We are now in the heart of summer. This is a time of year when many people take some time to slow down their pace. They might take a vacation or spend more time at the pool or reading books. With teaching there is a natural ebb and flow to the year, and summer break tends to be a quieter time. I try to use the summer as a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the next year, and also make time to be refreshed. I like to call it “filling my bucket.” If I pour out myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually on my ministry, my family, and my students without replenishing my own reserves, I will run out of re- sources to give. So if you see a bit less of me around church this month, I haven’t gone anywhere, I’m simply refilling my bucket. I’m reading books, resting, spending time with family, doing projects around my house, and spending extra time praying and meditating on God’s Word, so that I can come back to a new school year refreshed and renewed for service.
Please keep all church workers, including myself, in your prayers as we serve in our various ministry positions. You can even use the words of Paul to the Colossians (part of our Epistle lesson this week).
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- Published: 12 July 2019 12 July 2019
- Last Updated: 12 July 2019 12 July 2019
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: 06 July 2019 06 July 2019
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
- Last Updated: 30 June 2019 30 June 2019
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: 29 June 2019 29 June 2019
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:
Files:
06/23/2019 Sermon - Rev Bill Steinbauer delivers the sermon for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost , "How Do You Think About Yourself and Would Jesus Agree?" based on Luke 8:26-39. Rev Steinbauer is the Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel in Lincoln Nebraska.
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- Published: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019
- Last Updated: 30 June 2019 30 June 2019
Lamb of God Preschool Enrollment for the 2019-20 School Year
Lamb of God Preschool is currently enrolling for the 2019- 20 school year. We have openings in all programs for children ages 3-5. Please spread the word about availability in this developmentally appropriate, Christian preschool. Contact Kay Storck, Lamb of God Director/Teacher with any questions at (402) 391-2288. The Lamb of God Preschool website is www.LambofGodPreschool.org
Lamb of God Nature Club
Lamb of God is offering a new summer enrichment opportunity. Started this June 13 Lamb of God offers the Tree House Adventures Nature Club on Thursday mornings. Every Thursday morning throughout the summer children can join them for a complete outdoor learning experience. From 9:30-11:30 each Thursday children will have the opportunity to spend the morning outside taking walks, playing on their wildlife habitat playground, and creating nature art.
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- Published: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019
- Last Updated: 23 June 2019 23 June 2019
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
- Last Updated: 15 June 2019 15 June 2019
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
- Last Updated: 11 June 2019 11 June 2019
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
- Last Updated: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019
“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
- Last Updated: 01 June 2019 01 June 2019