tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37967386423815026382024-03-08T19:18:45.549-06:00St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMSSt. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.comBlogger614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-50791791737085605142023-06-17T14:44:00.004-05:002023-06-17T15:31:53.674-05:00Three Estates; God's innoculation for fear<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The following is a republishing of a series of articles for a newspaper in 2020, slightly modified. Pastor Makelin <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Wow. The world has gone off it’s
rocker lately! Have you ever felt that things are…shall I say…unsettled? You
may have felt this even before the latest crazy, but now it just seems more
pronounced lately, no? All this flux can make you come away with fear and can
be quite unnerving.</span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Want to hear something great though?
God still reigns. He has established three “estates” (or orders, institutions, forever
constant) of which all of us Christians live - all at the same time, where He
rules. God’s order for His creation has been established by Him and <u>will not
be moved!</u> Let me say that again in a slightly different way. God has
established temporal walls of defense for our lives, ruled and governed by Him,
yet in different ways…different realms under His rule. The comforting thing to
know about these estates, is that no matter how much the devil, the world, or
even we ourselves, fight against them, <u>they will not be overcome!</u> As the
Lord said through the prophet Isaiah in Chapter thirty-five, verse four: </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Say
to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rage
as he will, the devil will not overcome! God’s reign in these estates will </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">always</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> exist until the end of time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Tragically,
these defensive walls <i>are</i> sometimes </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">damaged in attacks, vandalized, or one or more of them
temporarily breached. When this happens, s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ociety will demand the other two estates to
compensate in order to pick up the slack. Thus, chaos and fear ensue. This is
what we are witnessing now. <a name="_Hlk46755632">Yet, each estate is
necessary - and good - in its own sphere and hierarchy – not only for a healthy
society, but especially as defense against your conscience.</a></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk46755632;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">No matter the
damage, these three estates shall, in the end, exist for your protection until you
rest in the grave or the Lord returns.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">So, what am I talking about when I
say God’s three estates? They go by different names in Scripture, but I will
call them, Ecclesiastical (Ministry), Familial (Domestic), and Political (Civil). Each has its own way of
keeping God’s order and its own peculiar function, and even though some
functions are identical, they still operate uniquely in our lives. Two of these
estates were instituted by God before the Fall, (Ecclesiastical and Familial) and the
least of the three estates established (Political) is described <i>after</i> the
Fall of mankind to sin. None the less, the Political estate is also given by God
for our protection. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">It is my desire, that once you know
about these three estates, see how they function, and see how God has
established them for your care, protection, and benefit in this life, that you
will not only see His order among all this chaos but so too, <i>that you will not
fear</i>. You will recognize the enemy, the devil, for what he is and recognize
that his goal is to be constantly battering these defensive walls. This is not
a teaching of what you must do, but what has been done for you as revealed in
God’s Word of Holy Scripture. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Stay tuned for the Political (civil) estate<br /></span></p>
<p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-25385401599681615762023-06-04T14:39:00.003-05:002023-06-04T14:57:55.722-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When someone sins against you</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In the blogpost of August 20<sup>th </sup>2021, I promised
that we would investigate what to do if someone sins against you. I made this post up, but did not ever publish it. So, here you go. Only two years late, but it still applies.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We talk a lot
about repenting for sins of our own, but when in a situation of abuse, or evil
attacks aimed at you, or literally someone else sinning against you, the go-to
verses are Ephesians 6. This does not mean you do not forgive your attacker,
and neither does it mean you may not have to seek safety from them, or that you
won’t struggle to forgive, but the question is; where do we find the strength of
faith to stand the blows? Sure, forgiveness is given to us by in faith, by grace,
through Christ, but for us mere mortals, especially when being wronged, forgiveness
is hard! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet, before I get into the source of our strength of
faith, I must mention that God allows some things to happen to us - in His
discipline - to make us pick up our cross and follow him. Remember the prophet
Job? He was, by God’s account, a blameless and upright man, one who turned away
from evil. Though rich in family, goods, and reputation, he did not treat
others poorly or unfairly, and he even went so far as to continually offer burnt
sacrifices to God for his children, just in case, they sinned and cursed. But
then all that came crashing down in a day. In a day, he lost his livestock (his
wealth), his servants were slaughtered, and even his family that he had
sacrificed ‘just in case’, died. And through all this, lamenting and sorrowful,
Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. He simply said;<b><i> <span class="text">The </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> gave, and the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> has taken away; blessed be the
name of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">.”</span> </i></b></span>(see Job Chapter 1). <span class="text"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But that was not all. When he was at
his lowest and saddest, so low he cursed his birth and said it would have been
better to never have been born than to bear this burden, three friends came to
give “counsel” – and some counsel that turned out to be! They beat him about
the head with the law saying, You must have done something wrong. Admit it, and
perhaps the Lord will relent. Even his wife couldn’t take it anymore and she abandoned
him saying; <b><i>Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.</i></b></span>
To which he replied; <b><i>Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not
receive evil?”<sup data-fn="#fen-ESV-12902a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-12902a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%202%3A8%2D10&version=ESV#fen-ESV-12902a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> </i></b>It goes on to say; <b><i>In all
this Job did not sin with his lips.</i></b></span><b><i> </i></b>(See Job Chapter 2)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yeah, that guy. How did he hold onto
his faith under such horrible things? Some may speak platitudes by saying God
does not give you anything more than you can handle, but that is false and not
in Scripture. On the other hand, it says in James; <b><i>Count it all joy, my
brothers,<sup data-fn="#fen-ESV-30252b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-30252b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30252b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> when you meet trials of various kinds,</i></b></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-ESV-30253">3 </span></sup>for you know that the
testing of your faith produces steadfastness…</span></span></i></b><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessed
is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he
will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i></b><span id="en-ESV-30263"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The world is a dangerous place if you are
a Christian, and the devil prowls around looking to devour your faith, but much
to his chagrin, through his attacks, temptations, and trials, God produces in
you, a steadfastness of faith by the feeding of His Word and Sacraments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Oops, I said it. Christ’s gift of Word and Sacraments
is what Paul is describing in the imagery of Ephesians 6 as this defensive
armor. Paul lists the armor given to us to withstand this evil age with; the
belt of Truth (His Word is Truth which girds your loins like a weightlifter’s
belt), the breastplate of righteousness (protection of wounding the heart
because Christ is<i> your </i>righteousness), the shoes of “readiness given by
the gospel of peace” (as you hear and speak the peace of Christ to others –
right where your feet are pointing), the shield of faith to quench the flaming
darts of the evil one (for when the devil strikes your faith with his lies, they
are quickly brought to nothing), the helmet of salvation (helmets protect
heads, and you know with all your mind, you are saved by the blood of Christ),
and the sword of the Spirit while </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and
supplication. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is
where Job’s strength of faith was found. This is where <i>your </i>strength of
faith is found, in Christ’s Word and Sacraments, for you to stand the assaults of
the </span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places…</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">and
yes, against death itself. All this He feeds </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">you through the Word and Sacraments
of His Church into your ears and mouth. This is what I was getting at last week
when I said to <u>not</u> receive the Sacrament is detrimental to your health,
like going into battle naked. Your armor gets chinks and holes in it from the
battle against those cosmic powers (because you will do battle). But you can come
to Him for rest, for new armor, for strengthening of faith. There is no such
thing as a lone Christian. To fight the battle without Christ to die eternally.
