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Feel free to use the graphic as a background for your phone or tablet.  Luther's directions to the artist stated there should be a black cross in a heart, the heart to retain its natural color. This is to remind us that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross because it mortifies and causes pain. Yet, it leaves the heart its natural color. It does not destroy nature. That is to say, it does not kill us, but keeps us alive, for "the righteous shall live by ...

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Today's Readings

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

Today's readings highlighted catechetically with Zebrite markers. Orange is for allusions to the Ten Commandments, green for Apostles Creed, blue for the Lord's Prayer, pink for Sacraments...and yellow for all else.  Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalm 32:1-7 Romans 13:1-10 Matthew 18:1-20

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Today's Readings

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A

Today's readings highlighted catechetically with Zebrite markers. Orange is for allusions to the Ten Commandments, green for Apostles Creed, blue for the Lord's Prayer, pink for Sacraments...and yellow for all else.  Jeremiah 15:15-21 Psalm 26 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Get your own Zebrite highlighters here.

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The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67:1-7; Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-28

It was promised of old that salvation would come, that God’s righteousness would be revealed so that his way might be known throughout the earth. So it is that in Christ, many have been gathered and still more will be gathered. Even those who are considered lost will be found and receive the Lord’s irrevocable gifts of mercy, grace, and salvation. God will have mercy even on Gentiles and the lost

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Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Joshua 8:30-35

The singing of Vespers, the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," a lesson from Joshua 8:30-35, a reading from Luther's Large Catechism, and a comment or two. 

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Jigsaw Puzzles

Solve them online

Here is a page of Scripture puzzles from Sola Publlishing. There are lots of puzzles there. 

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The Tenth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Job 38:4-18; Psalm 18:1-16; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33

God speaks to us all when he answers Job out of the whirlwind. The God of all creation is in control. Even when our souls are poured out within us (Job 30:16), the Lord is our strength. When death assails us, even then he is in control of our lives. He has drawn us out of many waters already — even through baptism, the water of death (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27). So let us make the good confession of faith

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Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 11:25-36

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Romans 11:25-36, and a reading from the Large Catechism with a comment from Pastor Ryman.

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The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26; Romans 9:1-5, 6-13; Matthew 14:13-21

God makes an everlasting covenant, not simply with David but, with all whom he represents. When he says that he will make a covenant with “you,” that “you” is plural. This everlasting covenant, in Pauline terms, is with the Israel of God. That is how his steadfast love endures forever: it extends to all of the elect, the children of Abraham. He feeds all who follow him from the bounty of his stead

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Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 9:1-18

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now All the Woods Are Sleeping" (LBW hymn 276), a lesson from Romans 9:1-18, and a reading from the Large Catechism with a comment from Pastor Ryman.

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The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Psalm 125:1-5; Romans 8:28-39; Matthew 13:44-52

We are holy to the Lord because he keeps his covenant with us. He is the one who is faithful; it is not the other way around. So, we must have faith in him, in his faithfulness. This faith in God’s faithfulness fixes us, makes as immovable as a mountain, as the Rock who surrounds us like a fortress. Thus, we are able to do good without relying on our results. God turns even our mistakes into matte

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Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 7:13–25

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Christ, You Are the Light and Day" (LBW hymn 273), a lesson from Romans 7:13–25, and a homily on what to do when you sin.

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The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 119:57-64; Romans 8:18-27; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The Lord, the only God, is all we need. We need fear nothing in life, for his is a steadfast love. This does not mean there are no sufferings in the present time. It does mean that the divine Spirit helps in all our weaknesses. He even mediates for us before the Father when we do not know how to pray about our troubles. Indeed, the troubles of life will come. Eventually, judgment will come at the

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Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 4:13–25

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275), a lesson from Romans 4:13–25, and a reading by Martin Luther.

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The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1–14; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

The gospel seed is to be sown over the entire world. Even as the rain and snow that God sends down from the heavens brings forth fruit from the ground, sowers may trust God for the increase. It is through the Spirit, not our skill at sowing, that gospel seed takes root, and to mix metaphors, that people are adopted into the family of God. So it is with God’s word; it will surely accomplish God’s p

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Vespers

An online service of worship

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Abide with Me," (LBW hymn 272), a lesson from Matthew 18:1–4, and a poem by Susan Ruach: "A New Way of Struggling."

