31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 31/31

 

Day 31/31

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
    forever.

Isaiah 51:1-2 Discipleship

 Isaiah 51:1-2
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
    and to the quarry from which you were dug.
2 Look to Abraham your father
    and to Sarah who bore you;
for he was but one when I called him,
    that I might bless him and multiply him.

As we are considering the topic of discipleship and what this means for each one of us, whether we are 4 years old, 54 years old, or even pushing toward centenarian, we are going to dive into this passage from Isaiah 51. The concept of discipleship is engaging and empowering; this passage about Abraham opens up some of the beauty and wonder of the term.

Who was Abraham? He was a one-man show. Abraham was called at a time and in a place where much was good and profitable: Ur of the Chaldeas. But Abraham lacked children. Abraham and Sarah missed out on one of the greatest cultural desires of their time: children. Either Abraham or Sarah was infertile; maybe both of them were infertile. 

I want you to focus on that idea of infertility. This means that they lacked the physical ability to have children. They would never have little ones running around the house or around the tent, tugging on apron strings. Their life was relatively silent with the everpresent nudge in their hearts - the desire to have a son or a daughter. They wanted to hear their children squeal with laughter. They wanted the privilege of cleaning up their children’s spilled milk. They wanted children of their own - but they couldn’t produce.

He was barren, Sarah was barren. But God chooses to work through those who are not so that the world can see God at work. Here is where we get to focus on Isaiah 51 and its meaning for us. We may not be able to do many things, but the fact that we are unable actually is fertile ground for God to get the glory.

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
    you who seek the Lord:
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
    and to the quarry from which you were dug. // Isaiah 51:1

God singles out Abraham and Sarah as unable. He zeroes in on them as an object lesson for our own inefficiencies.  Why? Because each of us possesses an area or two or ten in life where we have seasonally failed to make the best of time and resources. Something has been deficient in us; weekly Bible readings and Sunday sermons try to help us uncover these shortfalls. But then we are left . . . well . . . short. How can I overcome and become what God wants in my life as one of Jesus’ disciples? How can all my trying and climbing add up to more than it has in the past?

Isaiah urges us to peer into Abraham’s dried up life. He couldn’t; God does. Abraham is not just given to us as an example but is given to us so that we can witness God’s power at work in the lives of the deficient.

for he was but one when I called him,
    that I might bless him and multiply him. // Isaiah 51:2

God’s desire is to bless us and multiply us, just as it was in Abraham’s life. The blessing may be children. The blessing may be numerous people around us who take on the level of commitment and trust that mirrors children. The blessing may be an ability to minister to someone else’s needs. The blessing may be sudden health where there was enduring weakness. Whatever the blessing is, it will be for the purpose of bringing attention to the one who is deeply connected to us by grace. Jesus becomes God’s way of confirming His love and commitment to us.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? // Romans 8:32

My encouragement for you this week would be to write a list (long list or short - does not matter) of those areas where you are deficient. Tell God about how you are locked down because of Covid and can’t seem to connect with people the way you used to. Tell about the limitations of your bank account and your desire to make a difference. List out your physical incapacities and your emotional struggles. He is not bound to your shortfalls but purposely highlights them in order to impress us with the truth, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

I’m not promising you everything your heart desires; I’m promising you that God wants to work through you and show the world his greatness. Discipleship then becomes turning our focus away from what we don’t have and letting God create Wonder as we see what He has planned to do through our words and through our actions.

God bless you as his disciple.

Pastor Al

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 30/31

Day 30/31 Psalm 24 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,     the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas     and established it on the waters. 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?     Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,     who does not trust in an idol     or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD     and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,     who seek your face, God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, you gates;     be lifted up, you ancient doors,     that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?     The LORD strong and mighty,     the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates;     lift them up, you ancient doors,     that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory?     The LORD Almighty—     he is the King of glory

Christmas Decorations Take Down

We will be taking down Christmas decorations on Friday, January 8th, at 6:00 pm. Please join us!

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 28/31

 Day 28/31

Romans 15:4-13
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 29/31

 Day 29/31

Matthew 11:2-10

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

In-Person Worship // Sunday, December 27, 2020

If you were unable to attend worship Sunday you may use the link below to view Mt. Olive's In-Person Worship. 

In Person Worship-December 27th

Christmas Day Message // Friday, December 25, 2020

Christmas Day Message from Mt. Olive. Please use the link below.

Christmas Day

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 27/31

Day 27/31

Romans 13:11-14

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

 

In Person - Mt. Olive Christmas Eve

If you weren't able to attend Christmas Eve the link will have Mt. Olive's Christmas Eve Service.

 In Person - Christmas Eve

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 25/31

 Day 25/31

Luke 2:21-38
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 26/31

 Day 26/31

Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 24/31

                                                                 

Day 24/31

Luke 2:1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
 

In Person Worship December 20th - repost

 If you missed worship on Sunday you have an opportunity to view worship at Mt. Olive on a YouTube

link. 

In - Person Worship Recording December 20th

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 23/31

Day 23/31

Luke 1:39-56
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his offspring forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
  

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 20/31

Day 20/31

Isaiah 7:10-17

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”
12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”
13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. 17 The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 21/31

 

Day 21/31

Matthew 1:11-17
...and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12 After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,
Abihud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Elihud,
15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 22/31

Day 22/31


Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

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In Person Worship-December 20th

 If you missed worship on Sunday you have an opportunity to view worship at Mt. Olive on a YouTube

link. 

Sunday, December 20 Worship

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 19/31

 

Day 19/31

Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing, Daughter Zion;
    shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
    Daughter Jerusalem!
15 The LORD has taken away your punishment,
    he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;
    never again will you fear any harm.
16 On that day
    they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
    do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The LORD your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”
 

SCLA Christmas Concerts

 Middle School Virtual Christmas Concert

The SCLA Middle School students present their Virtual Christmas Concert Windows of Christmas tonight, December 17, premiering on YouTube at 6:30 p.m. and available afterward. The concert features student readings of special messages they wrote themselves, the choir, band, and a virtual band piece including students from Crown of Life, Good Shepherd, and St. John's Red Wing. View the concert, recording pictures, and the program at StCroixLutheran.org/mschristmas.

High School Virtual Christmas Concert

The high school virtual Christmas Concert Arise, Shine, for Your Light has Come will premier on YouTube on Monday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m. View at StCroixLutheran.org/HSchristmas

 

On behalf of the faculty and staff at St. Croix Lutheran Academy, we want to wish you a merry and blessed Christmas. May the Savior’s birth bring you peace and joy during this time of celebration.

SCLA - A Night to Shine

Sponsor a Night to Shine Guest

Night to Shine is going virtual this year on February 12, 2021, and we need your help to supply a special Gift Experience, personally delivered to each honored guest. Imagine their eyes light up as they open their gift, complete with crown/ tiara, corsage/ boutonniere, and party favors to create more amazing memories! Donate here to sponsor an honored guest! Can you help us meet our goal by Christmas?

Most importantly, please pray for Christ's love to defeat any feelings of loneliness and worry that our guests and their families may be experiencing. Pray that the Lord continues to blanket our beautiful people with His grace and mercy.

Donate Here

Official 2020 Night to Shine Video

 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 16/31

 

Day 16/31

Micah 5:2-5
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.”
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
    until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
    to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
    in the strength of the LORD,
    in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
    will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be our peace
    when the Assyrians invade our land
    and march through our fortresses.
We will raise against them seven shepherds,
    even eight commanders,

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 17/31

 

Day 17/31

Ezekiel 34:11-31
“‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
17 “‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?
20 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.
25 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. 26 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. 27 The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. 28 They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. 29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. 31 You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 18/31

 

Day 18/31

Zechariah 8:1-8
The word of the LORD Almighty came to me.
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”
3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
4 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the LORD Almighty.
7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”
 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 15/31

 

Day 15/31

Jeremiah 33:14-17
“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
15 “‘In those days and at that time
    I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
    he will do what is just and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved
    and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
    The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’
17 For this is what the LORD says: ‘David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne of Israel,'"
 

Communion offered on the 4th Tuesday

Pastor Al will be offering Holy Communion at St. John on Tuesday, December 22 from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM - click this link to set an appointment.  One family (or individual) at a time will come into church to receive communion.  Each family will have a 30 minute period of time.   Please enter through the main church doors and exit through the link door.
You can register for a time  here.    It's really easy to use and saves time for us all.  If you have any challenges or a problem connecting to the calendar, you can call Pastor Al on his cell phone to schedule a time.  651-202-1924. 

In Person Worship-December 13th

 If you missed worship on Sunday you have an opportunity to view worship at Mt. Olive on a YouTube

link. 

Sunday December 13 Worship

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 13/31

 

Day 13/31

2 Peter 3:3-13

3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 14/31

 Day 14/31

Mark 14:60-65

60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 12/31

 

Day 12/31

Colossians 1:15-20

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

 

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 11/31

 

Day 11/31

1 Corinthians 15:20-28

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

 

Saturday Morning 9:00 am Bible Study

 For all of you interested in studying the book of Exodus, here is a link to the Saturday morning 9:00 am

Bible Study. Pastor Al is leading this Bible study for St. John and Mt. Olive. You will need to download

Zoom on your computer to join in. Please click the link below. 

Saturday 9:00 am Bible Study

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 10/31

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 9/31

 Day 9/31

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

 

Congregational Meeting - Proposal to Rent School Facility

On December 13th, there will be a congregational meeting to discuss a proposal to rent our school facility. The meeting will be held downstairs in the fellowship hall from 12:15 to 1PM. 

In the meeting we will gather input and feedback on the proposal, outlined below, and seek voter approval to pursue the proposal further.

Leaders of The Journey School, a public charter school, and Savior of the Nations Experience, a non-profit ministry organization, are interested in renting the school facility starting in fall 2021. Both organizations are led by WELS members at Pilgrim Lutheran Church who were administrators of Pilgrim Lutheran School before it closed.

SON Experience

• Savior of the Nations, or SON, Experience has several ministry programs. One of which is a before and after school care program, called “Royal Ambassadors,” at The Journey School which focuses on sharing the gospel with school children.

The Journey School

• An elementary school that started in fall 2019 with 36 students and has grown to 100 in 1.5 years (well ahead of planned growth goals).

• Primarily draws cross-cultural families of lower income and focuses on incorporating science and technology in the curriculum.

• The current location is on Lexington Ave in former Central Lutheran School building

• The school is funded by the state of Minnesota and operates as its own independent school district. As a result, no ministry can occur during the school day.

Proposal

• The Journey School is interested in launching a second elementary school location in St. John’s facility.

• SON Experience would also operate a before and after school ministry program.

• They are interested in a 5 year minimum lease of the school, gym, and kitchen.

• SON Experience would manage and fund facility improvements to bring the building up to code and St. John would provide a discounted rental rate in the first few years of the lease to offset the improvement costs.

• With coordination, both St. John and Immanuel would still be able to utilize the facility for its ministry programs.

• This proposal provides a tremendous opportunity to partner with SON Experience to carry out ministry work together, but is not mandatory.

December 6th Worship

 If you missed worship on Sunday you have an opportunity to view worship at Mt. Olive on a YouTube

link. 

Sunday December 6 Worship

Weekly Devotion

 Happy Thanksgiving! We know Thanksgiving is over but

for Christians, it is never over.

Here is a digital message about Thanksgiving and celebration.  Link to devotion

This week's digital message is available now! We pray it can be used for a time of worship to our gracious 

God.  Pastor Al looks at 1 Chronicles 1-2, 7-11 and what celebrating looks like this season.    

From God's Word ...

Psalm 103 ...Praise the LORD, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits.

Psalm 148 ...And he has raised up for his people a horn,
    the praise of all his faithful servants,
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

1 Chronicles 16:1-2, 7-11
And they brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!

Link to Devotion

Saturday morning 9:00 am Bible Study

 For all of you interested in studying the book of Exodus, here is a link to the Saturday morning 9:00 am

Bible Study. Pastor Al is leading this Bible study for St. John and Mt. Olive. You will need to download

Zoom on your computer to join in. Please click the link below. 

St. John Saturday Bible Study

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 8/31

 

Day 8/31

Galatians 4:4-6
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 7/31

 Day 7/31

Isaiah 61:1-4
The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me,
    because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD'S favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
    they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
    the devastations of many generations.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 6/31

 

Isaiah 52:1-12
Awake, awake,
    put on your strength, O Zion;
put on your beautiful garments,
    O Jerusalem, the holy city;
for there shall no more come into you
    the uncircumcised and the unclean.
2 Shake yourself from the dust and arise;
    be seated, O Jerusalem;
loose the bonds from your neck,
    O captive daughter of Zion.
3 For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.” 4 For thus says the LORD God: “My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there, and the Assyrian oppressed them for nothing.5 Now therefore what have I here,” declares the LORD, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail,” declares the LORD, “and continually all the day my name is despised. 6 Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.”
7 How beautiful upon the mountains
    are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
    who publishes salvation,
    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
8 The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice;
    together they sing for joy;
for eye to eye they see
    the return of the LORD to Zion.
9 Break forth together into singing,
    you waste places of Jerusalem,
for the LORD has comforted his people;
    he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD has bared his holy arm
    before the eyes of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth shall see
    the salvation of our God.

11 Depart, depart, go out from there;
    touch no unclean thing;
go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves,
    you who bear the vessels of the LORD.
12 For you shall not go out in haste,
    and you shall not go in flight,
for the LORD will go before you,
    and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

 

Congregational Meeting - Sunday December 13th

There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday December 13th, following the worship service downstairs in the fellowship hall from 12:15 to 1:00PM. 

The council will present a ministry opportunity, including rental of the school facility, for feedback and congregational vote. Additional details will be shared in advance of the congregational meeting.

31- Day Bible Reading Challenge 5/31

Catch up to today's reading.

Isaiah 39:5-40:11
5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD. 7 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the LORD'S hand
    double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
    and all flesh shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

6 A voice says, “Cry!”
    And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
    and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades
    when the breath of the LORD blows on it;
    surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.

9 Go on up to a high mountain,
    O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
    lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
    “Behold your God!”
10 Behold, the LORD God comes with might,
    and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
    he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
    and gently lead those that are with young.