tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246893032024-03-26T15:13:17.964-04:00Article 7A Lutheran pastor's blog about church life. Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.comBlogger1363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-29480335060928473762024-03-26T15:12:00.002-04:002024-03-26T15:12:27.391-04:00Sermon Notes for Holy Week 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This week at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran</a>, we continue the spiritual journey to the cross and empty tomb that began on Palm Sunday. There are two evening services ahead with connected liturgies and strange names. Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin <i>"mandatum"</i> or commandment. The night that Jesus was betrayed the disciples hear a "new commandment" to love one another and bear witness to a meal meant to be repeated with the instruction, "as often as you eat it in remembrance of me." On the next night we gather for Good Friday for a solemn service that gradually darkens the church and focuses on the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The title "good" may raise an eyebrow, but it comes from the knowledge that God turned the darkness to the glorious light of Easter when sin and death were defeated forever. There is no benediction at the end of either service as the liturgies continue from these evenings into Easter morning. With that, here is a look at the sermons for each night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mrlIMKFGguqi-IBfr2s7pWzXyWklaSeR5sKutrNa_CnDKJBbPzlBQ_Y15Ap1hBGCb-_J2R-Tc-JUK_PDaP2sxjSldiVligUIKyOEfsZtNhsIzNXFGmDWX_RWvNDMYcUOzb8pFmvlQUO5o5kFrElIsKv68XqshNb6Nv9xc66V4yBIyHPrfGFhpA/s1093/HW%202024%202%20Maundy%20Thursday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1093" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mrlIMKFGguqi-IBfr2s7pWzXyWklaSeR5sKutrNa_CnDKJBbPzlBQ_Y15Ap1hBGCb-_J2R-Tc-JUK_PDaP2sxjSldiVligUIKyOEfsZtNhsIzNXFGmDWX_RWvNDMYcUOzb8pFmvlQUO5o5kFrElIsKv68XqshNb6Nv9xc66V4yBIyHPrfGFhpA/w640-h362/HW%202024%202%20Maundy%20Thursday.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><i> “And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.”</i></b> Ex. 24:11<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From a mountain to a table there are some fascinating connections to make that take us deeper into the mysteries of our life with God. At both the mountain and the table, 1) the mighty deeds of God are remembered; 2) new commandments are given and 3) the need for God’s continued presence is affirmed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOUPQnxdYxR6_qaK9taVKcF-3CR04xObVFQ4HmYMcHpuIva6lbj_Kdxfnia8wyDmHYYIS7wB8garUcgpTyhX6KlXHOMkua60_6eJtmUfUXAihJVWAiYCGiUhzEuF79dPMl7d8rvupnKXhddp_-5O5-Rchpkp2U7zTSPIR1BDWz2tFUn7xOCopyQ/s1098/HW%202024%203%20Good%20Friday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1098" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOUPQnxdYxR6_qaK9taVKcF-3CR04xObVFQ4HmYMcHpuIva6lbj_Kdxfnia8wyDmHYYIS7wB8garUcgpTyhX6KlXHOMkua60_6eJtmUfUXAihJVWAiYCGiUhzEuF79dPMl7d8rvupnKXhddp_-5O5-Rchpkp2U7zTSPIR1BDWz2tFUn7xOCopyQ/w640-h358/HW%202024%203%20Good%20Friday.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b><i>"Who has believed what he has heard from us?</i></b></p><p><b><i> And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"</i></b></p><p>-Is. 53:1</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Who has believed this? The prophet Isaiah is our guide as we gradually read from Mark’s Gospel the scenes of our Lord’s Passion from Gethsemane to Golgotha. Then, in the sermon, we’ll reflect on the prophet’s words, “Who has believed…?” first to reflect on how deep God’s love for us is and then to affirm our response to this eternal and powerful love. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Join the Bethany Lutheran family this Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.. We are at 2501 Beacon Hill Road in Alexandria, VA and also online at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-24950347816534906282024-03-21T17:37:00.001-04:002024-03-21T17:37:22.187-04:00Sermon Notes for Palm Sunday 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_LfqRV5SYSjwcCuvqntOc04BuEb_XAj0ww1W0NkFsJsvreLcq6Plv5-3uFAjUYAE-xcsxSLYZ1floxY4ZeAlIeFnBRbZmF2-0E0ZCcaH2YWCiTvhnsZzKlLPirLNywOeODc7oko_jsdkiQtS39S_963OEl87DClg3q98hZ44zQtZt9upihyphenhyphen0cw/s1092/HW%202024%201%20Palm%20Sunday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1092" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_LfqRV5SYSjwcCuvqntOc04BuEb_XAj0ww1W0NkFsJsvreLcq6Plv5-3uFAjUYAE-xcsxSLYZ1floxY4ZeAlIeFnBRbZmF2-0E0ZCcaH2YWCiTvhnsZzKlLPirLNywOeODc7oko_jsdkiQtS39S_963OEl87DClg3q98hZ44zQtZt9upihyphenhyphen0cw/w640-h358/HW%202024%201%20Palm%20Sunday.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> “Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.”<p></p><p>- <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+9&version=ESV">Zechariah 9</a>:12</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Zechariah was one of the prophets sent to encourage the Jewish people who returned to Jerusalem from exile. Overall, his message is for people to hold on to hope. But what does that hope look like? In chapter 9 of his book, hope is a king who rides humbly on a donkey. Later Gospel writers would connect this prophecy to a king that does not conquer by force, taking prisoners of war. The King identified as Jesus conquers by love giving the people a stronghold of hope. On this Palm Sunday we celebrate that King and contemplate what it means today to be His “prisoners of hope.” </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Join the Bethany Family for the beginning of Holy Week</a> this Sunday at 10!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With Holy Week on the horizon, we will no longer have Evening Prayer services on Wednesdays. Thank you to everyone who came out this season for the series "Powerful Prayers of the Bible". You may watch the final service and meditation, below. We ended the series with a look at the "High Priestly Prayer" of Jesus. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFquVxlR5iM?si=wGo9o1zePBM7z2Kh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-43350219030195758282024-03-16T14:19:00.000-04:002024-03-16T14:19:03.466-04:00Sermon Notes for March 17<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDmNvmozVovcKG31Fspkip3jUyF-TxKKkIR5iMHpchAaeR4R1IX5AXj8QBli4vrH8kXQ-Oyf-2wwNtV0lSZuY3CjP-wMa9G0mIddTSEyNKKx_EhRU9BfsB6ZhIO6pyT_vFcGN1j0VSwhDieCxCPf4brmKuBCsFprZVlOX3P_B1_d0PQev9UP86w/s1273/Teach%20Us%205.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1273" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDmNvmozVovcKG31Fspkip3jUyF-TxKKkIR5iMHpchAaeR4R1IX5AXj8QBli4vrH8kXQ-Oyf-2wwNtV0lSZuY3CjP-wMa9G0mIddTSEyNKKx_EhRU9BfsB6ZhIO6pyT_vFcGN1j0VSwhDieCxCPf4brmKuBCsFprZVlOX3P_B1_d0PQev9UP86w/w640-h362/Teach%20Us%205.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sermon texts:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For even the Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoCaption"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
Sixth Petition</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And
lead us not into temptation.</span></p><p class="Body"><i><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">What does this mean?</span></i><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">God tempts no one. We pray in this
petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our
sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and
other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray
that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.</span></p><p class="MsoCaption"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>The
Seventh Petition<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="Body"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But
deliver us from evil.</span></p><p class="Body"><i><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">What does this mean?</span></i><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="Body"><span face=""Trade Gothic Next",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">We
pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us
from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when
our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this
valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body"><span face="Trade Gothic Next, sans-serif"><b>First thoughts for the sermon: </b></span></p><p class="Body"><span face="Trade Gothic Next, sans-serif">We are already in God's hands and rescued from all of our enemies because of the ransom paid by Jesus with His precious blood. But we still pray for God's protection against evil inside and out. Inside, God helps us fight temptations and outside, God keeps evil at bay. Since St. Patrick's Day happens to fall on a Sunday, I may touch on how part of his mission of spreading Good News in Ireland was to teach prayers of protection for every part of life. </span></p><p class="Body"><span face="Trade Gothic Next, sans-serif">During this season of Lent, <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">join Bethany Lutheran for worship </a>Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.. </span></p><p class="Body"><span face="Trade Gothic Next, sans-serif">Last Wednesday, our Evening Prayer service provided another opportunity for spiritual retreat during this season of Lent. The meditation was based on Jacob's prayer before reuniting with his brother, Esau. </span></p><p class="Body"><span face="Trade Gothic Next, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zJD-qTl2UyQ?si=oGPVUVJTrEUWx41Y&start=75" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-15025240670135928972024-03-02T19:24:00.002-05:002024-03-02T19:24:26.730-05:00Sermon Notes for March 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1fm5hw3wadZSoxhRjFvWhqA6-eAyJdrX-anH_uRNfqzRLvmhVuDAD_X1UD2CFsQbVuJ5RMRuK7ySiumjcUIC8TMDBK2bm8iGx4JXv85nlqI5ev8xEf0nBO67mEFQaJ0tIM4z2jG-Tf7QEw6JfzwQnU9LGMP3wOrqk1q5Smobw42Hx_cor5vw0w/s1278/Teach%20Us%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1278" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1fm5hw3wadZSoxhRjFvWhqA6-eAyJdrX-anH_uRNfqzRLvmhVuDAD_X1UD2CFsQbVuJ5RMRuK7ySiumjcUIC8TMDBK2bm8iGx4JXv85nlqI5ev8xEf0nBO67mEFQaJ0tIM4z2jG-Tf7QEw6JfzwQnU9LGMP3wOrqk1q5Smobw42Hx_cor5vw0w/w640-h360/Teach%20Us%203.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span face=""Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face=""Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">My sermon series for the season of Lent is called “Teach Us” based on the request of the disciples to Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray.” This series will track with what Jesus said next, looking for His instruction on how we should pray for ourselves and our church.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sermon 3 - "Daily Bread"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2&version=ESV">1 Timothy 2</a>:1-2 and the <a href="https://catechism.cph.org/en/lords-prayer.html">Fourth Petition of the Lord's Prayer</a>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">First Thoughts: Every now and then it is good to stop as we pray the Lord's Prayer and think about all that is meant by "daily bread." With just these two words, we think about weather, good government, commerce and industry, peaceful relations with our neighbors, transportation, and so much else. With just these two words, we think of undeserved grace and mercy and the ability to share with others. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">As God would have it, this Sunday we have a visit from Dr. George Ghanem from Bethlehem and the <a href="https://www.holylandcsc.com/">Holy Land Christian Cooperative</a>. The Holy Land Christians he represents rely on Christian pilgrims through the year, but with the current war in Israel, all tourism has stopped. Dr. Ghanem will tell us how we can help provide their daily bread through the Collective's sale of <a href="https://products.holylandcsc.com/">handmade olive wood crafts</a>. We will also hear how we can pray for our sisters and brothers during this time, as well. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Each Sunday, join the Bethany family. We have Sunday School for all ages at 9 and at 10 you are welcome to our worship service. We also live stream the service <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">on our website</a> and social media channels. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Each Wednesday, we gather for Evening Prayer during the season of Lent. Below is our most recent service with the meditation "Powerful Prayers of the Bible: Nehemiah". </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Grace and peace!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFzHt_6KEFE?si=f_qUaOSKKa1FVLJB" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-27397027972831792172024-02-22T20:51:00.002-05:002024-02-23T09:29:08.655-05:00Sermon Notes for February 25<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF6CiYrrtA_Hbs553MGdBcaRdzhEY3UClAnFwfq6Boyb-eGVX3yKKZgv7jKWse6RsA7u3cxQAINjWWoFmIhtERHkIMtER334snFQjHCh7QNLtB7xZZoS228w6_HDLKW5bNJZZI3IWQ4etPTr5rvt0vwY2sZM4K7noTUS8JcApCkMVNIuaHMVKiA/s1286/Teach%20Us%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1286" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF6CiYrrtA_Hbs553MGdBcaRdzhEY3UClAnFwfq6Boyb-eGVX3yKKZgv7jKWse6RsA7u3cxQAINjWWoFmIhtERHkIMtER334snFQjHCh7QNLtB7xZZoS228w6_HDLKW5bNJZZI3IWQ4etPTr5rvt0vwY2sZM4K7noTUS8JcApCkMVNIuaHMVKiA/w640-h358/Teach%20Us%202.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span face=""Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">My sermon series for the season of Lent is called “Teach Us” based on the request of the disciples to Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray.” This series will track with what Jesus said next, looking for His instruction on how we should pray for ourselves and our church.</span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Sermon 2 – “God's Will”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A14&version=ESV">1 John 5:14</a> and <a href="https://catechism.cph.org/en/lords-prayer.html">The Second and Third Petitions of the Lord's Prayer</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">First Thoughts: Prayer is a meaningful and powerful part of the life of a Christian. God invites us to pray with boldness because of His love for us. That love is experienced when we encounter Jesus in God's Word and as we pray and work in this Kingdom. All of these things bring clarity to what God's will is and therefore some power to our prayers. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Each Sunday, you can join Bethany Lutheran in person or online at 10 a.m. EST. </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">During this season, we also have Evening Prayer services at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays. The meditations these evenings are also about prayer, looking at some "Powerful Prayers of the Bible." Last Wednesday, we started with Abraham and his prayer in Genesis 18. The service is posted below. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EnG3jX254I?si=IeyQTd9AYFX44gpl" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-87860969277169348192024-02-17T12:43:00.002-05:002024-02-17T12:43:28.344-05:00Sermon Notes for February 18<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt_CDaHrVBSl6XXm07Ghj_iWl4CsUt55pAwa_UUmmQseixGtWO8oLMrTAUkKpItOjTTkgT-7BBdbCJL7uOrEyd5IOteWqvbmZnuTagPuMFDKGUNgAa4AIJMnMjMfqQNj_kawr9zDKphRe7fDMvtJsq9j_5ba88RJTqTNnZFazCD1FFcGNRjeaOQ/s1272/Teach%20Us%201%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1272" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt_CDaHrVBSl6XXm07Ghj_iWl4CsUt55pAwa_UUmmQseixGtWO8oLMrTAUkKpItOjTTkgT-7BBdbCJL7uOrEyd5IOteWqvbmZnuTagPuMFDKGUNgAa4AIJMnMjMfqQNj_kawr9zDKphRe7fDMvtJsq9j_5ba88RJTqTNnZFazCD1FFcGNRjeaOQ/w640-h360/Teach%20Us%201%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="text-align: justify;">My sermon series for the season
of Lent is called “Teach Us” based on the request of the disciples to Jesus: “Lord,
teach us to pray.” This series will track with what Jesus said next, looking for
His instruction on how we should pray for ourselves and our church.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sermon 1 – “Seek First” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Text: </b><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A7-8&version=ESV">Matthew 7:7-8</a>, <a href="https://catechism.cph.org/en/lords-prayer.html">Introduction and First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>First Thoughts: </b>Three words guide
us in our text: “Ask”, “seek” and “knock”.
