Pandemic update: In these times of fear and insecurity, it is even more important for Christians to gather in faith around the Word and Sacrament. We come together in repentance and with humble hearts to hear the promises of love and care of our Lord, and to seek the help of the One who reigns over all things, including the Coronavirus.

Consequently, we will continue to gather for worship. However, per Governor Walz’s request we will limit attendance per service to 50% occupancy, which is around 60 attendees. Therefore, additional services have been added to accommodate all who desire to attend. We also ask that you wear a mask during the worship service. Those who are showing any symptoms of illness, especially cough or fever, are asked to stay home and to watch our services on our Facebook page or on our YouTube channel until they have recovered.

God’s Peace be with you!
Pastor Oehlke
He is Risen! Do not be Afraid!

______________________________________________________________________________

May 28, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in our Ascended Lord,
Praise God that Governor Walz has agreed to allow churches to resume corporate
worship with 25% occupancy. With this new standard in place, we will be able to
accommodate approximately 25 people in the church sanctuary at a given time.
We will resume corporate worship on June 7 with services at 8 and 9:30
AM and a Wednesday night service at 7 PM. The first Wednesday night
service will be June 10 th . With three (3) available options, we should be able to
accommodate all who wish to attend.
We will need to have a sign-up process in place, at least at first to make sure we
are spread out between the three services. Please call the church extension or my
cell number to alert me to what service time you would like. If a service time fills
up to the limit of 25, I will ask if you would be willing to attend one of the other
services. If you forget to call, please still attend worship. I am building a bit of a
cushion into our numbers for those who might forget to call or if we have visitors.
We will be offering Lord’s Supper every service for the time being. We want to
make sure that those who wish to receive the blessings and gifts of the Holy
Sacrament are able to do so. We will not approach the altar as we have in the past
but will have a continuous flow approach to the distribution of the bread and
wine. I will explain in detail before the services.
We will still not be able to participate in formal fellowship activities at this time
in order to maintain proper physical distancing.
I realize that I may be sounding like a broken record (for those of you who
remember records). We need to take care that we do not potentially spread the
virus during worship or at any time. In Christian love and concern for our
neighbor, we need to practice the recommended safety protocols so as not to
harm our neighbors.
If you are part of the vulnerable group, you need to stay vigilant and not put
yourself in undue risk for contracting the virus. For those in the high-risk group,
it may be wise to refrain from joining in corporate worship for the time being. If
you desire, I also am willing to have a separate service for those in the high-risk
group. Please let me know if you would like to pursue that option.

Likewise, if you do not feel comfortable yet in joining in corporate worship please
do not think you must do so. We will continue to post services online and offer
private communion.
Here is a list of steps we are going to implement as we return to in-person
worship:
● Please refrain from attending if:
○ You consider yourself “at risk”
○ You have cold or flu like symptoms.
● Masks are not required, but you may wear one as recommended by the CDC
and MDH. Cloth masks will be available at church.
● Hand sanitizing stations will be available. Please wash/sanitize as often as
possible.
● We will not use the hymnals, so our service will be in a service folder. Please do
not return the service folder as we cannot reuse them.
● Offerings may be left in the plate at the back of church. We will not pass the
plates during service.
● Please spread out in the church sanctuary. We will be taping off pews in order
to maintain 6 feet of separation.
● Gather in small groups of less than 10 in an “open air” location. If it is a nice
day we can socialize outdoors.
● At all times strive to maintain 6 feet of separation.
● Refrain from handshaking and hugging.
● Please limit elevator occupancy to those in a single family.
● We will be cleaning surfaces between services.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or member of the
church council.
God’s Bless You and Keep You,
Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be Afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ascension Day

May 21, 2020

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We rejoice that the limitations imposed by the pandemic are continuing to loosen. However, Governor Walz has decided to continue to limit the size of group gatherings at places of worship to 10 or less. It had been my prayer that he would raise that number. There are some church organizations that are challenging the Governor’s decision. The church council and I will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed. As has been the norm during the pandemic, things seem to change from day to day.

Nevertheless, the church council has decided to go ahead and begin corporate worship on June 7th. God willing. We will be adding services in order to accommodate the limited number of members allowed in the building at one time. (Please, if you do not yet feel comfortable gathering that is perfectly understandable, do not think that you must attend.) We will continue to record services and offer private communion. 

At this time, the plan will be to have services at 8:00 and 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings and a 7:00 PM on Wednesday evening. If the Governor’s group size remains at 10 or less, we will add more services as needed. We will have a sign-up procedure in place to make sure we do not have to many people at a service. We will also put in place health department recommendations to limit potential spread of the virus.

