tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3049755934408236562024-03-11T07:39:25.374-06:00King of Kings Lutheran Church A Congregation of Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC)
Worshipping at Memories Funeral Home 13403 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, ABJan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-25804999645459198842024-03-11T07:38:00.002-06:002024-03-11T07:38:37.244-06:00Reminder:<p> Mid-Week Lent Service - Wednesday March 13 at 7:00pm</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Sunday March 17</b> - we are moving our worship to Riverbend Lutheran Church (<span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">495 RHATIGAN EAST RD NW, Edmonton) for this Sunday only. <b>Service time is 10:00am</b>. Pastor Jan will be installed as half time associate pastor for Riverbend.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-47071813246959341512024-02-29T11:52:00.002-07:002024-02-29T11:52:22.427-07:00Installation Service for Pastor Jan at Riverbend Lutheran Church<p> Added to his call at King of Kings Lutheran, Pastor Jan has accepted the call to serve as associate pastor at Riverbend Lutheran.</p><p>Installation service for Pastor Jan will be on</p><p><b>SUNDAY MARCH 17 AT 10:00AM at Riverbend Lutheran Church</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">495 RHATIGAN EAST RD NW, Edmonton</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>We are moving our worship service to Riverbend for that Sunday.</u></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We encourage ride sharing or reaching out to one another to offer rides to those who may not be able to drive.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Coffee fellowship will follow the service.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8HD1S2IPybT8ckCXsg30ciKZhxzmQ6gZcD9DDvxtMOytUUi6_GubqD7wJRVlDc4EKVDlpyFrgEayEoH7JGppZbh-wI_hIEhQwcgTdhyphenhyphen3kobGwJQI42zP18Y-krSvAK-sIJm0nmjDN8U7H_7eqClh2X72fupXa61q0HNreqRVXAn_i5-xWdS61mHZicU/s403/LSB%20Icon_048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8HD1S2IPybT8ckCXsg30ciKZhxzmQ6gZcD9DDvxtMOytUUi6_GubqD7wJRVlDc4EKVDlpyFrgEayEoH7JGppZbh-wI_hIEhQwcgTdhyphenhyphen3kobGwJQI42zP18Y-krSvAK-sIJm0nmjDN8U7H_7eqClh2X72fupXa61q0HNreqRVXAn_i5-xWdS61mHZicU/s320/LSB%20Icon_048.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-17797794213747484822024-02-15T09:38:00.001-07:002024-02-15T09:41:43.650-07:00Up and Coming...<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://kofklutheran.blogspot.com/p/daily-devotion.html">Keep A Song In Your Heart - Devotion</a><br /></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Mid-Week Lent Services "St. John Passion" each Wednesday at 7:00pm</li><ul><li>Feb. 21 "Two Interrogations" John 18:12-27</li><li>Feb. 28 "What Kind of King Is This" John 18:28-40</li><li>March 6 "Whom Do We Follow?" John 19:1-16a</li><li>March 13 "Wisdom Has a Friend on the Cross" John 19:16b-27</li><li>March 20 "Jesus Finishes the Battle for Your Salvation" John 19:28-42</li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D50qlDvqQeMRf2cEnCpWaNk4ONDg24_bV7d5pXkY2URsw6bHPTkRZ6ugnnvZrYe34vZ3Nhb-Q-5yJUPww6UPm-7DYulMBAkN0v22NQhEreMjGk5L6BWq3KxvOyZf-Ju04Ijc2bBXtq80g_yc0zXs3U6wlG_hMgyFSzpkyGZvrXwDV5TB_mIt9LWAjHI/s1200/LCMS-Media-Kit-Holy-Week-We-Preach-Christ-Crucified-Option-A-Social-Media-Shareable-Ash-Wednesday.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1200" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3D50qlDvqQeMRf2cEnCpWaNk4ONDg24_bV7d5pXkY2URsw6bHPTkRZ6ugnnvZrYe34vZ3Nhb-Q-5yJUPww6UPm-7DYulMBAkN0v22NQhEreMjGk5L6BWq3KxvOyZf-Ju04Ijc2bBXtq80g_yc0zXs3U6wlG_hMgyFSzpkyGZvrXwDV5TB_mIt9LWAjHI/w200-h188/LCMS-Media-Kit-Holy-Week-We-Preach-Christ-Crucified-Option-A-Social-Media-Shareable-Ash-Wednesday.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Holy Week Services</li><ul><li>Maundy Thursday (Holy Communion) - March 28 - 7:00pm</li><li>Good Friday - March 29 - 10:30am</li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4wTmyqrKxegcKwNUExHDT4tKi-975dO81Li7Dhtq8ULz-Vf0oMKCKD2U8ceGW-55jiWEJZmhHN0o0LvX9_zUmmdJfdluxN1LAMk03IW8XAbLYjtjpDy7WiRiRwuShteMxKwJB9hZwTY1rke72So7Xh4cTsmObRjrgVTTDUYYLUxa1IH98YT4YkPI4gg/s734/Dernancourt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="485" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4wTmyqrKxegcKwNUExHDT4tKi-975dO81Li7Dhtq8ULz-Vf0oMKCKD2U8ceGW-55jiWEJZmhHN0o0LvX9_zUmmdJfdluxN1LAMk03IW8XAbLYjtjpDy7WiRiRwuShteMxKwJB9hZwTY1rke72So7Xh4cTsmObRjrgVTTDUYYLUxa1IH98YT4YkPI4gg/w132-h200/Dernancourt.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pint with Pastor Jan and Jeanine: February 25 at 5:00pm (Crown and Tower Pub. 11 Bellerose dr)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKkecAUJEUTRycljOmlzFYSDFRbZPW1nlPe9qy5mWwFsYL8_neOUrfvsE0RK0seeSZE_qF55ICI674HXnJOjuvOlxJAldjBhXGH_kfLFqa2KX80cWj3llAuzatAKFJ2WgAUOlME2DbiSXILsboCLrcCnMk2PaGEWdQo1Z3y41cbEPXo21fqTGPuED21Q/s3382/beer-versus-cider-1571917823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3382" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKkecAUJEUTRycljOmlzFYSDFRbZPW1nlPe9qy5mWwFsYL8_neOUrfvsE0RK0seeSZE_qF55ICI674HXnJOjuvOlxJAldjBhXGH_kfLFqa2KX80cWj3llAuzatAKFJ2WgAUOlME2DbiSXILsboCLrcCnMk2PaGEWdQo1Z3y41cbEPXo21fqTGPuED21Q/w200-h138/beer-versus-cider-1571917823.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Installation for Pastor Jan at Riverbend will be on a Sunday in March. The exact date will be determined when we know when the congregation will be back in their building.