A little imagination and we can see ourselves doing these things in our
prayers, perhaps. But let’s look a little closer. What do these words from Jesus
teach us about who we are praying to? When we know our loving Father through Jesus,
our hearts will be better aligned to “seek first the Kingdom” as we pray for
our selves and our Bethany family. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Join me each Sunday at 10 EST for
a walk through The Lord’s Prayer at Bethany Lutheran Church and Preschool.
Sunday School for all ages begins at 9, and <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">our worship is live streamed </a>at 10.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace! <o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-67754266794166520292024-02-13T12:49:00.004-05:002024-02-13T12:49:55.551-05:00Sermon Notes for Ash Wednesday 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYakrNStcHMCqpuyzZN5ucQd4HIx1o-6RzWDDsZkcB5I-coxn72nxJBRTbAykFDuSz_x8CbwhK62hm_ejGGP8bzfMjezax4LHQZWQv-fNw-9vmNC0JIjRNIQcRGaqxvxOl01QtCf6gjhhmVg8-RwvTqgt6s5SCraDWmRi1XI1rq27_SbpKR_7aA/s1268/Ash%20Wednesday%20PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1268" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYakrNStcHMCqpuyzZN5ucQd4HIx1o-6RzWDDsZkcB5I-coxn72nxJBRTbAykFDuSz_x8CbwhK62hm_ejGGP8bzfMjezax4LHQZWQv-fNw-9vmNC0JIjRNIQcRGaqxvxOl01QtCf6gjhhmVg8-RwvTqgt6s5SCraDWmRi1XI1rq27_SbpKR_7aA/w640-h362/Ash%20Wednesday%20PNG.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">We have an unusual mash up of special days on the horizon. I suppose this is bound to happen when you have a movable feast like Easter at time that is <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/when-easter#:~:text=The%20simple%20standard%20definition%20of,Easter%20is%20the%20next%20Sunday.">calculated based the movements of the moon</a>, while we have holidays set on our solar calendar. So, the holiday Valentine's Day is every February 14, but Easter is early, this year, and that pulls the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, to the same day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The season of Lent is a period of 40 days of spiritual renewal before Holy Week and Easter. Lent is one of the oldest observances in the Christian Church. Originally, it was to prepare people for the Rite of Baptism. Today, it is a time for all of us to renew our commitment to Christ and strengthen our faith. During the 40 days, we are encouraged to devote extra time to devotions, prayer and acts of self sacrifice and service. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At first glance, it may seem like a holiday that makes people think of love and chocolate would have little to do with self denial and spiritual renewal. But a closer look and perhaps we can see that there is a little more Lent in VaLENTtine's Day and little more heart in Ash Wednesday. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While the Christian connections to Valentine's Day are not as noticeable as the candy and flower advertisements, the day itself is dedicated to a martyr who gave his life as a testimony to Christ. The story is a little clouded because there were several saints with the name "Valentine" who are observed on February 14, but <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/st-valentine-beheaded">the original one was a priest known to have stood up to Claudius II and a decree banning marriages</a>. He was beheaded for his defiance. The name "martyr" comes from a Greek word that means "testimony". The lives of the martyrs testified to the faith they had in Christ Jesus who died for us and gave us the hope of resurrection. So thinking of the dedication of St. Valentine, it may not be inappropriate to talk about the cross of Jesus on February 14.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It so happens that while ashes on Ash Wednesday may not be the most romantic thing one can think of, I think anyone attending our evening service at Bethany will see lot of "heart" and "love" connections. Granted, still not the romantic kind. But, at the very beginning of the service, we will quietly assemble and chant <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51&version=ESV">Psalm 51</a>, and verse 10 from that Psalm frames my message for the evening, <b>"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."</b> The Psalm writer, King David, realized his heart was deeply unclean and only God's power can cleanse and renew us. Coming back to that understanding of God's love and how deeply we need it is what this season is all about. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Join me at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran </a>for Ash Wednesday observances! There will be an informal "Imposition of Ashes" at our firepit between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.. We have a special dinner from 6-7 p.m. in our fellowship hall and that will be followed by a communion service at 7:30 p.m.. <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Services are also live streamed</a> on our website and social media channels. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-66147401673217774282024-02-08T10:57:00.001-05:002024-02-08T10:57:28.296-05:00Sermon Notes for February 11<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqQu6tMLrN7IBUqxUMQJG8q1Y7MtCKYAvJGBXAX8k1FdMitGyVsn2yeZC0qhivKUswq1MPzIHiIuX-W0owDxuBdEFHBxcDdv6tW5Gn0Dt7MUnEw-LqBu3tnbtaeUGcGtuzB2MGZwTIWuObHb9Bgufs85Xtbwvydaxe34_oWhVMjG2s0jIJNPS4g/s1450/Sending%206.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1450" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqQu6tMLrN7IBUqxUMQJG8q1Y7MtCKYAvJGBXAX8k1FdMitGyVsn2yeZC0qhivKUswq1MPzIHiIuX-W0owDxuBdEFHBxcDdv6tW5Gn0Dt7MUnEw-LqBu3tnbtaeUGcGtuzB2MGZwTIWuObHb9Bgufs85Xtbwvydaxe34_oWhVMjG2s0jIJNPS4g/w640-h362/Sending%206.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b> Text:</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+4&version=ESV">1 Corinthians 4</a>:5-6<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The upcoming Sunday is the last of the Epiphany season. Epiphany means "revealing" and it the season focuses on how God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. On the final Sunday, we hear about how Jesus was transfigured and shone with a brilliantly bright light. But then Jesus and His disciples make their way down from the mountain and the journey to Jerusalem and the fulfillment of Jesus' mission on the cross. The next season is Lent, where the cross is in view. <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Join the Bethany family</a> this Sunday and the following Ash Wednesday as we take this spiritual journey to the cross and empty tomb. </p><p><b>First Thoughts for the sermon: </b>The Apostle Paul connects us to the mission of God with his thoughts on how God has shined His light into our hearts so that His glory may revealed to everyone around us. </p><p><b>Spiritual Growth:</b> This final week of Epiphany is also the last week for reading <a href="http://thegreatsending.org/index.html">"The Great Sending"</a>. If you do not have a copy of the book, here are links to the Bible passages that the studies are based on. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;">SUN </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A4-12%3B+Exodus+19%3A3-8&version=ESV"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;">1 Peter
2:4-12; Exodus 19:3-8</span></a><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;">MON </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1%3A5-6%3B+5%3A9-10&version=ESV"><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;">Revelation
1:5-6; 5:9-10</span></a><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TUE </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I+Peter+2%3A4-10%3B+Isaiah+43%3A10%2C+12%2C+21&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I Peter 2:4-10; Isaiah 43:10, 12, 21</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">WED </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A18-25%3B+2%3A21-25%3B+3%3A18-22&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 1:18-25; 2:21-25; 3:18-22</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THU </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A13-17&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 1:13-17</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">FRI </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A4-8&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 2:4-8</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SAT </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5%3A9%3B+7%3A9%3B+10%3A11%3B+11%3A9%3B+13%3A7%3B+14%3A6%3B+17%3A15.&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Revelation 5:9; 7:9; 10:11; 11:9;
13:7; 14:6; 17:15.</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As noted above, after this Sunday we begin the spiritual journey that we call “Lent” as the
days lengthen in the late winter and into spring. During this season, our
Wednesday Evening Prayer service comes back. As always, we hope to see you for
worship, but if you are unable to join us in person, we have our services live
streamed on our </span><a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> and social media channels. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Grace and peace!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-53879702866022467022024-02-01T16:36:00.003-05:002024-02-01T16:36:57.379-05:00Sermon Notes for February 4<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMm8ag4bkGTfEHmhpvnx-BHi50L1Y1rUqDTqzsrqQdMf9Ko7JqnJj2LTy_ceJB57rmWFeQaE06Kg9vD4jpf4GTiwcplYxvWjs9ZL3XwFPh22pJEH-FTFPx2suRGV4Gu6H1o5wnMGYHcE817dPvULBnA3O-PuhYh1S7TI_A7MKxwJwjl65hGuCBw/s1027/Sending%205.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1027" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMm8ag4bkGTfEHmhpvnx-BHi50L1Y1rUqDTqzsrqQdMf9Ko7JqnJj2LTy_ceJB57rmWFeQaE06Kg9vD4jpf4GTiwcplYxvWjs9ZL3XwFPh22pJEH-FTFPx2suRGV4Gu6H1o5wnMGYHcE817dPvULBnA3O-PuhYh1S7TI_A7MKxwJwjl65hGuCBw/w640-h364/Sending%205.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b>THE GREAT SENDING </b></p><p><b>Sermon Text:</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+10&version=ESV">Acts 10</a>:34-35</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Apostle Peter goes to the house of Cornelius as another imagined line is crossed. As Peter looks back at the lessons he learned from his recent vision, and looks ahead to what God is doing, we are given insight into the mission of God. There are no barriers that cannot be crossed with the power of the Gospel. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Join me, this Sunday, at Bethany Lutheran at 2501 Beacon Hill Road and <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">online for our live stream</a> at 10 a.m.. And through the week, take time for spiritual growth with extra readings, each day, suggested by the book, <a href="http://thegreatsending.org/index.html">"The Great Sending." </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">CHAPTER
5 – THE GREAT SENDING MULTIPLICATION OF THE GOSPEL IN ACTS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SUN </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A1-11&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
1:1-11</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MON </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5%3A42-6%3A7&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
