We’ve probably all had the experience of sitting in a restaurant when this happens. We get seated. They bring water and / or ask which beverages we desire. They drop off menus and then the waiter or waitress disappears for a while. We spend our time perusing the menu. When the waiter returns he asks a simple question, “Are you ready to order?” We know from experience that we should say “Yes” because if we say “No” we’re not going to see that waiter back for a while – maybe even for a long while. We’re not quite ready but we don’t want to say “No” so instead, to keep the waiter at our table, or at least close-by, we say “Almost! We’re almost ready!”
Pastor Andy Wu serves as my Vice-Chairman for the upcoming District Convention. His primary duty is to be my back-up if I am unable to attend one of our planning meetings or if convention business or health issues require me to leave the dias during the convention. Then and only then he springs to action. I served a term as Vice-Chair four conventions ago before I became Chairman and it really is a boring job so both Vice-Chairs I have had I have turned over the task of being our committee devotion leader, both before the convention and during the convention. This past Friday, Pastor Wu reminded me about the importance of the word “Almost.”
He told the story of an obviously pregnant young woman he greeted with the question, “So when are you due?” She was excited that her pastor had noticed and that he had shown an interest and that he asked. She told him she was due in about a month. About a year later he again noticed her and asked the same thing. This time she told him, “Pastor, I am not pregnant.” He was very embarrassed as those of us who have made the same mistake can imagine. So about a year after this same woman approached him: “Pastor, why haven’t you greeted me and asked me when I am due?” because she was again pregnant but he had this time been afraid to ask. Pastor Wu reminded me that there is no such thing as “Almost” when it comes to being pregnant. You either are or you aren’t.
Think about some other situations where the word “Almost” really shouldn’t be used. In this day and age people are either employed or not employed. There is no such thing as “almost employed.” That would really mess up unemployment benefits, wouldn’t it? You receive a note from your mortgage lender, informing you that you are delinquent on your mortgage. There is no such thing as being “almost delinquent.” Ask any man, “Are you married?” He had better not say “Almost,” especially if his wife is anywhere close-by. The answer is either “Yes” or “No.” Even an engaged man is not “almost” married. He’s “engaged” to be married – that’s still not “almost” married.
If you look carefully at our Gospel today – and really if you look at our First and Second Readings today as well [Acts 10:34-38; 1 John 5:1-8] – you find another situation where it’s really improper to use the word “Almost.” There is no such thing as “Almost” being a Christian, “Almost” being a follower of Jesus Christ, “Almost” bearing fruit, “Almost” obeying God’s commands, “Almost” loving others. The answer – based upon our Scripture readings – is either “Yes” or “No,” not “Almost.”
Jesus said “You are My friends if you do what I command” [John 15:14]. I didn’t hear an “Almost.” Jesus said “I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit, fruit that will last” [John 15:16]. I didn’t hear an “Almost.” Jesus said “This is My command: ‘Love each other’” [John 15:17]. There is no “Almost” option given. “Well, Jesus, You know I am working on it ... You know I am doing my best ... I am almost doing what You command. Please be patient – God isn’t finished with me yet!”
Think how that would go over when the officer clocks you driving 67 miles per hour on the Foothill Freeway. “Well, officer, I was “Almost” not speeding...” I admit that you may indeed find an officer who may not give you a ticket but not because “Almost” is an excuse. Almost doesn’t change the truth. Speed limit is 65. You were driving 67. That’s not “Almost” not speeding. That is speeding!
It’s amazing that what we can’t get away with in life, we try to get away with with God.
Imagine if God “Almost” loved the world... that’s pretty sobering, isn’t it?
Imagine if Jesus “Almost” suffered, if He “Almost” died, if He “Almost” rose... that would really change history, wouldn’t it?
Imagine if the Holy Spirit is “Almost” poured out upon us in baptism, if He is “Almost” given to us to forgive us and to empower us through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ... what would be the incentive to partake in those two Sacraments?
“Almost” doesn’t cut it in those examples, does it? “Almost” isn’t good enough!