I will be sending out another letter on the specifics in the future.

Once more a reminder, as the restrictions relax, we still need to take care that we do not potentially spread the virus during worship or at any time. In Christian love and concern for our neighbor, we need to practice the recommended safety protocols so as not to harm our neighbors. Also, if we are part of the vulnerable group, we need to stay vigilant and not put ourselves in undue risk for contracting the virus. For those in the high-risk group it may be wise to refrain from joining in corporate worship for the time being.

Praise God! Our sister in Christ, Rachel Hoffman, has received a divine call to teach Grades 7-8 at Word of Life Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI. We pray that the Lord will bless her ministry.

This Memorial Day we remember and honor all those who have died serving our nation in the armed forces. We particularly remember those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We honor those who lost their lives and could not come home, in order to give us the freedom that we enjoy today. The ammo box will be out and available for donations for Lutheran Military Support Group until July 4th.

Please note, I will be taking a few days off next week and will be out of town, so will not have my normal office hours at the church. If needed, I will still be available on my cell phone at 1-262-909-7827. I will also have access to my email.

God bless and keep you!

Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

May 14, 2020

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Governor Walz has decided to end the “stay at home” order effective May 18th. He has now put in place the “stay safe” order. As a result, some of the restrictions due to the pandemic are going to be relaxed. Group gatherings are allowed but are limited to 10 or less, which will continue to have a direct impact on our ability to worship as a congregation. The church council will be meeting next week to discuss the situation and how to proceed as a congregation.

Just a quick reminder, as some of the restrictions relax, we still need to take care that we do not spread the virus. In Christian love and concern for our neighbor, we still need to practice the recommended safety protocols so as not to harm our neighbors. Also, if we are part of the vulnerable group, we need to stay vigilant and not put ourselves in undue risk for contracting the virus.

Our Mother’s Day drive through brunch was a great success. We served 85 meals. Thank you to everyone who helped to organize and prepare the brunch! It was delicious. Thanks to all of you for “driving through” and for your donations. It was wonderful to see all of you, even if it was for just a moment. It makes me long for the time when we can come together again.

The new mediations are available for pick up at the church. If you are not able to pick one up, we can have one delivered to you. Please let us know if you need one delivered.

A reminder that Rachel Hoffman will be graduating from Martin Luther College this Saturday. The graduation ceremony will be lived streamed on the Martin Luther College website at 10:00 AM followed immediately by the assignment announcements. Join me in congratulating Rachel and praying that the Lord bless her and all the graduates in their calls into the public ministry.

God bless and keep you!

Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

May 7, 2020

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As expected, Governor Walz has extended the “stay at home” order until May 18th. We, therefore, will continue to refrain from holding corporate worship and suspend all other activities. Once more, I encourage all of you to make use of personal and family devotion time to nourish your faith. It is at times such as these that we need to have the promises and comfort of our Lord firmly fixed in our hearts and minds.

Happy Mother’s Day! May the Lord Bless all mothers!

We thank and praise the Lord for Christian mothers. The Lord blesses and bestows upon mothers an awesome and amazing role to bring life into the world and then to nurture and to care for that life. Our mothers care not only for the physical well-being of their children but for their spiritual well-being as well. God Himself compares His love and care for us with the love and care a mother has for her children. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 

The new “Meditations” are available for pick up at the church. If you are not able to pick one up, we can have one delivered to you. Please let us know if you need one delivered.

Thank you for your continued financial support for ministry of Immanuel. We ended the month of April with a balance of $2,346.21 in the checking account. It is a true joy to be able to give to the Lord and to return a portion of what He has given to us in thanks and praise. Each one should give as he has determined in his heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:7

God Bless you and Keep you.

Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be Afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

April 30, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Alleluia! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

As of the writing of this epistle, we are waiting to hear from Gov. Walz as to whether he is going to extend the “stay at home” order, which is set to expire on May 4th. The current indication is that he will extend the “stay at home” order in some fashion. So, at this time, we will continue as we have been.

Although we are still not currently able to gather, I pray we all are making use of the opportunities the Lord is giving us to read, hear, and study His Word. As our schedules have been forcibly cleared, we now have a unique opportunity to daily nurture our faith through home study and meditation of the Word of God, as individuals, couples, and families. Now is a great time to start new habits, since we have been forced to change the old ones. I pray too that the absence of public worship has reminded each of us how important it is and how dear it is.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Buffalo Food Shelf. We collected 61 pounds along with $50.00 in cash and $40.00 in gift cards. “The King will answer them, ‘Amen I tell you: Just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.’ Matthew 25:40. We will have ongoing collection so please drop off your gifts at the church when you are able.