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxnuNPtFakeVyiURTFSKyw-wT2ObPX8bzzLt0z7AhYOzydm47PAYcj4XclJ74vyGDaOnd9N7NhTwnEAjD9I_ecRhHiucmgxMn4VIqvV1x8XnNR0tD5ZT886PmYD5U3CgJsqXKbHfo5A8KvyizoP784gmb86Jdh91AqD8LjzS-lTolhhTUSWalBNSRQdw/s403/LSB%20Icon_048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="401" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxnuNPtFakeVyiURTFSKyw-wT2ObPX8bzzLt0z7AhYOzydm47PAYcj4XclJ74vyGDaOnd9N7NhTwnEAjD9I_ecRhHiucmgxMn4VIqvV1x8XnNR0tD5ZT886PmYD5U3CgJsqXKbHfo5A8KvyizoP784gmb86Jdh91AqD8LjzS-lTolhhTUSWalBNSRQdw/w199-h200/LSB%20Icon_048.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-60751267786576151752024-02-12T16:01:00.001-07:002024-02-12T16:01:22.316-07:00Ash Wednesday Service with Valentine's Day Dessert <p>Don't forget we are having a Valentine's Day Dessert and fellowship evening on February 14 at 6:00pm.</p><p><br /></p><p>At 7:00pm we will gather for Ash Wednesday Worship Service.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7vdLVJCRCEoAFagBs5FUyPu85IgZsr1ymZcMNCjbQRbrUy1YNmMb7NucCig7MsikFbo5Ch_5gGMSxP2VlRkiGF5_U42MnDDimt98EM5F4T1QQypfrm3KeO6IdN3iSCBDpB2eKK3xCvc1bWuMTJMibdbBo6i4pF_7FRzxO17LU3mcauKtrwUOHq302Qg/s194/Valentines%20Ash%20Wed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="194" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7vdLVJCRCEoAFagBs5FUyPu85IgZsr1ymZcMNCjbQRbrUy1YNmMb7NucCig7MsikFbo5Ch_5gGMSxP2VlRkiGF5_U42MnDDimt98EM5F4T1QQypfrm3KeO6IdN3iSCBDpB2eKK3xCvc1bWuMTJMibdbBo6i4pF_7FRzxO17LU3mcauKtrwUOHq302Qg/s1600/Valentines%20Ash%20Wed.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-70575235708732644982024-02-02T10:44:00.002-07:002024-02-02T10:44:44.698-07:00Ash Wednesday with Valentine Dessert!!<p> Join on on February 14th for Coffee/tea and Valentine Dessert at 6:00pm at Memories.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BudoxTjz35Zn8dn50eTDZWoZL5UmNJ7MGOZgpYtgve1uNUAvwySGaGxiE-J2GtSv__GacPm76gItNPSmWBFD6xt13ozGNmoDChKj6YbdnhGfE4B-wdZdC69DrDTzn-0BMz_UY4KZXS1g94jpvbJ9laSPcDtin8WSrToo1WZBJzKoP0KvPSir4YY4gkY/s194/Valentines%20Ash%20Wed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="194" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BudoxTjz35Zn8dn50eTDZWoZL5UmNJ7MGOZgpYtgve1uNUAvwySGaGxiE-J2GtSv__GacPm76gItNPSmWBFD6xt13ozGNmoDChKj6YbdnhGfE4B-wdZdC69DrDTzn-0BMz_UY4KZXS1g94jpvbJ9laSPcDtin8WSrToo1WZBJzKoP0KvPSir4YY4gkY/w320-h302/Valentines%20Ash%20Wed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Then we will gather for our Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00pm</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZDMsloLGB1GSFpKihpYm28AcH62P_y7NLtvcKP0h53UV_6ZC5mvsubJJ-nPAYL9ZbezJI_zis-x4QE9gEEz77JHiaS3KZIz70U1LNflA_jrvPGbHVgxN2d0wXF33Q2pm4Jjs9L14MrUr79efmS0KarHzG4lrR4_0vdh5ABp-bdU6gQD3wyOtQlj3fOY/s1200/LCMS-Media-Kit-Holy-Week-We-Preach-Christ-Crucified-Option-A-Social-Media-Shareable-Ash-Wednesday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1200" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZDMsloLGB1GSFpKihpYm28AcH62P_y7NLtvcKP0h53UV_6ZC5mvsubJJ-nPAYL9ZbezJI_zis-x4QE9gEEz77JHiaS3KZIz70U1LNflA_jrvPGbHVgxN2d0wXF33Q2pm4Jjs9L14MrUr79efmS0KarHzG4lrR4_0vdh5ABp-bdU6gQD3wyOtQlj3fOY/w400-h376/LCMS-Media-Kit-Holy-Week-We-Preach-Christ-Crucified-Option-A-Social-Media-Shareable-Ash-Wednesday.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Have you checked out the Devotions page lately??</p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-64178265094382179992024-01-23T16:39:00.003-07:002024-01-23T16:46:36.378-07:00Coffee with Pastor Jan<p> Pastor Jan will be at Italian Bakery's Mercato (120 Bellerose dr) on Thursday January 25 from 10-11am. If you would like to join him for coffee, that is where he will be!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ShQv9MieEo76VBHqMq0ztzNFKxa9ppxSjPEiVZqTqs13KwspxhX_SSxXQlQgMCOiU1gk_VnRPRiWwdib6GLbf8dROtuBB9L6pPAurd53LOgKRExd-5yVBqrCDmh1NHsh12LIGo3dGeRQKWCS2IQCQG1mCzgFMNxUvRBDtflSnd0jSxMO6MGo56DxmI/s450/caption.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ShQv9MieEo76VBHqMq0ztzNFKxa9ppxSjPEiVZqTqs13KwspxhX_SSxXQlQgMCOiU1gk_VnRPRiWwdib6GLbf8dROtuBB9L6pPAurd53LOgKRExd-5yVBqrCDmh1NHsh12LIGo3dGeRQKWCS2IQCQG1mCzgFMNxUvRBDtflSnd0jSxMO6MGo56DxmI/s320/caption.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Also:<div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pastor Jan has received a call to serve Riverbend Lutheran Church as half time associate pastor. This call is in conjunction with our congregational discussions with Riverbend Lutheran to work together in meeting our needs as well as the needs of Riverbend Lutheran. Please keep Pastor Jan and his family in your prayers as he deliberates this call to serve both King of Kings half time and Riverbend Lutheran half time. (Posted January 23, 2024)</span></div>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-30286425053796824642024-01-05T09:23:00.001-07:002024-01-05T09:23:47.736-07:00Epiphany As The Other Christmas<p> Epiphnay - January 6. Happy Epiphany.</p><p>Enjoy this 5 minute read - click the link below.</p><p><a href="http://kofklutheran.blogspot.com/p/daily-devotion.html">EpiphanyAsTheOtherChristmas</a><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-3446268641212144832023-12-29T17:59:00.001-07:002023-12-29T17:59:11.619-07:00Don't forget...<p> Worship time moves to 9:00am starting December 31</p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-71359700893734526952023-12-23T09:04:00.000-07:002023-12-23T09:04:07.089-07:00To Everyone Who Works This Christmas: Thank you!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To everyone who works this Christmas:
THANK YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It is Saturday December 23, 2023. Early
morning and I’m in my study with a coffee and advent/Christmas songs playing in
the background. I ponder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To all the pastors serving and retired.
Thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I fondly recall this time of year growing
up with the church being an integral and central part of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
always remember my mother having worked her last night shift before going back
a few days later. She got home on the morning of December 24 and didn’t sleep.
She got busy taking care of all the cooking for our family and friends coming
over for our traditional no meat Christmas Eve dinner. But in the background, she
was juggling all the smells of turkey, dressing, meatballs, gravy, vegetables, that
creamy mashed potato all waiting to make their appearance on Christmas Day. My
father would come home by four o clock (having set the table with all the fine
crystal and chinaware the night before). Guests would be there for five o
clock. Then it was off to Christmas Eve service. We all had our vocations. My
dad sang in the choir, my oldest brother was the organist, my middle brother
provided the chuckles, my mother tired as she was did not drift off during the
service and I served as acolyte. I am thankful to my pastor who made all the
final preparations and handled all the last-minute catastrophes (of which I now
realize always happen) without panic (of which I now realize always happen) and
making the service Christ centered with readings, hymns and sermon. After
service it was back home – sometimes we walked, and the cold quiet Christmas Eve
of a Winnipeg winter snapped us out weariness – where tea (sometimes with Rum)
and all my mothers weeks of baking came out! So many people involved to make
that night and day so special.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">This weekend is busy for pastors and
the churches they serve or have served over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I am thankful for wonderful colleagues
in our Edmonton circuit and beyond. Many I have been blessed by God to have
surround me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I am thankful for my blood brother who
serves a congregation in Saskatoon whom I lean on regularly. My middle brother
still provides me with the chuckles I so need. My mother and father years ago
have been laid to rest. Souls around the throne of God. I tend to take a moment
during our Christmas Eve meal and quietly ponder the inheritance of a Christian
life they have given me. I look forward to the resurrection and the saints of
God being together. Thank you for this Christ child who has reconciled us to
you. What a gift.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">So, I am thankful for all pastors
around the world. While many others get a break for a long weekend, they’re
hard at work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Right now, they’re preparing for
Christmas Eve Candlelight services, Midnight Masses, and Christmas Day
celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">While others wrap last-minute gifts,
travel to grandma’s house, and come to church for a much-needed reminder of the
reason for all this fuss, they’re hard at work making sure our church
experience is everything it should be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It’s not that pastors are complaining.
This is a calling and a joy, of which we are thankful to be sheepdogs for. One
eye on the Shepherd, the other on the flock, doing the Shepherds bidding with
tail wagging!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to their wives, children, and
extended family whose Christmas celebrations and traditions see their husband
and father a little pre-occupied and focused somewhere else. Thank you for your
love and support as you faithfully manage things at home, and making the home
filled with love and joy when he gets home late on Christmas Eve. For giving
him that 15-minute nap Christmas day before supper (maybe you are thankful that
he’s keeping out of the kitchen!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to my wife Jeanine. For
remembering so many of my own family traditions and keeping them alive while
working and preparing food, baking, decorating, and making a home filled with
warmth and love, truly a home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">But I wanted to acknowledge this
reality for one simple reason.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To say<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> Thank You</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to ALL those who work so
others don’t have to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to all the pastors, musicians
and staff who work extra hard to serve a bigger crowd than usual. And to those
who work just as hard for a smaller crowd than expected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to the altar guilds who come
to church early to dress the altar, prepare the communion vessels, and know the
tricks of getting wax out of the carpet and every volunteer who prepares,
greets people, serves others, and cleans up when everyone else is gone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to all the worship teams and
choir members who have been practicing for weeks, maybe months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to the Sunday School teachers
who have been putting together Christmas concerts and goodie bags!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to the nursery volunteers who
may not even get to experience a Christmas service for themselves, so parents
can.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Beyond all the church workers are many
more we tend to overlook.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to all the hospital workers,
law enforcement, military, and firefighters who watch over us, because the
world’s problems don’t take a break for the holidays.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To all health care workers who make
home visits, or taking extra shifts in care homes so the elderly are remembered
and given extra love and care.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To the young students who must take shifts
to earn a little more for school, car repairs and serve in restaurants, or convenience
stores getting people to their destinations with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To all travel workers who get us to our
destinations safely and our luggage to where it needs to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to everyone who’s cooking,
baking, and otherwise preparing their homes for everyone else to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you to all the plumbers,
electricians, and other service personnel who will work overtime this weekend,
responding to last-minute emergencies so others can have their pipes unclogged,
heaters repaired, and electricity restored so celebrations can continue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">To all of you and so many others that I
failed to mention. If you’re working on Christmas so others can celebrate,
relax, and remember, we thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 15.0pt; mso-outline-level: 2; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">When you get through the days ahead and
after all the busyness is over, please take some time to slow down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Pastors, don’t spend so much time and
energy proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Saviour who brings the Peace of God
to all that you forget to relax, enjoy, and celebrate God’s gifts in your own
life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Cooks, hosts, health care workers,
service personnel, and emergency workers; when the rush has passed, take a
well-deserved rest. Kick back and enjoy some down-time with friends and family.