5:42-6:7</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">TUE </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+8%3A1-8&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
8:1-8</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">WED </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A1-11%3A18&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
10:1-11:18</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THU </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+11%3A19-30%3B+Acts+13&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts
11:19-30; Acts 13</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">FRI </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts 15</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">SAT </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+6%3A7%3B+9%3A31%3B+12%3A24%3B+16%3A5%3B+19%3A20%3B+28%3A31&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acts 6:7;
9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:31</span></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Grace and peace!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-684888258141868352024-01-24T15:54:00.002-05:002024-01-24T15:54:36.066-05:00Sermon Notes for January 28<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg578uxPIhBISwanQs9Gl0Cpa3lu0BO_5qQ55zqdrrdu3Myf0BMzLdHxCRY-l_Lccxdm_GwhubIVGxX9rvu6PWVWLSB_kHM71MNq4sabfImTLc0FbdFiSPr9bbgHApdDFljCAu31vRvrreY0M0-qzy4r2FEVFuTj3kM5THjZ8dswlAbjcsDqU_OnQ/s1272/Sending%204b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1272" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg578uxPIhBISwanQs9Gl0Cpa3lu0BO_5qQ55zqdrrdu3Myf0BMzLdHxCRY-l_Lccxdm_GwhubIVGxX9rvu6PWVWLSB_kHM71MNq4sabfImTLc0FbdFiSPr9bbgHApdDFljCAu31vRvrreY0M0-qzy4r2FEVFuTj3kM5THjZ8dswlAbjcsDqU_OnQ/w640-h360/Sending%204b.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>The Great Sending, Week 4: Great Sending Essentials</b></p><p><b>Text:</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A16-17&version=ESV">Romans 1:16-17</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>First Thoughts</b>: </p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the essential truths to our mission is that we are sent with the Gospel. We'll explore how powerful the Gospel is because of what it does and who it is for. Paul reminds us the power is for salvation and it is salvation for everyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In this season, my sermons focus on the "sending" nature of God and the mission God puts us on through out lives. Each week, I encourage everyone to take some extra opportunities for spiritual growth through the readings for each day based on the Bible Studies in the book, <a href="http://thegreatsending.org/index.html">"The Great Sending"</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Daily Readings:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">SUN <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A18-20&version=ESV">Matthew 28:18-20</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">MON <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=ESV">John 21</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">TUE <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A16-27%3B+15%3A26-27%3B+16%3A5-16&version=ESV">John 14:16-27; 15:26-27; 16:5-16</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">WED <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A8-16&version=ESV">Romans 1:8-16</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">THU <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+10%2C+16%3A25-27&version=ESV"> Romans 10, 16:25-27</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">FRI <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Philippians+1%3A12-2%3A11&version=ESV">Philippians 1:12-2:11</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">SAT <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+1+Timothy+1%3A12-2%3A7&version=ESV">1 Timothy 1:12-2:7</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-48874581340088047992024-01-18T16:46:00.005-05:002024-01-18T16:46:25.404-05:00Sermon Notes for January 21<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudIO6ak6UMRuhlfYqPbwayP19xmf-QBQCRxZ45qekWf-VfPKevgU3kqc2g2bqx2GSA8YEeY0MGwYeJ4O-OIdIhN3-RYznzJr72KA41VkhAxQeFx2mtP06leti68JyNX3ZBepDS4oHmjiJD2UZqfxIUaXtwNLyoFT8HVHLS-Fq2GJrQIkZZ4Ytfg/s1438/Sending%203.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1438" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudIO6ak6UMRuhlfYqPbwayP19xmf-QBQCRxZ45qekWf-VfPKevgU3kqc2g2bqx2GSA8YEeY0MGwYeJ4O-OIdIhN3-RYznzJr72KA41VkhAxQeFx2mtP06leti68JyNX3ZBepDS4oHmjiJD2UZqfxIUaXtwNLyoFT8HVHLS-Fq2GJrQIkZZ4Ytfg/w640-h362/Sending%203.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b>THE GREAT SENDING, Week 3</b></p><p><b>Text</b>: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1&version=ESV">Mark 1</a>:14-20</p><p><b>First Thoughts:</b> Who is ready to go fishing? In the first chapter of Mark, we focus again on "Jesus, the Son of God" (1:1) whose mission saves us and who also sends disciples as part of the mission. This week, it is "location, location, location!" Look at where Christ is in the Gospels - near fishing nets, marketplaces and village wells. Those are all places where the mission of Christ is carried out and where the church today continues to be sent. </p><p><b>Weekly Readings<a href="http://thegreatsending.org/index.html"> (based on the Bible Studies in "The Great Sending")</a>:</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">SUN
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17&version=ESV">John
17</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">MON
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A35-38&version=ESV">Matthew
9:35-38</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">TUE
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A1-14&version=ESV">Matthew
18:1-14</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">WED
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%2C+19%3A1-10&version=ESV">Luke
15, 19:1-10</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">THU
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A40-49&version=ESV">Luke
24:40-49</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">FRI
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&version=ESV">John
4</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">SAT
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2&version=ESV">Luke
2</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-9675749709905661232024-01-11T15:20:00.003-05:002024-01-11T15:20:50.376-05:00Sermon Notes for January 14<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDNONz5DdzpU2g6FhYhhmK_hpW4Ep-fggFDcLBaQ_9jUZM5cICKDar-mo3TZmZXs7JWDqmr7Ci6vQmtrZLKew-ehvymdRoSayFHk-g5H4wPvRRQPPwjRVbKlPZkj5B5AzdM00dwpYIyoFBDMBqT8EJz6FGH-MOPik6AWkVuuILsyZ4kibpDqwcQ/s1450/Sending%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1450" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDNONz5DdzpU2g6FhYhhmK_hpW4Ep-fggFDcLBaQ_9jUZM5cICKDar-mo3TZmZXs7JWDqmr7Ci6vQmtrZLKew-ehvymdRoSayFHk-g5H4wPvRRQPPwjRVbKlPZkj5B5AzdM00dwpYIyoFBDMBqT8EJz6FGH-MOPik6AWkVuuILsyZ4kibpDqwcQ/w640-h358/Sending%202.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: times;">The Great Sending, Week 2.</span></span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Sermon Text:</b> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=ESV">John 1</a>:43-51</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>First Thoughts: </b>Through the season of Epiphany, we are aligning our hearts and our church to God's mission for the world. We first see that mission in the person of Jesus Christ and His mission for our salvation. This week, we'll look at the different ways God sends people with the Good News of that same salvation. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Weekly Readings </b>follow the Bible Studies in <a href="http://thegreatsending.org/index.html">the book, "The Great Sending"</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">SUN
- <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A6-28%3B+3%3A1-8%2C+22-36&version=ESV">John
1:6-28; 3:1-8, 22-36</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">MON
– <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A12-22%3B+Luke+6%3A12-13&version=ESV">Matthew
4:12-22; Luke 6:12-13</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">TUES-
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A1-24&version=ESV">Luke
10:1-24</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">WED
- <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A13-24%2C+Mat+22%3A1-4&version=ESV">Luke
14:13-24, Mat 22:1-4</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">THUR
– <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+20%3A1-16&version=ESV">Matt
20:1-16</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">FRI
– <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A2-3&version=ESV">Mark
1:2-3</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif;">SAT
– <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A1-18&version=ESV">John
20:1-18</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>Join me at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran Church and Preschool</a> at 2501 Beacon Hill Road in Alexandria, Virginia. We begin the Lord's Day with Sunday School at 9 followed by worship at 10. <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Services are live streamed</a> and available on demand, afterwards. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-16503259140508934492024-01-04T15:34:00.000-05:002024-01-04T15:34:11.938-05:00Sermon Notes for January 7<p><b> This Sunday, we start “The Great Sending” – a sermon series with additional opportunities for spiritual growth during the Epiphany season. </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvtJwxG7hyM-tHlkauwcCDspzG4ISVgPj2o1S9D5Or1kEAnIZNyT79mSXhQjdiv9PdI4um3z7zjdlTVlfIHMrdbMPWIeGCt9hPomMNcaGmlXzOsai32V_u-g2Fh7oWUtmnxKedSFB1kE6yvZQYT_4uMmBCYEY97ptxslpk08y-sVwEO67ewb6A/s1450/Sending%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1450" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebvtJwxG7hyM-tHlkauwcCDspzG4ISVgPj2o1S9D5Or1kEAnIZNyT79mSXhQjdiv9PdI4um3z7zjdlTVlfIHMrdbMPWIeGCt9hPomMNcaGmlXzOsai32V_u-g2Fh7oWUtmnxKedSFB1kE6yvZQYT_4uMmBCYEY97ptxslpk08y-sVwEO67ewb6A/w640-h358/Sending%201.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=ESV">John 1</a>:29-34</b></p><p>John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the "Son of God" and that testimony is at the heart of his mission and the mission of those who will be sent by Jesus. How does the church today keep Christ at the center of all we do? </p><p>This Epiphany season, <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran</a> will be exploring the mission of the church in order to realign our hearts and the church's ministry. </p><p>Each Sunday, the sermon will be based on the book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Sending-Heart-Beating-Through-ebook/dp/B092KF1MP9/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704378344&sr=1-1">"The Great Sending" (available for download).</a> After the sermon, you can use the book for an extra Bible Study each day, and/or look up the Bible portions, below. </p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SUN <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20&version=ESV">John
