from the playlist of K-LOVE or some such station) you probably won't open your mouth for the entire hour.
How important it is for us all to learn to confess the Christian faith in the Creeds. How essential it is for all of us to be able to talk to God by learning the Lord's Prayer. How blessed we are to have learned some of the great hymns of the church, especially those who teach the Christian faith to us in song.
Let's not lose these important elements of worship. Without them I'd never been able to talk to this older woman with the failing memory. Instead, we had so much in common and so much to talk about.
I found my way to her room and wondered, "What do I do now?" I tried to make small talk. Mostly she just sat there, looking me over, probably trying to determine if we'd ever met. I had a feeling this was going to be a short visit.
Then I asked her, "Do you like singing hymns?" She just looked at me. So I quickly found "Beautiful Savior," in my hymnal and started to sing. And so did she.
She didn't remember all the words but she knew the hymn. I took another shot with a "Mighty Fortress is our God." She didn't sing but she smiled.
Next up was my favorite hymn, "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less." She knew the first verse pretty well and she sang the refrain every time. I was getting excited!
So I turned to the Confession and Absolution and asked her to join me. "I a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto Thee all thy sins and iniquities..." She didn't say all the words but she knew them. I was sure of it.
Then she put a smile on my face as we both confessed the Apostles' Creed. She knew the Creed. Probably learned it from her parents or her pastor. Confessed it every Sunday in church. "I believe in God the Father Almighty...I believe in His only begotten Son...I believe in the Holy Spirit..."
From there was spoke the Lord's Prayer together and as I pronounced the Benediction, she mumbled the words right along with me. As is often the case in visiting the sick and shut-in, I received the greater blessing from a woman who would probably never remember my visit but who knew and remembered the important parts of Lutheran Worship.
I got back to church and spoke to Pastor Mirly about my visit. His simple reply, "That's why the liturgy is so important."
And it is. Modern worship today in many churches either changes or eliminates the Creed, the prayers and the great hymns of the church. Often worshipers are reduced to spectators. If you don't know the tunes to the songs (culled from the playlist of K-LOVE or some such station) you probably won't open your mouth for the entire hour.
How important it is for us all to learn to confess the Christian faith in the Creeds. How essential it is for all of us to be able to talk to God by learning the Lord's Prayer. How blessed we are to have learned some of the great hymns of the church, especially those who teach the Christian faith to us in song.
Let's not lose these important elements of worship. Without them I'd never been able to talk to this older woman with the failing memory. Instead, we had so much in common and so much to talk about.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
A.D.-The Bible...Sort of
A number of our members have been watching "A.D.-The Bible" and have been asking for an opinion. I haven't been able to weigh in because weekends have been so busy I haven't been able to watch.
So I tried to catch up by watching a couple of episodes last night and came away with a couple of thoughts (do with them as you will - your mileage may vary).
The episodes I've watched have been more faithful to the text that I thought they would be. I stopped watching "The Bible" mini-series because the producers and writers seemed to feel that they needed to "rewrite" so many stories.
I remember how they presented the Lazarus resurrection story - it was unrecognizable from what John reported in his Gospel. And, frankly, how can you top John's narrative? Jesus commands, "Lazarus, come out!" Christ and the crowd stand at the entrance of the tomb. How long they wait we don't know. But when Lazarus finally walks out - can you believe it? He's alive! Oh, to have been there that day.
In "The Bible," Jesus doesn't stand in front of the tomb. He enters it. Rather than issuing a simple but powerful command, Jesus breaths on Lazarus. Then, the brother of Mary and Martha finally rises. I guess the scene was designed to show a more gentle and heartwarming Jesus. But really, to rewrite the Gospels? That's dangerous and finally I just couldn't watch anymore.
Aside from the running narrative between Pilate and Caiaphas (which we have no idea how the two dealt with each other, post-resurrection) I've found many of the scenes in "A.D.-The Bible"quite powerful. Watching Peter confront Ananias and Sapphira over their deceit was exciting. Even more so was Peter's testimony to them that the Holy Spirit is God.
On the other hand, I was quite confused when my oldest daughter called to ask me about Peter's daughter. We know Peter was married (Jesus healed his mother-in-law) so I suppose that he probably had a family. But there is no mention in the Gospels or Acts of Peter's children. So the whole scene where Peter's daughter is near death and the disciple pleads with God to heal her is a needless contrivance. I say, "Stick to the story!" It's more than exciting.
On Sunday mornings during our Bible class we've been watching scenes from the film, "The Gospel of John." This is, in my humble opinion, the best film on Jesus that I've ever seen. The acting is superb - the actors deliver their lines without sounding too stilted or dramatic. And the film sticks to the script. Every word spoken comes from John, using the Good News translation of the Bible. The film is three hours long so you might want to break it up into several segments. But the movie is really good. It's the Bible!
