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Monday, November 8, 2021
Sunday, October 31, 2021
November Pastors Article
NOVEMBER ARTICLE
Since the leaves this year seem to be late in changing, November may be more colorful than in some years. However, colorful or not, November has important days in the Church Year.
November 1st is All Saints Day, a time to remember and praise God for all those who have died in the Lord and now rest from their labors. We remember also our sainthood bought by Jesus’ dying on the cross for our sins. Now as both saints and redeemed sinners we are strengthened to serve Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although not a religious holiday, November 11, encourages us to give thanks for all those who have served our country in the military over the years and presently. They have helped to preserve our freedoms, especially our freedom to worship our Triune God.
Thanksgiving is, of course, a national holiday but we in the Church take the opportunity to offer a Service of Thanksgiving to our Lord for all He has given us in our lives . We especially give thanks for
God’s gift of Grace in Christ Jesus, our Savior. It’s sad that so few feel the need to attend this special opportunity. (The service this year is Wednesday, Nov. 24th at 7:P.M.).
The First Sunday of Advent is November 28th with special orders of worship for the four weeks
pre-ceding Christmas. During this time as we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth we also direct our thinking to His Second Coming and His coming into our hearts to assure us t of the peace that passes all understanding in this world of sin.
We hear this year that people should shop early for Christmas due to a shortage of material items for Christmas. Yet as Christians we recognize that the greatest Gift we could ever have is the Christ Child,
our Savior, whose birth we celebrate and through Him we have the promise of eternal life.
I pray we will all look forward to and attend our Sunday morning Advent Services and maybe even our Wednesday evening Advent Bible Classes at 7P.M. (light meal at 6:15P.M.). Take time as you share plans for the upcoming season to share your faith with others through Word and action. Invite others to worship with you as you attend these special services. Show your faith and share it by the Holy Spirit’s power.
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Pastor's October Article
GRACE ALONE, FAITH ALONE, SCRIPTURE ALONE
It would be hard for a Lutheran pastor not to include thoughts of Martin Luther when writing an article for October. As you might remember, it was on October 31 – the Eve of All Saints’ Day – that Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg so the scholars might begin debating issues that were in conflict with Scripture, thus starting the REFORMATION.
Luther continued to find evidence in Holy Scripture that the Church in his day was not consistent with Scripture. Finally at the Diet (Meeting) at Worms some years later, Luther was challenged to recant (take back) his writings. Paraphrasing his response Luther said that unless he could be proven wrong- by Scripture, he would not recant.
Since that time a basic premise of our church has been that we are saved by “Grace alone, by Faith alone and by Scripture alone.” Unfortunately, many Lutherans today do not take the time to really study Scripture. This is evident even at Faith Lutheran Church where Bible class attendance is certainly low (in spite of the addition of donuts and coffee every Sunday morning). It would be interesting to know why people do not want to study God’s Word more. We always give opportunities to pick what book of the Bible or topic members would like to discuss or find answers for. We read what God says in His Word, talk about what it means and apply it to present day problems or concerns. Whatever is studied from His Word, God has promised to build our faith through it as the Holy Spirit works through the Word. It changes our hearts and helps to remind us that we can learn from other times, people and circumstances. The Bible is God’s “love letter” to each one of us.
At this time we are studying Micah – one of the shorter books of the Bible which contains the prophecy of where Jesus would be born about 700 years before it happened. Its theme of judgment and deliverance by God are topics relevant today! You are personally invited to come to our adult Bible class here at Faith on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. Bring your favorite Bible or use one provided on the table downstairs where Bible class is held.
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Monday, September 6, 2021
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Pastor's September Article
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS FOREVER
When I was a child, school always started up again in September after Labor Day. Times have changed and now most have already returned to classes –actual or virtual. In the church, we want to continue to study God’s Word so we can remain firm in our faith and grow in the knowledge of our Lord.
As Lutherans we have long been known as “a Church of Word and Sacrament.” This means that we take seriously the hearing and studying of God’s Word and understand how the Holy Spirit works through the
Sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion.