20</a> - Christ does not leave His followers behind locked doors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MON <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20&version=ESV">Matthew
16:13-20</a> - Christ is the "living God" in our church and in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TUES <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18-19&version=ESV">John
18-19</a> - Christ is glorified in the cross and empty tomb. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">WED <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A18-23&version=ESV">Luke
4:18-23</a> - The mission of Christ is world wide. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">THUR <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A29-34&version=ESV">John
1:29-34</a> - The mission centered on Christ brings salvation and forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FRI <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+52-53&version=ESV">Isaiah
52-53</a> Christ is sent to save the whole world (John 3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SAT <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5&version=ESV">2
Corinthians 5</a> - The mission of Christ is bigger than we think!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century, serif;">Grace and peace!</span></p><br /><p></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-13344413360386560092023-12-22T11:30:00.000-05:002023-12-22T11:30:46.166-05:00Sermon Notes for Christmas Eve 2023<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This Sunday is Christmas Eve, so this year, Bethany
Lutheran has rearranged our normal schedule and we invite you to two services
in the morning and in the evening on the 24<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqsqt85fD-CalN9I-iqlV0pNyIwoQ7IKEA7WXWU9hX614Ms9MN4V2Zp4iWT_Q4cvPT-G5G-wnV6uauoOhEL29Iq5jsqtIgXHn73rY4jhzjudFW4mc2Z1-e0WPlOnLF_55VBlCkWmrPLf20oGMZrHRpoNVz_LS5TL1TKb71GEAto8X1U4bTFMvVQ/s1269/Christmas%20Eve%201%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1269" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqsqt85fD-CalN9I-iqlV0pNyIwoQ7IKEA7WXWU9hX614Ms9MN4V2Zp4iWT_Q4cvPT-G5G-wnV6uauoOhEL29Iq5jsqtIgXHn73rY4jhzjudFW4mc2Z1-e0WPlOnLF_55VBlCkWmrPLf20oGMZrHRpoNVz_LS5TL1TKb71GEAto8X1U4bTFMvVQ/w640-h358/Christmas%20Eve%201%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">First, at our regular Sunday
service time of 10 a.m., we gather for a family service. While all are welcome,
this is a great service to bring small children. Our children’s choirs will be
on hand to help the celebration. My meditation will be spread throughout the “Little
Lessons and Carols” that tell the Christmas story from Scripture, Carols and
the figures in Bethany’s manger scene. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGRZMg83b7VtHFwNC5i79Ze7eXlfpVGKCaB0qRZkDo0QdtFCYhcSPByqG5waLUgOfJWnLJhSjxcTOLZbtRv1xLgjiJ0Akl9TnJsjh6x-JYafksnts2KpavG1dYRuhau53qDHMLSk77oHt86ONnY3dTYmC1ks05SFAwIIFpshfyg33guhq4UVTzw/s1266/Christmas%20Eve%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1266" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGRZMg83b7VtHFwNC5i79Ze7eXlfpVGKCaB0qRZkDo0QdtFCYhcSPByqG5waLUgOfJWnLJhSjxcTOLZbtRv1xLgjiJ0Akl9TnJsjh6x-JYafksnts2KpavG1dYRuhau53qDHMLSk77oHt86ONnY3dTYmC1ks05SFAwIIFpshfyg33guhq4UVTzw/w640-h358/Christmas%20Eve%202.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "Poor Richard", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">Then, at 6 p.m., we’ll
gather for our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service. The meditations
for the Christmas services are based on one, short verse from Galatians 4:4. For
the Christmas Eve sermon, I will focus on the incarnation of Jesus who was “Born
of Woman.” There are so many things to contemplate when we read of the shared
nature of God and man together in Jesus. I think it is important to wonder at
the love of God that caused this incarnation, and also to rejoice in the mission
of God that led to our salvation and finally the way of God that brings all His
children home.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I hope you can join the
Bethany family for these special services. We would love to see you at 2501 Beacon
Hill Road in Alexandria, Virginia. If you cannot be there in person, our services
are live streamed and available on demand, afterward. This year, there will
also be a special gift in the form of an extra broadcast on Christmas Day. I
will post this video early for families to enjoy through the day and through
the week. It is a simple video of Scripture readings and Christmas music from
all our music groups recorded at our past services at Bethany. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking of extras, I’ve
again added the video from our last midweek Advent service, below. All the
meditations for these services also tracked with Galatians 4:4, in particular
the first part of the verse: “When the time had fully come.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">It won’t be long before I
can officially say, but I can't wait. Merry Christmas! </span></p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24qdAxlE1FQ?si=9OcASwAZuQpYOOFB" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-38825775677847297972023-12-14T19:19:00.005-05:002023-12-14T19:19:46.457-05:00Sermon Notes for December 17<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD6up-L3_LC67UfOFsogz5siGTRBBS20yrWCT8UUOsKhNDL5_SyeK2g2wqMJnSwjOkWcpI6IsOUdeNzTwEy24E8oWotdb0dyOo6_tvGuweqsqkABIiGSiARBS-YZPQNZ_cx2x7UgW7it5pGNC-6di9XDF-NYWeCUlyvpNnVHvocc1bI_5OkCfrg/s1267/Advent%20sermon%203B%20Joy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1267" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD6up-L3_LC67UfOFsogz5siGTRBBS20yrWCT8UUOsKhNDL5_SyeK2g2wqMJnSwjOkWcpI6IsOUdeNzTwEy24E8oWotdb0dyOo6_tvGuweqsqkABIiGSiARBS-YZPQNZ_cx2x7UgW7it5pGNC-6di9XDF-NYWeCUlyvpNnVHvocc1bI_5OkCfrg/w640-h360/Advent%20sermon%203B%20Joy.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i> <b>He who goes out weeping,</b></i><div><b><i> bearing the seed for sowing,</i></b></div><div><b><i>shall come home with shouts of joy,</i></b></div><div><b><i> bringing his sheaves with him.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a lot of JOY in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+126&version=ESV">Psalm 126</a>. It is a short six verses, but the word JOY appears in half of them. In the last verse, JOY is connected to coming home. What sort of joy comes home even when seeds are planted with tears? The sort of joy that is connected to God's plan for us and our salvation! The very joy we are celebrating at Christmas. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You are invited to connect to that joy this Sunday and every Sunday at Bethany! We worship together at 10 a.m. - if you cannot be there in person, you can also <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">see the live stream</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last Wednesday, we came together for our second mid-week Evening Prayer service for Advent. The service is posted below. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bRIisZW3isw?si=sSYY6msLDsACZ9-K" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-52262746390348995102023-12-07T17:32:00.000-05:002023-12-07T17:32:43.712-05:00Sermon Notes for December 10<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndFoo2vG0PUndDWMkBsXLjERYbpf1v_iDnhGV6m51AtP8Ycr-O-De8K_syvJXFDonzxohQeheD8RsQaZjuoqhh-l1WVN-jok3IyyqpAW-0TB9GeqbdJuet5AW_yehAnVYyexVH-52heAQnUwhONkgpDO2zMrPt28MKVt-tT2c4LQRKFj0Lu_gKQ/s1261/Advent%20sermon%202B%20Peace.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1261" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndFoo2vG0PUndDWMkBsXLjERYbpf1v_iDnhGV6m51AtP8Ycr-O-De8K_syvJXFDonzxohQeheD8RsQaZjuoqhh-l1WVN-jok3IyyqpAW-0TB9GeqbdJuet5AW_yehAnVYyexVH-52heAQnUwhONkgpDO2zMrPt28MKVt-tT2c4LQRKFj0Lu_gKQ/w640-h360/Advent%20sermon%202B%20Peace.png" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Psalms</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> were written
for the worship life of Israel. They touch on a wide range of theology and
emotion, but always drawing us in to know better the God we are praising. As we
approach the celebration of Christmas through the season of Advent, I will be
looking at some of the appointed Psalms to connect to our preparation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Second Sunday in Advent 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“Let me hear what the Lord will speak”
we read in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+85&version=ESV">Psalm 85</a>. What will the Lord speak? The Lord will speak “peace”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asking the Lutheran question of “what does
this mean?” let’s dive deeper into peace and trace its meaning in the
relationship we have with God and with the relationships we have with one
another. We’ll focus in on verses 7-9 in this Psalm because in between God
speaking peace, we have “salvation” in the verses before and after. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Join me at Bethany Lutheran Church and
Preschool this Sunday as we continue our journey to Bethlehem and the
celebration of Christmas. If you cannot be with us in person each Sunday at 10,
you are <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">welcome to watch live or on demand</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">We also have additional worship opportunities
each Wednesday in Advent at 7:30 p.m..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Posted below is the service from our first midweek service. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Grace and peace!</span></p><p></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ijmkTlLU6M0?si=-vwoovX7zKuuXHcL" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-70393059062627964202023-11-30T15:46:00.002-05:002023-11-30T15:46:48.694-05:00Sermon Notes for December 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa2CehSrCx5ZcH9RV2AWpZyJL7dEpiLez9sZu8WwmWrpD_47yBRcss8q30nfUl-FUophPGcnDNT1KQsn7IBK-BdoXZzJbbaibzeSTalTdM_v5EirYDzTsA5Pg5DJZM74s5RNL_IujuqF8UwfUbZp3Q4VKhPEAa55lpwD-lAldBs_cWhyphenhyphendORoNsA/s1264/Advent%20sermon%201B%20Hope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa2CehSrCx5ZcH9RV2AWpZyJL7dEpiLez9sZu8WwmWrpD_47yBRcss8q30nfUl-FUophPGcnDNT1KQsn7IBK-BdoXZzJbbaibzeSTalTdM_v5EirYDzTsA5Pg5DJZM74s5RNL_IujuqF8UwfUbZp3Q4VKhPEAa55lpwD-lAldBs_cWhyphenhyphendORoNsA/w640-h360/Advent%20sermon%201B%20Hope.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;">The Psalms</span><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"> were
written for the worship life of Israel. They touch on a wide range of theology
and emotion, but always drawing us in to know better the God we are praising.
As we approach the celebration of Christmas through the season of Advent, I
will be looking at some of the appointed Psalms to connect to our preparation.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First Sunday in Advent 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Restore us!”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Poor Richard",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> the
Psalmist pleads. It is a refrain heard three times through Psalm 80. What has
been taken away that needs to be restored? What can restore what has been lost?