Come. Hear Him. Come eat and drink Him as He bids you to do in His own
testimony. For as long as you draw breath on this side of heaven, you need Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Makelin</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9/2/21</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p>
St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-36330491125789629972021-08-26T19:37:00.000-05:002021-08-26T19:37:51.181-05:00 Gospel of the Sacrament of the Altar<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since we have been talking about the Sacrament of the Altar lately, I’d like to say more here. I would like to address the Gospel benefits of this blessed Sacrament, for it is truly a blessing that the devil wants you NOT to receive and will do anything to stop you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In talking of closed communion with other denominations, and sometimes with each other, there is some confusion between being cautious about who we commune because of the harm it may cause, and therefore thinking the benefits are not given to those who <i>are</i> admitted to the table. This too, I think the devil has had his way with us and so I would like to clarify.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">First let’s consider that all precautions have been made, and you are a disciple of Christ approaching the table. That is, that you have been Baptized, and properly catechized, before communion. This is in accordance with Matthew 28’s command to make disciples by Baptizing and teaching. This is closed communion; simply making sure the communicant is a disciple of Christ. We often use the “shortcut” of determining the catechesis given by asking the quick question; Are you a member of a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in good standing? If yes, we can be quite reasonably assured that you have been properly taught. Sometimes this is not the case, but thankfully I think it is still rare. If the answer is no to that question, then we need to determine what you have been taught and who you are in communion with (denomination) to determine the issues which may need to be discussed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But then, with the assurance that you are in fact, a disciple of Christ (and in this case, a LCMS member in good standing), then there is the “worthiness” language. This is not closed communion, but the warnings of 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 to disciples of Christ. This is simply what a Baptized and Catechized disciple of Christ does. In the hymnal on LSB page 329 is Christian Questions and Their Answers. These are a series of self-examination questions, for you, as a disciple of Christ to determine if you are coming to </span>receive<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> the blessed Sacrament of the Altar in a worthy manner In a nutshell, it means; Do you believe that you are a sinner, have no hope to redeem yourself, but trust in Christ as your true Savior alone, and He truly gives Himself to you in His body and blood for your benefit? If so, then come and receive that benefit! Do not let the devil convince you otherwise!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yet still, the devil’s assaults are numerous to convince you to NOT partake. Things like.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pastor, I know someone that has done me harm, and I just can’t seem to forgive them for what they did. Shouldn’t I abstain? No! Come to the Sacrament and receive His forgiveness (for your lack of forgiveness to your neighbor) and for Him to give you the strength to forgive! You believe that you are a sinner, no?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But pastor, what if I am mad at the <u>you</u>, and I can’t forgive you! Same. Come, receive, be forgiven, and may it give you strength to come and sit down with me to discuss what the problem is.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But pastor, I have hatred in my heart towards someone. Isn’t that dangerous? Yes, having hatred in your heart can be dangerous to your faith, but that is handled with individual confession and absolution. Things like unrepentance, hatred, and a multitude of sins are covered under that seal to give forgiveness for specific issues. Take advantage of it, receive forgiveness from God Himself, then feed your faith with the Sacrament. Besides, how does NOT receiving forgiveness of sins by the body and blood of Christ, help with that hatred? Instead, confess your sin, and receive the full benefit of the blessed Sacrament.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Or the latest one; But pastor, I fear I may catch something and die. Which do you fear most? Eternal death, or temporal death? Or, as Jesus says in Matthew 10:28; <b><i>And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. </i></b>We take many precautions in the distribution of the Sacrament, but ultimately it is God’s will and timing when you shall be taken unto Him. And besides, Christ will raise you up again.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">These are not the only reasons we have come up with to <u>not</u> take this blessed Gospel given to us, yet <i>any</i> reason we come up with for voluntarily going <i>without</i> the Sacrament for a long period of time, is detrimental to your faith. It is like going into battle naked because you no longer wear the armor of God to protect you against the assaults of the devil and world. Come, eat and drink, replace that battle torn armor with a new set.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I highly recommend further reading, for this blessed Sacrament is THE greatest gift known to His Church. Please check out our Confessions. Specifically, section V of Luther’s Large Catechism. It is well worth the read.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Together in Christ,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pastor Terry Makelin</span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-18335543006535808062021-08-20T14:29:00.002-05:002021-08-20T14:29:35.400-05:00 Getting/giving/taking/having…Offense<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As I noticed that my “weekly” blog has already faltered to an intermittent blog. I pray this has not offended you. I have not fully integrated blogging into my schedule, and for those who were expecting more from me, I ask your grace.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Yet, in today’s understanding giving/getting/taking/having offense is the greatest sin I could ever commit!</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">However,</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">what is ‘offense’? And is ‘giving offense’ a sin? Armed with those two questions I began a deep dive into Scripture and want to share a few things with you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yet before I get into what Scripture says, I want to try to define what ‘offense’ is in today’s understanding, because the meaning of that word has changed greatly in the last few decades. The dictionary definition (off those wonderful muddy waters of the internet) defines “offense” as: <i>The act of causing anger, resentment, displeasure, or affront.</i> Or <i>The state of being offended</i>. By that definition, <u>anything</u> said can be offensive! With one word or slip of the tongue it can be offensive depending on how the words are<u> received</u>, not how the words were intended. This is scary. <b>People have lost jobs, had their careers ruined, been cancelled, and many other things, not because they <i>wanted</i> to cause offense, but because their words were <i>received</i> as offensive.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, what does Scripture have to say about it? A quick word search of the word 'offense' in the English Standard Version of the Bible reveals some interesting observations how the interpreters used this word to describe the usage of the word in the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). In the OT, it has primarily the meaning of “transgression”. You can cause offense (<i>transgression)</i> against individuals, <i>transgression</i> of nation, against nation, and then true sin, which is <i>transgression</i> against God (in general or against His Word). In the New Testament, the word “offense” has the root word, which is where the word 'scandalous' comes from. It is offensive (scandalous), to cause/ make someone to no longer believe, or they themselves give up believing. It is a transgression against God’s law when you <i>sin</i> against Him (or your neighbor) and it is a <i>scandalous</i> to cause/make/abandon faith. <b>In summary, Scriptures define “offense” in two ways. Doing what is wrong or causing someone to do wrong or stumble (in the faith).</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is not quite the way in which today’s understanding of “offense” is! Is it? The key here is the <i>intent of doing wrong</i>. And of course, in the Bible, who decides what is right or wrong? God! So offense (sin) is not subjective (self-interpreting by how you feel about it), but objective (the offender had the intent of sinning against you). <b>Therefore, in Scripture, 'true offense', IS sin because it is ultimately offensive to God. It is also <i>truly</i> offensive to someone else, if they <i>intentionally </i>sin against them</b>. I emphasize the word intentionally, because sometimes someone can sin against someone unintentionally via the flesh, simply by impulse, misspeaking, or even stupidity. And while yes, this is sinful, the best construction should be applied and generous grace given while waiting to see what is their true intent. Is it to cause harm?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, back to the beginning; <b>Is giving/getting/taking/having offense a sin?</b> Sometimes, but usually not. Maybe to the world’s definition it always is, but like many things, the world has turned things upside down from what God’s Word says. The question itself is backwards and should be; <b>Is giving/getting/taking/having sin, offensive?</b> Yes. Sin against each other is sin against God. When we are talking about sins against God, well, let's just say that maybe it is understandable to be a little angry, resentful, displeased, or affronted (the world’s definition of offense) about it. So,the next time you feel ‘offended’ with that internet bully, or when someone lets you down, or when someone says something that gets your ire up, ask yourself; What sin against God have they committed against me? Was it intentional? Ask them; What is the offense and what is my sin? This is what Jacob asked of Laban in <b><i>Genesis 31:36 Then Jacob became angry and berated Laban. Jacob said to Laban, “What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.5467px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And if it is sin against you (and God)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">? Well…you know Jesus Christ and His forgiveness. When it comes to sin, <b>always look to Jesus Christ, where true Peace is found and given through His Word and Sacraments,</b> and we will get into what God’s Word says about what we can do when offensive sin is intentionally inflicted upon us in another blogspot. Pastor Terry Makelin 08-17-21</span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-32079910842251984572021-07-29T23:44:00.002-05:002021-07-29T23:44:33.036-05:00Table of Duties<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In Luther’s Small Catechism it lists a Table of Duties for various vocations. There is of course, the inherent danger of listing duties of a Christian, and that is, that we only hear the Law and not the Gospel. Yet, I remind you that you are a baptized child of God.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In God’s eyes, you possess the perfect righteousness of Jesus.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">In fact, before you even start to read them, you know by faith what the end goal needs to be: more Jesus, less you.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When we rely on ourselves, we will fail.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When we try to improve ourselves, we will fail.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When we make a list of all our shortcomings, we realize the impossibility of our situation.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">When we look at ourselves at all, it leads to despair.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">That is the work of the Law, it shows us our sin.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yet the Law is good, because it drives us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we can acknowledge our duties as something we often fail to do. The solution is not to work harder at them, or try to do more, or rely on anything of ourselves, but seek the forgiveness earned by Christ in His Word and Sacrament to sanctify us to do better.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Therefore, with all this talk I have been doing about when to call the pastor and what he can do for you, I thought it would be a good idea to review the Scriptural expectations, and how they are presented in the Book of Concord and various rites of the church. These are set forth for the benefit of each other. And while these duties are separated by vocation because of responsibilities, there is no separation of Christ. We are on the same team. We want the same things. This congregation is not your church or my church, but His church in this place. You want a pastor who will faithfully serve you the gifts God offers…and so do I. I want parishioners (and myself) who hunger to be fed in faith and love…and so do you. The solution is more Jesus Christ, and less of ourselves.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Again, if there are any questions you have, or one of these responsibilities you are struggling with, or you think there is something I should be doing better at doing, please contact me. In Christ, and with His mercy and His forgiveness, we are sanctified to serve each other in this way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Together in the communion of Jesus Christ,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pastor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Pastoral</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Scriptural expectations of the pastor are detailed in various rites, Call documents and the Book of Concord. The rites of confirmation, ordination, and installation are often spoken as a confession of these responsibilities, or sometimes a vow. They are:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Perform the duties of the pastoral office in accordance with the Lutheran Confessions</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Conform his preaching and administration of the Sacraments to the Lutheran Confessions (contained in the Book of Concord of 1580)<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Faithfully instruct both young and old in the chief articles of Christian doctrine<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Forgive the sins of those who repent, and never divulge sins confessed to him<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Minister to the sick and dying<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Demonstrate to the Church a constant and ready ministry centered in the Gospel<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Admonish and encourage the people to a lively confidence in Christ and in holy living<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture and the Confessions<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Be constant in prayer for those in his pastoral care<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Instruct, watch over, and guide the flock over which the Holy Spirit has placed him<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Administer the Word of God in its full truth and purity<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Administer the holy Sacraments in accordance with their divine institution<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Guard and promote the spiritual welfare of the members<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Guide the congregation in applying the divinely ordained discipline of the Church, according to the Word of God, and to assist and lead members in practicing the forgiven life with one another<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Promote and guide the mission activity of the congregation, in the local community and Synod- and District-wide endeavors<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Be a resource and guide in Christian education and train parents to teach the faith to their children<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Preach Law and Gospel in each sermon and make it easy to understand.