Happy Easter 20 April 2022 After a wonderfully busy Holy Week, the church office was closed this Monday. So, Word from Wiese is short and sweet this week. Alleluia! Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!! Thanks to ALL who created, attended and rejoiced in our seven distinct Holy Week services. What a treat to have the packed worship …
Ashes 2 March 2022 Ashes. Today, on Ash Wednesday, we mark ashes on each other’s foreheads. Ashes shaped in the cross of Christ accompany these words, “Woman/man remember that you are dust and to dust you will return.” While the pastor will say the words gently, the statement might come as a harsh slap in the face, reminding us of …
Pray for Peace 23 February 2022 In one of my favorite Beatles tunes, “Back in the U.S.S.R,” there’s a line: “the Ukraine girls really knock me out.” I’ve never been to Ukraine, but I have no reason to doubt that the girls of all ages are pretty special. And I assume that God is pretty pleased with all the boys …
What’s Your Partner’s Love Language? 9 February 2022 I know. You opened today’s WFW desperately hoping for a celebratory rant about this Sunday’s upcoming Superbowl victory by the Cincinnati Bengals! Totally understandable. However, I’m running a trick play this WFW. Let’s get a game plan together for Valentine’s Day next week. Instead of highlighting the Super Bowl, let’s consider what …
Mountains 2 February 2022 As you read this, I am getting ready to fly home after spending two days skiing in the Utah mountains with my son Luke and long-time family friends. It was my first-time skiing west of the Mississippi and first-time skiing in over a decade. I hope I’m still walking! I doubt my mountain moments were as …
Broken Pieces in the Potter’s Hands 26 January 2022 Jeremiah was the prophet God assigned to encourage the scattered Israelites struggling in exile in Babylon after King Nebuchanezzar destroyed their temple and homeland. In last Sunday’s sermon, I explored how Jeremiah 31 is a call for us to LAMENT, LEAN IN, AND LOOK FORWARD. In our staff meeting Monday morning, …
Risking Boldly 19 January 2022 What’s the riskiest move you’ve made? How much have you risked for Jesus in your faith life? Legendary among Lutherans is the story of Pastor Bob Graetz. Bob grew up in a predominantly white community in West Virginia. But at seminary, Bob felt the Holy Spirit’s call to be a pioneer in our country’s civil …
What’s the Report 12 January 2022 Tomorrow you will receive via special email the COS 2021 Congregational Report composed by your faith friends leading the charge in our various ministry areas. Waves of astonishment never fail to roll through my heart as I’m reminded of how much “joy and life” the Holy Spirit incarnates through our congregational efforts. What a …
Belly, Bank Account, or Brotherhood 2 January 2022 Happy New Year! Are you someone appreciating the invitation to set goals or resolutions for a new year? Hard and helpful. Research indicates 25% of goals are abandoned within a mere seven days. But if you write them down, you’re 42% more likely to achieve them. At COS, our council is gathering …
With Joy, Give Thanks 24 November 2021 While COS regrettably does not gather this year for our traditional Chili Dinner and Thanksgiving Eve service, we are pleased to offer this guide to enrich your Thanksgiving celebrations. God’s blessings! A GUIDE FOR OFFERING THANKS THIS THANKSGIVING Christ Our Shepherd Families 2021 Sing or say these verses from “Come Ye Thankful People …