At the beginning of Advent, this Psalm takes us into suffering and grief, but
with the light of hope that is focused on our Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-56144193923086875162023-11-26T12:40:00.000-05:002023-11-26T12:40:02.904-05:00Sermon for Christ the King Sunday 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPxhnEfix4HC8mTa0L9GqgAEYxQDH1DeH_V9_58FHjnPXDKcBaV6i152nzg2JI1Zv6KUQKFlFhqWee2W_x-G23ZIyXPTHT5bYD5xS1JJJB43eJZJ37HhQeWoKgMxlvXqqzyj69yibNSia_0NfP8fjKK1RtcBu7XoAO0k8Q49o4zEwSRuQ41fj4w/s1228/7%20Kingdom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1228" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPxhnEfix4HC8mTa0L9GqgAEYxQDH1DeH_V9_58FHjnPXDKcBaV6i152nzg2JI1Zv6KUQKFlFhqWee2W_x-G23ZIyXPTHT5bYD5xS1JJJB43eJZJ37HhQeWoKgMxlvXqqzyj69yibNSia_0NfP8fjKK1RtcBu7XoAO0k8Q49o4zEwSRuQ41fj4w/w640-h358/7%20Kingdom.png" width="640" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sermon
for CHRIST THE KING Sunday 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Inherit
the Kingdom”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The text for the sermon today is
the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25&version=ESV">25<sup>th</sup>
chapter of Matthew</a>, verse 34:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then the King will say to those
on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the name of Jesus, dear
Christian friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Gospel lesson for today is
the last of three stories that Jesus tells to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A1-3&version=ESV">answer a question</a>. The disciples
ask Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming”. And Jesus answers by saying
that coming will be sudden and essentially <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24%3A43-44&version=ESV">there will be no sign, but you can still be ready for that moment</a>. So, there are <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25&version=ESV">three stories</a> that Jesus tells so
we can be ready. We have to: 1) Fill our lamps; 2) Invest our talents; 3) Serve
the King. We do this by giving back a portion of the Time, Talent and Treasure
our King first gives to us [FIST<sup>3</sup>].<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first two stories are
parables – an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The third is a little
different. It is less of a story more a future vision. Jesus says “when the Son
of Man comes” so while the two parables help get us ready, this is about the
coming that the disciples asked about. It is not a sign, but more of what will
actually happen on that day. Next, we get a simile – that Son of Man will
separate people “as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats”. So, this is
not an imagined story or a parable. This is what will happen when the
Bridegroom arrives (thinking of the first parable) or when the master returns
(thinking of the second parable). Really, when the Kingdom comes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First, let’s answer the question of
“who?” in this parable. Who is the Son of Man? Who are called together? Who are
the sheep? Who are the least? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Son of Man is also called the
King, and that is who we celebrate today on Christ the King Sunday. This last
Sunday of the church year, we celebrate His coming. As Jesus taught, it will be
sudden, like the coming of a bridegroom who is delayed a long time or a rich
person who takes a long journey abroad. But we know the day the Day of the Lord
is ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And on that day, the nations are
gathered. I love how Matthew connects here to the end of his Gospel when the disciples
are gathered by the Risen Christ and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20&version=ESV">commanded to go to all these nations</a>. So
those who are gathered here are from every tribe, nation and language, those
who have received the Good News of salvation and those who have carried that
message to all people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then they are separated. The
sheep to right are called by the King, “you who are blessed by my Father”. And
now Matthew is connecting us to the very beginning of his Gospel. Do you
remember <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A1-12&version=ESV">those
who are blessed?</a> They are “poor in spirit” and “mourning” and “peacemakers”
and “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, the people who are able to receive the Good News. People
who know how much they need Jesus. People who are then sent into the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And Jesus says they have served
His brothers, even the least. That is an interesting turn of phrase. We see it
also in that Sermon on the Mount when <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A19&version=ESV">Jesus
talks about the commandments</a> – that not one should be broken, even the least
of them. So here, the brothers of Jesus and He has also taught <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A46-50&version=ESV">that
those who listen to His Word and do it are His brothers, His sisters and essentially
His family</a>. Even the least of these, Jesus says, and we remember again that
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A1-4%3B+20%3A25-28&version=ESV">Jesus
said to His disciples that those who wish to be the greatest in the Kingdom must
serve the least</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So now the question should nibble
on our brains a bit as to who we are in this scene? Are we among the sheep who
are serving Jesus in the least or are we among the least who are served by the
sheep? The answer, my friends, is YES! When people serve us as we work for the
King, they are blessed by the Father. When we serve others as we work for the
King, then we are blessed by the Father. Sometimes we are in a position to
serve, other times we need to be served. At all times, Jesus is in us and
working through us. That is life in the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, after looking at WHO is in this
parable – we focus on the WHAT. What do we do to serve the King? The examples given
are that we give food and drink to the hungry and thirsty and also help those
who are strangers. When we do that, we are helping Jesus. We are also to look
for those who need clothes, those who are sick and to visit those who are in
prison. When do this, we serve Jesus. Those who are sent by Jesus can find
themselves in want and in prison – as the Apostle Paul often was and those who
were in the early church. And those who receive the message also can be in want
and sick and already they are “poor in spirit” and ready to receive the message
of the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now in the previous stories that
Jesus told, we are instructed to be ready for the King’s return by using our
time, talents and treasure for the King. I have said in previous sermons how we
can do this intentionally by dedicating a portion of our time for worship, our
talent for work in the church and our treasure as we give our tithes and
offerings. It is better to do this intentionally – to think ahead and to plan
for such giving in our lives. But here we encounter a different kind of kingdom
work that will take our time, our talent and our treasure, but how can you plan
for it? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can you plan that someone is in
prison and will need your time? Can you plan when someone gets sick and will
need some encouragement and care? No, not necessarily. Also this Kingdom work
that Jesus puts to us takes place largely outside these walls where people need
food, clothes and care. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That said, I think you need not
look too far because right here in the community of faith at Bethany Lutheran,
you will find those who mourn who need comforting, and when you take the time
to write a note or to pray with them, you are doing that for Jesus. Right here,
you will find those who need help finding a job, or need childcare in order to
make ends meet. And when you take the time and use your talents in such a way,
you are serving Jesus. Right here at Bethany you will find people who are
lonely. And if you invest some time to visit and talk about life and to pray,
you are visiting Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I suppose you could paraphrase
what I am saying with the expression, “charity begins at home.” But that is not
from the Bible, and I don’t think we need to be limited in how and when we help
people. But let us recognize that you do not need to go very far to see Jesus –
either in the people we serve or in the people who serve you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So let us go back to that scene
where we hear the words “inherit the kingdom”. I like to imagine that we will
see gathered there among the sheep those that we have helped at one time or
another. And there among the sheep will be those who have helped us at one time
or another. But the one thing we all will have in common is that we will inherit
the kingdom. And it will not be because of those things we have done. It will
be in spite of all the things we have left undone and the opportunities we have
missed in this life. It will be because our good and gracious King is also <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=ESV">our Good Shepherd</a> who sacrificed His life to forgive all those times and to inspire
us to be better than what we are. It will be because our King and Shepherd
defeated death itself and gives us the power of His resurrection so that “goodness
and mercy” can be ours forever. It will be because in this Kingdom, our Good
Shepherd will take us into His arms and by His strength alone give us a place
of rest when we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And at that moment,
to God alone be all the glory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus’
name, Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-86911403796159930232023-11-21T12:32:00.003-05:002023-11-21T12:32:33.720-05:00Sermon Notes for November 26<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt3SjJrDSp75W9cj51lx2m_xomSt1lkCU9mdVLJ4bFLXPBnH3Hvv0GOkzBdOojwpU4qPx1hCIWi4uyrEaqwVFIm0y3RTsAsa8Eu_nq015cK1yhYNprn4isoU7YnMsyOYAkg00yI74gFusY-uOFzXZba-xAeyGmR2m88Z3z4tJCaSaMe9_TJp1WA/s1228/7%20Kingdom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1228" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt3SjJrDSp75W9cj51lx2m_xomSt1lkCU9mdVLJ4bFLXPBnH3Hvv0GOkzBdOojwpU4qPx1hCIWi4uyrEaqwVFIm0y3RTsAsa8Eu_nq015cK1yhYNprn4isoU7YnMsyOYAkg00yI74gFusY-uOFzXZba-xAeyGmR2m88Z3z4tJCaSaMe9_TJp1WA/w640-h358/7%20Kingdom.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+25&version=ESV">Matthew 25</a>: 31-45.<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Christ the King Sunday
(November 26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When
