Sermon February 22-23, 2020 - Transfiguration

Title: Eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty!
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21

16b but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 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,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

On June 4, 1783 at the market square of a French village of Annonay, not far from Paris, a smoky bonfire on a raised platform fed by wet straw and old wool rages. Tethered above, straining its lines was a huge taffeta bag 33 feet in diameter. In the presence of "a respectable assembly and a great many other people," and accompanied by great cheering, the balloon was cut from its moorings and set free to rise majestically into the noon sky. Six thousand feet into the air it went -- the first public ascent of a balloon, the first step in the history of human flight. It came to earth several miles away in a field, where it was promptly attacked by pitchfork-waving peasants and torn to pieces as an instrument of evil!

Today in the Word, July 15, 1993.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

There is much to be considered here but also much that is said. The idea for many in our day and at the time of the apostles is that somehow these stories and accounts of Jesus were made up, didn’t happen, or were greatly exaggerated. Peter says a mouthful when he says,

,but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 16b

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord or as our bulletin says :

“The dazzling array of light at the Lord’s transfiguration makes known that Jesus supersedes even Moses and Elijah … and all the prophets [who] were sent to point us to Jesus.”

17 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,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Not a story you might hear or read about or speculate about without substance or evidence. But Jesus … Transfigured … and Peter saw it with the others, and heard the very voice of God from heaven.

Old Testament lesson Exodus 24:16-17 ESV

16 The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
17 Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.
18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Here the convergence of the Old and New Testaments come together. Moses and the book of the Law and Elijah along with Jesus who is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets … come together … and Peter is an eyewitness … an eyewitness of his majesty transfigured.

To say that we have our work ahead of us is quite another thing. Doubt in the word, in the world is significant.

Just in Bible Study over the last few weeks it was brought up how many of our own brothers and sisters who have been made members of God’s family by His calling, don’t attend church regularly if ever and fall away, some even to unbelief.

The reason: “I don’t need to be in church and worship to have a relationship to God!” That seems to be a common theme for many. I just do the things I like to do and keep my faith … if there is really any faith at all - to myself - and all is well with me and God.”

Or, God becomes nothing more than an idol where we place our trust – be it family, work, bank account, sports, friends … or whatever.

The question of where IS God also is part of our thinking.

He is surly in the world. We know of the omnipresence and omnipotence of God … that He is everywhere and that He is all powerful but God is everywhere only as it pertains to His Law.

It is written on the hearts of his creatures and evident in His creation but by the Law we come to know sin and how far we fall short.

It is by God’s Holy Spirit and through His means of word and sacrament that we know God and His saving love for you and for me.

It is in church where His gifts are given and we receive the blessed forgiveness and know the Good News that you and I have the favor of God on account of Christ by faith in Him.

C.S. Lewis makes a wonderful point when he wrote:

Believing things 'on authority' only means believing them because you have been told them by someone you think trustworthy …

… Every historical statement is believed on authority. None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. But we believe them simply because people who did see them have left writings that tell us about them; in fact, on authority. A person who balked at authority in other things, as some people do in religion, would have to be content to know nothing all his life.

C.S. Lewis.

19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

Peter brings to his hearers and us what God’s means is … his holy and prophetic word. Do you believe it? Do you trust it? Peter says this word was not something made up but was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

20 knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

God’s word says Jesus was transfigured before them in the Gospel reading for today.

God’s voice says:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Friends,

God wants you to see no one but Jesus.

If you harbor doubt … let God lead you into His light by His word. Trust the prophetic words of the eyewitnesses. Do not live in unbelief anymore … but believe.

The word became flesh and dwelt among us. Do not attack it like pitchfork-waving peasants did to that first balloon tearing to pieces as an instrument of evil! Joy in the truth that your sins are forgiven by the one who was and is and is to come.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon February 15-16, 2020

Title: Do you think it’s easy? Forgive me Lord.
Text: Matt. 5:21-37

23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Aren’t you glad that we worship a loving and forgiving God?

I am Jesus little lamb.
Ever glad at heart I am.
For my shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.
LSB

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:20

That is where our gospel reading left off last weekend for we who are called to be salt and light in a world that needs to hear. God’s Law as we learned, certainly has been fulfilled in Christ but the purpose of the Law remains.