As babies we are brought to faith by the Holy Spirit creating faith in us through Baptism. Adults learn that we receive the blessings of Baptism when we believe, then we want to be baptized as it says in John 3:16, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.” We believe that we have participated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Holy Communion, the effect is similar.
In the Old Testament God introduced the Passover so His people would remember their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Each year, yet today, they celebrate the Passover with the attitude that they, too, participated in that deliverance. It was at the Passover meal that Jesus instituted Holy Communion. He broke the bread to signal deliverance from sin and proclaimed “This is My body” and had them drink the wine that signified the blood that was on the doorposts so the angel of death would “pass-over” the Israelites. He said, “…this is My blood” of the New Covenant.” He told His disciples (and us) to do this often. Through Holy Communion we are to remember that we, too, participated in His death and resurrection and are assured of eternal life through His action.
Out of love for God’s Grace through Word and Sacrament, we want to take the opportunities to praise Him often and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit so He can continue to strengthen our faith unto life eternal. Christian education is forever.
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Pastor's August Article
WHY WORSHIP?
Following the resurrection, the early Christians were very anxious to be with fellow believers. They had a faith and hope they never realized previously. No longer did they feel the oppressive nature of the Law. Saved by grace they looked forward to the day when Jesus would return or at least at their death, they knew the promise of eternal life with Him. Later, during the periods of persecution they would even meet in secret, hiding and worshipping in the catacombs (burial places for the dead) so the Romans would not disrupt their worship and put them to death.
Moving much later to the period following the Reformation (1500’s) our early Lutheran ancestors took seriously salvation by grace alone and faced persecution again, but the church grew stronger. Later in the 1800’s when rationalism became prevalent in the European countries our Missouri Synod founders fled Germany and came to America to be able to establish communities centered on worship of pure Scriptural principles. Worship was strong as each community sacrificed to see that churches were built to come together and praise and receive strength in Word and Sacrament. Schools were built also so that the next generation would learn what God’s Word said.
Our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, of which Faith is a member, remained very active in maintaining strong worship practices into the 50’s and 60’s. As a child I can remember large attendance at worship, even Advent, Lenten and Easter Sunrise Services. Special services outside the local church such as Mission Festivals and Reformation services and special Circuit and District services were fostered and well-attended.
But much of that has severely dwindled. Affluence, outside activities, and pleasures of this world have had a crucial effect on worship. God’s Word says: “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” I believe we need to pray fervently that God’s grace will help our society and our personal attitudes to realize the need to continue to worship our Creator and Redeemer. That His Holy Spirit draws us to realize His steadfast love that we need not know adversity to return to seek His preservation and care. Help us personally to remember His words: “And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Sunday, July 4, 2021
July Pastor's Article
FREEDOM
WITH SECURITY
I
recalled a statement by one of our nation’s founders so I looked it up and
found it was made by Ben Franklin which says: “Those who would give up
essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty
nor safety.” It means so much to us in
terms of the tension between government power and individual liberties. It is one statement very much debated in
today’s political scene.
During
July much emphasis is placed on our freedom as a country as we celebrate our
nation’s independence. Along with the
July 4th celebration we also want to thank God for our nation. Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian
principles - although sometimes flawed by human sinfulness. God has certainly blessed us and we should
prayerfully strive to follow His will in showing love and concern for all.
In
spite of political ramifications or decisions by our government, we as
Christians, can be assured that we have both freedom and security under God’s
grace.
Our
freedom is in Jesus Christ, Who died and rose, overcoming sin, death and the
devil. Our security lies in His promise
that nothing can separate us from His love for us, even unto eternal life. God enables and strengthens us through all
trials of this life and gives us peace and eternal joy. In faith we know He keeps His promises.
As
those made righteous by the blood of Christ - the new “Israel” we want to remember
what God said to the people of Israel at the time of Solomon’s dedication of
the new temple “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear
from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” 2 Chronicles
7:14.
