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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- Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Brothers and sisters, we are coming to the end of the Lenten season. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which in turn leads into the Easter season. Centuries ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the sound of cheers. Less than a week later, crowds were calling for Him to be crucified. In His death, Jesus accomplishes God’s plan to redeem us from our sin. Jesus pays the penalty for your sin so you would have access to God. Come and worship; hear the good news and give thanks to Jesus your savior from sin, death, and the devil.
Please make note of a number of upcoming events.
In the evening of Palm Sunday, April 13 at 6:30, the Methodist Church in Brookshire will be hosting a community Lenten Cantata. You are invited to attend.
There will be no service on Wednesday 16th.. There will be a communion service at 6:30 on Maundy Thursday April 17. On Good Friday, April 18, we will host a brief service at noon, and a Tenebrae service at 6:30 pm. You are encouraged to read through the four Gospels during the week to better appreciate Jesus’ suffering and death for you.
On Easter Sunday April 20th we will gather to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Elders and their helpers plan to serve breakfast beginning around 8:45. We will offer an abbreviated Sunday School and Bible class at 9:30, and an egg hunt at 10. Worship is at 10:30. Please explain our communion practice to any of your visitors.
The sixth Sunday of Lent has been referred to historically as “Palm Sunday” and also as “Sunday of the Passion”. The order of service on the 13th will include references to both, and will make a transition of sorts in preparation for Easter. We will begin by reading St. John’s report of the first “Palm Sunday” celebration. Jesus came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The way He is welcomed as a king is a fulfillment of prophecy. The Passover points to Jesus as Lord of all, and as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. During the service we will also read St. Luke’s report of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial as events we should soberly consider in preparation for the surprising, miraculous, and joyous news of Easter.
We will follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #443 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna; #441 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty; #634 The Death of Jesus Christ Our Lord; and #440 Jesus, I Will Ponder Now. It is tradition to omit the Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) during Holy Week
Scriptures assigned to the day are John 12:12-19; Psalm 31:9-16; Deuteronomy 32:36-39, Philippians 2:5-11, and Luke 23:1-56.
Psalm 31 is a psalm of David. Through the words of the psalm, he acknowledges God as the great Protector, and prays that God would save him from the enemies that are pursuing him. The verses we will be reading also foreshadow the isolation and hatred Jesus suffered as His opponents mistreated Him and nailed Him to a cross.
In Deuteronomy 32, God reminds the tribes of Israel that He is a powerful judge. He kills, and He makes alive. False gods are of course no help to us. But Yahweh, the true God, will vindicate His people. Take notice of Him, for no thing and no one can deliver us from His hand. Only He, Himself, can rescue us from His wrath against sin. That rescue has been accomplished through the sacrificial death of Jesus. He lived under God’s Law like we do, except He kept it perfectly. And Jesus has exchanged your sin with His perfection.
In Philippians 2, St. Paul summarizes what Jesus has accomplished for us. Jesus humbles Himself, being obedient to God’s Law, not using His divine powers to escape, in order that He could serve all of us. He was put to death like a criminal so that we could have eternal life. Every knee will bow to Him, acknowledging His Lordship. Some will bow before Him in this life, expressing honor and gratitude. All others will bow down before Him on the Day of Judgment as he condemns those who failed to honor and thank Him earlier.
Luke 23:1-56 is a narrative of the “Passion” part of this Sunday, summarizing the events from the time of Jesus’ arrest to His burial. You should know that Jesus’ suffering and death was all part of God’s plan to rescue you from your sin.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; 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 schedules or the meaning of the Scripture reading. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- April 6 service and other news
rothers and sisters, During this season of Lent we are encouraged to confess our sin and to turn our hearts to Jesus. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:2). I encourage you to attend church Sunday to receive Jesus’ gifts of forgiveness, and to set aside time to thank Him.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events, including our Holy Week schedule.
-Sunday April 6 Houston Lutheran Chorale Lenten Cantata 4 pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church 14423 West Rd;
-Wednesday April 9 Midweek Lenten Service 6:30 pm;
-April 13 Palm Sunday. Brookshire Methodist Church is hosting a community Easter cantata beginning at 7pm.
-April 17 Maundy Thursday Service 6:30 pm
-April 18 Good Friday Services noon and 6:30 pm
-April 20 Easter breakfast 9 am; Bible Class/SS 9:15; Easter egg hunt 9:45; Resurrection Celebration 10:30.
Singers from Brookshire area churches will be performing an Easter Cantata at the Brookshire Methodist Church on Palm Sunday, April 13 beginning at 6:30 pm. You are encouraged to attend.
