Tag Archives: Our Saviour Lutheran Church

February Thoughts… Spiritual Ancestors

When we look back at those who have gone before us, we are not only looking at heroes of the faith, but we are looking back at our spiritual ancestors. For we are all members of the Body of Christ. And while we are separated, we are still family, brothers and sisters in Christ. I find this can be helpful when looking back and learning about them. It is like looking back on a family tree or learning of an ancestor. It is also important to keep in mind that all these saints we remember, our brothers and sisters, share the same faith as us in our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was the one who worked through them and gave them their gifts, just as He gives to us the gifts and graces we use daily in His service. With that said, let us continue to look at our spiritual ancestors.

All Scripture quotations are from the Evangelical Heritage Version (find more information here). All Old Testament dates are based on The Lutheran Study Bible from CPH.

February 2: Purification of Mary and Presentation of our Lord

Just as January begins with a feast that looks at Jesus’ life, so too does February. And just as that feast was tied to Christmas, so is this. For the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord takes place forty days after our Lord’s birth in accordance with the Law (Leviticus 12). The account of this event is found in Luke 2:22-38 where it describes how they were going to the Temple both for Mary’s purification and to present Jesus to the Lord for the redemption of the first-born. This shows us yet again Mary and Joseph taking care to ensure that both they and Mary’s Son were walking in accordance with the Law. However, here we also meet Simeon and Anna. Simeon, waiting for the redemption of Israel, takes the child in his arms and sings what we now call the Nunc Dimittis which we often sing as our Post-Communion Canticle. In addition, Simeon gives a prophecy related to Jesus, pointing forward to His redeeming work on the cross (Luke 2:33-35). Anna likewise praises the Lord and spreads the word to all who will listen about Jesus (Luke 2:36-38). There is much here to thank the Lord for and to follow as His people including the example of raising a child in the faith as well as speaking to the hope we have in Him. 

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Listen carefully, this child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2:34-35

February 5: Jacob (Israel), Patriarch

A Greek icon of Jacob. The scroll says, “A star shall rise from Jacob, and a man shall rise up from Israel.” This is from the Greek translation of Numbers 24:17, a prophecy of Christ.

Jacob (c. 2006  – c. 1859 BC), is the last of the patriarchs in the line of Abraham. He is the younger of the two sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob’s life itself was full of conflict. After getting the birthright from his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau, he ran away to Haran to Rebekah’s family in order to avoid his brother’s anger and threats of death (Genesis 27). There, he had conflict with his father-in-law as he was deceived on his wedding night, as a result his wives also produced conflict as they competed for children (Genesis 29). Even his children brought conflict to his life as they were jealous of Joseph, his favourite son (Genesis 37:12-36). However, despite all of this, the Lord was with Jacob and promised that the promise He gave to Abraham had come to him (Genesis 28:10-22). Eventually, the Lord would also reconcile Jacob and his brother Esau. On the night before they met, the Lord appeared to Jacob as a man and wrestled with him until daybreak. At this time, Jacob asked for a blessing and received it along with a new name: Israel, because he had striven with God and man and had prevailed (Genesis 32:22-32). It was Jacob’s children who would become the tribes of Israel and their descendants would inherit the Promised Land. The Lord greatly blessed Jacob in his life, but the greatest blessing of all which He had given him was that through his line, the Messiah of the world would come, the one who stands between heaven and earth as truly God and truly man, reconciling us to God (Genesis 27:10-17; John 1:51). As we share Jacob’s faith, we are counted as true spiritual sons and daughters of Israel as we wait for the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.

I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise up out of Israel.