So I tried to catch up by watching a couple of episodes last night and came away with a couple of thoughts (do with them as you will - your mileage may vary).
The episodes I've watched have been more faithful to the text that I thought they would be. I stopped watching "The Bible" mini-series because the producers and writers seemed to feel that they needed to "rewrite" so many stories.
I remember how they presented the Lazarus resurrection story - it was unrecognizable from what John reported in his Gospel. And, frankly, how can you top John's narrative? Jesus commands, "Lazarus, come out!" Christ and the crowd stand at the entrance of the tomb. How long they wait we don't know. But when Lazarus finally walks out - can you believe it? He's alive! Oh, to have been there that day.
In "The Bible," Jesus doesn't stand in front of the tomb. He enters it. Rather than issuing a simple but powerful command, Jesus breaths on Lazarus. Then, the brother of Mary and Martha finally rises. I guess the scene was designed to show a more gentle and heartwarming Jesus. But really, to rewrite the Gospels? That's dangerous and finally I just couldn't watch anymore.
Aside from the running narrative between Pilate and Caiaphas (which we have no idea how the two dealt with each other, post-resurrection) I've found many of the scenes in "A.D.-The Bible"quite powerful. Watching Peter confront Ananias and Sapphira over their deceit was exciting. Even more so was Peter's testimony to them that the Holy Spirit is God.
On the other hand, I was quite confused when my oldest daughter called to ask me about Peter's daughter. We know Peter was married (Jesus healed his mother-in-law) so I suppose that he probably had a family. But there is no mention in the Gospels or Acts of Peter's children. So the whole scene where Peter's daughter is near death and the disciple pleads with God to heal her is a needless contrivance. I say, "Stick to the story!" It's more than exciting.
On Sunday mornings during our Bible class we've been watching scenes from the film, "The Gospel of John." This is, in my humble opinion, the best film on Jesus that I've ever seen. The acting is superb - the actors deliver their lines without sounding too stilted or dramatic. And the film sticks to the script. Every word spoken comes from John, using the Good News translation of the Bible. The film is three hours long so you might want to break it up into several segments. But the movie is really good. It's the Bible!
Monday, May 25, 2015
Preach the Word
When we lived in Missouri folks used to say, "If you don't like the weather, wait an hour. Something
different is sure to come." That attitude was so true on May 25, 1997.
The morning was bright and sunny. After lunch, storm clouds rolled in and began dumping sheets of water all through the area in which we lived. But by 4 pm the sun returned along with milder temperatures. Just in time for the beginning of my ordination and installation in to the ministry of the Lutheran Church.
On call day I had been assigned to New Hope Lutheran Church is Festus, Missouri. My dear, sweet wife and I were truly excited. We had learned that the church was a mission start and had been planted by an enthusiastic group of people. In their first year the church had experienced plenty of challenges but the Lord had carried them through each one. They shared my enthusiasm.
People I had grown close to during my years at seminary participated in the service. Rev. Ray Mirly, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette, Missouri, and 1st Vice President of the Missouri District, led the service. Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen, my favorite professor from seminary preached a wonderful sermon on 2nd Timothy 4:2. Rev. David Schultz, my pastor from the church my family and I grew up in - Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ - was the Lector. Marj Lang, who along with her husband, Rev. Ed Lang, (who we'd gotten to know so well at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens) sang for us. And many of my classmates and pastors from the circuit also participated, including my best friends - Dan Berteau, Pete Varvaris and Paul Rueckert.
Since that glorious day, I've served three congregations. But in each place I've tried hard to heed the word of Paul - Preach the Word.
God's Word is a life saving Word.
God's Word is a faith building Word.
God's Word does what it says. It brings comfort to the hurting, relief to the suffering and hope for the hopeless. We can live without a great many things in this life. We cannot live without the holy Word of God.
On my ordination day I prayed, "Lord, if you would give me 20 good years of ministry, I'd be grateful." Today, I celebrate 18 good years. They've not been easy at times. I lament so much - the words I failed to say or the words I said poorly...the times I failed to act or the actions that were not helpful...the times when I just didn't trust Jesus enough and worried myself sick over stuff that usually didn't happen.
In spite of my failings, God forgives me. God loves me. God cares for me.
That's what I'm celebrating. God's forgiveness, love and compassion.
You can say the same. God forgives, loves and cares for you.
As you give thanks for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, you can give thanks also for your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who made a sacrifice that none of us could have made. He took the burden of the world's sins on His shoulders and paid for them with His very life.
Celebrate and give thanks again today for God's forgiveness, love and compassion for you.
different is sure to come." That attitude was so true on May 25, 1997.
