Worship

Sunday Worship

Worship Services

          Sundays: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

          Mondays:  7:00 p.m.

          Wednesdays: (during Advent and Lent) 4:15 & 6:30 p.m.

From the Corner Office (Pastor Tom)

June 2010

I love the name of our church. I hope you do too. For our church’s name is a natural conversation starter in sharing with others the hope that is ours in Christ. When you and I answer the simple question, “What church do you belong to?” We can answer, “I belong to Grace Lutheran Church because I believe in “Grace alone.”   But what does that mean?

The apostle Paul once wrote to Timothy that God “has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9). That one passage tells us much about grace. It tells us . . .

1. God’s grace is the reason that we’re saved. Paul wrote that God has saved us because of his own purpose and GRACE.

2. God’s grace is undeserved. By saying that God saved us, Paul tells us we have sinned. For only sinners need salvation. The Bible makes it clear what sinners deserve: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Yet God chose not to condemn all people to eternal death. Rather, God chose to show us GRACE — undeserved love.

3. God’s grace is unearned. Imagine if we had to somehow earn God’s grace to be saved. That would mean every night when we went to bed, we would have to wonder, “Have I done my part?” We could never be certain that we are saved! But Paul tells us that God’s salvation has nothing to do with “anything we have done.” God saved us not because of what is inside us. He saved us because of what is inside him—GRACE!

4. God’s grace is seen in Christ Jesus. God sent his only Son to die for those who rebel against him. The perfect holy One was punished. The imperfect sinful ones are set free.

5. God’s grace is complete. Paul didn’t say, “God saves us,” as if our salvation is an ongoing process. Nor does he say, “God will save us,” as if there is something left to do. He said God “has saved us.” Salvation is a done deal. On the cross Christ said, “It is finished.” His word is final. It is GRACE ALONE.

6. God’s grace is eternal. Think about it. God had decided to send Jesus to save sinners “before the beginning of time.” His love for us is older than time itself!

GRACE ALONE is the answer to life’s biggest question: “Why am I saved?” To answer that question we don’t look to ourselves, our lives, or even our faith. Rather, we look to our gracious God, who has always loved us for no other reason than that he chose to love us.

So GRACE ALONE means so much and gives such hope. The more you study God’s love letter of grace to you, the more you see that it’s grace that saves you, strengthens you, is enough for you, and brings blessing upon blessing to you. God grant it that our church’s members and ministry ever treasure and by God’s grace, live up to our name.

May 2010

Our Savior is real.  Our forgiveness through faith in him is real.  Eternal life is real.  We know where all things are headed.  It also gives us a sense of urgency.  Our living Lord is coming back.  When he does, the time for coming to faith in him is over.

Look around you.  Every eye you see will one day look on the face of Jesus.  Inform them of that moment.  You know what to do.  Share the good news we sum up as we sing. "Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again."  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life so our Father in heaven can declare that wonderful "not guility" verdict over this sin cursed world.  And all in whom the Holy Spirit plants faith in Jesus, all who wait for him believing this good news of forgiveness and eternal life, will be those the Risen Lord will gather to Himself.

In the mean time, keep looking to Him, hearing His Word, sharing His salvation and waiting for Him.  He promises you won't be disappointed.

April 2010

Would you negotiate down a ransom for a loved one?  If their life depended on your actions wouldn't you do anything for them?  Of course you would.  That is exactly what God did for this world of sinners, as Jesus carried out our sins and suffered the punishment of hell for us.  He did the greatest "anything" for us.  He did "everything" as he willing suffered our punishment, putting to death the eternal curse we deserve for our sins, and made eternal salvation free and ours by faith.

There is no better life than the Christian's life in response to the extravagant love God displays in winning our salvation.  We express what he means to us in our worship together and our life worship in His name.  God bless our humble, grateful extravagant service to our Lord. 

The Church Year

Advent season starts the church's festival year.  This is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ. (Altar colors are purple)

Christmas is the next celebration:  which of course is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus (Altar colors are white)

Epiphany is the next celebration, during this time Jesus is revealed as the Son of God and the Savior of all people.  (Altar colors are white)

During Lent, we remember Christ's suffering and death  (Altar colors are purple)

On Maundy Thursday, we should note this is when Jesus first instituted the Lord's Supper  (Altar colors are purple)

Good Friday, is when Jesus was crucified for our sins on Mount Calvary  (Altar colors are black)

Easter Sunday, we rejoice in Jesus' resurrection (Altar colors are white)

Jesus' Ascension into heaven happened 40 days after he rose from the dead (Altar colors are white)

Pentecost, is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples (50 days after Jesus rose from the dead) and gave them the ability to speak the good news in different languages (Altar colors are red)

Trinity Sunday, is a festival in honor of the Triune God (Altar colors are white)

Pentecost Season is a season (June to December) that emphasizes the Christians new life in Christ (Altar colors are green)

Altar Colors and what they represent

Violet/Purple = Repentance                                  Red = Fire of the Holy Spirit

White = Joy                                                             Green = Growth

Black = Mourning                                                   Blue = Royalty, Grace of God