Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy New Year and blessings in the certain hope of Jesus Christ our Lord!

New Year celebrations are always filled with hope. There is hope this would be the year to keep the resolutions that are so easily forgotten! Hope this would be the year to learn a new skill. Hope this would be the year to save a few extra

dollars. Hope this would be the year to travel a little. Hope this would be the year to lose those pesky extra pounds. This year, there is the added hope that the virus will subside, and vaccines will be effective. God willing, it will be so!

In short, there is an uncertain hope the new year will be better than the old.

We may keep some of those resolutions, others not. The virus may subside, or not. There will always be new resolutions to keep, new diseases to overcome. Something as simple as a New Year’s resolution or as difficult as overcoming a

disease can be beyond our ability—how much more difficult it is for us to keep God’s command to love others! If our hope is in ourselves or other worldly things, it is only a matter of time before that hope leaves us disappointed and put to shame.

Yet God has given us a certain hope that each new day will be better than the old.

God makes us new each day, with the promise that his love is always with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have a hope that does not put us to shame! As St. Paul writes in Romans 5:5-6:

“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Christ came to forgive sinners like us! The people who struggle just to keep even a simple New Year’s resolution! And this, as the old hymn goes, gives us “hope for years to come.”

1 O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

2 Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

3 Before the hills in order stood
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

4 A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.

6 O god, our help in ages past,
Out hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home!

LSB 733 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

In Christ,
Vicar Stein

Dear Christian friends:

Peace.  Peace on Earth.

The hymn Silent Night speaks of Christ sleeping in heavenly peace.  Bing Crosby and David Bowie sing their popular duet Peace on Earth / The Little Drummer Boy.  The poem turned carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day speaks of peace.  Most Christmas cards in the mail focus on peace.  Simply put, especially at this time of year, peace is popular!

And let us not forget the angel who sang of peace to the shepherds.

What did they say? “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  [Luke 2:14]

The peace in the New Testament is not international. There is no promise of harmony between nations. We learn in Romans 16:20 that the world will not know final rest from war until the God of peace crushes Satan.

The world in which we live, the nation in which we live, is anything but peaceful. Look around. It’s not simply the pandemic or civil injustice causing anguish in our country. There is little peace in the lives of men and women everywhere.

The peace of Christmas is about peace with God. Jesus Christ was born so that we can be reconciled through Him.  Jesus is Our Redeemer! There can be no peace without God. His intervention is essential, for sin has so marred individuals and society that strife is our constant companion.

The peace of Christmas is not a mere absence of strife, but the active experience of a harmony with God that promotes total well-being regardless of circumstance.

This same peace is the Peace of Christ.  Forgiven we forgive.  At peace with God, we offer peace.  This is what is happening at the end of our worship service.  We have just been reminded of our peace with God through the invocation, confession and absolution, law and gospel of the sermon, the Lord’s Supper, and the benediction.  We are at peace and we offer the peace of Christ to those in our sanctuary and all we encounter throughout the week.  Let us always be sharing the peace of Christ!

I wish each and every one of you peace and joy this Christmas – the peace that only comes from following

Jesus, the peace that is beyond all human understanding.

Merry Christmas!  Pastor Hartwig

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Welcome to November—and Happy New Year! The church calendar resets November 29 with the First Sunday in Advent. Advent is a penitential time when we reflect on the previous year and our sin. But it is also a joyful time, when we eagerly await the celebration of Christmas. Emmanuel (literally meaning “God with us”) came to earth to forgive all our sins!

I am so ready for Advent. The year 2020 has been a long one. I know each of us has grown frustrated with the challenging situations we’ve had to deal with, with how others have responded to them, and—if we are truly honest—with how we ourselves have responded, too. We may look around at the world and wonder, “Where is God?”

God is with us.

About 520 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Haggai wrote how God’s people felt like the world was crumbling all around them. (The whole book is only two pages—read it sometime!) God’s people were ruled by the Persians, they no longer had their own kings, and the Temple lay in ruins. There was no silver or gold or other precious material left in God’s house. There was not even worldly peace in the land—God’s people were bitterly divided! Where was God?

