Parishioner interviewed by "White Horse Inn" radio host

Parishioner Mollie Ziegler Hemingway was recently interviewed by Dr. Michael Horton of the White Horse Inn radio program. You can listen to it by pressing the play-indicator below:

Looking Forward: Sunday in April

As published in the April, 2008 issue of Tidings, the newsletter of Immanuel.

April 6: Misericordias Domini - The name for the third Sunday of Easter means "The compassion of the Lord," from Psalm 33. Popularly called "Good Shepherd Sunday," on this day John 10 is read as we rejoice in Jesus our Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep, and took it up again in the resurrection. We also see the ongoing work the Lord does through His Church: "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."

April 13: Jubilate- "Shout for joy to God, all the earth, Alleluia!" This is the first of four successive Sundays where passages from the "Upper Room Discourse" (John 14-16) are read. Jesus tells His disciples that He will be gone a "little while," and that He will see His disciples again, causing their hearts to rejoice. For the Twelve, the first "little while" was the time between the crucifixion and the resurrection; we are comforted knowing that it is only a "little while" until He returns, and our hearts already rejoice!

April 20: Cantate- "Sing to the LORD a new song, Alleluia!" Cantate Sunday (not to be confused with "Cantata," a piece of music made of several "songs") urges us to sing, because in Christ, "the ruler of this world is judged" (Gospel, John 16.11). As we start looking toward Pentecost, we hear Jesus' promise that the Spirit of Truth will come, and guide the Church into all truth.

April 27: Rogate- The name of the sixth Sunday of Easter, the last Sunday before the Ascension, means "Pray" or "Ask." We are invited to ask the Father in the name of Jesus. "Ask, and you will receive," our Lord says, "that your joy may be full." The church is urging us to ask for the Holy Spirit, that we may live new lives as disciples of Jesus.

Easter People

Note: This pastoral letter is from the April, 2008 issue of Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel.

St. Augustine allegedly said, "We are an Easter people, and 'Alleluia!' is our song." I'm not certain that he really said it, but I am certain that we should. This year the month of April is entirely given over to Easter. While we are tempted to think of Easter as a single day, the church appoints fifty days for the observance. This "week of weeks" (seven weeks) exhorts us to a life where "Alleluia!" is indeed our song.

So what does it mean to be "Easter people"? The Christian life is lived in a "Good Friday" world - a world of sorrow and betrayal, lies and mockery, quests for power and fear of other powers. It is a life that can only end in death. However, because we are baptized into Christ, we are "Easter people," people who know that because of His work on Good Friday, our Lord Jesus has brought us to Easter, giving us the hope of the resurrection. Being an Easter people means we do not have a life that can only end in death. We have a death that can only end in life.

We still live in the Good Friday world. We will still know sorrow, we will still be betrayed - perhaps even those who call themselves Christians. We will still be lied to and mocked. We will still experience the lust for power, both against us and within us. But on account of Christ's victory, we know these things have no power over us. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" said the angel to the women on Easter morning. The Living One is not found among dead things - the perishable things of the marketplace, the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the world, the pride of life.

We are Easter People, so that we live in the same forgiveness Jesus showed to those who crucified Him, and to His disciples who abandoned Him. "Alleluia!" (Hebrew for "Praise the Lord!") is restored to the liturgy; and hopefully, in the journey through Lent, we have learned more about what it means. How life is empty and meaningless without that word!

Now that Lent is over, and Easter has come, what will it mean for us? The fast being over, should we return to gluttony? The emphasis on prayer being ended, should we abandon prayer now, for the more important things? Being Easter People should mean what St. Paul says in Rom. 6: "We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." What will that "newness of life" look like in how you live with your family? In how you do your work? In how you deal with your habitual, secret sins?

As we tried during Lent to be people of genuine repentance, this April let us build on that and ask the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, to renew in us the work of the Holy Spirit, making us Easter People, with "Alleluia!" as our song, until the final Easter comes.

Article by parishioner in Wall Street Journal

Immanuel member Mollie Hemingway has an article in the March 28 Wall Street Journal. You can read it here.

Daily Readings for March 31 - April 5

Monday:
John 21:1-25
Jonah 1:1-16

Tuesday:
John 2:12-25
Jonah 1:17—2:10

Wednesday:
John 3:22-36
Jonah 3:1-10

Thursday:
John 4:1-27
Jonah 4:1-11

Friday:
John 4:28-38
Isaiah 33:2-6

Saturday:
1 Peter 2:21-25
John 10:11-16

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Quasimodo Geniti (March 30)

Confession: What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Quasimodo Geniti (March 30)

“[Jesus] breathed on [His disciples] and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:22-23)

Daily Readings for March 24 - 29

Monday:
Matthew 28:1-15
Luke 24:1-35

Tuesday:
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 1:26-38

Wednesday:
Luke 24:33-49
Luke 24:36-49

Thursday:
John 20:19-31
John 21:1-14

Friday:
Mark 16:9-14
Isaiah 44:21-28

Saturday:
1 John 5:4–10
John 20:19–31

Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Resurrection of Our Lord

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism:
Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Bible Verse for Memorizing - The Resurrection of Our Lord

“Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Good Friday sermon - midday service with parochial school

Perhaps you have said, “I hate my life. I wish I were dead.”

Or perhaps you have said, “I hate this person,” or, “that person.”

Instead, maybe you have said, “I love myself,” and meant it so much that you measured everything by how it pleased you. And in loving yourself so much, you made yourself god; which, in the end, is a form of saying, “I hate God, and His Word.”