the King returns, who will “inherit the Kingdom”? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus teaches His disciples and us how to prepare for His sudden return. We've learned thus far to have oil in our lamps (spend time receiving God's grace) and to invest our talents (resources and gifts give to us) wisely for His Kingdom. In the last teaching, Jesus calls our attention to final judgment and the commendation received by those who "inherit the kingdom". These are they who have served "the least." Serving the King by serving one another is another dedication of our time, talent and treasure. If that seems daunting, then Jesus brings our focus back to Him and the way we so excellently served by our Good Shepherd before we serve our fellow sheep. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Join<a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org"> Bethany Lutheran </a>as we celebrate Christ the King with <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">our worship</a>, this Sunday at 10. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And, in the meantime, take a moment to watch our Thanksgiving Service for 2023. This service is designed to share with family and friends as we gather, this week. From our Bethany family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><br /><p></p><div id="boxcast-widget-thanksgiving-service-2023-g1oukuvggwp1luvlcnzb"></div><script charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript">(function(d, s, c, o) {var js = d.createElement(s), fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];js.src = '//js.boxcast.com/v3.min.js';js.onload = function() { boxcast.noConflict()('#boxcast-widget-'+c).loadChannel(c, o); };js.charset = 'utf-8';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'thanksgiving-service-2023-g1oukuvggwp1luvlcnzb', {"showTitle":1,"showDescription":1,"showHighlights":1,"showRelated":false,"defaultVideo":"next","playInline":false,"dvr":true,"market":"smb","showCountdown":true,"showDonations":false,"showDocuments":false,"showIndex":false,"showChat":false,"hidePreBroadcastTextOverlay":false}));</script>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-55986179665191438162023-11-16T19:12:00.000-05:002023-11-16T19:12:34.102-05:00Sermon Notes for November 19<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYYXi7bs3BcxwgyuT-JVVjB-VmTnWANQMjGZXskIgVwYFLyhQ3h2eR-dy0D1L1BJeFX8cI5BJ_v-S1g2G2VlQw6BkSepLBmGg62ufkym5SH6XzFAVH7AoNkLbTbSZQwl_MVDP4GDqOzsI_JwTqkhl_GP2HWeQ989aas6D41a9iE5SLqYMDWyL_w/s1225/6%20Faithful.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1225" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYYXi7bs3BcxwgyuT-JVVjB-VmTnWANQMjGZXskIgVwYFLyhQ3h2eR-dy0D1L1BJeFX8cI5BJ_v-S1g2G2VlQw6BkSepLBmGg62ufkym5SH6XzFAVH7AoNkLbTbSZQwl_MVDP4GDqOzsI_JwTqkhl_GP2HWeQ989aas6D41a9iE5SLqYMDWyL_w/w640-h350/6%20Faithful.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025&version=ESV">Matthew 25</a>:14-30</p><p style="text-align: justify;">First Thoughts: Jesus finishes His answer to the question His disciples have about the day of His coming by telling three parables. What will be the sign of that coming? There is not a sign, but there are ways to be ready. He tells them (and us) to <b>fill </b>our lamps, <b>invest</b> what we have wisely and <b>serve </b>Him by showing love to others. At Bethany, we see this is connected to being good stewards of what God gives us by intentionally giving our <b>time, talents and treasur</b>e. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This week, we hear a parable about talents and talents. That is, talents as valuable currency and talents as abilities that we have. Both the people in the parable and those of us who hear the parable have both kinds of talents. So how do we put that to work in God's Kingdom? How can we be ready for our Lord's return? First, the Kingdom has to come to us Second, the King who sent us helps the gifts to multiply through the "good and faithful" work we are given to do. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Join me at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran Church and Preschool</a> as we approach the end! The end of the church year, that is, which incidentally assigns Scriptures readings about the end of this world and the coming of our King. Sunday services are at 10 in person <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">and live streamed</a>. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9. This week, look for a special Thanksgiving service that will be recorded and available to watch. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Grace and peace!</p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-48838851013381393232023-11-11T19:46:00.001-05:002023-11-11T19:46:40.236-05:00Sermon Notes for November 12<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPzwQ_VhBgRKpfe7ao0hpp41_P5BvIu8ryTOFxhxgvwAEdSlp-Ao9kOjd1HwhY5swMS8On8-GVgAf6vsMc2Ob4Y7LUL3tLV8hbLJWJZl2zcsSSmBhg4JD817t3ZYmHvEPZgrY3xZWFPxmzXtqypwGHo-XyrtdAfhoHjw0fATrmVFpIuZnrAjCmQ/s1225/5%20Day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1225" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPzwQ_VhBgRKpfe7ao0hpp41_P5BvIu8ryTOFxhxgvwAEdSlp-Ao9kOjd1HwhY5swMS8On8-GVgAf6vsMc2Ob4Y7LUL3tLV8hbLJWJZl2zcsSSmBhg4JD817t3ZYmHvEPZgrY3xZWFPxmzXtqypwGHo-XyrtdAfhoHjw0fATrmVFpIuZnrAjCmQ/w640-h358/5%20Day.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Text: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+5%3A18%2C+Matthew+25%3A1-12&version=ESV">Amos 5:18, Matthew 25:1-12</a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">First Thoughts: "Woe to you who desire the 'Day of the Lord!'" cries the prophet Isaiah. In his day, times were good and people lived thinking they were in God's favor even when they lived in the midst of terrible injustice. They likely thought the 'Day of the Lord' was a time when God would reward them so the prophet warns them that they are not ready. Jesus tells us in a parable what "ready" looks like. It is a lamp that is full. In the sermon, we'll look at what a full lamp looks like in our lives. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Please join Bethany Lutheran Church this Sunday at 2501 Beacon Hill Road in Alexandria, Virginia or join us online at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream</a>. </p><p>Grace and peace!</p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-90320476013111670792023-11-01T20:44:00.000-04:002023-11-01T20:44:02.314-04:00Sermon Notes for All Saints Sunday 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNDCcrz1uC51c-DtbNLyIt9znKQiU-I5IbgdbJw3IZ9eAbI-U7LjUYwtrdxhaBU3NMk4flZgn5YgJEQ8rnaQWJ4-4sAQXAkCPw6B20EHoQn34PmiyZk2uO4Ef7yQKFtmGCSdqLkYHO8vKeW9jlCTMKHlOzuUsjHzauwRmmkh4wif2tVXt2eO_CQ/s1228/4%20All%20Saints.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1228" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNDCcrz1uC51c-DtbNLyIt9znKQiU-I5IbgdbJw3IZ9eAbI-U7LjUYwtrdxhaBU3NMk4flZgn5YgJEQ8rnaQWJ4-4sAQXAkCPw6B20EHoQn34PmiyZk2uO4Ef7yQKFtmGCSdqLkYHO8vKeW9jlCTMKHlOzuUsjHzauwRmmkh4wif2tVXt2eO_CQ/w640-h360/4%20All%20Saints.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Looking at the appointed lessons from Matthew's Gospel through the month of November had me thinking about one of the big ideas of the Bible: <u>The Kingdom</u>. In the weeks to come, we'll hear parables that Jesus spoke in Jerusalem about the way He will return and what that means for us, right now. Before we take that journey, there is a stop that we make most every year the first Sunday in November when we celebrate "All Saints Day". That is the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=ESV">Matthew chapter 5</a> and the list of blessings or "Beatitudes." </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Matthew's Gospel is filled with talk about "the Kingdom of Heaven". From the beginning of the Gospel, we see that this Kingdom is the opposite of what we would expect, and that is probably a good thing! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Would you expect that this Kingdom is for... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> The poor in spirit? Those who mourn? The meek? Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? That does not sound like people in charge who are going to rule, does it?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span> What about people who are active in being merciful? Or pure in heart? Or peacemakers? And then there are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake? If these are the movers and shakers, then what kind of kingdom is this? </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span>It is a Kingdom whose reign brings the greatest joy and the richest blessings though the most amazing love the world has ever known.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I hope you can join me at <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org">Bethany Lutheran Church</a> and maybe interact with me a bit during the sermon. I'd like to get your thoughts on the "Kingdom of Heaven" and being truly "Blessed"! If you cannot be there in person, we do have <a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">a live stream</a> of the service that is available on demand, also. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span>Grace and peace!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-36180110752644154622023-10-31T11:00:00.006-04:002023-10-31T11:00:41.947-04:00Alexandria Shadows: St. Paul's Cemetery<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Showcard Gothic"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alexandria
Shadows <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The Shadows of St. Paul's</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Greetings and a blessed All Hallows Eve! I recently hosted a ghost walk around parts of Old Town Alexandria with my youth group at<a href="http://www.bethany-lcms.org"> Bethany Lutheran</a>. Before doing that, I did a long walk on my own which included a trip to St. Paul's cemetery. My main objective was to visit the most famous grave in our town, that of the Female Stranger <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-grave-of-the-female-stranger-alexandria-virginia#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20theories%20as,lost%20at%20sea%20in%201813.">(noted here by Atlas Obscura</a>). But while there I saw a few other things that caught my attention. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04U-4ilefa2NZ8KjtrAqop0CXSFlhyphenhyphenObGShJ7zp4QywE4IH_slq0uJ4EDHQb5quuG6j4loseZnIVXqno6bPen1KsUUonk7crpUdwtJ3CqN0MgEnJS0JRfxRPufVIy3aqpGdSXBqftMAq3_XcIHq9r-jFVTUMSzHnqj4kBF3aTkRCt1NPiXm8hVA/s4160/IMG_20231013_160219507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04U-4ilefa2NZ8KjtrAqop0CXSFlhyphenhyphenObGShJ7zp4QywE4IH_slq0uJ4EDHQb5quuG6j4loseZnIVXqno6bPen1KsUUonk7crpUdwtJ3CqN0MgEnJS0JRfxRPufVIy3aqpGdSXBqftMAq3_XcIHq9r-jFVTUMSzHnqj4kBF3aTkRCt1NPiXm8hVA/s320/IMG_20231013_160219507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The first thing to note is that St. Paul's cemetery is adjacent to several other cemeteries. The boundaries of each are marked off by fencing. In some ways, it made walking between graves feel like walking in a labyrinth. There was no danger of getting lost, though, so long as you followed the paths and the fence lines. I found the grave I was looking for by entering "Home of Peace" on Franklin Street and then turning right at the end of the path. The Female Stranger was a short way from there along a wide, main path. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAx7yMkZLQSsKCSTQO-1_09bg-Rn23DKbKq_4oQMeTNGfn6zAg2Q8gkbUrQiHL90CNTXUWa55eB9P5wxT8bpHBcvUeuccyKsmFDClQn2hX3cXi-E-AobLZvxDnc25rwKm3aBa_KmmPYFGoGNSbE3K_TquSGgV6etmRo3jc3pg1TlUyaIf5Lib4w/s4160/IMG_20231013_173653351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAx7yMkZLQSsKCSTQO-1_09bg-Rn23DKbKq_4oQMeTNGfn6zAg2Q8gkbUrQiHL90CNTXUWa55eB9P5wxT8bpHBcvUeuccyKsmFDClQn2hX3cXi-E-AobLZvxDnc25rwKm3aBa_KmmPYFGoGNSbE3K_TquSGgV6etmRo3jc3pg1TlUyaIf5Lib4w/s320/IMG_20231013_173653351.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuEswLiVi4ALdV-JWhWOLVkM3j8RR9S4iAzKGcQHtQkNUNK-ZxwM15L7HaB1DJjn_igqZCXREbWl_dTgizlEBkuMGAfxZbyx0VlNoJ-w0Rd5mm_qpHGw0it6PGMOrREpDs3yYN0LUfXeqXOxHIdyvB6CVx3Sgi-Lde4FlYXyh-ERjwTuc6m89gg/s4160/IMG_20231013_160828119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuEswLiVi4ALdV-JWhWOLVkM3j8RR9S4iAzKGcQHtQkNUNK-ZxwM15L7HaB1DJjn_igqZCXREbWl_dTgizlEBkuMGAfxZbyx0VlNoJ-w0Rd5mm_qpHGw0it6PGMOrREpDs3yYN0LUfXeqXOxHIdyvB6CVx3Sgi-Lde4FlYXyh-ERjwTuc6m89gg/s320/IMG_20231013_160828119.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you know the story? In 1816, a woman is brought into Gadsby's Tavern. She became deathly ill. A doctor was brought to
Gadsby’s but his efforts are in vain and eventually the lady dies on October 14. The husband begs the people at
St. Paul’s to provide a final resting place for his bride. The stone is carved
to his specification. The service is held. And then he disappears. The bank
notes he leaves as payment for all these services turn out to be forgeries. And
no one knows who he is or who she was. No names are given. If anyone does know, they are sworn to secrecy. Why? Were these two people criminals? Spies? Some have speculated
that she was Aaron Burr’s daughter, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosia_Burr_Alston">Theodosia Alston</a>, who was reported to be lost at sea. But to this
day, it is a mystery. It seems like a ghost story because they were here and then
disappeared. It would be just a ghost story and might be forgotten at some
point if not for the grave stone that remains at St. Paul’s cemetery. To this
day it stands as a reminder that this happened. These people were here. They
existed even if their reasons for anonymity and secrecy were never revealed. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopPeoPC72ESpVMNp0dccWe5qupv19om1pdIwo0eh9UzXv5qQQYZO9uRQIrM6PMRRFc_p0wySEDRhz2tJHUfIDuVVj1BLoCoT0SCTSiF72o80qS6jvR1PrgsffB8gkYfGJwvMgH7BirCvOK-jfsn3CjadBXQmk6MPqKkdCptWpAtDiMrr1BrSf-g/s4160/IMG_20231013_160753323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopPeoPC72ESpVMNp0dccWe5qupv19om1pdIwo0eh9UzXv5qQQYZO9uRQIrM6PMRRFc_p0wySEDRhz2tJHUfIDuVVj1BLoCoT0SCTSiF72o80qS6jvR1PrgsffB8gkYfGJwvMgH7BirCvOK-jfsn3CjadBXQmk6MPqKkdCptWpAtDiMrr1BrSf-g/s320/IMG_20231013_160753323.jpg" width="240" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Now what I found very
interesting when I visited the grave of the Female Stranger was the Bible verse
on the inscription. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+10&version=ESV">Acts 10</a>:43 is the last verse of a sermon given by the Apostle
Peter at the house of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion. Is this a clue to the
mysterious couple's identity? Was there some military connection and thus the
need for secrecy? That I do not know, since I do not have the tools to look.