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The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:1-14; Romans 7:14-25a; Matthew 11:25-30

It is a good thing that God is able to do what he purposes to accomplish. Paul could not do so; neither can we. But thanks be to God that though we delight in the law but cannot perform it, Christ has fulfilled the law. In other words, we cannot overcome sin by keeping the law, but Christ has overcome sin for us. We need but come to him to find rest for our souls and be at peace, knowing that beca

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HVAC Fund

Project News

Education Wing HVAC Fund Drive There are two HVAC units that will soon be replaced in the church building. They are in the education and office wing, and cover the area from the sanctuary doors through the chapel. These current units require running an inefficient, dated boiler that uses too much gas. Compounding the problem are boiler pipes in the floor from 1950s that leak when it is in operation.  We were quoted $21,439.00 in February of this year, and the contractor is still honoring the price.  There is now $18,046.05 in the fund. That is up almost $6,500 from the $11,550.37 that was in the  ...

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:1–4

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night," (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Matthew 16:1–4, and a reading from Søren Kierkegaard's 'The Sickness Unto Death.'

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Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 119:153-160; Romans 7:1-13; and Matthew 10:34-42.

We are not divorced from keeping the law. Every one of God’s righteous rules endures forever. The Ten Commandments remain in both Scripture and the Catechism. They are there for our good and our guidance. The law, however, cannot condemn those who have faith in the Son of Man who fulfilled the law for us. Nevertheless, we are called to live in the Spirit at a higher level, bearing fruit for God. T

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now the Day Is Over," (LBW hymn 280), a reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, and another reading from Karl Barth's 'Come, Holy Spirit.'

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The Third Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 20:7–13; Psalm 91:1–16; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

“Trust and obey,” says the old hymn. Yet we might also sing, “Trust and abide.” Though one’s ministry is as unsatisfying as Jeremiah’s, as dangerous as David’s, as rigorous as Paul’s, or as treacherous as Jesus’, we are called to be obedient. Christ calls and we must obey, for we are in his service. This call is a call to deep disappointment, rejection, and death—but also great satisfaction, adopt

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3:14–16

The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," (LBW hymn 282) by Paul Gerhardt and Heinrich Isaac, a reading from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 3:14–16), and another reading from Oswald Bayer's essay, "Silence Before God," from the latest issue of 'Lutheran Quarterly.'

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The Second Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Exodus 19:2–8a; Psalm 100:1–5; Romans 5:6–15; Matthew 9:35–10:20

Following on the heels of Gospel lesson for Trinity Sunday where Jesus sent the disciples into the world to baptize and teach, we see in today’s readings that all of God’s people are sent into the world as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation of proclaimers. We are to make a joyful noise unto and for the Lord. This reconciled priesthood of believers is being sent out as harvesters.

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1–12

The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275) by Ambrose, a reading from the Apostle John, and the reading of an ancient hymn by Hilary of Poiters

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Trinity Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1-2:4a ; Psalm 8:1-10; Acts 2:14a, 22-36; Matthew 28:16-20

The Holy Trinity is anticipated from the beginning. There, the Spirit is the first person of the Trinity to be named in Scripture, even before the Father. However, the one God (Deut 6:4) is expressed in the Hebrew with the plural elohim. Luke recounts Peter’s sermon, showing that our Lord Jesus Christ is divine. Part of our remembering the triune name of God is recalling with the psalmist that we

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Pentecost Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 25:1-15; Acts 2:1-21; John 7:37-39

Wait for God. Too often, individuals and entire congregations rush ahead of the Spirit. They are determined to do things their way—even if that is the same old way, “the way we’ve always done it in our church.” But God is doing something new, and we may see it, if we wait. Without the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and his guidance (inspiration), we stumble, at best. Alcoholics Anonymous describes

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Ascension Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:1–9; Ephesians 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53

Order of Worship  Download the PDF of the Order of Worship Collect Hymn: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Lyrics: The Veneble Bede; Music: “Geistliche Kirchengesänge,” Köln (1623) A hymn of glory let us sing; new hymns throughout the world shall ring: Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ, by a road before untrod, ascends unto the throne of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! The holy apostolic band upon the Mount of Olives stand; Alleluia! Alleluia! and with his faithful followers see their Lord ascend in majesty. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, ...

