Worship
By His Stripes
“But he was pierced for our
transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us
peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.”) Isaiah 53:5 As the
passage of Isaiah tells us, we can learn from the sufferings of Jesus about not
only our relationship with God but our relationship with others. Following
Christ through Jerusalem we can discover how he reclaims us and all our
relationships. Written by relationship expert Rev. Roger Sonnenberg and
delivered by our lay people, the sermons bring God’s death defying love directly
into the family. On Ash Wednesday the focus will be on “The Destructive Pattern
of Escalation” as witnessed in Gethsemane and before Caiaphas. The next week we
look at “The Destructive Pattern of Invalidation” seen in the testimony against
Jesus. We see the reaction of the High Priest as we explore “The Destructive
Pattern of Negative Interpretation”. Moving to the scene of Peter’s denial we
capture “The Destructive Pattern of Withdrawal”. In Jesus willing sacrifice we
encounter “The Secret of Not Having Unrealistic Expectations”. Finally we
encounter “The Secret of Forgiveness and Absolution” as secured in the opening
of paradise to a sinner as struggles in his final hours.
Lutheran Liturgy - Why
We Do and Say What We Say and Do
Continuing our discussion
from last month’s “Messenger,” the pastor or assisting minister chants the fourth phrase of the Kyrie: "For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord." (In Isaiah 56:7 we find these words, "For my house will be called a house of prayer for all people." Our response is "Lord have mercy." Then, the pastor or assisting minister chants the final phrase: "Help, save, comfort and defend us gracious Lord." (In Isaiah 40:1 we find these words, "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God." And all God's children said "Amen." The Kyrie is followed by the Hymn of Praise which may be "Glory to God" or "This is the Feast." We will look at both of these in next month's "Messenger."
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June Lessons |
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First Reading |
Psalm |
Second Reading |
Gospel |
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June 7 |
Isaiah 6:1-8 |
Psalm 29
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Romans 8:12-17 |
John 3:1-17 |
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June 14 |
Ezekiel 17:22-14 |
Psalm 92 1-4, 12-15 |
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 |
Mark 4:26-34 |
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June 21 |
Job 38:1-11 |
Psalm 107 1-3, 23-32 |
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 |
Mark 4:35-41 |
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June 28
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Lamentations 3:22-33 |
Psalm 30
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2 Corinthians 8:7-15 |
Mark 5:21-43 |
Father's Day is Cookie Day
Your Worship Board is asking members of our congregation to participate in a cookie exchange on Father's Day, June 21. Please plan to bake, wrap, and identify by name and type (sugar or sugar free, with nuts or without nuts) six (large) or twelve (small) cookies. We must assure that people with nut allergies or with elevated blood sugar levels do not receive cookies made with nuts or sugar. The cookies will be collected in a basket prior to each service. As our worshippers depart, each man will be presented some cookies that another person has prepared in order to share the joy of this special day.
Synod Announces Staff Cuts
In a recent note to congregations Bishop Benoway
announced that although synod income has been reduced significantly, commitment
remains high. As a result the synod has eliminated staff positions, reduced
positions to half-time and has not filled other vacant positions. The remaining
staff in the Office of the Bishop will shift and be revised to assure that
mission-critical work of the synod will continue to be addressed in appropriate
ways. In closing Bishop Benoway stated “May we also pray for all throughout our
world, nation and church who are affected by this economic crisis. “Most
especially, may we hold one another in prayer. I am confident that God’s Holy
Spirit will provide us the strength and guidance needed to face these
challenging days.”
Lights! Camera! Action!
“Special Music by Advent Lutheran Church” is a two-disc set which includes one
DVD with two hours of video from this year’s worship services and Heritage Day,
and one audio CD with 70 minutes of music from the video!
Enjoy musical offerings from our band, choir, ringers, the Advent Sisters, and
other members of our congregation. Psalms and scripture of music and song read
by Pastor Bob, and a Heritage Day introduction by Bob Wirt are also included.
Each set is available for $15. Who on your gift list would appreciate a copy?
All proceeds benefit the building capital fund.
Contact the church office for more details
Music Ministries at
Advent:
MUSIC MINISTRIES RESUME
The Advent Choir
Youth and Adults who provide music proclamation each Sunday at the 10:30 Worship Service
Rehearses each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. beginning September 3
Advent Ringers
Youth and Adults who rehearse each week in preparation for frequent music proclamation on the handbells
Rehearsal day and time to be arranged
Advent Lutheran Band
Youth and Adults who provide contemporary music proclamation once a month at the 8:00 and 10:30 Worship Services
Rehearses each Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
Contact Rex Rachel, Music Director, for more information about these ministry opportunities: 272-6370 (church) or 864-5145 (cell).
Web Sites for the Journey - We continue to search for Web sites that will be of help to you in your faith journey. This address links to part of the ELCA site where there are many great articles on history and tradition in the Lutheran church
http://elca.org/questions/history.asp
Bring A Friend - Our presiding bishop of the ELCA, Mark Hansen, once commented that we as Lutherans are, “a welcoming church, but not an inviting church.” Witnessing has never been a strong part of our church’s tradition. But maybe we make it harder than it is. The model for witnessing comes from John 1:40-42 when Andrew goes and finds his brother Simon and says, “We have found the Christ.” and brings him to Jesus. The core of any evangelism is people inviting other people to come and see what they have found. Have you invited anybody to come with you?