But God did love the world. In fact, far from being “Almost,” God showed the greatest love. He lay down His life for His friends [John 15:13]. God did send His Son, Jesus Christ, Who did suffer and die and rise again for you and for me. God does pour out His Holy Spirit upon His people through the water and Word of Holy Baptism, through the bread and wine, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in The Lord’s Supper. Of those facts there can be no doubt. Of those actions there is no “Almost.” Where God is involved there is no “Almost” about it. There must never be any “Almost” in our minds concerning God and His actions!
So, my friends, what’s your excuse? What’s my excuse? Whatever it is, it’s time to stop using it – and not “Almost” stop using it either. It’s time to bear that lasting fruit that is the sign and symbol of being the chosen friends of Jesus Christ.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
Monday 14 May – Ask God’s blessings upon those celebrating birthdays this week: Jacob Ortiz (13); Betty Barnett (16); Sidnie Dabbadie (17); Danielle Domingue (18); Jacqueline Valdez (18).
Tuesday 15 May – Pray for growth among both the “English” and “Spanish” departments of Historic First Lutheran.
Wednesday 16 May – Pray by name for all you know who are battling cancer.
Thursday 17 May – Ask God to bless our upcoming 120th Anniversary.
Friday 18 May – As the school year comes to an end, ask God to bless our three college students: Kevin Baumgartner, Steven Hendry and Christopher Rivera.
Saturday 19 May – Pray for safety for all the participants in tomorrow’s “Pasadena Marathon!”
THANKS, GOD! The additional bouquet of roses on the altar today come from the 150+ rose bushes on our campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love and mercy towards us.
WELCOME! An extra special welcome to all the “Moms” present with us on this Mothers’ Day! Thanks for sharing God’s love with us!
THANK YOU! Special thanks today to Pre-Seminary Student Kevin Baumgartner for serving as our worship assistant!
DID YOU KNOW? Perhaps you didn’t know (this surprises many people) that the mosaic reredos panel that is the centerpiece of our altar is not original to the building. Instead it was a gift to the congregation in 1987 by Hilda Opel Mager in memory of her parents, Otto and Caroline Opel, her brothers, Walter, Herbert and Arthur, and in celebration of her 40th Wedding Anniversary with Ed Lemke. The mosaic was designed by historic Judson Studios of Los Angeles (the same company who designed our stained glass windows) and was hand-crafted in Italy and shipped to Historic First Lutheran in a huge crate of sand.
CITRUS SINGERS The annual spring concert of The Citrus Singers of Citrus College in Glendora is this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. No bus transportation is provided for this concert. Please see Rudy Melinat for ticket purchase! First come; first served!
FEELING WEAK? You must attend our weekly “Prayer Force One” every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. We spend 30 minutes in praying for the needs of everyone. “Seven days without prayer makes one weak!”
HELP NEEDED We are looking for a couple dedicated people to serve as Sound Technicians for our Sunday services. Full training will be provided. 99% of the time the technician can simply set the sound system to certain settings then sit downstairs with family and friends. Please speak to Pastor to volunteer!
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES No other church of which we are aware honors members for their membership anniversaries, but our practice seems to cause misunderstandings and hard feelings every year. Please read this explanation carefully! We recognize members every year who have been members for 50 or more years. For less than 50 years of membership we recognize in 5-year increments (5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 45). Any questions? Speak with Pastor.
THANK YOU! Our dedicated volunteer painting crew has completed the re-painting of the narthex. Special thanks to Alice Franzen, Lucille Franzen, Debbie & Brian Hooper, Michealene Melus, Paul Nagle, Karen & Dennis Schaar, Pastor Christopher Schaar and Carol Schlichting!
PASADENA MARATHON Due to the fourth annual Pasadena Marathon next Sunday, please prepare for delays in getting to church – but please come to church! Maps have been mailed to Pasadena residents. A limited number of copies are available from Pastor Schaar.
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change. Every penny collected gets mailed to support worldwide missions!
VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY Advance packets for next Sunday’s Voters’ Assembly are available from the table in the Narthex. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Voters’ Assembly!
NEXT SUNDAY! We will enjoy a hymn sing during worship next Sunday. Please come prepared to pick your favorites.
CONSULTATION EXIT REPORT Pastor Schaar’s 10-page consultation report for his visit to Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento is available in limited quantity from the Information Rack in the Narthex. Many of you expressed an interest in knowing what Pastor does as Leader of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches.