Numbers 24:17a

February 10: Silas, Fellow Worker of St. Paul

Silas (1st century AD – c. 65 – 100), who is also called Sylvanus, was a companion of St. Paul and missionary with him. He is first mentioned in Acts 15:22, where he is chosen as one of the men to accompany Paul and Barnabas to go to Antioch to bring them the news and decree from the Jerusalem Council that there was no requirement for Gentile converts to be circumcised, thus making them accountable to the whole Old Covenant. Silas is spoken of at this time as one of the leading men among the brothers in Jerusalem, speaking to his character and strong faith in Christ. After these events, Silas would accompany Paul on his second missionary journey after he and Barnabas disagreed about taking Mark with them. As a fellow missionary with Paul, Silas was present with him at various times including being jailed (and freed by an angel) in Philippi (Acts 16:25-37), preaching in Thessalonica, Barea, and Corinth (Acts 17:1, 10; 18:5). Because of his presence in these places, Silas is also named along with Paul and Timothy as sending the two epistles to the Thessalonians and is mentioned in 2 Corinthians. Because Silas is not spoken of again in Acts after being present in Corinth, it has traditionally been thought that he remained there as a teacher and preacher within the Church, similarly to Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete. Like Titus, Silas is thought to have been granted a peaceful death by the Lord, an uncommon thing for the early disciples and missionaries, and something for which we may give thanks to God.

I have written to you briefly (through Silas, whom I consider a faithful brother), to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

1 Peter 5:12

February 13: Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos

Aquila and Priscilla explaining to Apollos the way of God more accurately.

Today, the Church commemorates the husband and wife missionaries Aquila and Priscilla along with the missionary Apollos (all born and died within the 1st century AD). Apollos was a Jewish Christian and companion of Paul from Alexandria in Egypt who was an important figure whom God used in the planting of the Church in Ephesus and Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:6). In Acts 18:24-25, he is described as “an eloquent man and well versed in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. He spoke with burning zeal and taught the facts about Jesus accurately,” however, he only knew the baptism of John and not Trinitarian baptism. This is where Aquila and Priscilla become acquainted with Apollos. They were also Jewish Christians, but they were from Rome and currently in exile because Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews from Rome between AD 49 and 54. While in exile in Corinth they met Paul and after spending time with him, they accompanied him to Ephesus (Acts 18:1-4). While in Ephesus they heard Apollos’ teaching. In Christian love, this lay missionary couple takes Apollos aside and explains more accurately to him the true doctrine (Acts 18:26). In goldy humility, this learned man accepts their correction. Because of this example of godly humility, gentle correction, and Christian love for one another, these great missionaries and companions of Paul are commemorated and remembered together.

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are also doing. Brothers, we ask you to take note of those who work hard among you, who exercise leadership over you in the Lord, and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love, on account of their work. Live at peace with each other. We also encourage you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle. Encourage those who are discouraged, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil with evil, but instead, always strive to do good to each other and to everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

February 14: Valentine, Martyr

Valentine (c. 226 – c. 269), was a Christian pastor who was martyred in Rome under the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. Despite his name being well known from quite early on, there is relatively little known about this saint. Pope Gelasius I (r. 492 – 496) famously said regarding Valentine and other early Christian martyrs we only know by name that their names are rightly honoured by men, but their acts are only known by God. It is generally accepted that during Claudius’ persecution that Valentine ministered to and encouraged those Christians in and around Rome and that eventually he himself was martyred by beheading (an execution reserved for Roman citizens). There is something to be said for not knowing much of Valentine’s life and acts, for there are many saints that are not well known beyond their own families, there are many whose names are not even known by men, but whose names are known only to God. Valentine then becomes an example for all Christians of humble service which doesn’t seek to glorify self, but only to serve our neighbour in love because of the love which God first had for us and demonstrated by sending His Son to die for us to redeem and save us.

Be careful that you do not do your righteous works in front of people, so that they will notice. If you do, you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

Matthew 6:1, 19-20

February 15: Philemon and Onesimus

An illuminated initial from a Medieval manuscript from the first letter of the book of Philemon showing Onesimus delivering the letter to Philemon.

Philemon and Onesimus (both 1st century AD – c. 68), were members of the Church in Colossae. Philemon was a presumably wealthy man who owned both a house big enough for the Colossian Church to meet in as well as slaves, including Onesimus. At one point, Onesimus ran away and wound up in Rome where Paul was imprisoned. There they met and under the teaching of Paul Onesimus became a Christian. This is the circumstance surrounding Paul’s epistle to Philemon, asking that he would forgive Onesimus who is now his own brother in Christ and even carrying this letter to Philemon. He also encourages him to free Onesimus so that as a fellow Christian he would be able to help in either Philemon’s or Paul’s ministry. Paul does not compel Philemon because he wants this good work to be done willingly and voluntarily rather than forced. Philemon and Onesimus then stand out for us as an example of brotherly love, reconciliation, and forgiveness within the congregation.