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Teach Bible class to understanding and edification.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Scriptural expectations of the parishioner are also stated at confirmation, the Book of Concord, ordination and installation services, Call Documents and often are spoken as a vow, that with God’s help, you will accomplish them. They are:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Parishioner</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Hear the Word of God and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Receive the pastor as a servant of Jesus Christ, giving him the honor, love, and obedience that the Word prescribes<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Aid the pastor by word and deed, supporting him with diligent and faithful assistance, fervent prayers, and desiring to learn from him (Bible studies, activities, etc.)<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Aid the pastor as he cares for his family</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Make appropriate arrangements for the pastor’s continuing education</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Support the congregation with your resources/service. Be diligent to “put the best construction on everything”<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Work with the pastor to equip God’s people to glorify Him and extend His kingdom by living out your Baptism in all vocations</p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-34386643437194713872021-07-22T21:46:00.000-05:002021-07-22T21:46:37.005-05:00Servants serving Servants<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Last week, I shared “When to contact your pastor”. I failed to mention that this was provided by someone else. But OK, so maybe you don’t want the pastor to know your business. Perhaps you do not know the confidentiality He is Called by God to keep (many don’t).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We see in the movies where the Roman Catholic Priest is not allowed to divulge who the murder is, even though he knows because it was revealed “under the seal” of the Confessional booth. And while we do have differences from our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic church concerning Confession (see </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bookofconcord.org/apology-of-the-augsburg-confession/&source=gmail&ust=1627093238322000&usg=AFQjCNG9FSHjIRofnAYk6Y89ZwPo1SM6bg" href="https://bookofconcord.org/apology-of-the-augsburg-confession/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Apology of the Augsburg Confession</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> / Art. XIIb (VI): Of Confession and Satisfaction), </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">we do hold to the confidentiality of confession “under the seal”. That is, what is said in the confidence of private confession is between you and God, not you and the pastor. He cannot divulge it to anyone, not even his wife. In our ordination and installation vows we are to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">forgive the sins of those who repent, and never divulge sins confessed to him. This is how the pastor serves you in the vocation of the Office of Holy Ministry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yet perhaps the issue is not a sin you are struggling with that is bothering you. Perhaps it is something you simply wish to talk to you pastor about as that in-person seelsorger sent by God for the care of your body, spirit, and mind. Then confidentiality is as you desire it. As an example, Prayers will not be said in church for you unless you want it to be added to the Prayer of the Church. While Scripture says that prayers of the saints are a great benefit, your confidentiality is honored and I will include them in my prayers as I pray for each member of the congregation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I am still afraid to go to you pastor! Please! Don’t be. I am your servant. I cannot serve you if I am in the dark about your needs. Yes, I am called to point out your sin so that you can repent of them, but that is not my full-time job! As your servant sent by God for you, I have various means of applying the salve of the Gospel. I can pray, bless, read Scripture, and perhaps most importantly, be an ear. Still, I am not clairvoyant, you have to tell me. Sometimes repeatedly (grin).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But what if my problem is with you pastor? How am I to handle that?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The answer to that is the same whether it is between you and me, your pastor, and you and another person, following the guidance of Matthew 18. Be open and upfront about it with the person you have an issue with. The goal of course is forgiveness, solving and diffusing issues without giving the devil a foothold between us, turning it into factions and disunity.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps it is helpful to establish a few courtesies of fellow sinners in service to each other</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you have a problem with me, come to me in person so we can discuss it and I will do the same if I have a problem with you.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If someone comes to you about me, please send them to me and I will do the same for you (if they come to me about you).</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If they consistently come to you and still can’t come to me privately, offer to come with them (not as a mediator or interpreter, but as a quiet, supportive friend).</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If they still refuse to address it face-to-face, pray to God to heal the situation and let the Holy Spirit handle it in His time and way. Just be careful to always put the best construction on both people’s characters and refrain from rumors. We have a common enemy (sin, Satan, and the world) and it is not each other!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course, confidence is still maintained. If it is supposed to be confidential, don’t tell. Yet, if not, feel free to share with me to seek on how to handle the situation. The danger here then, is manipulation. Do not manipulate and do not allow yourself to be manipulated into aiding division of the body.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And finally, when in doubt; Ask. We will look to Scripture for His Will in the matter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please remember: God has provided you and I for each other and through the forgiveness earned by Christ, given us Himself, to endure the evil of the world together, with Him, until the end.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Together in Christ,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pastor Terry Makelin</span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-17979972203905292342021-07-22T21:40:00.001-05:002021-07-22T21:40:11.797-05:00When to Contact Your Pastor<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes
people wonder when they should call or contact their pastor. Of course,
preaching, teaching, and administering the mysteries of God in the Sacraments
are one of your pastor’s primary duties, but he is also called to be your </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">seelsorge,</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
or soul-healer.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He is never “too busy to
be bothered” and please do not assume he knows or has your contact information.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Here are some suggestions on when to “bother”
him</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Call your
pastor:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When your conscience is troubling you and/or you desire private
confession and absolution</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When death is imminent, or if grief is prolonged and does not
diminish</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you, or a loved one, is going into the hospital</span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you would like to receive a
blessing, of house, home, life events, or person<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you hear of a congregation
member entering the hospital or nursing care (please don’t assume I know)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you have not come to church to hear his Word spoken and
preached for a prolonged period, <i>especially</i> if you are not able to do
so.</span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you have withheld from partaking, or have been unable to
partake, of that blessed Sacrament of the Altar, for a month.</span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When You would like a prayer said for you, a loved one, or an
acquaintance</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When
you would like me to add someone, or yourself, to my personal daily prayers -
or - add to the church’s weekly prayer list (e.g. issues of thanksgiving,
needs, patience in suffering, or requests for healing)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you find you no longer desire
the Sacrament of the Altar<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you have a question, concern, or suggestion concerning the
church, including something I have said, or another member from the
congregation has said</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> you, or a loved one, struggle with
alcohol, drugs, pornography, or other harmful behaviors</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you or someone you know has
been the victim of any kind of abuse</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
you have entered a serious dating relationship (as soon as it becomes serious,
especially<i> </i>before talking of living together or setting dates for
marriage)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you have an issue in your marriage that is unresolved after a
month of trying to reconcile</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
pregnant, that we might arrange for the child’s baptism<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
you need an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend to care for your
hurts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When you’re wrestling with a spiritual issue or have a question
about something the Bible says.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When you know someone new in your neighborhood, or someone else
you know, who just wants to know more about Jesus and His Word.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">K</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">eep in mind that this is not
an exhaustive list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At all times,
contacting your pastor is about delivering Christ for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your pastor – as unworthy for the Holy Office
as he may be - has been divinely called by God to be His under-shepherd, in
this place, at this time…for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are <u>not</u> currently being served by any pastor, feel free to call Pastor
Makelin at (605) 925-7219 or - if an emergency - his cell at (402) 336-7819. He
would be happy to listen and talk with you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pastor Terry Makelin</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 12pt;">St. Paul Lutheran Church</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Freeman, SD<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">07-18-21<o:p></o:p></span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-80401969802714111162021-07-10T11:10:00.000-05:002021-07-10T11:10:17.901-05:00IN PERSON OR ON SCREEN? <p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Is live feed just as good as gathering? Does a shut in need the pastor, or can they just see him on screen? When answering that question, it becomes a question of what do you believe and practice? </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe God comes to us in person. Not as some inner voice but rather from outside of us in Word and Sacrament, and in the "in the stead" and "by the command" of the Office of the Ministry. This is the confessional Lutheran faith practiced for generations. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe that God delivers these sacramental gifts (from Him to us), through the hands of men (pastors) as His instruments, placed into the Office of the Holy Ministry, by Divine call and the rite of vocation (ordination).<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe the Divine call and ordination of these men is done through His visible church on earth known as congregations. Being “Church” is being members of His body by faith in Jesus Christ – no matter which Christian denomination or sect. Being a congregation is when His Church gathers (congregate). True faith in Christ (what the congregation believes) can be seen by what it teaches. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe therefore, that these men (pastors) are called to serve as under shepherds of Christ in service to the congregation - in order to provide the Divine gifts of Word and Sacrament, in the stead (standing in His place) and by His command (He authorized it and instituted it). Therefore, when the pastor absolves, it is as if by God Himself. When the pastor binds, it is by God Himself. When the pastor preaches, it is by God Himself. When the pastor reads Scripture, it is God speaking His Word. When the pastor Baptizes, God Baptizes. When the Pastor speaks the Words of Institution over the elements of the Lord’s Supper, God is speaking and instituting the blessed meal for His people in that place. Not that these men are pure and Holy mind you, but they are God’s chosen instruments in that place at this time, so His people can see, hear, taste, and smell the God among them. This is a blessed thing!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe when a pastor delivers the blessed gifts of Word and Sacrament in a congregational worship setting, his hand is God’s hand, his mouth God’s mouth, his ear, God’s ear. No one else in the congregation is called to do this thing for them. No one else in our congregation can preach or handle the Sacraments, only their called and ordained pastor.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Granted, even in a congregational setting, we do sometimes have “elders” help with the distribution of the Sacrament of the Altar (Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Communion) by carrying the blessed tray of body, or blood, but this is only done by men, deputized by the pastor in that place, and only after training to recognize the seriousness, that they are handling is the very Holy and very precious body and blood of Christ Himself, who is not only is the host via the instrument of the pastor, but the meal, present there in the elements of bread and wine (and no, we do not try to explain how it can be, it just IS because He said it is). Yes, we may also sometimes deputize other pastors in our confession of faith (synod) to deliver Word and Sacrament to the people in that congregation, but again, only those of our confession of faith. We call this Pulpit and Altar Fellowship.