Jesus now drops some heavy Law on his disciples and those who might claim to be Moses disciples and be in earshot as well, hitting on four elements of the human condition in regard to sin;

Anger, Lust, Divorce and Oaths

This will pertain to you and me as well!

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment;

You shall not murder

We know the 5th commandment and maybe you like me have heard it said:

“Well, I’ve never killed anybody so that is one commandment I can stand firm that I haven’t broken.”

So, Jesus here breaks that argument pointing to, not the letter of the Law but the spirit of the Law.

We all know anger. Husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings and friends, coworkers, or neighbors or how about the cashier who wasn’t fast enough or as competent as we would have been had we were behind the register?

Jesus points to the root of the sin of murder as being the evil in the human heart that causes anger and hatred to one whom God children who has created in his image.

As the Apostle James make clear in chapter 1 of his epistle:

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

When I worked in the business and sales world we had a little sales proverb that we tried to remember when working with our customers who at time could try the patience of even the most seasoned professional.

“First engage brain before putting mouth in gear!”

Maybe you’ve heard it?
Maybe you’ve used it?
Maybe you’ve miss it?

You’ve became angry with your brother and said or done things you wish you hadn’t. You’ve broken the commandment and fallen short and missed the mark if you will. Jesus gives you comfort and peace and reconciliation.

First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

God has reconciled the world unto himself so that we who are reconciled to Christ by his Spirit in repentance come to each other with repentant hearts seeking to be reconciled.

“Mighty judge, cover the outbursts of my sinful anger with the embrace of your reconciling peace!”

Lutheran Study Bible - study note pg.1587 5:21-26

You shall not commit adultery!

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt. 5:27-28

The 6th commandment has already been broken.

As a former pastor many years ago has said:

“Guys, if you’re driving down the street and see a pretty girl out of the corner of your eye, the first look is free, the second look is sin!”

It is the willful and lustful intent of the human heart that shows you and me the sinful condition we are born in and wrestle with our entire lives.

Jesus’ answer to this condition is not a slap on the wrist but a dire warning.

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. Matt 5:29-30

Jesus knows the seriousness of the sins we commit and the brokenness that this sin leads to - that lustful intent and adultery - brings many to a place of divorce, the ultimate breaking of what God has joined together, united in marriage joined as one, husbands and wives, male and female.

Divorce is a plague in our lives because we are all affected by divorce even if we have the blessing of remaining married.

For years I’ve said that of the 37 years of my own marriage to Monica, I’ve known someone, been related to someone, or discussed with someone, wrestling with, going through, or recovering from divorce.

It is not the unpardonable sin. Keep that in mind.

This sin, the sin of unfaithfulness, adultery and divorce was also paid for at the cross by our loving Lord; but divorce, breaks families, hurts all involved and kills the love of God for so many as the devil uses this sin as a wedge between us for the rest of our lives.

If you have been divorced, cast all your cares on Jesus who has carried your burdens upon himself to the cross and buried them in the grave once and for all so that you might live in him, and for him, in this life we share.

Do not bear false witness.

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ Matt 5:33

Making oaths and breaking oaths God had made know to his people by his prophets of old writing in the Old Testament.

Exodus 20:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

Leviticus 19:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.

Numbers 30:2 English Standard Version (ESV)
2 If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Jesus says:

37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
We are those who continue in this life to wrestle with sin because that is who we are. But, Jesus only came for sinners so that is really good news.

In our epistle reading today Paul calls the Corinthians, people of the flesh as infants in Christ needing the milk of the word and not solid food.

We remain though his children, as God’s loving word makes clear, and by his Spirit we turn in repentance choosing life over sin, death and the power of the devil receiving the Lord’s blessing and overcoming the curse of the Law in Christ.

As God’s children we can together sing!

Jesus loves me!
This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; They are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
LSB

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon February 8-9, 2020

Title: In Christ you are the light of the world!
Text: Matt. 5:13-20

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

January 27, 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Jews at the Concentration camp at Auschwitz.

There is a story about a rabbi, Hugo Grynn, who was sent to Auschwitz as a little boy. In the midst of the concentration camp, in the midst of the death and horror all around them, many Jews held onto whatever shreds of their religious observances they could, without drawing the ire of the guards. One cold winter's evening, Hugo's father gathered the family in the barracks. It was the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Feast of Lights.