THANK YOU! “Dear friends in Christ, Our deepest appreciation for the caring, compassionate contribution to our Restoration Fund. God has truly blessed our congregation with kind and generous people like you who have given an invaluable gift for the future of our church. Thank you for your heartfelt offering and blessings to all of you. Our collective thanks, Living Savior Lutheran Church, Tualatin, OR.”
WAY TO GO! This past week 229 non-perishable food items were delivered to the Food Pantry of the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches. These items were collected through our Food Drive on Sunday 29 April.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #5 – Henry Hubert, Yashar Kafi and Marlene Ochetti.
May 14 – 1 Corinthians 16
May 15 – 2 Corinthians 1
May 16 – 2 Corinthians 2
May 17 – 2 Corinthians 3
May 18 – 2 Corinthians 4
May 19 – 2 Corinthians 5
]]>PLEASE JOIN US!
Saturday 26 May 2012 12 Noon - 3:00 p.m.
FREE Community Carnival on the Church Field
(851 N. Oakland Avenue)
BOUNCE HOUSES! PETTING ZOO! PONY RIDES!
POLICE VEHICLES! FIRE VEHICLES!
FOOD! BEVERAGES!
Sunday 27 May 2012 10:00 a.m.
Festive Bilingual Worship Celebration
Guest Preacher: Reverend Gregory Seltz,
Speaker of the internationally broadcast
“The Lutheran Hour” radio program
Historic First Lutheran Church
808 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena
626.793.1139 historicfirstlutheran.org
THANKS, GOD! The additional bouquet of roses on the altar today come from the 150+ rose bushes on our campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love and mercy towards us.
WELCOME! Official warm welcome is extended to Roxanne and Melvin Muse as the newest members of Historic First Lutheran! Long-time “regular worshipers,” Roxanne and Melvin have officially joined the congregation through Adult Confirmation! They will be members of The Joshuans Christ Care Group. Make sure to warmly welcome them!
DID YOU KNOW? Perhaps you didn’t know that our current Reuter Opus 1550 Pipe Organ was built for us in 1966, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Historic First Lutheran. Total cost for this 2-manual, 19-rank organ was $28,740.31. This organ replaced the original organ in this building which Pastor Theiss secured from The Raymond Theater in Pasadena in 1937.
NEXT SUNDAY! You will want to celebrate Mothers’ Day here at Historic First Lutheran! Pre-Seminary Student Kevin Baumgartner will assist Pastor Schaar in leading worship. All “Moms” present with their children of any age will be specifically honored. A special gift will be provided all “Moms” by Pastor Schaar. It will be a special day!
CITRUS SINGERS The annual spring concert of The Citrus Singers of Citrus College in Glendora is Saturday 19 May at 2:00 p.m. No bus transportation is provided for this concert. Please see Rudy Melinat for ticket purchase! First come; first served!
FEELING WEAK? You must attend our weekly “Prayer Force One” every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. We spend 30 minutes in praying for the needs of everyone. “Seven days without prayer makes one weak!”
HELP NEEDED We are looking for a couple dedicated people to serve as Sound Technicians for our Sunday services. Full training will be provided. 99% of the time the technician can simply set the sound system to certain settings then sit downstairs with family and friends. Please speak to Pastor to volunteer!
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES No other church of which we are aware honor members for their membership anniversaries, but our practice seems to cause misunderstandings and hard feelings every year. Please read this explanation carefully! We recognize members every year who have been members for 50 or more years. For less than 50 years of membership we recognize in 5-year increments (5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 45). Any questions? Speak with Pastor.
THANK YOU! Our dedicated volunteer painting crew has completed the re-painting of the narthex. Special thanks to Alice Franzen, Lucille Franzen, Debbie & Brian Hooper, Michealene Melus, Paul Nagle, Karen & Dennis Schaar, Pastor Christopher Schaar and Carol Schlichting!
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #4 – Doris Barnes, Taina Feher and Paul Nagle.
May 7 – 1 Corinthians 9
May 8 – 1 Corinthians 10
May 9 – 1 Corinthians 11
May 10 – 1 Corinthians 12
May 11 – 1 Corinthians 13
May 12 – 1 Corinthians 14
]]>Monday 7 May – Ask God’s blessings upon those celebrating birthdays this week: Kelly Flores (6); Jordan Carter (9); Greg Hendry (9); Tania Rivas (10); Sulema Silva (10).