That might be a fun bit of research to do one day! Mysteries are a lot of fun
to crack and that makes for a different connection to Peter’s sermon. Peter
tells Cornelius that God’s plan all through the “prophets” (the Old Testament) was
that everyone could have their sins forgiven, including Gentiles like Cornelius
and his household. It was something of a mystery, but it is uncovered by the
person of Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. In that part of Acts, God
was doing a new thing through Peter and the Apostles and the Good News of
salvation was being revealed – uncovered – so that many more people would know.</span></div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8-0q2qpcuKvs-sRUMtKEbthUIgIXOqU6J2E4_bSwgLwwyg_A1UL_Qz2DXXt2U3LOw3aWQamE8u4RsPYBQQbAHZE8nvFY4s2HIUNl-bYmqg2vIYGCcYE0r7dbHNKLOf-seAqfSRH-XACLALIYwS0BJox3__Qr4mgwBty8B3V07vm4CbYVYEQ0Cg/s4160/IMG_20231013_161024336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8-0q2qpcuKvs-sRUMtKEbthUIgIXOqU6J2E4_bSwgLwwyg_A1UL_Qz2DXXt2U3LOw3aWQamE8u4RsPYBQQbAHZE8nvFY4s2HIUNl-bYmqg2vIYGCcYE0r7dbHNKLOf-seAqfSRH-XACLALIYwS0BJox3__Qr4mgwBty8B3V07vm4CbYVYEQ0Cg/s320/IMG_20231013_161024336.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">So now I had some additional thoughts about the Female Stranger after visiting her grave. It is said she still makes appearances at <a href="https://www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern">Gatsby's Tavern</a>, which is where I ended my ghost walk with the youth with her story and a devotional thought from Acts 10. From that grave, I looked around and visited a few more places that caught my attention and my imagination, such as the angel in the picture. This area was dedicated to a Rev. James Johnston. After my walk, found<a href="https://gravestonestories.com/discover-the-fascinating-stories-of-alexandrias-historic-st-pauls-cemetery/"> a website that had some of the stories of St. Paul's</a>, including Rev. Johnston's. He was known as "Parson Johnston" and served at St. Paul's from 1834 until he had to resign due to poor health in 1859. Apparently during the Civil War his home was a Union hospital and in the year of his wife's death (1884), it became a headquarters for Confederate veterans. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLDjan6tgoTO2PABitMPYKsPDPgXeoqQwprp9FCoVlhe0o3qn4g-CRgRz78nEJMQov65UChyphenhyphenMCf5UoCFdlAycxEnzkUGKDawcmZZBAneZBe0xK3Ij_xk4278xnwJNNGGsNtW-5NmY3ZSwswUeagK4WUeB0bwOh48od05I4fWH2_pRyrxjDmyLWQ/s4160/IMG_20231013_161343772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLDjan6tgoTO2PABitMPYKsPDPgXeoqQwprp9FCoVlhe0o3qn4g-CRgRz78nEJMQov65UChyphenhyphenMCf5UoCFdlAycxEnzkUGKDawcmZZBAneZBe0xK3Ij_xk4278xnwJNNGGsNtW-5NmY3ZSwswUeagK4WUeB0bwOh48od05I4fWH2_pRyrxjDmyLWQ/s320/IMG_20231013_161343772.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the same area, there was the grave a Confederate brigadier and his two wives. One of whom had a curious inscription on her grave. <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67127903/josephine-conklin-delagnel">Turns out she was an active member of the Baha'i faith</a> in Washington, D.C.. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Very near there in the next cemetery, there was a camper. Yup! I was so curious I walked all around it. It looked like it had been parked there, unused, for a while. There were gravestones right next to it, but I could not read any connections between them and the vehicle. Was there... someone inside it? This is still a mystery to me. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMA2KeSTQfqiS9deIr7avKzzU09Qk0VYzLkh5pcabmYMMgu3O0oFdbugG2S7lDzcBt412Fj6O-t4pYimSWRQUZ3E5q8gheqvy198zalrO-FI5npaijXwm8Z-62hM3_YvMgnc2s-zz2sh9iq5IkmmzBtB8GrkCokR5ezfdIC6rlBLECOiO8-hBpA/s4160/IMG_20231013_161506569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMA2KeSTQfqiS9deIr7avKzzU09Qk0VYzLkh5pcabmYMMgu3O0oFdbugG2S7lDzcBt412Fj6O-t4pYimSWRQUZ3E5q8gheqvy198zalrO-FI5npaijXwm8Z-62hM3_YvMgnc2s-zz2sh9iq5IkmmzBtB8GrkCokR5ezfdIC6rlBLECOiO8-hBpA/s320/IMG_20231013_161506569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhase-CQrDu6GgfZYClwSlR9fIhTVEhVLTfGsQKQ0wtuomAr6gxtmfP7WItkHstIMFn5snCRdzP56TPb_Ex4-P4P7_8LskQ693bUzixmaWsK3GdDJ6MV3dcLe3CYZw9B6Nqis3no_cqAA2BbDMEXWcl0BBa_RCVX37UR30_BDZ5NONg5Lfxv3-37g/s4160/IMG_20231013_161441189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhase-CQrDu6GgfZYClwSlR9fIhTVEhVLTfGsQKQ0wtuomAr6gxtmfP7WItkHstIMFn5snCRdzP56TPb_Ex4-P4P7_8LskQ693bUzixmaWsK3GdDJ6MV3dcLe3CYZw9B6Nqis3no_cqAA2BbDMEXWcl0BBa_RCVX37UR30_BDZ5NONg5Lfxv3-37g/w278-h209/IMG_20231013_161441189.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, by then there was only so much daylight left in the day, so I wanted to get on with the rest of my walk back by the waterfront area. Using Google, I thought I saw a way out to Wilkes Street. Then I read the sign, below. Were I driving, I would have had to have found another route, I guess! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A blessed All Hallows Eve, everyone! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUikNFnN4VsodYeNRWaayuYFgflGfsSboqgq2TiZuH275Y_F8BOUHxi1uc5uSJ-Qp-glDTaAtMmKaGIOYKC8ec8rGUuPmun-oyJICXhG5BmmHSqQ9FQOE4j1MjqyonlQIO6m_Hsqqqy-wuvLmoICwCh-3aIb7oLMiqcuSmO_cRafRhHW7RiOsm-Q/s4160/IMG_20231013_162713340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUikNFnN4VsodYeNRWaayuYFgflGfsSboqgq2TiZuH275Y_F8BOUHxi1uc5uSJ-Qp-glDTaAtMmKaGIOYKC8ec8rGUuPmun-oyJICXhG5BmmHSqQ9FQOE4j1MjqyonlQIO6m_Hsqqqy-wuvLmoICwCh-3aIb7oLMiqcuSmO_cRafRhHW7RiOsm-Q/s320/IMG_20231013_162713340.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-55168464704205015372023-10-30T11:34:00.000-04:002023-10-30T11:34:42.098-04:00Alexandria Shadows: The Cemetery That Would Not Be Forgotten!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Showcard Gothic"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Alexandria
Shadows </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif;">It should not be surprising that a city with so much history has so many ghost stories. From the interpreters at the historic sites to the shop owners, people are ready to share what they know about hauntings, apparitions and even the Devil Bat who used to live above City Hall. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif;">In the days before All Hallows Day (All Saints Day) I thought I would share stories that can be found in two of the most prominent cemeteries in our town. First, the cemetery that refused to be forgotten!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMuvibz4Q-QS_1btJjTcWNqI9JExeh8lk3M12x2KEFJND933gba6nPhL5YQqhWvyzGXskjD-lT0DkDZgL9aR85e7ampl-Kp_CgsYz7S3BKL3HiaaVHxpXVsXAG4CSXm4bJoQwBGququl5Hb6_DWErOWnos36pnRQIL_BfsI6NVudzVPAXhkkHCg/s4160/IMG_20231013_154143665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMuvibz4Q-QS_1btJjTcWNqI9JExeh8lk3M12x2KEFJND933gba6nPhL5YQqhWvyzGXskjD-lT0DkDZgL9aR85e7ampl-Kp_CgsYz7S3BKL3HiaaVHxpXVsXAG4CSXm4bJoQwBGququl5Hb6_DWErOWnos36pnRQIL_BfsI6NVudzVPAXhkkHCg/w400-h300/IMG_20231013_154143665.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />At the Freedman/Contraband cemetery on the corner of Green and Washington, there is an inspiring
memorial to those who came to Alexandria to find their first taste of freedom
from slavery. For many people, Alexandria was the first place where they could
cross the line from the south to the north and exist someplace where they were
not someone’s property. Within the memorial is a dedication to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Jacobs">Harriet Jacobs</a>, a brave woman who escaped and dedicated her life to teaching, starting
the Freedman’s school here in Alexandria.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNA7XDzM2WkXRsq7qbw3AHysqQsnB936KeeaHxre98UvVBljBTl6HnSKPx8RR1rxgC0B_8Dfw4g6_TdoaOdH5EcapRFpchtVGzsrARcqkP-ROAe9FKGhhp9hphF0xhFNrPaa0njmE7hajd6GEwWHgECJlGlMqUrp6KExxb49xGBK8NXlx2zU0QQ/s4160/IMG_20231013_154232689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNA7XDzM2WkXRsq7qbw3AHysqQsnB936KeeaHxre98UvVBljBTl6HnSKPx8RR1rxgC0B_8Dfw4g6_TdoaOdH5EcapRFpchtVGzsrARcqkP-ROAe9FKGhhp9hphF0xhFNrPaa0njmE7hajd6GEwWHgECJlGlMqUrp6KExxb49xGBK8NXlx2zU0QQ/w400-h300/IMG_20231013_154232689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Grotesque, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtpVvtXPn9CskKyDfdKWvWx4t2tvY7jLpVyiCHmB6S4YsVG90etQG8Ku4rmVWzNCduF9ukubH0h5U5xPCJQs7AAuTSUdK66p61fDF5IeSlx8d0aJbE4lyigPc_JMuuu9FV6U4Pe-hjnR6LvwuVhvDrGQDyzT3Uww7hiDJelmGXLXoCciWwbVhmw/s4160/IMG_20231013_154051994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtpVvtXPn9CskKyDfdKWvWx4t2tvY7jLpVyiCHmB6S4YsVG90etQG8Ku4rmVWzNCduF9ukubH0h5U5xPCJQs7AAuTSUdK66p61fDF5IeSlx8d0aJbE4lyigPc_JMuuu9FV6U4Pe-hjnR6LvwuVhvDrGQDyzT3Uww7hiDJelmGXLXoCciWwbVhmw/s320/IMG_20231013_154051994.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />The last burial at this
site was in 1869 and then there was no mention that this was a cemetery at all
after 1920. A clay factory was built nearby and some of the graves were dug up
and desecrated. A gas station was also on the site for a time. This burial
ground laid forgotten. But then researchers found the documents in the 1980s and an effort was made to put a significant memorial on these grounds, including the path of roses and thorns (the giant statue) and engravings of
the cemetery records that stand there now. How did the researchers find the
records? Is there a ghost story here connected to a cemetery that would not be forgotten? I do not know. But I do know that slavery was a monstrous evil and the
effects that it had lasted for generations and still echo in our consciences, today. Sometimes the evil around us is a lot scarier than any ghost story. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4ATZ83BsEZzxRsKI_P9cx2xtRm3ssDFoOuX5L-CYyYr_fqtyUQScxw4UQdbQ1H17fiB824AY8E9OHu_qEmPzRVHVrMaZBFe14vIrzPmLQIoEC42ZYzmdcPJve_RoKAYjODbRBHY0gcC0r60-4lrK7niFYx1kS-2s6vhtpilZrp54fP3gneDUSw/s4160/IMG_20231013_154705308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4ATZ83BsEZzxRsKI_P9cx2xtRm3ssDFoOuX5L-CYyYr_fqtyUQScxw4UQdbQ1H17fiB824AY8E9OHu_qEmPzRVHVrMaZBFe14vIrzPmLQIoEC42ZYzmdcPJve_RoKAYjODbRBHY0gcC0r60-4lrK7niFYx1kS-2s6vhtpilZrp54fP3gneDUSw/w300-h400/IMG_20231013_154705308.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In any event, I think this is a place that should not be forgotten and in our remembering we should work for the
day when evils like those endured by people who were enslaved are unthinkable. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To learn more about Harriet Jacobs and the life of both slaves and Freedman here in Alexandria, I would recommend a visit to the nearby <a href="https://www.alexandriava.gov/FreedomHouse">Freedom House</a>. From there, it is a short walk to St. Paul's cemetery where one can visit the most famous and mysterious grave in Alexandria. More on that, tomorrow!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Grotesque",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24689303.post-67134000296051791912023-10-26T10:11:00.000-04:002023-10-26T10:11:46.369-04:00Reformation Sunday 2023<p> <span style="font-family: times;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmIAJhU6moZgLf_zsLZ-UKCGJuRCV7g9bDHc7CKQzWK9uCY1ebTviupHXf2ZmWhtbc2Ym-tl3SkAQH3g5ExrPG0zLkZu8VQUcZqvJXBS4bbSNWk2zNuOM4clP7WarTHBqGFbX-L_u0A1nur6rF4EYYvV6BH6T2MgHetj2icjH8GzghT8OsUp_NA/s1225/3%20Reformation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1225" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmIAJhU6moZgLf_zsLZ-UKCGJuRCV7g9bDHc7CKQzWK9uCY1ebTviupHXf2ZmWhtbc2Ym-tl3SkAQH3g5ExrPG0zLkZu8VQUcZqvJXBS4bbSNWk2zNuOM4clP7WarTHBqGFbX-L_u0A1nur6rF4EYYvV6BH6T2MgHetj2icjH8GzghT8OsUp_NA/w640-h360/3%20Reformation.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">This is normally the time I will publish some notes that look ahead to my sermon on Sunday. I have to admit, I am still thinking about where this sermon is going to go, so this week I am publishing a longer article I wrote for our church newsletter, the <a href="https://www.bethany-lcms.org/newsletter">Bethany Beacon</a>. It contains a bit of research I did looking to connect the events of 1523 to 2023. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN6zqmuLWtVd_ZDVCiggmYopGxml1Hzo1h4x80OJfN_vI-9oNXAzaPM0o7VdvBCvgsY_YiImNiXb1030POXv7j7szWIPBfuHD26GyYoU1HQroGaE5KtU6k7k6_tcCqoYLviygG2jhW_xlKUIHg-JPezPJhFNtf44WTDFUmAGIhq5f3XqTNeY6AQ/s1068/Reformation%201523%20banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="1068" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN6zqmuLWtVd_ZDVCiggmYopGxml1Hzo1h4x80OJfN_vI-9oNXAzaPM0o7VdvBCvgsY_YiImNiXb1030POXv7j7szWIPBfuHD26GyYoU1HQroGaE5KtU6k7k6_tcCqoYLviygG2jhW_xlKUIHg-JPezPJhFNtf44WTDFUmAGIhq5f3XqTNeY6AQ/w640-h262/Reformation%201523%20banner.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since we celebrated the 500<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, I’ve been taking some time each year to
reflect on the important events that happened after Martin Luther nailed 95
points for debate on the castle church door in Wittenburg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year following 1517 there were
significant things happening and important writings published that help to
shape the church we are, today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year (2023), I am looking at
what happened in 1523. Unfortunately for me there is not a single event or a
single writing from this year that can help frame my sermon for Reformation
Sunday (which has also been my practice since 2017). What I did find are two
events and two writings that are lesser known, but still important. I am
writing this short article ahead of my sermon to help organize my thoughts and
maybe see where God is leading this year’s Reformation celebration. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 107%;">Luther’s
Pamphlet on “Secular Authority” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Early in 1523 (we are not sure
exactly when) Martin Luther published a treatise “On Secular Authority: how far
does the obedience owed to it extend?” This was informed not only by a series
of sermons Luther preached in October of 1522, but also some other recent
events. In 1521, he had an epic run in with secular authority when he stood
before the Holy Roman Emperor and was asked to denounce his previous writings. His
refusal to do so led to his exile as protector Prince Frederick arranged to
hide him at Wartburg Castle. The year before that, Luther wrote a significant
letter to the German Princes to establish how God has made their rule distinct
from the church and their calling just as spiritual. With those events and
writings in his memory, Luther wrestles with how a Christian should think about
matters of church and state.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This all led to the development
of Martin’s “two kingdom” theology. That is, there is a “left hand” kingdom
where the State and secular rulers are God’s agents to uphold the good and
punish evil (tracking with what Paul writes in Romans 13). The other sphere is
the “right hand” kingdom where Christ rules in a Christian’s heart with the
power of the Holy Spirit. He uses the “hand” terminology later, but in the
pamphlet Luther writes: “For this reason one must carefully distinguish between
these two governments. Both must be permitted to remain; the one to produce
righteousness, the other to bring about external peace and prevent evil deeds.