Sunday April 6th is the fifth Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #647 Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #558 Not Unto Us; #431 Not All the Blood of Beasts; and #568 If Your Beloved Son, O God.
Scripture lessons assigned to the day are Psalm 126:1-6; Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; and Luke 20:9-20.
Psalm 126 is identified as a song of ascents, the type of songs pilgrims would have sung as they climbed the mountain and stairs approaching Jerusalem and the temple in preparation for worship. There is remembrance of joys God has bestowed on them in the past. There are prayers that God would restore them once again. We are encouraged to bring our troubles and sorrows to God, and His assurance of care will give us reason to rejoice. We understand that in the Divine Service, God is serving us, granting us His favor and the forgiveness paid for by Jesus, and we respond with praise and thanksgiving.
In the 43rd Chapter of Isaiah, God identifies Himself as the Creator, Savior, and Redeemer of Israel, a declaration extended to us as well. We belong to Him. In the passage we will read Sunday, God uses the imagery of desert turned to oasis to describe the life-giving transformation he brings to our lives. Let us faithfully look forward to the new life Jesus is ushering in, and praise Him for His kindness toward us.
St. Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Rather than lamenting, he praises God for sustaining him. He understands God is using trouble to refine his faith in Jesus. Because Jesus has made him His own, Paul perseveres. In 3:8-14, Paul urges all Christians to persevere like a long-distance runner, keep pressing forward through life’s suffering toward the resurrection and prize of eternal life with Jesus in heaven.
In the gospel lesson, Luke 20:9-20, Jesus tells a parable about tenants in a vineyard that summarizes the response of the rebellious people of Israel toward God throughout history. When the owner of a vineyard sends servants to gather a harvest from the tenants living there, the tenants abuse the servants and send them away. When the owner’s son is sent, the tenants plot to kill him so they may seize ownership. Addressed especially towards the religious and political leaders of that day, the words apply to all of us. Israel had rejected the prophets who had brought warning of judgment from God. And they were about to reject the Son of God and put Him to death. Rather than working for a harvest for God and His Son Jesus, we rebels still try to usurp and take control of the honor and authority that rightfully belongs to them. The telling of the parable also foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion. But we should pay attention—Jesus, the stone rejected by builders, is now the foundation of of life with God. You can either build on Him, or He will fall on you and crush you.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; 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 schedules or Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 30 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, God gave His one and only son, Jesus. to die for you, that you would be forgiven of your sin, and so you could be a member of His heavenly kingdom. God is so extravagant in His gifts! In Jesus He has demonstrated His patience and mercy toward us sinners. I encourage you to attend church Sunday to receive His gifts of forgiveness, and to set aside time to thank Him.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events. The community is invited to participate in each of these events.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Singers from several Lutheran congregations in the region join their voices together as the Houston Lutheran Chorale. They will be performing a Lenten Cantata next Sunday April 6 at 4pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 14423 West Road, southeast of the intersection of highways 290 and 6. You are encouraged to attend.
Singers from Brookshire area churches will be performing an Easter Cantata at the Brookshire Methodist Church on the afternoon of Palm Sunday, April 13. You are encouraged to attend.
Plan now to attend Holy Week services beginning with Palm Sunday on April 13, a noon service on Good Friday April 18, and the Easter celebration on April 20.
On Saturday May 3 we are scheduled to hold our annual German Sausage Dinner and auction.
Sunday March 30th is the fourth Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are#915 Today Your Mercy Calls Us; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #612 As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered; #636 Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness; and #605 Father Welcomes.
Scripture readings assigned to the day are Psalm 32:1-11; Isaiah 12:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; and Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
The introduction to Psalm 32 identifies it as a maskil of David. It is not clear what a maskil is. The psalm is often classified as one of the ‘penitential palms’. The suffering from sin’s guilt is contrasted with the relief and blessings of being forgiven by God. Those who stubbornly attempt to deny or hide their sin will be weighed down by guilt and sorrow. Actual physical ailments can result from unconfessed guilt. The psalmist encourages everyone to confess their sins to God and to rely upon His mercy. God will be the shelter of the repentant, and He will guide the faithful in the way they should go. They will rejoice in His favor. Martin Luther’s study of the psalm led to his understanding of justification—each person is a sinner without righteousness and cannot merit God’s forgiveness. God in His mercy and for the sake of the suffering and death of Jesus forgives us and declares us righteous before Him. Confess your sin to Jesus and rely on Him to save you from God’s punishment.