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We believe then, that when it comes to those who cannot come to the regular place He has promised to come (the congregation worship setting), it is the pastor’s Divine call and duty to go to homes, houses, battlefields, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, prisons, and anywhere else his people are, to deliver God Himself through His Word and Sacraments by their pastor’s hand, as an extension of the place of worship (sanctuary). Bottom line, since the congregation member cannot attend the Altar of God in that place, the pastor brings that place’s Altar of God to them.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Other chaplain or spiritual care persons can give prayers and comforting words, but only your pastor is called for you to deliver Word and Sacrament to you. It is an imperative practice of our faith to have pastors of the congregation physically and in-person, visit their people to absolve, to preach, to read His Word, to bless, to give communion, etc. Pastors bring Christ Himself for the people they have been called to serve. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is why live feed is not as good as gathering. It is also why, this past year, we were at odds with the policies developed during the pandemic that delegated responsibility of distribution of the Sacrament of the Altar to anyone else but by their pastor’s hand. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Because it is by that hand and mouth, in a congregation setting, by which are the instruments that Jesus Christ Himself, the host, and meal, has chosen to deliver His gifts in order to strengthen your faith in Him and love for one another. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pastor Terry Makelin</p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-80275886598365003722021-06-29T22:10:00.000-05:002021-06-29T22:10:17.290-05:00Feasts, Festivals, and Occasions:<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because of the abuses of worshiping the saints, many people do not know that the Christian (Lutheran) church does have special days set aside for those saints and special days in which we wish to bring attention and focus to the workings of God in His church.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We do not pray to the saints to ask for their intervention, and we do not necessarily have these commemorative days in order to honor THEM, but instead, along with special commemorative events, we pause to give glory to God for working through these people and events to continue His church throughout all the centuries. These feasts, festivals, and occasion days are listed on pages x and xi in the front of your hymnal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">In Article 21 of the Lutheran Confessions, they list three reasons for such honor. <b>First,</b> we thank God for giving faithful servants to His church. <b> Second</b>, through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extends to His saints of old. And <b>Thirdly,</b> these saints are examples by which we may imitate both their faith and their holy living according to OUR calling in life. So, we give thanks, our faith is strengthened by their witness, and we have these examples of faith and works to imitate in our lives.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Usually these dates end up during the week, and we do not hold special worship services, (though I do encourage that on these days you give thanks in your home devotions). Some however, are moved to the nearest Sunday, when they are principle feasts of Christ (boldface in the hymnal), as they are important in the life of the church year to commemorate. Sometimes, it doesn't even have to be a principle feast (such as Reformation Day) and we will move it from the day it is on, to the nearest Sunday. This practice varies from congregation to congregation as local customs and preferences vary from congregation to congregation.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">It is my intended practice, that when a feast, festival, or occasion occurs on a Sunday, we will pause from our regular church year celebrations to observe it and principal days will be moved to the nearest Sunday, as is the case for this Sunday; The Nativity of St. John the Baptist.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Now here is something more special about the Nativity of St. John the Baptizer day. When it comes to saints, we usually commemorate their death dates, when their earthly calling was ended (usually by martyrdom), and they were called to rest from their labors, but there are the rare times when we celebrate nativities, or birthdays. One such birth observance is not of just a saint, but the commemoration of the birth of our Lord. THE Nativity, Christmas. We mark the nativity of John the Baptist in parallel with the Nativity of our Lord, exactly six months from Jesus’ nativity date (if we hadn't moved it to the nearest Sunday). Remember the angel came to Zachariah and told Him that Elizabeth and he were going to have a son? And six months later, the angel came to Mary and said you are going to have a son and Elizabeth is already six months along? This was all foretold and laid out, because John the Baptist’s entire birth, life, and death, was to prepare the way for the Lord’s activity in this world, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah in our OT reading and as was told to his priestly father, Zechariah, in the temple by an angel.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">So there is a reason for the madness, that the Nativity of John the Baptizer who preached repentance is the forerunner of the Nativity of Christ the Savior who preached forgiveness of sins. May God bless you.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Pastor Makelin</p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-50942027213051474902021-06-22T17:44:00.003-05:002021-06-22T18:25:55.120-05:00Back to Blogging introduction<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As we move to our website (Stpaulfreeman.org) we will be shifting the focus of this blog spot to what it is designed to be, and that is for text communication.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We started the website because of where the videos are stored (YouTube).</span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But first, a little bit about where we have been. The purpose of the videos had always been for our brothers and sisters in Christ of St. Paul Freeman who, because of some mobility issues, could not get to the Divine Service (shut-in and facility bound) so they could watch it later. For the facility bound, they would gather together in thier chapel areas, so to remotely worship with their brothers and sisters from St. Paul Lutheran, just a different time and space. A volunteer would hand deliver memory sticks and bulletins to the facility so that they could do this. For homebound, the volunteer or I would bring them DVD's with a DVD player for them to watch. Then, I would go to those places or their homes after they had watched, and give them Holy Communion in a congregation-gathered setting if passible...until COVID hit.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When COVID hit and restrictions were beginning, we considered everyone to be shut in and went "live". We turned to YouTube and FaceBook for live-streaming and it was no longer necessary to deliver memory sticks. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">We also were able to have our videos placed on the local cable channel 90</span>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since live-streaming is no longer necessary, and the website will work for getting the videos to our home and facility bound shut ins (and to those few visitors online we picked up who have been watching), we will take this blogspot back to what it was intended years ago.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have not blogged in the past, so please bear with me. This past year and a half however, has brought many things to light concerning society’s worldview that I feel is important that we address. Many issues have risen, and each could be written and discussed at great lengths. In no particular order, are some below:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Healthcare’s separation of mind, body, and soul, with the body as priori.</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The purpose of civil government in God’s three orders of estates (Church, Civil, Family)</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trust in man (media, science, social order, morality, etc.) over God</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Human relationships (virtual, in-person, dependency, interdependency)</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fear as a means to manipulate (fear of death, guilt, shame, etc.).</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Definition of “truth”</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Purpose of life/death</span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Definition of what is church, worship, pastor, and love</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a lot, and you can sense the anxiety of society today because of it. It is like a whack-a-mole game. You go to hit one to address it, and then, thinking it has been beaten down, another pops up from a different angle, and even the one you just smacked, pops back up. The difference between the whack a mole game and today’s issues however, is that you do not score points, and nobody wins! There are no rules, then there are rules that seemingly change with the wind, and there is no order! No matter how much we try to make the game easier, or define the new set rules, the game goes on without us, even if we quit trying. The lack of order in our lives is frustrating to say the least. Exhausting, depressing, and life-sucking is probably more descriptive! This lack of “order” is the definition of chaos and insanity. No order will drive you crazy. Yet, there is order. God’s order and therefore, Peace. That Peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is what I hope to help with this blog, is to examine the world’s happenings in a confessional Lutheran worldview. May it be a blessing to you. Pastor Terry Makelin</span></p><div class="yj6qo"></div><div class="adL"></div></div><div class="adL"></div></div><div class="adL"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-32009093124775969452021-06-19T19:09:00.003-05:002021-06-19T19:09:38.853-05:0006-20-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><a name="_Hlk70075102"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Opening
Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 737<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b>Devine
Service 3 (Page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Sermon hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 608<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Sermon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Luke
15:1-10 or 11-32<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><i>“By God’s grace, Jesus Receives repentant
sinners!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Communion
hymns <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>687,
683, 915<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Closing
hymn<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Page
726<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ONE CHRIST:</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The Lord’s Table is open and offered to
all current, confirmed members in good standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri
Synod (and churches that we are in pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire
it. This assumes we confess the oneness of the same faith in Christ's
Words, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and are truly repentant for
our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests of St. Paul Lutheran Church of
Freeman, please announce your intention to commune with us to the pastor before
the service. Oneness at this Communion rail, also pre-supposes the horizontal
oneness with each other in doctrine, so if you belong to/attend a different
doctrinal confession, we invite you to come forward to receive a blessing
indicated by folding your arms over your chest as you come to the rail, or
remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions would cease. Thank you
for respecting our teachings. - Pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b>THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING OMMUNION. </b>Data has
shown, the chalice is “more sanitary” than individual cup! - Pastor</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>IN YOUR PRAYERS</u></b><b>: </b>Please pray for those members in
area facilities: <u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u>, Wyona, Norbert, Marlene,
Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <u>Oakview Terrace,</u> Lavonne,
Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <u>Low Mobility at
home</u>: Susan, Connie, and these <u>Additional Requested Prayers</u>: Kahlen,
Bryan*, Sarah*. and Jerroll<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-60870122827819614622021-06-10T19:00:00.002-05:002021-06-10T19:00:48.426-05:00New web page<p> Please see our website for information thank you </p><p>stpaulfreeman.org</p><p>May the Lord bless you have a wonderful day.</p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-68596687534703338192021-06-05T13:58:00.000-05:002021-06-05T13:58:01.955-05:0006-06-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a name="_Hlk70075102" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Opening
Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 713<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b>Prayer and
Preaching <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 768</b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Sermon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Luke
16:19-31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><i>“Death offers Hell, Faith Trusts in Christ
for Life (Heaven)!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span>Closing
hymn<b> Page
797</b></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 56.95pt 67.45pt 77.95pt 88.45pt 98.95pt 109.45pt 119.95pt 130.45pt 140.95pt 151.45pt;"><b><u><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Please pray for those members in
area facilities: <u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u>, Wyona, Norbert, Marlene,
Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <u>Oakview Terrace,</u> Lavonne,
Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <u>Low Mobility at
home</u>: Susan, Connie, and these <u>Additional Requested Prayers</u>: Kahlen,
Bryan*, Sarah*. and Jerroll<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 56.95pt 67.45pt 77.95pt 88.45pt 98.95pt 109.45pt 119.95pt 130.45pt 140.95pt 151.45pt;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to
commune with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at
Communion pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in
doctrine. If you belong to a different doctrinal confession however,
we invite you to come forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your
arms over your chest as you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for
the day when divisions would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. -
Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </u></b>For more than three
decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated an
official position to inquirers (eg, lay public, physicians, nurses, and other
health care professionals) about the low-to-no risk of infectious disease
