July 2019 Courtyard Jazz

This past Sunday (07/14/2019) Pacific Hills Lutheran Church's courtyard was filled with the upbeat jazz of Robert Glaser & Urban Jazz. Pacific Hills and visitors were blessed with beautiful evening weather and good fellowship. Band members for this ensemble are:

Upright bass - Michael Frederickson
Guitar - Ron Cooley
Drums - Gayland Prince
Piano/ vocals - Robert Glaser
Percussion - Joey Gulizia

For more information about Robert Glaser & Urban Jazz please visit the Robert Glaser website or Facebook page.

Even Pacific Hill's own Paul Shultz (trombone) joined the band for the last two songs.

Pacific Hills Lutheran Church is happy to sponsor this venue for three concerts this year. For about the last 20 years Pacific Hills has sponsored three summer evening jazz concerts on our courtyard. This year we are continuing to do the same as the series has been a wonderful outreach event into our community. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please contact the PHLC office.

Details: Published: 21 July 2019 21 July 2019; Last Updated: 21 July 2019 21 July 2019

The Heart of Summer

We are now in the heart of summer. This is a time of year when many people take some time to slow down their pace. They might take a vacation or spend more time at the pool or reading books. With teaching there is a natural ebb and flow to the year, and summer break tends to be a quieter time. I try to use the summer as a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the next year, and also make time to be refreshed. I like to call it “filling my bucket.” If I pour out myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually on my ministry, my family, and my students without replenishing my own reserves, I will run out of re- sources to give. So if you see a bit less of me around church this month, I haven’t gone anywhere, I’m simply refilling my bucket. I’m reading books, resting, spending time with family, doing projects around my house, and spending extra time praying and meditating on God’s Word, so that I can come back to a new school year refreshed and renewed for service.

Please keep all church workers, including myself, in your prayers as we serve in our various ministry positions. You can even use the words of Paul to the Colossians (part of our Epistle lesson this week).

Details: Published: 12 July 2019 12 July 2019; Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019

The Intersection of Church and State

This week we celebrated our nation's independence and the birth of our nation's freedom. I hope that you had some time to relax and be with family and thank God for the men and women who have given their lives that we might breathe free. Last week in this article I spoke to you about a resource from Lutheran Hour Ministries entitled: “The Intersection of Church & State.”

The Intersection of Church & State To be sure in the United States the relationship between church and state is an energetic one. Voices and viewpoints line up across the spectrum. Some would argue there should be a "wall of separation" between the two. Others maintain co-existence is not only necessary and inevitable, but can lead to positive results. This Coming Sunday, July 7th, during Adult Bible Class (9:15am – Acker Hall – Earlier Time), we are going to take a look at “The Intersection of Church and State.” This DVD resource features former Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Gregory Seltz.

Details: Published: 06 July 2019 06 July 2019; Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019

Food to the Community

Pacific Hills provided free lunches to the community on a steamy Saturday, June 29th. Volunteers cooked and served hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cold water to anyone who stopped by. We enjoyed meeting neighbors, passers-by, and friends at this annual event.

Why did we do this? Because Jesus loves you and we do too!

Details: Published: 30 June 2019 30 June 2019; Last Updated: 30 June 2019 30 June 2019

Celebrate the Birth of our Nation

Something to think about as we prepare to Celebrate the Birth of our Nation

In the United States the relationship between church and state is an energetic one. Voices and viewpoints line up across the spectrum. Some would argue there should be a "wall of separation" between the two. Others maintain co-existence is not only necessary and inevitable, but can lead to positive results. Next Sunday, July 7, during Adult Bible Class (9:15 AM – Acker Hall – Earlier Time), we are going to take a look at a DVD resource by former Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Gregory Seltz and Lutheran Hour Ministries entitled: “Intersection of Church & State.”

Throughout this study, tough questions are raised that help the Christian understand the demanding balance between Church and State. Politics and religion often separate people in sharp and defining ways, dividing a country along shifting lines. Yet, no matter one's perspective, for the Christian his or her citizenship is an opportunity to serve in both the affairs of earthly government and the mission of the Christian Church on earth, always remembering; however, that the latter is most important and our number one priority.

