We know...
We know why tragedies like the shooting in Boulder ever happen.
We know the human heart and the rebellious sin that fills it.
We know we are capable of falling into incredible weakness and wickedness ourselves.
We know we have sinned, that we contemplate sin all the time, that we often act without restraint or self-control by the Spirit.
We know what is to hurt others by sinning and to be hurt. We know grief over our own actions and grief over what others have done to us or someone else.
We know firsthand how ugly sin is, how destructive, how widespread its casualties can reach and how long the effects.
We also know a God who personally took up all our sins that they might not destroy us, but Another.
We also know a worship in Another's name that helps us remember and review his gracious acts and mighty deeds, all just for sinners!
We also know that though such a tragedy cannot be undone, yet there is help in the Word, hope of eternal life beyond all danger and healing day-by-day in the ministry of the Spirit that comforts us and calls us back to Holy Week's ultimate Tragedy and also Resurrection.
We also know a community of those who have been through hardship and struggles, just like our own, as God graciously gives us those who can hug and support, care for and uphold us. They share our burdens because they share our faith and the love that God has poured into us, especially that we may pour it out again to others.
We also know that the time given to us is filled with purpose - to arm ourselves with faith and a hold on God through the Word that we might not be overcome or ensnared by trouble in the world. We know why we attend public worship, grow through the study and review of God's Word and bother coming back again and again to it, as using a light for our walk in the dark. We know why we tell Bible stories to our children of God's love and his power and his Son.
Dear Lord Jesus, comfort all who suffer from the shooting in Boulder. Use the opportunities given to share your name, demonstrate love and speak to the realities of sin and grace in the world. May the tragedy be met and surrounded by your mighty blessings, just as you promise, that even at such a time, we may not live without hope. Embolden us in what we do as Christian friends with others and as a congregation in our Littleton community. You are the only hope for this world. That's why you came. That's why you live as our Prophet, Priest, King and Savior. Without you we perish. With you, we live. Thank you. Amen.
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This week, read another instance of God's special deliverance and protection in the story of Nehemiah. And see the introductory video below!
This week's reading is Nehemiah.
God bless your reading...and bring your questions on Sunday!
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From last Sunday, 3/21
Perish the Thought: "I'm all alone."
Get caught up on our worship series for Lent called Perish the Thought. This Sunday is Palm Sunday on March 28 and Easter on April 4!
Here's the Holy Week Schedule:
Palm Sunday: 8:00 am & 10:00 am (10:00 am is also LIVE)
Maundy Thursday: 7:00 pm (also LIVE)
Good Friday: 7:00 pm (also LIVE)
Easter Sunday:
8:00 am Worship
9:00 am Egg Hunt
9:30 am Worship (also LIVE)
10:30 am Egg Hunt (round 2)
11:00 am Worship
He lives! We live!
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LIVING SAVIOR $10 TEES ORDER
HE LIVES! WE LIVE!
Celebrate Easter with a new t-shirt! These will be perfect for wearing to church events, when serving in the community, canvassing a neighborhood, or sharing the good news wherever you go!
(Options include a variety of sizes, colors and shirt styles - men's, women's and youth; pictured at left is one of the men's shirt options.)
***ORDER DEADLINE EXTENDED! MARCH 28, 2021!***
Click for the Order Form
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Sunday School for Holy Week!
REMINDER: This Sunday, we will be singing 'To the King Sing Hosanna' during the 10AM service.
Singing Schedule is below:
- 3/28: To the King Sing Hosanna (Palm Sunday) - https://youtu.be/kPl4_U05A9Q
- 4/4: (Easter Sunday, 9:30am service) NO SUNDAY SCHOOL, kids are singing Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed: verses 1 and 3 - https://youtu.be/TXBN2MBULoI
- 4/25: Jesus Tender Shepherd, Hear Me - https://youtu.be/qr49z-SVSys
This Sunday, we will be reading Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32; and Luke 23:26-43. Application: God sent his Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to save sinners.
Catechism Review
One of the great results of the Reformation was the return of Jesus' truth that all believers are a priesthood set apart for God, with all the rights and privileges of being his children for Jesus' sake. It's called the universal priesthood of all believers. At the same time, not all believers are called to serve other believers in public ministry, that is, in a role that is done to represent the others, as a charge entrusted to someone who is qualified. Pastors are one of those called positions in a congregation given such a responsibility to shepherd the flock of God - a responsibility before God that is given through the congregation. The qualifications for a pastor mentioned in the Bible make it clear that God wants people to be able to trust their pastor, find an example of Christian life in him and know he is able to teach God's Word. This is why we have such a rigorous training system for pastors that spans 8 years and includes assessment and our Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's final recommendation that a man is qualified and eligible to be called. That recommended pastor is said to have CRM status (candidate recommended for ministry). IF WE GET A VICAR, then we'd get to be a part of his training and a part of his evaluation for fitness for the ministry!
Let's Pray (Psalm 119:62-64)
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Amen.
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