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A POSTSCRIPT ON BETHLEHEM

I declare this congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, to be closed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.[Service of Leave Taking; Evangelical Lutheran Worship-Occasional Services for the Assembly] I recited the above words for the first time in public on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at the end ofContinueContinue reading “A POSTSCRIPT ON BETHLEHEM”

Now You Are Dismissing Your Servant in Peace

Sermon Preached at the Final Worship ofBethlehem Lutheran ChurchYoungstown, OhioDecember 28, 2014Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people.”[Luke 2:29-30] We give thanks to GodContinueContinue reading “Now You Are Dismissing Your Servant in Peace”

a Christmas message

When I was a parish pastor, oh so many days ago, I thought it important that our Christmas Eve bulletin include a message from our synod bishop. It was a way that people could hear spiritually uplifting and inspiring words from someone other than their pastor. It was also my way of letting my parishionersContinueContinue reading “a Christmas message”