Worship podcast

Fifth Sunday of Easter (Mother's Day)

Sun, 10 May 2009 13:47:47 -0400

ORDER OF SERVICE: Family of God (insert)
Opening Hymn #790 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
Introit Psalm 97 (see insert)

Sermon Hymn: Mother’s Day Hymn (insert)

Sermon The glory of god in our mothers!
Sending Hymn #465 “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resound”

~~~~~~Go in Peace! ~~~~~~ Server the Lord! ~~~~~~ Thanks be to God!~~~~~~~
WELCOME TO ALL OUR GUESTS!
We are so blessed to have you join us, and pray that Jesus will touch your heart and soul today and everyday through eternity! Please sign our guest register before you leave. We hope you’ll choose to join us again soon.

aLTAR fLOWERS & bULLETINS
The Altar Flowers are presented to God’s glory by the Bjornstad Family for the gift of Monica, a wonderful mother!

MOTHER’S DAY CARNATIONS are from PA for Life. If you would like to contribute $1 (or more) toward their work of raising up the privilege of motherhood and defending the value of the life in their womb, you are welcome to place your offering in the plate at the back of the church.

MOTHER’S DAY PORTRAITS to be taken immediately following the worship on the front lawn! Everyone is welcome! Pictures will be able to be seen and purchased (by 8 pm tonight) at www.prettygoodportraits.smugmug.com - or see Pastor Bjornstad if you do not have internet access!

THIS WEEK AT PEACE:
+ Monday: 7:00pm Confirmation Classes
+ Thursday: 9 am – 3 pm The Lutheran Academy OPEN HOUSE!
+ Saturday: 5pm Worship Service
+ Sunday: 9:15 Sunday School, and 9:30 Bible Study: The Bible’s Big Story,
10:30am Worship Service
6 pm Baptism/Membership BBQ and Fellowship

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP BBQ and Fellowship! There are a number of individuals/families who are looking to be baptized and/or join Peace Lutheran Church. Pastor Bjornstad is hosting a fellowship BBQ at the parsonage NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 17th at 6 pm! Invited as well are all the council members!

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS LOOKING FOR RECIPES to put together a cookbook with all of our favorite recipes! Anyone inside or outside the congregation may submit recipes. Please type or print clearly in ink (not pencil) and place only one recipe on a form. Forms are available on the table in the back of the church. You may submit up to four recipes. Deadline is June 28, 2009. Please turn your recipes into Monica Bjornstad, Adella Decker, or Alison McHale. We will let you know when the cookbooks will be available for purchase.

2010 LCMS NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING is coming soon! Look for details in future News Letters and Bulletins. ALL High School Students need to start planning NOW!

2009 NEPA COUPON BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE for $20 in support of The Lutheran Academy! If you don’t want to give $20, $10 will be sufficient! There is still a lot of 2009 left!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
+ MAY 24: TESTIMONY SUNDAY! We begin our Sunday with breakfast and (if it is ready in time, this would make a great opportunity to bless our new kitchen!) and the examination of James McHale, our confirmand this year. We also invite congregational members to give testimony to the work of God in their lives. Please pray about what you might be able to share in many (not too many!) or few words!

+ JUNE 7: ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY DINNER AND SERVICE sponsored by THE ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN FRIENDS.
12:30 Turkey Dinner at O’Neil’s Bar and Grill, Newton-Ransom Blvd. Call Audrey at 947-7132 for reservation ($13/adults; under 12/$6.50)
3:30 Memorial Service at the Ransom Valley Lutheran Church, Ransom. Pastor Bjornstad presiding.
+ TUESDAY JUNE 16th at 7 pm here at Peace: The Lutheran Academy Musical “This Land is Your Land” and year end ceremonies!

Gifts from Sunday 5-3-09
Attendance: 60
General Fund: $2335.32 ($25 were memorials to Ruth Mach)
Building Fund: $35.00
Energy Fund: $25.00 Flowers & Bulletins $40.00
Organ Fund; $10.00 Bethesda $50.00

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT: (from Luthers Large Catechism)
103 So far we have learned the first three commandments, which relate to God: (a) With our whole heart we trust in Him and fear and love Him throughout all our lives. (b) We do not misuse His holy name in support of falsehood or any bad work, but use it to praise God and for the profit and salvation of our neighbor and ourselves. (c) On holidays and when at rest we diligently use and encourage the use of Gods Word, so that all our actions and our entire life is guided by it. Now follow the other seven commandments, which relate to our neighbor. Among them is the first and greatest:
104 You shall honor your father and your mother that it may be well with you and you may live long upon the earth.
105 To the position of fatherhood and motherhood God has given special distinction above all positions that are beneath it: He does not simply command us to love our parents, but to honor them. Regarding our brothers, sisters, and neighbors in general, He commands nothing more than that we love them [Matthew 22:39; 1 John 3:14]. In this way He separates and distinguishes father and mother from all other persons upon earth and places them at His side. 106 For it is a far higher thing to honor someone than to love someone, because honor includes not only love, but also modesty, humility, and submission to a majesty hidden in them. 107 Honor requires not only that parents be addressed kindly and with reverence, but also that, both in the heart and with the body, we demonstrate that we value them very highly, and that, next to God, we regard them as the very highest. For someone we honor from the heart we must also truly regard as high and great.