Haggai wrote:
Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord… For I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts… My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the Desire of all Nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.’”

 God’s people got the message. They started rebuilding the Temple, and gathering the “Desire of all Nations” into it—gold, silver, other precious things. The Temple became again a place for worldly peace.

Yet the true Desire of Nations was not silver or gold, or even worldly peace. The Desire of Nations would come more than 500 years later, in the flesh, making real the promise that ‘God is with us.’ Emmanuel—God with us—was born on that first Christmas. He gives us Christians an everlasting peace.

5. O come Desire of Nations, bind
   in one the hearts of all mankind.
   bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
   And be Thyself our King of Peace
   Rejoice, rejoice!
   Emanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

         LSB 357 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

In Christ,
Vicar Stein

Greetings in Christ our Savior!

“What makes us content?” It is safe to say that many feel content when there are no financial concerns. We feel that, when we no longer have to stretch that paycheck to cover the month’s expenses but can splurge on some luxuries, we’ll be content. That is to say, some feel content when they have the latest and the greatest, you fill in the blank. Just maybe when we have enough socked away to cover the kids’ college tuition we can rest easy and be content about our lives.

Jesus met a man who was in such a situation, and he was still a young man.

The heading in the Bible in Mark 10: 17 reads, “The Rich Young Ruler.”

This man came to Jesus with a question:
“‘Good teacher, ‘he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

 Apparently, since he came to Jesus with this question, he was not content. If he had been, he wouldn’t have felt the need to prove himself to Jesus, which as we read on, we find to be his motive, nor would he have been disturbed about his eternal future, a concern he must certainly have experienced after his conversation with Jesus.

In the end, we see that it was his wealth that kept him from true contentment. Jesus offered it to him. Jesus said, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow Me” (Mark 10:21). But he couldn’t part with his riches …

St. Paul gives us another perspective on contentment.

In Philippians 4:11-13 he writes,
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”

Hanging onto our money, depending on our wealth for security, building up our assets may bring us fleeting contentment. True and lasting contentment, however, contentment that endures no matter what circumstances we encounter is a result of dependence on our Lord Who enables us to do all things through the strength that He alone can provide us.

Now, more than ever, as our daily routine changes and changes again with COVID-19 practices, at work, home, school, church, and in the community, we need to follow St. Paul’s example – “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Be content in Christ!  Pastor Hartwig

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Peace of the Lord be with you! Yes, Peace. Even in this strange, anxious, anything-but-ordinary time: Peace.

In an ordinary calendar year, students would be settling into their peaceful routines. In an ordinary calendar year,

parents might enjoy a slightly quieter house.  In an ordinary calendar year, the leaves would be beginning to change.

Well, we all know 2020 has been anything but ordinary. Even the ordinary things don’t seem ordinary! The Church is currently in the Season of ‘Ordinary Time.’ But it does not feel like an ordinary Ordinary Time time. (Yes, that sentence was grammatically correct!) Our worship services and activities have been modified. Some, regrettably, put on indefinite hold or even cancelled.

Yet nothing in the world can disrupt the extra-ordinary work of the Church. God’s Word is still preached here! The

Sacraments are still offered here! God’s promises of forgiveness, new life and salvation are still proclaimed for you here!

The readings in Ordinary Time lead up to Christ’s Second Coming, when He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and bring His eternal, peaceful Kingdom to earth in its fullness. Everything leads up to that wonderful moment, when this strange, anxious, anything-but-ordinary world passes away and the extra-ordinary Peace of the Lord reigns forever. That’s what we Christians should bear in mind: Christ’s victory is assured. Peace is already won!

We get a foretaste of that peace in the Church—not only in worship, but also in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ! For your own spiritual benefit, I encourage you to participate as much as you can in the months ahead.

Worship in person, if possible. Certainly online, if not. Come to as many events outside of worship as you can.

