Author: Eric Weiss

People of His Pasture

Sunday – November 22, 2020

LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR—PROPER 29

We are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Psalm 95:7b

Today is the Last Sunday of the Church Year. This Sunday is traditionally filled with themes of Christ’s roles as King and Judge. But consider these words from Psalm 95: “We are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” We are God’s chosen sheep. He is our Shepherd. We follow Him as He goes to seek the lost, bring back the stray, and bind up the injured.

Old Testament Reading:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24
God will search for His sheep

Psalm 95:1–7a

1 Corinthians 15:20–28
The last enemy to be destroyed is death

Matthew 25:31–46
The separation of the sheep and the goats

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Eternal God, merciful Father, You have appointed Your Son as judge of the living and the dead. Enable us to wait for the day of His return with our eyes fixed on the kingdom prepared for Your own from the foundation of the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen

Enter into the Joy of Your Master

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Sermon Audio

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST—PROPER 28

Enter into the joy of your Master. Matthew 25:21b

We read today about three servants. Two were good and faithful. One was evil and faithless. Two enter into the joy of their master. One does not. Our Lord has entrusted us with many good and gracious gifts and sends us into the world to make disciples and multiply the gifts we have received. Yet, it is not our own work that leads us into the joy of our Master; rather, it is our Master’s work on our behalf. Jesus’ saving work of death and resurrection brings us into the joy of our Master.

Old Testament Reading:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Zephaniah 1:7–16
The Day of the Lord is near

Psalm 90:1-12

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Let us live as children of the light

Matthew 25:14–30
The parable of the talents

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Always with the Lord

Sunday, November 8, 2020

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST—PROPER 27

And so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17b

We hear today these words from the apostle Paul concerning everlasting life: “We will always be with the Lord.” Our Lord makes His presence known today in His Word and in the Lord’s Supper. You have the assurance that when Jesus returns, you will spend everlasting life in His gracious presence.

Old Testament Reading:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Amos 5:18–24
The day of the Lord is coming

Psalm 70

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
We will always be with the Lord

Matthew 25:1–13
The parable of the ten virgins

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His Bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Comfort and Joy

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Sermon Audio

ALL SAINTS’ DAY

The whole triumphant host Give thanks to God on high.
“Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!” They ever cry.
Hail, Abr’ham’s God and mine! I join the heav’nly lays:
All might and majesty are Thine And endless praise! LSB 798:9

At Christmas is sung “God rest you merry, gentlemen,” with “tidings of comfort and joy.” Those tidings were made because our Lord had entered human history. We will finally realize those tidings for ourselves when we join the saints in eternal glory, they who are seen in the vision we will read from Revelation. In the meantime, in these mean times, we rely on hope to get us through each day, as St. Paul writes in the Epistle. That hope is based on our being God’s adopted children, brothers and sisters of our risen Lord Jesus. It is both comforting and joyful, no matter our circumstances. As Jesus proclaims in the Gospel’s Beatitudes, people with such hope are blessed indeed!

READINGS

First Reading:

Psalm:

Epistle:

Gospel:

Revelation 7:9–17 (Saints around God’s throne now eternal salvation after having endured persecution.)

Psalm 149

1 John 3:1–3 (We are already God’s children.)

Matthew 5:1–12 (Jesus’ followers are blessed now because of His sure promises.)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical Body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Pastoral Letter & Reservation Service Link – Nov 1, 2020

October 2020

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with no small gladness that I can now inform you that we plan to resume church services after this long hiatus. The first planned service is scheduled for November 1st, All Saints Day. Because we are restricted to 50 people or less we have devised a system whereby you can sign up online for the service you plan to attend, or you may phone the office to reserve your spot, Monday-Thursday, 9:30am to 1:30pm. At this point we have planned services only for November, specifically the 1st, 15th and the 29th. As you are, no doubt, well aware the COVID-19 cases are rising in BC and so we decided to spread the services out this way in order to give us room to evaluate the situation as it continues to develop.

Many of you are very concerned about all of this, and with good reason, and therefore I would like stress that we are not pressuring anyone to attend. Everyone has to evaluate their own situation and make their decisions accordingly. Private communion is available to all who wish it and it will continue to be so. Thus, if you are not comfortable with attending the planned services you will always have that option.

