Pastor Dave’s studies at the Institute of Lutheran Theology have come to an end, and he is now ordained as a pastor. The full ordination is available now on YouTube for anyone who was not able to attend. (Or for anyone who wants to watch it again!)
By Faith
Pastor Dave’s studies at the Institute of Lutheran Theology have come to an end, and he is now ordained as a pastor. The full ordination is available now on YouTube for anyone who was not able to attend. (Or for anyone who wants to watch it again!)
By Faith
The original Greek language of the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds describes the Church as “catholic” (small c), which means “universal.” It declares that there is only one Christian Church on earth. As early as the 1400’s, however, “Christian Church” was commonly used and understood to mean the same as “catholic.”
After the Reformation, the Church of Rome more intentionally used “Catholic” (capital C) to distinguish itself as the true Church over against Protestants. Over time, that usage began to function as a denominational title. It then made even more sense for Lutherans to use “Christian,” since we are part of the catholic Church, but clearly not the Catholic Church.
Only in 1978, when the Lutheran Book of Worship (green hymnal) was published, did we switch back to using “catholic Church” in the creeds. The reasons for the change were not all clear, but it became crystal clear through the next 35 years of trying to clarify (small-c) catholic from (capital-c) Catholic that it was endlessly confusing. Despite its original meaning, people assume that “catholic” (capitalized or not) refers to the Roman Catholic Church and are often baffled when Lutherans confess their faith in “the holy catholic Church.”
So, to clarify our confession—to ourselves and especially to guests—we have reclaimed the word Lutherans consistently used in all but the last generation, confessing our faith in “the holy Christian Church.” The meaning is the same, but we hope this communicates it more clearly.
Pastor Scott Grorud responds to a theological question each month in our newsletter series “Stump the Pastor.” Have a question that you think will stump the pastor? Email it to Pastor Scott.
By Faith
Kacie Fahey will soon be leaving Faith Lutheran due to her husband’s new job. So, Faith is now seeking applicants for the full-time position of Director of Children and Family Ministry.
Position: Director of Children and Family Ministry
Church: Faith Lutheran Church, 335 Main St. South, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Affiliation: LCMC
Contact Name: Pastor Scott Grorud
Phone (320) 587-2093
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.faithlc.com
Position Title: Director of Children and Family Ministry
This position calls for a person to envision, create, coordinate, and administer the communication of the Gospel to children and their families, under the direction of the pastors. Candidates shall demonstrate ability to work in Christian harmony with various groups in the congregation, relating well to children and families, teachers, aides, pastors, other church staff, and congregation members. This position calls for a commitment to the spiritual growth and development of children and their families, a commitment to Lutheran theology, along with creative, organizational, administrative, and leadership skills for children and family ministry. Respect for confidential information is essential. Also helpful are skills in operating office machines, graphic arts, and computer equipment.
To apply, please submit a résumé by February 7, 2014, by e-mail to Pastor Scott ([email protected]) or by mail to Faith Lutheran Church, 335 Main Street S, Hutchinson, MN 55350.
By Faith
The 2013 Annual Report from Faith Lutheran Church is available now! Catch up on all that happened at Faith in 2013: transitions, new staff, new ministries, huge progress on our mortgage principal, and the eradication of our past operating debt. It was a year worthy of a High-5. The Annual Meeting is planned for Sunday, January 26, 2014, at 12:00 noon. We hope to see all our members in attendance!
By Faith
For the 3rd and final day of the Three Days of Prayer, we focus on vision. Pray that the Holy Spirit will again move through the hearts and minds of leaders and pastors that God’s vision for His church might be revealed and fulfilled. This is a time of prayer for renewal, revival and encouragement. Pray for God’s vision.
Here is a prayer to end your Thursday:
Gracious God, We pray You to watch over all who serve you in every land and every place. Guard all who carry Your Gospel into remote places at great cost. Strengthen those who suffer and are persecuted for Your name’s sake. Bless those who preach, teach, counsel, and administer in the name of Christ. Multiply the fruits of the labor of all who confess Your name before men. Imbue all Your people baptized in Christ with devotion, love, and zeal. Enable all Your adopted children to serve Your will in the variety of their vocations, arts, and crafts, that others may see their good works and glorify You through Christ, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.
The prayer from Thursday morning:
With the rising sun we come to You, Lord God, at the beginning of this uncharted day. Make Your Word a lamp to our feet and a light to our way. By Your Spirit help us to make the right choices in life, to lead others in paths pleasing to You, and always to reveal the mind of Christ. Fill our hearts with compassion for the straying and lost, that by Your grace we may lead them to the cross of our beloved Redeemer. Look with favor upon the preachers and teachers of the Gospel as they proclaim Christ to the nations.
Bless our missionaries and all frontline workers in their efforts to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Give them courage in the face of danger, strength in their weakness, and encouragement when the harvest of Your Word is slow to appear. Keep their families safe from harm, and fill them with joy for the task they share. Grant the unbelieving grace to accept in faith the message of heavenly peace in Christ. Increase our interest in and support of the work of evangelizing the world. For the sake of Jesus, whose witnesses we are. Amen.
Today is also the day that 11 people from the Augustana District, including Pastor Paul Knudson from Faith Lutheran, leave for a mission trip to Ethiopia, where they will serve and learn from the Tabor congregation. Join us in praying for the trip:
Heavenly Father, loving Son, and enabling Spirit;
Guide the paths of the Augustana District group as they travel to Ethiopia. Grant them favorable weather, warm welcomes, and protection from the unrest in South Sudan. May the power of your Word be evident in Pastor Paul’s proclamation at their Sunday worship. May the days visiting the remote areas inspire us and help us to understand the Tabor congregation’s zeal for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Bless this time of building a partnership between our Augustana District churches and the Tabor congregation. May this relationship bring all of us growth and inspiration. Grant that meetings in Addis Ababa with other Church leaders will cause us to rejoice in the miracles God is doing with the modest help from us, his servant people.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
What are you praying for today? Comment on this post, comment on our Facebook page, or tweet @FaithLutheran. Look for more prayers to come as the 3 Days of Prayer continue, Jan. 7-9.
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