Tuesday 8 May – “Lord, this is Your world! By the power of Your Spirit, invade every dark space with Your Light!”
Wednesday 9 May – Thank God for the power of prayer.
Thursday 10 May – Pray for the homeless and hungry, asking God to provide for their needs.
Friday 11 May – Our “Good Friday” Youth Outreach appears to be in transition. Pray for the continuation of this vital community outreach.
Saturday 12 May – Ask God’s blessings upon Kevin Baumgartner (currently studying for the ministry at Concordia University Irvine) as he prepares to serve as worship assistant tomorrow for the first time.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
It’s truly amazing the difference one little word makes! And that little word is the word “good.”
As I experienced personally last night, there is a huge difference between a steak and a good steak. I know some of you will disagree, but the medium-well to well-done steak I was served last night, after ordering medium-rare, was not good. I don’t send food back. I was doing my best to get that steak into my stomach and I would have succeeded (even if I wouldn’t have been happy) but my server, whom I have known for years, saw my steak and immediately ordered me to place the steak on a plate after which she scolded the cooks and brought me a good steak, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sometimes the difference between an item and a good item has to do with its price.
When I was living in St. Louis, I learned that it’s worth every penny to buy good shoes. Not only do they last longer but they make life a whole lot more enjoyable. For me that meant that even on a starving student’s budget I stopped buying shoes at Payless and started buying Bass Shoes at Famous Barr, the St. Louis division of Macy’s. I still buy Bass shoes to this day.
But you know sometimes price has nothing to do with something being good. I often joke – but there is much truth behind it – that I could visit half my congregation after worship on Sunday if I walked down the street to the 99 Cent Only Store. There, defying usual logic, many people find good stuff at a good price.
It’s truly amazing the difference one little word makes!
It was King David who wrote the words we said together today before worship started: “The Lord is My Shepherd.” David wrote those words intentionally because he himself was a shepherd. He knew the dedicated care that his sheep required of him and he knew that God provided that kind of care for him. He knew that God provided all his needs. He knew that God provided him rest. He knew that God provided him beautiful landscape to enjoy. He knew that God provided him protection with His rod and staff. He knew that God provided him food in abundance. He knew that God provided him identity. He knew that God provided him eternal safety and security. I mean, think about it, who hasn’t read the 23rd Psalm and said, “That’s pretty incredible what God does for us!”???
But it was Jesus Who corrected King David. Jesus said, “Yes, I am your Shepherd, but – and here comes that little word – I am the GOOD Shepherd.” What did Jesus mean? Well, He explained it Himself, didn’t He? Jesus said, “The GOOD Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
Those of us who have dogs love our dogs, but few if any of us, if given the choice, would choose to die for our dogs. We die. They live. Few, if any, say that and fewer would ever follow through.
Now substitute the word “dogs” for some other words – maybe mother or father, maybe son or daughter, maybe wife or husband. Now things get a little more complicated, don’t they?. Would you choose to die for your child or for your spouse or for your parents? We die. They live. Probably most of us are more willing to consider that as something we would actually consider and probably even follow through with. Why? It has to do with relationship.
A shepherd has a job. He’s watching sheep to earn a salary. In the course of doing his job he discovers each sheep has its own personality. Some sheep are loveable and he falls prey to them, developing special places in his heart for them. Some sheep are strong-willed, difficult to shepherd. The shepherd still has to do his job but may find his patience pressed by some sheep. In the end, let’s face it. When the wolf comes, baring his sharp fangs and it comes down to the fact that only one of them – the shepherd or the wolf – is going home with those sheep that night, most shepherds would run as fast as he could and simply send out his resume for a new position somewhere else.
But not the GOOD Shepherd!
That’s exactly the scenario Jesus faced on Calvary. It was a staring match. It was a stare-down between Jesus, the GOOD Shepherd, and Lucifer, the fang-tooth wolf. Both of them had their eyes set on us – on you and on me. Both of them wanted us. Both of them wanted to take us home that night. Both of them wanted us for all time and for all eternity. There could be only one victor that day. Calvary was the final show-down.
