Welcome to Christ Lutheran Church
Divine Service 10:30 am
We provide a traditional LCMS service using the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) every Sunday morning at 10:30am central time, preceded by Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:00am. If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person due to Covid-19, or other reasons, please join us online via Facebook Live. (Facebook account required.)
Activities
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- March 2 service and other information
Brothers and sisters, greetings to you in the name of our powerful and glorious Savior, Jesus Christ. In explaining the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven), Martin Luther wrote, “God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come.” And God’s will is also done “when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.” So we regularly pray that God’s will would be done among us. I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday as another opportunity to take part in publicly observing God’s will.
Let me begin by reminding you of a few things. This coming Wednesday, March 5 is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season. I encourage you to attend the weekly midweek services leading up to Easter. The services are scheduled to start at 6:30 pm.
Please also make plans to attend this year’s German Sausage Dinner (GSD) scheduled for May 3rd, the first Saturday of the month. It helps us raise some funds to support God’s ministry here, but we hope you also enjoy the good food and music, and have opportunity to meet some new and old friends.
On Sunday March 2nd we will commemorate the Transfiguration of our Lord. Three of Jesus’ disciples were given a glimpse of Him in His divine glory. They are amazed as they also see and hear long gone Old Testament heroes Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus about His approaching departure. From that moment Jesus’ ministry would take a more direct path to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, resurrected, and ascended.
We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #874 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright; #602 The Gifts Christ Freely Gives; and #414 ‘Tis Good Lord to Be Here.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 99:1-5, 9; Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36.
Psalm 99 rejoices over the greatness of God. There is no one else like Him. We should be awed by His divine power and holiness. He rules with justice and righteousness. His reign extends over all things. Throughout history people have called on God. He disciplines but He also forgives. The writer of the psalm encourages each of us to join in worshipping and exalting God, thanking and praising Him for His gifts to us.
Deuteronomy 34 reports on the death of the Old Testament leader Moses. God had chosen him to lead the Israelites out of captivity and slavery in Egypt, through the trials of the Sinai desert, and to the promised land of Canaan. God takes Moses to the top of a mountain so that he might see into the Promised Land. But as punishment from God, he would not be allowed to enter. Years earlier, Moses had not acted in faith toward God at Meribah (Numbers 20:11-31). The people of Israel had been thirsty. God heard their cries and said He would bring water out of a rock. Rather than trusting the Word of God, Moses instead twice struck the rock with his staff. Even so, God had continued to sustain and guide Moses for many years and through many trials. When Moses died, God took care of his burial. You may find it surprising that even though Moses did not enter the Promised Land of Canaan during his earthly life, he was allowed to stand there with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses is often associated with Old Testament Law. Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of that Law for us, redeeming us, setting you free from the Law’s condemnations. Consider what that means for your eternal rest.
Moses is considered a great hero of the Old Testament. In Hebrews Chapter 3, using the image of a household, the argument is made that Jesus is far greater than Moses. It is true that Moses was a faithful servant in the house of God, but Jesus is the Son and owner and builder of the house. You and I (as the Church) are also members of His house as we trust in Him. Do not wait for some future day to follow Jesus. Tomorrow may not come. Consider the destruction of those rebellious Israelites who were unfaithful to God during the wilderness journey. Their unbelief excluded them from receiving the benefit of God’s promises.
The gospel lesson is St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Three of the apostles see Jesus metamorphose into dazzling light, and overhear His conversation with Moses and Elijah. These two Bible heroes represent the Law and the Prophets and their words which testify to Jesus. By the apostles’ report, we are given an image of the divine glory that belongs to Jesus. It is a glory largely hidden in the suffering He endured during His earthly ministry and in His crucifixion. But Jesus’ glory is revealed more fully in His resurrection and ascension. As we enter the season of Lent, we will be considering Jesus’ suffering and death and what that accomplished for us sinners. The Transfiguration is another epiphany that points us to the heavenly home Jesus is preparing for those who trust Him. Jesus reigns there even now in all glory and holiness. We should be comforted to know that He is in control of all things. Neither death nor the devil can stop Jesus from carrying out His saving work.
COLLECT: O Father God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshadowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests, or questions about worship schedules or the Sunday lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 23 service
Greetings to you in the name of our living Savior, Jesus Christ. In explaining the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Hallowed be Thy name), Martin Luther wrote, “God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven!” This Sunday is another opportunity to hold God’s word sacred by gladly hearing and learning it. You might also plan to attend Lenten season midweek services beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 5.