In the account of the crucifixion of Jesus, we see a story filled with hate:

· Judas, hating his life, hangs himself;

· The Chief Priests and Pharisees hate Jesus, and cause the crowd to clamor for His execution;

· The disciples of Jesus, loving their own lives more than Jesus, run away, abandoning Jesus and leaving Him to face the hatred alone.

Truly, the event is filled with hate. It is also filled with God’s hatred.

Do you know what God hates?

Death.

And sin, which leads to death.

But God doesn’t just hate death in the abstract. No – He hates your death.

Which is another way of saying He loves you; He loves your life.

God loves you so much, that He sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus, into the world, for this very day, this Friday we call Good. For while it is sad—a profound sadness at the death of Jesus—it is also the cause of all our gladness. Nothing for us does more good than this death, for from this death comes our life. From this death comes the end of death, the defeat of death, the triumph of life, the triumph of God’s love.

God is love, and He loves you even when you are filled with hate.

When you hate yourself, God loves you, and desires to save you.

When you hate your neighbor, God loves you both, and desires to save you from your hate.

When you hate God, God still loves you, and wants to give you His gifts.

God does not stop loving you; for as we heard yesterday, in John 13, Jesus loves His disciples “to the end.”

The love of God is demonstrated on the cross.

Paradoxically, there on the cross is also shown the wrath of God, wrath against sin and hatred of sin.

And that is why this horrible, wonderful, terrible, awesome and awful death of the Son of God occurs. So that God could punish sin and at the same time save the sinner.

On the cross we see God’s wrath for sin, and God’s love for us sinners.

So the words we heard Jesus speak are for you:

· Jesus prays for those who are nailing Him to the cross, “Father, forgive them.” Put yourself in those words. Jesus is praying for your forgiveness, too.

· The dying thief says to Jesus, “Lord, remember me in Your kingdom,” and Jesus replies, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.” Those words spoken to him are recorded for you: through the cross, heaven opens to you, and paradise is regained for you.

So when next you are tempted by hate, remember this Friday. When next you are filled with anger, remember this Friday. When next you are saddened to despair, remember this Friday, remember what your God has done for you. He loves you. He gave His Son for you. He forgives you. He opens heaven for you. He defeated death for you.

Now, we wait for Easter. It is coming. This Sunday, and at the end of this world. Rejoice and be glad, for though your sins caused this Friday to be bad, God’s love has turned it into Friday filled with Good.

Holy Week 2008 at Immanuel

Dear Members of Immanuel,

On Palm Sunday, the faithful gathered to remember our Lord Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem; hailed as King on Sunday, by Friday He was crucified. The services of this week are devoted to the central articles of our faith—Baptism, Lord's Supper, Justification—accomplished by the words and mighty acts of Jesus. I know that your work must be done, your family attended to, and the spring weather beckons a return to the outdoors. Yet in the midst of all that, I urge you to experience this week as something greater – the fountain and source of your life.

• Holy Wednesday: 3/19/08, 6-7pm – Open time for Individual Confession and Absolution
• Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): 3/20/08, 7:30pm – Divine Service (Setting Three), with confessional address and stripping of the altar; sermon by Rev. Jonathan Shaw.
• Good Friday: 3/21/08, 12pm – Vespers, with reading of St. Luke's Passion; 7:30pm – Solemn Divine Service, with reading of St. John's Passion, the Reproaches, and a simplified order of communion; sermon by Rev. John Wohlrabe
• Holy Saturday: 3/22/08, 8pm – The Great Vigil of Easter, with the kindling of the new flame, reading of the history of salvation, "Benedicite, Omnia Opera," remembrance of Baptism, and first Gospel of the resurrection
• The Festival of the Resurrection of Our Lord: 3/23/08, 8am – Matins; 9am – Scripture Study; 10am – Festival Divine Service

Some of you reading this may have wandered away from the Lord and the hearing of His Word this year. Please know this and take it to hear: you are always welcomed back, with open arms. Come home, dear children of God!

God bless you as we pass through this holy time together, renewed and growing as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every good wish in Christ,
+Pastor Esget

Daily Readings for March 17 - 22

Monday:
Daniel 6:1-24
John 12:1-36

Tuesday:
John 18:1-27
Exodus 12:1-14

Wednesday:
John 18:28-40
Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Thursday:
John 19:1-24
John 13:1-15

Friday:
John 19:25-42
2 Corinthians 5:14–21

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 5:6–8
Mark 16:1–8

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Holy Week (March 16 - 22)

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism: What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Holy Week (March 16 - 22)

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Daily Readings for March 10 - 15

Monday:
John 8:42-59
Jeremiah 2:1-19

Tuesday:
John 12:1-11
Hosea 13:9-14

Wednesday:
John 12:12-26
Zephaniah 3:1-8

Thursday:
John 13:1-20
Micah 3:9-12

Friday:
John 13:21-38
Isaiah 66:1-9

Saturday:
Philippians 2:5–11
Matthew 26:1—27:66

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Judica (March 9)

Lord’s Prayer: The Conclusion
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Judica (March 9)

“God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Daily Readings for March 3 - 8

Monday:
Deuteronomy 9:1-29
Luke 23:26-56

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 10:1-22
Matthew 26:1-35

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 11:1-32
Matthew 26:36-75

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Matthew 27:1-38

Friday:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Matthew 27:39-66

Saturday:
Hebrews 9:11–15
John 8:42–59

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Laetare (March 2)

Lord’s Prayer: The Seventh Petition
But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Laetare (March 2)

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29)

Looking Forward: Sundays and Holy Days in March

Taken from the March issue of Tidings, the parish newsletter of Immanuel.
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Looking Forward: Sundays and Holy Days in March

March 2: Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent takes its name, Laetare, from the first word of the Introit in Latin: "Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her." As we draw closer to the awe-full deeds of salvation wrought by our Lord, we Christians—citizens of "the Jerusalem above" (Epistle, Gal. 4.26)—even at this solemn time rejoice at the Savior's work. During the season of fasting (Lent), our weakness has been exposed. We have stumbled. Fallen. So like that "great multitude" (Gospel, John 6.2) of old, we look to Jesus, who alone can feed us with the Bread of Life.