108 We must, therefore, impress this truth upon the young [Deuteronomy 6:7] that they should think of their parents as standing in Gods place. They should remember that however lowly, poor, frail, and strange their parents may be, nevertheless, they are the father and the mother given to them by God. Parents are not to be deprived of their honor because of their conduct or their failings. Therefore, we are not to consider who they are or how they may be, but the will of God, who has created and ordained parenthood. In other respects people are, indeed, all equal in Gods eyes. But among humans there must necessarily be this inequality and ordered difference. Therefore, God commands this order to be kept, that you obey me as your father [Matthew 5:48], and that I have the supremacy.
109 Learn, therefore, what is the honor towards parents that this commandment requires. (a) They must be held in distinction and esteem above all things, as the most precious treasure on earth. 110 (b) In our words we must speak modestly toward them [Proverbs 15:1]. Do not address them roughly, haughtily, and defiantly. But yield to them and be silent, even though they go too far. 111 (c) We must show them such honor also by works, that is, with our body and possessions. We must serve them, help them, and provide for them when they are old, sick, infirm, or poor. We must do all this not only gladly, but with humility and reverence, as doing it before God [Ephesians 6:67]. For the child who knows how to regard parents in his heart will not allow them to do without or hunger, but will place them above him and at his side and will share with them whatever he has and possesses.
Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO : Concordia Publishing House, 2005, S. 370

The Resurrection of our Lord!

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:01:49 -0400

Celebrating the RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD

AS WE GATHER
"Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!" That Easter greeting, proclaimed throughout the ages of the Church, takes root in our hearts so that we understand that the resurrected life is now our own. Alleluia, meaning "praise ye the Lord," infects our hymns and anthems as we tell others the Good News that our Lord is risen, risen indeed.

WERE YOU THERE meditation (CHOIR)

RINGING OF THE BELL

EASTER GOSPEL: PART 1 Mark 16:1-7
(The angel announces Christ's resurrection.)

EASTER RESPONSE
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia!
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia!
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia!

PROCESSIONAL HYMN: “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” LSB #457

INVOCATION
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray…
Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us.
People: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord's resurrection, may be rescued from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit;
Pastor: through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 25:6-9
Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

HYMN:

EPISTLE 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

ALLELUIA VERSE (tune of "As with Gladness, Men of Old")
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Christ is risen from the grave!
He who died this comfort gives:
Lo, he lives, his own to save!
Hallelujah! Praises be
To our Lord eternally!

EASTER GOSPEL, PART 2 Mark 16:8

EASTER RESPONSE
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia!
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia!
Pastor: Christ is risen, alleluia!
People: He is ris'n indeed, alleluia! Amen!

SERMON: Feasting at His Banqueting Table

THE NICENE CREED FOR EASTER DAY
I live my daily life in relation to one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
I have surrendered my life to the one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father. By him all things were made.
I stake my life and build my faith on the fact that for us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the virgin Mary and was made man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.
I have been renewed and my spirit is nourished by the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.
I live as a member of Christ's Body in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. I acknowledge and share in one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
A: In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, crucified and now risen from the dead, let us pray in this season of Jubilee for the whole people of God according to their needs.
(a brief silence)
We thank You, risen Lord, that because You live we shall live forever also. You have defeated our greatest enemies, sin and death. We rejoice in Your resurrection power and say:
C: Alleluia! Hear our prayer.
P: Risen Lord, while we are surrounded by a host of enemies that cause us to fear, we celebrate today that You are our strength, our song and our salvation. Through Your Holy Spirit increase our confidence, and empower us to live joy-filled lives. We rejoice in Your resurrection power and say:
C: Alleluia! Hear our prayer.
A: Risen Lord, You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. Extend your healing wing over all who suffer, especially ... bring them to rejoicing and gladness on this day. We rejoice in Your resurrection power and say:
C: Alleluia! Hear our prayer.
P: Risen Lord, enable us to believe the good news of Your resurrection; and empower us to proclaim to all Your great victory. We rejoice in Your resurrection power and say:
C: Alleluia! Hear our prayer.
P: Into Your hand, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in the power of Your resurrection; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
C: Amen