The young child watched in horror as his father took the family's last pad of butter and made a makeshift candle, using a string from his ragged clothes. He then took a match and lit the candle.

"Father, no!" Hugo cried. "That butter is our last bit of food! How will we survive?"
"We can live for many days without food," his father said. "We cannot live a single minute without faith and hope. This is the fire of hope. Never let it go out. Not here! Not anywhere!"

Pulpit Resource, Logos Productions, Inc, 2005

In the gospel reading for today Jesus, in talking to his disciples, speaks about salt and light as it pertains to those who follow Him. He points out, if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

There are a number of uses for salt:

Salt accents the flavor of meat,
brings out the individuality of vegetables,
puts "oomph" into bland starches,
deepens the flavor of delicate desserts,
and develops the flavor of melons and certain other fruits.

No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt.

But, there are many other uses for salt around the home, as well.

Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, on its own or in combination with other substances.
A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enamel bathtubs and lavatories.
A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper.
Strong brine poured down the kitchen sink prevents grease from collecting and eliminates odors.
Salt helps destroy moths and drives away ants.
A dash of salt in laundry starch keeps the iron from sticking and gives linen and fine cottons a glossy, like-new finish.

http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/salt-uses-and-tips.asp

Jesus also speaks of the light that His disciples have in them by the power of the Holy Spirit calling them to not hide it but to:

16 … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

When salt loses its saltiness or a lamp is hidden the usefulness of either is no longer of value. In the same way the disciples who no longer shine forth the light of Christ in their lives reflect no more the Love of Christ that has been given them, but only the brokenness that this corrupted world brings.

Ill.

A guitar without strings is of little value but string it up and the potential for wonderful music is there.

Years ago I use to attend the Chet Atkins Appreciation Societies convention in Nashville. While there the first few years Chet would come in and socialize and take pictures with those who were attending. He would sit and play guitar by himself and with others. 

One story I heard once while playing and inspecting a new guitar a man listening to him said, “Man, that guitar sounds great!” to which Chet stopped playing and responded, “How’s it sound now?”

The beautiful sound of the guitar is impossible to hear, hidden in silence until the musician moves the strings to bring forth the gift of music to the ears.

Our voices singing today, proclaim the blessings of God. With voices and mouths closed … no one could hear our praise.

So too a disciple of Jesus’ that no longer shines the light of the gospel and the pardon and forgiveness won for them at the cross in all they say and do.

The merits of Jesus’ work remain hidden and the word of God closed to the ears of those who need to hear.

When we fail to shine the light of Christ we bury Christ again in the tomb … covering the light of Christ’s resurrection victory with the dirt of the grave.

Jesus says:

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

And then He continues:

18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

So until heaven and earth pass away … until the end … you and I and all people are held to the requirements of the Law.

If we stand in our own righteousness, we reject the gift of God and hide the light of Christ that has been given to you and me.

19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees did all they could to keep the Law and they still fell short. But you have been given light; the light of Christ and His perfect keeping of the law. God’s Law is fulfilled and kept perfectly for you and you receive it as a gift!

Nothing to do … just believe and rejoice because God’s Holy Spirit is greater than the world, the flesh and the Devil who tries to draw you away from Christ. Jesus has given you the light of His righteousness and because of this gift of mercy and grace you can be salt and light to a world that is dying.

Shine a lamp into a dark room and there is no longer any darkness … it flees in the presence of light and so too the light of Christ which has overcome the darkness of sin that was laid upon Christ at the cross and buried in the tomb with Him no longer to sees the light of day.

Christ has risen and left your sin buried. His righteousness covers you so that you too can shine His light to those in need.

When a lamp in placed in front of a mirror the light is doubled. So too your light that shines in the world gets magnified in the lives of others and becomes a beacon which overcomes the darkness which flees having no place to hide.

In Christ you are the light of the world!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Sermon February 8, 2020 - Funeral Lucille B. Richley

Funeral Sermon for Lucille B. Richley
Title: God’s abiding love in Christ!
Text: 1 John 4:13-15 (English Standard Version)

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Dear friends, family and loved ones of our beloved Lucille.