Sunday February 23rd is the seventh Sunday after the Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #905 Come Thou Almighty King; #845 Where Love and Charity Prevail; and #’706 Love in Christ is Strong and Living. We’ll include two hymns to be sung during the distribution of communion #704 Renew Me, O Eternal Light and #692 Praise to You and Adoration.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 103:1-13; Genesis 45:3-15; 1 Corinthians 15:21-26 and 30-42; and Luke 6:27-38.
Psalm 103 is a psalm of David. He praises God for His redemptive mercy, caring for His people’s bodies and souls. There will be times of suffering and times when we feel we are being punished. But David tells himself and each of us to never forget God’s compassion and mercy. He does not treat us the way we deserve for our sin, but instead does good things for us. David points ahead to the truth– God’s mercy is demonstrated in Jesus who has redeemed us from the pit of death. Let us give proper fear, honor, and love to God for His undeserved favor. Bless the Lord O my sou, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
Genesis 45 reports on a portion of the life of Old Testament patriarch Joseph, son of Jacob/Israel. You probably know the story of Joseph’s boyhood. At the time Joseph was the youngest son of Jacob, and his father spoiled him. He told his older brothers of dreams that they would one day bow before him. His brothers responded by plotting to kill him, but at the last moment sold him into Egyptian slavery instead. But Joseph God while enduring a series of ups and downs, including promotions and jail time. Joseph was able to interpret some of the Pharaoh’s dreams and foretold a coming famine. Joseph was given authority to manage crops and stockpile food, so the Egyptians were ready when the famine came. In a surprising twist, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. When they made their request for food, they did not recognize him. In the text we will read Sunday, Joseph reveals his identity to them. Fear and dread came over the brothers as they were sure Joseph would seek revenge against them. Instead, Joseph showed them mercy. Time and suffering had matured Joseph. He recognized that God had brought these events all about so that their lives would be spared. Joseph told his brothers that he was not angry and would not punish them. God turned a sad story about a dysfunctional family and envious, hateful brothers into a joyous story of reconciliation. Joseph’s mercy towards his brothers is a foretaste of the mercy and forgiveness Jesus has shown to us. Our sin was a cause of His suffering and death. Rather than seeking revenge against us, Jesus welcomes us and reassures us that His crucifixion was part of God’s plan to rescue us all from His judgment. Jesus has paid for your sin and welcomes you as a member of His family. He empowers us to forgive others as He has forgiven us.
The epistle lesson from 1 Corinthians 15 is a continuation of St. Paul’s explanation of the resurrection of the dead. Jesus is raised bodily from the dead. His victory over death becomes the open portal for us all. Paul writes to assure you, that even as we die because we are descendants of Adam, you will also be raised from the dead to live forever in a new glorious body because you are connected to Jesus. Because Jesus lives, you too shall live forever as you trust in Him.
The gospel lesson recorded by St. Luke is a continuation of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain which we began reading last week. After giving assurance to His disciples of the blessings they receive as His disciples, He had also warned them against being lackadaisical and taking His blessings for granted or assuming they deserved those benefits. In the verses we will read Sunday, Jesus explains what love is and encourages His disciples to live a life of love. His instruction includes what we often call the golden rule: As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Love is expressed in showing mercy even to our enemies, just as God has shown mercy and reconciled Himself to you through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
COLLECT: Father God, You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Grant us the love of Jesus that we may honor You and love others in our words and our actions; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 16 service
Grace and peace to you in the name of our living Savior, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to set aside time to attend the church service Sunday to hear God’s word and receive His gifts of forgiveness.
Sunday February 16th is the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #904 Blessed Jesus at Your Word; #705 The Man is Surely Blessed; #557 Seek Where You May to Find a Way; and #707 Oh that the Lord Would Guide My Ways.
The Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; and Luke 6:17-26. As I read through these passages I noticed a number of contrasts contained in each one.
In Psalm 1 the psalmist describes the contrast between those whom God blesses, and those who are not. Described another way, the psalm points out those who are righteous, meditating on and following God’s words, in contrast to those who scoff at God’s word and join themselves to sinners. Imagery in the psalm describes the blessed as deep rooted trees with a flourishing fruitful life, while the wicked scoffers will wither and perish on the day of judgment.
