This week’s psalm is a love song about a king. Let’s look at Psalm 45. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips;…
Pastor Matheny reflects on prayer and why it can be so difficult, based on a comment in Martin Luther’s Genesis commentary. Enjoy!
This psalm brings in a little lightheartedness in the face evil. May you find peace to replace your worry. Let’s look at a portion of Psalm 37. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your…
We invite you to attend worship this Sunday to help commemorate Pastor Lauer’s service at Our Savior’s and to wish farewell to Pastor, Ann, and their family. We give thanks for the eternal and boundless love that Pastor Lauer received from God through his family, teachers, mentors, and friends, and which he so graciously bestowed…
It is easy to get focused on our own works or the works (good or bad) of others. Why not take the time to focus on God’s work? It puts the rest in perspective. Let’s look at Psalm 104. Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are…
When we can’t see forward, we can instead look backward to be reminded of what God has done. Below is a portion of Psalm 77. Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? (verses…
Maybe you are feeling short on attention or short on time. Our short psalm this week is Psalm 70. Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! (verse 1, ESV) Sometimes it may feel like it is taking FOREVER for God to act. In our timeline, we want things…
Our psalm today reviews the ups and downs of Israel’s history. What have you learned through your own life? We’re just going to look at a portion of Psalm 78. Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable;…
Here’s a psalm to kick off the new year, Psalm 98. Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made know his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.…
It is in Jesus’ leadership that we have hope. Let’s celebrate our King in Psalm 72. Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness!…
We invite you to join us for worship services this week as we wait for and celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Regular Worship: Sunday, December 20, at 8am & 10:30am and Wednesday, December 23, at 1:30pm Christmas Eve: Service of Readings and Carols at 5pm & 7pm Christmas Day: Traditional Christmas Worship with…
We’re going to take a look at this psalm through the eyes of a child. God is our all knowing, ever protecting Father with whom we are safe. Let’s read Psalm 141. O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be…
In this psalm the author is bursting with joy. May you catch a little of his enthusiasm as you read Psalm 40. I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon…
I’m guessing there are many people who are looking for joy. Psalm 30 reminds us to look back at what God has already done and rejoice. Then also look forward to the joy that is to come. This is indeed what we do during this season of Advent. I will extol you, O Lord, for…
Join us this Sunday, November 29th, to decorate the church for Advent and Christmas. Yes, it’s time! And we certainly could use uplifting of our spirits. We’ll start about 11:30 (after the service). Masks will be required, of course, and families can work independently in different areas of the building.
Staying close to home for Thanksgiving this year? Watch our live stream Thanksgiving worship. Click HERE to see the order of service. Click HERE to view the live stream Wednesday 6:30 pm, Thursday, 9 a.m., or recorded after those times.
It seems the only thing that is constant is change. In Psalm 92 we’ll consider the unchangeable works of God. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of…
It can be hard to know what to think of the wickedness of the world. Will things ever be better? Psalm 94 takes us through the struggle. O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how…
This week our Minnesota Governor “turned back the dial” by adding certain new restrictions. What does this mean for our congregation? The Governor and other speakers were clear that churches have NOT been a significant place of spreading for the disease. As a result, the new restrictions do NOT impact anything we have presently been doing. Therefore, we will continue with the…
We are pleased to now offer a live stream of our worship services. If possible, we will stream both the 8 and 10:30 service, but if we run into any troubles you may have to watch one already recorded. It’s new to us all, so please be patient and send us your feedback on how we’re doing. Clinking the link on the…
Check the level of intensity in this short, quick turning psalm, Psalm 57. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to…
Join us in the church parking lot at 6pm tonight for a bonfire and time together outdoors. Bring your favorite warm beverage and a lawn chair. Hope to see you there!
Today’s psalm invites us to rejoice. Join in with Psalm 96. Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (verses…
Since the pandemic began, we have been editing worship videos from past years with the same theme and readings and posting them to our website. Starting November 1st, you will be able to view our worship services LIVE from the sanctuary or come back after the service to watch the recording. Just click the link “Live Stream and Videos” at the top…
We have a shorter psalm today, Psalm 52, where we can ponder the evil around us while secure in God’s care. Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day. Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you workers of deceit. You love evil more…
The video worship for Sunday, October 25, 2020, Reformation Day, has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions.” You can also click the following link to be taken there directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-october-25-2020-reformation-day/
Our psalm today, Psalm 147, talks about God’s strength and tenderness. Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.…
The November-December issue of the OSLC Kids! newsletter is out. Find out everything that will be happening …. here.