We as a congregation would also like to celebrate the graduation of our sister in the faith, Rachel Hoffman, from Martin Luther College. Join me in congratulating Rachel for this accomplishment. This year’s celebration will be unique due to the covid19 virus. There will be a virtual commencement on May 16th at 10:00 AM followed by the reading of the assignments at 11:15 AM. We pray that the Lord will bless Rachel and her future ministry as a teacher in His church. We ask God to bless all the graduates and those studying to serve the Lord in the fulltime ministry.

God Bless and Keep You!

Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be afraid!

____________________________________________________________________________

April 23, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Alleluia! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! 

There is not much new report on our “stay at home” order. We carry on as we have been. The church council continues to monitor the situation and will make adjustments as needed.

Notes from last week:

• • We will be taking donations to the Buffalo Food shelf this coming week. If you would like to donate anything or have a cash donation, please try to have it here by Sunday.

• • If you would like a DVD recording of the Sunday service, please let me know and we will have one made for you.

• • I encourage you to make an appointment for Lord’s Supper. It is important to regularly receive the promises attached to our Lord’s Holy Supper.

• I will continue to be available at the church from 10 to noon Monday through Thursday and by phone at any time.

We had successful church and parsonage grounds clean-up. Many hands made light work. Thank you to everyone who helped. It certainly was good to see everyone and to chat a bit, all while properly social distancing, of course.

God Bless and Keep You!

Pastor Oehlke

He is Risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

April 16, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! I pray your Holy Week and Easter celebrations were edifying and uplifting for you and your families. I sorely missed being able to join with all of you to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior and the fulfillment of the promises of our God. None the less whether we joined together or not, the promises remain true and our hope certain.

During the next weeks, I will continue to record services to view on Facebook and YouTube. We also now have the capability to provide those who request a DVD of the service. The Holy Week Services and Easter service are available now. If you would like a copy, let me know and we can get one to you or you can stop in at the church. We also have a portable DVD player available to lend out. Going forward, please call to request a DVD copy of the service and we will make one for you. I will continue to be available at the church from 10 to noon Monday through Thursday.

I would also like to encourage you to consider making an appointment to receive Lord’s Supper. It is important that we continue to nourish our faith through the Holy Sacrament. In the Lord’s Supper, through the very body and blood of Christ, we receive the forgiveness of sins and certain hope of eternal life.

We are planning on delivering a donation to the Buffalo Food Pantry at the end of April. Our Lord has called on us to love and serve our neighbor as He showed the disciples and us on Maundy Thursday. The need continues for those who have little. Please consider dropping off a donation of needed supplies or cash at the church. 

God Bless and Keep You!

Pastor Oehlke

He is risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

April 9, 2020

Dear Beloved of the Lord,

As expected, Governor Walz has extended his “stay at home” order until May 4th. At this time, the church council has agreed that we will continue to refrain from corporate gatherings and continue to suspend all other church activities. A separate mailing will go out next week for the reports that would have been delivered at the now canceled quarterly meeting. 

Here is one bit of pleasant normalcy. We are going to have a church, cemetery, and parsonage grounds clean-up day, weather permitting on Saturday, April 18th at 9:00 AM. We will spread out to make sure we are properly social distancing.

Included in today’s mailing is a copy of our Easter service bulletin. The Easter service will be available to watch on Facebook and YouTube Easter morning. If I may make a suggestion, when you decide to watch the Easter service (really any worship service), take the time to dress and to give your full attention to the service as you watch, as if you were in God’s house joining in worship with your fellow believers.

Also, our synod will have a synod-wide Easter worship service on Easter Sunday at 6:00 PM lead by synod President Schroeder with seminary President Treptow preaching. The theme is “Together at the Empty Tomb.” You can go to WELS.net for more information and to find the link for the service.

I would like to remind you that I continue to be available at the church Monday through Thursday from 10 to Noon and of course if you give me a call, I am available at any time. I am also at the church on Sunday mornings at our regularly scheduled worship time. If you would like to stop in, we can have a brief devotion. We just need to make sure we don’t go over 10 people. Remember if you are sick, been around some sick, or one of those at higher risk stay home!

God Bless and Keep You!

