Hosanna Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

For an article about this Sunday which also summarizes the Sundays of Easter, click here. Another article talks about the layers of: “The Sunday after Ascension”.

It may surprise you to learn that the Day of Pentecost has been on the Church’s calendar a lot longer than Easter or Christmas. The Festival of Pentecost was established in the Old Testament, when Israel was in the desert making its way to the Promised Land. To read more about this liturgical holy day click here. If you have trouble with that link, paste the following into your browser: https://witness.lcms.org/2008/the-gift-of-the-holy-spirit-5-2008/

On this Sunday, it is a tradition to recite the Athanasian Creed instead of either the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed during the Divine Service.  What is the Athanasian Creed? Early in the fourth century, a new teaching appeared which claimed that Jesus was not true God. Arius, the north African priest who first proposed this theory, was extremely persuasive, and soon the controversy was so widespread that a church council was called to settle the matter. Out of that meeting in A.D. 325 came the Nicene Creed, which clearly confesses Jesus to be true God. That creed, which was expanded in A.D. 381 in order to defend the divinity of the Holy Spirit, is still widely used today as a confession of the triune faith. Despite the clarity of the Nicene Creed, the controversy continued for some time. Toward the end of the fifth century, another creed was written that marveled at the mystery of the Trinity in a way that no creed had ever done. Though attributed to Athanasius, a fourth-century opponent of Arius, this anonymous creed clearly came at a later stage in the debate. The Athanasian Creed proclaims that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and our Lord’s incarnation are the catholic faith. In other words, this is what the true church of all times and all places has confessed. More than 15 centuries later, the church continues to confess this truth, confident that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given himself for our salvation. For a Utube video that discusses the Athanasian Creed, click here. For an article that gives more information about the background behind this Sunday, click here.

What is happening?  The city of Buffalo, Minnesota has just taken their turn in experiencing a shocking tragedy. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even as little children, we learn that life isn’t fair. Every day, we face the consequences of sin and brokenness in our lives, from illnesses to disasters to other tragedies. These events often leave us struggling financially, physically and spiritually. But no matter what comes our way, we have the assurance that the victory has already been won for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that we might be with Him in heaven for all eternity.  Click here for a resource with 40 devotions — which each include a Scripture passage, a meditation, a prayer and a hymn.These are focused on bringing God’s comfort and peace to those who are struggling after a disaster or other crisis. If you desire further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Jarvis with questions. 

What DO those FOR SALE signs mean?  Hosanna has listed their land/buidling property as part of their future planning.  Don't be duped by rumors-stop by and see the exciting things happening at our "little church"!