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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- Sunday June 7
Brothers and sisters, Greetings in the name of Jesus. According to the church calendar used by many congregations, we have entered the season after Pentecost. It is sometimes called the “green season” because the paraments are green. It is sometimes called the non-festival season as compared to the months that include celebrations like Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. The season extends to the last Sunday in November when we will begin a new church with Advent (unless Jesus returns before then). The Gospel lessons in the season after Pentecost tend to focus on Jesus’ ministry expanding and being conducted through His disciples and the Church.
Bible class meets at 9 am. We have just begun going through the Bible study recommended by Synod leaders in preparation for this summer’s National Convention. The theme of the convention is ‘Christ is Risen Indeed’ drawn from St. Paul’s assurance given in 1 Corinthians 15. This truth is a key component of the gospel message. I encourage you to attend the study. I think you will be edified by it.
On Sunday June 7, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three starting on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #553 O Christ, Our Hope; #609 Jesus Sinners Doth Receive; #611 Chief of Sinners; #720 We Walk By Faith, and Not By Sight.
Scripture lessons that will be read are Psalm 119:65-72; Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-25; and Matthew 9:9-13.
To understand the point of Hosea 6, it helps to see it as a conversation alternating between God and the people of Israel. The prophet Hosea lived about the same time as the prophet Amos during the 8th century BC. God spoke through them to criticize the disobedient and idolatrous way the northern kingdom of Israel was living. The verses to be read Sunday begin with God threatening to abandon the people unless they acknowledge their guilt and repent. The people seem to respond having a conversation among themselves, inviting each other to return to God. One questions to be asked, do they mean it or are they simply looking for a quick way to avoid judgment? God questions their motives and tells them He is really wanting them to know Him and His ways, and not merely go through the motions of false piety. God does not like mere action, He is evaluating the attitude of our hearts.
In the lesson from Romans 4, St. Paul writes something similar. Having a right relationship with God is not based on our works, but on having faith in Jesus. Paul reinforces is argument by pointing to the example of Abraham who listened to God’s instruction, and believed God’s promises to him, and moved to a new country. God considered Abraham righteous, not because of his obedience, but because of the faith that led to obedience. It is a subtle point that many people have trouble understanding or applying. We are saved through faith in God’s promises, not because of our works.
In the gospel lesson, St. Matthew reports on how he was called to be a disciple, and how religious leaders criticized Jesus for befriending sinners. Jesus quotes from the prophecy given through Hosea, that God desires attitudes of mercy, not merely going through the motions of piety.
COLLECT: Almighty and most merciful God, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and save the lost. Graciously open our ears and hearts to hear His call and follow Him by faith that we may feast with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know when you would like to meet to discuss the new constitution. Let me know of any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- May 31 Service, Trinity Sunday
Brothers and sisters. This year’s Memorial Day weekend is behind us, and summer schedules are underway. I pray that you will agree that attending church is an essential part of that schedule.
May 31 is Trinity Sunday, a day that many in the Church will be reciting the Athanasian Creed as an attempt to explain the mystery of the Godhead, three Persons in one God.
During the service Sunday we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #506 Glory Be to God the Father; #498 Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest; #597 Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying; and #825 Rise, Shine, You People
Scripture lessons assigned to the day are Psalm 8; Genesis 1:1-2:4; Acts 2:14, 22-36; and Matthew 28:16-20. They will show the work of the
The lesson from Genesis 1 reveals how the world was created at God’s command. If we also consider John 1:1-3, we should recognize that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were each involved in creation. Though Scripture does make distinctions between the three Persons, their activities are intimately coordinated.
The lesson from Acts 2 shows the involvement of the Triune God in the salvation of mankind and the formation of the Church. Jesus, God the Son was crucified to redeem us; God the Holy Spirit was poured out on the earth to bring people to faith; God the Father has directed all of this so we would acknowledge and receive Jesus as our Lord. This is good news revealed throughout Scripture, including the words of King David. We are to live as a community created by God, redeemed by Jesus, enlightened and gathered by the Holy Spirit.
