For the past several weeks in the Gospel readings, worshipers have heard of the teaching and miraculous power of Jesus. Last week, the Gospel displayed the hometown rejection of Jesus. This rejection, even when followed by the successful ministry of the Twelve, sets the scene for the rejection, arrest, and execution of John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. We praise God for…

Today’s worship service is being led by Pastor Gregory Fiechtner. We pray the Lord blesses him as he challenges us to truly hear the words of our Lord and then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we boldly proclaim Jesus’ gift of salvation to those around us. Link to Service video on Vimeo Link to service bulletin

Mark began his Gospel by introducing Jesus as the Son of God (1:1). Yet (apart from the devils!), Mark had only a Roman centurion, a Gentile, not the authorities of Israel, confess Jesus as such. At the foot of the cross of  Jesus, this Gentile confessed: “Truly this man was the Son of God!” And this he said after our Lord had…

We once again welcome Pastor Gregory Fiechtner today as he shows us through God’s Word that the wisdom of the Father is perfect and He knows what is best for us. We welcome all as we worship today. Link to Service video on Vimeo Link to service bulletin

Most of the readings for today share a vivid common image. The Old Testament Reading from Ezekiel is a messianic prophecy that ends with a high and lofty mountain. It has a final-day image of all the trees knowing who the Lord is, and all God’s people dwelling securely in His presence. The Gospel also pictures a tree—of impressive size. It looks…

We welcome Pastor Gregory Fiechtner as our guest pastor today. May his words fill our hearts and minds with the blessings of our Heavenly Father who seeks us to become His children through the blood bought redemption of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Link to Service video on Vimeo Link to service bulletin

In today’s text (2 Corinthians 4:5–12) Paul is very candid about his afflictions and suffering, but he is also unwavering in his faith. God is graciously working through him. In this reading, Paul highlights the content of his, and our, message: we proclaim Christ and not ourselves. The light of Christ shines in us, a treasure that we hold in jars of…