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”
Category Archives: Congregation closing
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”