Pause to reflect on your faith. Renew your soul and spirit. Rejoice in your
vocations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Even if others forget to say <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">thank you</span></i>, please note that I wrote this letter and
note and someone forwarded it to you because we are grateful for all you do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">You took one of the best days of the
year and made it even better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Now go take a nap. You’ve earned it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">God bless you in the vocations He has
gifted you with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">PAX<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 16.2pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Reverend Jan Pastucha<o:p></o:p></span></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-59293927957206731542023-12-22T08:09:00.003-07:002023-12-22T08:09:47.090-07:00Christmas Worship Schedule<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE5nsrRl0E884_OTufnzO8NBJFmpYBiJQjbBmtKgVsLctO9KB3btqA27Fx7zykP-tVwYodI35yvsHydEPpKCk_nxlHDg1iYL2ALpGl_04i-M1SomDWbA7ZKPLA8D5tfkAtBf36QQyQz4AzXaHDWfS0faormOKkb93ShBexXk68gYm21E3hwumkighmOs/s635/Christmas%20worship%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="635" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE5nsrRl0E884_OTufnzO8NBJFmpYBiJQjbBmtKgVsLctO9KB3btqA27Fx7zykP-tVwYodI35yvsHydEPpKCk_nxlHDg1iYL2ALpGl_04i-M1SomDWbA7ZKPLA8D5tfkAtBf36QQyQz4AzXaHDWfS0faormOKkb93ShBexXk68gYm21E3hwumkighmOs/w400-h311/Christmas%20worship%20blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>December 24 - 9:30am - Fourth Sunday in Advent - Divine Service with Holy Communion</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eaK9e_uIuHMagRrIs8GZlEBMLZFD9L-8MdDS5qUgJBN1HyzVldbsf9XmzauZIMcYpTv6J8ZEd2gJAYxdhqGBAlQQBz4O3wvKbeVnwY46g7YJKt-dyOwnJomc1bPYVwGuf6sx84EicLXfdn0EaGdJpxam3qI-FxaPZE-KaRPnLUdcYiBd9N8wts-VQ1o/s261/Christmas%20eve1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eaK9e_uIuHMagRrIs8GZlEBMLZFD9L-8MdDS5qUgJBN1HyzVldbsf9XmzauZIMcYpTv6J8ZEd2gJAYxdhqGBAlQQBz4O3wvKbeVnwY46g7YJKt-dyOwnJomc1bPYVwGuf6sx84EicLXfdn0EaGdJpxam3qI-FxaPZE-KaRPnLUdcYiBd9N8wts-VQ1o/w400-h296/Christmas%20eve1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>December 24 - 7:00pm The Nativity of our Lord - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSqlwSikew-j0aKl5t6tiJnTp732E-9rqfKMnzGWDDnBew7D22OQc8m6gLJ5Uc9dxX09JGQW5ZBHOULsE_DQs8eNq6kaNle2jXFo71uoVD7Ae1V4YN7djhZUe4ZVj5Ar1Ln9jtj-Zzu8rnVviR5Erb2nlFzg2jcCZ_dLHqOL_FoOVePcevziNiu9NYQs/s318/Christmas%20Worship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSqlwSikew-j0aKl5t6tiJnTp732E-9rqfKMnzGWDDnBew7D22OQc8m6gLJ5Uc9dxX09JGQW5ZBHOULsE_DQs8eNq6kaNle2jXFo71uoVD7Ae1V4YN7djhZUe4ZVj5Ar1Ln9jtj-Zzu8rnVviR5Erb2nlFzg2jcCZ_dLHqOL_FoOVePcevziNiu9NYQs/w400-h200/Christmas%20Worship.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>December 25 - 10:30am The Nativity of our Lord - Divine Service with Holy Communion</p><p><br /></p><p><b>SERVICE TIME CHANGE BEGINNING DECEMBER 31 - Sunday worship moves to 9:00am starting December 31</b></p><p>Don't forget to check out the other pages on this blog.</p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-21627870044069402192023-12-19T16:45:00.000-07:002023-12-19T16:45:07.876-07:00The Necessity of Human Forgiveness<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323638; font-family: Ginto; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Amy Mantravadi asks if we should forgive others even if they are not repentant.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #323638; font-family: Ginto; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><a href="http://kofklutheran.blogspot.com/p/daily-devotion.html">Devotional Thought link</a><br /></span></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-39757627170806871092023-12-18T11:57:00.002-07:002023-12-18T11:57:38.659-07:00Longest Night of The Year Service<p> A reminder this Thursday at 7:00pm is our Longest Night of the Year service! Invite family and friends including those you know who are having a blue Christmas this year. After service we will gather for some light refreshments!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifITWPJ70KukmGXKEx11iHYwgpb4Loxk-BVDr-J27GQfO7JY0dRxeV0c2qakBmIoINeJFZl3dXyqcvz7PeIrX_YIqzSlGvcCVH6IG4YsvdiPsa6qCGp0YhOx-Vbk5epWWQSzQFd_yKKbgxHRIJrl26-4IZVpiTHmsDlx0h2syDIkI6rdLFXrTBJuJYKJ8/s1275/invitation%202023%20a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="825" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifITWPJ70KukmGXKEx11iHYwgpb4Loxk-BVDr-J27GQfO7JY0dRxeV0c2qakBmIoINeJFZl3dXyqcvz7PeIrX_YIqzSlGvcCVH6IG4YsvdiPsa6qCGp0YhOx-Vbk5epWWQSzQFd_yKKbgxHRIJrl26-4IZVpiTHmsDlx0h2syDIkI6rdLFXrTBJuJYKJ8/w414-h640/invitation%202023%20a.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-74624284464958675122023-12-16T17:54:00.005-07:002023-12-16T17:54:49.500-07:00Shut-ins enjoying a Sunday School gift!<p> Our shut-ins have been enjoying their gifts from our Sunday School Children! You can see their joy in the photos TAB.</p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-11025569138972149782023-12-11T13:35:00.003-07:002023-12-11T13:35:44.520-07:00Poinsettias for Christmas...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQe_ERHr14DT0XZuF2mD0Jh1rbGoQr9Cur-Pya5bqWggP8099POneDxXgr-SoMQW7ojkL_p1t6cpJDmA8ADXJXN14e0FxzvioIossqcjw3vhGDh2cUIPo8tIT4_-j4LfNX6UPzHxJZ9xGU7EUSduaGRjgJPllojrZK4S9q_TazN30_0c7keonkzMVBcA/s1240/Christmas-altar-pic-scaled-phwbotmxjgbk01w082di5y0hfp9ukrkm3egf86e8jk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1240" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQe_ERHr14DT0XZuF2mD0Jh1rbGoQr9Cur-Pya5bqWggP8099POneDxXgr-SoMQW7ojkL_p1t6cpJDmA8ADXJXN14e0FxzvioIossqcjw3vhGDh2cUIPo8tIT4_-j4LfNX6UPzHxJZ9xGU7EUSduaGRjgJPllojrZK4S9q_TazN30_0c7keonkzMVBcA/w400-h155/Christmas-altar-pic-scaled-phwbotmxjgbk01w082di5y0hfp9ukrkm3egf86e8jk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We would like to enhance our sanctuary and nave area with the Christmas flower once again this year! You can bring a Poinsettia to church on December 24.</div><p></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-36578149334764025702023-12-08T11:04:00.000-07:002023-12-08T11:04:07.095-07:00Christmas Services...