Other shepherds had come and gone. They had been no match for Lucifer, but this Shepherd, Jesus the GOOD Shepherd, was different. He seemed stronger. He seemed more serious. He seemed more dedicated. He seemed more committed. Lucifer tried everything he had tried on shepherds in the past – the threats, the close-calls, the pain, the torment. Every shepherd before had run by then, but Jesus was standing His ground. Everything was hinging on one question: did Lucifer actually have the power to proceed? Could he actually attack? Was he actually that serious?
My friends look at the Cross and you find the answer.
It was Lucifer and his blood-thirst for us that created that Cross. He wanted us but had been backed into a corner by Jesus. He was not one to back down but he had no way out so he lunged with all his might. He attacked full-on, throwing Jesus onto that Cross, piercing His hands and feet, ripping open His side, gleefully rejoicing as Jesus hung His head and breathed His last breath.
Lucifer had won fair and square, but before he could properly transfer the ownership deeds to his newly acquired sheep into his own name, the deal was suddenly and unquestionably reversed. As angels descended and rolled back the stone, shouts of “Hallelujah” shook the entire earth as Jesus grabbed Lucifer around the neck and hurled him back into the very depths of hell, securing him with chains and locks, eternally freeing us from sin, from death and from the devil.
My friends, that is our GOOD Shepherd, the One Who laid down His life for us sheep, the One Who picked up His life again, the One Who lives and reigns forever!
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
Tuesday 1 May – Pray by name for all the members of your family.
Wednesday 2 May – Pray by name for all your friends.
Thursday 3 May – Pray by name for your co-workers and neighbors.
Friday 4 May – Pray by name for our shut-in members: Cleora Bryan; Clara Gaabo; Lois Humbert; Liz Larson; Virginia Martens; Lucile Moore; Helga Muder; Clara Newhouse and Estelle Thaxton.
Saturday 5 May – Pray by name for members of your Christ-Care Group at church.
]]> April 30 – 1 Corinthians 2
May 1 – 1 Corinthians 3
May 2 – 1 Corinthians 4
May 3 – 1 Corinthians 5
May 4 – 1 Corinthians 6
May 5 – 1 Corinthians 7
]]>THANKS, GOD! The additional bouquet of roses on the altar today come from the 150+ rose bushes on our campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love and mercy towards us.
WELCOME! Official warm welcome is extended to Roxanne and Melvin Muse as the newest members of Historic First Lutheran! Long-time “regular worshipers,” Roxanne and Melvin have officially joined the congregation through Adult Confirmation! They will be members of The Joshuans Christ Care Group. Make sure to warmly welcome them!
DID YOU KNOW? Perhaps you didn’t know that the Processional Cross standing in the center of the Chancel was the gift purchased by congregational contributions in honor of our 100th Anniversary in 1992.
THE NARTHEX PAINTING IS UNDERWAY! Our monthly work crew tackled the Narthex yesterday. You will notice the walls have only a primer coat on them. Actual paint will be applied shortly. Please bear with us while we complete this painting project before our 120th Anniversary.
SPEAKING ABOUT PAINT Foothill Painting is almost complete with the exterior painting of the church building. The only thing that yet remains (contingent upon getting some clear sunny days) is bringing in a lift in order to repaint the tower and dome. This project will be done shortly! This project has been funded by our Property Improvement and Endowment Trust Interest trust funds.
CITRUS SINGERS The annual spring concert of The Citrus Singers of Citrus College in Glendora is Saturday 19 May at 2:00 p.m. No bus transportation is provided for this concert. Please see Rudy Melinat for ticket purchase! First come; first served!
BREAKFAST AT THE WOMAN’S ROOM We have started providing breakfast on the first Tuesday each month for “The Women’s Room” at the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches’ Friends in Deed House. Donations are needed for the breakfast in May. Please speak to Shelly Daniels.
TEDDY BEARS Thanks to everyone who donated teddy bears for “Get on the Bus.” Over 40 bears were collected.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #3 – Asunta Barnes, Michael Dickens and Felix Marchany.