transmission from a common communion cup. - Pastor</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (VBS) is set for
June 7-9 from 6-8:30pm. Please contact Karrissa Podzimek for more information.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center; text-indent: -1in;"><u><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE JOIN US </span></u></b><span style="line-height: 89%; text-align: center; text-indent: -1in;">for the annual meeting of Salem Mennonite Home on</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. We will be
meeting at the Prairie<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arboretum Visitors Center. The evening will
include a financial report<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and future plans. Weather permitting, we will
meet outdoors under the<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pergola. Masks are encouraged if we meet
indoors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">URGENT NEED
FOR HELP</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> on the
Pine Ridge Reservation by Missionary Reverend Albert Sutton. Please see
bulletin board for information and how you can help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -1.0in;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p><br /><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-8783733989009106942021-05-28T13:35:00.001-05:002021-05-28T13:35:17.956-05:0005-30-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <a name="_Hlk70075102" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening
Hymn <b>Page 761<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Devine
Service 3 (page 184) Psalm 29</b><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sermon hymn <b>Page 498</b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;">Sermon
John
3:1-15 (16-17)
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“Holy Trinity Reveals self to Sinners!”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Communion hymns <b>Page 905, 504, 954, 621</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Closing
hymn<b> Page
907<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to commune
with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at Communion
pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If
you belong to a different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come
forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as
you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions
would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </u></b>Why
does there seem to be more risk in spreading something with individual cups
than the chalice? Scientifically unknown, but it is speculated that it is
possibly because individual sups are handled by the lip by several hands before
it gets to your mouth. or it is the gold/silver of the chalice vs plastic/glass
of the individual cups, or when you pick the shot glass up with your hands and
put it in your mouth, you could also receive germs from the fact that it has
been at least an hour or so since <u>you</u> washed your own hand – Pastor</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, e, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <b><u>Low
Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, and those <b><u>Additional
Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen,
Bryan* and Sarah*.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VBS BIBLE
STUDY</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and planning
meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday June 2nd has been changed to
Thursday June 3rd at 7pm. Our apologies to whom this may have affected. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VOCATION BIBLE
SCHOOL</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (VBS) is set for
June 7-9 from 6-8:30pm. Please contact Karrissa Podzimek for more information. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SUMMER CHANGES:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> Divine Services with Communion will go
back to being offered on the second and third Sundays and Feast Days (except
June see below) and re-evaluated at the end of summer. Prayers services will be
used on the other Sundays with a short order of Communion Service by the pastor
(similar to early 2020's Family Services and Shut-in Services) offered after
the close of the Prayer Services for those who desire the Lord's Body and
Blood. If you wish to participate, Instead of making your way out, make your
way to the front pews and it will begin immediately after.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">More people will be ushered to the rail
during communion by putting the center rail in and heading up the center and
returning by way of the side rails as before in a snake-like fashion. It will
be strange for a while, but we'll soon remember how we used to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Starting June 6th, the Fellowship Hall
will be "open" to coffee and water for fellowship for at least 15
minutes after services before the Bible Study begins. Funerals and other events
will be discussed on a case by case basis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The back two pews on the lectern side
will be reserved for Salem Mennonite Home residents to sit in the back pew and
the second from the back pew left open so the pastor and elder can go down that
row to distribute the elements. Please help accommodate them and sit forward of
these two back pews. For everybody else, it remains the same, if you wish to
remain in the pew and receive the Sacrament in the pew, please sit on <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">an outside spot so you can receive from
the center or side aisle. We will also return to registering for communion in
the front Narthex (instead of<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">the ushers taking a count), though if
you wish to remain in the pew, please continue to indicate this to the ushers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In June, due to Pastor Makelin being
gone on June 13th to preach at First Trinity Lutheran, rural Wayne NE's 150th
celebration, Divine Services will be offered on June 20th and 27th *third and
fourth Sundays). Pastor <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David
Ellis will be preaching on June 13th with no communion offered on that day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">We thank you for your patience as we
continue in our mission of St. Paul Lutheran Church - to gather in His Name
around His Holy Word as His <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">disciples, receive His Sacraments in joy
and blessings to salvation, and to offer up our sacrifices of prayer, praise,
and thanksgiving. Pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-47913458843874478302021-05-22T13:32:00.001-05:002021-05-22T13:32:21.618-05:0005-23-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a name="_Hlk70075102" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Opening
Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 650<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b>Devine
Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 143</b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 497</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></span><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
14:23-31</span><span style="text-align: center;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><i style="text-align: center;">“Holy Spirit Gives Peace!”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span>Communion hymns <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> <b>Page 831, 659, 917, 811</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span>Closing
hymn<b> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Page
768</b></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to
commune with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at
Communion pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If
you belong to a different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come
forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as
you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions
would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%;"><span style="border: none; line-height: 50%;"> </span><b><i><u>THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION</u>.</i> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sharing the communion cup is still discouraged if a person
has an active respiratory infection (i.e., cold or flu) or moist or open sores
on their lips (eg, herpes). In these cases, please use the individual cup. -
Pastor<b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>IN YOUR
PRAYERS</u></b><b>: </b>Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, e, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <b><u>Low
Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, and those <b><u>Additional
Requested Prayers</u></b>: Kahlen,
Bryan* and Sarah*.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="line-height: 50%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u>SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</u></b> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE</u></b> <a href="http://stpaulfreeman.org/" target="_blank">stpaulfreeman.org</a> and
let us know if you find spelling errors, have suggestions, or generally what you
think of it, by sending an email to the office<a name="_Hlk70073177"> at </a><a href="mailto:stpaulfreeman@gmail.com" target="_blank">stpaulfreeman@gmail.com</a> We'll keep using this and the other online
methods (YouTube, Facebook, <a href="http://stpaulfreemanblogspot.com/" target="_blank">stpaulfreemanblogspot.com</a>) until about Memorial Day, then switch to
using our website as the main online presence.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 50%;"> </span><b><u>VOCATION BIBLE
SCHOOL</u></b> (VBS) is set for
June 7-9 from 6-8:00pm, with the Bible study/planning meeting for the
volunteers on Wednesday June 2nd at 7:00pm. Please contact Karrissa Podzimek
for more information. Other VBS plans in the circuit: Trinity Hartford
(tentatively) June 28th for 3 days, Our Savior Madison one day in July TBD. St.Peters
Wentworth: August 8-10 5:30-8:00pm</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SUMMER CHANGES:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> Divine Services with Communion will go
back to being offered on the second and third Sundays and Feast Days (except
June see below) and re-evaluated at the end of summer. Prayers services will be
used on the other Sundays with a short order of Communion Service by the pastor
(similar to early 2020's Family Services and Shut-in Services) offered after
the close of the Prayer Services for those who desire the Lord's Body and
Blood. If you wish to participate, Instead of making your way out, make your
way to the front pews and it will begin immediately after.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">More people will be ushered to the rail
during communion by putting the center rail in and heading up the center and
returning by way of the side rails as before in a snake-like fashion. It will
be strange for a while, but we'll soon remember how we used to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Starting June 6th, the Fellowship Hall
will be "open" to coffee and water for fellowship for at least 15
minutes after services before the Bible Study begins. Funerals and other events
will be discussed on a case by case basis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The back two pews on the lectern side
will be reserved for Salem Mennonite Home residents to sit in the back pew and the
second from the back pew left open so the pastor and elder can go down that row
to distribute the elements. Please help accommodate them and sit forward of
these two back pews. For everybody else, it remains the same, if you wish to
remain in the pew and receive the Sacrament in the pew, please sit on an
outside spot so you can receive from the center or side aisle. We will also
return to registering for communion in the front Narthex (instead of the ushers
taking a count), though if you wish to remain in the pew, please continue to
indicate this to the ushers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In June, due to Pastor Makelin being
gone on June 13th to preach at First Trinity Lutheran, rural Wayne NE's 150th
celebration, Divine Services will be offered on June 20th and 27th *third and
fourth Sundays). Pastor <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> David
Ellis will be preaching on June 13th with no communion offered on that day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">We thank you for your patience as we
continue in our mission of St. Paul Lutheran Church - to gather in His Name
around His Holy Word as His <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">disciples, receive His Sacraments in joy
and blessings to salvation, and to offer up our sacrifices of prayer, praise,
and thanksgiving. Pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Pastor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -1.0in;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></b></p><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-62176956345019605952021-05-14T14:07:00.001-05:002021-05-14T14:07:11.029-05:0005-16-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <a name="_Hlk70075102" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening
Hymn <b>Page 713<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Devine
Service 3 (page 184) Psalm 51:1-12</b><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sermon hymn <b>Page 539</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
15:26-16:4</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness to Jesus!”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Communion hymns <b>Page 868, 553, 687</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Closing
hymn<b> Page
783<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to
commune with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at
Communion pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If
you belong to a different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come
forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as
you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions
would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><u>THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION</u>.</i>
</b>Data has shown, the chalice is “more sanitary” than individual cup! -
Pastor</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and those <b><u>Additional Requested
Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen, Bryan* and
Sarah*.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://stpaulfreeman.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stpaulfreeman.org</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and let us know if you find spelling errors, have suggestions, or
generally what you think of it, by sending an email to the office<a name="_Hlk70073177"> at </a></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70073177;"></span><a href="mailto:stpaulfreeman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70073177;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stpaulfreeman@gmail.com</span></span></a>We'll keep using this and the other online
methods (YouTube, Facebook, <a href="http://stpaulfreemanblogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stpaulfreemanblogspot.com</span></a>) until about Memorial Day, then switch to
using our website as the main online presence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VOCATION BIBLE
SCHOOL</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (VBS) is set for
June 7-9 from 6-8:00pm, with the Bible study/planning meeting for the
volunteers on Wednesday June 2nd at 7:00pm. Please contact Karrissa Podzemik
for more information. Other VBS plans in the circuit: Trinity Hartford
(tentatively) June 28th for 3 days, Our Savior Madison one day in July TBD.