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:1–10

In the midst of singing Vespers, readings from the Apostle Paul and from Elton Trueblood...

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The Sixth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 17:16–31; Psalm 66:8–20; 1 Peter 3:13–22; John 14:15–21

  Order of Worship  download the PDF Collect Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King Lyrics: Anonymous; Music: “Italian Hymn,” Felice de Giardini (1719–1796) Come, thou Almighty King, help us thy name to sing, help us to praise. Father, all glorious, O’er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days. Come, thou Incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword, our prayer attend. Come and thy people bless, And give thy Word success, And let thy righteousness On us descend. Come, Holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour. Thou who almighty art, now rule in ...

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:1–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28; Matthew 6:19–24

The Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer...

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A sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Scripture Text: Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60; Psalm 146:1–10; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14

A sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter – “Is that the way you were raised?” parents sometimes wonder aloud. We too, as children of God, are being raised in a very specific way. We are to grow up into the salvation God has given, “work[ing] out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12). The Catechism says it a little differently: that we are to “fear, love, and trust God above all things.” There is no other way to grow up in the faith, for God in Christ is that way. We grow into our salvation by living in him, being fitted in this life for heaven where we will be with him in the ...

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The Fifth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60; Psalm 146:1–10; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14

  Order of Worship (download the PDF) Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Collect Hymn: Come, Sing Praises to Our Mothers Lyrics: Mark E. Ryman (2004); Music: “Beecher,” John Zundel (1870) Come, sing praises to our mothers who have tuned our hearts to you. You share praises with no others but these ones whose love is true. They must hear our truest feelings if they would know how we’re blessed by unwearied, careful teachings given without thought of rest. We raise up our grateful voices for the patient love of moms, who have listened to the noises of their screaming, childish ...

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The Fourth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10

Order of Worship (download the PDF) The Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020 Collect Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd Is Lyrics: Henry Williams Baker; Music: St. Columbia The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never. I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth; and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth. Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me; and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with thee, dear ...

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A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10

A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – How do sheep hear the voice of their shepherd? Likely not by constant bleating. Rather, they keep an ear toward the shepherd. Otherwise, they wander off into trouble. Moreover, without an ear to the shepherd, they will miss a meal. It is the shepherd who calls the sheep to good grazing spots and fresh water. He who thirsted, Gregory of Nazianzus said, exclaimed to the world, “Whoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” The suffering shepherd who hungered, still feeds his sheep. But they must hear him call, and come to the meal. This is one reason we must devote ...

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15–17

Drive by Salem Lutheran Church Saturday morning at 11:00 to show Pastor Dawn your suport. Salem is located at 5080 Sherrills Ford Rd, Salisbury, NC. 

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A sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter

Scripture Text: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-14; 1 Peter 1:17-25; Luke 24:13-35

A sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter – Because God is gracious and merciful, he extends forgiveness and the gift of his Spirit to all, throughout the generations. He delivers our souls from sin and death, so that we may walk with him as Adam did, in the land of the living. He accomplishes this by putting to death our old nature through baptism, a burial of the sinner into the death of Christ. In the process, he gives dead sinners new life through his own precious blood. This is why it was necessary for Christ to suffer and enter his glory: so that through him, we too may enter the glory of God’s eternal presence, as he ...

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The Third Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-14; 1 Peter 1:17-25; Luke 24:13-35

Because God is gracious and merciful, he extends forgiveness and the gift of his Spirit to all, throughout the generations. He delivers our souls from sin and death, so that we may walk with him as Adam did, in the land of the living. He accomplishes this by putting to death our old nature through baptism, a burial of the sinner into the death of Christ. In the process, he gives dead sinners new l

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The Second Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 5:29-42; Psalm 148:1–14; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Order of Worship Collect Hymn: "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everliving Head. He lives triumphant from the grave, He lives eternally to save, He lives all-glorious in the sky, He lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with His love, He lives to plead for me above, He lives my hungry soul to feed, He lives to help in time of need. He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives, "I know that my ...

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A sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter

Scripture Text: Acts 5:29-42; Psalm 148; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

A sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter – Watching basketball on television, one will sometimes hear the commentator say that one team has imposed their will on the game, that they will not be defeated. Sometimes it seems that the devil is winning, or that our sins are so great that salvation is uncertain. But the devil cannot frustrate God’s will—nor can we. Even our sin does not overpower the All Powerful. Look to his hands and side. See! It is finished. God has imposed his divine will on the game through his Christ, and his Spirit is the seal of this great salvation.  

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A sermon for Easter Sunday

Scripture Text: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 16; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

A sermon for Easter Sunday – This is why Jesus was born, lived, suffered, and died: so that “the Lord of all” would be the good news of salvation to “everyone who believes in him,” thereby receiving “forgiveness of sins through his name.” Indeed, there is no good apart from him. So we must always set Christ before us, seeking heavenly things—that is, seeking Christ himself who sits at the right hand of God. This is the life of the new creation, a life buried and hidden in the risen Christ. 

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Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 16; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

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Easter Sunrise

A sermon for Easter Sunrise – preached for Salem Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. We rejoice in the Lord's resurrection, and also this Easter, in the recovery of Salem's pastor, Rev. Dawn Rister, who the Lord has blessed with having beaten COVID-19. I spoke with her last night, and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear her voice again. Alleluia! 

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Good Friday

Devotions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 52:13–53:12

With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordained ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Good Friday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church. 

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Maundy Thursday at Eventide

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: John 13:31–35

We were commanded under the law to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus gives us a new command: to love each other the way he has loved us.  

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Maundy Thursday

Devotions

Scripture Text: Exodus 24:3–11

With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordaianed ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Maundy Thursday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church. 

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Palm Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 118:19–26; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 26:1–27:66

This is why we know of Jesus today. Long ago, at his Father’s bidding, he came to earth to be crucified. More specifically, he lived among us so that he would die for our sins, his body broken and his blood spilled in order that God’s forgiving grace could be made available to all who believe. In order for this to happen, God had to provide his grace in a just manner; the penalty of the sin of a world had to be paid. So both God and humanity must die: a human because we sinned, and God because he would pay the debt of all. And so, the Son of God became the Son of Man, setting his face like flint, determined to save those ...

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Palm Sunday

Series: Lent 2020

A sermon for Palm Sunday – As I type this, it is a beautiful, sunny day here in North Carolina. But this is not the sort of day the psalmist had in mind when he composed, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." He was speaking of the day of righteousness that the Lord made through his Christ, by which we are afforded salvation and eternal life. 

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16

The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), April 1, 2020

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The Fifth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130:1–8; Romans 8:1–11; John 11:1–45

Our thanks to Augsburg Publishing for permitting the use of their music during the pandemic.  A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in this flesh, are raised to new life in Christ. But this happens, not because a prophet spoke or even because the Lord said, “Come forth,” but because the Son of Man died for the world, becoming the resurrection and the life to everyone who believes.  

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Fifth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lent 2020

A sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent – A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in this flesh, are raised to new life in Christ.

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Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Mark 8:14

The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), March 25, 2020

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The Fourth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Watch this short video about getting ready for today's worship service. Please note that there is now a GIVE link at the top of every page of this website, so that you may make an online offering. A Service of Worship The Fourth Sunday in Lent March 22, 2020   Order for Confession and Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify ...

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The Third Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95:1–9; Romans 5:1–8; John 4:5–30, 39–42

What do we use our mouths for—to grumble or to praise? We suffer a little and grumble about God or his servants. We thirst; we hunger; yet do we rejoice in our sufferings? Those who rejoice instead of complain, endure and ultimately, are refreshed and renewed through their hope in God. They have faith that he is able and willing to provide a veritable sea to gush from a rock, in order to satisfy their needs. He provided living water from the Rock of our salvation so that we need “never be thirsty again. Drink deeply—and rejoice.

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Third Sunday in Lent

Series: Lent 2020
Scripture Text: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–8; John 4:5–26

A sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent – These are difficult tiimes for our nation and the world. Is God using them so that we might be drawn to the Rock of rejoicing. Drink! 

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Second Sunday in Lent

Series: Lent 2020
Scripture Text: Genesis 12:1–9; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1–17; John 3:1–17

A sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent – Maybe God has called you to another city, another job, another church or family. He does so with divine purpose for your life. For when God calls us, he is calling us to himself. When we go where God has called, we find he is there with us.

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First Sunday in Lent

Series: Lent 2020
Scripture Text: Genesis 3:1-21; Psalm 32:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

A sermon for the First Sunday in Lent – God created a way to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. He has also made a way to cover our sins. This sermon considers what it is that makes people happy, and how God has provided the way to this utmost contentment.

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Ash Wednesday 2020

Series: Lent 2020
Scripture Text: Joel 2:12-19; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

A sermon for Ash Wednesday – How can we prepare for the Easter celebration of Christ's resurrection? This sermon speaks to the whys, whats, and hows of the church season of sacrifice we call Lent.

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Transfiguration of Our Lord

Series: Epiphany 2020
Scripture Text: Exodus 24:8–18; Psalm 2:6–12; 2 Peter 1:16–21; Matthew 17:1–9

A sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord – Some of Jesus' disciples beheld him in glory and wondered what works they should do in response. We wonder much the same. And what are we to do but follow Jesus down the mountain into the valley of the world? 

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The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

The immature believer thinks, What should I do? The mature Christian asks, What should I hear? For there is often a deeper word than, “Thou shalt.” This is when we hear the Lord say, “But I say to you.” The Spirit gives us a spiritual understanding of the commandment. This is the meat of the word, where there is an inner change that matches the outward action. The implanted word (James 1:21) grows into the outward life but the work of the flesh will never nurture the inward being. This comes by the grace of God in an ongoing, steady inquiry into the word, so that the ...

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The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

The Psalm is arresting. Who may dwell with God? Only the one who walks blamelessly may do so. But who is that person apart from the righteousness of God in Christ? Though God has told us what is good, we cannot do it. We confess that we are in bondage to sin and that we cannot free ourselves. It is God alone who has redeemed us from this house of slavery. This is “the word of the cross” that is the power of God at work in our lives. It is those who acknowledge their sin, who confess that they are “poor in spirit,” who receive all the blessings named in the beatitudes. Those who mourn over their sin, and humbly ...

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The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:1- 4; Psalm 27:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-25

The overwhelming imagery of our readings for this Sunday is light and darkness (though in the Epistle we must work out the connection to the metaphors). A light has shone upon those who dwell in darkness. That light is the given Son of God. He is both our light and the power of God for salvation. Those who follow him will now walk in the light, though they dwell in lands of great darkness.

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The Baptism of Our Lord

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29:1-11; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 3:13-17

God sends forth his servant: himself. He is no ordinary servant, but instead, one who will go to the death in order to accomplish the Lord’s mission. God’s servant fully identifies with sinners, even being baptized, and so, fulfilling all righteousness so that sinners may be baptized into his baptism—his death and resurrection. Being baptized therefore, into his very death, the sinner’s nature dies. Likewise, because Christ arose, those who are regenerated though baptism into Christ will also rise in newness of life and in eternal life. This promise is the Lord’s voice over the waters of baptism; and so, the ...

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Epiphany

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–11, 12–15; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12

Beyond the messianic theme announced by Isaiah is another great promise. Though darkness seems to cut off all light and hope, the Light who is the Lord, arises upon people of faith. Look and see the light shining in the darkness that darkness cannot overcome (John 1:5). Though the moon perishes (and the sun with it), there will still be light, for in eternity, the Lamb is all the light we need (Rev 21:23). God is heaven’s bright star, the same guiding light that steered kings and shepherds to the infant Light of the World. And so, the mystery once kept in the dark is now revealed. God’s plan to save all people, Jews and ...

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The First Sunday after Christmas

A Sermon

Scripture Text: saiah 63:7-14; Psalm 111:1-10; Galatians 4:4-7; Matthew 2:13-23

Herod literally carried out the law’s punishment (Rom 6:23) by killing the newborns. But Christ fulfills the law itself, redeeming us by his own death so that we may live. Though we are not worthy of the redemption that God has purchased for us, we are expected to live up to our redemption. God expects us to be grown-ups who do not need to depend upon the law to manage our lives. We are to live through the Spirit of grace. It disappoints God when we do not do so. So as children of God, we must remember again and again his gracious mercy. How may we better do so than by partaking of the food of those who fear, love, and trust him? He ...

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Christmas Eve

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Isaiah 7:10–14; Psalm 110:1–4; 1 John 4:7–16; Matthew 1:18–25

A decree was once made that the entire Roman Empire should be counted, so that taxes could be levied for the support of the empire. However, a greater proclamation went out long before the empire of Rome, that the government of all people would rest upon the shoulders of the child of light. That government will increase, forever adding citizens to his kingdom. So we see that God used the Roman Empire that no longer exists, to advance a better royal edict, that the glorious reign of the Prince of Peace would have no end (Luke 1:33). “He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness,” bringing ...

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Third Sunday of Advent

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Isaiah 35:1–10; Psalm 146:1–10; James 5:7–11; Matthew 11:2–15

Oh, what fools sinners are. And being poor sinners, we are such fools. Yet even foolish sinners will never go astray if they walk in the Way of Holiness. Where is this road; how do we find it? Is it a highway built by kings or princes, nations or peoples? Or is it the roadway of he who watches over all sojourners? Is God himself the Way of Holiness? Jesus said he is the way (John 14:6). So, let us look to the Lord himself—not to a way of life, of living pious lives. The Lord is coming. Be patient. Ground your hearts in God’s word; strengthen your faith by trusting in the Lord. He is coming for poor, foolish sinners such as ...

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The First Sunday of Advent

A Sermon preached at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC

Scripture Text: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 24:36-44

The season is Advent so we should not be surprised that metaphors of coming and going and traveling are used. Isaiah exhorts, let us go up to the house of the Lord, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. The psalmist is happy whenever anyone says, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Paul calls us to walk properly as those who are clothed in Christ which is to be in the armor of light. In the optional Gospel Reading (Matt 21:1–11), it is the blessed Jesus who is the one coming—coming in the name of the Lord. In the primary Gospel Reading, we are not so much coming or going as being still, ready for ...

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Christ the King Sunday

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Malachi 3:13-18; Psalm 95:1-7; Colossians 1:13-20; Luke 23:27-43

As the days shorten into shadows, we are exhorted to be the people who wait for the dawn. For when the light of morning comes, we will discover that God is in our midst. People of faith do not forget his presence, even in dark times. The King may seem to be far distant, but we are to continue in the faith—having faith that he will return and that he is already present. For ours is not only a waiting hope but an existing hope. He is already our refuge and strength and very present help. Those who have faith in Christ will be remembered by the returning King as faithful subjects of his kingdom. Indeed, they will be his very own ...

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Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Malachi 4:1–6; Psalm 98:1–9; 2 Thessalonians 3:1–13; Luke 21:5–28, 29–36

The Lord is returning. That great and awesome day draws ever near. But it is not here yet. So what now? “The Lord has made known his salvation,” so now is the time for endurance. We must wait for God to to judge the world with righteousness, and in the meantime, we are to make a joyful noise to him and tend to our vocations. As we make that joyful noise, we are to do our work quietly. Faith finds a level place to take an enduring stand in the steadfastness of Christ. We are thereby empowered to patiently wait for his return while tending to the holy callings of parenting, farming, or any other tasks that God has placed before ...

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Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Exodus 3:1–15; Psalm 148:1–12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–8, 13–17; Luke 20:27–40

See how God enabled Moses to not only fear him, but trust and love him? I have heard the cries of my people. How comforting it is to know our Father listens to us and hears our prayers (v7). How much more reassuring to know that he is with us (v12). Yet, all will not be easy; we must stand firm in trying times. The Lord God will stand with us. Those who stand in faith in him until the end will enjoy eternal glory, being sons of the resurrection: equal to the angels in immortality.

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All Saints

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Revelation 7:2-8, 9-17; Psalm 149:1-9; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

A sermon preached by seminarian Jennifer Needham

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Reformation Sunday

A Sermon

Scripture Text: Revelation 14:6-7; Psalm 46:1-11; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

Preached at an ecumenical gathering for Reformation Sunday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, GA

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