Blog posts from Ebenezer

Blessings for Ebenezer from our Lord and for His Kingdom are happening again (still?!). Within two weeks’ time, I received five visitor cards with the ‘interested in church membership’ box checked. Each of them represents local, or not too distant, individuals or families looking for a church home. I have had similar numbers in the past, yet this was the first time I was able to reach out to each of them in one week and then receive a response showing continued interest from

I was reminded at our Covered Dish on May 17, that I have received ‘A word of hope’ in response to my request for this space in our newsletter! In March a member reminded me of the kind of Christian love and support we already share here at Ebenezer. For her personally it was a visit and prayers for her while in the hospital, as well as a visit with family while she was in surgery, and then of course for all of us at Ebenezer, the Lord’s constant presence with His people here

This space reserved for your own word of hope while Pastor John is renewing his hope and peace on vacation!

For my first word of hope in this series, I must present, perhaps, the most obvious item. We were blessed to receive into our fellowship six Christians who, following membership class on Luther's Small Catechism, have chosen to make public confession of their faith, and join us on our life-long journey in that faith. If you did not attend that service on March 15th, you may observe it, and see them, by going to our website at ebenezerlutheranchurch.com and clicking on that

In coming months, we will, in this newsletter explore some of the more hopeful aspects of our lives together here at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. It is difficult at times to find hope when a church family experiences the trials of the world in which we live (pandemic), trials specific to our church (losing pastors, enduring a long vacancy, etc.), and trials common to all churches (deaths of long term members, and the aging of the congregation as a whole). I have been very gene

This Lent and Easter season our midweek worship will reveal God’s desire for our rescue from sin and death, and His incredible loving and powerful efforts to accomplish his desire “For Us”. A wonderful hymn LSB 544 “O Love, How Deep,” tells a story, teaches, and leaves us with pictures in our minds of God’s works. This hymn will guide us through Lent, leading us to greater understanding and appreciation of what God has done for us through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I

If you have been attending Ebenezer, and do not have a Lutheran Confirmation as a youth, or previous membership in an LCMS congregation, (or if you feel you need a refresher course on basic Lutheran doctrine) you are invited to attend Pastor John's membership class each Saturday in January and three Saturdays in February for an eight-session membership course. Class is scheduled for 10am-11:30 each week. The first class will meet in the Chapel. You will receive Luther's Sm

I have been blessed with two opportunities to celebrate the church at large this August. I will be driving to Camp Linn Haven for the LWML Carolinas District Retreat. I will be there for worship on Sunday August 17, representing not only our Ebenezer LWML, but our congregation’s support for the camp. Camp Linn Haven has meant so much, and is valued even more today, following the Helene damage and rebuild! The following week I will be flying back to Nevada to participate in th

I would love to say the words above to more of you! Matins is a worship service at the beginning of the day. We offer Matins each...

Jesus' words to his disciples from Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” I like, perhaps...

As your pastor, I am called into the ministry of the church at large in addition to the responsibilities of shepherding Ebenezer. In...