Our Christian Home

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WEEKLY DEVOTION APRIL 13

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

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

“THEY DON’T BELONG HERE”

READING: Acts 5:27-33 – Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead – whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.

Two weeks ago Becky and I took a little vacation to the north country in Wisconsin to visit our eldest son and his family. As we were coming home on the Tuesday of Holy Week, we could see more and more greenery the further south we drove. But as we were going past Scottsburg, I noticed a little Bradford pear tree all in bloom. I made mention of it to Becky because it was the first flowering shrub either of us had seen this spring. From there on south we saw white blossoms everywhere: in the woods, in the subdivisions, along the side of the road, in fence rows, and along the creek banks. Everywhere we looked we saw Bradford pears in bloom, a sure sign of spring, and a sure sign of trouble.

You see, Bradford pear trees, when they were introduced, were said to be sterile. The developers claimed that because the trees were hybrids, they would not be able to reproduce. They were widely planted in subdivisions and on campuses of various kinds all through 1990’s and into the 2000’s. But as the movie “Jurassic Park” famously put it, “Nature finds a way.” Or, as the ad for a kind of margarine once put it, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!” Bradford pears found a way, all right. And as they blossomed this spring, you could see the extent to which they have been successful to the point of being a nuisance and considered an invasive species. They don’t belong in those places, and biologists and foresters are worried that they’ll crowd out more native and traditional trees.

In our text for today St. Luke records the confrontation between the Apostles of the Lord and the Sanhedrin, the same Council that condemned Jesus to death and delivered him over to Pontus Pilate for crucifixion. This is the time shortly after Pentecost, and fueled and fired by the Holy Spirit, the Apostles have been boldly and quite publicly preaching the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. They proclaim his death at the hands of the leaders of Judah and his Resurrection on Easter. They do this with the slightest hesitation, even though they had been arrested by the chief priests and sternly warned not to preach, teach, or do miracles in His name. The Sanhedrin and the High Priest have reason to be alarmed for the Church is growing leaps and bounds. More and more people are putting their trust in the blood of Jesus. To the leaders of Judaism, these people don’t belong here in the Holy City. These people are like an invasive species that proliferates and propagates itself, threatening to overwhelm to local environment. Something has to be done! These “Followers of the Way”, as they call themselves, do not belong in Judaism, nor in Jerusalem, nor anywhere they may turn up.

As the text indicates, they were furious enough to think about executing all the Apostles as they had done their Rabbi, but a wise and influential teacher of the Law, Gamaliel, advises them not to pursue such a rash and dangerous plan. He tells them that if this Jesus cult is just a passing fad, it will fade away like so many others had done. And, if this really was from God, they would not be able to stop it and would find themselves fighting against God. So they flog the Apostles and order them to cease and desist. And, guess what? The Apostles leave the prison “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”!

The fact is that they Church WAS an act of God as was the Passion, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. Nothing that His enemies could do would stop the Church from growing and spreading and becoming strong – not plots, not floggings, not imprisonment, not persecutions, not martyrdom, not the Roman emperors nor the Coliseum with its lions and flames. Jesus rose on Easter, the Disciples were eyewitnesses of this, and after Pentecost these men were undeterred by threat and violence. Jesus lives! And the Church will continue to gather in His elect whether the world thinks they belong here or not.

In this season of Easter how wonderful it is to be renewed in our joy over Jesus and our calling to be his disciples, too. It’s been a long year, with many trials and uncertainties. But Easter reminds us why we are Christians: God paid the debt we owed him by sacrificing his one and only perfect Son, and then He raised Jesus up on the third day so we might know beyond the shadow of a doubt that because He lives, we shall live also. We don’t belong here. They’re right! We belong home in heaven, and Jesus makes it our home. Amen.

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

1) PASTORS CLASS: began this past Sunday, and it will meet on Sundays, 1:00-3:00 P.M. as we talk about the Christian basics from a Lutheran perspective. It’s not too late to join us and refresh your knowledge once again.

2) THANK YOU: to Helen Bohannon, the keyboardists, the Chapel Strings, the Choir, and soloists for blessing us with marvelous music to enhance our worship during Holy Week and especially Easter. I also want to make a shout-out to Kenny Morris for the Tomb he made for us two years ago. As I looked at it again this year, I did so with renewed appreciation for his vision and his talent. THANKS, KENNY!

