Often, a person knows he or she is loved by what is done by another. From the words said, actions shown, and even at times gifts given from parents to children, spouses to each other, friends among one another, and more, we can often sense the motivation of love behind many forms of kindness and care. How can we know God’s love for us? It’s in some ways similar to our earthly relationships, but is from One who always loves perfectly. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us” (1 John 3:1). The Lord speaks His Word of unchanging truth, promise, and hope. He gives the action of sending His one and only Son to this world to live, die, and be raised to life that we may have a new and forgiven life in Him. He gives the gift of His Means of Grace claiming us as His own in Baptism and providing Christ’s body and blood for our forgiveness of sins and nourishment of faith. Unlike love shown in temporal earthly ways, His love is eternal and everlasting and one we are blessed to see with eyes of faith and know in our hearts as we continue in this Easter season, rejoicing in the fact that Christ is risen!
04/18/21 Contemporary Service
“The Love of Our Heavenly Father!” Text: 1 John 3:1–7
April 18, 2021 • Rev. Kenny Hsu
05/05/24 Praise Service
May 5, 2024
AS WE GATHER A treasured children’s song, “I Love to Tell the Story, has a refrain that follows each of the stanzas penned by poet Arabella Katherine Hankey, repeating the simple words: “I love to tell the story; ’Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.” The original Greek language in which John wrote his Gospel uses the word “love” either as a noun or a verb some nine times in the section of Jesus’ words heard in the Gospel for today. Jesus wants His disciples and us to know the abiding power of His love. It is that love that compels us to love one another—and the “others” beyond our circles of family, friends, and other close relationships. We are blessed in hearing the “old, old story of Jesus and His love” anew today. May we be blessed in telling it out in love as well!
05/05/24 Traditional Service
May 5, 2024
AS WE GATHER A treasured children’s song, “I Love to Tell the Story, has a refrain that follows each of the stanzas penned by poet Arabella Katherine Hankey, repeating the simple words: “I love to tell the story; ’Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.” The original Greek language in which John wrote his Gospel uses the word “love” either as a noun or a verb some nine times in the section of Jesus’ words heard in the Gospel for today. Jesus wants His disciples and us to know the abiding power of His love. It is that love that compels us to love one another—and the “others” beyond our circles of family, friends, and other close relationships. We are blessed in hearing the “old, old story of Jesus and His love” anew today. May we be blessed in telling it out in love as well!
04/21/24 Traditional Service
April 21, 2024
One of the small but interesting features of many cathedral and monastery churches in Europe and other places is presence of misericords. A misericord is a small wooden shelf attached to the underside of a folding seat in a church, often in the choir area. Misericords physically supported people at worship during long periods of standing during extended prayer and other services when sitting was not permitted. The term “misericord” means “pity of the heart.” That word is part of the church phrase Misericordia Domini, a Latin term for describing the acts of mercy of God to His people. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, constantly and consistently shows acts of mercy to us as His people. His care comes straight from the heart!