I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might serve me in your place while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your kindness would not be the result of compulsion, but of willingness. Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while: so that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as a dear brother.

Philemon 13-16a

February 16: Philip Melanchthon (birth), Confessor

Phlip Melanchthon (February 16, 1497 – April 19, 1560), was a lay theologian and reformer during the 16th century Reformation. Melanchthon was a fellow professor at Wittenberg University and close friend of Martin Luther. Melanchthon was graced by the Lord with a gift for languages and a systematic thinking. He wrote his first academic work, a Greek Grammar, at the age of 21 and also wrote a Latin Grammar, was fluent in Biblical Hebrew (rare in those days), and wrote a rhetoric text that is still used today in places. However, the Lord used him the most in the theological controversies of the Reformation. Melanchthon is the author of both the Augsburg Confession and its Apology (that is, Defense) which are the primary confessions of the Book of Concord. His ability to think systematically allowed him to organize clearly the teachings of the Evangelical Church to present them before the Holy Roman Emperor at Augsburg. His knowledge of Greek and Latin, the Church Fathers, and Canon Law allowed him to present and defend the Lutheran position as being not only in accordance with the Scriptural truth, but also that which has always been taught and seen as true within the Church in opposition to Rome’s claims. While his reputation suffered as a result of his willingness to change the wording in one article of the Augsburg Confession later to allow John Calvin to agree to it, Melanchthon himself never gave up his own Biblical position. One of his theological texts, known as Theological Commonplaces, formed the basis and set the pattern for later theologians such as Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard, both theologians who taught boldly the Scriptural truth. 

Then I will speak of your testimonies before kings, and I will not be put to shame.

Psalm 119:46

February 18: Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor

Portraits of Luther and Melanchthon by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1541.

Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546), was a reformer and doctor of the Church during the 16th century Reformation. Through Luther’s writings about the doctrine of indulgences and dispute with Johann Tetzel, the Lord brought about the reformation of His Church, bringing more into focus the truth of salvation by grace through faith and the proper place and use of the sacraments. Originally training to be a lawyer, after a frightening trip through a storm Luther vowed to leave his studies and become a monk. In the monastery Luther was known for the seriousness with which he took his vows and Augustinian rule and rose quickly among the ranks of the Augustinian Order. Eventually, on the advice of his father-confessor Johann von Staupitz, he was sent to Wittenberg to teach theology at the newly founded university. In the midst of his teaching, studying, and controversy with Tetzel, Luther was convinced of the Scriptural truth of justification by grace through faith. This Scriptural truth would eventually become the centre of Reformation. This was important because this teaching had become intertwined and obscured by much dross and other false teachings. Luther taught clearly and fiercely held to this Biblical truth, even as he was threatened with death and he saw the martyrdom of his fellow Augustinians who agreed with this Scriptural teaching. Because of this, he is called a doctor, or teacher, of the Church.

For we conclude that a person is justified by faith without the works of the law.

Romans 3:28

February 23: Polycarp, Pastor and Martyr

Polycarp of Smyrna (65 – 155) was the bishop of the church in Smyrna and a martyr for the faith in Christ Jesus. Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and based on his speech recorded in the account of his martyrdom seems to have been a Christian from a very young age as he is said to have served Christ for 80 years. Only one of Polycarp’s works survives, a letter written to the Christians in Philippi. This letter is one which clearly teaches salvation in Christ by grace through faith and encourages the Christians in Philippi to lives of holiness while referring to the words of our Lord and those of Paul to them and the other churches. After his martyrdom, an account was circulated that documented his last days and presented his faithful confession of Christ before the governor and before the whole of the arena who had gathered to see him killed. This document served as a way to encourage fellow believers at a time of persecution, encouraging them to continue in the faith and to pray for those who persecuted them. From some of the earliest days, Polycarp has been an example of faithfulness in the midst of persecution, this gift is one which can only be given by God, and something which we thank Him for and likewise pray that He would grant this same gift to those facing persecution.

But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, offer the other too. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes away your things, do not demand them back.

Luke 6:27-30

February 24: St. Matthias, Apostle

c. 14th century fresco of St. Matthias.