March 9: Judica - "Judge me (Judica me), O God," "Vindicate me ... and defend my cause against an ungodly people" (Introit). On this day, the "Sunday of the Passion," we speak words which we dare not utter regarding ourselves. If God should judge us, we would be damned. There is only One whose work needed vindication—Jesus, whose death was unjust, yet atoned for all our injustices (sins). Beginning with this Sunday, the crosses are veiled and the Gloria Patri disappears from the liturgy. We are on the final portion of the journey to the cross, and the signs of our joy are hidden from our eyes and ears, as we see how blind and deaf sin has made us.

March 16: Palmarum - The Palm Sunday Divine Service begins outside, hearing the Gospel of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The mood of the liturgy abruptly shifts, as we hear the entire Passion according to St. Matthew. There, we hear that the crowd which lauded Jesus on Sunday as a conquering king called for His blood on Friday. Having sung our "hosannas" to Jesus, will we likewise betray Him? Holy Week has begun.

March 20: Holy Thursday - Sometimes called "Maundy Thursday" (probably from the Latin mandatum, "commandment," based on the words of Jesus in today's Gospel, John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another"), this Divine Service focuses on the Sacrament of the Altar, which Jesus instituted "on the night when He was betrayed." The service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar, in preparation for the solemn observance of Good Friday.

March 21: Good Friday - One cannot understand Easter without this day. Not a "funeral for Jesus," this Divine Service features a series of "Reproaches," as we hear that it was our disobedience and unfaithfulness that necessitated Christ's suffering. The Passion of St. John is read, and the body and blood of Jesus is distributed, for on this day, of all days, it is meet and right that we receive the benefit of the cross: communion with Jesus, the forgiveness of our sins.

March 22: The Great Vigil of Easter - A service unlike any other in the entire year, the liturgy begins with the blessing of the Paschal Candle and a journey into the darkened church. Our Lord, who spent this great Sabbath in a darkened tomb, awoke "very early in the morning on the first day of the week." Awaiting the celebration of His joyous resurrection, we hear again the narrative of salvation history - Creation, flood, deliverance from Pharoah's bondage, the valley of the dry bones - all leading up to our Lord Jesus, who fulfilled everything for us. In this liturgy we make special remembrance of our Baptism, and hear the first Gospel of Easter. Christ is risen!

March 23: The Resurrection of Our Lord - This day is the Feast of Feasts, and no adornment is out of place: the chanting of the Creed, a sequence hymn ("Christians, to the Paschal Victim, offer your thankful praises..."). Christ is risen, death's sting is removed, sin is forgiven, the devil is routed. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

March 30: Quasimodo Geniti - The funniest of all the funny Latin names, Quasimodo Geniti is the Latin beginning to the Introit, from 1 Peter: "Like new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the Word." By baptism into Jesus' death and resurrection, we are newly-born. Through drinking in the Word, we will grow as God's children. Today's Gospel recounts the events of Easter evening and the following Sunday, when Jesus appeared to the Disciples and showed His wounds to unbelieving Thomas.

Want to learn more about the traditional church year? Visit http://historiclectionary.com today!

Daily Readings for February 25 - March 1

Monday:
Luke 11:14-28
Luke 18:15-30

Tuesday:
Matthew 21:1-17
Luke 19:1-40

Wednesday:
Matthew 26:2-16
Luke 20:1—21:4

Thursday:
Matthew 26:17-35
Luke 21:37—22:38

Friday:
Matthew 26:36-56
Luke 22:39-71

Saturday:
Galatians 4:21–31
John 6:1–15

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Oculi (February 24)

Lord’s Prayer: The Sixth Petition
And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Oculi (February 24)

“Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

Daily Readings for February 18 - 23

Monday:
Matthew 15:21-28
Luke 13:1-17

Tuesday:
Genesis 44:18—45:3
Luke 14:25-35

Wednesday:
Genesis 45:4-28
Luke 15:11-32

Thursday:
Genesis 46:1-27
Luke 16:10-18

Friday:
Genesis 46:28—47:12
Luke 17:1-10

Saturday:
Ephesians 5:1–9
Luke 11:14–28

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Reminiscere (February 17)

Lord’s Prayer: The Fifth Petition
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Reminiscere (February 17)

“God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Daily Readings for February 11 - 16

Monday:
Matthew 4:1-11
Luke 9:28-62

Tuesday:
Genesis 42:1-24
Luke 10:1-22

Wednesday:
Genesis 42:25-38
Luke 10:38—11:13

Thursday:
Genesis 43:1-34
Luke 11:29-36

Friday:
Genesis 44:1-17
Luke 11:37-54

Saturday:
1 Thessalonians 4:1–7
Matthew 15:21–28

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Invocabit (February 10)

Lord’s Prayer: The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Invocabit (February 10)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Guidance on Fasting

After my counsel after Divine Service regarding fasting on Ash Wednesday, several parishioners asked me for more details and guidance. I have some printed materials from previous years at church that I can (and will, when I get time) distribute, but for now I commend for your consideration Pastor William Weedon's little article on fasting. (Pastor Weedon is a minister in my former district, Southern Illinois, and his blog is well worth reading.)