The staff at Our Redeemer have been working hard to develop next year’s Equipping Disciples plan. I know you will be enriched by it! Invite others to take part too! In this way, we can shine as an example for others—a Beacon, if you will—of God’s peace in the world.

It may not be an ordinary time. You will certainly face anything-but-ordinary struggles. (I know I won’t have an ordinary vicarage!) But Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He grants us His Peace—a peace that sends us forth into the world, bringing peace and joy and love to the earth!

LSB 920 “Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go”

1 Forth in the peace of Christ we go;
Christ to the world with joy we bring;
Christ in our minds, Christ on our lips,
Christ in our hearts, the world’s true king.

5 We are the Church; Christ bids us show
That in His Church all nations find
Their hearth and home where Christ restores
True peace, true love to all mankind.

In Christ,

Vicar Stein

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It sure has been a year to remember, hasn’t it? Before going out on Vicarage, I was told that this year would shape me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Even then, I’m sure none of us saw something like the Coronavirus coming our way. The year 2020 certainly has been a year for the books. From the first day I arrived here at Our Redeemer, I constantly heard of Vicars being used to mark the passage of time. It wasn’t uncommon for me to hear, “Was that during Vicar Scheele’s time? I guess it could have been Wolfgram or maybe even Addleson, definitely not as recent as Otterman though.”

Certainly, it’s one of the many blessings you have as the people of Our Redeemer. To mark time with the Vicars who have been blessed to serve here. It is as if the life of the church here is a constant stream and for mere

moments, truly only months at a time, does a Vicar get to dip his toes in the water and see all the wonderful work that God is doing here at Our Redeemer.

This year is no exception. As we have begun packing, Rachel and I have found ourselves discussing our year here and the ways our family has grown and through it all, it is abundantly clear, God has a plan. It wasn’t until I looked at back of a drawing that Rachel gave me back in college that I saw I had jokingly written, “In the year of our lord 2016”. It was an old way of marking time and I’m sure I thought it was hilarious when I wrote it. But it’s true, it was the year of our Lord.

Even through a year of change with quarantines, zoom Bible studies, livestream services, or even the

consistent moments like Pancake Day, Children’s Christmas Service, Vicar’s Installation, it was still the year of our Lord. Through the waters of Baptism, God continued to use Our Redeemer to make disciples for Jesus. The people of God were continually blessed to receive the Lord’s Supper, even if for the first time in Our Redeemer history a service began with cars honking their horns to a pastor speaking to them over the radio. Over YouTube services and in-person worship, you and I have been blessed to hear the Word spoken to us. The Word which is as constant as ever. That Word which became flesh and dwelt among man.

Truly, this year is still the year of our Lord.

The life of the Church is a never-ending stream begun in the Garden of Eden, when God made His first promise of a savior in Genesis 3:15 and it continues flowing until it reaches the end. That final day when you and I will gather before our Lord surrounded by all of the children of God, praising the Lamb who is reigning on His throne. Rachel, Daisy, and I might be leaving you, and we may not see you again on this earth, but we have greatly enjoyed this year of our Lord with you.

We look forward to our reunion on the Day of our Lord.

God’s Richest Blessings,

Vicar Gonzalez-Feliciano

Charlie Brown’s young friend Linus made the mistake of confessing to his big sister Lucy that he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up. Lucy was astounded at her brother’s declaration. “You, a doctor! That’s a laugh! You could never be a doctor! You know why? Because you don’t love humankind!”

Young Linus immediately responded, “I do love humankind! It’s people I can’t stand!”

Linus’ comment may give us a chuckle. We find humor in it because we identify with Linus. Apart from the power of God’s Spirit working in us, our love for others is weak and shallow at best. But God calls us to love all people. His Word tells us to practice hospitality and show hospitality. But more than tell us, the Holy Spirit enables us to show love, show hospitality.

Whether we are doctors, carpenters, policemen, teachers, secretaries, or plumbers, we are to love those whom we work with as well as all people. God places us in different vocations where we can share God’s love. We are His instruments through which He works.