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/BcRDJnlT7bg

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

PRINTABLE PDF:WEEKLYDApril13.PDF

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WEEKLY DEVOTION APRIL 12

Monday, April 12, 2021

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

“Transitions of Life” John 20:24-31

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Milestones of 25 Years Ago

Twenty-Five years ago, this year a lot of things changed for me. In the span of about two months I managed to celebrate several milestones that I had been working and praying for most of my life. After fifteen years of stops and starts I managed to finally receive my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Shortly after that I graduated from Seminary. So many times, I considered stopping and doing something else. I had been offered construction jobs; an opportunity to go back to Yosemite and work with youth; even to be a manager of a Pizza Hut in Ypsilanti, Near Easter Michigan University, which was not far from Concordia, Ann Arbor where I did my undergrad. Somehow, I hung in there and reached my goal to become a pastor in the Lutheran Church.

So, after graduation I was ordained as a Pastor in my home congregation in Michigan and then later installed in my first congregation in Indiana. And most importantly, between my ordination and installation I married my bride. This year marks our 25th anniversary.

Yes, all of these milestones that I had been working toward and striving for, praying for, and wondering about all rallied to fulfilment within about a two month period. It was exciting and strange and disorienting and also reflective. It was probably the most significant time of transition in my life.

I had to stop thinking like a student and start thinking as a Pastor. I had to stop thinking as a single man and be a husband. The transitions also signified that I had to stop being one thing and become another. And we all do it. If we live in one house for decades and then move that’s a major transition especially if the move takes us out of state. When Mitzi, our previous youth director retired it was a major change to us here at Grace. Now Rosie has taken over and is running with the program; and doing a great job by the way. Our whole lives are a state of transitions from one thing to the next. And often it takes time to adjust.

Big Changes for Thomas

A similar thing is going on when disciples are trying to convince Thomas that they had seen the resurrected Jesus. Jesus had been saying for all three years of training that He would suffer at the hands of the chief priests, be crucified, and on the third day be raised to life again. Yet the disciples didn’t remember that part of their training or seem to tune into it for one reason or another . So, on Easter the disciples were in the midst of a lot of change in a short period of time. I know from experience that rapid changes can be very unsettling and cause a sense of uncertainty. Then add in mourning a loved one and your world is turned up-side-down. Being a disciple on Maundy Thursday was a joy. Suddenly, being a disciple of Jesus on Good Friday felt more like an ending rather than a transition. But it was a transition. The sin of the world was bought and paid for. And now the resurrection is preparing us for another transition that will inevitably come to all of us.

I had been preparing for years for the milestones I mentioned already. For three years Jesus had been training twelve men to be His disciples. A disciple is a student of Christ. The disciples were being prepared to become Apostles. An apostle is ‘one who is sent’. They could not be sent until everything was accomplished in the cross and the resurrection. The followers had nothing to celebrate until there was a resurrection, a change from death to life. However, the resurrection would change the world and the Apostles would be the messengers to do it.

And so back to Thomas. Thomas was stuck in mourning for a week. He kept looking back and reliving the events of Good Friday. I can imagine Thomas thinking to himself, “What were the last three years for? And why did all seem to go so wrong?” And with each day his doubts raised. With each attempt by the other ten to convince him that they had seen the Lord he resisted. Finally, Thomas put up his challenge. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my and into his side, I will not believe it.”

Challenge accepted. The resurrected Jesus appears and insists that Thomas touch His wounds. “Stop doubting and believe…because you have seen me you believe; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” When faith takes hold another transition of sorts takes hold of Thomas. No longer a doubter. No longer a mourner. Thomas is a believer. Thomas is part of the group again. Thomas is now not just a disciple but also an apostle and more ready to be
sent then before.

Big Changes for Us

Likewise, a change happens for us in Baptism. Romans 6:3-4 is quick this out. “3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” And 2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” A change happens in us every time we are forgiven; each day when God’s grace remakes us again. The hard part is moving forward from the past toward the future. The challenge is to let go of our sinful nature and pursue a godly one.

Another challenge is to keep building on the new things that come. I wouldn’t be much a husband if I acted like a single man in the relationship. As a single man I spent time how I wanted without having to include others. I drove where I wanted; spent money on things I wanted or needed, etc. As a married man being a single man doesn’t work. Spending time and money must be considered as a team. There must be agreement to work together for common goals and lifestyles. A marriage by its nature moves my wife and I forward while at the same time celebrating all the good stuff of 25 years. For us our history makes the future work. And there will be many more changes in the years ahead. But one transition will always remain when all of our years are spent.