Auf Deutsch, Lent is Fastenzeit. Fasting-time. And the readings for Ash Wednesday invite us to this discipline as part of our "return," our repentance.

But how does one fast? As Lutheran Christians we know that there can be no laws about HOW to fast in the Church for the simple reason that neither our Lord nor the Holy Apostles have given us any. There have always been divergent practices on fasting in the Church. Not without reason did St. Irenaeus confess "differences in fasting do not destroy the unity of faith."

Further, we know that fasting is not pleasing to God when it is offered in any way as a propitiation for sin; then, in fact, it becomes an abomination. There is but one propitiation for the sin of the world and that was offered once and for all by the Lamb of God upon the cross.

So why should we fast? We have to think no further than our Catechism: fasting is "a fine outward training." Now, that was spoken in regard to the Eucharistic fast, but it applies to fasting as a whole. On Septuagesima we heard St. Paul speak of how he disciplined his body, kept it under control, lest he end up being "disqualified" after preaching to others.

Well, if we can admit that fasting is a "fine outward training" the question still arises of what to do?

Many people confuse fasting and abstinence. To fast is to be hungry; to abstain is forego certain kinds of food. The traditional fast of the Western Church was 1/4 meal for breakfast and lunch, with a simple dinner. In other words, for breakfast maybe half a slice of toast, for lunch an orange. Then a regular dinner - but nothing fancy. Something like that was observed throughout the days of Lent. Further, Western Christians have traditionally abstained from meat and wine on the Fridays (and sometimes the Saturdays, and some would say the Wednesdays - all depend on whom you ask) of Lent.

Now, fasting was never meant to live by itself. It is joined to the other two Lenten disciplines: almsgiving and prayer. An increased giving to the poor and an increased time of prayer can go hand in hand with fasting: by not eating so much, you actually have more money to give to others who have less than you, and by not fixing elaborate meals, you also have more time to spend in the Word and prayer. Further, by going hungry each day you experience solidarity with those many members of the human race who also go hungry each day. Above all, we teach ourselves that the hunger behind all hungers is the hunger for God Himself.

In the freedom of the Gospel, we can discipline our wayward flesh by not letting it dictate to us what and when to eat. Give it some thought and prayer and then rejoice in the truth that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Wishing one and all a joyful time of renewal during the upcoming Fastenzeit!

(Click here to see the article on its original page.)

Sermon for Children and Adults on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Matins
Jonah 3.1-10
February 6, 2008

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is the time of the year when we remember Jesus' sufferings for us, and we focus again on the importance of being repentant, that is, of being sorry for our sins and asking God to forgive us and help us be better.

The day is called Ash Wednesday for a reason; putting ashes on our heads is an old custom. What's it mean?

Ashes are what's left over after something has been burned, destroyed. It reminds us that our own bodies will one day return to the earth, the same earth out of which God made the first man, Adam. Ashes remind us that we sinners must die. As God said to Adam, "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return." At a funeral, the pastor says when the body is put into the ground, "Ashes to ashes and dust to dust."

But the ashes aren't just smudged on our foreheads in any old way. They go in the shape of the cross. So even the ashes remind us that the God-Man who died on the cross, Jesus, conquered death, and will raise up our bodies from the grave.

All this was part of the message Jonah was sent to preach to a very bad city called Ninevah. You might know that before Jonah gets to Ninevah, he had quite an adventure.

You see, God had commanded Jonah to go to Ninevah and call them to repent--confess their sins and ask God for forgiveness, changing their sinful way of living. Now Ninevah was a horrible city, filled with drunkenness, gambling, prostitution, and false worship. No Christian would want to go to a place like that.

Jonah's not so excited either. What's going to happen if he goes and tells them to repent? The people probably won't like it too much. It would be like going to a football game and cheering for the visiting team instead of the hometown favorites. Only a lot worse. If Jonah goes to Ninevah and tells them, "You aren't following God's Word, and He is going to punish you," the people might just laugh at him, spit on him - or even kill him!

So Jonah says, "No thanks! I'm not going there. I think I'll take a cruise instead." So he hops on a ship sailing in the other direction. He thinks God won't find him. Hah! You cannot hide from God. God causes a mighty wind to blow, and when the ship is about to sink, Jonah realizes that this whole thing is God's judgment on him. He tells the sailors, "Throw me overboard!"

They do, but then a giant sea creature swallows Jonah, but instead of chewing Jonah up, swallows him whole. Jonah lives in the belly of that giant sea creature for three days, and then, the creature vomits him out onto the land.

"Now, Jonah," says the Lord, "shall we try this again?" So Jonah goes to Ninevah and amazingly, the people listen! And that's where the Bible reading that we heard today picks up. The people repent, and even the king sits in ashes to show how sorry he is for his sins. And then the best part: God forgives them.

You see, that's what God does. He loves. He forgives.

This whole story--which is a true story--is telling us what's going to happen at the end of Lent. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days, so Jesus will be in the belly of the earth (that is, in the tomb) for three days. And because Jesus rose again just like Jonah was spit up onto dry ground, we too can be repentant, be baptized, and have our sins forgiven. And what happens then? Even though we die and turn to dust and ashes, we won't stay that way forever. God will raise the faithful up on the last day, and we will live forever in His kingdom.

That's why we celebrate Lent - to help us prepare for the true Easter to come - the day when Jesus will return and raise us up from the grave.