St. Matthias (1st century AD – c. 80) was an apostle of the Lord, chosen after His ascension into heaven. After the death of the betrayer Judas Iscariot there was an empty office of apostle among the Twelve. After a time of prayer following the Lord’s ascension, Peter preached that the Holy Spirit had spoken through the Scriptures concerning Judas’ death and his replacement (Acts 1:13-20). And so began the search for his replacement. The one who would replace him would need to be one who had followed the Lord from the beginning and had been a witness of His resurrection. Two were put forward by the community of believers, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas (also called Justus). After prayer, the Lord revealed through a lot that Matthias was to be chosen (Acts 1:21-26). After this event Matthias is not mentioned again in Acts. Some see this as a sign that it was wrong to replace Judas, and rather they should have waited until Jesus chose someone Himself, that is, Paul. However, the text of Acts is clear that Matthias was chosen by the Lord. In addition, many other of the Apostles are not mentioned in the rest of Acts. Rather than showing this as a “mistake” it instead shows his humble work as a preacher, teacher, and evangelist. Matthias worked quietly, without recognition, like most within the Body of Christ. Thus, he serves as an example of humbly serving in our own vocations without desire for reward or recognition on our part. There are multiple traditions surrounding his death, some say that he died peacefully, while others that he was martyred in the region of Colchis.

Therefore, beyond this, brothers, just as you received instruction from us about how you are to walk so as to please God (as indeed you are doing), we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that you do so even more.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

October Thoughts… Reformation and the Church

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:4-6

When one looks at the Church within the world and sees the many divisions that exist we can wonder why. Often, the blame is set squarely at the feet of the reformer Martin Luther. It is often argued that he had attempted to start his own church (even naming it after himself!) and that after doing that many others followed in splintering the church. How can we then have a day where we remember and give thanks to God for the Reformation?

That question makes sense, however, this is not what the Reformation was. Luther was not trying to start a church (and he didn’t name anything after himself either!), but rather he called on the leaders of the Church to introduce reforms which got rid of abuses that had crept into the Church over the years. The goal was to correct errors so that the truth of the Gospel may be taught in all purity and truth in the Church.

In the summary of the first part of the Augsburg Confession which detailed the teachings of the theologians of the regional churches undertaking reform in order to present it to the emperor, it is said “as can be seen, there is nothing that varies from the Scriptures, or from the Church universal, or from the Church of Rome, as known from its writers.” The hope was that unity could be maintained because no new doctrine was being introduced. Instead, the truth that had always been accepted was brought forth to its proper place free from later medieval innovations which obscured it. That is why, in addition to the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions often quote from the Church Fathers and the canons.

And so what are we remembering on Reformation Day? I think the red colour of the paraments and vestments assigned for the festival is instructive. First, red brings to mind the Holy Spirit as we remember and give thanks to God for the grace which He showed us through the Reformation so that the truth of the Gospel was brought into its fullest and purest clarity. For while there were certainly many people who played a part, it was the Holy Spirit working through the Scriptures who brought the truth of the Gospel to its full light.

Second, it reminds us of blood as we give thanks to God for the examples of His steadfast love demonstrated in the lives (and deaths) of His holy martyrs from this time. These include Robert Barnes, Patrick Hamilton, Jean Vallier, Jan van Essen and Hendrik Voes and others. In fact, while it is not as well known in English today, Luther’s first hymn was written to give thanks to God for the martyrs Jan and Hendrik called “Ein neues Lied wir heben an” (A New Song We Raise).

Cover of a pamphlet about the martyrdom of Hendrick Voes and Jan van Essen, labeled here as “St. Henry” and “St. John.”

With this in mind, we pray that the Lord would keep us always within the true teaching of the Word and that He would continue to work by His Holy Spirit through the Scriptures that those in error would recognize their errors and come to a full knowledge of the truth and that the Church which is united in Christ, may also find a visible unity and unity in doctrine.

