Friendship Circle

"The Chosen"  Bible Study Tuesday's at 9:30 am.  Don't miss this opportunity to study the Bible in the light of "The Chosen" Television series.  Join your friends for coffee and bible study  Tuesday at  9:30 am

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Men's Bible Study  6:15 on Tuesdays   We are currently studying Genesis, the story of Abraham and Sarah

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Potluck Dinner: April 14th after worship.  Be sure to join us for this opportunity to break bread and fellowship together.  Just bring one of your favorite dishes to share and enjoy the tasty treats of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

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From the Desk of Pastor Otten

 

In the liturgy right after the sermon, what happens next has changed in the Lutheran service book. This pattern is following the orders of service from Lutheran Worship. After the Sermon should the offering be taken? Or should the offertory be sung then the offering? Or should the prayers of the church be? Or should the Creed be said then the prayers of the church? These are all possibilities that can happen right after the sermon. The sermon is the end of the service of the Word of God. It divides the service because afterward is Service of the Sacrament. In the early church when the sermon was finished all people not confirmed were asked to leave the service before the offering was taken.

 

Does the sacrament begin with the offering or is the offering the only part of the service that is truly man’s sacrifice to God. We are to give to God back to from what he has given to us. This is done at the end of the sermon because we have heard the good news of God towards us, and our response is the offering. The offering is not take right at the end of the sermon. Or should the offertory be sung before we take the offering? For several centuries there was no sermon in service from 900-1500 AD. Luther put the sermon back in the service so the offering and offertory can be moved.

 

The creed being right after the sermon or right before it since there was no sermon this is not clear. The creed is saying the same words that the church has said for 1700 years. The Creed is our statement about God and to say to one another what we believe. This is our response to what God has said to us and is the end of the service of the Word of God

 

Also, right after the sermon are the prayers at the church. God has asked us to pray to Him for things we need here on earth. We also give thanks to him for what he has given to us. The prayers include many different topics and persons that we pray for God’s goodness towards them. In faith, we show that we can ask him for what we need in life. The prayers are not doing a sacrifice towards Him, because He has commanded us to pray. Praying for the sick, and praying for the church, praying for the king, praying for the enemies of the church and all others in need God are all included in the prayer of the church.

 

The offertory in Divine Service three is the one that is historically the longest being used. This Offertory is taken from Psalm 51 versus nine through twelve. Psalm 51 was written by King David after Nathan had confronted him with his adultery With Bathsheba. David had repented of his sins and was forgiven but wrote the psalm to ask God to restore him to the Joy of God’s Salvation.

Creating a heart to God and renew a right spirit within me. David knows that he has sinned against God but has not lost the Holy Spirit. David knows that he needs God’s help to bring back the joy that he once had in God.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ,

The Easter Joy: A Daily Celebration

Easter Sunday may have come and gone, but the joy of the resurrection isn't confined to a single day! The truth of Christ's victory over death is a vibrant force that can infuse every moment of our lives.

Here at Emmanuel and Christ Lutheran churches, we believe that living the resurrection is a daily practice. How can we incorporate this powerful message into our everyday routines?

• Renewed Hope: The empty tomb signifies the triumph of life over death. When faced with challenges, remember the unwavering hope Christ's resurrection offers.

• Gratitude in Action: Reflect on the blessings in your life, big and small. Express gratitude through prayer, acts of kindness, and generosity.

• Living Forgiveness: Jesus' sacrifice embodies forgiveness. Practice forgiveness towards yourself and others, fostering peace and healing within your heart.

• Witnessing the Light: Share the joy of Christ's resurrection with the world around you. Live a life that reflects His love and compassion.

• Daily Devotion: Spend time in prayer, scripture reading, and meditation. Nourish your spirit and connect with the ongoing power of the resurrection.

These are just a few ways to weave the spirit of Easter into the fabric of your daily life. Let's keep the flame of Christ's victory alive, carrying the message of hope, love, and new beginnings with us every single day.

Join us! Throughout the coming weeks, we'll be exploring the themes of resurrection in our worship services and Bible study groups. Come experience the ongoing power of Easter together!

God’s peace be with you always, Vicar Tom

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