• Life in the Desert

    Pastor Patrick’s Perspective, August 2024 “The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches,Because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,To give drink to My people, My chosen.” (Isaiah 43:20 NKJV) Jackals and ostriches are creatures of the desert, often seen in places where life is harsh…

  • Making the sign of cross at start of Gospel

    I notice before reading the Gospel that the pastor is cross himself three times, once the forehead, once on the lips, and once over the heart. Why? This practice began between as early as the 9th century. It is the outward sign that correspond to a prayer that silently say. “May the Word of the…

  • What does the Bible have to say about cremation and burial practices?

    Answer The Bible presents a variety of burial practices. In the Old Testament, we see examples of mummification, burning, and burial. Joseph was embalmed in Egypt (Genesis 50:2-3), reflecting Egyptian customs rather than Hebrew practices. Typically in the Old Testament, burning the dead was associated with judgment and disrespect (Joshua 7:25; Amos 2:1; 2 Kings…

  • Peace of the Lord

    Pastor Patrick’s Perspective: June 2024 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body”(Col. 3:15). The New Testament talks about new life in Christ using a number of different images. Jacob Preus organized these images into six categories in his book, Just Words: Understanding the Fullness…

  • What is a Sanctuary Lamp?

    Answer Ok. No one asked this question yet, but we will soon be installing one, and I thought everyone would like to know about this new fixture. It has various names, Sanctuary Lamp, Chancel Light, and even Eternal Flame. A Sanctuary Lamp is a small lamp or candle holder suspended from the ceiling or mounted…

  • The Written Word

    Pastor Patrick’s Perspective: May 2024 “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [and woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3: 16-17 ESV) Brothers and Sisters in Christ, God has been good…