So today you're going to go around and see people with ashen crosses on their foreheads. You might be tempted to think it's a game. Or worry about how you look. Or worry about it itching, or getting something dirty. This is no game. Remember, O man, remember, boy, remember, girl, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Look at the ashes all day today, and remember that you are going to die. But look at the ashes in the shape of a cross, and rejoice and be glad that Jesus died for you, and just as He is risen from the dead, so will you too. Rejoice and be glad, even this Ash Wednesday! +INJ+

Ash Wednesday

Blow the trumpet in Zion,

Consecrate a fast,

Call a sacred assembly;

Gather the people,

Sanctify the congregation.…

Let the priests, who minister to the LORD,

Weep between the porch and the altar;

Let them say, "Spare Your people, O LORD,

And do not give Your heritage to reproach."

-Joel 2.15, 16a, 17

Tomorrow, February 6, 2008, is an important day in the life of the Church, and in your life. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, opens the time of fasting and penitential discipline. All communicants are urged to undertake a fast, abstaining from meat and alcohol, and eating no food in the hours before Divine Service at Immanuel on Wednesday evening (7:30 p.m.). Preceding this solemn service will be the imposition of ashes at the rear of the nave - please arrive a few minutes before the service if you wish to receive this ancient token of mourning and repentance. The day of fasting culminates with our Lord's holy Supper – the true Food which we are training ourselves to desire.

I recently posted an excerpt from St. John Chrysostom on what I found to be an excellent summary of the real purpose of fasting; you can view it by clicking here.

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, who hates nothing that You have made and who forgives the sins of all those who are penitent, create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of You, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Daily Readings for February 4 - 9

Monday:
Luke 18:31-43
Luke 6:1-35

Tuesday:
Genesis 40:1-23
Luke 6:33-49

Wednesday:
Exodus 33:1-23
Luke 7:1-10

Thursday:
Genesis 41:1-36
Luke 7:18—8:3

Friday:
Genesis 41:37-57
Luke 8:16-56

Saturday:
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Matthew 4:1-11

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Quinquagesima (February 3)

Lord’s Prayer: The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Quinquagesima (February 3)

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38)

Confessions of a Chronic Switcher

The following will be published in the February 2008 issue of Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.

In my personal life, I am perpetually changing things around, never satisfied. I will use one program or device for awhile to keep track of things I need to do, and then switch when something else comes along - always looking for the magical device or system that will help me stay on top of everything I need and want to do. Same for calendars. And email. And exercising. And ...

I will probably always be this way, although I am trying to change. Really!

But the worst for me has been prayer and Scriptural meditation. When I was in college, I used a "One-Year Bible" I had been given - a book with the whole text of the Scriptures organized so that you read a passage from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms, and by the end of the year one would have read the whole Bible. As I began to become aware of liturgical forms of daily prayer, I switched to the Book of Common Prayer and followed its lectionary (order for daily readings). Then, I discovered Lutheran Worship, our old blue hymnal, and from there, moved back in time to The Lutheran Hymnal. Then I discovered a tome called The Pastor at Prayer, with its own set of forms, including a chart for reading through the Lutheran Confessions in about a year. Then I got a four-volume set called For All the Saints, a kind of Lutheran breviary, with Matins, Vespers, and devotional readings from outside the Bible. These ran the gamut from early church fathers to twentieth-century figures including such questionable writers as Albert Schweitzer. "Too liberal!" I decided; time to switch again. Along came the Hymnal Supplement '98, with its brief orders of daily prayer, and a new pattern for reading the Bible every day. There were nifty cards that CPH printed up, and I latched onto those.

Being an early-music buff, I was thrilled when The Brotherhood Prayer Book was published by a new band of like-minded souls called the Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood. Fantastic! It has Gregorian chant psalms, printed up in an old form of musical notation that even most musicians cannot read. This fit my quirky desire to be both faithful and anachronistic nicely. The problem comes once one realizes that A) no one else who lives near you [or with you!] can follow along and join you; and B) one needs to live a monastic life to actually do all of the things in the book. Morning Prayer alone can take over an hour! (Of course, I still use it when I can, and recently bought the second edition...)

Now we have Lutheran Service Book, and I have been trying in all things to conform myself to the pattern of this book. I have come to believe that it is exceedingly important that everyone in the Missouri Synod "be on the same page," even if one thinks he knows better or can improve upon it. Unity and harmony are deeply important, and if we don't act like it in our own lives and churches, how can we expect it among all the churches?

But the real lesson in all of this is that daily prayer and Scripture reading is important. While some books and systems are better than others, more thorough, more accessible, more traditional, more in step with the weekly liturgy and church year, the truly important thing is what the old Nike commercials said: "Just do it!" Quit worrying so much about the system, and just read! So every day, I'm using LSB morning and evening.

With Lent upon us, I encourage you to begin, or renew, your dedication to prayer and Scripture reading. Just do it! Buy a copy of Lutheran Service Book. Along with a Bible, it's the only thing you need. There are tables for daily reading, charts for using the Psalms, and orders for family devotions, on pages 294-304. Starting on page 305, there are model prayers for all kinds of different situations. An important discipline of Lent is renewing a life of prayer. Please make this your foremost commitment this Lent. God speaks to you, and gives you His gifts, through His Word, and He delights in hearing your prayers. If some days you are lazy/sick/busy/tired/pick your excuse - then simply start again as soon as possible. Just do it! God bless you in your Lenten disciplines, and may He brings us all to that final Easter in the life of the world to come.

Looking Forward: Sundays and Holy Days in February

These liturgical summaries will be published in Tidings, the Newsletter of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.