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLj3bURAr8GEWMeI3dIhyphenhypheniiLgElTNFx7bwcYF0CAi-RMYgsdjF-D1-pQ60B6hUn39MEs56IiXOvKI8yfXBucebYrOH74MdKQsn2T6yyxcrkznFaRXGoL8cWyEPTJp8oLA30f2F8n1YQIK-gf3bZJX00IWfXuqw_CHxdT_mlFNRm847QFl4KboH2bRvBQ/s635/Christmas%20worship%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="635" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLj3bURAr8GEWMeI3dIhyphenhypheniiLgElTNFx7bwcYF0CAi-RMYgsdjF-D1-pQ60B6hUn39MEs56IiXOvKI8yfXBucebYrOH74MdKQsn2T6yyxcrkznFaRXGoL8cWyEPTJp8oLA30f2F8n1YQIK-gf3bZJX00IWfXuqw_CHxdT_mlFNRm847QFl4KboH2bRvBQ/w640-h498/Christmas%20worship%20blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> <b>December 24 - 9:30am</b> Divine Service 4th Sunday in Advent/Christmas Vigil - with Holy Communion</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJdy1sOTcMxDOEcVdb0MuE_VBFDMnbUaVHY0dZ77vT0gvnGhYqFDHgXU1kQXeRFBwGY_44tVmpQx5oz2NRB2pAWBuZqb7cEqu6edSoGq-BRutlCFgg9MFZ_USGVWA1EDw8nGbwA4P-ok9htKZ1bEWGJeazirQz6m47lfr8-Sbt1_cW1mFIjj9AU59XxI/s980/Christmas-Eve-BASIC-1-980x551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="980" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJdy1sOTcMxDOEcVdb0MuE_VBFDMnbUaVHY0dZ77vT0gvnGhYqFDHgXU1kQXeRFBwGY_44tVmpQx5oz2NRB2pAWBuZqb7cEqu6edSoGq-BRutlCFgg9MFZ_USGVWA1EDw8nGbwA4P-ok9htKZ1bEWGJeazirQz6m47lfr8-Sbt1_cW1mFIjj9AU59XxI/w640-h360/Christmas-Eve-BASIC-1-980x551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>December 24 - 7:00pm</b> The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOxEfa_jAHxLHIIY0IFqfCTP00Lkrz8yUrBVbGvUpfEg-w1Sy3hXRsDrXhLWHquGnPyUaueMKKG20z4SDmCwx25DGLWcVvAwnTAfYDotKQ6s22UOjlt6pfK7VRmYXEgiS9bCdmNzImoz436RKMaHuvEjhQpo_CrQFii7Dc0bg712s5FY18P6RZkpqZ4s/s318/Christmas%20day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOxEfa_jAHxLHIIY0IFqfCTP00Lkrz8yUrBVbGvUpfEg-w1Sy3hXRsDrXhLWHquGnPyUaueMKKG20z4SDmCwx25DGLWcVvAwnTAfYDotKQ6s22UOjlt6pfK7VRmYXEgiS9bCdmNzImoz436RKMaHuvEjhQpo_CrQFii7Dc0bg712s5FY18P6RZkpqZ4s/w400-h200/Christmas%20day1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>December 25 - 10:30am</b> The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Morning Divine Service with Holy Communion</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-14815473771275206672023-12-04T09:38:00.001-07:002023-12-04T09:38:09.606-07:00Longest Night of the Year Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWVGF4-NTgR0a5wpvNcJ4HEBGjSxYEkjCfK0d2kCJCLSUZvPL3uK-8uSrJwTddWyptUGIBGNnKOqNlje-hji6zX40iqKMJuDOmyUoMRT3MJU61N8jjQLxvmK6-gxfCwuE35Lc6dRqMllOHYfPAy7rpUpM7bjJ0ITngehyKJVz9V5IICgbxRc81dV2TsY/s825/invitation%202023%20front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="825" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWVGF4-NTgR0a5wpvNcJ4HEBGjSxYEkjCfK0d2kCJCLSUZvPL3uK-8uSrJwTddWyptUGIBGNnKOqNlje-hji6zX40iqKMJuDOmyUoMRT3MJU61N8jjQLxvmK6-gxfCwuE35Lc6dRqMllOHYfPAy7rpUpM7bjJ0ITngehyKJVz9V5IICgbxRc81dV2TsY/w640-h494/invitation%202023%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: mediumblue; text-align: center;">The holiday season is hard for some of us.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: mediumblue;">You are not alone.<br />Join us for a different kind of service:</span></p><ul><li><span style="color: mediumblue;">of loss</span></li><li><span style="color: mediumblue;">of comfort</span></li><li><span style="color: mediumblue;">of healing</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: mediumblue;">Every year, there are some among us who, for one reason or another, simply cannot enter into the joy of the Christmas season. It could be many things: mourning someone who has died or who may die soon, coping with the aftermath of divorce, job loss, sickness—any of the different unfortunate and tragic circumstances the life sometimes serves up. Christmas parties and caroling are the last things some of us want.<br /><br />The Longest Night Service (or it sometimes called The Blue Christmas Service) is a way to acknowledge this reality, while still recognizing that part of the reason for Jesus' coming was to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. We are offering a quiet, meditative worship service that makes time for remembering, sharing our hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.<br /><br />You are invited to come for time set apart for tranquil worship: prayer, music, Scripture, candle lighting, lament and letting light shine in darkness. Let it be for you a respite from the world’s assumptions that everyone is celebrating.<br /><br /><strong>Please invite family and friends as you wish.</strong><br /><br />Please bring some light refreshments to share after the service</span></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-84112178761750672692023-12-01T10:52:00.002-07:002023-12-01T10:52:41.738-07:00Our Theme for Advent...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqYI4oQI0uWrsmYvfz2fUcwyKZkjFlFsWKhHFoVSbyYGQX4DHBTuWVHcgN-n3rojgoYRyNdpkbPs28VswmbhNRxmQxRxP4H4VTs-2wMNxkKwWIqRVkxvcTirMq9XVwbNlm7gQOhXsa_vKow_GMz8r4HgrP-_Xme0m7-xHV2hKxJLGoTfiZsiWY0gJUO0/s2400/Advent23_IGSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="2400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqYI4oQI0uWrsmYvfz2fUcwyKZkjFlFsWKhHFoVSbyYGQX4DHBTuWVHcgN-n3rojgoYRyNdpkbPs28VswmbhNRxmQxRxP4H4VTs-2wMNxkKwWIqRVkxvcTirMq9XVwbNlm7gQOhXsa_vKow_GMz8r4HgrP-_Xme0m7-xHV2hKxJLGoTfiZsiWY0gJUO0/w400-h400/Advent23_IGSquare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Every morning, the sun rises, alarm clocks sound, foggy eyes open, and then, at some point,</p><p>we get dressed. Socks, underwear, pants, shirts, and shoes: we don clothing that rightly</p><p>corresponds to our vocations, our culture, and even the weather outside. Our clothing serves</p><p>as the marker that sets us apart as a species and as an indicator of societal and individual values</p><p>and traits. As Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no</p><p>influence on society.”</p><p>Twain may have been right on that first part, but his statement excludes the first naked people</p><p>in history, Adam and Eve. And we would argue these two have had quite the influence on who</p><p>we are and where we are going due to both their lack of clothes as well as their eventual attire.</p><p>And so it follows that clothing in the Bible is more than a tangential detail. In fact, clothing</p><p>often has significant implications for revealing God’s plan of redemption, for our Creator is</p><p>also the first tailor, seamstress, and cobbler. Despite their rebellion, he covered Adam and Eve’s</p><p>shame and nakedness. Later, he designed and instructed the Israelites on the priestly garments</p><p>of the Tabernacle, which all have an intricately thought-out purpose and intent for the people</p><p>to fellowship with their God. The biblical authors use both metaphorical and actual descriptions</p><p>of priestly and royal garments to point us to the one true Priest and King, Jesus. And it’s</p><p>this King, first wrapped in the rags of a swaddle, who then hangs naked on the cross in order</p><p>to clothe us in the riches of his righteousness.</p><p>During the Sundays in Advent our Sermon Series tells the stories of the clothing of the King. Stories</p><p> that describe a wardrobe at once splendid and sin-stained, with fabrics that reveal who we are and</p><p>cover us all the same. The clothing of the King is tattered and worn and glorious in its incorruptibility.</p><p>It isn’t ours, yet he gives it to us freely.</p><p><br /></p><p>You can also download a daily Advent Devotion on this theme found in the <a href="http://kofklutheran.blogspot.com/p/daily-devotion.html">Devotional Thought</a> tab.</p><p><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-17888976733693653122023-11-27T14:32:00.001-07:002023-11-27T14:32:22.981-07:00Advent Begins on December 3<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Liturgical Year is a precious blessing bestowed upon us by the early Christians who came before us. It is important to remember that the Church calendar is distinct from the daily Gregorian calendar. The Church Year or Liturgical Year begins in November or December and centers upon events in the life of our Lord Jesus and His Church.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">Two Parts of the Liturgical Year:</p><h2 class="-unite-style-104826" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.75em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong>Part 1: The Festival Half of the Church Liturgical Year</strong></h2><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">We dedicate the first half of the Church Year to the life of Jesus. We relive the most important events of Jesus' life when we pray during this season of the Church Year. Since most popular holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, occur in this period, the Festival Half of the Church Year is called the Festival Half of the Church Year.</p><h2 class="-unite-style-104826" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.75em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong>Part 2: The Non-Festival Half or the Church Half-Year</strong></h2><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">The second half of the Church Year is called the Non-Festival Half or the Church Half Year. It starts in May or June and reflects on our Lord's preaching, which He entrusted us to spread worldwide. This section shows what Jesus' creation, death, and resurrection mean to us.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">Each season has its mood, and we use various colors on the altar to help bring out the spirit of the holiday season. Certain customs represent the mood of the season as well. Many of these factors contribute to emphasizing a season's unique message.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">The following is a short overview of the Church Year's various seasons, what they are all about, and how we experience them.</p><h2 class="-unite-style-104826" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.75em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong> 1. Advent </strong>(November – December)</h2><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">"Advent" is derived from the Latin Adventus, which means going. Adventus denotes the approach of a person of honor, strength, and glory, someone with authority to bestow favor or inflict punishment. For Christians, Advent is a time of preparing for Christmas, vigilant anticipation for Christ's reappearance and cultivating the gift of patience for everyday life.</p><h3 class="-unite-style-104827" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong><u>Calendar for Advent</u></strong></h3><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px;">Advent starts on the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday of December, depending on the year.</p><h3 class="-unite-style-104827" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong><u>Colors of Advent</u></strong></h3><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px;">Purple or blue are the colors of the season.</p><h3 class="-unite-style-104827" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 1.6em; line-height: 40px; margin: 1em 0px 0.25em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><strong><u>Traditions of Advent</u></strong></h3><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px 0in;">Go and light Advent candles at worship and home (four natural beeswax or red candles). Begin singing O Antiphons (which form the base of the hymn, Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel) on December 17, which reflects Israel's longing for the Messiah. Set up a crèche or nativity scene in church (or at home) during Advent.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px;">A few days before Christmas, add figures of Mary and Joseph to the nativity scene. Following the final Advent ceremony, display a Christmas tree in church or at home. The Gospel readings focus on the life of Jesus from Advent to Easter. Every day, read Bible stories to your children.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v8_lah83UY0">What is Advent?</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8_lah83UY0" width="320" youtube-src-id="v8_lah83UY0"></iframe></div><br /><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; margin: 1.33em 0px 10px;"><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-50433927015306670612023-10-31T08:32:00.002-06:002023-10-31T08:32:46.542-06:00All Saints' Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZr0BiktlYIbqq_KMVrcZou2Ga58KFiivqYiaFkmVKyrMzc8Fqy_lPX6rWbcvfQturYhL6UiSOfxCjlobaqogGnrpJbnuJj14CY0_gS9ux4HBKxfjk40P3-6AYKXKwBTpkvrbCleMTrmZMs8rK3hQol-njVXo7OJ6N2OcSPnzn2qCKqv63yXuWKJAj3kw/s266/All%20Saints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZr0BiktlYIbqq_KMVrcZou2Ga58KFiivqYiaFkmVKyrMzc8Fqy_lPX6rWbcvfQturYhL6UiSOfxCjlobaqogGnrpJbnuJj14CY0_gS9ux4HBKxfjk40P3-6AYKXKwBTpkvrbCleMTrmZMs8rK3hQol-njVXo7OJ6N2OcSPnzn2qCKqv63yXuWKJAj3kw/w400-h286/All%20Saints.