Epiphany Images
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
Matthew 2:1-12
The presence of the magi in the events surrounding the Christmas story would have come as a shock to Matthew's first-century Jewish audience, but their presence sets the tone for God's gracious work in Christ, the Savior who came for all the world.
Chasing the Wind
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
Ecclesiastes
Was 2008 a significant year? Will it have a lasting effect on the world? The book of Ecclesiastes offers a sobering answer to that question as it shows us the importance of our work from God's perspective. And yet these words also point us to the most significant work of all - the work of Christ on the cross. And this lends importance to even the most trivial of our pursuits.
December 28 2008 Bulletin
December 21 2008 Bulletin
Now You're Speaking My Language
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
John 1:1-14
"In the beginning was the Word." These are deeply significant words with which John begins his gospel, pointing us to the importance of God's communication to us. And Christmas is about communication, it is about God translating His message from word to flesh so that we comprehend it.
Nothing is Impossible with God
Rev. Peter Kelm
Luke 1:26-38
Mary asks a good question: "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel Gabriel's message to her defies all logical explanation. She will give birth to a son...a son who has no human father. And yet Mary's faithful response is an example to us, as she accepts the Lord's will for her life because she knows that nothing is impossible with God.
All I Want for Christmas is Joy
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
Ecclesiastes 2:22-26
How are you searching for joy this Christmas? Are you chasing uncatchable happiness by trying to check everything off of your to-do list? Or are you receiving the joy that is already yours in Christ?
Light in the Darkness
Rev. David Baker
Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-11
Darkness exists all over the world and in our own lives as God's truth is obscured by lies, deception, and personal struggles. Yet no matter how great the darkness may appear the light always overcomes the darkness in Christ.
December 14 2008 Bulletin
All I Want for Christmas is Peace
Rev. Peter Kelm
Micah 5:1-5a
Peace can be difficult to find, especially during the busy holiday season. Family struggles and losses, national strife, and international suffering can make peace seem out of reach. Yet in Christ we have a right relationship with God that brings us peace even in the midst of all of this world's struggles.
As You Look Forward
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
2 Peter 3:8-14
Are you looking forward to Christ's return? Peter gives us an image of His coming includes the destruction of the heavens and the earth in fire so hot that the elements will melt. God has given us many good gifts in this world, and when we are content with our lives it is difficult to look forward to when this world will be consumed. But Peter assumes that we are looking forward to that day because Peter has his mind set on what is to come.
All I want for Christmas is Hope
Rev. Peter Kelm
Luke 1:5-20
We use the word 'hope' often in our everyday lives, usually when we are looking forward to something that may or may not happen. Yet the scriptures encourage us to hope over and over again, not because we do not know whether God's promises will come true, but because when our hope is in the Lord and the promises He makes then our hope is in the only one who knows what tomorrow will bring. Our hope in God is sure and certain.
People of Faith See Things Differently
Rev. Peter Kelm
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus healed ten lepers. Only one returned to thank Jesus. Only one was commended for his faith. Is there a connection? Absolutely! People with faith see the world differently, and that difference changes everything.
November 30 2008 Bulletin
An UnAmerican Psalm
Rev. Carl Lehenbauer
Psalm 90
The psalms have a way of cutting to the heart, and psalm 90 is no exception. The words of this ancient prayer humble us before our God; they show us how fragile we are and how short our lives are. And then, once we have no choice but to admit our inability to help ourselves, this prayer points us to the only source of our salvation and meaning in our lives.
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