The worship video for Sunday, October 22, 2020 has been posted under Sermons and Devotions. Or, click the following link to go there directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-october-22-2020/
Our psalm today talks about God as our deliverer. We’ll look at sections of Psalm 107. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east…
The worship video for Sunday, October 11, 2020 has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions” or you can click the following link to be taken to it directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-october-11-2020/
In today’s passage, Psalm 36, we’ll look at two very different situations. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are trouble and…
We had a great backpacking trip last weekend to the Superior Hiking Trail. Everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship, conversation, and hiking. Highlights of the trip included beautiful colors, fascinating fungi, a magical sunset, and morning(!) and evening campfires. Watch for other recreational opportunities to come!
The worship video for Sunday, October 4, 2020 has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions.” You can go directly to it by clicking the following linke: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-october-4-2020/
I am so, so sorry for the mistake I made on the front page of the October VOICE! The second Sunday morning service will continue to be at 10:30 (not the time I mistakenly wrote)! That will not change. I’m sorry for the error.
Where do you wish to be? We’ll hear the writer’s desires in Psalm 84. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (verses 1-2, ESV) Sometimes it is when we are…
The worship video for Sunday, September 27. 2020 has been posted under “sermons and devotions” or you can click the following link to go there directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-sunday-september-27-20020/
The annual Men’s Group Boundary Waters Trip was last week, and everyone returned with some good stories to tell. We enjoyed great fall weather, with a couple below freezing nights but crisp, clear air and only a few sprinkles (contrasted with last year’s soggy weather!). The crescent moon resulted in an amazing display of stars…
We have a short Psalm this week. There’s only 3 verses. It’s Psalm 133. Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (verse 1, ESV) Unity seems to be something that is hard to find these days. Division and discord can be so draining. Peace brings rest. Where do you find…
The courtyard is in full late-season bloom! The variety of plants and flowers is astounding, and a testament to God’s great creation. Stop by to take a look next time you are in the church building. Thank you to those who have volunteered to maintain this beautiful space!
The worship video for Sunday, September 20, 2020 has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions.” Or, you can click the following link to go to it directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-september-20-2020/
Typically we would be beginning our Wednesday evening activities this week full of fun, fellowship, food, music, classes, and devotions. While we still miss the physical community, we can gather around the shared Word of God. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 33. Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.…
Feel that hint of autumn in the air and itching to get outside? Our annual fall backpacking trip is scheduled for October 1-4 (leaving early on Thursday and returning Sunday), and we would love to have you join us! We will be hiking a portion of the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail that runs from Duluth…
The worship video for Sunday, September 13th has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions.” Or, your can follow this link to go there directly: https://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/video-worship-september-13-2020/
The worship video for Sunday, September 6, 2020 has been posted under Sermons and Announcements; or, you can click the following link to be taken directly to it: http://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-sunday-september-6-2020/
The worship video for Sunday, August 30th, 2020 has been posted under Sermons and Devotions, or you can click the following link to be taken directly to it: http://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-sunday-august-30-2020/
Each month our newsletter, The Voice, is posted on our website. To see past issues, visit the archive HERE. To see the September 2020 issue, click HERE.
the worshiop video for Sunday, August 23 has been posted under “Sermons and Devotions” or you can click this link to go there directly: http://www.oslcmankato.org/sermons/worship-video-august-23-2020/
We are collecting supplies to donate to a local school. Below is a list of ideas. We will be collecting them in the narthex through Sunday, August 30. THANK YOU!! – Winter mittens/hats*– Rulers– Construction paper– Scissors– Glue bottles– Glue sticks– Headphones– Pencils– Small pencil sharpeners– Plastic folders– Notebooks– Whiteboard markers– Pencil boxes– Tissues– Disinfectant…
Well, a big bummer, but the planned swimming night at Spring Lake Park Sunday night has been cancelled due to COVID exposure at the pool. We pray anyone exposed recovers quickly. The afternoon hiking event is on as planned.