In the gospel lesson from Mattthew 28, Jesus is with His apostles before His ascension. The passage might be thought of as the beginning expansion from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the apostles and the Church. Some of them were still doubting the meaning of all Jesus had said and done. Jesus commissions them to spread the gospel, baptizing people and teaching them all He had commanded them. The name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is placed on those who are baptized. You are given the opportunity to participate in God’s mission to save people to heaven.
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, since You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of the true faith, and to worship the true Unity in the power of Your divine majesty, keep us also steadfast in true faith and worship, and defend us from all our adversaries, For You, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- Sunday May 24 Pentecost
Brothers and sisters, greetings to you in the name of our Savior Jesus. It is Memorial weekend. Amidst the holiday schedule I hope you will include worship. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the divine Triune Godhead. As a Person of the Godhead, He has the same divine attributes of the Father and Son, that is, without beginning, eternal, all knowing, loving, merciful, etc. This Sunday, fifty days after the anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection and ten days after the anniversary of His ascension into heaven, we celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost in the Old Testament was a harvest festival. On the first Pentecost after Jesus’ ascension, the festival takes on a new meaning. The Holy is poured out in very noticeable way. He worked upon the disciples, enabling them to bring the good news of Jesus to people in many languages. Faith was worked in individual hearts, and a harvest of souls was brought into the church. The Holy Spirit continues to work through God’ words to point people to Jesus, and to enlighten them, working and sustaining faith in individuals, and leading us to respond with godly, sanctified lives with good works. Come, worship, and join in celebrating the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
I want to take a moment to encourage you to attend one of the upcoming constitution review meetings. A new constitution has been drafted that intends to resolve some conflicting information in the current constitution, and better express the way this congregation is structured. Copies of the draft proposal are available for your review. Eventually a day will be announced for the congregation to vote on whether to accept the new constitution (with whatever changes are approved) or not. Meetings to discuss the draft have been set for after services on next Sunday, May 31 and Sunday, June 14, and Saturday, June 27. Additional meetings may be scheduled if none of these dates work for you. We want to make efficient use of the meeting time, so you are encouraged to submit in advance via email to Pastor or an elder (Tom, Tom, Scott) any corrections, questions, or concerns you may have about the draft. You don’t have to attend the meetings to make suggestions. However, according to the constitution, all members of the congregation will be asked to sign it as evidence that they have read it. If you have questions about this, please contact Scott Hartman, Tom Warren, Tom Regetz, or Pastor.
On Sunday, May 24th, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Three beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnbook. Hymns chosen for the day are #497 Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord; #500 Creator Spirit, By Whose Aid; #616 Baptismal Waters Cover Me; and #693 O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace.
Scriptures lessons for the day are Psalm 25:1-10; Numbers 11:24-30; Acts 2:1-21; and John 7:37-39.
The lesson from Numbers 11 tells one example of the Holy Spirit’s work in Old Testament times. Moses and elders of Israel were led to prophesy, proclaiming the words and praises of God to the people. The Spirit was so active, it animated others into also prophesying. Led by the Spirit, each of have opportunity to speak God’s Word to others.
The lesson from Acts 2 recounts the spectacular outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles during the Pentecost festival. The Spirit empowered them to speak in the languages of others visiting Jerusalem that day. Many people heard the gospel and were brought to faith in Jesus.
In the gospel lesson, Jesus is in the Jerusalem temple, celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast is marked by living in temporary tents or brush arbors, recalling their ancestors’ wanderings in the Sinai wilderness. with the wanderings in the desert as a historical backdrop, water was also a theme connected to the festival. In response to Jesus’ teaching, the crowds were asking about His identity, where had He come from, the source of His authoritative teaching, and how was He able to do miracles. On the last day of the feast, Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come to Him and drink. He promised them streams of “living water” referring to the Holy Spirit. All who believed in Jesus would receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit continues to come to us in God’s Word the Bible, attached to the waters of baptism, and with the body and blood of Jesus hidden in the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. The Spirit revives us, refreshes us, gives new life to our spirits.
