Ice Cream Sunday

Back when I was kid, my family would often times forgo supper on Sunday nights and move right to the desserts, Ice Cream Sundaes.  It is not as bad as it sounds.  Many Sundays would be spent visiting family and eating large dinners (sometimes snacking all afternoon).  We would often get back late for supper and Mom would look at Dad.  Dad would then say “Ice Cream Sunday”.   We cheered and ran to the freezer to get the ice cream.  It was a treat for us and for Mom who didn’t have to cook or clean.  We didn’t truly understand how much of a treat it was until we were old enough to do the chores ourselves. 

The third commandment is to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.   In summary Martin Luther says that means to be prepared to gladly hear the word.  In other words: Ice Cream Sunday.   What things might you do in your house to prepare to hear the Word gladly?   While you busy thinking, don’t forget to practice what you preach (a little ice cream sundae).

 

The spirit of Christ be with you always,

Pastor Jon

 

Bristol Lutheran council, Befrienders and Worship committee have decided to offer a Healing Service on the 5^th Sundays of the month.  (four times a year)

           

WHAT IS A HEALING SERVICE?

Put very simply, a healing service is a form of the confession and forgiveness that we already use in our worship.    A Healing Service is not what you see on TV, with people falling backwards and suddenly walking; but rather, the healing refers to the power of the grace of Jesus Christ to bring to life that which sin has destroyed. 

WHERE DOES THE HEALING SERVICE COME FROM?

The confession and forgiveness originates from the Roman Catholic sacrament of Penance.  The Sacrament of Baptism and Penance are known as sacraments of the dead in the Roman Catholic Church because they brought the life of sanctifying grace to that which was dead through sin.  Lutherans do not believe that Penance is a sacrament but still hold Confession and forgiveness as important.       

Penance included three parts: Confession, Forgiveness and Healing.  You may have seen in movies that after you confess your sins to a Priest, he makes them say 20 Hail Mary’s.  Those 20 Hail Mary’s do not heal the person but are a reminder that they have changed, they have been healed.   

            In the same way, the healing service provides an opportunity for those who wish to receive a blessing as a recognition that they have been changed in their confession and forgiveness, that they have been healed. 

 

IS IT LUTHERAN?

The Service of the Word for Healing is found on page 89 in the Occasional Services book (part of the green hymnal series); and in our new Hymnal on page 276.  The Healing Service is part of any regular service and is usually included with prayers for healing during the prayers of the church.  The power of Grace to heal that which is destroyed by sin is very Lutheran.  In fact, in one sense we already have a healing service at our church because the blessing we give the children during Holy Communion is based on the same authority under which the Healing Service is based.    

 

IS IT NECCESARY?

No, public confession, forgiveness and healing are not necessary.  Martian Luther struggled with this issue all the way through the reformation.  Finally he decided they were a very important tool to help us strengthen our faith but were not necessary to salvation. 

 

WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURE SAY ABOUT HEALING?

The office of the keys (John 20:21-23) and the command to go and heal (Luke 9:1-2) are the scriptural authority for the healing service. 

 

Evening Worship Service

We need a group of about 15 people willing to support the evening service with their prayers, presence, and work.  I am willing to work with any group of that size that would like an evening worship service, either on Sunday or Saturday night.  Please contact me if you are interested.

If you have any questions or ideas about worship, please contact me.  I love to talk about worship, learn what’s important to you, and I enjoy the challenge of working people’s ideas into worship.

 The spirit of Christ be with you always,

Pastor Jon