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.”
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.
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- Published: 06 July 2019 06 July 2019
- Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019
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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!
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- Published: 30 June 2019 30 June 2019
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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.
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- Published: 29 June 2019 29 June 2019
- Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019
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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:
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- Published: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019
- Last Updated: 19 July 2019 19 July 2019
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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.
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- Published: 15 June 2019 15 June 2019
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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.
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- Published: 11 June 2019 11 June 2019
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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.
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- Published: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019
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“He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
These words which we confess each week in our creed are powerful words because they tell the end of a story that we began to tell in Advent. Jesus, the Christ, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of Mary, lived and taught among us, was crucified for us, and rose again on the third day victorious over death, Satan, and Hell. Following his resurrection, he revealed himself to his apostles for forty days, until such time as he was taken into heaven on a cloud right before their eyes (Acts 1).
The number forty has great significance in scripture. Here are just a few references. The rain during the flood lasted for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:4) and Noah then waited forty days after the top of the mountains were seen to release the raven (Genesis 8:5-7). Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights before his temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2).
Our offertory during the Easter season has encouraged us to hear that “Christ victorious, rising glorious, life is giving. He was dead but now is living.” This week, however, we sing in our offertory:
“See, the Lord ascends in triumph; conquering King in royal state, Riding on the clouds, his chariot, To His heavenly palace gate.
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- Published: 01 June 2019 01 June 2019
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"O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods." (Psalm 96:1-4)
The Easter Season brings the following question to the front of our minds: “How will I now live for the Christ who died, rose and now lives for me?” This is not always an easy question to answer and sometimes it can be hard to tell if our lives are making a difference. It may feel like the problems of this world are too much to overcome: dis- ease, natural disasters, poverty, war, prejudice, addictions, broken families, and a whole host of other things. Our individual lives and collective ministries can sometimes seem small in the face of such incredible brokenness.
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- Published: 25 May 2019 25 May 2019
- Last Updated: 27 May 2019 27 May 2019
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The Apostle Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.” -Philippians 1:3-7a
Indeed I have cause for a lot of rejoicing:
Praise and Thanksgiving for our Good Physician who grants all healing and renewal.
Praise and Thanksgiving for wonderful surgeons, doctors and nurses.
Praise and Thanksgiving for life-giving and pain reducing medicine.
Praise and Thanksgiving for a wonderful wife who nursed me back to health.
Praise and Thanksgiving for Pastor Michael Kumm and Janet who tirelessly served this congregation in my stead during my medical leave.
And finally, Praise and Thanksgiving for all of you. Cheryl and I were blessed with kind words, beautiful cards and wonderful meals during my convalescence. So, yes, “it is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.”
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- Published: 21 May 2019 21 May 2019
- Last Updated: 20 June 2019 20 June 2019
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