February 3: Quinquagesima - This day is the last of the three Sundays before Lent, the names of which all end in "-gesima" ("-gesimus" is the Latin ending for some ordinal numbers; quinquagesimus means "fiftieth"). This day is exactly fifty days before Easter, and the Gospel for today (Luke 18:31-43) shows what must happen for Easter to come: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.... They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." Then Jesus heals a blind man. Thus this Sunday is inviting us to follow Jesus to His cross, bearing our own crosses and praying for healing from our blindness, caused by sin. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem," Jesus said, and hearing these words we are ready to begin our Lenten journey.

February 6 (7:30 pm): Ash Wednesday - This day marks the first day of Lent, a period of repentance and spiritual renewal. The Old Testament reading, Joel 2:12-19 summons us to fast, while reminding us that the fast needs to be in our hearts, too, and not just an outward show. The Gospel reading, Matthew 6:16-21, further admonishes us not to be hypocrites when we fast. A significant characteristic of this day is the imposition of ashes before the service, with the sobering words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Recognizing our mortality--the just consequence of sin--we turn to the Lord, who feeds us in the Supper with the medicine of immortality, the seed of the resurrection.

February 10: Invocabit - Many of the Sundays in Lent obtain their names from the first words of the Introit (opening Psalm) in Latin. For the First Sunday in Lent, the word "Invocabit" comes from Psalm 91: "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him." Lent renews the invitation to call upon the Lord, and today's Gospel (Matthew 4) sets before us Jesus, who endured the temptations of the devil on our behalf. He called upon His Father in time of trouble, and the Father sustained Him. In every way we are tempted, so was Jesus - only He did not sin. In our temptations, we likewise take up the Word with confidence that when we call upon God, He will answer us.

February 17: Reminiscere - "Remember Your mercy, O Lord," begins the liturgy for the Second Sunday in Lent. The woman whose daughter was possessed by demons would not let Jesus go until He showed her mercy (Mt. 15:21-28). The same Jesus who answered her prayer will not forget us, but "defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul" (Collect for Reminiscere).

February 24: Oculi - "Oculi" means "eyes," and on Lent III we sing, "My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net" (Introit). Today's Gospel (Luke 11:14-28) tells us about Jesus who overcomes the strong man--the devil--by breaking into his fortress and taking the goods he is guarding. We are the "spoils" the devil obtained in the Fall into sin, but Christ our Lord comes to defeat the devil and redeem us, "that we may be His own, and live under Him in His kingdom." This marks the third Sunday in a row where Christ is shown to triumph over the powers of Satan. Throughout Lent, then, we are fixing our eyes on the Lord, who will not let the powers of darkness prevail over us.

Daily Readings for January 28 - February 2

Monday:
Matthew 20:1-16
Mark 10:1-31

Tuesday:
Genesis 35:1-15
Mark 10:32-52

Wednesday:
Genesis 35:16-20, 22b-29
Mark 11:1-33

Thursday:
Genesis 37:1-36
Mark 12:13-44

Friday:
Genesis 39:1-23
Luke 4:14-44

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Luke 18:31–43

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Sexagesima (January 27)

Lord’s Prayer: The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Sexagesima (January 27)

“The [seeds] that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15)

March for Life

Reminder - the sadly annual March for Life will be held tomorrow on the National Mall. (Pray for the day when it will no longer be necessary to ask the government to protect the right of every human being to live.)

Immanuel, in conjunction with Lutherans for Life, will be having Divine Service at 9 a.m. Dr. James Lamb, Executive Director of National Lutherans for Life, will be preaching; Pastor Esget of Immanuel is the presiding minister. All are invited to attend, even if not able to participate in the march. For directions to Immanuel, please visit our website.

Daily Readings for January 21 - 26

Monday:
Exodus 5:1–23
Mark 5:21–43

Tuesday:
Exodus 6:1–13
Mark 6:1–29

Wednesday:
Genesis 32:1–21
John 1:43–51

Thursday:
Genesis 32:22–32
1 Timothy 6:11–16

Friday:
Genesis 33:1–11
Acts 9:1–22

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5
Matthew 20:1–16

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Septuagesima (January 20)

Lord’s Prayer: The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Septuagesima (January 20)

“The last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:16)

Daily Readings for January 14 - 19

Monday:
Genesis 30:25-43
John 1:29-34

Tuesday:
Genesis 31:1-21
John 1:35-42

Wednesday:
Genesis 31:22-42
John 1:43-51

Thursday:
Genesis 31:43-55
Luke 4:1-13

Friday:
Mark 8:27-35
Acts 4:8-13

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5
Matthew 20:1–16

Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Baptism of Our Lord (January 13)

Lord’s Prayer: The Second Petition
Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - The Baptism of Our Lord (January 13)

“He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” (1 Corinthians 1:31)

Daily Readings for January 7 - 12

Monday:
Matthew 2:13-15
Luke 3:10-14

Tuesday:
Matthew 2:16-23
Luke 3:15-20

Wednesday:
Luke 2:41-52
Mark 1:1-8

Thursday:
Matthew 3:1-12
Mark 1:9-11

Friday:
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:21-38

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 1:26–31 31
Matthew 3:13–17

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Epiphany (January 6)

Lord’s Prayer: The Second Petition
Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Epiphany (January 6)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Looking Forward: Sundays in January

Note: The following will be published in the January issue of Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter.

January 6: Epiphany - Epiphany is the earliest Christan festival besides Easter - earlier even than Christmas! It always falls on January 6, after the twelve days of Christmas are completed. It is considered one of the most important days of the Christian year, as it commemorates the Magi from the East coming to worship Jesus as true God in the flesh, the King of all mankind. This event (and the Gospel for this day) is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.