Details: Published: 29 June 2019 29 June 2019; Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019

Thank You Rev Bill Steinbauer

Rev Bill Steinbauer from University Lutheran Chapel

We thank Rev. Bill Steinbauer for his visit to Pacific Hills Lutheran Church Sunday, June 23, 2019. Pastor Steinbauer shared information on the progress of improvements to University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln, Nebraska. PHLC contributed $200,000 to the renovations to the University Lutheran Chapel. Located on the edge of UNL's campus, the chapel has a vital role connecting students to Jesus. This renovation will change the whole look and function of the chapel. Instead of a fortress, the street view will be friendly and inviting to those walking by, making it much easier for new students on Sunday morning.

Rev. Steinbauer's sermon from Sunday, June 23, 2019 can be heard from the link below:

Details: Published: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019; Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019

Lamb of God Preschool Notes

Lamb of God Preschool Enrollment for the 2019-20 School Year

Lamb of God Preschool is currently enrolling for the 2019- 20 school year. We have openings in all programs for children ages 3-5. Please spread the word about availability in this developmentally appropriate, Christian preschool. Contact Kay Storck, Lamb of God Director/Teacher with any questions at (402) 391-2288. The Lamb of God Preschool website is www.LambofGodPreschool.org

Lamb of God Nature Club

Lamb of God is offering a new summer enrichment opportunity. Started this June 13 Lamb of God offers the Tree House Adventures Nature Club on Thursday mornings. Every Thursday morning throughout the summer children can join them for a complete outdoor learning experience. From 9:30-11:30 each Thursday children will have the opportunity to spend the morning outside taking walks, playing on their wildlife habitat playground, and creating nature art.

Details: Published: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019; Last Updated: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019

Trinity Sunday

Trinity Scutum Fidei English On Trinity Sunday we confess what is known as the Athanasian Creed. We proclaim the mystery of our faith in our God who is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One-in-Three and Three-in-One. Unlike other festivals in the church’s liturgical calendar, Trinity Sunday centers on a doctrine of the church, rather than an event. It celebrates the unfathomable mystery of God’s being as Holy Trinity. It is a day of adoration and praise of the one, eternal, incomprehensible God.

Details: Published: 15 June 2019 15 June 2019; Last Updated: 15 June 2019 15 June 2019

June Courtyard Jazz

Jorge Nila and the Jazz Ninjas perform at the Pacific Hills Lutheran Church Courtyard

This past Sunday (06/09/2019) Pacific Hills Lutheran Church's courtyard was filled with the smooth jazz stylings of Jorge Nila and the Jazz Ninjas. Jorge and his band entertained the crowd with classic tunes such as "The Girl from Ipanema," as well hits like "Soul Station" from Jorge's solo album, Tenor Time. The Jazz Ninjas are Jorge Nila (tenor sax), Michael Pujado (congas), Greg Ahl (drums) and Kevin Loyd (keyboard). Visitors from North Circuit churches, the general community, and Pacific Hills were blessed with beautiful evening weather and good fellowship.

PHLC is happy to sponsor this venue for three concerts this year. For about the last 20 years Pacific Hills has sponsored three summer evening jazz concerts on our courtyard. This year we are continuing to do the same as the series has been a wonderful outreach event into our community. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please contact the PHLC office.

Details: Published: 11 June 2019 11 June 2019; Last Updated: 11 June 2019 11 June 2019

Thanks and Farewell

Pastor And Janet Kumm Thanks and Farewell

Thanks and Farewell Pastor & Janet Kumm!

We thank God for the gift of Pastor Michael Kumm and his wife, Janet, who have served our congregation during the past two months! With Pastor Bryan Drebes returning to his call at Pacific Hills, it is bittersweet as we bid farewell to the Kumms for now. Pastor Kumm was able to step in temporarily, and seamlessly serve the congregation through Lent and Easter. “This is what it means to be in a Synod,” he said of his time at Pacific Hills, citing the cohesiveness of the LCMS community. Janet travelled with Pastor Kumm to Omaha from South Dakota most Sundays, and we thank God for her support and participation, as well.

Details: Published: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019; Last Updated: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019

Naboth’s Vineyard

Drawing by Michelle Steen

ome time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. ² Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” ³ But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” ⁴ So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. ⁵ His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?” ⁶ He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” ⁷ Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” ⁸ So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. ⁹ In those letters she wrote: “Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. ¹⁰ But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” ¹¹ So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. ¹² They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. ¹³ Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. ¹⁴ Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” ¹⁵ As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” ¹⁶ When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.

- 1 Kings 21:1-16

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Something to think about as we prepare to Celebrate the Birth of our Nation

Lamb of God Preschool Enrollment for the 2019-20 School Year

Lamb of God Nature Club

Thanks and Farewell Pastor & Janet Kumm!

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