PEACE
Please greet one another in the name of the Lord, saying: "Peace be with you!" as a sign of reconciliation and of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Matt. 5:22-24; Eph. 4:1-3).

OFFERING "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus" (solo)

OFFERTORY

COMMUNION PREFACE (tune of "All Glory, Laud, and Honor")
P: May God the Lord be with you.
C: God also be with you.
P: Lift up your hearts rejoicing!
C: We lift them up anew!
P: Give unto God all glory, all honor and all praise.
C: To God is due thanksgiving and worship all our days.

SANCTUS
P: It’s right and salutary to give you thanks, O God, At all times, in all places, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The saints and angel chorus rejoice in boundless mirth. We join, to sing your praises, the Church in heav’n and earth:
C: O holy, holy, holy Lord God of pow’r and might,
Your glory fills the heavens, and earth shines in your light.
Hosanna in the highest! Blest ever is the One
Who comes the Lord’s name bearing. Hosanna, Risen Son!

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Pastor: Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of all creation, for You have had mercy on us and given Your only-begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Out of Your infinite love You poured out on Him the punishment due us, and in Your almighty power raised Him from death to glorious life, the first fruits of those who sleep. For the joyful life we have now and shall enjoy fully in eternity, we give You thanks and ask Your Holy Spirit to strengthen us through Christ's body and blood in the conviction that because He lives, we shall live also; nothing shall separate us from Your love. To You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be praise and honor now and forever.
People: Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION
C: The night he was abandoned, the night he was betrayed,
Our Lord took bread and blessed it, then broke it, gave it, said:
P: Take, eat, this is my body, given in death for you.
Remember, as you taste it, my grace and mercy true.
C: Again, the supper ended, before we all had fled,
He lifted in thanksgiving the cup, then passed it, said:
P: Drink, in my blood shed for you, forgiveness of your sin.
It’s poured out so, rememb’ring, your love I then might win.
C: Amen! Then come, Lord Jesus; be present at your feast.
Amen! O Holy Spirit, unite us in your peace.
Amen! Almighty Father, give strength to do your will.
O Trinity most holy, feed us and love us still.

PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST
Pastor: As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
People: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Pastor: Lord Jesus, in giving us Your body and blood in this sacrament You enable us to remember Your life and Passion, Your death and rest in the tomb, Your glorious resurrection and ascension, Your coming return and the heavenly feast to come. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:

LORD'S PRAYER

PAX DOMINI
Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. John 20:19
People: Amen.

AGNUS DEI (p. 198 in front of the hymnal)
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, grant us thy peace. Amen.

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS
“The Fountain of Life”
1) Love is flowing, love is flowing, love is flowing from the fountain of life
2) Peace is pouring.... 3) Grace is flooding....
4) Mercys streaming... 4) Hope is springing...
5) Living water..... 6) Joy unending....
7) Gods sweet mercy.... 8) Gods strong Justice...

"Morning Has Broken" #274 (Sing Joyfully)
"He Lives" #285 (SJ)

THANKSGIVING
Pastor: O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
People: for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
Pastor: We give thanks to You, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, for in Him You kept all Your promises through all the ages and did not "let Your holy One see corruption" (Psalm 16:10), but raised Him on the third day. Strengthened by this sacrament, grant that we may become Your messengers, proclaiming that Christ has risen, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.

EASTER RESPONSE
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Christ is risen from the grave!
He who died this comfort gives:
Lo, he lives, his own to save!
Hallelujah! Praises be
To our Lord eternally!

BENEDICTION
Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord look on you in favor and + give you peace.
People: ALLELUIA! Amen!

RECESSIONAL HYMN "Now All the Vault of Heaven Resound” #465 LSB

The Apostolic Church Reborn!

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:55:39 -0500

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Opening Hymn (See Insert) "O CHURCH ARISE”
Confession Page 184
Introit Psalm 97: 1-7 (read responsively)
Kyrie Page 186
Old Testiment Isaiah 40: 21-31
Epistle 1 Corinthians 9: 16-27
Alleluia Verse Page 190
Holy Gospel Mark 1: 29-39
Nicene Creed Page 191
Sermon Hymn LSB # 829 “christ the eternal lord”

Sermon let us see clearly: the apostolic mission reborn!
Offertory Page 192
Prayer of the Church (See Insert)

Communion Preface Page 194
The Lord’s Prayer Page 196
Agnus Dei Page 198 “Lamb of God”

DISTRIBUTION of the SACRAMENT

Communion Hymns LSB # 570 “Just as I Am”, # 725 “Children of the Heavenly Father”
and # 733 “o god, our help in ages past”

Nunc Dimittus Page 199 “Song of Simeon”

Benediction Page 202
Sending Hymn LSB # 790 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
~~~~~~ Go in Peace ~~~~~~ Serve the Lord ~~~~~~ Thanks Be To God ~~~~~~
WELCOME TO ALL OUR GUESTS! We are so blessed to have you join us, and pray that Jesus will touch your heart and soul today and everyday through eternity! Please sign our guest register before you leave. We hope you will choose to join us again real soon.

