February 15th, 2023

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

-Matthew 17:8-

Simon Peter’s week was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It started off in Caesarea Philippi, one of the most naturally beautiful places in the land. Palm trees, and grasses, rock canyons and creeks, it was a place where Jesus could rest and be alone with his disciples. Peter was getting seated, buckled in, and ready for the thrill ride. He had no idea what was waiting. Jesus asked THE question, “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter, on behalf of all the disciples proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah the Son of the Living God. Jesus gives him the greatest compliment and Peter is at the pinnacle of the peak of his life.  

But Jesus has something to tell them. He said he would suffer many things and even die! He also said he would be raised to life again on the third day. (The disciples had stopped listening.) 

“Never, Lord!” Peter proclaimed, “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus quickly rebukes Peter, and his stomach dropped as he fell from the top to the bottom in an instant. But Jesus would not leave him there . . . 

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

-Matthew 17:1-8

Peter saw seen the glory of the Lord as Jesus’ face ‘shone like the sun.’ Peter and his pals also saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Peter, as usual, could not keep his mouth shut, so he rides the roller coaster screaming and yelling and planning on building shelters. Peter, in his zeal, wants to do something, he does not want this moment to end. But the ride isn’t over. Suddenly, a voice from heaven said “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Once again, Peter can do nothing but fall facedown in the presence of the Lord. Ride over!  

Peter, shaking and scared, waits for the end with eyelids closed. Lovingly, Jesus touched them and told them not to be afraid. Trusting in his words, they looked up and they saw only Jesus.  

Maybe your life today seems like a roller coaster ride. The year started fine, you were buckled and ready to go. You climbed high, you sank low, and you are utterly terrified. May God’s Word encourage you today because Simon Peter’s Jesus is your Jesus too. He who loves you cares for you and hears your cries. If you are shaken with grief and guilt, confess your sin. Our loving Lord comes to you in Word and in his Holy Supper and says, “Get up, do not be afraid.” You are forgiven, renewed, and redeemed by our loving Lord. You cannot do it, because Jesus already did! Now, open your eyes, and see no one but Jesus. 

See you Sunday, as our new sermon series begins…  

Jesus .   

I can’t wait! Pastor Austin 

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Fellowship Sunday

February 19th, from 10:00–11:00 am

Ti Amo Theme Brunch Potluck

Bring your favorite brunch foods to share

while we fellowship with one another!

Baked goodies, casseroles, crockpots, salads,

finger foods, pasta dishes, breakfast or lunch...

you bring it, we'll eat it!

The Calendar at a Glance 

• February 19th, Fellowship Sunday, No Connect Hour Groups, Ti Amo Brunch (details above)

• February 22nd, Lent Begins, Ash Wednesday Service 6 pm

• March 4th, Middle School Youth Denver Trip to see "The Thorn"

• March 5th, High School Youth Denver Trip to see "The Thorn"

• March 11th, Women's Gathering at Chelsea's house (details to come)

• March 12th, Fellowship Sunday, No Connect Hour Groups (details to come)

• March 17th, Kids' Night Out, 6 pm to 9 pm (details to come)

Sunday Services

February 19th, 2023

9:00 or 11:00

-or-

ONLINE

KIDS' CHURCH at 9:00 am service

(Ages 3 through 5th grade)

Kids' Church follows the kid's sermon. They will further explore the day's sermon theme with their group. We can’t wait to see them!

NURSERY

Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.

Nursery is open during our 9:00 am service and during Connect Hour from 10:15-10:45!

Join us on Facebook this Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.

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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES, AND OUR HEARTS.

Please pray for. . .

• the people of Turkey and Syria after the deadly earthquake where the death toll keeps rising. Pray that any remaining survivors will be found, for aid to come to rescue and restore, and for God's peace and mercy.

• Wendy, who suddenly lost her husband. Lord, wrap your loving arms around her with comfort and peace.

• Mark Von Soosten, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He and his wife, Carol, have been longtime workers in Christ and in LWML. Pray for God's healing hand to cover him, for a great team of medical staff, and for peace and comfort for them and their family.

• Jerry Wiisanen, Jodie Metz's father, who was able to go home this week to continue his recovery after meeting with his oncologist and getting a good report on his numbers and progress. Praise God!

• Lexi Lowdermilk, praise God that she was able to come home this week and continue her recovery here.

• Darlee, Debra's mom, who is struggling with her health. Please pray for answers to her health issues for her and her family.

• For our Connect Hour Ministry, that our hearts and minds will be transformed by digging deeper into God's Word and that we will build lasting relationships through our fellowship time as brothers and sisters in Christ. Stir a deep desire in our hearts to attend and grow.

• For families in conflict, that God's peace would rule in their hearts and in their lives.



• Carol Proffitt, who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her. Grant them peace and comfort.

• Everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer and other illnesses including Todd Purse; Connie Kerr; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; Darlee, Amanda; Jerry Wiisanen; Rosemarie; April; Suzanne, Mary's sister-in-law; Bonnie Lamotta; and Aaron.

GOD'S WILL BE DONE