By this time many of us, if not most, are thinking ahead to Christmas. At this point all I can tell you is that we are working on that at this time and will inform you in due time. Unless things take a serious turn for the worse there is every reason to think that we will be worshipping during the Christmas season, albeit in a smaller way than in previous years. But we will notify you as we get closer to December.

Below you can find the link to sign up online. The system is easy to understand and use. I would ask you all to only sign up for services mindful of the fact that we are limited to 50 or less and thus to allow room for others as well. Moreover, please only sign up for those services you are reasonably sure you will be able to attend and if you, for some reason, cannot attend please remove your name from the list or call the church office to let us know. Also, please do
not assign your place to others if you are unable to attend as that has the potential to cause considerable chaos and confusion. Only sign up for yourself and those you plan to bring with you.

To all appearances this COVID-19 situation will persist for the foreseeable future. Our congregation has so far weathered all this very well and I would simply continue encourage you all to use this time, as you are able, to reflect on the things you have been taught in the Holy Christian Church and why these things matter just as much now as they did before and as they will continue to matter until the Last Day! Perhaps now would be an opportune time to review
the Small Catechism and the things taught there in as these things pertain to daily living all the days of our lives. I should also like to encourage you to stop by the office with any questions regarding the Christian faith that you may wish to talk about. Coming to see me is not wasting the Church’s time, but actually making use of the service the Holy Christian Church puts at your
disposal. So make use of it as you deem necessary and fit.

The end of the Church Year is fast approaching and thus my thoughts are inevitably drawn to those Scripture texts that speak of our Lord’s return and the events surrounding it. During a worldwide pandemic it would be all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that this is a close herald of the End Times. As the Holy Christian Church we need not worry about such things (and we are in fact commanded not to!), but instead we are reminded at all times, in every
age and every generation to heed the words of Jesus recorded by St. Luke: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

In Christ,

Pastor Jakob Valsson

Reservation Webpage

Please do not attend if you are: not feeling well or do not feel comfortable in a 50 person gathering.

COVID PROTOCOL STEPS TAKEN BY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
• Do not come early, socializing will not be encouraged in the building.
• Masks are required; they will be available if you forget yours.
• Parking: use front or side lot (South lot will be closed)
• Entering the building: follow signs and arrows, separate doors will be used for entering and exiting.
• Use hand sanitizer upon entering.
• You MUST sign in after sanitizing, this allows for contact tracing in the case of an outbreak.
• Follow the arrows into the sanctuary, seating will be every third row, maintain your social distance from your neighbour.
• Church service will be conducted out of the LSB Hymnal, no bulletins or newsletters are available.
• Pastor Jakob will instruct those wishing to partake in communion.
• One person at a time may enter the Men’s/Women’s washroom, line up in the hallway
• Please refrain from checking your church mailbox at this time; possibly come in during the week when the Narthex is empty. Note: the balcony, nursery, church kitchen, gym and conference room are off limits at this time.
• Exit through doors marked “EXIT”, maintaining social distance from others.

Set Free

Sunday, October 25, 2020

REFORMATION DAY

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:23–25a

To the consternation of His opponents, Jesus announced that those who abide in His Word know the truth, which sets them free. And the truth, Paul points out in the Epistle, is that God has declared us justified, not guilty under His Law, because of His gracious gift of faith in Christ. That gift frees us from fearing God’s righteous wrath; we are confident that the Lord of hosts is with us. Sure of His presence and protection, we need not fear the forces of nature, the conflicts of people and nations, and the wiles of the devil. Rather, in all that we think, say, and do, we are free to respond to the angelic invitation we hear today: “fear God and give Him glory . . . and worship Him who made heaven and earth” (Revelation 14:7).

READINGS

First Reading:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

Revelation 14:6–7 (An angel announces the time for judgment.)

Psalm 46

Romans 3:19–28 (We need not fear the Law’s accusation, for we are justified by grace.)