aLTAR fLOWERS & bULLETINS To place flowers and/or sponsor bulletins, there is a Flower Chart in the Narthex. Please sign-up for your special Sunday.

Lunch truck ministry: Upon further investigation, the truck we had here last week is
NOT mechanically sound. We pray for the Lord's direction in considering this endeavor.

THIS WEEK AT PEACE:
+Saturday: 5 pm Worship
+Sunday: 9:15 Sunday School
9:30 Adult Bible Study: Let us see clearly!
10:30 Worship and Praise
FEBRUARY 22nd is LUTHERAN HOUR SUNDAY.
MARCH 1st is LUTHERAN SCHOOLS SUNDAY.
MARCH 7th is our Sunday School Open-House Invitational: Saturday from 11am - 1pm.
MARCH 8th is FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY. Invite a friend to join you for Sunday Worship.
MARCH 14th is the ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE. Please sign up to march in the parade along with our Lutheran Academy kids!)
SUNDAY, MARCH 15th is our CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, at 9:15am. All members are requested to be present! All interested are welcome.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd: "Singing Boys of Pennsylvania" are coming to Peace Lutheran Church for a concert at 4 pm. This concert will ALSO feature the Chime Choir of The Lutheran Academy. If you would like to help sponsor this concert, please see Pastor Bjornstad. We need three more sponsors at $50 each!
APRIL 7TH The Lutheran Academy would invite any interested congregational members to join them for an exciting day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Details and costs have not yet been determined, but if you’re interested, please call the Academy at 972-2272.

Gifts from Sunday, February 8, 2009
Attendance 00
General Fund: $2.875.35
Building Fund: $68.00
Energy Fund: $15.00
Organ Fund: $10.00
Memorial fund: $40.00 E.Mercer, $110.00 Frieda Phelps, $25.00 Tony Bliss.
E.Mercer: $50.00 Memorial for the Kitchen Fund.