In the 11th chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy, God foretells a “shoot from the stump of Jesse” who will bring righteousness and peace to the world. The tribes of Israel will come under God’s judgment and be taken off to Assyria. But this “shoot” will restore a remnant. The poetry of Isaiah 12 expresses the joy God’s saved remnant will enjoy. Later revelation shows that this prophecy is ultimately referring to Jesus.
In his second letter to the congregation in Corinth (southern Greece), St. Paul describes the suffering we face in this sin-broken world. Because we oppose God’s will we have physical suffering, and our relationships with others also suffer. Paul reminds us that Jesus suffered and died in order to reconcile us to God the Father. In response, we should live as reconciled people, and to be reconciled also to one another. As followers of Jesus we become His ambassadors, telling others about Him and extending the invitation of the gospel that they would follow Him as well. Jesus saved you from sin. And that is great news. But He saved you for something as well—to be His witnesses.
In the Gospel lesson, Jesus tells a parable about two rebellious sons and their gracious merciful father. Often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son because the youngest son is so lavish and wasteful, it might be better understood as the Parable of the Prodigal Father, a dad who lavishly and extravagantly shows patience and mercy to his two stubborn sons. In that way the parable points to God’s concern for all sinners–those who openly sin, and those who imagine themselves without sin. God does not desire any one to die, not even the wicked, but rather that they would return to Him and enjoy the benefits He has prepared for them. Turn to God. He is preparing for you. And let each Christian rejoice when another sinner joins us in Christ’s Church!
COLLECT: Gracious God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing and joyful obedience; 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 schedules or Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 23 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ suffered and died to redeem you from your sins and to reconcile you to God. What a wonderful act of grace this is! Jesus grants comfort now, and assurance of your future. I encourage you to be in worship Sunday to receive His forgiveness as it is distributed through God’s word and the Lord’s Supper. Where there is forgiveness there is also life and salvation.
Let me begin by reminding you of some upcoming events.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Saturday May 3rd has been set as the date of this year’s German Sausage Dinner.
Sunday March 23rd is the third Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #613 To Thee, Omniscient Lord of All; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #716 I Walk in Danger All the Way; #619 Thy Body Given For Me, O Savior; and #761 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 85:1-9; Ezekiel 33:7-20; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; and Luke 13:1-9. These passages share a theme of considering God’s actions in the past to be assured of what He is doing now and will fulfill in the future.
Psalm 85 is a psalm of the sons of Korah, descendants of the tribe of Levi responsible for leading worship. The psalmist is suffering effects of sin in his life and the community around him and considers it as God’s chastisement. He prays that God would withdraw His anger, grant him peace, and restore his nation as He has done throughout history. God hates sin. He punishes sin. But in His mercy God also restores sinners. Examples of this restoration include freeing the tribes of Israel from slavery in Egypt, and releasing exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem. The psalmist draws comfort from God’s saving actions throughout history. God demonstrates that He is faithful and righteous. God’s salvation is near to those who fear Him. Through Jesus, God speaks peace to our troubled souls. He will give what is good to those who turn to Him. So, we should repent of our sin every day. The psalmists’ words encourage us to turn to the salvation and peace God offers through Jesus.
The Old Testament lesson narrates God’s call to Ezekiel to be His spokesman. Ezekiel is to proclaim God’s Law so that people would recognize their sin and turn from it. After warning the neighboring nations, God wants Ezekiel to concentrate attention on Israel, warning them against their wickedness. Because of their sin they will be judged and put to death. Guilt can lead to despair and spiritual rot. So, Ezekiel is also to proclaim the mercy and righteousness of God. He doesn’t want anyone to die. Those who turn to God will be saved from judgment. Faithful pastors, missionaries, and teachers of the Church continue to proclaim both God’s Law and His Gospel that people would turn from wickedness and turn to God. Pray that we would all have open ears and hearts to hear God’s call to repentance and faith in Jesus.
In the epistle lesson, a portion of the letter to the Corinthians (southern Greece), St. Paul recounts the history of God dealing with the tribes of Israel in Egypt. God graciously provided protection, food, and water to them during their wandering in the wilderness. They were al recipients of God’s blessings. It would appear the people are all the same. But the truth is, many were unfaithful and lived ungodly lives. God was not pleased with them, and they would come under His judgment. Paul tells this story as instruction and an example of God’s rejection of people who take His grace for granted or desire evil as many of the Israelites did. We should beware. Even the most devout Christian can fall for temptation. God has provided Jesus as the way of escape from condemnation. So, Paul urges Christians to continue to turn to Jesus. Baptized into Jesus, you can withstand temptation. He will help you. He has made a new person. The Holy Spirit lives in you, Sin is no longer your only option. You don’t have to sin. But though the spirit may be willing, our flesh is weak. When we do fall to temptation, Jesus is our escape and the way to restoration. We should not treat sin lightly. We should not imagine we are immune to sin or that we can overcome temptation on our own. We should not take Jesus’ forgiveness for granted.