In the Old Testament reading, God speaks through the prophet to contrast blessing from curse. We speak of ‘blessings’ or ‘blessedness’ in various ways, so it can be difficult to define. ‘Blessing’ as used in the Bible to describe people has to do with being favored by God, being recipients of His benefits, including favorable physical conditions like health and prosperity. But ‘blessing’ also includes spiritual assurance, peace, and contentedness that flow from God’s constant kindness and generosity, even when conditions are otherwise difficult. God promises blessings to those who trust Him. Cursing on the the other hand is to ask God to remove favor, to urge Him to inflict harm, destruction and death upon someone. Very similar sounding to Psalm 1, God promises blessings of life on those who trust Him. In contrast, He threatens and curses those who trust in man and personal abilities rather than trusting Him.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of Chapter 15 of St. Paul’s letter to the congregation in Corinth. Paul rhetorically proposes two possibilities–there is no such thing as physical resurrection from the dead , or there is a resurrection. If there is no resurrection, Jesus is still dead, and we will die in our sin separated from God, and that will be our end. Any talk of resurrection would be a lie against God. But in fact Jesus is raised from the dead. Hundreds were witnesses to this miracle. And because Jesus is resurrected and alive, we who trust in Him will also be raised from the dead to live eternal life just as He promised. People may argue about details of what is is to be Christian. Paul argues that our eternity and everything we teach and hope for depends on this crucified and resurrected Jesus. Saving faith is anchored on the fact that Jesus is alive forever.
The Gospel lesson describes people coming from all over the country to see and hear Jesus. As is His habit, He miraculously heals the sick and demon-possessed. The miracles reinforce His teaching. Luke reports on what Jesus teaches, what is often called the ‘sermon on the plain’. Jesus lists a series of blessings to be enjoyed by those who trust in Him even in difficult conditions. Jesus also lists a number of ‘woes’ that will be inflicted on those who are enjoying life. This may sound confusing–Jesus is promising blessing on those whose depend on Him and suffer on His account. They look forward to the heaven that is coming. But in contrast, Jesus warns of curses that will fall upon those who merely live for today, ignoring Jesus’ words and giving no thought to how He has come to ensure our future. Blessing is obviously better than curses. Jesus is the one which is in your future. He encourages all people to be His disciples, to receive His blessings and avoid the curses coming to unbelievers. As the psalmist put in Psalm 1, ‘the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.’ Promise and warning. Gospel and Law. These are the words of Jesus that members of His church continue to speak.
COLLECT: Merciful Father, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who justly suffer the consequences of our sin may be delivered by Your goodness to the glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
As another reminder, Ash Wednesday is March 5 and the beginning of the season of Lent. You are encouraged to attend midweek services beginning at 6:30 pm.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- February 9 service
Greetings in the name of Christ, our Savior. I encourage you to attend church tomorrow to receive the gifts He gives there. February 9 is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Scripture texts assigned to the day are Psalm 138; Isaiah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 14 12b-20; and Luke 5:1-11.
The Old Testament lesson and the gospel lesson both speak to the awesome absolute, infinite, holiness of God and Jesus. Such holiness exposes the profane earthly ways of us sinners. Both lessons also include a surprise, as God and Jesus choose sinful men to proclaim the Word of God. Through the saving work of Jesus, God the Father forgives and welcomes sinners. Don’t run to hide from Him, but run to Him that you may be saved from condemnation and separation.
The opening verses of the 6th Chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy describe the prophet’s Call to serve God. In the temple, Isaiah sees God. It is unclear if this is a ‘vision’, or an actual sighting of God extending out from the Most holy place of the temple, and surrounded by angels. In either case, Isaiah has reason to cry out, ‘Woe!’, an expression of great distress, usually indicating fear of approaching death or destruction. (Note that Chapter 5, preceding this reading, includes six woes and three judgments.) In the presence of holy God, Isaiah is made keenly aware of his sinful self and his sinful context—he is a man of unclean lips living among people with unclean lips. In the days of Moses, God has warned that no one sees Him and lives. Isaiah trembles as he considers his ‘lost’ condition. But God in his mercy sends an angel to take a burning coal from the incense censer on the altar, and to touch the coal to Isaiah’s lips, an act of purification. In God’s eyes, Isaiah has had his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. God commissions Isaiah to speak His words of warning and words of comfort to the people. In His word, God offers life and salvation. It is wise to listen to Him.
