Commemoration of St. Andrew, Apostle November 30, 2009
The Lord be with you
Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) will again have Wednesday Advent services. As is our custom, we will have an half-hour service starting at 12:15 PM, for those who either do not drive well at night or desire to attend on their lunch break. During this service the liturgy is spoken and we sing only one hymn. The evening service begins at 7:00 PM, has three hymns, and the liturgy is mostly sung. For the evening service we will be using Evening Prayer, beginning on page 243 of the Lutheran Service Book. For the 12:15 service we will be using Responsive Prayer 1 (AKA Suffrages), beginning on page 282 of the Lutheran Service Book.
This year the evening services will be preceded by a Soup Supper, which begins at 6:00 PM. Following the evening service the choir will have a rehearsal.
The theme for this year’s homilies is “An Advent God – An Advent People.” The homily for the first Wednesday in Advent is titled “Coming Ones” and is based on Genesis 12:1-4.
The ladies of Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) Women’s Bible Fellowship will be having their Christmas party this year at the Sahara Mediterranean Grill (8161 Warren Abernathy Highway (Hwy 29)) Thursday, December 10, at 6:30 PM. After the meal they will go to a member's home for a gift exchange and desert.
Commemoration of St. Andrew, Apostle November 30, 2009
The Lord be with you St. Andrew is commemorated on November 30. The brother of Simon Peter, he was born in the Galilean village of Bethsaida. Originally a disciple of St. John the Baptist, Andrew then became the first of Jesus’ disciples (John 1:35-40). His name regularly appears in the Gospels near the top of the lists of the Twelve. It was he who first introduced his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:41-42). He was, in a real sense, the first home missionary, as well as the first foreign missionary (John 12:20-22). Tradition says Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on a cross in the form of an X. In 357 AD, his body is said to have been taken to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople and later removed to the cathedral of Amalfi in Italy. Centuries later, Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland. St. Andrew’s Day determines the beginning of the Western Church Year, since the First Sunday in Advent is always the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew’s Day.
In a comment on an earlier post I was asked if there was any place on this blog to submit questions. I said there is no such designated local, but that a question could be submitted as a comment on any post. If the question does not relate to the post, then I’d just create a separate post.
To no great surprise, I received two questions that did not relate to the post. They were; 1) How can you be angry and not sin; and 2) How do you honor an estranged parent? I will deal with these questions in two future posts, however I would like everyone to know that they can submit a question in the same fashion. I’ll get to them as time and inspiration permit.
Saturday after the Last Sunday in the Church Year November 28, 2009
The Lord be with you
Tomorrow is the First Sunday in Advent. It is also the Commemoration of Noah in the Church Calendar used in the LCMS. As I tend to be busy on Sundays, I thought I’d post information about Noah today.
Noah, the son of Lamech (Genesis 5:30), was instructed by God to build an ark in which his family would find security from the destructive waters of a devastating flood that God warned would come. Noah built the ark, and the rains descended. The entire earth was flooded, destroying “every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals” (Genesis 7:23). After the flood waters subsided, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. When Noah determined it was safe and God confirmed it, Noah, his family, and all the animals disembarked. Then Noah built an altar and offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for having saved his family from destruction. A rainbow in the sky was declared by God to be a sign of His promise that never again would a similar flood destroy the entire earth (Genesis 8:20-22; 9:8-17). Noah is remembered and honored for his obedience, believing that God would do what He said He would.
The image is a recreation of Noah’s Ark in Holland.
Tuesday after the Last Sunday of the Church Year November 24, 2009
The Lord be with you
November 6-7, 2009 the Cubs of Pack 1031 (the pack of Lamb of God Lutheran, LCMS) went on a camping trip with the boys of Pack 53 in Gaffney. The boys who made it had a great time. Below is a collage from the camp out.
Blessings in Christ, Pastor (Pack Committee Chair) John Rickert
Commemoration of Clement of Rome, Pastor November 23, 2009 Three prayers ascend to heaven and three prayer ambassadors (angels) are assigned to ensure they are answered. There is a big problem though. There is a deadline set by none other than God himself. The deadline is Christmas Day, only a week away.
In her book, Where Angels Go, Debbie Macomber weaves three stories that span our entire human existence as the angels Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy seek to answer these three very different prayers. One is from a young boy who wants a dog more than anything else for Christmas, but his parents simply can’t afford one. The next is from a mother for her divorced daughter, whose divorce has left her emotionally unavailable. The third prayer is from an elderly man who wants his beloved, but now dangerously forgetful wife, moved into a retirement home before he dies.
After you enjoy this heartwarming book, join LitWits as we discuss it over some delicious Christmas (dare I say it, heavenly) refreshments. We will meet at Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) Sunday, December 20. The fun begins at 6:30 PM.
Commemoration of Clement of Rome, Pastor November 23, 2009
The Lord be with you
This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It is a day with a mixed lineage. In part it is a harvest festival, where we give thanks to the Lord for a bountiful harvest and for providing for us throughout the past year. As such it draws its national roots from the Pilgrims who held such a feast with local Indians in 1621. Another prominent reason nations have declared a day of thanksgiving is a victory in battle. As such the citizens give thanks for the continued safety of the nation. Though thought of by many as a religious holiday, it is really a national holiday. It does not appear on Liturgical Calendars. That does not mean that our faith is not an important part of Thanksgiving. After all, it is to our Triune God that we give thanks. But first and foremost it has historically been a “First Article” festival. That is to say, it deals with the blessings spoken of in the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. In Martin Luther’s Small Catechism he wrote:
The First Article CREATION
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.
He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.
He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.
All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.
This is most certainly true.
At Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) we will have a Thanksgiving Eve worship service, beginning at 7:00 PM. As this is not a major religious festival we will not be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. For our liturgy we will be using Compline (Prayer at the Close of the Day), which begins on page 253. The appointed Psalm is Psalm 67. The antiphon is verse 7. Our Scripture readings are Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, and Matthew 6:25-33. Our hymns will be “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (LSB 790), “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” (LSB 524), “We Give Thee But Thine Own” (LSB 781:1-2, 6), and “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” (LSB 892). The sermon is titled: “How to Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks (in Difficult Times)”.
Following the service our choir will have a practice.
Commemoration of Clement of Rome, Pastor November 23, 2009 The Lord be with you
November 23 is set aside for the commemoration of Clement of Rome on the Church Calendar used in the LCMS. Clement (ca. 35-100 AD) is remembered for having established the pattern of apostolic authority that governed the Christian Church during the first and second centuries. He also insisted on keeping Christ at the center of the Church’s worship and outreach. In a letter to the Christians at Corinth, he emphasized the centrality of Jesus’ death and resurrection: “Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ, realizing how precious it is to His Father, since it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to the whole world” (1 Clement 6:31). Prior to suffering a martyr’s death by drowning, Clement displayed a steadfast, Christ-like love for God’s redeemed people, serving as an inspiration to the future generations to continue to build the Church on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, with Christ as the one and only cornerstone.
Today Lamb of God Lutheran’s (LCMS) Cub Pack 1031 visited the downtown Spartanburg Fire Station. They also got to raise and lower the American Flag outside the City administration building. Talk about a big flag poll! This activity works towards the boys’ citizenship award. The following pictures were taken on this outing.
Blessings in Christ, Pastor John Rickert
That alarm is LOUD!
In the Driver’s seat, how cool!
Check out the cab of this Fire Truck
Ready to wear some Firemen Gear
Cub Master Scott Mullinax and our Cubs treat our flag with respect
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The above is the Nicene Creed as confessed in the LCMS and is a true expression of my faith.
This Creed (or Symbol or Confession) receives its name from the city of Nicaea, where the First Ecumenical Council convened in 325 to frame a statement of faith to meet the challenge of the Arian heresy. This heresy denied the full divinity of Jesus, claiming there was a time when the Son “was not,” and therefore also denied the Trinity. The original creed was good, but lacking in many ways. For example the Third Article about the Holy Spirit simply read “And in the Holy Spirit.”
The Second Ecumenical Council convened in 381 in the city of Constantinople, and they greatly improved the Creed, giving us what we have today except the Latin word Filoque. Technically, then, this creed is known at the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. The word Filoque translates into English as “and the Son.” It is part of the Third Article which deals with the Holy Spirit. It was in general use in the Latin-speaking churches of Western Europe and officially adopted in the late 6th century. However Eastern Churches never accepted this clarification.
In Lutheran Churches we commonly confess in the Third Article “And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church”. A transliteration of the Greek (or Latin for that matter) of the word translated “Christian” is "Catholic." Most churches today simply use the transliteration (Catholic). The word means “universal.” In Germany it was translated into the German language (instead of keeping the Latin) as "Christian." As Lutherans have German roots, we tend to keep the traditional translation used in the German churches for centuries before the Reformation. This has the added blessing of not having to explain all the time that we are not referring to any specific denomination, but rather confess that the faith expressed in the Nicene Creed is the Christian Faith, shared by all who trust in Christ Jesus as revealed in Scripture.
The Nicene Creed is the standard Creed used when a church celebrates the Lord’s Supper. In other services the Apostles’ Creed is typically used. Occasionally the Athanasian Creed is used (typically on Trinity Sunday, which is the First Sunday after Pentecost). The Athanasian Creed is the longest of the three Ecumenical Creeds and remains, in my opinion, the best short explanation of the Trinity the Church has ever developed.
Commemoration of Elizabeth of Hungary November 19, 2009
The Lord be with you
We all mourn the shooting at Fort Hood which killed and wounded so many. But we also are amazed at the politically correct spin which has been applied. At the Baloney Shop that's government inspected baloney. It's time to replace political correctness with complete correctness.
Commemoration of Elizabeth of Hungary November 19, 2009
The Lord be with you Elizabeth of Hungary was born in Pressburg, Hungary, in 1207, the daughter of King Andrew II and his wife, Gerturde. Given as a bride in an arranged political marriage, Elizabeth became the wife of Louis of Thuringia in Germany at age fourteen. She had a spirit of Christian generosity and charity, and the home she established for her husband and three children in the Wartburg Castle at Eisenach was known for its hospitality and family love. Elizabeth often supervised the care of the sick and needy and at one time even gave up her bed to a leper. Widowed at the age of twenty, she made provisions for her children and entered into an austere life as a nun in the Order of Saint Francis. Her self-denial led to failing health and an early death in 1231 at age twenty-four. She is remembered for her self-sacrificing ways and is commemorated through the many hospitals named for her around the world.
Commemoration of Elizabeth of Hungary September 19, 2009
The Lord be with you
Today is set aside to commemorate Elizabeth of Hungary on the Church Calendar used in the LCMS. In another post, I’ll provide some information about her.
This coming Sunday is recognized as the Last Sunday of the Church Year on that same Church Calendar. On some Church Calendars it is designated as Christ the King Sunday, but that name was dropped from our calendars with the introduction of Lutheran Worship back in 1982. It has also been known as the Last Sunday of the End Times on Calendars that mark the last three Sunday’s of the Church Year as the Third-Last Sunday of the End Times, the Second-Last Sunday of the End Times, and the Last Sunday of the End Times. Even though these names are no longer used in the LCMS, the themes they accented are still present in the Propers assigned for the day.
At Lamb of God Lutheran Church we will be using Setting Three of the morning service (AKA the “Divine Service”), which begins on page 184. This service is very similar to the service found in The Lutheran Hymnal, which was the service in the LCMS’s first English hymnal, EvangelicalLutheran Hymn-Book. We “acquired” this service from the old English Synod, which joined the LCMS, becoming the English District. in 1912. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper Sunday.
The appointed lessons for Sunday (November 22) are Isaiah 51:4-6, Jude 20-25, and Mark 13:24-37. The sermon is titled “Christ the King.” While each of the lessons could be used for the text, and will be used in the sermon, the text I’ve selected is Jude 24-25.
The hymnal review committee marked a number of hymns as ones well worth learning by Lamb of God. One of those hymns is “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding” (LSB 345). This hymn was written in Latin around the 5th to the 10th centuries and was translated into English in the 1800’s. So, while the committee didn’t know it, you might. We will be using it, starting this Sunday as our first hymn, and continue to feature it into Advent so we can learn it. Our sermon hymn will be “O Worship the King” (LSB 804). The distribution hymns are “Crown Him with Many Crowns” (LSB 525), “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (LSB 528), and “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” (LSB 643). The closing hymn will be “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” (LSB 918). The Icon on this post is called “Christ the Pantocrator.” Pantocrator is two Greek words that mean “All Powerful” or “Almighty” This one is a copy of a Serbian fresco. The Cyrillic Script in the book held by Christ is John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” but instead of “light of life” it reads “eternal life.” At the top left and right are Greek abbreviations for “Jesus” (IC) and “Christ” (XC). Further down are the Greek letters “O COTHP” which translate “the Savior.” The Greek letters are all capitals. In light of the readings assigned for the day this Icon seems appropriate.
Better Noise has every hymn for Sunday, however due to copywrite laws the words for “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” have not been posted. The link can be found on the right hand sidebar of this webpage. I also found an organ video of this hymn, again without words, which is posted at the end of these notes.
Preview of the Lessons
Isaiah 51:4-6: In verses 1-3 God appeals to humanity to believe in him and live in light of that faith. In verses 4 and 5 God continues that plea, speaking of his righteousness and salvation, which is for all people (coastlands were where the Gentiles lived). Verse 5 reminds us that the things of this world are temporal but the salvation of the Lord is eternal. All earthly glory will pass away, but the gifts of God last forever, therefore we are not to fear what mere humans might do to us (verse 7).
Jude 20-25: The book of Jude is only 25 verses long, the last two verses forming a doxology and the text for Sunday’s sermon. In this reading Jude encourages us to live our lives in light of the Second Coming of Christ.
Mark 13:24-37: Jesus speaks of the signs that we are living in the Last Days, but reminds us not to set dates as even he does not know when the end will come (verse 32). This limitation on the knowledge of Jesus was due to the fact that, during his earthly ministry, he was in his “state of humiliation” (as theologians call it). That means that Jesus laid aside his power, rights, and proagatives as God in order to carry out his mission as Savior. He resumed the full exercise of his Diety when he ascended into heaven (Revelation 4-5). We are not called to seek some date, but to always be “awake,” that is ready, for his return.
Sunday’s Collect
Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gradual (Rev. 7:14b; Ps 84:5)
These are ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Verse (2 Cor. 8:9)
Alleluia. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Alleluia.
Introit (Ps 39:4-5a, 7-8, 12a; antiphon 2 Peter 3:12b)
We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
"As a handful of sand thrown into the ocean, so are the sins of all flesh as compared with the mind of God. Just as a strongly flowing fountain is not blocked up by a handful of earth, so the compassion of the Creator is not overcome by the wickedness of His creatures."
The crucifixion, which ended with the triumphant cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30), was the offering of the all-sufficient sacrifice for the atonement of all sinners. The Man on the cross was the Lamb of God, who bears the sins of the world to carry them away from the face of God. The salvation of the whole world once hung by those three nails of the cross on Golgotha. As the fruit from the wood of the forbidden tree from which the first man once ate brought sin, death, and damnation upon the entire human race, so the fruits of the wood of the cross restored righteousness, life, and blessedness to all people.
On account of this, the cross is both holy and blessed! Once nothing but a dry piece of wood, it was changed, like Aaorn’s staff, into a green branch full of heavenly blossoms and fruit. Once an instrument of torment for the punishment of sinners, it now shines in heavenly splendor for all sinners as a sign of grace. Once the wood of the curse, it has now become, after the Promised Blessing for all people offered Himself up on it, a tree of blessing, an altar of sacrifice for the atonement, and a sweet-smelling aroma to God. Today, the cross is still a terror—but only to hell. It shines upon its ruins as a sign of the victory over sin, death, and Satan. With a crushed head, the serpent of temptation lies at the foot of the cross. It is a picture of eternal comfort upon which the dimming eye of the dying longingly looks, the last anchor of his hope and the only light that shines in the darkness of death.
This coming Sunday, the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the adult Bible study at Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) will continue its series titled “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible” by considering the question: “Can the un-baptized go to heaven?” No doubt whoever submitted this question has asked it many times and received honest and faithful responses, but the settings probably were such that only a quick answer could be given (such as Sunday morning between Sunday school and worship services). Pastors probably referred the individual to the catechism or other instructional material already in the possession of the individual, knowing the answer was there either explicitly or implicitly. Without having time to give the theological foundation for the answer based on Scripture, the question continues to roll around in the mind, not quite satisfied. So Sunday we will take the time to look at Bible passages about faith, baptism, salvation, etc., and think through them. We will then give a response that is based on something solid, not simply on what feels right but is uncertain, and thus have an answer that will hopefully stick. The study is titled “Baptism and Heaven.” We begin at 9:00 AM.
Lamb of God’s (LCMS) Cub Scout Pack 1031 will be visiting and receiving a tour of Spartanburg’s main Fire Station Saturday, November 21. We will meet at church at 9:30 AM, leaving for the station around 9:45.
Yesterday I posted a blog about violinist Joshua Bell playing in the Washington DC Metro station. At the end I said I didn’t know if it was a true story or not. In a comment on that story I reported that it was indeed a true story, and the link to the Washington Post article is given. I have now found a video of Bell playing one of the pieces while people walk by. People just walk by the beauty of Bell’s performance, much like people pass by the great beauty of God’s free grace in Christ Jesus. Enjoy the performance, even if you might not enjoy what the response of the by-passers says about us.
This past Saturday (November 14) the Church Calendar has set aside for the Commemoration of Emperor Justinian, Christian Ruler and Confessor of Christ. I missed posting something about it, so I thought I’d put something up now. As my mother used to say, “Better late than never.” Justinian was emperor of the Easter Roman Empire from 527 to 565 AD, when the empire was in decline. With his beautiful and capable wife, Theodora, he restored splendor and majesty to the Byzantine court. During his reign, the empire experienced a renaissance, due in large part to his ambition, intelligence, and strong religious convictions, Justinian also attempted to bring unity to a divided Church. He was a champion of orthodox Christianity and sought agreement among the parties in the Christological controversies of the day as the groups disputed the relation between the divine and human natures in the person of Christ. The Fifth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 533 AD was held during his reign and addressed this dispute. Justinian died in his eighties without having accomplished his desire to forge an empire that was firmly Christian and orthodox.
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
Remember to stop and smell the roses and listen to the music every once in a while.
* This was sent to me by a friend. I really don't know if it is a "true story" or not. However is seems true to life as I know people often overlook the Gospel because it is free.
Lamb of God’s Cub Scouts (Pack 1031) did a great job with their pop corn sales. Thank you to the church members who purchased some. Today Cub Master Scott Mullinax picked-up our first load and our members will be able to pick-up their orders Sunday. Our cubs will pick-up the orders they will be delivering at the Tuesday pack meeting.
Our order is a little short, but will be made-up from the extra that pack 53 (Gaffney) had to order. Scott will pick it up and have it here before the Tuesday pack meeting.
I love stories like these. Scientists who become cheaters and frauds. I like them so much because they remind me that science is human. That the grand temples of human inquiry we build and pay homage to are, in the end, inventions of our mind. They are not facts but fallible explanations of facts. They are human attempts to explain what we encounter. Science is not the universe; it is tiny silly people looking at the universe. (For the rest of Rev. Alms comments click here.)
Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) is the sponsoring church of a Lutheran Mission in Beaufort, SC. Rev. Ted Crandall, our Associate Pastor, lives in the area and is directing this God pleasing work.