In the gospel lesson, Luke the evangelist reports that Jesus had been warning crowds to recognize that events of that time were signs of God’s approaching judgment. In response, some of the folks listening to Him mentioned reports that the governor Pilate had ordered the killing of Galileans offering their sacrifices. Consider for a moment some of the unspoken questions that might underlie their report. Why did God allow this? Worship might be assumed to be one of the safest places or activities to be involved in. Is worship safe? Was there something wrong with those worshippers that they deserved such punishment? You might have other questions. Jesus responds to them by warning them to be concerned about their own sin. He warns that they all have reason to repent. Some might conclude that the murder at worship indicates God is cruel and impatient. Jesus tells a parable about an owner of a vineyard, and his vinedresser or groundskeeper. The parable hints at Jesus’ role as an intercessor who nurtures us that we would turn from sin and produce fruit of faith. Now is the day of salvation. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus before He comes again to bring God’s judgment on earth.
COLLECT: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways, and bring them with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word,; 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 schedules or this week’s scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- March 16 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, delivered by Christ, I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday to receive His gifts of salvation. Greetings to you in the name of our Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to not neglect the preaching of God’s word or the reception of the Lord’s Supper through which He distributes forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Midweek Lenten services will continue this coming Wednesday, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Sunday March 16th is the second Sunday in Lent. During the service we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 of the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #850 God of Grace and God of Glory; #422 On My Heart Imprint Your Image; #579 The Law of God is Good and Wise; and #725 Children of the Heavenly Father. During the Distribution of the Lord’s Supper, we will sing #693 O Holy Spirit Grant Us Grace and #689 Let Me Be Thine Forever.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 4:1-8; Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1; and Luke 13:31-35.
The introduction to Psalm 4 states it is a psalm of King David, intended to be accompanied by stringed instruments. Two times ‘selah’ is used, which may be a marker for a musical interlude, indicating time should be used to contemplate the meaning of the verse just sung . The psalm has an interesting flow to it. the psalm begins as a lament asking God for help against enemies. These enemies have caused anguish apparently by dishonoring the king’s name. In speaking a false witness against God’s anointed one, they set themselves against God’s will. David urges such people to repent, to make right sacrifices and to trust God. The psalm ends with a confession of confidence that God provides safety and peace. So rather than being angry at enemies, we should be joyful that God hears us and gives us relief from our troubles. As Christians we might apply this passage as a confession of trust. Our enemies including the devil may speak ill of us. Such talk may trouble us, even make us angry. God assures you that through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, He protects you from the accusations of the devil.
In the Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah, God has sent the prophet to accuse the people of their sin, and to warn them of the approaching destruction and their subsequent captivity in Babylon. The citizens weren’t really worshipping God; instead, they were treating Him like a good luck piece (compare with what happened at Shiloh, 1 Samuel 4). The leaders and citizens of Jerusalem rejected Jeremiah’s prophecy, and threatened to kill him. Jeremiah responded with a confession trusting in God. Even if they were to kill Jeremiah, God’s warning would still stand. Jeremiah was not the source of the warning of judgment; it came from God. We should listen to God’s word, wheover is speaking it to us. Christianity was not invented by men. God is the One who wants you to repent from your sin and to turn to Him in faith.
The Epistle lesson is a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, a city in northern Greece, in the region of Macedonia. Roman soldiers were stationed at a garrison there. Persecution against Christians was increasing. St. Paul himself had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He urged the congregation to imitate him, to be faithful, not imitate the society or give into desires of the flesh. Emphasis is not so much on obedience, but rather to keep looking to Jesus, and holding on to His promises.
In the gospel lesson recorded in Luke 13, Jesus had been teaching in the villages along the way to Jerusalem. Jewish religious leaders told Jesus that He should leave because King Herod intended to kill Him. It is not clear what motivated them to warn Him—were they sincerely concerned for Him, or was this merely a good reason to send Him further away from their jurisdiction. In any case, it could be considered a temptation for Jesus to abandon His mission. Rather than being concerned about His own safety, Jesus remains committed to His task of suffering and dying on Jerusalem to restring people to God and redeeming them from their sins. He desires to save them all. But similar to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, Jesus laments that people are not listening to His message. Jesus warns, and He invites. Who will listen to Him? Those who do not will be destroyed. Those who do will be eternally saved from God’s condemnation.
COLLECT: O, Almighty and gracious God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul,; 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 schedules or Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you, Pastor Boster