Neither one is sufficient in the world without the other<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The instructions Luther gives in
the second part of this pamphlet help us to think about situations when our
obligations to one “hand” conflicts with the other. As it turned out, he would
find occasion to think more on these principals throughout the year 1523. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 107%;">Escape
from Nimbschen</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FECrANTOX38WHyRmo-NtDpvz_uQxIt5MCdCtdy0VK32JDpivNB9WtkIg6li2wqvmOeatTVP2spk5h1tovWc1MrnWmzHWBhkDyTGO2wg3hYXhEA5jWFNLAgungYf6OTYFiFZkq1-oQyTTHQ380XN4ORygs3dpRb8fBiMx_7ljjCWF7Oy0Lr8OmQ/s604/Katherina%20Von%20Bora.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="447" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FECrANTOX38WHyRmo-NtDpvz_uQxIt5MCdCtdy0VK32JDpivNB9WtkIg6li2wqvmOeatTVP2spk5h1tovWc1MrnWmzHWBhkDyTGO2wg3hYXhEA5jWFNLAgungYf6OTYFiFZkq1-oQyTTHQ380XN4ORygs3dpRb8fBiMx_7ljjCWF7Oy0Lr8OmQ/w209-h282/Katherina%20Von%20Bora.png" width="209" /></a></b></div><b><o:p></o:p></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of those occasions was when
he received a letter asking for help from a group of nuns at Marienthron
(Mary’s Throne) convent in Nimbschen. This was the result of Luther’s writings
circulating widely and those in monasteries and convents who read them were
re-thinking their role in the church. Is this how they wanted to serve God,
given a choice? Could they serve God just as well while working and raising a
family? These questions were well and good, but in the case of the Nuns, where
would they go if their families would not take them back? One group decided
they would go to Wittenberg and on Holy Saturday they were smuggled out thanks
to the arrangements made between Luther and a merchant named Leonard Kopp who hid
them among barrels used for herring and beer. This was breaking the rules in
the church which were enforced by the state. It was consistent, though, with
Luther’s writings that stated people should be able to follow their conscience
if it is a spiritual matter informed by God’s Word. He wrote: “How he believes
or disbelieves is a matter for the conscience of each individual, and since
this takes nothing away from the temporal authority the latter should be
content to attend to its own affairs and let men believe this or that as they
are able and willing, and constrain no one by force<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.”
Luther’s words notwithstanding, the convent was in a part of Saxony where Duke
George would likely have enforced prison sentences and fines for anyone who
tried to remove nuns from a convent<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
Hence the secrecy in getting the nuns to Wittenberg where Luther’s protector,
Prince Frederick, would likely not take action against them or the people who
helped them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In short order, marriages were
arranged for all but one of these former Nuns. That one was Katherina Von Bora,
who would eventually be the wife of Martin two years later. Some might argue
that her escape from Nimbchen was one of the most significant of all the Reformation
events we are revisiting these 500 years later. It certainly would have a
profound impact on Protestantism as she and Martin would model the future
Protestant parsonage. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs75vkh98-RBqc_drb65WYtaz2qkXxytH3nH82sgy1juUNS4PmSwetpbIVIgwfx5-d_k3mg8-wMpp6U8NJbz6W1soTGX_HM28g6qmKxaKFJl7t0zJxvzjvQaEH8WFz0eLklqG6CXFYspJHvUYm2Y0EsaI4gJhZOXidTkTny4l0HPwRcga11MaMYg/s601/first%20martyrs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs75vkh98-RBqc_drb65WYtaz2qkXxytH3nH82sgy1juUNS4PmSwetpbIVIgwfx5-d_k3mg8-wMpp6U8NJbz6W1soTGX_HM28g6qmKxaKFJl7t0zJxvzjvQaEH8WFz0eLklqG6CXFYspJHvUYm2Y0EsaI4gJhZOXidTkTny4l0HPwRcga11MaMYg/s320/first%20martyrs.png" width="314" /></a></b></div><b><br />The First
Lutheran Martyrs <o:p></o:p></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But that wedding would have to
wait until 1525. Marriage may have been far from Luther’s mind in 1523 as he
was well aware that one of the consequences of his “stand” in Worms was that he
could be arrested and possibly executed. Historian Roland Bainton writes: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Luther felt
responsible to find for [the escaped nuns] homes, husbands, or positions of
some sort. An obvious solution was that he should dispose of one case by
marrying himself. Someone suggested it. His comment on November 30, 1524, was
that he had no such intention, not because he was a sexless stone, nor because
he was hostile to marriage, but because he expected daily the death of a
heretic<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That opinion of Luther’s may have been
informed by the arrest and execution of two Augustinian monks who were martyred
on June 30, 1523. Jan van Essen and Hendrick Vos were arrested with all their
fellow monks who lived at Saint Augustine’s Monastery in Antwerp. Under
interrogation, Essen and Vos held to their Lutheran beliefs along with another
named Lampertus Thorn, while the rest of their fellow monks recanted. Thorn
asked for more time to consider and ultimately died in prison in 1528<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
The other two were burned at the stake. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In his treatise on secular
authority, Luther’s main focus centered on those authorities that were actively
trying to suppress the Reformation. He wrote: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If your
prince or temporal ruler commands you to side with the pope, to believe thus
and so, or to get rid of certain books, you should say, “It is not fitting that
Lucifer should sit at the side of God. Gracious sir, I owe you obedience in
body and property; command me within the limits of your authority on earth, and
I will obey. But if you command me to believe or to get rid of certain books, I
will not obey; for then you are a tyrant and overreach yourself, commanding
where you have neither the right nor the authority,” etc. Should he seize your
property on account of this and punish such disobedience, then blessed are you;
thank God that you are worthy to suffer for the sake of the divine word. Let
him rage, fool that he is; he will meet his judge. For I tell you, if you fail
to withstand him, if you give in to him and let him take away your faith and
your books, you have truly denied God<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do not know if Vos and Essen
were aware of Luther’s writing, but they stood up to both church and secular authorities
even when it was obvious that they would lose their lives. When Luther learned
of these first martyrs who were condemned for their faith in Christ, he
composed a hymn. His “first poetical production of which we have any record<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.”
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Flung to the heedless winds Or on the waters cast,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> The martyrs’ ashes, watched, shall
gathered be at last. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> And from that scattered dust, Around
us and abroad,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Shall spring a plenteous seed Of
witnesses for God<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[8]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 107%;">The
Pentateuch in German<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Luther wrote his treatise on
“Secular Authority” it was connected to certain news he had been hearing concerning
his translation of the New Testament: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let me
illustrate. In Meissen, Bavaria, the Mark, and other places, the tyrants have
issued an order that all copies of the New Testament are everywhere to be
turned in to the officials. This should be the response of their subjects: They
should not turn in a single page, not even a letter, on pain of losing their
salvation. Whoever does so is delivering Christ up into the hands of Herod, for
these tyrants act as murderers of Christ just like Herod. If their homes are
ordered searched and books or property taken by force, they should suffer it to
be done. Outrage is not to be resisted but endured; yet we should not sanction
it, or lift a little finger to conform, or obey<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In July of 1523, Luther continued
to do the most subversive thing he could in opposition to those ecclesiastical
and secular authorities that wanted to suppress the reform of the church: he
continued translated the Bible into German. His next translation was of the
Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible)<a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
Later, he would add the book of Psalms and then complete his translation of the
entire Bible with the help of a team of Hebrew scholars and translators. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Century, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 107%;">Reformation
2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I began writing this
article, I was hoping that my sermon for Reformation Sunday this year, would
come into better focus. It kind of did. The connection from what Luther wrote
in his treatise on “Secular Authority” to the other events of 1523 became
clearer as I wrote this article and did a little more research. However, I am
still not sure if that writing will frame my sermon, or if I will just focus on
one of the other events, like when Katie Luther first appears in Wittenburg or
Luther’s first hymn. I’ll be asking for the Holy Spirit to help get me the rest
of the way there by <b><u><a href="https://www.bethany-lcms.org/live-stream">Sunday, October 29</a></u></b>, which is when Reformation
Day will be observed at <a href="https://www.bethany-lcms.org/">Bethany</a>! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<br /><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="text-align: justify;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; Vol. 45, p. 92). Fortress Press.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div id="ftn1" style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; Vol. 45, p. 108). Fortress Press.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2" style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[3]</span></span></span></a> There was a statue made in 1285 making the removal of nuns from their convent a state offence. The law is quoted in this article about Katie Luther - <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Katharina_von_Bora/">https://www.worldhistory.org/Katharina_von_Bora/</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3" style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Bainton, Roland H.. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. Abingdon Press. 1950. P. 287</p></div></div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_van_Essen_and_Hendrik_Vos">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_van_Essen_and_Hendrik_Vos</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Luther,
M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II (J. J.
Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; Vol. 45, pp. 111–112).
Fortress Press.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Polack,
W.G.. The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal. Concordia Publishing House. 1942. P.
189. <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
The Lutheran Hymnal 259 – “Flung to the Heedless Winds.” Written by Martin
Luther, 1523. Translated by John A. Messenger, 1843. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Luther,
M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 45 : The Christian in Society II (J. J.
Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; Vol. 45, p. 112). Fortress
Press.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://bethanylcms-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pastor_bethany-lcms_org/Documents/Documents/Fall%202023/Reformation%201523.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
You can see some of the illustrations in a 1524 edition included in the Museum
of the Bible collections: <a href="https://collections.museumofthebible.org/artifacts/25085-luthers-pentateuch#:~:text=Description,Melchior%20Lotter%20in%20Wittenberg%2C%20Germany">https://collections.museumofthebible.org/artifacts/25085-luthers-pentateuch#:~:text=Description,Melchior%20Lotter%20in%20Wittenberg%2C%20Germany</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
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</div><br /></div>Rev. Andrew W. Jagowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13508129458737597720noreply@blogger.com0