The Mission started in March at Helena House, a retirement home in Beaufort. A few of the residents desired a worship service, and Pastor Crandall, recently retired from the Navy, agreed to provide those services, which began in March of this year. At this time there was nothing “official” about this gathering. There was a need and Pastor Crandall was happy to fill it, much like most any pastor would provide services at a retirement home. However attendance began to grow, and the need to do something more “official” became apparent. This is where Lamb of God enters the story. We issued Pastor Crandall a call to be our Associate Pastor, specifically commissioned to start a Lutheran Church in Beaufort. This would no longer simply be a service provided to the residents of Helena House, but would be heading towards the establishing of a new congregation. Pastor Crandall accepted the call and was installed August 30, 2009.
The work continued to be blessed by the Lord and the services were attended, not only with residents from Helena House, but also by non-residents. Several Sundays’ attendance was over 30, which exceeded the space available. Helena House administrators asked the Mission to find a new site, which they did. Beginning September 20, 2009, the Mission began meeting at 1013 Charles St. However Pastor Crandall continues to provide services at Helena House, but on Tuesday evenings at 7:00. Nearly all the Helena House residents attend. As you might expect, without the regular attendees from Helena House that can’t make it to the new worship site due to physical limitations, Sunday services took a dip. However, because many of the Mission members are not residents of Helena House, and because eight of the Helena House residents can attend worship services at the new sight, attendance remains strong, averaging 20. Their largest post-move attendance so far has been 27. Their largest pre-move attendance was 37.
Because the Beaufort Mission is not a chartered congregation (yet) they cannot officially receive members. Instead, those who wish to associate with the Mission can either have their membership transferred to Lamb of God, or they can maintain their membership in their “old” church until the mission charters. We have received transfers for two families (seven individuals) not counting Pastor Crandall and his family (who are members of Lamb of God).
At Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) we will be using the Service of Prayer and Preaching this coming Sunday, November 15, which is the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost. There is only one more Sunday after this one in the Church Year as November 29 marks the beginning of the Advent Season and the beginning of a new Church Year. Traditionally the Propers in these final Sunday’s focus on End Times themes. This does not mean that I will have charts and maps with circles and arrows trying to explain how Russia, China, and so on, are going to attack Israel, or how we need to watch out for the one-world-government that wants to tattoo numbers on you. Such speculations are not biblical. But if these highly publicized false doctrines are not what the Bible reveals about the End, what does it reveal? That is what the sermon will be about, which is titled “Final Things.” The text will be Mark 13:13. The appointed lessons are Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-13 and Psalm 16 (antiphon verse 11). Our hymns will be “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” (LSB 508), “Christ Is Surely Coming” (LSB 509), and “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (LSB 516). This final hymn was written in German by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608) and was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth (1827-78). Winkworth is not commemorated in our Church Year Calendars, but if I selected the saints we would so honor, she would be one of them. More than any other single person, she helped bring the German chorale tradition to the English speaking world. Her translations continue to be used more than the translations of any other person.
Better Noise has every hymn for Sunday. The link can be found on the right hand sidebar of this webpage. I found a wonderful vided of “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” by the PMEA District 9 Chorus. Now we will not sound like this in church Sunday, but you should enjoy and recognize the hymn. It is at the end of these notes.
Preview of the Lessons
Daniel 12:1-3: The Archangel Michael (whose name means “Who is like God?”) appears in verse one and is designated the “great prince who has charge of your people.” In chapter 10 he overcame the evil angel who guided the kingdom of Persia. Here he again aids the people of God in the final days. While the Church of Christ is always opposed by the World and Satan, as the end of all things approaches such persecution increases. Without such support as that given by Michael, the Church would not stand. But Christ has promised that the Church will stand (Matthew 16:18) and to fulfill his promise Christ does indeed give us his aid. These verses take us to the very Final Day, when Christ returns and raises the dead. Those who have rejected Christ are raised to “shame and everlasting contempt.” Those who have received Christ “shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Thus we are reminded that the final state of all believers is greater than we can now imagine, but the final state of those who are active in sharing Christ is exponentially greater.
Hebrews 10:11-25: We continue our continuous reading from the book of Hebrews. The book continues to accent the superior nature of Christianity over the Jewish Faith. As is the writers practice, he makes his argument based on the Old Testament. Here he points out that the sacrifices made by the priests have to be repeated over and over again. Clearly, then, they are not getting the job done. Christ was offered as a sacrifice only once. He got the job done (v. 11). After completing his holy task Jesus ascended to heaven and resumed the full use of his divine power (v. 12). His rule is now hidden, but will one day be manifest to all (v. 13). That Day, of course, is the Day of Judgment. Hebrews then returns to the point of Jesus as the superior sacrifice (v 14) by which the Old Covenant is supplanted by the New Covenant (vs 15-16). The New Covenant provides us with a new way to live, which is by grace, by the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus and freely given by faith (v 17). Because of the grace earned by Christ on the Cross, we can now boldly come to God with our prayers, not worried if we are worthy, for Christ has made us worthy (vs 19-21). Our baptism brought us this faith and new relationship (v. 23). Therefore we are to encourage each other to remain faithful (v. 23), in love and good works (v. 24), and in worshiping together (v. 25). The closer we come to the Last Day the more important this is (v. 25).
Mark 13:1-13: This account takes place in the final week of the earthly life of Jesus. He and his disciples are leaving the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a magnificent building. A portion of one wall remains today and is commonly called the “Wailing Wall.” [The Temple Mound today has the Dome of the Rock built on it, a deliberate effort of the Moslem conquerors to claim this Jewish holy site as their own. However the Moslems did not destroy the Temple; that was done by the Romans in 70 AD. The Romans also expelled the Jews from Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock was completed in 691, after the Moslems conquered this area of the Byzantine Empire, making the Dome of the Rock the oldest extant Islamic building in the world.] Christ’s disciples were impressed with the Temple and made comments about this to Jesus. Jesus responded by telling them it would be destroyed. Later they ask Jesus when the temple would be destroyed, and what would be the sign that these things would be accomplished. Little did they know, but they were asking two questions. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans was a “type” of the final days of our fallen world. So the following words of our Lord apply, not only to the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans, but also to the life of the Church in these Latter Days. As we will be examining these very things in Sunday’s sermon, I’ll say no more now.
Sunday’s Collect
O Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gradual (Rev. 7:14b; Ps 84:5)
These are ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Verse (2 Cor. 8:9)
Alleluia. The one who endures to the end will be saved. Alleluia.
Psalm 16 (antiphon verse 11)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel, in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or le your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Commemoration of Martin of Tours, Pastor Veterans Day November 11, 2009
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday (Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost) the adult Sunday school class at Lamb of God Lutheran Church (LCMS) will continue its series titled “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible” in which we examine questions submitted by people concerning the Bible that have puzzled them in the past. This week’s question is: “Why does God use ‘casting lots’ to decide things, which seems like chance or magic or gambling?”
The casting of lots to make a decision is more prevalent in the pages of the Bible than a casual reader might at first think. I found nearly 50 references! So, if this practice has always puzzled you, come to class Sunday. We begin at 9:00 AM. I’ve titled the study, A “Chance” Discovery of God’s Will.
Commemoration of Martin of Tours, Pastor Veterans Day November 11, 2009
The Lord be with you
On the Church Year Calendar used in the LCMS, today recognizes Martin of Tours. He was born into a pagan family in what is now Hungary around 316 AD. He died November 9, 397 and was buried November 11. Martin grew up in Lombardy (Italy). Coming to the Christian faith as a young person, he began a career in the Roman army. But sensing a call to a church vocation, Martin left the military and became a monk, affirming that he was “Christ’s soldier.” Eventually, Martin was named bishop of Tours in western Gall (France). He is remembered for his simple lifestyle and his determination to share the Gospel throughout rural Gall, traveling extensively. He was a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers and a champion of the biblical doctrines of the Trinity and the Divine and human natures of Jesus, battling the Arianism of the Visigothic nobility.
As today is also Veterans Day, people might be interested in another little tidbit about Martin of Tours. During the Middle Ages, the relic of St. Martin’s cloak, (cappa Sancti Martini), conserved at the Marmoutier Abbey, near to Tours, became one of the most sacred relics of the Frankish kings. It would be carried everywhere the king went, even into battle, as a holy relic upon which oaths were sworn. The cloak is first attested in the royal treasury in 679, when it was conserved at the palatium of Luzarches, a royal villa that was later ceded to the monks of Saint-Denis by Charlemagne, in 798/99. The priest who cared for the cloak in its reliquary was called a cappellanu, and ultimately all priests who served the military were called cappellani. The French translation is chapelains, which is where the English word, "chaplain" derives from. One of the many services a chaplain can provide is spiritual and pastoral support for military service personnel by performing religious services at sea or in the battlefield.
Incidentally, on St. Martin’s Day in 1483, the one-day-old son of Hans and Margarette Luther was baptized and given the name “Martin” Luther.
Tuesday after the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost Martin Luther’s Birthday November 10, 2009
The Lord be with you
Martin Luther was born November 10, 1483 to Hans and Margareth in Eisleben, Germany. He is considered the Father of Protestantism and the founder of Lutheranism. He was one of the most influential men of history and, to be honest, you cannot understand the world we live in without having some understanding of Luther’s influence.
One way to measure a person’s influence is by noting how much has been written about them. In the case of Martin Luther, no one has had more written about him except our Lord Jesus. Of course much of what has been written about him is in foreign languages. In the English language he drops to number three, preceded by Jesus (again number 1) and Abraham Lincoln. One little known fact about Luther is that he was the first person in history who could be readily recognized by the masses who had never met him. That was because of the printing press and woodcuts. The Reformation was a media sensation, being carried by the new invention of printing with movable type. Luther was a writing machine and everything he wrote sold. Many of these tracts, pamphlets and books had woodcut representations of Martin Luther. Through this medium his face became known far and wide.
On this day we give thanks for Martin Luther, the Father of the Reformation.
Tuesday after the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 2009
The Lord be with you
My father was a career officer in the US Marines. He served in World War II and retired in San Diego, CA. Today is the “birthday” of the US Marines, which were originally formed on November 10, 1775. Tomorrow is Veterans Day and so I want to mention the other military connections in my family. My mother was a Navy nurse during WWII and served many years in VA hospitals, first in California and then in Florida. My oldest brother was in the Army and spent most of his time in Korea. I served in the Army also, spending most of my time at Ft. Bragg, NC. My son Isaiah is in the Army Reserves and has served in Iraq. My son’s wife, Athena, is also in the Army Reserves and has served in Iraq and currently is in Afghanistan. Finally, as far as my family goes, my wife Kitty actually served a month or so in the Army but she realized the military was not for her. She received an honorable discharge. Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) also has two sons in the Army, David and Lucas Schuette. David is in demolition removals (he goes out and clears the roads, etc.). Lucas is a medic. They are in transit to Afghanistan.
I’m sure everyone wishes that none of our troops ever were sent into harms way, but that is not the world we live in. We can support our troops in many ways but one of the most powerful is to keep them in our prayers. We ask God, not only for their safety, but also that peace may come to the lands where they serve.
We may be able to understand why this war or that war began, but it is often difficult to understand the Divine perspective. What is God doing? We may not see how, but what God is doing is seeking to bring the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus to all who are lost in the darkness of sin. So we also pray for the expansion of God’s kingdom.
Happy birthday Marines, and to all our veterans – have a blessed Veterans Day.
Commemoration of Martin Chemnitz, Pastor and Confessor November 9, 2009
The Lord be with you
On the Church Year Calendar used in the LCMS, today has been designated for remembering Martin Chemnitz. Aside from Martin Luther, Martin Chemnitz (1522-86) is regarded as the most important theologian in the history of the Lutheran Church. Chemnitz combined a penetrating intellect and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Scripture and the Church Fathers with a genuine love for the Church. When various doctrinal disagreements broke out after Luther’s death in 1546, Chemnitz determined to give himself fully to the restoration of unity in the Lutheran Church. He became the leading spirit and principal author of the 1577 Formula of Concord, which settled the doctrinal disputes on the basis of Scripture and largely succeeded in restoring unity among Lutherans Chemnitz also authored the four volume Examination of the Council of Trent (1565-73), in which he rigorously subjected the teachings of this Roman Catholic Council to the judgment of Scripture and the ancient Church Fathers. The Examination became the definitive Lutheran answer to the Council of Trent, as well as a thorough exposition of the faith of the Augsburg Confession. A theologian and a churchman, Chemnitz was truly a gift of God to the Church.
If you would like to know more about Martin Chemnitz I recommend the book The Second Martin, The Life and Theology of Martin Chemnitz by J.A.O. Preus, former president of the LCMS. It is published by Concordia Publishing House.
Commemoration of Johannes von Staupitz, Luther’s Father Confessor November 8, 2009
The Lord be with you
Today, on the Church Calendar used in the LCMS, has been set aside to commemorate Johannes von Staupitz (ca. 1469-1524). Born in Saxony, he was the vicar-general of the Augustinian Order in Germany and friend of Martin Luther. He studied at the universities in Leipzig and Colonge and served on the faculty at Cologne. In 1503, he was called by Frederick the Wise to serve as dean of the theological faculty at the newly founded University of Wittenberg. There Staupitz encouraged Luther to attain a doctorate in theology and appointed Luther as his successor to professor of Bible at the university. During Luther’s early struggles to understand God’s grace, it was Staupitz who counseled Luther to focus on Christ and not on himself.
This post must come under the heading of “better late than never.” This coming Sunday at Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) the adult Bible study will be looking at Jeremiah 20:7, where Jeremiah complains:
O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me.
The Commemoration of Zecharias and Elizabeth November 5, 2009
The Lord be with you
On the calendar used by the LCMS, today is the Commemoration of Zecharias and Elizabeth. I thought, therefore, I’d share something about this couple.
Zecharias and Elizabeth were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). Zecharias, a priest in the Jerusalem temple, was greeted by the angel Gabriel, who announced that Zecharias and Elizabeth would become parents of a son. Initially, Zecharias did not believe Gabriel’s announcement because of their old age. For his disbelief, Zecharias became unable to speak. After their son was born, Elizabeth named their son John, as Gabriel had instructed Zecharias. The neighbors found it an odd name because no one in the family had been named “John.” Zecharias confirmed the name and his ability to speak was restored. In response, he sang the Benedictus, a magnificent summary of God’s promises in the Old Testament and a prediction of John’s work as forerunner to Jesus (Luke 1:68-79). Zecharias and Elizabeth are remembered as examples of faithfulness and piety.
Zecharias’ song is called the Benedictus because the first word in Latin, the standard Bible for over 1,000 years, is “benedictus.”
Thursday after All Satins’ Day Commemoration of Zacharias and Elizabeth September 5, 2009
The Lord be with you
Many of you already know about this, it has been making the rounds, but it is worth a post because some might not know. It is a way to say “thank you” to our troops who serve, placing their lives on the line. Please watch the following video.
