Epiphany 2012: Every Member a Missionary
Every year during the season of Epiphany, Christians remember Jesus’ baptism and his missionary work in Galilee: calling and training his disciples, healing the sick, and preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. This year we focus on our calling to be missionaries, carrying on the work of Jesus in our time and place: part of our Bishop’s BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for every congregation.
February 18-19: Transfiguration of Our Lord – Proclaiming Jesus
Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
As missionaries we seek no glory or credit for ourselves or for our church, but only for Jesus. In the same way, Jesus sought no glory for himself but remained totally transparent to his heavenly Father’s will. Missionaries always remember: it’s not about us, it’s about Jesus!
Lent 2012: Share the Good News
During the 40 days of Lent this year we will explore the Gospel: the good news of what God has done in and through Jesus Christ, the message by which we are saved, the message which we as Christians are called to share with the whole world.
Wednesday, February 22: Ash Wednesday – Be Reconciled to God - Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 - Brief Spoken Service at 12:30 PM; Full Service of Communion with Ashes at 7:30 PM
To be reconciled is to be brought back to a right relationship with God when we hear and believe the Gospel message of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Come and give your heart to God all over again as we begin the spiritual journey of Lent, and learn how you can help bring others to God.
February 25-26: First Sunday in Lent – God’s Kingdom is Near - Sermon text: Mark 1:9-15
In his ministry in Galilee, Jesus announced the dawn of a new age – the Kingdom of God – hidden in the midst of an old, dying world. This Gospel of the Kingdom has the power to transform the lives of all who hear it. Come and learn how you can help others to “repent and believe in the good news.”
March 3-4: Second Sunday in Lent – The Word of the Cross - Sermon text: Mark 8:31-38
The Good News is a word of hope for all people, but it is grounded in what seems like the opposite of good news: the horrible reality of death by crucifixion. Come and learn why the Cross is central to the message of salvation, and what it means for us as God's missionaries in the world to take up our cross and follow Jesus, our crucified Lord.
March 10-11: Third Sunday in Lent – Divine Nonsense - Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
St. Paul, an experienced missionary himself, knew what it was to be laughed at, dismissed, and even attacked and left for dead because of the offensive nature of the word of the cross that God had sent him to proclaim. Come and learn how and why the Gospel message became domesticated and how we can become "fools for Christ" and again declare the "divine nonsense" that alone has power to save us and all people.
March 17-18: Fourth Sunday in Lent – By Grace Alone - Sermon text: Ephesians 2:1-10
The heart of the Good News is found in Paul's bold declaration "By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8) Come and celebrate God's great gift to us, and be strengthened to share that grace more freely and confidently with others.
March 24-25: Fifth Sunday in Lent – The New Covenant - Sermon text: Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Good News we are called to share with others invites people into a brand new relationship with God, a relationship based not on what we have done or promise to do, but on what God has done and promises to do for us and in us through Jesus Christ. Come and be renewed!
Worship Styles and Times
Holy Communion every week at all services
Informal Contemporary Worship Saturday at 6 PM in the Education Building Chapel
(upstairs: chair lift and upstairs restroom available) An informal, come as you are
small group worship experience with plenty of contemporary praise and worship music,
plus some gospel and classic hymns accompanied on guitar and keyboard. Singers and
instrumentalists always welcome!
Traditional Lutheran Liturgy: Sunday at 8:15 AM. Follows the Lutheran Book of Worship
liturgy with classic hymns of faith and organ accompaniment.
Family Contemporary Service with Children’s Church & child care: Sunday at 10:45
AM. Our most family-friendly worship, with a children’s message, Children’s Church
activities, and nursery care. Lively, upbeat worship service with contemporary music
played on the keyboard. We are looking for instrumentalists and singers
Summer Worship: We are now continuing our three services at the same times year-round.