The Gospel reading describes a similar event. Jesus is teaching God’s word to the crowds. He confirms the authority of His teaching, by performing a miracle. He leads Peter and his partners to catch a large number of fish despite what would normally be a near impossible situation. Jesus has once again demonstrated His divine power. Peter responds like the prophet Isaiah, crying out, confessing his sinful condition, and fearing that Jesus’ divine holiness will destroy him. Instead, Jesus uses the surprising catch of fish as a metaphor for Peter’s (and the other apostles’) future vocation as fishers of men. Jesus uses sinful spokesmen to speak His word that the Church may increase. We are not apostles, but we Christians each have opportunity to bear witness to Jesus, and to tell other people about the life and salvation He has made available. As you speak the word of God to them, the Holy Spirit will use it to accomplish His purposes.
The epistle lesson is a portion of the 15th Chapter of St. Paul’s first letter to the congregation in Corinth (southern Greece). Paul addresses questions about spiritual gifts, especially the role of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues was considered by many to indicate a ‘super Christian’, that is someone especially spiritual. Paul corrects that thinking by pointing out the far greater importance of being able to articulate the gospel in a way people can understand. Instead of envying those who speak in tongues, use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you to proclaim the gospel, and to instruct and encourage others in their Christian walk.
Hymns chosen for the day are #507 Holy, Holy, Holy; #856 O Christ Who Called the Twelve; #621 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence; and #830 Spread the Reign of God the Lord.
COLLECT: Gracious Father God keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith, so that relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- January 19 service
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you as we continue through the season of Epiphany. I encourage you to come to church Sunday to hear God’s Word and to receive His gifts of forgiveness.
A shrimp boil and sale are scheduled for next Saturday January 25, from 11 am to 2 pm, or we sell out. Price is $15 per plate. We also sell by the pound. Let your friends and neighbors know.
On Sunday January 19 we will be using the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of the LSB hymnal.
Hymns chosen for the day are #792 New Songs of Celebration Render; #408 Come, Join in Cana’s Feast; #629 What is this Bread; and #538 Praise Be to Christ.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 128:1-6; Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and John 21-11.
Psalm 128 is a song of ascents, the kind of song religious pilgrims would have sung as they made their way up the mountain to Jerusalem, and up the steps leading to the temple. The psalm describes some of the blessings God grants to individuals and families, especially the gift of children. The psalm encourages all people to fear God and to walk in His ways.
In Isaiah 62, Gods speaks through the prophet to the people of Israel. His message is a bit like the later fairy tale Cinderella. Israel is about to come under God’s destructive judgment by means of the Assyrian army. The people will feel like a poor woman, seemingly forsaken and desolate. God promises to come like a rescuing prince. He will lift the nation up out of her destruction and poverty, and take her to Himself like a groom takes a bride—He rejoices in her, He will be committed to her, and will give her a new and joyous name. He will put His crown on her head and treat her like royalty. In our spiritual poverty we may feel alone and forsaken. Jesus has come as a bridegroom. He has rescued you from the brokenness of this world. His Spirit has brought you into the Church, His bride. Like wedding vows which promise love, nourishing, and commitment even in times of poverty and illness, Jesus has made a commitment to you. Despite your sin, He delights in you and has given His life for you so that you may be with Him forever. In heave He will crown you with His crown of righteousness.
Speaking in tongues has often been treated as evidence of “real” Christianity. In Chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians, St. Paul puts speaking in tongues in its proper place as just one of the various spiritual gifts God grants to Christians. God apportions those gifts to individuals as He wills, and for the benefit of the Church. Don’t be envious of other’s gifts. God will equip you and use you as He determines. The greatest gifts are faith, hope, and love. They motivate us to believe and to say, ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Let’s keep our eyes on Him, not on our abilities or lack of.
The gospel lesson is the Apostle John’s account of Jesus’ first public miracle, transforming water into wine at a wedding at a town named Cana. The new wine was better than what they had been drinking. Jesus does all things well. The account leads to another epiphany. Jesus with His divine creative power has the ability to transform nature. Even in small moments like a wedding, Jesus brings joy. In the miracle, we are able to see His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. Jesus came into the world to die for you that you would be set free from your sin and be restored to God. By His divine power He overcame death and rose to new and glorified life. He wants you to believe in Him and share in His joy.
COLLECT: Almighty and everlasting God, You govern all things in heaven and on earth. Mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster