*************************************

Grace Lutheran Church
Mission Statement

To ANSWER the CALL of our Savior.
To CONNECT with people in their everyday lives.
To ADVANCE the Gospel through God’s Word and fellowship.
To LEND ourselves in service, so that we may become instruments.
that LEAD others to salvation.

*************************************

WEEKLY DEVOTION MARCH 21

Tuesday, MARCH 21, 2023

Pastor Bruce Kischnick, Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, IN

“Take a Good Look”

READING: Matthew 27:33-40 – They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall, but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their head and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God!”

You have probably heard it said that if you enjoy a hotdog from time to time, you ought never take a tour of the factory that makes them. Looking too close at the process and the ingredients that go into them just might make you reluctant (or even nauseous) when someone offers you a freshly prepared frankfurter!

People who have grown up in the city and lived there all their lives sometimes have little understanding of where their food originates and how it is prepared before it ever reaches their friendly neighborhood market. There are folks who seem to think that hamburger somehow appears on a Styrofoam tray without ever realizing that a cow or steer was slaughtered, butchered, and ground up so they could make their chili and meat sauces. Growing up on the farm, this time of year was butchering time. Cattle and hogs were brought to our “butcher house”, dispatched, and processed into all kinds of cuts of meat. Hogs in particular were used so thoroughly that the saying was, “The only thing we wasted was the hooves and the squeal!” Headcheese, pickled tongue, blood sausage, and sweetbreads were just some of the farm delicacies that you may never have sampled. Take my word for it, you don’t want to look too closely at how they come to be.

Maybe you say, “I don’t eat red meat.” Ok, good for you. You only eat chicken or fish then. Have you ever helped with or watched chickens being butchered? Seeing the headless body of a chicken jumping around on the lawn is one of those memories etched deeply into my brain. And, when it came time to scald them, pull the feathers, and then remove the innards – well, let’s just say that that is another process at which you want not to look (or sniff!) too closely.

Am I grossing you out? Not really my intention, but I do have a point: most people, even Christian people, try not to look to closely at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We’ve all seen the paintings of Jesus on the cross. Most of them are whitewashed in some way. There’s blood, but not too much blood. There’s obvious pain on His face, but not too much agony. He hangs rather stationary and inert. And, of course, there is always a robe or towel draped demurely around his waist. Artists don’t want to force you to look too closely at the tragedy and degradation happening on Golgotha. Most of us don’t really want to look too closely at the most important event in the history of mankind’s relationship with Almighty God. But I want to say to you today, “Take a good look!”

The Romans were gruesomely efficient at not only killing their victims, they sent a message to every single passerby that loudly said, “See this? We’ll do the same thing to you if EVER you rebel against Rome or her laws. Take a good look!” Jesus, like every other victim of Roman capital punishment, was stripped naked to the world. The nails were large and not necessarily all that sharp and pointed. The wood of the cross was rough-hewn and angry. And the process of crucifixion was a constant agonizing choice between horrible pain in the hands and slow suffocation, or horrible pain in your feet as you pushed your weight up against the single spike there so you could breathe. For a man Jesus age death could take days to come. That’s why Pilate is surprised when the centurion tells him Jesus is dead within 6 hours. Oh, and there was blood, plenty of blood, on the cross, on Jesus, and on the ground beneath him. The wounds could not clot because of the constant agonized movements.

When we think of Jesus’ torment on the cross, we want to weep with sorrow and with guilt. But remember, as bad as the physical tortures were, the hardest stroke that wounded him was the rejection and condemnation the Father poured out on him in our place. When you hear Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” know that at that moment the Father absents himself from Jesus, and he is in hell, the only place in the universe where God is not. All that he takes for you, for me. Take a good look, a long look, an honest look, and then rejoice that by that death you have life. Oh, and go ahead and cheat – Easter is coming! God bless you for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

1. LENTEN SERVICES will be held every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM throughout Lent. Join us as we explore the “Red Letter Challenge” – the words of Jesus.

2. GOLDEN SAINTS LUNCHEON will happen on Thursday, March 30, about noon. We’ll enjoy meatloaf and dishes that each of you brings to share. Beverages and table service will also be provided. After lunch, Greg Gatsos, who serves as a docent at the West Baden Hotel will give us a presentation about the history, architecture, and revival of that iconic hotel. He’ll have slides to illustrate. Join us.

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/LRZ9WJB_tNA

PRINTABLE PDF: WDMarch21.PDF

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

*************************************

WEEKLY DEVOTION MARCH 20

Monday, MARCH 20, 2023

Pastor Matthew Woods from Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana

“Giving”

My boys are very creative. They are in their twenties now and married but when they were little they liked to draw, color, and make things. What I always enjoyed is when they would make their mom or me a picture. As little guys their artwork was very ‘Picasso’ and staying in the lines with coloring books were challenging. They gave all they had, their very best, and poured themselves into their work. They would make pictures and lovingly, proudly bring them to us as a gift. Naturally, their mom and I would do what all parents do with such artwork. We found a space on the frig and put it up with the others.

Today, we have several pieces of artwork that the boys had made which we think is good enough to put on our walls—some really cool pieces actually. Back in the day the early drawings were not exactly priceless pieces of art but that was not the point. The point is that the one who was giving us the art was our sons. That is why we put them on our frig. Those colored pages and pictures that were made for us were made in love for mom and dad and that is all that mattered.

When it comes to giving to the Lord a similar picture is on display with us. What we give to the Lord may not be much. Compared to the things of heaven what we offer is more like a preschool piece of art rather than a ‘Michelangelo work of art.’ That is okay. If the Lord has a frig, He’s going to put our offering up on it just because we are His kids.

Matthew 14:15-21 is the feeding of the 5000. Jesus has had a long day. He has learned that John the Baptist has been killed. The crowds are relentless. A boat ride to the other side of the Galilee cannot shake them. It is getting late in the day and the disciples are ready to send them all away. Jesus sees them and has compassion on them. He heals their sick and talks to the people and just keeps going on and on. The disciples came to Jesus in order to interrupt. They try to sound helpful suggesting that the crowd should be send away so they can get something at McHerod’s in one of the towns. The say, “It is getting late, Jesus. It is probably a good idea to call it a day.” In reality, they wanted Jesus to stop so the disciples could get something to eat. It was the disciples who wanted to leave. The disciples did not have much of a mindset to be all that giving.

Jesus’ answer must have been shocking to them. “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37 says that the disciples answered, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “That’s impossible, Lord!” “We don’t have the resources.” Notice the mindset here. The disciples were focused on their limits. They were focused on their needs, hangry and tired. Was it impossible for them or did they just not want to feed the people they wanted to go away. Maybe both.

John 6:9 tells us however that at least Andrew was curious to see what Jesus may do to make this all possible. Instead of looking at what they did not have Andrew took stock of what they did have. A little boy offered up what he had and Jesus made a masterpiece out of it. “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” “How far indeed, Andrew!” By the time it was all over Jesus had the disciples pick up the leftovers which amounted to 12 basketfuls, enough for each disciple to gorge themselves for the rest of the night if they wanted to.

This week’s Red-Letter Challenge is giving. Giving more than many other challenge often gets complicated with excuses. “Lord there are too many and we have too little.” “Lord, I am too old and don’t have enough energy or health.” “Lord, I am too busy. My kids are little and super involved in school activities.” “Lord, I don’t know what to say or what to do. I do not feel I have anything to give.” “I have nothing to give. Send them away and I will pray that they find someone who has enough bread and fish to feed them all.”

Yea, but how about a child who has not concept of limits? For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these and for good reason. A child is willing to give what he has. Give what you have to Jesus and that is going to be good.

Or consider the widow Mark 12:41-44. 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Those two coins were insignificant by Pharisee standards. By Jesus’ standards it was more than everyone else. The religious guys were putting in a king’s ransom but this widow gave everything she had, perhaps going hungry to do it. She had a perspective like that of a little child—humbling herself like the little one that offered his whole lunch, some bread, and fish—ready to go hungry if someone else could be fed. Both the widow and the little boy were all in. “The Lord will make good use of this. I will love God today more than I love my stomach.” This kind of sacrifice is really hard to wrap our minds around because chances are if you are listening to this you are a person of some means enough to watch this video and I to make it.

Is the Lord asking us to give more than we have? No. And that is the point. Often, we can act more like the disciples than the little boy or widow. We act like there is nothing to offer. This is a perspective that limits what Jesus can do based on the limitations we put on ourselves. Or maybe like the disciples we just don’ want to do it for whatever reason which may be more often the case. Send them away and I will pray for them…But where is the reward in that? Those twelve basketfuls of bread were evidence enough that Jesus will use whatever you offer and make it sufficient for the task, and them some. Being willing to offer is the difference.

However, remember the blessings of a little child giving to his parents. My boys would light up as their grandma or their mom or me put those picture on display for everyone to see. They cannot wait to make more. “Thank you so much! This is beautiful,” we say. Can you imagine how fun it would be for that little boy to see all those people full and to see those disciples carry back 12 basketfuls of leftovers. I will bet that little boy never forgot that day and how much he helped. My guess is that little boy had the best day of his life with Jesus.

I would imagine that this is what it is like when we give what we have to give to the Lord. If it is a tithe, great! If it is a gift to another, great! If it is something no matter how small– it is at least something that the Lord can use. If it is giving out of love and generosity God will bless it, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. So, may we meet the challenge to be giving. May we be willing. May we trust the Lord enough to use it. And may those who receive it be blessed by you and me because of Jesus.

Pastor Matthew Woods

John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WDMarch20.PDF

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/Cj-2CANXKMQ

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

*****************

Prayers for Kennedy Donley

Kennedy, who is 5 years old, has a rare genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) which causes tumors to grow in vital organs. The biggest challenge are seizures and learning delays. On Tuesday, March 21, Kennedy will undergo brain surgery in Cincinnati to put electrodes inside her brain to monitor depth, location, and duration of seizures.

The parents of Kennedy, Chase and Alaina Donley, invite everyone to pray for their daughter and to join her journey on their Facebook group, called Kennedy’s TSC Journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3306484206290449/discussion/preview

Your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated at this time.

*****************

LENTEN WORSHIP Wednesday, March 22, 7:00 pm. “Giving”

Live Video Broadcast

Click on the Links Provided Below:
Note: If one fails try another link..
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Vn4JFP_IQP8JQ3f8QwADQ
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceLutheranChurchNA

LENTEN Service INFO

*************************************

Shamrocks & Shenanigans Party

MORE PICTURES HERE!

*************************************

QUILTING DAY

MORE PICTURES HERE!

***************

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Lenten Worship — Wed., March 22 – 7 pm
Saturday, March 25 — 5:00 pm
Sunday, March 26 — 8:00 & *10:30 am
Lenten Worship — Wed., March 29 – 7 pm
Saturday, April 1 — 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 2 — *8:00 & 10:30 am
Thursday, April 6 — Maundy Thursday Worship *7:00 pm
Good Friday Worship — April 7 at 7:00 pm
NO Saturday Worship on — April 8
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 9 — 6:30 am Sunrise
*8:00 & *10:30 am services
(No Sunday School Classes on Easter Sunday)
* = Communion

*************************************

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NOTES

Grace Notes started as a children’s version of the confirmation level Sermon Notes. It has grown to two full pages front and back with Bible verses according to the weekly church readings, pictures illustrating stories or verses, a prayer box, and puzzles. Grace Notes are part of the Grace Packs (single use church bags) available on Sundays.

Grace Notes are an awesome way to build on the online service as an opportunity for devotion and discussion.

Grace Online – Children’s Bible Lessons!

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE CHILDRENS MINISTRY PAGE!

Children’s Ministry Contact Information
Email: sabrina.haug@glcna.com
Phone/Text: 502-386-6371
Facebook: Grace Lutheran Children’s Ministry
Web: www.glcna.org – click Children’s Ministry in right-side Index

*************************************

For more information (Your Bulletin) check out
NEWS & TIDBITS at the top right box

*************************************

For more Devotions check out RECENT DEVOTIONS
at the top right box

*************************************

CHECK OUT BAPTISM – OBITS

*************************************

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9

Welcome to the Grace Lutheran Church and School web site. There is a variety of information here regarding our congregation and our beliefs. Lutherans are Bible-believing, sacramental Christians who trace their roots back to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. There have been Lutherans since 1517, particularly in Germany and Scandanavia. Lutherans in America followed large immigrations from Europe in the 1840’s and 1850’s.

The congregation at Grace was founded in 1927 in a small room over a pool hall on State Street in New Albany. The congregation moved to Tenth and Oak, then to Charlestown Road, before building its current facilities on Klerner Lane in 1974. The congregation now numbers just over 1100 souls. We worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings. The pastors are Rev. Bruce Kischnick and Rev. Matt Woods.