Newsletter
June 8, 2025
St. Paul Lutheran LCMS
Julesburg, CO
970.474.2592
The Pathlight Your Word Is A Lamp To My Feet
and Light To My Path. Ps 119:105
Zion Lutheran LCMS
Big Springs, NE
308.289.5148
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Beyond a Doubt
“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)
Judas’ betrayal and death left a vacancy among the apostles. It didn’t take long for the remaining eleven to recognize that this spot needed to be filled. After all, Jesus chose twelve for a reason.
You would suppose that there were many different qualifications that the eleven considered when the time came to select someone to fill that vacant spot, qualifications like those that Paul would later mention in his letters to Timothy and Titus (able to teach, above reproach, respectable, and so on; 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1). Even so, Peter points out one qualification that stood out among all the others. The man who would fill Judas’ place among the Apostles needed to be an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. It had to be someone who, like them, saw Jesus be baptized, heard Him preach, watched Him cast out demons and heal diseases, and most importantly, saw Jesus alive after His crucifixion.
Why was this so important to Peter? Because Peter wanted you and all people to know the things we learn from Scripture about Jesus, especially His resurrection, are absolutely true! As Peter would later write, these things are not “cleverly devised myths” (2 Peter 1:16). Those who first shared the Gospel Good News and then wrote it down for the generations to come, like you and me, saw Jesus do everything that was necessary for our salvation with their own eyes.
And that means that you can be absolutely certain that Jesus has accomplished everything that was needed for your redemption. Whenever the devil, the world, or your own sinful nature tempt you to doubt the things Scripture records about Jesus, remember that multitudes of people saw it all happen. Your faith in Christ is not founded on made-up stories or on events that may or may not have happened. Your faith is founded on the historical events of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection for sinners and their forgiveness. Complete and full.
You can be certain that Jesus was baptized into your sins, that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for those sins, and that He rose again from the dead, defeating death and assuring you that the Father has accepted His sacrifice for you. And if you can be certain of all that, you can also be certain that you too will be raised with Christ to life everlasting.
Pastor Christensen
For now, we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Cor. 13:12
Lutheran Service Book
Order of Service
OPENING HYMN # 913 “O Holy Spirit, Enter In”
LITURGY pg.151 The Divine Service (setting one)
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
INTROIT
KYRIE pg.152
OLD TESTAMNET READING: Genesis 11:1-9
EPISTLE: Acts 2:1-21
HOLY GOSPEL: John 14:23-31
APOSTLES CREED pg.159
HYMN OF THE DAY #497 “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” SERMON
OFFERING
OFFERTORY pg.159
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
LORD’S PRAYER
BENEDICTION pg.166
CLOSING HYMN # 496 “Holy Spirit, Light Divine”
SILENT PRAYER
Servants today
St. Paul
Greeters/Ushers –Gayle Newth/ Brian Lanckriet
Organist – Gail Nicolaus
Zion
Greeter/Usher-Judy Soper
Alter Guild-Shelle/Jodi/Organist-Gail Nicolaus
St.Paul Calendar
June12- 6:30 Miriam Circle
June15- 8:00 Bible Study
9:00 Worship Service/communion
ZION NOTES AND NEWS
Zion Calendar
June 15-11:00 Worship Service/communion
Happy Birthday…. June 14 - Cable Larsen
Remember, laughter is one of the many blessings we share!
A pastor is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach.
After watching the boys’ efforts for some time, the pastor moves closer to the boy’s position. He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and placing his hand kindly on the child’s shoulder, leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring.
Crouching down to the child’s level, the pastor smiles benevolently and asks, “And now what, my little man?” To which the boy replies, “Now we run!”
St. Paul News
Miriam Circle will meet on Thursday evening, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. All women of the congregation are invited to attend Miriam Circle meetings.
Zion News
Zion Burrito Fundraiser for the month of June. Contact Shelle
Heidemann (308) 289-5148 or Jodi Christensen (308) 464-1017
if you are interested in breakfast burritos or beef and beans.
Garage Sale and Bake Sale will be on June 21, 2025. All donated items
are welcome. We would also appreciate your cooking talents for
the bake sale.
Resting in God's Grace
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Life is full of demands- work, family, responsibilities, and the unexpected challenges that arise. We often find ourselves weary, burdened by the weight of our worries, and longing for peace. In these moments, Jesus invites us to come to Him, to lay down our burdens, and to find rest in His grace.
As Christians, we hold firm to the truth that salvation is not earned by our efforts but is a gift freely given through Christ. His love is not conditional on our achievements or failures. Instead, He calls us to trust in His mercy, to lean on His promises, and to find renewal in His presence.
When we feel overwhelmed, we can remember that God is our refuge. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He does not ask us to carry our burdens alone. He walks with us, strengthens us, and provides peace that surpasses all understanding.
Martin Luther once wrote, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." This confidence in God's grace allows us to face each day with hope, knowing that we are never alone.
As we go about our week, let us take time to rest in God's presence. Let us set aside moments for prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Let us remember that His love sustains us, His grace renews us, and His promises never fail.
Reflection Questions:
1. What burdens are you carrying today that you need to surrender to God?
2. How has God provided strength and renewal in your life?
3. How can you extend His grace and encouragement to others?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and grace. When we are weary, remind us to rest in You. When we feel burdened, help us to trust in Your promises. Strengthen our faith, renew our spirits, and guide us in Your ways. May we be a reflection of Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1. What am I? I was used by David to defeat a giant. I’m small but mighty. What am I?
2. Bible Math Puzzle: If Joseph had 11 brothers and Jesus had 12 disciples; how many people would be in their groups combined?
3. Who Said It? "What is truth?" (Hint: This was asked during Jesus’ trial.)
4. Cryptic Clue: Find the hidden Bible book in this sentence— "I saw Matthew and Luke acting oddly."
5. Riddle: I appeared as a burning bush, led people by fire at night, and came down in tongues upon the disciples. What am I?
6. Anagram Challenge: Unscramble this Old Testament prophet: "ELAISAH"
7. Bible Logic Puzzle: Arrange these events in order from earliest to latest:
1. Jesus calms the storm
2. Moses parts the Red Sea
3. Paul writes his letters
4. Noah builds the ark
Answers:
1. A sling (1 Samuel 17:49)
2. 23 (11 brothers + 12 disciples)
3. Pilate (John 18:38)
4. Malachi (Hidden inside "Mat**Malachi**w and Luke")
5. The Holy Spirit
6. Elisha
7. Correct order: d → b → a → c (Noah, Moses, Jesus, Paul)
Bible Word Search – Heroes of Faith
Find and circle the names of these famous Bible heroes hidden in the grid below!
Word List:
· Noah
· Moses
· Ruth
· Esther
· David
· Elijah
· Paul
· Peter
· Mary
· Abraham
A B R A H A M Z M O S E S
X D A V I D E L I J A H Y
P Q M T U H T I A E R T J
E S T H E R W O P U P U L
L O E G M P R J S R T K H
R U T H M B O A B Y F O B
C L N A Z U N T R R C K P
P A U L E M J U A N O O A
N O A H C I W O L I Z D P