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><h2 class="has-text-align-center honeydew-highlight wp-block-heading" id="for-all-the-saints" style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-shadow: rgb(240, 237, 232) 0px -0.5em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; display: table; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; font-size: 40px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 48px; margin: 24px auto; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: center;">For All the Saints</h2><div><div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex" style="align-items: center; background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; display: flex; flex-wrap: nowrap; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; gap: 2em; margin-bottom: 1.75em;"><div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex-basis: 0px; flex-grow: 1; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><p class="has-drop-cap" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">The summer has passed, and we’re headed full speed ahead toward the festival half of the liturgical year. But before we enter Advent, the end of the Church year brings us several special holy days. Reformation Day and All Saints’ Day are just two of the late fall holidays especially beloved by Lutherans, and they happen to be right next to each other: October 31st and November 1st, respectively.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;"> “All Saints” honors every Christian who has gone to be with Jesus, from the apostles and martyrs to the lesser-known saints who may even have been members of our own congregations and families.</p></div></div><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">In the liturgy on All Saints’ Day, it is common for the pastor to name in the prayers all who died over the course of the previous year; after each name, the bell is often tolled until the last name is commemorated followed by three bell tolls, during which people may name in their hearts all whom they love and have lost.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">Naturally, this day is quite special to those who miss their loved ones. It is an occasion both for weeping and for great joy, as the Rev. David Peterson puts beautifully in <a href="https://witness.lcms.org/2018/the-joy-of-weeping-at-all-saints/" style="appearance: none; background: 0px 0px; box-shadow: rgb(201, 191, 187) 0px -0.5em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; padding: 0px 3px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0s ease 0s, all 0.4s ease 0s;">this article from the Lutheran Witness</a>: “Thus we rejoice that, while we weep, every tear has been removed from their eyes. And we weep in joy as well that soon the tears will also be removed from our eyes.”</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">And so in our Lutheran Churches, All Saints’ Day is a day on which we remember all of the faithful who have gone before us and give thanks to God that by his mercy he receives sinners and gives us the same hope that he gave to them: the hope of the coming resurrection.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p></div>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-52351347662820076572023-10-31T08:03:00.000-06:002023-10-31T08:03:26.038-06:00Here I Stand<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xuHqAOdAfEv0Gqu0TFd0KDPKDedJBlzfgV5C_-iT7xPGJ0XJdG0dYZQjSxd6GyhwqRHEzZJaobRjAxiVl5XTf7TEpa8dd8cvLxp6-PHV24baCPqfM_Em7OhP855qaZERifly3nscmEZyqBkbMO80GbEB2e0HmCPZy34MjrfyBY6dkakQZPC3IY_gC6g/s259/Reformation%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xuHqAOdAfEv0Gqu0TFd0KDPKDedJBlzfgV5C_-iT7xPGJ0XJdG0dYZQjSxd6GyhwqRHEzZJaobRjAxiVl5XTf7TEpa8dd8cvLxp6-PHV24baCPqfM_Em7OhP855qaZERifly3nscmEZyqBkbMO80GbEB2e0HmCPZy34MjrfyBY6dkakQZPC3IY_gC6g/w400-h300/Reformation%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex" style="align-items: center; background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; display: flex; flex-wrap: nowrap; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; gap: 2em; margin-bottom: 1.75em;"><div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="align-self: center; box-sizing: border-box; flex-basis: 0px; flex-grow: 1; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; width: 334.812px; word-break: break-word;"><p class="has-drop-cap" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">The commemoration of the Reformation is less about a particular date than it is about an era, a time of unprecedented theological discourse and change, after which the landscape of Western Christianity would never be the same. Much can be said about it, and indeed much has, especially during the Reformation’s 500<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> anniversary in 2017. For Lutherans, the heart of the Reformation is the recovery and faithful proclamation of the Gospel: salvation is by grace alone through faith alone for Christ’s sake alone. In today’s day and age we continue to celebrate the Reformation as a time when God worked through the Reformers for the good of his Church and her confession.</p></div></div><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">The date of the Reformation festival falls on October 31, the anniversary of that famous day when Martin Luther, a monk and doctor of the Church, pinned his 95 theses to the Castle Church doors in Wittenberg. While this in itself was not some extraordinary event, Luther’s statements against indulgences sparked hot debate among scholars, pastors, and church leadership, causing many to point to this event as the catalyst for the Lutheran Reformation.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">As conversation continued, so did the Pope’s displeasure with Luther, who continued speaking out against abuses that had crept into the Church. In 1521 the Pope officially excommunicated Luther who, unwilling to compromise the faithful teaching of the Gospel, had declared, “Here I stand. I can do no other.” This became the first sign of separation within the Church of the West.