Welcome to the Live Worship Page of Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church!
For our 10:00 AM worship service this morning:
Please click HERE for the worship folder.
Please click HERE for the Bible class slides.
Please click HERE to watch the fourth part of the passion account from the Gospel of John.
Lent 3 – Always Present, Always Patient
The heavenly Father is always present in the lives of his children. He sees every sorrow we endure. He also sees every sin that we commit, even if it’s only in our thoughts. He is always present. Yet, he is also always patient. God does not snap at us the second we turn from him. He gives us time to see the error of our ways. He assures us that the door back to him remains always open. By giving us room to share our struggles and shortcomings, he works in us the very repentance he desires and saves us from the judgement that would otherwise be ours.
Open Door Policies
When a wayward child wanders far from home, how does a loving parent pursue them without driving them further away? One thing that parent does is let the child know that there is an ongoing open-door policy. The child knows they will always be welcomed back home. Likewise, when we wander from God, he always keeps his door open for us. But God doesn’t just passively wait for us to return. He lovingly pursues sinners in ways that make them long for home.
In the Church Year, we have come to the season of Lent. The word Lent comes from an old English word for spring: “lengthen,” when the days grow longer. For over 1400 years the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of repentance and renewal. In this 40-day journey to the cross and tomb, we will see the surprising strategies our heavenly Father uses for getting sinners back home, close to him and the loving care he offers.
Our worship follows this pattern:
Ash Wednesday Lowering Our Defenses
First Sunday in Lent One Stands; Everyone Else Sits
Second Sunday in Lent No Detours Allowed
Third Sunday in Lent Always Present, Always Patient
Fourth Sunday in Lent Grace Instead of Condemnation
Fifth Sunday in Lent Hiding Treasure in the Trash
Please click HERE to watch the introduction video for our sermon series.
If you would like to support our ministry, please consider donating online. Click HERE for our online giving page.
Quick Tips for Online Worship
#1 Be Present
There are bound to be digital and physical distractions around you once the service begins. Make wise choices with your environment in an effort to limit those distractions.
#2 Worship
You are not meant to be a spectator in online worship. Your are a participant. Do whatever you can to engage your heart and mind. Sing along with the songs. Participate in the prayers. Take notes on the sermon. You can even ask questions and/or comment in the chat box. Our prayer is that this is an experience that allows you to grow your faith relationship with God.
#3 Share
Please invite your friends and family to online worship by sharing the link in an email, in a text, or through Facebook. There are so many people in our communities that are looking for hope during these times and our online service is a perfect place for them to be encouraged.
Please click HERE for a list of questions to help with your personal preparation prior to attending the Lord’s Supper.