Thursday after All Satins’ Day Commemoration of Zacharias and Elizabeth September 5, 2009
The Lord be with you
This coming Sunday, November 8, is the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost. At Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS) we will be using the first setting of the Morning (Divine) Service, which begins on page 151 of the hymnal. This will be a Communion Service. Our appointed lessons are 1 Kings 17:8-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, and Mark 12:38-44. The sermon text is Mark 12:38 and is titled “It’s Showtime!” Our opening hymn will be “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty,” LSB 901. The Sermon hymn will be “The Temple Rang with Golden Coins,” LSB 787. Our Closing hymn will be “May God Bestow on Us His Grace” LSB 824. The Distribution hymns will be “Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray” LSB 623, “Take My Life and Let it Be” LSB 784, and “Come, My Soul, with Every Care” LSB 779.
Better Noise has every hymn for Sunday except “Come My Soul, with Every Care,” which no one seems to have. I found a video of a Lutheran congregation singing “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty.” It is an installation service. Though they are not “choir” quality, they sing with gusto. The embedding for the video has been disabled, but if you click here you will go to it and can listen.
Preview of the Lessons
1 Kings 17:8-16: This is a portion of the story about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. The drought was dragging on as the Lord disciplined his people for worshiping Baal. Elijah is sent to this widow, who would provide for him. The Lord provides for her by miraculously extending her supply of oil and flour. One thing we can draw from this story is the importance of putting God first, as this widow did. Another is that God does care and provide for us, even in difficult times. It actually is a good stewardship text.
Hebrews 9:24-28: The writer continues to show the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. In this case Christ is the superior sacrifice, needing to be made only once. Through this sacrifice entrance into the true Holy Place, heaven, is gained.
Mark 12:38-44: Christ and his disciples are at the Temple. He warns against a “for-show” religion. Then a poor widow comes with a meager offering, worth about half a cent. Others had been giving much, much larger sums. Jesus points to the widow as a model of giving, for she gave out of the funds needed for necessities while the others gave from their disposable income. Again this is a good stewardship text. It is also good to accent how God has regard for that which humanity looks down upon. Jesus once said, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Sunday’s Collect
Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Grant us so firmly to believe in Your Son Jesus that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gradual (Rev. 7:14b; Ps 84:5)
These are ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Verse (2 Cor. 8:9)
Alleluia. You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Alleluia.
Introit (Ps. 107:1-2, 41-42; antiphon: Ps. 107:8)
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble. He raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!
This past Sunday was All Saints’ Day. In light of that, I thought I’d quote a 20th Century saint as he wrote about the saints that came before him, and the saints who were alive in his day.
Patriarchs of sacred story And the prophets there are found; The apostles, too, in glory On twelve seats are there enthroned All the saints that have ascended Age on age, through time extended, There in blissful concert sing Hallelujahs to their King.
Thus the old funeral hymn ... speaks of the church of all the perfected in heaven (cf. Heb 12:22-23). And this thought of the fathers of the church who have preceded us into heaven rings through the centuries down to Wilhelm Lohe's hymn on the Sacrament, where it says of heaven: "There the angel host stands inflamed in your [God's] light, and my fathers gaze upon your sight." All the saints, from the beginning of the world who have died believing in the Redeemer, whether he was yet to come or had come in the flesh, all members of the people of God of all times to the present day—in this sense, all are fathers of the church. Whether Christians have found themselves in the loneliness of a Siberian prison camp or the isolation of the diaspora or suffering inner alienation within the great secularized "churches" of our century, it has become even more the consolation of those who have suffered for the sake of the church and whom God has led on a “lonely path” to know that they are not alone in the one church of God. They who have been removed from every error and sin of the earthly church stand with us in the seamless fellowship of the body of Christ. Hermann Sasse
Hermann Sasse (July 17,1895 to August 9, 1976) was born in Germany, became a Lutheran pastor and theologian, opposed Adolph Hitler, emigrated to Australia in 1949 where he served on the faculty of the seminary of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia (later merged into the Lutheran Church of Australia) until his death. He was one of the leading (some say “the” leading) voice of Confessional Lutheranism in his day.
“How mighty is the grace of water, in the sight of God and His Christ, for the confirmation of Baptism! Never is Christ without water: He who is Himself baptized in water (Matt 3:13-17); inaugurates in water the first display of His power when invited to the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11); in His preaching He invites the thirsty to His own eternal water (John 7:37-38; John 4:6ff.); He approves, among the works of charity, the cup of water offered to a poor child (Matthew 10:42); He gathered His strength at a well (John 4:6); walks over the water (Matthew 14:25ff.); calms the waves (Mark 4:39); and serves His disciples with washing by water (John 13:5). Even His Passion bears witness to the power of Baptism’s waters, for while He was being handed over to the cross, water intervened and was a witness against Pilate’s hands (Matthew 27:24). And when He is wounded, after His death, water bursts forth from His side that had been pierced with the soldier’s lance (John 19:34).” Tertullian, On Baptism IX.
This quote is found in Treasury of Daily Prayer, published by Concordia Publish House. Tertullian (160-230 AD) was an early Christian theologian and founder of Western theology who was the first great Latin Christian writer.
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