January 13: The Baptism of Our Lord - Great feasts have an "octave," a recapitulation of the festival on the eighth day (or, one week later). The octave of Epiphany is January 13, which is the fixed date for remembering the Baptism of Jesus. We are privileged this year to have both January 6 and 13 fall on Sundays, which will give more people the opportunity to celebrate these great feasts. At the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17), we see that He stepped into our place, the Sinless One baptized as a sinner, in order to fulfill all righteousness for us and give us a Baptism into His sinlessness.

January 20: Septuagesima - Because Easter comes early this year (March 23), so does Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 6). The three Sundays before Ash Wednesday are known to traditional Christians as "Pre-Lent," signified by their funny names all ending in "-gesima." The names are approximations of the number of days until Easter; Septuagesima is about seventy days before Easter. On this day, we prepare for Lent by hearing the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Christ our Lord is calling us to work, and He promises to give us far more than we deserve when the day is finished.

January 27: Sexagesima - Again looking toward Easter, Sexagesima reminds us that we now are only about sixty days away from the Resurrection celebration. The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15) tells us what we will need to be about in Lent and throughout our Christian life: keeping the Word of God with patience, bringing fruit to maturity while not getting consumed with the cares and riches of this life.

Daily Readings for December 31, 2007 - January 5, 2008

Monday:
John 1:15-18
Isaiah 32:1-8

Tuesday:
Luke 2:15-20
Isaiah 46:3-13

Wednesday:
Luke 2:21-24
Matthew 2:16-18

Thursday:
Luke 2:25-40
Matthew 2:19-23

Friday:
Matthew 2:1-12
Matthew 3:1-12

Saturday:
Isaiah 60:1–6
Ephesians 3:1–12

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christmas I (December 30)

Lord’s Prayer - The First Petition:
Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Christmas I (December 30)

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Daily Readings for December 24 - 29

Monday:
Matthew 1:18-25
Isaiah 40:1-11

Tuesday:
Luke 1:39-45
Malachi 3:1-7

Wednesday:
Luke 1:46-56
Malachi 4:1-6

Thursday:
Luke 1:57-66
Isaiah 28:14-19

Friday:
Luke 1:67-80
Isaiah 7:1-17

Saturday:
Galatians 4:1–7
Luke 2:22–40

Collect for Advent IV (December 23)

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent IV (December 23)

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Veith on Vespers at Immanuel Lutheran School

Noted author Gene Edward Veith visited Vespers yesterday at the end of the school day, and wrote about his experience worshiping with our school children. You can read about it here.

Daily Readings for December 17 - 22

Monday:
Luke 1:57-80
Hebrews 10:35-39

Tuesday:
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 21:5-24

Wednesday:
Luke 2:8-20
Luke 12:35-59

Thursday:
Isaiah 26:1-21
James 5:7-11

Friday:
Isaiah 51:1-16
Luke 1:1-25

Saturday:
Philippians 4:4–7
John 1:19–28

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent III (December 16)

Lord’s Prayer: The First Petition
Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent III (December 16)

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)

Daily Readings for December 10 - 15

Monday:
Luke 21:25-36
Acts 17:16-34

Tuesday:
Luke 1:5-25
1 John 4:9-16

Wednesday:
Luke 1:26-38
Colossians 1:1-8

Thursday:
Matthew 1:18-25
Philippians 2:12-18

Friday:
Luke 1:39-56
Philippians 3:12-16

Saturday:
1 Corinthians 4:1–5
Matthew 11:2–11

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent II (December 9)

Lord’s Prayer: Introduction
Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent II (December 9)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

Daily Readings for December 3 - 8

Monday:
Matthew 21:1-9
Matthew 11:25-30

Tuesday:
Genesis 27:30-45
Acts 3:22-26

Wednesday:
Genesis 27:46--28:22
Colossians 1:15-29

Thursday:
Genesis 29:1-30
Hebrews 1:1-4

Friday:
Genesis 29:31--30:24
Hebrews 2:1-4

Saturday:
Romans 15:4–13
Luke 21:25–36

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Advent I (December 2)

The Third Article of the Apostles' Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the X life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Advent I (December 2)

"This is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:6)

Daily Readings for November 26 - December 1

Monday:
Matthew 25:1-13
2 Peter 3:1-18

Tuesday:
Genesis 24:1-24
Isaiah 65:17-25

Wednesday:
Genesis 24:29, 32-38, 42-49, 58-67
1 John 3:1-12

Thursday:
Genesis 25:19-34
1 John 3:19-24

Friday:
Genesis 27:1-29
John 1:35-42

Saturday:
Romans 13:8–14
Matthew 21:1–9

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Last Sunday of the Church Year (November 25)

The Third Article of the Apostles' Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Last Sunday of the Church Year (November 25)

"The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2)

Issues, Etc. Interview

Lutheran radio program Issues, Etc. interviewed me yesterday, and the host, Rev. Todd Wilken, specifically asked me to thank Immanuel for its support of the program the last few years.

You can listen to the interview on-demand at www.issuesetc.org - click "listen online," then go to the archives for Nov. 19, first hour. You can read my reflections on the experience here.

Daily Readings for November 19 - 24

Monday:
Matthew 9:18-26
Matthew 24:29-51

Tuesday:
Genesis 22:1-19
Matthew 22:23-33

Wednesday:
1 Corinthians 15:11-50
Luke 17:11-19

Thursday:
Ezekiel 38:1-23
Hebrews 3:7—4:13

Friday:
Ezekiel 39:1-29
Hebrews 11:8-16

Saturday:
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Matthew 25:1–13

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXIV (November 18)

The Second Article of the Creed: What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXIV (November 18)

"[The Lord Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:15)

Immanuel to Host Divine Service before 2008 March for Life

The Reporter, Synod's newspaper, has a nice article in anticipation of the 2008 March for Life coming up in January. Immanuel is mentioned as hosting the Divine Service beforehand, and the dinner for participants afterwards. The last few years that I have participated, I have been astonished at the Roman Catholic presence on the Mall, and how sparse the Lutherans are by comparison. How wonderful it would be to get a great turnout For Life!