God’s love is certainly made know to us in his son Jesus.

It is also made know to us in the lives of Walt and Lucille Richley and their love for Jesus, this congregation, and their love one for another.

So though we grieve and are sad at Lucille’s passing we can also have comfort as well. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John in Chapter 14 that He has a place for us, and that includes all who trust in him.

Lucille Richley trusted Jesus.

It has been a blessing to know Walt and Lucille over these last 19 years of my life here at Peace. I know this is a service in remembrance for Lucille but I can hardly say her name without adding Walt to the front of it as well.

The Richley’s came to Peace about 10 years before me in 1991 as a transfer from our sister congregation St. Stephen where Lucille was their first teacher of their day school back in 1970-71.

Lucille helped with VBS and also served on the Altar Guild. Walt served as an Elder for a time but both … here it is again … Walt and Lucille served as Financial assistants for the congregation - together, counting the offerings after Sunday worship.

As, Pastor Evanson made clear in his transfer letter to Peace:

“The ‘loss’ of the Richleys is not without grief here. We would like to have them with us still. We wish them the best. They have been a blessing to us!”

The Richleys were a blessing here at Peace and certainly for me over the last 7 years as their pastor.

The Love of God is made known in the person and work of his son our Lord Jesus Christ. God makes this known to us in the sermon text:

[that] we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

Both Walt and Lucille were marked in their baptism’s as redeem by Christ and adopted into God’s family as his beloved children.

They were united in Holy Matrimony on June 12, 1948, Lucille only 20 and Walt the ripe old age of 21 and in the presence of God the two became one. 

Do the math – that’s 

71 years as husband and wife,
71 years in loving devotion to each other, and
71 years together as God’s servants and ambassadors to a world that needs Christ and his love.

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Clearly God’s love abided in Lucille, first for Christ as we all know, and for Walt as the two became one united together living in that love.

Blessed with their children Brenda and Brian, those blessings continued with their families as their family increased with 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren

Over the years and visits, I’ve had great joy visiting Walt and Lucille in their home bringing bulletins, Portals or Prayers and the Lord’s Supper.

I visited with Walt in rehab in Ann Arbor after his fall off the ladder at their home in Arcadia. As we sat and talked I asked him:

“Walt how old are you?”
“90,” he replied.”
“Maybe it’s time to stay off the ladders?”

He gave me a grin. Saying both yes it probably is time and no I’ll probably still use the ladders. I had that same talk and smile from my own dad as well.

But the most touching visit I had with them was when Lucille was in need of care and in rehab in Ann Arbor in March of 2018. I traveled there to see Lucille and there was Walter sleeping of a roll away bed next to her hospital bed.

I asked him, “Walt, are you staying here with Lucille?”

“Oh yes.” He replied, “If I wasn’t here Pastor, she wouldn’t eat. I need to be here.”

For better for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health
to love and to cherish,
til death do you part

The Lord has made us new in the waters of Holy Baptism and in his hands Jesus has promised to hold us and never let us fall and that promise was for Lucille as his child made in his image.

My last visit with Lucille was at their home on January 20th. She didn’t look as well as I’ve come to expect. When I walked over to her to say hi and shake her hand she took my hand in hers and gave it a kiss.

What a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus for Lucille and Walt and so many of our dear loved ones here at Peace. It was a true testament of Lucille not seeing me … but seeing Jesus in his forgiveness brought just for her and her dear soul mate Walter that for 71 years they have been one in Christ together. Together they received the Lord’s forgiveness.

This past weekend we celebrated the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Jesus at the temple.

St. Luke writes in his gospel in Chapter 2 about Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple of the Lord to make a sacrifice as the Law required. And while there a man named Simeon, who as we are told was righteous and devout and waiting for the consolation of Israel, or the comfort and peace of God, and that the Holy Spirit was upon him.

28 he took [the child Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Lucille knew that same peace!

Death’s sting has been swallowed up in victory by our Lord Jesus Christ and we can have comfort in His blessed work and this blessed Good News that in and through Jesus Christ God and man have been reconciled.

As we together grieve the loss of our dear Lucille and think about this frail existence we all inhabit here in this world, we can still have peace.