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading" style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: "Cormorant Garamond"; font-size: 29px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 38px; margin: 0px 0px 1.612rem;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Brief History</span></h3><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">Not long after the time of the Reformation, Christians recognized how important it was to remember and celebrate this time in the Church’s history year after year. Thus, under the leadership of Wittenberg pastor Johannes Bugenhagen, the Church began recognizing aspects of the Reformation annually. As early as 1528, these celebrations featured the significance of the Bible’s translation into the common language and general thanksgiving for the start of the Reformation. Just over a century later, a more general recognition of the Reformation settled on the date of October 31 under the leadership of the Elector of Saxony.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">The Rev. Fred Lindemann acknowledges in his book, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Sermon and the Propers, </em>that the Reformation is a unique and important festival for Lutherans but should not take precedence over its neighboring holiday, <a data-id="6332" data-type="post" href="https://allthehousehold.com/all-saints-day/" style="appearance: none; background: 0px 0px; box-shadow: rgb(201, 191, 187) 0px -0.5em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; padding: 0px 3px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0s ease 0s, all 0.4s ease 0s;">All Saints’ Day</a> on November 1st. Between this ancient feast (with its own history, <a href="https://allthehousehold.com/all-saints-day-prayer/" style="appearance: none; background: 0px 0px; box-shadow: rgb(201, 191, 187) 0px -0.5em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; padding: 0px 3px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0s ease 0s, all 0.4s ease 0s;">commemorations</a>, and surrounding <a data-id="6313" data-type="post" href="https://allthehousehold.com/ss-simon-and-jude-soul-cakes/" style="appearance: none; background: 0px 0px; box-shadow: rgb(201, 191, 187) 0px -0.5em inset; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; padding: 0px 3px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0s ease 0s, all 0.4s ease 0s;">traditions</a>) as well as newer American Halloween customs, these few days in the Church’s calendar and secular calendar can seem to pull a person in several directions.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">Without neglecting the observance of All Saints’ Day, Christians have often observed the Reformation by discussing the ideas and writings that came out of it. Luther wrote his Small and Large Catechisms for this very purpose: that the heads of households would daily catechize the family in God’s Word. From the time of the Reformation, Christians have used the Small Catechism as a tool in the home to start explaining the chief articles of the faith. This is followed by the Large Catechism, which further expounds on those articles.</p><p style="background-color: #f9f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282828; font-family: Spartan; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">In addition to these, a family might honor the days surrounding the Festival of the Reformation in their households by choosing to read a sermon every day from Luther or another pastor. In fact, this might be one of the most appropriate ways to utilize Reformation traditions within the home solely because prior to the invention of the printing press just before Luther’s time, the widespread publication of books and sermons was just not possible!</p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-23348291590066059272023-10-20T11:03:00.001-06:002023-10-20T11:03:26.618-06:00We Do Not Choose our Crosses...<p> Be sure to read the latest devotional thought "We Do Not Choose our Crosses" in the devotional thoughts tab.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6OXjwvKHvkOzR8gy1qjnpVeVIeyMmXLl-oln3qokIJgmRF7nhqeaRqbjxzVRImtjb0fOdYFjSe-Om6Pm72RZWc3VsM9YUWNavqTGSR-ZvqYc5_J5X51VVklzPKe9s9P6R32xXKG_n9vbAcgllrwDRg8CZcnIRKu4fTk1VRejo9Q7RwKlEknuhSinmu8/s1120/we%20do%20not%20choose%20our%20crosses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1120" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6OXjwvKHvkOzR8gy1qjnpVeVIeyMmXLl-oln3qokIJgmRF7nhqeaRqbjxzVRImtjb0fOdYFjSe-Om6Pm72RZWc3VsM9YUWNavqTGSR-ZvqYc5_J5X51VVklzPKe9s9P6R32xXKG_n9vbAcgllrwDRg8CZcnIRKu4fTk1VRejo9Q7RwKlEknuhSinmu8/s320/we%20do%20not%20choose%20our%20crosses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Also, you can join Pastor Jan for coffee on <b>Monday Oct.30 </b>from 10-11am at Mercato.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN6cC6y6kAMu7p03JYWtnT8rl_CsXtHgfuZjv3tTAzvb4-ksrZzLAKmOxVo0n-JyJaA62GNHPMnx3wYK7Oxa-QlO9p6FwPln_5cq5a6xujS6u4Eh2FQuPJhcUzQo8NfQxPYwiqVumXcBZ1bNwGYdMJqsOPzNigV1R2suczWzll0Tivuw3RRp5Wc3dFkQ/s450/caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnN6cC6y6kAMu7p03JYWtnT8rl_CsXtHgfuZjv3tTAzvb4-ksrZzLAKmOxVo0n-JyJaA62GNHPMnx3wYK7Oxa-QlO9p6FwPln_5cq5a6xujS6u4Eh2FQuPJhcUzQo8NfQxPYwiqVumXcBZ1bNwGYdMJqsOPzNigV1R2suczWzll0Tivuw3RRp5Wc3dFkQ/s320/caption.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-52023807283799815652020-01-02T09:06:00.004-07:002020-01-02T09:08:53.568-07:00Electronic offerings and contributions<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">King of
Kings is now accepting offerings and contributions through on-line email
transfers (from banks which support this method of transfer). Email
transfers need to be directed to:</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span class="object"><span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT75_ZmEmailObjectHandler" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="background: white; color: #005a95; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="mailto:kofklutheran@gmail.com" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT63_ZmEmailObjectHandler" role="link" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #005a95; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">kofklutheran@gmail.com</span></span></a></span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. If you have any questions, please contact Linda
Slocombe or Nicole Deweert.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304975593440823656.post-73998199527076261172019-11-19T10:29:00.001-07:002019-11-19T10:29:56.865-07:00An Outsider Visits a Lutheran Church<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/99fmOmlcF0c" width="480"></iframe>Jan Pastuchahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09597368230925451030noreply@blogger.com0