Daily Readings for November 12 - 17

Monday:
Isaiah 10:5-27
1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Tuesday:
Matthew 22:15-22
Matthew 19:16-30

Wednesday:
Genesis 18:16-33
Luke 14:12-15

Thursday:
Genesis 19:1, 12-29
Mark 13:1-37

Friday:
Genesis 21:1-21
Matthew 25:14-30

Saturday:
Colossians 1:9–14
Matthew 9:18–26

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XXIII (November 11)

The Second Article of the Creed: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XXIII (November 11)

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

Daily Readings for November 5 - 10

Monday:
Genesis 15:1-6
Matthew 18:1-22

Tuesday:
Genesis 16:1-16
Mark 9:33-50

Wednesday:
Genesis 17:1-11
Luke 17:20-37

Thursday:
Genesis 17:15-27
Romans 8:24-39

Friday:
Genesis 18:1-15
Mark 12:1-12

Saturday:
Philippians 3:17–21
Matthew 22:15–22

Small Catechism for Memorizing - All Saints' Day/Trinity XXII (November 4)

The First Article of the Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - All Saints' Day/Trinity XXII (November 4)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Daily Readings for October 29 - November 3

Monday:
Genesis 9:1-17
John 15:12-21

Tuesday:
Genesis 11:1-9
Romans 3:19-28

Wednesday:
Genesis 12:1-20
John 8:31-36

Thursday:
Genesis 14:8-23
Ephesians 4:29-32

Friday:
Ephesians 5:10-14
Jeremiah 31:23-40

Saturday:
1 John 3:1–3
Matthew 5:1-12

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Reformation/Trinity XXI (October 28)

The First Article of the Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Reformation/Trinity XXI (October 28)

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

Deutsche Messe

Deutsche Messe: We will be celebrating the Reformation this Sunday, October 28 using Setting Five in LSB. This order of service is based on Martin Luther’s Deutsche Messe (“German Mass”), where the common language of the people was used in the Divine Service instead of the customary Latin. One of the unique features in this service is the use of hymns to replace parts of the liturgy. Plan to attend Bible Study before Divine Service on the 28th to learn more about the Deutsche Messe, and to be better prepared for this festival service.

Happy Birthday Pastor Esget!!!

The school children celebrated Pastor Esget's birthday with cake and singing today at lunch. God's blessings to you Pastor!

Daily Readings for October 22 - 27

Monday:
Matthew 22:1-14
Mark 4:1-41

Tuesday:
Genesis 4:1-8, 25-26
Acts 15:12-22

Wednesday:
Genesis 6:5-22
Luke 13:18-35

Thursday:
Genesis 7:1-24
Matthew 16:13-20

Friday:
Genesis 8:1-22
2 Corinthians 3:10—4:18

Saturday:
Ephesians 6:10–17
John 4:46–54

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XX (October 21)

The Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods.
2. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
3. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not murder.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XX (October 21)

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts, (declares the LORD)." (Isaiah 55:9)

Daily Readings for October 15 - 20

Monday
Matthew 9:1-8
1 John 1:1-10

Tuesday
Exodus 20:1-3, 18-21
1 John 2:1-17

Wednesday
Genesis 28:10-17
1 John 5:1-3

Thursday
Exodus 32:15-35
Luke 10:1-9

Friday
Luke 23:13-25
1 John 5:10-21

Saturday
Ephesians 5:15–21
Matthew 22:1–14

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XIX (October 14)

The Close of the Commandments: What does God say about all these Commandments? He says, “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6)

What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XIX (October 14)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:1-3)

Immanuel Lutheran School

What if Immanuel Lutheran School earned a penny every time you searched the Internet or shopped online? Well, now we can!

GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates a percentage of each purchase to your favorite cause. More than 100 great stores including The Gap, Best Buy and Barnes and Noble have teamed up with GoodSearch and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Immanuel Lutheran School (Alexandria, VA) as the charity you want to support. And, be sure to spread the word!

http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=856088 gets you directly to goodsearch with ILS "pre populated" in the "Who Do You Search For" box. Be careful when you manually enter it because there are many similar listings when you choose Immanuel Lutheran School. Look for Immanuel Lutheran School (Alexandria, VA).

Art on the Avenue

ILS had a booth at the local community fair this past Saturday. Children had the opportunity to create bookmarks and were given balloons and rulers with Immanuel's name on them.

Thanks to all the parents, teachers and others who helped!

A Buckeye Fan in Michigan

Former teacher Kurt Schmidt has a blog - surprisingly, mostly Cleveland Indians stuff. (I love it that they're crushing the Yankees.) Check it out.

Daily Readings for October 8 - 13

Monday:
Matthew 22:34
James 3:1-18

Tuesday:
Matthew 5:33
James 4:1—5:6

Wednesday:
Luke 23:33
James 5:12-20

Thursday:
1 Kings 21:1
1 Peter 3:1-7

Friday:
Genesis 3:1
1 Peter 3:15-22

Saturday:
Ephesians 4:22–28
Matthew 9:1–8

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Trinity XVIII (October 7)

The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Trinity XVIII (October 7)

"By the Word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." (Psalm 33:6)