The words of the apostle John ring true in Chapter 14 of his gospel:

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Lucille knew the way of Christ prepared for her.

You too have this home waiting for you. The blessed Good News that Jesus died for your sins is the wonderful Gospel message you can trust.

Jesus has forgiven your sin and by the power of the Holy Spirit, in you, has given you the faith to believe in His saving work. That’s a place prepared for you, forgiven in Christ, and an eternity with our Lord and savior Jesus that you can trust.

May the Lord comfort you with this blessed good news now and forever!

Amen

Sermon February 1-2, 2020

Title: In Christ we depart in peace!
Text: Luke 2:22-32

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Peace can take on the many different looks, both young and old, from the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger … to the man Christ Jesus hanging on a cross crying out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

But there is both joy and peace in Christ’s life and in his purifying death that it allows all who depart, trusting in Christ Jesus as both savior and Lord to receive that peace!

St. Luke writes in his gospel about Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple of the Lord to make a sacrifice as the Law required. And while there a man named Simeon, who as we are told was righteous and devout and waiting for the consolation of Israel, or the comfort and peace of God, and that the Holy Spirit was upon him.

27 … and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation

31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel.”

The joy of seeing this child, this Jesus brought to fulfillment for Simeon what the Lord by the Holy Spirit had promised, that he would not die until he had seen the Christ.

I’ve had a joyful time visiting with many members in their home and in the hospital or care facilities and bringing the Lord’s Supper to them as it was difficult for them getting to church on a regular basis. Many would always tell me how much they enjoyed being in worship and wished they could be there with us but are thankful as well when they could attend and enjoyed receiving the Lord’s Supper in their home when they can’t.

We can all see the effects of time on our faces as we look into the mirror each morning. As much as we might all hope to have the blessings of a long life, the reality of death is real and sooner or later we will all answer the door when death knocks. But too, we can have comfort and peace because:

Death’s sting has been swallowed up in victory by our Lord Jesus Christ and we can have comfort in His blessed work and this blessed Good News that in and through Jesus Christ God and man have been reconciled. As we together grieve the loss of our dear loved ones and think about this frail existence we all inhabit here in this world, we can still have peace.

I received this note in the mail this week:

You may not recognize my name as I've never had the pleasure of coming to a Peace Lutheran Church service. I did happen to be in town several times at Christmas and had the pleasure of hearing Christmas carols in the house from members of the congregation.

Ed and Virginia Blasius looked forward to special visits like those and your monthly visit to their home for an in home service.

Mom and Dad are both in heaven and I miss them dearly. Today mom would have been 92 and in her honor I would like to give a check. Thanks to all that made their lives a little brighter. I know how very much it was appreciated by mom and dad.

Our family was blessed to have you and your beautiful congregation in our lives.

Thank you
Cindy Welch

At the time of death the Lord can bring comfort.

You like me were probably stunned at the death of Kobe Bryant last Sunday. I didn’t know this about him but Kobe was raised in Italy and was a practicing Roman Catholic. I saw this on Facebook from Fr. David Barnes:

"As sad as Kobe’s death is, a friend texted me today to tell me that a friend of her’s attends the same Catholic Church as Kobe and saw him this morning at Mass. There can be nothing more consoling to those who mourn than to know that a loved one worshipped God right before his death because worshipping God is what heaven is.”

- Fr. David Barnes

Comfort and peace, is what Ed and Virginia Blasius knew. It is also what so many of our dear members knew and it is what Kobe knew. That Christ had come to rescue him and you and I can know that as well. Comfort and peace, knows the joy of Christ Jesus in your life by God’s grace and mercy.

Comfort and peace, is being called to follow Christ by God’s Holy Spirit who indwells all believers and is called the comforter even by Jesus himself.

For Jesus Himself says that:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Dear friends, you too have access to the father too through Christ Jesus our Lord who came to live, suffer, die and rise again for you and who will give to all true peace found only in His saving arms that were outstretched upon the cross as He gave up His life for you.

Because of Christ’s purifying death he allows you too, to depart in peace!

So when the trials of life burden you and the storms of life rage and when even death is near, rest in the peace of Christ no matter the storms of life, but rests in the loving hands of Jesus the savior who reminds us in John’s gospel the wonderful comfort that Dorothy knew:

7 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen