Our Redeemer's Blog

“Cancelling” Church, and Worshipping Together Anyway!

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After a great deal of back and forth, Pastor Gretchen and I have decided to cancel worship services at the church tomorrow. It’s supposed to get down to 15 degrees tonight, and that means any wetness on the roads will freeze, and still be frozen tomorrow a.m. While some of us could make it if we have weather-worthy vehicles, it’s probably not safe or maybe even tempting for many of us to try. HOWEVER, thanks to the marvels of technology, … Continued

Christian Advocacy 101

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Advocacy: public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy (Merriam Webster Dictionary) I have a confession. I came late to Christian advocacy – or public advocacy of any kind. I certainly felt angry and moaned and complained about injustices I saw. Moreover, I was (and still am) an expert at participating in righteously indignant conversations with people with whom I agree. But as it has been humorously observed, there is a limited amount of effectiveness in “vehemently … Continued

SERMON: June 10, 2018 “Hiding From God” Pastor Gretchen Mertes

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) First Reading / Gospel Genesis 3:8-15 8 [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of … Continued

SERMON: June 3, 2018 “The Courage to Rest” Pastor Kathy Hawks

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) Gospel Mark 2:23–3:6 Jesus challenges the prevailing interpretation of what is lawful on the sabbath and tells his critics that the sabbath was made for humankind, not the other way around. Healing the man with the withered hand is work that cannot wait until the next day. 23One sabbath [Jesus] was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24The Pharisees said to him, “Look, … Continued

SERMON: May 27, 2018 “Uh Oh” Pastor Kathy Hawks

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) Gospel John 3:1-17 1Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from … Continued

Statement from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

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We at Our Redeemer’s feel called to share this statement by the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJH). Israel’s violent action a few days ago against unarmed protestors at the Gaza border resulted in the deaths of at least 60 human beings and more than 2000 injuries. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land statement strongly condemns these killings and the unjustified and disproportionate use of force against unarmed civilians, … Continued

From the Pastor: May 2018

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“But ask the animals, and they will teach you;    the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;    and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know    that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing    and the breath of every human being. “ -Job 12:7-10 … Continued

SERMON: April 29, 2018 “Connectivity: Where do you find your identity?”

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) Gospel John 15:1-8 1 “I am the true vine, and God is the vinegrower. 2 God removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit God prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless … Continued

SERMON: February 18, 2018 “Lord, deliver us from sitting on our hands”

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) Gospel Mark 1:9-15 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12 And the Spirit immediately … Continued

SERMON: February 11, 2017 “The Mountain IS Out!”

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(listen along for a more enhanced sermon experience!) Gospel Mark 9:2-9  2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us … Continued

Our Redeemer’s Blog

Along with our calendar, our blog is a great place to see what we’re up to. Read the posts below to hear musings from Pastor Kathy, ministry leaders and folks in our community. You can use a filter to read updates on our high school youth activities, Kids’ Church and much more. There’s a lot happening around here. Feel free to leave a comment, email the author, share things on facebook, and join the conversation.

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