The morning was bright and sunny. After lunch, storm clouds rolled in and began dumping sheets of water all through the area in which we lived. But by 4 pm the sun returned along with milder temperatures. Just in time for the beginning of my ordination and installation in to the ministry of the Lutheran Church.
On call day I had been assigned to New Hope Lutheran Church is Festus, Missouri. My dear, sweet wife and I were truly excited. We had learned that the church was a mission start and had been planted by an enthusiastic group of people. In their first year the church had experienced plenty of challenges but the Lord had carried them through each one. They shared my enthusiasm.
People I had grown close to during my years at seminary participated in the service. Rev. Ray Mirly, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette, Missouri, and 1st Vice President of the Missouri District, led the service. Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen, my favorite professor from seminary preached a wonderful sermon on 2nd Timothy 4:2. Rev. David Schultz, my pastor from the church my family and I grew up in - Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ - was the Lector. Marj Lang, who along with her husband, Rev. Ed Lang, (who we'd gotten to know so well at the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens) sang for us. And many of my classmates and pastors from the circuit also participated, including my best friends - Dan Berteau, Pete Varvaris and Paul Rueckert.
Since that glorious day, I've served three congregations. But in each place I've tried hard to heed the word of Paul - Preach the Word.
God's Word is a life saving Word.
God's Word is a faith building Word.
God's Word does what it says. It brings comfort to the hurting, relief to the suffering and hope for the hopeless. We can live without a great many things in this life. We cannot live without the holy Word of God.
On my ordination day I prayed, "Lord, if you would give me 20 good years of ministry, I'd be grateful." Today, I celebrate 18 good years. They've not been easy at times. I lament so much - the words I failed to say or the words I said poorly...the times I failed to act or the actions that were not helpful...the times when I just didn't trust Jesus enough and worried myself sick over stuff that usually didn't happen.
In spite of my failings, God forgives me. God loves me. God cares for me.
That's what I'm celebrating. God's forgiveness, love and compassion.
You can say the same. God forgives, loves and cares for you.
As you give thanks for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, you can give thanks also for your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who made a sacrifice that none of us could have made. He took the burden of the world's sins on His shoulders and paid for them with His very life.
Celebrate and give thanks again today for God's forgiveness, love and compassion for you.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
We're having another baby!
Actually, another grandbaby!
Youngest daughter, Katie, has gone into labor. This baby is in a hurry- three weeks early! My dear, sweet wife and oldest daughter are flying to Green Bay post haste and hope to be holding a bouncing baby boy later this evening.
In other news...
Life in Christ has a Saturday service at 5 pm. Holy Communion will be celebrated. And I'll be preaching at both Saturday and Sunday services.
Speaking of Sunday, you can worship with us at either 8 or 10:45 am. Sunday school and adult Bible class begins at 9:20 am. Hope you'll come and join us for worship this weekend!
Youngest daughter, Katie, has gone into labor. This baby is in a hurry- three weeks early! My dear, sweet wife and oldest daughter are flying to Green Bay post haste and hope to be holding a bouncing baby boy later this evening.
In other news...
Life in Christ has a Saturday service at 5 pm. Holy Communion will be celebrated. And I'll be preaching at both Saturday and Sunday services.
Speaking of Sunday, you can worship with us at either 8 or 10:45 am. Sunday school and adult Bible class begins at 9:20 am. Hope you'll come and join us for worship this weekend!
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Top Ten Reasons You Know Your Organist Is Weird
10) Insists that Bach's name is pronounced "Back."
9) Insists that "Innagaddadavida" was first written by Bach.
8) Plays "I'm But a Stranger Here" on New Member Sundays.
7) Prefers to call the notes in the hymnal, "thingies."
6) Has the congregation wondering why every song sounds like "Hey Jude."
5) Insists on dressing up as Martin Luther when playing "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
4) As the pastor preaches, plays "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted" in the background.
3) Asks people on the pulpit side to sing harmony on every hymn.
2) "I guess I shouldn't have taken that third Valium before the service."
And the number one reason you know your organist is weird:
1) Refuses to play the "evil" black keys.
9) Insists that "Innagaddadavida" was first written by Bach.
8) Plays "I'm But a Stranger Here" on New Member Sundays.
7) Prefers to call the notes in the hymnal, "thingies."
6) Has the congregation wondering why every song sounds like "Hey Jude."
5) Insists on dressing up as Martin Luther when playing "A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
4) As the pastor preaches, plays "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted" in the background.
3) Asks people on the pulpit side to sing harmony on every hymn.
2) "I guess I shouldn't have taken that third Valium before the service."
And the number one reason you know your organist is weird:
1) Refuses to play the "evil" black keys.
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