Collect: O gracious Father God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit: Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ Jesus, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You, in communion with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the information posted above. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- May 17 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, this past Thursday was 40 days after Easter and the anniversary of Jesus’ ascension. Ascending does not mean Jesus has left us. Though He is hidden from our eyes, Jesus continues to work among us in a greater way than during His earthly ministry. That is, in His glorified body, He now fills all things, able to be with us at all times wherever we are, including being in, with, and under the bread and wine served in the Lord’s Supper. As St. Paul writes in Ephesians 1, Jesus watches over you and the Church with power and authority far above all earthly rulers, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Jesus is the head over the Church and leads and protects us. He continues to pray for you before God the Father. He works though the church to call evangelists to proclaim to the world His message of forgiveness and eternal life. In a similar way, He calls pastors and teachers to proclaim forgiveness and teach the truth of His Word to the church. When we sin, Jesus continues to advocate for us. I hope you can see that Jesus’ baptism is important to our salvation and relationship to God. Thank God that Jesus continues to use His power and authority for our benefit.
The service on Sunday, May 17 is the last of this year’s Easter season. Next week we will celebrate Pentecost. On the 17th, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #534 Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor; #754 Entrust Your Days and Burdens; #623 Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray; and #747 No Saint on Earth Lives Life to Self Alone.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 68:1-10; Acts 1:12-26; 1 Peter 4:12-19. 5:6-11; and John 17:1-11.
The reading from Acts 1 follows after the report of Jesus’ ascension. The disciples chose a replacement for Judas who had betrayed Jesus. As you read the passage, notice the habit of prayer among the disciples.
In the passage from St. Peter’s epistle, Christians should not be surprised that they will suffer, not merely the suffering that occurs in a sinful world, but the suffering the opponents of Jesus cause to those who follow Jesus. Suffering for following Jesus should be considered a blessing. Peter would encourage Christians to avoid compromise, and to be aware that the devil will attack us in the weak moments suffering can cause. Peter points us to the assurance that God will graciously preserve us if we continue to follow Jesus.
Jesus’ words recorded in John 17 are part of His discussion with His disciples on the night He was betrayed and arrested. He would soon demonstrate His divine glory in His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus prays for the disciples. Later he would pray for those who are brought to faith through the apsotles’ teaching. Jesus prays that those who are brought to saving faith would be protected from the devil’s attacks, and ‘kept in Jesus’ name’, preserved and unified in the true, saving faith that Jesus alone can rescue us from sin and condemnation.
Summer can be a busy time. I encourage you to set aside time to read the Bible and attend Bible class and worship. Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the information posted above. God bless you. Pastor Boster
- April 26 service and other news
Brothers and sisters, may God grant you faith and repentance as we continue through the Easter season. Because Jesus lives, you and I and all who trust Him will also live.
The German Sausage Dinner is a week away, Saturday May 2. Food will sell for $15 per plate. Smoked sausage links can be bought by the pound. There will also be a silent auction, a live auction, and activities for kids. Please alert your friends and neighbors. Please pray that God would grant us a safe and enjoyable German Sausage Dinner.
Sunday, April 26 is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel lesson for this Fourth Sunday has traditionally described Jesus as the Shepherd of us, His people, the sheep of His fold. We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #915 Today Your Mercy Calls Us; #478 The Day of Resurrection; #530 No Temple Now, No Gift of Price; and #711 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.
The Scripture lessons assigned to the day are Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47; 1Peter 2:19-25; and John 10:1-10.
I encourage you to read these lessons and consider these questions: In what ways are you like a sheep? In what ways is Jesus a shepherd to you? What is it like to be a member of Jesus’ flock? How is being a member of a Christian congregation like being a sheep in Jesus’ fold? What dangers threaten those who live outside of Jesus’ fold? What benefits are there in being Jesus’ sheep and in His fold? I encourage you to gather Sunday morning as we consider how Scripture answers those questions. Bible Study begins at 9 am. Worship begins at 10:30 am. You don’t have to be a Bible expert to participate.
COLLECT: Almighty merciful God, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit so that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name, and follow where He leads; 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 any questions about what I have reported above. God bless you. Pastor Boster