John 8:31–36 (We are freed from slavery to sin; we are free indeed.)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Almighty and gracious Lord,
pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Faithful Confession and Conviction

Sunday October 18, 2020

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21b

As the Lord speaks to us in His Word, He calls the righteous to live by faith and always gives reason why His people can do so through His continual presence, power, and providence. The Readings today urge us, in various ways, to live by faith in our confession and conviction. In Isaiah, He with great conviction reminds through the prophet, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides Me there is no God.” In the Epistle, Paul assures the Thessalonians, “He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” Finally, in today’s Gospel, Christ urges us to live by faith and as stewards of all He has provided, to “render . . . to God the things that are God’s.” Moved by His Spirit out of gratefulness for the salvation earned for us by Christ Jesus, we then give God our willing obedience, dedicated service, and the glory due His name as we in confession and conviction live by faith in and through Him.

Recording of Sermon


Old Testament Reading:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Isaiah 45:1–7 The Lord uses Cyrus as an instrument of deliverance.

Psalm 96:1–9

1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
The Thessalonians’ faith and example

Matthew 22:15–22 Jesus tested by the Pharisees about paying taxes to Caesar

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor: Let us pray. O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.

At the Table of God

Sunday October 11, 2020

nineteenth Sunday after pentecost

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. He will swallow up death forever; and the LORD GOD will wipe away tears from all faces. Isaiah 25:6, 8a

“Come to the table.” In our daily experiences, there is no invitation that is more readily received and fully appreciated. To be at the table is to be assured of nourishment and refreshment. In Psalm 23, we are told of a table that is prepared under challenging circumstances. Yet, even there, the cup of God’s blessing overflows. Our gathering for worship and our coming to the Table of the Lord is a weekly experience of overflowing blessing filled with signs of God’s gracious presence. We rejoice that we are invited to His amazing table!

Old Testament:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Isaiah 25:6–9
The Lord will bring salvation to His people

Psalm 23

Philippians 4:4–13
Encouragement for joyful Christian living

Matthew 22:1–14
The parable about the wedding feast

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and proper that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, because Your mercy attends us all our days. Graciously You provide for all our wants of body and soul and lovingly You have invited us to come to Your Table of grace. Grant that Your Holy Spirit guard, guide, and comfort us throughout the days of our journey on earth as Your pilgrim people. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You.

In the Vineyard of the Lord

Sunday October 4, 2020

Eighteenth Sunday of pentecost

For the Lord, our God, shall come And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day All offenses purge away,
Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.

The vineyard is frequently used in Scripture to denote a special place in God’s creation. To have a vineyard and enjoy its fruit is a blessing. When the prophet Isaiah speaks of the goodness of the Lord, he says that God’s favored people “shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (Isaiah 65:21). Vineyards were planted with a fruitful harvest in mind. We are the Lord’s planting, and we eagerly await our harvest home.

Old Testament:


Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Isaiah 5:1–7
The vineyard of the Lord is judged

Psalm 80: 7-19

Philippians 3:4b–14
Paul witnesses to the congregation at Philippi

Matthew 21:33–46
The parable of the tenants in the vineyard

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for the countless blessings You so freely bestow on us and all creation. We bless You for having planted us in Your vineyard and for keeping us in Your abiding care. Above all, we give thanks for Your boundless love shown to us when You sent Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into our flesh and laid on Him our sin, giving Him into death that we might not die eternally. Because He is now risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity, all who believe in Him will overcome sin and death and will rise again to new life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising You

What Do You Think?

Sunday September 27, 2020

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4–5

We always want to know why. The rulers of the people wanted to know why Jesus was saying what He said and doing what He did. But Jesus challenged them with His Word and with the prophetic voice of John the Baptist. Why did they not listen, and why did they not repent? Why do we not listen and repent? Jesus told a parable of two sons—one whose words were yes but his heart was no, and the other whose words were no but whose heart said yes. We are called to listen. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and we shall be saved.

First Reading:



Psalm:

Epistle:


Gospel:

READINGS

Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
The Lord takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, so turn to Him

Psalm 25:1–10

Philippians 2:1–18
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow

Matthew 21:23–32
Which of the two did the will of his father?

COLLECT

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, out of love for His fallen creation, humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death upon a cross. Risen from the dead, He has freed us from eternal death and given us life everlasting.