Unfriendly or Faithful?

How shall we be perceived? And by whom? Read Pastor Tom's statement entitled "On Sounding Unfriendly?" concerning the church and recent US Presidential opinion...

http://motorsage.blogspot.com/

Let us be aware of the currents in the streams of public policy.

Easter Celebration!

OUR EASTER service at Hope Lutheran Church in Smethport began at 9AM with a customary Christian declaration. Pastor Tom spoke of our Lord in declaring the Good News that “He is Risen!” The congregation responded to that declaration by proclaiming  “He is Risen Indeed!”. Thus we recognized once again that Jesus the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God crucified for our sake, indeed rose from the dead. Though the wondrous event occurred nearly two thousand years ago, we declare that he remains alive forevermore. Believing the report, therefore, that our Lord reigns victoriously forever over all powers in heaven and earth, including death, we celebrated joyously on Easter morning with prayer, song, Word rightly proclaimed and Holy Eucharist rightly distributed..

Our joyous hymnody was highlighted during the service in the ringing of bells by our gathered youth.

Additionally, during the gathering of offerings, a well-practiced adult trio gave beautiful song in the strains of the melody entitled “Faithful”.

Finally, we witnessed that four of our young members received their first Holy Eucharist celebration. These young persons showed a Spirit-led desire in recognizing the real presence of Christ in the elements of communion. They participated in the holy meal with their parents and the rest of the congregation. Hearing the words of Christ spoken to his disciples, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you”, each new participant answered “Amen” (So it is!). Then, after receiving the body of our Lord, each young person partook of the blood of the Lamb of God provided through intinction of the host, responding again with the faithful “Amen” recognition.

Musical accomplishments from two members of the Barr family on piano and guitar during communion distribution helped complete a wonderful service.

After our worship concluded, we gathered with our new communicants to share refreshments with members of the Free Christian Evangelical Church before their worship service began.

Our thanks go out to all who helped organize this wonderful celebration. Lastly we remind all who read of these words… “Easter is a season, not just a day!” Let us continue to boldly declare… “He is Risen!”

HOLY WEEK is fast upon us! Beginning on the First Day of April, April Fool's Day, we are called to begin observances. We are reminded from scripture of St, Paul's general admonition... "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools," (Romans 1:20-21) Thus we plan our worship of Almighty God on...

Palm Sunday - 9AM

Maunday Thursday - 7PM

Good Friday - 7PM

Easter - 9AM

Please know that you are welcome to join us, and also feel welcomed to bring others. Until then, may the Peace of Almighty God which surpassed all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

Pastor's New Book!

THE NEWLY released historical book authored by Pastor Tom entitled "Lackawanna Crossings" has just been given a "FIVE STAR" rating on Amazon.com by an accomplished author! The book is available at:

http://createspace.com/3805511

or offered for the Kindle at:

http://amazon.com/dp/B007JNXBA2

The book gives an in-depth look at the lives of our early American faith ancestors as they settled this nation during the Revolutionary War. It is told of the struggles of his family who were among the first settlers in Pennsylvania.

Who You Askin?

Is EVANGELISM a very scary word, or simply a humorous effort? Check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPNRpsIM2U4&feature=related


Think on it... and invite someone!

First Anniversary!

HOPE LUTHERAN celebrated their First Anniversary on February 19, 2012. Yes folks, time flies when we are having fun! Though it seems like just yesterday that the Free Christian Evangelical Church welcomed us to bunk with them in this sleepy little mountain town, our sister congregation has made it possible for us to do wonderful ministry together in this place.
 Our Anniversary celebration began during regular worship on Sunday morning using our traditional Lutheran communion liturgy. However, according to the power of the Holy Spirit, this gathering was blessed with a new Lay Assistant to help Pastor Tom. Doing a masterful job in reading scripture lessons and psalms, serving the sacramental blood of our Lord, and reading of the Prayer of the Church, was young Kyle Nolte.

 By doing so, Kyle continued a legacy of service to the church for his family. His grandmother, Donna, presently serves on our Council and is also a Lay Assistant.

 Later that same day, at 5PM, all were invited to retire to the basement hall of the church for an Anniversary Potluck Dinner. The food proved that our congregation is indeed blessed with those who shine in the culinary arts. After prayers for dedication of the food, everyone including guests, shared conversation and Christian companionship.

  After the main course of dinner was enjoyed, our community shared the joy of anniversary cake. Some even topped the delight with ice cream! Making you hungry?

 How about being hungry enough to join us for another promising year of ministry together? Our worship community is growing, and all are welcome to join us in hearing the Word of God proclaimed.

May the God whose Love surpasses all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

Elitist, Ragamuffins or...?

AS WE CELEBRATE being in ministry together this past year, let us also do an evaluation of our fidelity to our calling as the people of God. Read of self examination, bold planning and perserverance in doing our Lord's will. As pastor, I offer... "Elitist, Ragamuffins or...?"

http://motorsage.blogspot.com/

 May the Holy Spirit guide our steps into the future, so that our ministry together bears fruit in the coming year.

Pastor Tom