St.Peters Wentworth: August 8-10 5:30-8:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-63387361231844492972021-05-08T17:52:00.004-05:002021-05-08T17:52:36.364-05:0005-09-2021 Order of Service and Announcements <p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a name="_Hlk70075102" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;">Opening
Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 663<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b>Devine
Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 107:1-9 </b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 766</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></span><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
16:23-30 (31-33)</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><i>“To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray with
faith in Him!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span>Communion hymns <b>Page 781, 696, 555</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span>Closing
hymn<b> Page
549</b></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70075102;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to
commune with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at
Communion pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in
doctrine. If you belong to a different doctrinal confession however,
we invite you to come forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your
arms over your chest as you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for
the day when divisions would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. -
Pastor. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">followed by
the individual cups. Why? Because I want you use the chalice for your benefit-
Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u>IN YOUR
PRAYERS</u></b><b>: </b>Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, and those <b><u>Additional Requested
Prayers</u></b>: Kahlen, Bryan* and
Sarah*.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Ascension service</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> May 13 at 7:00pm (with Holy
Communion) prayer: O Lord God, heavenly Father, You sent Your only
begotten Son into our world in order to rescue us from sin, death and the
devil. In His perfect life, sacrificial death, glorious resurrection and
ascension into heaven, He fulfilled everything written about Him in the Law of
Moses and the prophets and the Psalms, thus winning for us forgiveness, life
and salvation. Keep us, Your baptized children, clothed in His holiness
and righteousness as His beautiful and unblemished bride. Lord, in Your merc,
hear our prayer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</u></b> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE</u></b> <a href="http://stpaulfreeman.org/" target="_blank">stpaulfreeman.org</a> and
let us know if you find spelling errors, have suggestions, or generally what
you think of it, by sending an email to the office<a name="_Hlk70073177"> at </a><a href="mailto:stpaulfreeman@gmail.com" target="_blank">stpaulfreeman@gmail.com</a>. We'll keep using this and the other online
methods (YouTube, Facebook, <a href="http://stpaulfreemanblogspot.com/" target="_blank">stpaulfreemanblogspot.com</a>) until about Memorial Day, then switch to
using our website as the main online presence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">PARENTS, SEE ABOUT SUMMER CAMP
OPPORTUNITIES BELOW</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">,
see bulletin board or contact pastor for more information:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Camp Comeca, Cozad NE. This camp is for
those who have completed the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The Theme is
"Daily Prayer" Time is divided between study (catechesis), worship
(daily prayer offices and a Divine service) and play (various camp activities).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Camp Minneboji is for kids who have
finished 4-8th grade (and an honors camp for those who have completed 9th and
this year, 10th) The theme is "washed"<o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-69900479903748075692021-04-29T21:31:00.002-05:002021-04-29T21:31:24.548-05:0005-02-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn <b>Page 768<o:p></o:p></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Devine Service 3 (page 184) Psalm 66:1-8</b><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sermon hymn <b>Page 556 v1-4</b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;">Sermon John
16:5-15<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“He sent the
Helper, the Spirit of Truth!”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">Communion
hymns <b>Page 465, 411, 769</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="border: none; line-height: 89%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Closing hymn<b> Page 556 v5-10</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="border: none; line-height: 89%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="border: none; color: black; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE
SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The Lord’s Table is open and
offered to all current, confirmed members in good standing of the Lutheran
Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in pulpit and altar fellowship)
who desire it. This assumes we confess the oneness of the same
faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and are truly repentant for
our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at St. Paul Lutheran
Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to commune with us to the
pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at Communion pre-supposes the
horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If you belong to a
different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come forward to
receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as you come
to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions would
cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The witness of
the scientific community has been and continues to be, that there is no
indication of any greater infection among those who commune with the chalice
than those who do not. In fact, when examining the past fifty years of
individual cup use, the opposite appears to be true, that there is a greater
risk using the individual cups.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">followed by
the individual cups. Why? Because I want you use the chalice for your benefit-
Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Data has
shown, the chalice is “more sanitary” than individual cup! – Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sharing the
communion cup is still discouraged if a person has an active respiratory
infection (i.e., cold or flu) or moist or open sores on their lips (eg,
herpes). In these cases, please use the individual cup. – Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE CHALICE IS OFFERED FIRST DURING COMMUNION. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why does there
seem to be more risk in spreading something with individual cups than the chalice?
Scientifically unknown, but it is speculated that it is possibly because
individual sups are handled by the lip by several hands before it gets to your
mouth. or it is the gold/silver of the chalice vs plastic/glass of the
individual cups, or when you pick the shot glass up with your hands and put it
in your mouth, you could also receive germs from the fact that it has been at
least an hour or so since <u>you</u> washed your own hand – Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, Lonnie, and
those <b><u>Additional Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen and Sarah*.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://stpaulfreeman.org/" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stpaulfreeman.org</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and
let us know if you find spelling errors, have suggestions, or generally what
you think of it, by sending an email to the office<a name="_Hlk70073177"> at </a></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70073177;"></span><a href="mailto:stpaulfreeman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70073177;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">stpaulfreeman@gmail.com</span></span></a> We'll keep using this and the other online
methods (YouTube, Facebook, <a href="http://stpaulfreemanblogspot.com/" target="_blank">stpaulfreemanblogspot.com</a>) until about Memorial Day, then switch to
using our website as the main online presence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">PARENTS, SEE ABOUT SUMMER CAMP
OPPORTUNITIES BELOW</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">,
see bulletin board or contact pastor for more information:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Camp Comeca, Cozad NE. This camp is for
those who have completed the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The Theme is
"Daily Prayer" Time is divided between study (catechesis), worship
(daily prayer offices and a Divine service) and play (various camp activities). </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Camp Minneboji is for kids who have
finished 4-8th grade (and an honors camp for those who have completed 9th and
this year, 10th) The theme is "washed"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LADIES AID and LWML</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> will meet on May 6th at 2:00 p.m. for
monthly meeting. Bible Study will be Revelation 17. Altar flowers for May are
Nancy Dykstra and Nanette Koehn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-24565208246218657592021-04-23T13:00:00.002-05:002021-04-23T13:00:15.261-05:0004-25-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 483<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Devine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 147:1-11</b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 633</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
16:16-22</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“Weeping replaced
with rejoicing!”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span>Communion
hymns <b>Page 594, 708</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span>Closing hymn<b> Page
818</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEGINNING HOLY THURSDAY</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the chalice
will be offered first during communion, followed by the individual cups. Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Data has shown, the chalice is “more
sanitary” than individual cup! – Pastor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good standing
of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in pulpit and
altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess the oneness
of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and are truly
repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at St. Paul
Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to commune with
us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at Communion
pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If
you belong to a different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come
forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as
you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions
would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, Lonnie, and
those <b><u>Additional Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen and Sarah*. </span>Family of Yvonne
Swensen, especially Kari, as they mourn and wait for the resurrection promise.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>SUNDAY BIBLE
STUDY IS MOVING</u></b> from
before services at 8:30 to fifteen minutes after the services have ended
(approximately 10:45) on June 6th at least for the summer. Currently Sunday
Morning Bible study is going through the book of Romans, but will probably join
the Men's group in studying the book of Amos. Please join us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>CHECK OUT OUR
NEW WEBSITE</u></b> <a href="http://stpaulfreeman.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">stpaulfreeman.org</span></a> and let us know if
you find spelling errors, have suggestions, or generally what you think of it,
by sending an email to the office<a name="_Hlk70073177"> at </a><a href="mailto:stpaulfreeman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">stpaulfreeman@gmail.com</span></a>. We'll keep using this and the other online
methods (YouTube, Facebook, <a href="http://stpaulfreemanblogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">stpaulfreemanblogspot.com</span></a>) until about Memorial Day, then switch to
using our website as the main online presence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Men's Bible Study Starts the Book of
Amos </span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">on
Wednesdays 6:00am to 7:00am. Amos, while not the first of Israel's prophets
(Elijah and Elisha preceded him by about 100 years), he is the first to have
his message written down. He preached to the nation of Israel and Judah about
their social and moral ills around 760 B.C., While it is tempting to apply
Amos' message directly to today's society with obvious comparisons, we can only
see them through the lens of Amos' context of the conditions of Israel in 800
B.C.<i> Please join us if you can.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SENIOR SUNDAY</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> will be May 2nd, where there will be a
short rite of blessing for the graduating Seniors, followed by a presentation
of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">blankets and a small Scripture reading
by a member of the Samaritans.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LADIES AID and LWML</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> will meet on May 6th at 2:00 p.m. for
monthly meeting. Bible Study will be Revelation 17. Altar flowers for May are
Nancy Dykstra and Nanette Koehn.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p>T</o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">he annual </span><b style="color: #222222;"><u>BACCALAUREATE </u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">service
by the Freeman Ministerium will be held at the Freeman Community
Center at 4pm on May 2nd. </span></p><b></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-36300952949081847172021-04-15T17:59:00.007-05:002021-04-15T17:59:58.645-05:0004-18-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn <b>Page 710<o:p></o:p></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Prayer and Preaching (page 260) Psalm 23</b><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sermon hymn <b>Page 709<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon John
10:11-16</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“Our Lord Jesus is
the Good Shepherd!”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Closing hymn<b> Page
666<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEGINNING HOLY THURSDAY</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the chalice
will be offered first during communion, followed by the individual cups. Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Data has shown, the chalice is “more
sanitary” than individual cup! – Pastor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good standing
of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in pulpit and
altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess the oneness
of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and are truly
repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at St. Paul
Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to commune with
us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at Communion
pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in doctrine. If
you belong to a different doctrinal confession however, we invite you to come
forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your arms over your chest as
you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for the day when divisions
would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. - Pastor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, Lonnie, and
those <b><u>Additional Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen and Sarah*.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE WELCOME
GUEST PREACHER PASTOR DAVID ELLIS </span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">today (no communion) while pastor is vacation
April 15th-20th. Pastor Makelin is available for emergencies with a two-hour
delay by phone however, except on April 17th where Pastor Thomas Christopher
will be on call.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship Service at 10:30
a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See BlogSpot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">PLEASE SEE BULLETIN BOARD:</span></u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">for information from the Janstrams, our
missionaries we support in Japan, and the winners of this years Bible Bowl.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Men's Bible Study Starts the Book of
Amos </span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">on
Wednesdays 6:00am to 7:00am. Amos, while not the first of Israel's prophets
(Elijah and Elisha preceded him by about 100 years), he is the first to have
his message written down. He preached to the nation of Israel and Judah about
their social and moral ills around 760 B.C., While it is tempting to apply
Amos' message directly to today's society with obvious comparisons, we can only
see them through the lens of Amos' context of the conditions of Israel in 800
B.C.<i> Please join us if you can.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SENIOR SUNDAY</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> will be May 2nd, where there will be a
short rite of blessing for the graduating Seniors, followed by a presentation
of blankets and a small Scripture reading by a member of the Samaritan group.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SEE BULLETIN BOARD </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">concerning Dutch's retirement from Main
Street Living</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; tab-stops: right 4.5in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">QUARTERLY VOTERS MEETING</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> on April 25, 2020 after worship
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please plan on to attend thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-8303819996759720932021-04-09T13:17:00.000-05:002021-04-09T13:17:20.579-05:0004-11-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 685<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Divine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 33</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Sermon hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 470</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
20:19-31</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“His breath, His
words are Spirit and life!”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion
hymns<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Page
421, 602, 480 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;">Closing hymn<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Page
647<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR
PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for
those members in area facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>,
Wyona, Norbert, Marlene, Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview
Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne, Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and
those <b><u>Low Mobility at home</u></b>: Susan, Connie, Lonnie, and
those <b><u>Additional Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen and Sarah*.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEGINNING HOLY THURSDAY</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the chalice
will be offered first during communion, followed by the individual cups. Why? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Data has shown, the chalice is “more sanitary”
than individual cup! - Pastor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Lord’s Table is open and offered to all current, confirmed members in good
standing of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (and churches that we are in
pulpit and altar fellowship) who desire it. This assumes we confess
the oneness of the same faith, have been taught how to examine ourselves, and
are truly repentant for our sins (worthily). We ask that all guests at Table at
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Freeman, to please announce your intention to
commune with us to the pastor or elders before the service. Oneness at
Communion pre-supposes the horizontal oneness with each other in
doctrine. If you belong to a different doctrinal confession however,
we invite you to come forward to receive a blessing indicated by folding your
arms over your chest as you come to the rail, or remain in the pew and pray for
the day when divisions would cease. Thank you for respecting our teachings. -
Pastor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Please welcome
guest preacher Pastor David Ellis </span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sunday April 18th (no communion) while pastor
is vacation April 15th-20th. Pastor Makelin is available for emergencies with a
two hour delay by phone however, except on April 17th where Pastor Thomas
Christopher will be on call.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship Service at 10:30
a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See BlogSpot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE MELCHER/ DEWALD/ HEIN SCHOLARSHIP:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Completed
forms may be returned to Joan or Karen by today April 11, 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LAWN MOWING:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
submit your sealed bid to Darren Walz by today, April 11. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">PLEASE SEE BULLETIN BOARD:</span></u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">for information from the Janstrams, our
missionaries we support in Japan, and the winners of this years Bible Bowl.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Men's Bible Study Starts the Book of
Amos </span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">on
Wednesdays 6:00am to 7:00am. Amos, while not the first of Israel's prophets
(Elijah and Elisha preceded him by about 100 years), he is the first to have
his message written down. He preached to the nation of Israel and Judah about
their social and moral ills around 760 B.C., While it is tempting to apply
Amos' message directly to today's society with obvious comparisons, we can only
see them through the lens of Amos' context of the conditions of Israel in 800
B.C.<i> Please join us if you can.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-19311920492085535512021-04-03T19:29:00.004-05:002021-04-03T19:29:28.154-05:0004-014-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 457<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Divine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 118:15-29</b><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Sermon hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 458</b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;">Sermon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mark
16:1-8<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“The tomb could not
hold Him!”</i><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion
hymns<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Page
488, 468, 465, 478 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;">Closing hymn<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Page
461<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-pagination: none; padding: 0in; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We
continue to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week for those who have not been
able to commune in some time, in the glad confidence and confession, that our
Lord, as He says, gives not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood
to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In these pandemic
times, we have instituted as much as possible the physical distancing and
sanitation practices to assure your physical safety, while still providing
Christ for your physical/spiritual/emotional/psychological safety against sin,
death, and the devil. If you do not share in this confession of our
congregation and LC-Missouri Synod, or are not yet instructed, or have doubts –
please <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
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rail for a blessing and meditate on God’s Word during the distribution, praying
for the day when divisions will have ceased.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEGINNING HOLY THURSDAY</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the chalice
will be offered first during communion, followed by the individual cups. Why?
Because I want you use the chalice for your benefit- Pastor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i> </i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship
Service at 10:30 a.m. See BlogSpot.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE MELCHER/ DEWALD/ HEIN SCHOLARSHIP </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">committee has
begun accepting applications for its 2021 awards. Eligible applicants are
members of St. Paul Lutheran Church who are either high school seniors or
college students. Anyone who desires an application can pick one up on the
bulletin board at church or contact Joan or Karen. Completed forms may be returned
to Joan or Karen before the April 11, 2021.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE UPDATE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for you and your family on the papers on
the table in the fellowship hall. It would also be helpful if you know the
contact information for anyone listed who we do not have any contact
information listed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LAWN MOWING:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> The trustees
are taking bids for the Spring/Summer 2021 mowing season at the church and
parsonage. Please submit your sealed bid to Darren Walz by Sunday, April
11. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-pagination: none; padding: 0in; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white;">LADIES AID AND LWML</span></u></b><span style="background: white;"> will meet on April 8th at 2:00 pm.
