The Story is an abridged version of the Bible that chronologically takes us through the great stories of the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. Beginning September 11, we will begin a 31-week journey through God’s Story revealing His plan to destroy sin, death, the power of evil,  and to reconcile the world to Himself. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover how your story  fits within His Story. There are a number of ... More

Below are some verses (Prescriptions for Fear).   So don't be afraid.  You are worth much more than many sparrow. (Matthew 10:31) I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough.  (Matthew 6:25) Take courage.  I am here! (Matthew 14:27) Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) ... More

Working from Rest How is your rhythm? No, I’m not talking about your ability to dance or move to music or to a drum beat. I’m referring to the rhythm of your life; the ebb and flow between your work and a Sabbath rest.  A few years ago I was challenged by some friends of mine in the 3DM movement to radically rethink my understanding and practice of Sabbath rest. I had always struggled to observe a Sabbath rest from my ... More

  Greetings! I recently read The Hole in Our Gospel by World Vision CEO Richard Stearns, and I knew I had to share it with all of you. I hope you’ll join us for a six week study of one of the best books I’ve read in years! I’ve included a description of the book from Amazon and attached a copy of the Prologue. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or send an email to ... More

      I hope that you are being blessed by our mid-week Lenten services with dramatic monologues from the perspective of biblical characters who in some way encountered Jesus. Our April mid-week and Holy Week worship schedule and themes are printed for you below.   ·         4/06 – 6:30 pm and 7:20 pm – Wednesday – ... More

 On January 16th we will begin a new 8 week preaching series on the power and gift of Christian Community.  Having a sense of "belonging" to a group of friends or a community of people is wonderful, until you don't have it.  This series will explore biblical principles and stories which will encourage us in building more authentic relationships and communities within our church and with our neighbors and ... More

    I hope you have had a chance to reflect this week on the Psalm 23 passage we studied in worship. I am so glad we have a shepherd who is leading us to green pastures and still waters. I often times settle for hunger and thirst, but thanks be to God, the Good Shepherd keeps taking care of me. Read the following excerpt below from, “A Shepherds Look at Psalm 23,” by Philip Keller. “Most people ... More

        Living A Missional Life! It was great to hear all of your stories from our summer of ministry. We are going to try and create some space for you to continue sharing stories of what it means to live missionally all year around. God has a purpose for our lives in every season as we seek to live in His will. One family related to me what they do at the beginning of each school year. Each year ... More

      Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila June 6, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver Genesis 42-43             Guilt, Forgiveness and God’s Sovereignty Outline Genesis 42:1-5            Joseph’s brothers come to buy food Genesis ... More

      While Pastor Glenn is on sabbatical, let us be in prayer for him and Suzanne as they are refreshed, refueled, and re-created by God’s grace over the summer months. What if we all were committed to a time of sabbatical this summer? “That would be great,” you say, “but very impractical.” Not so fast. Let’s explore for a moment. First, let’s define ... More

  At Thanksgiving! we are embarking on a 7 week journey entitled: “The X-Factor in Great Relationships.” We are taking a look at our friendships, marriages, families, and communities to determine just what it is that set some relationships apart from the rest. In a book that came out a few years ago called, Rich Dad—Poor Dad, it stated more or less, that families who have been historically wealthy ... More

            The Apostle’s Creed: Its Meaning and Significance for Today- As a boy I (Pastor Bruce) was required to memorize the Apostle’s Creed and Martin Luther’s explanations for each of the 3 articles pertaining to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The process began in Sunday school and was finalized during my time of confirmation instruction in the junior high ... More

    Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila February 28, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver Genesis 39       Prosperity in the Midst of Adversity Outline Genesis 39:1-6a           Joseph prospers under Potiphar Genesis 39:6b-18         Joseph suffers for ... More

Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila February 28, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver Genesis 39       Prosperity in the Midst of Adversity Outline Genesis 39:1-6a           Joseph prospers under Potiphar Genesis 39:6b-18         Joseph suffers for ... More

      Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila February 21, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver Genesis 39       Prosperity in the Midst of Adversity Outline Genesis 39:1-6a           Joseph prospers under Potiphar Genesis 39:6b-18         Joseph ... More

  Each year during the time of Lent, we are often challenged to give something up or add something to our lives.  The idea behind this is that our Lord sacrificed for our benefit by his excruciating death on the cross.  We are then called to take away or add something to our lives so that when we would normally partake of this food or activity, or add the activity to our lives, it will cause us to reflect on our Lord’s ... More

        Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila February 7, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver   Genesis 37:18-36 Outline Verses 18-28, Joseph sold into slavery Verses 29-35, Jacob deceived by his sons Verse 29, Joseph sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s captain of the bodyguard Key Verse “Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of ... More

      Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila January 17, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver   Genesis 37:1-17 Outline Verses 1-2a, the generations of Jacob Verses 2b-4, Joseph’s relationship with his brothers Verses 5-11, Joseph’s dreams Verses 12-17, Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers Key Verse “What is this dream you have had? Shall ... More

      Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church Pastor Bruce L Kotila January 17, 2010 Joseph and the Dream Giver   Genesis 37:1-17 Outline Verses 1-2a, the generations of Jacob Verses 2b-4, Joseph’s relationship with his brothers Verses 5-11, Joseph’s dreams Verses 12-17, Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers Key Verse “What is this dream you have had? Shall ... More

     ABC Bible Study   Pastor Ralph Tjelta This ABC Bible Study is meant to be an aid in Bible study. It is designed to be helpful in Bible study whether you have 15 minutes to study or 5 hours to study. You might wonder, how do I begin? The answer is quite simple. If your time is limited, do instruction 1 under each alphabetical heading. If you have more time to study, do numbers 1 and 2 under each heading. If you ... More

During the late summer and early fall months of 2005, we were bombarded with news reports about the hurricanes that brought massive destruction, and considerable human suffering to several states along the Gulf of Mexico. Katrina caused the most damage and the greatest loss of life, and therefore commanded considerable media attention. Then there was Rita, and then Wilma. Each was unique and significant on its own but I was struck ... More

Mission. What is our mission statement by the way?  Our mission is to reach out and gather people into the family of God, equipping them to be disciples of Jesus Christ in our community, nation, and world. Interesting Mission Stewardship Facts:  Thanksgiving will give over $250,000 dollars outside the walls of the church to our partner ministries this year alone. $150,000 to the Lutheran World Hunger Appeal, Lutheran ... More