Lord God, heavenly Father, You have called Your Church from every tribe and nation. Grant that Your people throughout the world would rejoice in the death and resurrection of Christ and live as those who have died and risen with Him in Holy Baptism; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May 31, 2026 Bulletin Read Post »
As we “dialed up” Waze to navigate our way up north last Thursday evening we immediately noticed that a creative adjustment had been made to our usual route. I am sure it had to do with the influx of Memorial Day travelers on I-75 and the lane restrictions south of Flint. The creative adjustment sent us up North Avenue, across through Armada, to I-69, then I-475, and finally, just north of Flint, to I-75. The trip went so well that we just might travel that way again even if it’s not being recommended.
Creative Adjustments Read Post »
Almighty Father, with Your Son, Jesus Christ, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts through Your Word to rule and govern us according to Your will. Comfort us in every temptation and misfortune and defend us against every error, that we may continue steadfast in the faith, increase in love and good works, and — trusting firmly in Your grace — obtain eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May 24, 2026 Bulletin Read Post »
After being out of town at conferences Tuesday through Thursday I just had Friday to prepare for a very busy weekend. However, Friday also included meeting with a family and a Mel Ott ballgame. Saturday morning I led a three-hour workshop and then joined a funeral already in progress as a person in the nave. Sunday morning I preached, made a funeral home visit and ended the day with a social engagement. Monday was a funeral for which I could not be late. Monday night I slept well.
Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May 17, 2026 Bulletin Read Post »
I have often said that Mother’s Day may be the most difficult holiday upon which to preach. There are so many variables and differing expectations. Yet to totally ignore the occasion in the sermon never seems like the right thing to do, either. So, I thought I would share with you a little excerpt of my sermon from this past Sunday. The sermon was titled “Another Helper.”
Mother’s Day Excerpt Read Post »
I have been reading the Psalms this week and something has jumped out at me as never before. Many of the psalms view the past and the present with very differing thoughts. The present is seen as a cup half full, and often times much worse, questioning God’s lack of concern and action. However memories of the past focus upon the faithfulness of God, his acts of deliverance and consistent love. I guess people today complaining about the present and talking about “the good old days” is nothing new.
We entrust all these petitions to Your care, loving Father, confident in Your great mercy for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is worshiped together with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May 10, 2026 Bulletin Read Post »
O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May 3, 2026 Bulletin Read Post »
As is my custom, I am currently reading two books. I started reading both of them the same day a week or so ago. One is over 600 pages long, the other only 139 pages. However, in spite of the obvious disparity, I expect I will finish the “600 plus-er” first. Why? Well, for one reason the longer book is a large print version of a Tom Clancy novel. The other is a very technical, academic book with minute print. When reading the Jack Ryan Jr. novel I am having a difficult time setting the book down at the end of a chapter. The other book, “How (Not) to be Secular – Reading Charles Taylor” by James A. K. Smith, has my brain fried every 3-4 pages – so that it takes me 2-3 sittings just to get through a chapter.
Not Always Obvious Read Post »