Bible Study will be Revelation 16:12-21.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-69027390859053977312021-03-26T13:44:00.008-05:002021-03-26T13:44:45.665-05:0003-28-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"> Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 442<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Divine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 118:19-29 or 31:9-1</b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 438</b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">Sermon Matthew 26:1-27:66
or Matthew 27:11-54</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“It is at the name
of this exalted Savior, Jesus, that we
bow in humble faith!</i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Communion
hymns</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page
505, 446, 350 </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span> Closing hymn<b> Page
423</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -1.0in;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; tab-stops: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;"><b> </b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Sunday: 8:30 a.m.:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> Bible
Study</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b>9:30 a.m.:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Worship Service/Holy Communion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b>Acolyte:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Gideon Rembold<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b>After Service:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Sunday School<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span> <b>Thursday:</b> <b>12:00
p.m.:</b> Bulletin Announcement due</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><b>7:00 p.m.:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Holy Thursday/Holy Communion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="line-height: 89%;"> </span><b>Friday: 7:00
p.m.:</b><span style="line-height: 89%;"> Good Friday Worship
Service</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></o:p><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Sunday: 8:00 a.m.: </b><span style="line-height: 89%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Easter Vigil Service</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <b>9:30 a.m.: </b>Worship Service/Holy Communion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><b>Acolyte:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Kahlen Salis<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span><b>After Service:</b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Sunday School<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%;"><b> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Baptized membership: 307</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><b>Members and visitors in
attendance: 88<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><b>Midweek Lenten Service: 34<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 89%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="line-height: 89%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday School: <span style="border: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We
continue to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week for those who have not been
able to commune in some time, in the glad confidence and confession, that our
Lord, as He says, gives not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood
to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In these pandemic
times, we have instituted as much as possible the physical distancing and
sanitation practices to assure your physical safety, while still providing
Christ for your physical/spiritual/emotional/psychological safety against sin,
death, and the devil. If you do not share in this confession of our
congregation and LC-Missouri Synod, or are not yet instructed, or have doubts –
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="1" src="file:///C:/Users/STPAUL~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" width="1" />speak to the pastor first. Or, you are invited to come to the
rail for a blessing and meditate on God’s Word during the distribution, praying
for the day when divisions will have ceased.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEGINNING HOLY THURSDAY</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">the chalice
will be offered first during communion, followed by the individual cups. Why?
Because I want you use the chalice for your benefit- Pastor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u>IN YOUR PRAYERS</u></b><b>: </b>Please pray for those members in area
facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>, Wyona, Norbert, Marlene,
Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne,
Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <b><u>Low Mobility at
home</u></b>: Susan, Harvey, Dianne, Connie, Berneita, and those <b><u>Additional
Requested Prayers</u></b>: Kahlen,
Lonnie and Sarah*.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i> </i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship
Service at 10:30 a.m. See BlogSpot.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE MELCHER/ DEWALD/ HEIN SCHOLARSHIP </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">committee has
begun accepting applications for its 2021 awards. Eligible applicants are
members of St. Paul Lutheran Church who are either high school seniors or
college students. Anyone who desires an application can pick one up on the
bulletin board at church or contact Joan or Karen. Completed forms may be returned
to Joan or Karen before the April 11, 2021.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE UPDATE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">for you and your family on the papers on
the table in the fellowship hall. It would also be helpful if you know the
contact information for anyone listed who we do not have any contact
information listed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">EASTER LILIES ARE AVAILABLE</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> to
purchase in memory of a loved one at the Vintage Vault. Please contact
Dawn Walz.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">UPCOMING HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM
SERVICES: </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Holy Thursday (with Holy Communion) April 1st at
7:00 P.M.; Good Friday April 2nd at 7:00 P.M. and the Vigil is on Sunday
morning, April 4th at 8:00 A.M. followed by Easter Day services at 9:30 P.M.
(with Holy Communion). Please plan to join us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LAWN MOWING:</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> The trustees
are taking bids for the Spring/Summer 2021 mowing season at the church and
parsonage. Please submit your sealed bid to Darren Walz by Sunday, April
11. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /><!--[endif]--></span></b></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-11031760599949712252021-03-20T10:51:00.000-05:002021-03-20T10:51:00.746-05:0003-21-2021 Order of Service and Announcments<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 655</b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Divine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 43</b><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;">Sermon hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 430</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
8:(42-45) 46-59</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“If anyone keeps my
word, he will never see death!”</i><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Communion
hymns<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Page
506, 718, 421 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;">Closing hymn<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Page
564<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Announcements</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We
continue to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week for those who have not been
able to commune in some time, in the glad confidence and confession, that our
Lord, as He says, gives not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood
to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In these pandemic
times, we have instituted as much as possible the physical distancing and
sanitation practices to assure your physical safety, while still providing
Christ for your physical/spiritual/emotional/psychological safety against sin,
death, and the devil. If you do not share in this confession of our
congregation and LC-Missouri Synod, or are not yet instructed, or have doubts –
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rail for a blessing and meditate on God’s Word during the distribution, praying
for the day when divisions will have ceased.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for those members in area
facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>, Wyona, Norbert, Marlene,
Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne,
Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <b><u>Low Mobility at
home</u></b>: Susan, Harvey, Dianne, Connie, Berneita, and those <b><u>Additional
Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen,
Lonnie, Aleta and Sarah.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship
Service at 10:30 a.m. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See BlogSpot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE MELCHER/ DEWALD/ HEIN SCHOLARSHIP </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">committee has
begun accepting applications for its 2021 awards. Eligible applicants are
members of St. Paul Lutheran Church who are either high school seniors or
college students. Anyone who desires an application can pick one up on the
bulletin board at church or contact Joan or Karen. Completed forms may be returned
to Joan or Karen before the April 11, 2021 deadline</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE UPDATE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">for you and your family on the papers on
the table in the fellowship hall. It would also be helpful if you know the
contact information for anyone listed who we do not have any contact
information listed.</span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 340.55pt;" width="454"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">EASTER LILIES ARE AVAILABLE</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> to
purchase in memory of a loved one at the Vintage Vault. Please contact
Dawn Walz.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">UPCOMING HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM
SERVICES: </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Holy Thursday (with Holy Communion) April 1st at
7:00 P.M.; Good Friday April 2nd at 7:00 P.M. and the Vigil is on Sunday
morning, April 4th at 8:00 A.M. followed by Easter Day services at 9:30 P.M.
(with Holy Communion). Please plan to join us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SEE BULLETIN BOARD</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> for information on financial assistance
to help South Dakotans who have been impacted by COVID-19
in their housing situation</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">PLEASE SEE THE BULLETIN BOARD</span></u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">for information on Rev. Dr.
Daniel Janstrom, our Together in Missions (TIM) partner in Tokyo, Japan that is
supported by St. Paul's mission monies to the SD District and our
Mission/Ministry of the month for December<o:p></o:p></span></p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3796738642381502638.post-50861764106106859882021-03-12T11:39:00.002-06:002021-03-12T11:39:45.511-06:0003-14-2021 Order of Service and Announcements<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Order of Service<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Opening Hymn<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Page 716<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b>Divine Service 3 (page 184)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 132:8-18<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b><span style="text-align: left;">Sermon hymn</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page 743</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: right 5.05in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></o:p></b><span style="text-align: center;">Sermon</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">John
6:1-15</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i>“He who is Himself
the living bread from heaven!”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt; text-align: center;"><i><o:p> <span> </span></o:p></i><span style="text-align: left;">Communion
hymns</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;">Page
420, 556, </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></o:p></span>Closing hymn<b> Page
754</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: .9pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 45.0pt right 364.5pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">INTIMATE SACRAMENT:</span></u></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We
continue to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week for those who have not been
able to commune in some time, in the glad confidence and confession, that our
Lord, as He says, gives not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood
to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In these pandemic
times, we have instituted as much as possible the physical distancing and
sanitation practices to assure your physical safety, while still providing
Christ for your physical/spiritual/emotional/psychological safety against sin,
death, and the devil. If you do not share in this confession of our
congregation and LC-Missouri Synod, or are not yet instructed, or have doubts –
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rail for a blessing and meditate on God’s Word during the distribution, praying
for the day when divisions will have ceased.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IN YOUR PRAYERS</span></u></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please pray for those members in area
facilities: <b><u>Salem-Mennonite Home</u></b>, Wyona, Norbert, Marlene,
Sharon, Darlene, Bob, & Eldora. <b><u>Oakview Terrace,</u></b> Lavonne,
Orville, Millie, Bernice, Alice, Ruth and those <b><u>Low Mobility at
home</u></b>: Susan, Harvey, Dianne, Connie, Berneita, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and those <b><u>Additional Requested Prayers</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kahlen, Lonnie and Sarah. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MAIN STREET LIVING:<i> </i></span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">This is the Life at 10:00 a.m. and Worship
Service at 10:30 a.m. See BlogSpot. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The angels appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14) in Boaz’s
field (Ruth 2:3) declaring Jesus’ birth. Come along and see where this happened
on The Eternal Rock Tour, at the time Main Street Living airs on your local
station on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 0in;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE MELCHER/ DEWALD/ HEIN SCHOLARSHIP </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">committee has
begun accepting applications for its 2221 awards. Eligible applicants are
members of St. Paul Lutheran Church who are either high school seniors or
college students. Anyone who desires an application can pick one up on the
bulletin board at church or contact Joan or Karen. Completed forms may be returned
to Joan or Karen before the April 11, 2221 deadline</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PLEASE UPDATE
YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">for you and your family on the papers on
the table in the fellowship hall. It would also be helpful if you know the
contact information for anyone listed who we do not have any contact
information listed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">EASTER LILIES ARE AVAILABLE</span></u></b><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"> to
purchase in memory of a loved </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://one.at/" target="_blank">one
at</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"> Vintage Vault. Please contact Dawn Walz.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">UPCOMING HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM
SERVICES: </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Holy Thursday (with Holy Communion) April 1st at
7:00 P.M.; Good Friday April 2nd at 7:00 P.M. and the Vigil is on Sunday
morning, April 4th at 8:00 A.M. followed by Easter Day services at 9:30 P.M.
(with Holy Communion). Please plan to join us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .25in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">SEE BULLETIN BOARD</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> for information on financial assistance
to help South Dakotans who have been impacted by COVID-19
in their housing situation. </span></p><b></b><p></p>St. Paul Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13935327649182069019noreply@blogger.com0