Pastor Oehlke

He is risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

April 3, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

It is wonderful to start to see God’s creation wake up after its winter slumber. The grass is beginning to green and the daffodils, crocuses, and tulips are sprouting. It is a delightful reminder of God’s promise that as long as the earth endures there will be springtime and harvest. God always keeps His promises. He keeps all His promises to you and me, His dear children as well. Just look out the window and be reminded!

Sadly, however, we continue to face our separation from each other. It does not look as if the current circumstances to “stay at home” is going to change anytime soon. Governor Walz already seems to be hinting that he will be extending the “stay at home” order. President Trump has already extended his executive order regarding Covid 19 until May 1st.

The church council and I continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any changes to you but until then we will continue to suspend corporate worship and meetings. I will continue to be available for your spiritual care anytime you need. I will also be in the church office from 10 to noon Monday through Thursday, feel free to stop in (while you “stay at home).

This coming week is of course Holy Week. I will be recording special services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. They will be available on Facebook and YouTube. If you are not able to view them, I encourage you to take some time to read the accounts of Jesus betrayal and death and to reflect and meditate upon them. You can find the accounts in the gospels of Matthew chapters 26 and 27, Mark chapters 14 and 15, and Luke chapters 22 and 23 and John chapters 13 through 19. 

Although we will not be able to gather as a congregation, we can still individually lift up our hearts unto the Lord. We can remember and praise Him for what He has done for us. Through His suffering and death on the cross, He has rescued us from sin and its consequences and won for us eternal life. Praise be to God!

God Bless You and Keep You,

Pastor Oehlke

He is risen! Do not be afraid!

_____________________________________________________________________________

March 27, 2020

Dear Members of Immanuel,

With Governor Walz’s recent proclamation to “stay at home” for the next two weeks (until April 10th), we sadly will not be able to come together as a congregation in worship to receive from God His word and sacraments and to thank and praise Him. All activities and meetings will likewise continue to be suspended.

The church council and I continue to monitor the situation and will follow the direction of our civil authorities to avoid gatherings at this time. As things continue to change from day to day, we will strive to communicate with you any updates or changes. For those of you who have access, please check our web site and Facebook for updates along with posted devotions and services. We are also currently adding services to our YouTube page.

Although we cannot come together as a body of believers, use this time to continue to grow individually and as a family in your love for God and for each other. God still wants us to hold His word sacred and gladly hear and learn it. Take time to have private devotions, to read God’s word, to review the catechism, to pray, to sing hymns, and to meditate on what the Lord has done for you. If the Bible intimidates you, start by reading a Psalm. They are brief and have much to contemplate. Your devotions do not need to be long or complicated. Read the daily meditations or some other devotional work and remember to pray.

Also, even though we are being forced to avoid gathering, it does not mean we are not to continue to care for each other. God still calls on us to love and serve one another even in the midst of a pandemic. As you are able, reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ to support them. It may be as simple as a quick check-in phone call. And if you are in need, please let someone know, whether it is due to fear, or stress, or anxiety or you simply need someone to run to the grocery store for you–reach out to someone– reach out to me.

Once more, I would like to remind you that I remain available to visit even during the “stay at home,” as a pastor I am exempt. If you just need to chat, give me a call. You can also stop in at the church. I will be in the church office from 10 to noon Monday thru Thursday or anytime by appointment.

Keep in mind too, part of our Christian calling includes returning to the Lord part of what He gives to us in our time, talents, and treasures whether during a pandemic or not. Please continue, as you are able and in love for the Lord, to support Immanuel.

I have no doubt that our Lord is using these times for our good. I know that personally I am learning to appreciate even more the opportunities to worship with my fellow believers, to be reminded of God’s promises, and to receive His body and blood. I truly miss being able to come together with all of you during this time. I look forward to that time when we will be able to gather once again to worship and join in fellowship.

God bless you and keep you,

Pastor Oehlke

He is risen. Do not be afraid!

p.s. If you have email but are currently NOT receiving Immanuel information,  please let me know.

_____________________________________________________________________________

March 19, 2020

Beloved in the Lord,

At this time, the church council and pastor have decided that it is prudent to suspend cooperate worship at Immanuel along with all other activities until April 1st at which time we will reassess the situation. Current local, state, and national authorities are encouraging that we avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. In consultation with other WELS congregations in the area, we have decided that it is appropriate to follow this request.

Please understand, your leaders did not make this decision easily. It was our hope to continue to offer the hope and comfort of God’s Word and promises during these trying times. We will continue monitor the situation and if necessary, adjust our decisions.