The last and greatest change as we all know happens in death. Yet, in the resurrection is our greatest milestone. Because we have a history with Jesus, we are called blessed; believing in Jesus in spite of doubts, trouble, loss, and joy we have an established future. Philippians 3:20-21 tells us that Jesus will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Talk about a change! I can imagine this last and greatest transition will take some getting used to I’m sure but I don’t think we will mind. So, celebrate the milestones. And take comfort in the transitions that can and do come in life. Change is inevitable…daily, in fact…especially for we who are the blessed ones who have not yet seen but believe.

And now the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with His favor and give you His peace in Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Matthew Woods

John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WDApril12.PDF

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/U3V8DhRKGhY

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

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When: Friday, April 16th
Where: Meet in the Jr. High room at Grace
Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm
Who: All Jr. High youth (Friends are welcome!)
Cost: FREE!!!!! Please bring a box of individually wrapped snacks to share.

Join us Friday, April 16th for some friendly fire and good old-fashioned fun! We will play a series of NERF games and a classic game of Wad Wars! Pizza and drinks will be provided. Please sign up in the Jr. High Youth room or by sending a text or email to Rosie at (502-442-1474 or rebling@glcna.com).

Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, April 14th!

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Pastor’s Classes

Beginning, April 11 from 1:00-3:00 pm

• An Instruction course designed to serve as an Adult Confirmation class by which non-members may become communicant members of the congregation.

• A Seekers class for those drawn to Christianity and wanting to know more about deciding on a particular church.

• A Refresher course for members who have been out of confirmation class for a time and want to review Christian doctrine from a Lutheran perspective.

The classes are Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at church beginning April 11. Please contact Pastor Kischnick if you have any questions.

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YOU ARE INVITED SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
STARTED JANUARY 24, 2021 — 1:00PM—3:00PM
FIRESIDE ROOM
You can go to any of sessions any Sunday.
You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Each week your GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments, and on-location video. After viewing the video, you and the other group members will spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in your lives.

Grace Lutheran offers GriefShare workbook and Devotion books free of charge because we want to help you in this season of your life. The Griefshare schedule may be found on glcna.com or on Grace’s phone app.

(Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged and will be in practice.)

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NOTES

9:35 Kids Worship for Parents & Children

This new offering was very successful and enjoyed by all!

Grace Notes available Online

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.

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

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JR. & SR. HIGH YOUTH

Jr. High (5-8 grades)

Meet in the Jr. High Room from 9:15-10:15 on Sunday mornings for Bible study, games, sweets and fun!

Sr. High Youth (9-12 grades)

Join us Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45 pm in the Sr. High Room for Bible study, games, and fun!

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Sr. High Camping trip

Friday, May 14th-May 15th.
For all 8th -12th graders
Details coming soon!

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SERVICES IN THE BUILDING AND ONLINE!

PLEASE, we ask that you do not attend if you are older than 65, have any illness or underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the virus, or if you are feeling unwell, or are just not comfortable yet, we encourage you to stay at home and watch us online. Online Sunday services are a new addition and will remain indefinitely. For those planning to attend, we encourage you to wear a face mask, refrain from hand shaking and hugging. We will sanitize everything before and after services. We also will be spacing people apart in the Sanctuary.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE: (* = Communion).

Saturday, April 17, *5:00 pm — Sunday, April 18, *8:00 & 10:30 am

Saturday, April 24, 5:00 pm — Sunday, April 25, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, May 1, 5:00 pm — Sunday, May 2, *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, May 8, *5:00 pm — Sunday, May 9, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, May 15, *5:00 pm — (Confessional Sunday) Sunday, May 16, 8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, May 22, 5:00 pm — (8th Grade Confirmation Sunday) Sunday, May 23, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, May 29, 5:00 pm — Sunday, May 30, 8:00 & 10:30 am

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Grace Online – Children’s Bible Lessons!

Bring the message home with activity pages. Enjoy yourself or share with someone. Use as family devotion. New pages posted weekly on children’s ministry page @ glcna.org.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE CHILDRENS MINISTRY PAGE!

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

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

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CHECK OUT BAPTISM – OBITS

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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
https://glcna.org/wp-admin/admin.php?page=cgmp-documentation

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.