Rev.
James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
June Pastor's Article
PLANS, PRIORITIES AND PROCRASTINATION
June is here! For many it is a time to look forward to summer activities. As a student I always looked forward to summer vacation when we were free to go to museums in St. Louis, Forest Park, fishing, etc.
This year, for sure, there are many, who after months of COVID want to get out and do things. Things are really opening up, especially for those vaccinated; who know the fear has lessened for serious medical problems. It’s great to be able to make plans. Where do we start?
As Christians we want to prioritize our activities. Scripture reminds us “Seek first the kingdom of God.” So this encourages us to include worshiping Him in our plans. If traveling, simply look at the week and remember to take time to attend worship so that the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen us in our faith through Word and Sacrament.
June is the month for Father’s Day, when we take the opportunity to honor our earthly fathers or father-figures, who in most cases showed their love and provided for us throughout our years. So much more we want to always remember the undeserved love and grace of our Heavenly Father, who gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins, assures us of eternal life and is with us every day of our earthly life.
This summer don’t “procrastinate” – that is “Put off ‘til later” those plans for doing things you enjoy. God wants us to love the life He has given us. But, don’t procrastinate and put-off worshiping the One Who gives you all things
eternally.
I also want to especially thank the congregation for your many prayers of healing for Pastor Zastrow and myself after our recent auto accident on the way to Pastor’s Conference in Belle, May 18th which resulted in totaling both vehicles, braking three of my ribs, plus scrapes and bruises . We praise and thank God that His holy angels kept us from a much more serious outcome!
--Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
Sunday, May 2, 2021
May Pastor's Article
THREE DAYS IN MAY
There are three important days for Christians to take note of in May. The first is May 9th – Mother’s day. On this day we give thanks for mothers (or others) that loved and nurtured us as we grew up. Perhaps we still remember and hold fast to lessons learned and fond memories.
A second day of significance is May 3oth, Memorial Day, when we pay homage to all those men and women, who served in the military, especially those who suffered or gave their lives to serve our country. We give thanks to God for their dedication and service to keep our nation free, especially our freedom to proclaim God’s message of salvation. We pray that this right will never be hindered.
The third day, even Christians often neglect or overlook, falls on May 13th this year, Ascension Day. On this day, forty days after the Resurrection (Easter), Christ ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of His Father, for us.
Those forty days must have been awesome for His followers – seeing, hearing, even touching and eating with the risen Christ. Then He and His disciples went up on the Mount of Olives and He ascended back to heaven.
The words He said were for all Christians - -Go, baptize, preach. “I will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen you” “I will also be with you always.” These words give us both power and comfort plus the commission to share His salvation with the world.
Added to the above is the promise that He will come again to judge the world and the assurance that we will be with Him in heaven. What a joyful event to look forward to.
Although we will celebrate His Ascension on Sunday, the 16th, you may also enjoy the special Ascension Service for the Washington Circuit on May 13th at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. (See note below.)
I encourage you to attend our services here at Faith as we are weekly strengthened through Word and Sacrament.
I also want to extend my thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during my recent surgery and follow-up procedure. I am recovering very well.
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
OUR INVITATION TO WORSHIP AT EBENEZER, THURSDAY, MAY 13, 7:00 PM
”All members of the Washington Circuit congregations are invited to a very special Ascension Service—with Holy Communion—at Ebenezer Lutheran Church (Port Hudson, Highway YY, Leslie, 63056) on Thursday May 13th at 7:00 pm-DOWN BY THE LAKE-weather-permitting, Ebenezer is celebrating its anniversary this year, and this service is a special part of that celebration. All choir members of the circuit congregations are invited to come early to practice at about 6:30 pm and then to join in singing in four parts “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” LSB 686. Here is a line from stanza two: “Here I raise my Ebenezer. . . .” And here we will raise our voices in a song of thanks-giving for that which the Lord has so richly blessed us for so many years. This evening promises to be a wonderful time.”
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