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Almost six years ago, just after I bought my cabin, one of my first major projects – a project that to this very day has never been completed – was dealing with my back driveway. My back driveway – which is a dirt driveway – comes in from the back road on a slight incline and with a slight tilt. After tilting this way for a little while, then the driveway tilts the other way. My first major project was to level that back driveway. I grabbed a rake and a shovel and started moving dirt from one area to another. The project was going well until I hit a rock right where the driveway tilt goes from one way to the other. I figured, “Hey I will just dig this rock out of the ground and that will solve the biggest problem with this driveway.” So I started digging and the more I dug the bigger the rock seemed to get. After several hours of digging and soaking the ground with water to make the digging a bit easier I finally decided that I had gotten to the point that even if I had finally totally dug around this rock there was no way I was ever going to move it from that hole, so I just raked all the dirt back around the rock and I have learned to live with my tilted driveway.
My experience reminds me of one of my favorite stories of all time. It involves a father and his son. It was a Saturday morning and the father was following his regular routine. First thing in the morning he found himself camped out in his comfortable recliner, newspaper in hand. But through the front picture window he could see his son – about 7 years old – doing something in the front yard. He started to watch. The son had decided to some reason to move a large decorative rock that was in the front yard. He pushed one way. Then he pushed the over way. He tried kicking the rock and jumping on the rock. He even got a stick and tried to create a wedge to move the rock. Exhausted, sweaty and dirty the son finally came into the living room in front of his dad and flopped down onto the ground. The dad asked, “What are you up to buddy?” “Dad, I am trying to move that rock and I have tried everything and that rock won’t move!” “You haven’t tried everything,” the dad said. “Yes, I have,” said the son, “I have pushed and pulled. I’ve kicked and jumped. I’ve even tried to pry it loose with a stick.” “You haven’t tried everything. You haven’t asked me to help!” And with that, the dad climbed out of his comfortable recliner and, together with his son, moved that rock.
Those two stories remind me of our Scripture readings today.
In our First Reading today [Acts 3:11-21] it seems that Peter finally got it right! Peter was the one who wanted to build the three tents on the Mount of Transfiguration [Mark 9:2-8]. Peter was the one who temporarily walked on water before sinking [Matthew 13:22-31]. Peter was the one who cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant [John 18:10-11]. Peter was the one who had denied knowing Jesus [John 18:15-17; 25-27]. Peter was always passionate, but he always seemed to just get it a little wrong, but not in today’s First Reading. For once Peter got it right! He and John didn’t take the credit for healing the annoying beggar who had been crippled since birth [Acts 3:1-10]. No, Peter got it right! “Why does this surprise you? Weren’t you listening to what I told that man? I told him ‘Silver or gold I don’t have but what I have I give you. In the Name of Jesus Christ, walk!’ Instantly the man’s feet and ankles were strong. It’s not us! It’s Him – Jesus – Who did this and what He did for him He can do for you too!” Peter got it right!
Wouldn’t it be nice if that kind of stuff happened today? Wouldn’t it be nice if we as the modern day disciples of Jesus Christ could walk into the Doheny Eye Institute and heal all those suffering from eye diseases? Wouldn’t it be nice if we as the modern day disciples of Jesus Christ could walk into City of Hope and heal every case of cancer? Wouldn’t it be nice if we as the modern day disciples of Jesus Christ could say to every person using a cane, a walker or a wheelchair, “Throw that thing away. You don’t need it anymore!”?
Listen to what Jesus says: “Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your minds?” [Luke 24:38]. That was usually Peter’s problem and I believe it’s often our problem. We believe, but we don’t believe. We have received the outpoured power of God in our baptism but often that’s the last time we let God’s Holy Spirit control us. We say stuff in life but we don’t mean it. How often have we told someone “I will pray for you” but then we don’t. Why don’t we stop right then and there, grab that person’s hands and say, “In the Name of Jesus I lift you up before the Throne of God. In the Name of Jesus, devil be gone. In the Name of Jesus, problems be gone. In the Name of Jesus, pain be gone. In the Name of Jesus, worry be gone; doubts be gone; fear be gone.”