Pastor will post material on Facebook and the website in order to continue to bring the message of God’s Word and promises to the members of Immanuel. As always, Pastor Oehlke is available to meet with the members of Immanuel.

Finally, we strongly encourage you not to be filled with fear but to act as people of faith and hope in Christ. We have this moment to demonstrate before the world the power of the hope that lives in us and the opportunity to show the love for neighbor that we have received from Christ, our Savior. Immanuel will continue to offer the comfort and hope we have in our Lord and Savior as best we can. Pastor and the congregational leadership is committed to do whatever we can do to be there for you and we ask you to be there for the Church by faithfully praying for your servants in Christ, your neighbors in need, and providing the offerings necessary to support the work of the Church.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the Church Council or the pastor.  
 

Pastor Oehlke and the Church Council

_____________________________________________________________________________

He has Risen. Do not be Afraid!

Matthew 28

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead! And look, he is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him.’ See, I have told you!”

8 They hurried away from the tomb, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”

They approached, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Beloved in the Lord,

We have a living Savior, who is ruling all things for the good of His Church, for your good brothers and sisters. We have no need to fear!

He is risen. Do not be afraid!

____________________________________________________________________________

March 18, 2020

Beloved in the Lord,

Our Lord Jesus Christ founded His Church so that His salvation might reach to the ends of the earth. In the Church we receive the love of God and His gracious mercy for Christ’s sake through the Word and Sacraments. This love and mercy transform us into people who wish to reflect God’s mercy to others. We serve one another in love: in our own families, in the church, and in society at large.

The most recent guidelines from the civil authorities and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in response to COVID-19 provide us the opportunity to serve one another in very concrete ways. The recommendations say that all older people (60+), those with chronic health conditions, and those who have compromised immune systems are at higher risk to their health. The CDC instructs all such people as follows:

“Stay at home as much as possible. Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time. When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often. Avoid crowds. Stay up to date on CDC Travel Health Notices.”

For now, if you are ill, experiencing a fever, a cough, or other signs of a respiratory illness, stay at home, take your rest, and seek any treatment necessary for your recovery. If you have any reason to suspect you may be a carrier, please stay home.

What does this mean for us as Christians? Most importantly, all responses should be implemented in the way of love, and not from fear. For there is no fear in love, and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18a). What we do we do for the sake of our neighbors – young and old, big and small, strong and weak, sick and well. We are one Body, and we are to care for one another as the Church, whose vital ministry is even more clearly necessary in times of stress, fear, and uncertainty. We need to hear the Word, repent, be absolved, receive the Sacrament, and be strengthened in our faith by our common confession and worship. The following guidelines should be kept in mind concerning worship during this time of heightened health vigilance.

Immanuel Active Measures Moving Forward

• • Effective immediately, Immanuel is cancelling all activity outside of our regularly scheduled Divine Services held on Wednesday night and on Sunday morning. This means we will suspend all Sunday School, all Bible Study classes, Catechism, any fellowship events like soup suppers. All board and committee meetings are suspended at this time.

• • The Holy Sacrament will continue to be served, although in a modified manner consistent with minimal exposure and transmission. We will no longer approach the alter as a group to receive Christ’s body and blood. You will see increased efforts by the Ushers to ‘space’ ourselves out from each other while waiting to receive Communion. 

• • We are asking everyone to ‘socially distance’ themselves while in worship attendance. That means choosing a pew location that ideally offers 6 feet of separation around you. We will also continue to refrain from physical contact when greeting one another.

• • We will continue to develop posting items online. Whether you keep away due to sickness, caution, or simply care for yourself and others, please avail yourself of these options to receive God’s Word.

• Pastor and the Church Council continue to monitor direction from all civil authorities regarding the virus. We will review any recommendations for assembly that may impact our worship and meeting plans.

Let your conscience be at peace. Under these circumstances many pious Christians will be conflicted, since they sincerely desire to keep the Third Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.” Luther explains to us in the Small Catechism what this means: “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.” (Small Catechism)

This is not unprecedented in the history of the Church in general or the history of Lutherans in America specifically. In 1918, the doors of many Lutheran churches were closed from Reformation Day until Christmas Eve as the Spanish Flu swept the nation. Even Pastor Luther, as he dealt with the Bubonic Plague, did not condemn Christians from exercising their God-given reason to care for themselves and prevent spreading the disease.

But above all, let us all be fervent in prayer to our loving Father for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He would use this time in the world to be a call to repentance, that the preaching of the Gospel would not only continue, but flourish. Commit to praying the Psalms, perhaps especially Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now, and will be forever. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Pastor Oehlke and the Church Council