Homosexuality and the Cry for Mercy

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 11:43:02 -0500

Peace Lutheran Church and Academy
An Apostolic Mission Congregation - Missouri Synod
Rev. Kristian Bjornstad: Office 343-9828, cell: 815-0917
Parish Nurse: Susan Crosbie, RN; Today’s Organist: Kevin Winters
The Lutheran Academy: Roger Borchin and Angela Scheller
Academy phone: 972-2272

Fifth Sunday of Epiphany february 8, 2009
Prelude 10:30AM WORSHIP
Announcements
Order of Worship
Opening Hymn (See Insert) "o church arise”
Confession Page 184
Introit: Psalm 40 (Insert: to the tune of “As with Gladness, Men of Old”)
Kyrie Page 186
Old Testament 2 Kings 5:1-14
Epistle 1 Corinthians 10: (9-30) 31-11: 1
Alleluia Verse Page 190
Holy Gospel Mark 1: 40-45
Apostles’ Creed Page 192
Sermon Hymn LSB # 844 “Lord of All Nations” (tune of “On Jordan’s Bank”)
Sermon lets see clearly: Homosexuality & the cry for Mercy
Offertory Page 192
Prayer of the Church (See Insert)
The Lord’s Prayer Page 196 (or back cover of hymnal)
Nunc Dimittis Page 199 “Song of Simeon”
Benediction Page 202
Sending Hymn LSB # 537 "beautiful savior" (tune of “Beau…)
~~~~~~~ Go in Peace ~~~~~~~ Serve the Lord ~~~~~~~ Thanks Be To God! ~~~~~~~
email: yourpeace@verizon.net web page: www.yourpeace.org
Peace Lutheran / 2506 N. Main Avenue, Scranton, PA 18508

Prayer of the Church February 8, 2009

P Thankful for the unfading Light of Christ who has come to save us, let us pray for the confession of the Gospel throughout the world, that through its light many may be led to Christ’s eternal kingdom, and that by His light we may receive the help and aid we need. [pause]
P Lord of Light, in Your mercy raise up and send forth pastors who will preach Your Word in purity and truth, and who will faithfully serve Your people according to Your Word. Bless those who now are studying and preparing themselves for service in Your kingdom. Lord in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord of Light, give us faith, strength, and courage, to confess Your name and work in all the world, within our nation, and among our friends and neighbors. Help us to speak clearly, earnestly, and truthfully that Your Word may win every man’s heart. Where we would lose heart, encourage us by Your Word. Where we would boast of our eloquence, give us humility so that our only boast is Christ. Where we would grow weary, refresh us through the blessings of Your Gospel of grace that endures forever. Lord in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord of Light, teach us to pray that we may ask for those things that are beneficial for us, that are pleasing in Your sight, and that bless and benefit our neighbors. Give us Your Holy Spirit, that we may be strengthened by Him in prayer, encouraged by His wisdom, and sustained in faithful supplication for all in this world who stand in need of our prayers. Lord in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord of Light, grant Your healing to the sick, the injured, the wounded, and the heart-broken [especially . . .]. Help those who suffer loss of work, loss of home, or any other calamity. Lift up those who sorrow life's hardships, and disappointments. Comfort all who mourn the loss of loved ones. And sustain those whose grief and sorrow is known only to You. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord of Light, we entrust to You all for whom we pray, commending all of us to You in body and soul and all things. Bless and keep us according to Your most gracious favor; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

WELCOME TO ALL OUR GUESTS!
We are so blessed to have you join us, and hope that Jesus will touch your heart and soul today and everyday through eternity! Please sign our guest register before you leave. We hope you will choose
to join us again real soon.

aLTAR fLOWERS & bULLETINS To place flowers and/or sponsor bulletins, there is a Flower Chart in the Narthex. Please sign-up for your special Sunday.

TODAY: Please stay after worship for a short meeting concerning the lunch truck ministry!
After that the LADIES GUILD will meet briefly. Thank you!
TONIGHT: AT 6 PM MERCY WORKS MEETING AT THE CHAIN CENTER!

THIS WEEK AT PEACE:
+Monday: 7 pm Jr. Confirmation
+Thursday: 1pm The Lutheran Academy Valentine’s Tea (You are ALL invited!)
+Saturday: 5 pm Worship
+Sunday: 9:15 Sunday School
9:30 Adult Bible Study: The Apostolic Mission Reborn
10:30 Worship and Praise

2009 Luther League East Youth Retreat is scheduled for February 13th~15th Friday through
Sunday, in New Jersey. All interested youth (Confirmation +) please speak to Mike Mirarchi and/or Pastor Bjornstad.
FEBRUARY 22nd is LUTHERAN HOUR SUNDAY.
MARCH 1st is LUTHERAN SCHOOLS SUNDAY.
MARCH 8th is FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY: SUNDAY.
MARCH 14th is the ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE. Please sign up to march in the parade along with our Lutheran Academy kids!)
SUNDAY, MARCH 15th is our CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, at 9:15am. All members are requested to be present! All interested are welcome.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd: "Singing Boys of Pennsylvania" are coming to Peace Lutheran Church for a concert at 4 pm. This concert will ALSO feature the Chime Choir of The Lutheran Academy. If YOU would like to help sponsor this concert, please see Pastor Bjornstad. We need three more sponsors at $50 each!
April 7th The Lutheran Academy would invite any interested congregational members to join them for an exciting day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Details and costs have not yet been determined, but if you might be interested, please call the Academy at 972-2272. Thanks!

Gifts from Sunday, FEBRUARY 1, 2009
Attendance 54
General Fund $ 1262.25 NEEDED: $ 1500.00
($ 65 were memorials to Eleanor Mercer)
Gifts for The Lutheran Academy are needed,
and always welcomed. Also, please check
our wish list for donation ideas.

- SIMPLY GIVING! We invite everyone to participate in actively funding the mission of God here at Peace Lutheran and around the world through the newly instituted "Simply Giving" program. ‘Simply Giving’ enables members to become better stewards through automatic debits from their bank accounts to Peace Lutheran. IT IS COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY! You can donate as little as $5/wk through this program provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. If you would like to participate, please fill out a form that is at the back of the church and hand it in to Mike Tugend. You are encouraged to plan a tithe for each week to the Lord, and sign up to give 1/2 that tithe through Simply Giving. Then you can give the other half of your tithe in the regular offering plate on Sunday mornings. Thank you for your support!
- Immanuel Preschool: Serving children between the ages of 2 1/2 - 4, Immanuel Lutheran Preschool is in its 5th year of operation! We are very proud of how beautiful and Christ Centered our school is! Because of this we would like to give your family an opportunity to "test drive" us. We would like to invite your child to be a "guest student" for one month! Call 342-3374 for more information!
- Educational Opportunity Centers and PHEAA will be holding FAFSA Completion Workshops at the Lackawanna Careerlink (135 Franklin Ave, Scranton) on Friday, Feb.13th and Feb. 27th at 10 a.m. If you are in college or are planning to attend in the 2009-2010 school year-you need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more information: 570-496-0296 or visit: www.eocinc.org. No pre-registration is needed, it is open and free to all.



Newly updated CONGREGATIONAL DIRECTORIES are available on the table in the back!

Marriage: Gift of God

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 11:33:46 -0500

MARRIAGE: LET US BE CLEAR

- Definition of Marriage (Stott, Decisive Issues facing Christians Today, p. 289):
o “Marriage is an exclusive heterosexual covenant between one man and one woman, ordained and sealed by God, preceded by a public leaving of parents, consummated in sexual union, issuing in a permanent mutually supportive partnership, and normally [yet not exclusively] crowned by the gift of children.”

SMALL CATECHISM:
Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

MARRIAGE MADE IN THE WILL OF MAN IS DESTINED TO FAIL!

WE HOLD THAT MARRIAGE IS A GIFT OF GOD: AN ORDER OF CREATION!

WE HOLD THAT ONLY IN HIS STRENGTH AND WISDOM CAN MARRIAGE BE TRULY FULFILLED!

SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE RESERVED FOR MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIPS (YES, ONLY).

MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP AND LOVE IS MODELED AFTER THE RELATIONSHIP OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH.
+ HEADSHIP LOVE OF CHRIST (SERVICE UNTO DEATH)
+ SUBMISSIVE LOVE OF THE CHURCH (FREELY GIVEN)
+ BASED ON FORGIVENESS – WON BY CHRIST.

FINALLY: GOD IS BIGGER THAN OUR SINS AND FALLENNESS. HE IS ABLE TO RESCUE AND SAVE US FROM OUR SINS AND THE BROKENNESS OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS. THIS IS, IN FACT, HIS GREAT PLEASURE!

LET US TREASURE UP AND HOLD PRECIOUS THE GIFT AND MYSTERY OF MARRIAGE! Let us hold and practice Marriage according to God’s will, and teach them to our children!