Lenten Season
Second Sunday in Lent: February 28, 2021
As We Gather
The old Latin name for this, the Second Sunday in Lent, is Reminiscere, because the Introit pleads, “Remember Your mercy, O Lord.” Confidently, it continues by encouraging us to trust Him because “He has remembered us; He will bless us.” Indeed, God’s promises to Abram in today’s Old Testament Reading were kept as Jesus moved unswervingly toward the cross, as He does in today’s Gospel. As a result, we can be sure, Paul reminds us in the Epistle, that we have peace with God. Even in suffering, we know that hope will not disappoint us, for we remember that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
As We Gather
The old Latin name for this, the Second Sunday in Lent, is Reminiscere, because the Introit pleads, “Remember Your mercy, O Lord.” Confidently, it continues by encouraging us to trust Him because “He has remembered us; He will bless us.” Indeed, God’s promises to Abram in today’s Old Testament Reading were kept as Jesus moved unswervingly toward the cross, as He does in today’s Gospel. As a result, we can be sure, Paul reminds us in the Epistle, that we have peace with God. Even in suffering, we know that hope will not disappoint us, for we remember that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
First Sunday in Lent: February 21, 2021
AS WE GATHER
As the disciples follow Jesus from the upper room to the Mount of Olives, he has a hard word for them, and they find themselves unable to accept it. It is a hard word also for us to accept, but it is ultimately a powerfully saving and transforming word. The Things That Matter Are NOT About You!
AS WE GATHER
As the disciples follow Jesus from the upper room to the Mount of Olives, he has a hard word for them, and they find themselves unable to accept it. It is a hard word also for us to accept, but it is ultimately a powerfully saving and transforming word. The Things That Matter Are NOT About You!
Ash Wednesday: February 17, 2021
As We Gather
As we begin this Lenten season, we once again hear that call to return to the Lord, our God. God says, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments” (Joel 2:12–13). Once again, we return from our wandering to our gracious and merciful God who has paved the way for us to be reconciled to Him through His Son, Jesus. “For our sake He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Because of Jesus, our heavenly Father rewards us with the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of righteous service in His name.
As We Gather
As we begin this Lenten season, we once again hear that call to return to the Lord, our God. God says, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments” (Joel 2:12–13). Once again, we return from our wandering to our gracious and merciful God who has paved the way for us to be reconciled to Him through His Son, Jesus. “For our sake He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Because of Jesus, our heavenly Father rewards us with the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of righteous service in His name.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord: February 14, 2021
As We Gather
There is nothing quite like being an eyewitness, giving a special perspective to share on the event. Peter writes about being on the Mount of Transfiguration as he, James, and John were privileged to have a special vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. He states: “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16b–18). Today, through the words of Scripture, we, too, become eyewitnesses and are given a glimpse of glory in the vision of our transfigured Lord!
As We Gather
There is nothing quite like being an eyewitness, giving a special perspective to share on the event. Peter writes about being on the Mount of Transfiguration as he, James, and John were privileged to have a special vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. He states: “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16b–18). Today, through the words of Scripture, we, too, become eyewitnesses and are given a glimpse of glory in the vision of our transfigured Lord!
Epiphany Season
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: February 7, 2021
As We Gather
The Lord alone “is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Is. 40:28). He “sits above the circle of the earth” and “stretches out the heavens like a curtain” (Is. 40:22). Yet, His almighty power is demonstrated chiefly by His mercy and compassion. “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Is. 40:29). The only begotten Son of the Father, the very Word by whom all things were made, becomes flesh and takes all the poverty and weakness of our sin and death upon Himself, bearing it in His body to the cross. As He dies for us there, He also raises us up, a new creation, in His resurrection from the dead.
As We Gather
The Lord alone “is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Is. 40:28). He “sits above the circle of the earth” and “stretches out the heavens like a curtain” (Is. 40:22). Yet, His almighty power is demonstrated chiefly by His mercy and compassion. “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Is. 40:29). The only begotten Son of the Father, the very Word by whom all things were made, becomes flesh and takes all the poverty and weakness of our sin and death upon Himself, bearing it in His body to the cross. As He dies for us there, He also raises us up, a new creation, in His resurrection from the dead.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: January 31, 2021
As We Gather
In today’s Gospel from Mark 1, we are reminded of Jesus’ divine authority in His teaching to the people and also in His power over evil spirits. This power and authority was foretold by prophets such as Moses, pointing to the One who would fulfill all things as the long-awaited perfect prophet and Savior. In that power and authority, Christ has won our victory through His death and rising, and we are blessed with freedom in that faith to be used to His glory in service to others.
As We Gather
In today’s Gospel from Mark 1, we are reminded of Jesus’ divine authority in His teaching to the people and also in His power over evil spirits. This power and authority was foretold by prophets such as Moses, pointing to the One who would fulfill all things as the long-awaited perfect prophet and Savior. In that power and authority, Christ has won our victory through His death and rising, and we are blessed with freedom in that faith to be used to His glory in service to others.
Third Sunday after the Epiphany: January 24, 2021
As We Gather
Jonah was a reluctant follower. He went to Nineveh begrudgingly, but through him God would issue a call for the Ninevites to repentance. Jesus would call Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, and promised that through them, God would issue a call of repentance to many. In Baptism, God has called us to follow Him in a life of faith and repentance, and He promises that through us, others will also be called to that same repentance and new life.
As We Gather
Jonah was a reluctant follower. He went to Nineveh begrudgingly, but through him God would issue a call for the Ninevites to repentance. Jesus would call Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, and promised that through them, God would issue a call of repentance to many. In Baptism, God has called us to follow Him in a life of faith and repentance, and He promises that through us, others will also be called to that same repentance and new life.
Second Sunday after Epiphany: January 17, 2021
As We Gather
Today we consider the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. How we live and interact with others is important, for we are representing the Holy Spirit. How we act when we are alone is important, for the Spirit is always present with us, and He has no desire to take part in sin of any kind. As we reflect, we remember the glorious news that we were bought with a price—the blood of Jesus, which forgives all our sins and removes all our shame. For that we are most thankful!
As We Gather
Today we consider the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. How we live and interact with others is important, for we are representing the Holy Spirit. How we act when we are alone is important, for the Spirit is always present with us, and He has no desire to take part in sin of any kind. As we reflect, we remember the glorious news that we were bought with a price—the blood of Jesus, which forgives all our sins and removes all our shame. For that we are most thankful!
The Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed): January 10, 2021
As We Gather
We consider the mysteries highlighted by the Readings for the Feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men, or Magi, mysteriously show up in Jerusalem, and these strangers are looking for the King of the Jews. The King of the Jews is mysteriously an infant, born to a humble family in Bethlehem, not in Jerusalem. And this King of the Jews mysteriously invites all people from all nations into His kingdom. These mysteries, hidden for the ages, is revealed in Jesus, the Light of the world.
As We Gather
We consider the mysteries highlighted by the Readings for the Feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men, or Magi, mysteriously show up in Jerusalem, and these strangers are looking for the King of the Jews. The King of the Jews is mysteriously an infant, born to a humble family in Bethlehem, not in Jerusalem. And this King of the Jews mysteriously invites all people from all nations into His kingdom. These mysteries, hidden for the ages, is revealed in Jesus, the Light of the world.
Christmas Season
Advent 2020 Click below to View/Download Sunday's Worship Bulletin