Prayer: Almighty God, author and source of all truth, grant that by Your grace we may be kept steadfast in Your Word amid all attacks of the world, the devil, and our sinful flesh. Pour out Your Holy Spirit that all schism may be brought to an end and Your people may all be united in truth for Your glory so that our eyes may see what we confess: that Your people are all united in the body of Your Son; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lived and died for our justification, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings: Psalm 119:41-48; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 8:12-36

September Thoughts… Holy Cross

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2
From Lucas Cranach the Younger’s Wittenberg Altarpiece

One of the feasts that is listed on the Feasts and Festivals section in the hymnal (LSB, xi) that may cause us to scratch our head is that of Holy Cross Day. The Augsburg Confession proclaims that the remembrance of the saints is a good practice so that we should imitate their faith and good works in accordance with our calling (AC XXI). That is right and good to do and fits with the many men, women, and events which we commemorate. But what about Holy Cross Day, which appears this month, September 14.

Historically, the roots of this feast go back to the days of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor. While in Jerusalem, his mother, St. Helena, is said to have found the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. On this spot a church was built (this still exists as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem). As part of the celebrations, it was said, that the very cross which our Lord was crucified on was found and displayed on the day after the dedication of the church (September 14, 335).

However, we are not commemorating this event concerning St. Helena (whether what was found was the true cross or not), but instead remembering the cross itself. Why? Because that is the instrument which our Lord had used in bringing about our redemption. We call it holy because Jesus’ cross was indeed holy, that is, it was set apart. It was set apart as the altar on which the Lamb of God gave Himself as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That cross, that one particular cross, in its nature no different than any other used by the Romans to execute criminals, became the very real means which our Lord used in overcoming sin, death, and the devil for us. Of all the thousands of crosses that existed, that one which our Lord died upon is unique in all the world, not because anything in itself was special, but because what happened upon it.

Thus it is good to remember the cross on which our Lord had died for us, where He made atonement, where He brought reconciliation, and where He displayed the righteousness of God. For, in our baptism we have been crucified with Christ and raised to new life with Him. When we receive the Lord’s Supper we receive the fruits of this sacrifice: the true body and blood of our Saviour who gave His life upon that cross.

And so, like any other day when we commemorate the saints we are remembering the grace which God has shown in the faith and lives of His people by His working through them, on this day we remember the grace of God shown to us by using the cross as an instrument of bringing about our salvation.

Prayer:* Merciful God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings:* Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 12:20-33.

*Both the prayer and readings accompanying this meditation are from the appointed propers for Holy Cross Day.

Worship at Our Saviour Lutheran Church Scheduled to Resume Sunday, June 14, 2020 with Two Services

The congregation of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK, is pleased to announce the resumption of worship services at the church effective Sunday, June 14, 2020. This resumption is part of the Phase 3 Saskatchewan Reopening Plan and we couldn’t be happier to be able to return to worship.  

There will be two worship services on June 14 to accommodate the limitation of 30 people in order to ensure social distancing is maintained. Services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Some things will be different for worshipers in effort to prevent and control the potential of Covid19 infections within the congregation and the local community. We view prevention and control as the best options available to us so we may continue to gather for and enjoy fellowship, hear the Word and serve our Lord.

Effective June 14, 2020 the following practices will govern worship, evangelism and fellowship activities at Our Saviour Lutheran Church:

Gathering For and Leaving Service: Do not shake hands or hug. Use the hand sanitizer available at the door. Bring a box of tissues to leave on the pew for your use. If you are sick, please stay home until you are well.

Hymnals and Bulletins: Hymnals and bulletins will be available at the door for pick up and drop off. Hymnals will be wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes between services.

Seating: Every other pew will be blocked off to maintain 2 metre (6 feet) distancing. Do not sit directly in front of or behind someone.

Communion: There will be no communion.

Collection Plate: The collection plate will be at the exit.

Fellowship Meals Are Cancelled until Further Notice: The monthly breakfast potluck scheduled after Divine Service on the third Sunday of the month after Divine Service is still cancelled until further notice. The Monthly Men’s Breakfast regularly scheduled for the last Saturday of each month is cancelled until further notice.

Annual Fall Rummage Sale Cancelled: The annual fall rummage sale has been cancelled for 2020. If you dropped anything off at the church or the garage for the sale please arrange to pick it up as soon as possible.

If you need to talk please call Pastor Bryan Rosnau at 250-947-5586.

This website will be updated on a regular basis and members are asked to check here for changes prior to coming for Service.