To the disciples gathered behind locked doors on the night of the first Easter [Luke 24:13-49], Jesus said “Peace be with you! ... It is I Myself ... Look at my hands and my feet ... touch Me and see.” What was Jesus trying to prove as He said that and as He ate that piece of broiled fish? He was trying to prove to His disciples, the same ones He had walked with daily for three years, the same ones He had just walked with on the Road to Emmaus, that He was real, that He wasn’t just some abstract thought, that He wasn’t just some soothing panacea to roll off the tongue and try to make people feel better, but that He was real flesh and blood, that He had been pierced on Calvary’s Cross, that He had been wrapped in burial linen and laid in that garden tomb, that He had been sealed into that tomb by the explicit order of the emperor and that He had been carefully guarded by Roman soldiers, but that even death, even the Roman seal, even those heavily armed professional Roman soldiers could not limit His power.
And if death could not control Jesus, how could paralysis? That’s what Peter and John discovered! If death could not control Jesus, why do we let eye diseases? If death could not control Jesus, why do we let cancer? If death could not control Jesus, why do we let doubts and fears? If death could not control Jesus, what can?
We often feel that we’ve tried everything to solve our problems and the problems of others, but we much too quickly settle for accepting things we feel we have to accept in life, things that we feel we can’t change, things we feel are simply inevitable. But all the while our Lord Jesus sits comfortable on His Throne, just waiting for us to ask Him to help, to BE OUR power source. And then, when we stop hiding in our own rooms of fear and doubt, just watch out as in the Name of Jesus even mountains are moved [Matthew 17:20-21].
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
April 23 – Romans 11
April 24 – Romans 12
April 25 – Romans 13
April 26 – Romans 14
April 27 – Romans 15
April 28 – Romans 16
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THANKS, GOD! The additional bouquet of roses on the altar today come from the 150+ rose bushes on our campus. They are a reminder of God’s eternal love and mercy towards us.
WELCOME! Official warm welcome is extended to Roxanne and Melvin Muse as the newest members of Historic First Lutheran! Long-time “regular worshipers,” Roxanne and Melvin have officially joined the congregation this morning through Adult Confirmation! They will be members of The Joshuans Christ Care Group. Make sure to warmly welcome them!
LUTHERAN WITNESS Anyone desiring a 1-year subscription to “Lutheran Witness” needs to pay the $16.00 fee by next Sunday. Use a designated envelope clearly marked “Lutheran Witness.” Make sure to include your name!
DID YOU KNOW? Perhaps you didn’t know that we have only had one California-born pastor and that was Pastor George E. Theiss (1930-1959) who was born in Oakland on 29 November 1894. Pastor Hansen (1905-1930) and Pastor Schaar (1994-present) were born in Illinois. Pastor Meyer (associate 1953-1958) and Pastor Lampitt (1976-1980) were born in New York. Pastor Fisher (1959-1966) was born in Nebraska. Pastor Gerken (1967-1975) was born in Alberta, Canada. Pastor Koch (associate 1972-1976) was born in Texas (we think). Pastor Faga (1981-1991) was born in Iowa. Pastor Gomez (2004 - present) was born in Mexico, our second foreign-born minister.
CITRUS SINGERS The annual spring concert of The Citrus Singers of Citrus College in Glendora is Saturday 19 May at 2:00 p.m. No bus transportation is provided for this concert. Please see Rudy Melinat for ticket purchase! First come; first served!
BREAKFAST AT THE WOMAN’S ROOM We have started providing breakfast on the first Tuesday each month for “The Women’s Room” at the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches’ Friends in Deed House. Donations are needed for the breakfast in May. Please speak to Shelly Daniels.
FOOD COLLECTION NEXT SUNDAY! Next Sunday we will collect non-perishable food items for the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches. Most needed items include peanut butter & jelly, tuna, soups, cereals (hot & cold), pasta & pasta sauce, rice (bags/boxes), canned vegetables, canned fruit, macaroni & cheese, baby food, beans / chili, canned meats (stews, etc.), crackers, fruit juices, flower/sugar/powdered milk, instant potatoes / stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, muffin and bread mixes, jello, pudding, cake & cookie mixes and frosting. As we are all richly blessed by God, please plan to richly give out of your bounty.
TEDDY BEARS Thanks to everyone who donated teddy bears for “Get on the Bus.” Over 40 bears were collected.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #2 – Rogelio Douglas, Craig Daniels and Melvin Muse.