“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus . . .” You know the rest. After a lifetime of Christmas Eve services, you may be able to recite Luke 2 from memory. It’s the precious record of God’s eternal plan of salvation coming together in the fullness of time. Who could forget the… “Ponder” the Gift Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT They are called “sleeper cells.” Reportedly, they are made up of radicalized militants living within quiet communities all across America. These individuals don’t appear dangerous. They live under the radar of law enforcement and work quietly to recruit more people to their cause. They may not be noticed until… The Enemy Within Read More

What’s New With YOU? Updates from congregations around the church of the Lutheran Confession 2020 will long be remembered for many things, perhaps most notably the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak. The year also marks the 60th anniversary of Messiah congregation, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Our history has its share of controversies which strained the fellowship and caused… Messiah Lutheran Church Hales Corners, Wisconsin Read More

Does it seem harder each year to find just the right Christmas gift for the people on your list? You can’t repeat the great idea you had last year. Everything seems more expensive this time around. Maybe there are a few more grandchildren or other family members to buy for than in years past. And… Give the Gift of Christmas Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT This past June a statue of Col. Hans Christian Heq, which had stood in front of the Wisconsin state capitol since 1925, was torn down by protestors and tossed into a nearby lake. It was just one flashpoint in a nationwide wave of protests in which countless statues were… Time to Retire Our Name? Read More

“I don’t know, Pastor. I just don’t know.” I could count on hearing that concern on every visit to the home of an elderly shut-in. He had been a faithful congregation member for decades. At that time a widower in his 80s with health declining and his family’s lack of interest in spiritual matters a… One Sure Thing! Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Who likes going to the hospital? It’s a place for the seriously ill or injured. It’s a place where invasive surgeries are performed and patients are closely monitored in intensive care units. Yet there is one place in the hospital where the atmosphere is entirely different. People like going… Newborn Hope! Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Has the Reformation become a victim of its own success? Remember lying in bed suffering from the telltale red rash of measles, burning up with a fever one minute and shivering uncontrollably the next? How about being told not to scratch the itchy chicken pox scabs, but still frantically… A Wakeup Call Read More

It’s the service no one wants to miss. After forty days of somber Lenten reflection and repentance, everyone is hungry for the exuberant joy of Easter morning. It’s time to put on the best dress and suit. Trumpets, organ, and voices crescendo into one thundering “Alleluia!” after another. In many of our churches the service… Our Future Easter Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Have you thought of downsizing? It might sound a little negative. Advertisers and even our own nature suggest to us that more is better. However, downsizing has become trendy. Baby boomers who no longer need a large house and a garage filled with lawn equipment and sports gear are… Downsizing Christmas Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT “Your past is waiting to inspire you.” That is the intriguing tagline for a popular service which analyzes a person’s DNA in order to determine his ancestry. Have you tried it? Has a friend excitedly told you the results of her test? Does it really matter? Could the long-ago,… Reformation Roots Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What can a baby do? “Not much!” would seem to be the obvious answer. A newborn cannot walk or speak or send a text. Much of early infancy is spent in eating and sleeping. Yet there is one thing babies can do better than almost anyone else. Without any… Who Won? Read More

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Publicly post ninety-five theses critical of the church’s money-making practice of indulgences. Question and eventually oppose the Pope himself. Stand before the Holy Roman Emperor and other powerful officials and when ordered to recant, instead state, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason . . . I… I Could Never Do That! Read More

How is your mood on Monday? During the NFL season in the community I call home, the Monday mood of many hinges on what happened the previous Sunday afternoon. If our team won, there are plenty of smiles to go around, and total strangers are eager to talk about what a great game it was.… The Monday After Read More

Surprises. They make up a big part of Christmas anticipation, don’t they? Packages of all shapes and sizes begin to appear under the tree, and with them the growing expectation of wonderful, exciting surprises. Who knows what might be in that small, square box—perhaps a ring? And it’s not just the presents we give and… Surprise!… Again! Read More

If two aspirin tablets take the edge off a headache, then four must be even better. If sixty minutes on the treadmill is good for the heart, then logging three hours nonstop will be especially beneficial. At least, that’s the thinking of some. Yet experience and common sense say otherwise. Too much of just about… “Reform” Can Go Too Far Read More

Jesus’ cry:  “It is finished!”  was completely validated by the angel’s declaration: “He is not here; he has risen”  (Matthew 28:6 NIV84). What if . . . ? What if you had been born a hundred years earlier? What if you had chosen a different career path? What if you had never met your spouse?… What If…? Read More

“Would you like to hold her?” Those are some of my favorite words to hear when I visit new parents. So with that invitation I carefully cradled all 6 lbs. 10 oz. of a precious little girl barely seven hours old. I never grow tired of seeing the wonder firsthand of a child “knit together”… Hope for Every Child in the Child of Hope Read More

Whether it is believed or not, truth remains truth. “What a game last night! You should have been there!” you breathlessly tell your coworker the next morning. “The lead changed every inning. Did you hear about the bases-loaded home run and the unbelievable catch by the center fielder in the ninth?” But finally, what your… Who Won? Read More

No cell phone bars! There we were on the road somewhere in Missouri, completely out of touch with everyone! It doesn’t happen very often, does it? We expect to be able to reach out to almost anyone at any time via voice, text message, or e-mail. We count on these means to stay in touch… Loving Communication Wondrously Restored Read More