In his letter to the church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote,

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

We are not left on our own.

God has a purpose, a plan, in mind for each of us. It is the time of year when many are graduating from high school and the child has to decide what career they would like to pursue in life. Like Linus, one might

consider being a doctor, but God may have a much different vocation in mind. We certainly need young men to consider pastoral ministry, and we have seen the importance of store clerks, school teachers, and emergency workers during this COVID-19 time.  No vocation is to be viewed higher or lower than another, we are called, regardless of where we are placed by God, to let His love within us overflow to others. You see, we are to show hospitality.

During this time when many are struggling, practice hospitality! Show forth the love of Christ!

Blessings,

Pastor Hartwig

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen!

I pray that you’re doing well during this incredibly unique time in many of our lives. Yes, nothing is normal, but
perhaps you’ve been able to get used to this “New (and Lord willing, temporary) Normal” or maybe you’re still
struggling. May God give us all peace and patience as some of us are going a little “Stir-Crazy”.

One thing that I know I’m thankful for is Stir-Fry. Rachel is a great cook and innovator in the kitchen. Often, I’ll find myself looking into the cupboard and thinking, “Man, there just aren’t enough things here for me to make a proper meal that I know how to make.” Which normally boils down to us being out of rice, beans, and chicken.  At that time, I normally throw in the towel and make a homemade batch of mac and cheese, cereal, and/or PB&J.

However, Rachel can see combinations of flavors and ingredients that I wouldn’t even think possible! She can look into a bunch of random vegetables and meats and decide to make something as wonderfully delicious as Stir-Fry!  Where I didn’t see connections, Rachel sees an opportunity. All these parts are put together, some heat is added, and a wonderful meal is made.

During this time of Quarantine, I think God is doing the same thing in our lives. You and I can see all the parts: Panic buying, toilet paper shortages, shut-downs, stay at home orders, nursing homes closed, people dying, online school, online church, and the list goes on. You and I look at these parts and think, “Nope. No thank you, I can’t make

anything out of this!” People can’t wait to close the door on this situation and open the doors of their homes and churches. Life feels like it has stopped to a dead halt. You might be feeling a little stir crazy.

God sees it a bit differently.

Yes, there is pain, heartache, even death. Yes, things feel like they’re changed for good. But our God is still in control, wide awake at the wheel. In the midst of this, God is putting together a list of different ingredients: families are spending more time together at home. Parents have chances to educate their children in the faith. Churches can still worship online. Leaders are put forward in a visible way for the people to pray for. People are making masks for each other. Neighbors are signing up to help pick up groceries for those who are unable to go shopping themselves. The Gospel is still being preached to the people of God. God is making something beautiful out of the struggles in our nation right now.

Christ is Risen!

The one who took all the sin, pain, and punishment which should have been ours. He took those ingredients and drank the gall of death.

And then He rose.

He made something new for you and for me.
He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!

In Christ,

Vicar Gonzalez-Feliciano

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ –

Last week, Kara and I were doing our weekly Friday grocery shopping. We usually hit the shopping “Bermuda Triangle” of Aldi’s, Costco, and Wal-Mart. It is the triangle where my money goes missing. And quickly too!

Anyway, we were shopping and there was hand sanitizer on the shelf. The person in front of me grabbed four giant bottles. I, then, grabbed the last two bottles. I looked at Kara to ask whether we really needed both of these. Immediately, she said you should put one back. So I did.

Again, at Hy-Vee there were three gallons of 2% milk on the shelf. I only took two. For the third gallon, I took 1% milk. With everyone home all day, we have gone through seven gallons of milk this week alone.

The hoarding that we hear about on the news and that we are warned against by signs posted in stores is truly happening in an exorbitant way. This isn’t a fast shopping burst before a snow storm or a hurricane. The sustained rate of hoarding among some people produces empty aisles and barren shelves which are a visible manifestation of our societies materialism.

Materialism is the love of money and possession and that love of material stuff causes us to find our identity, meaning, and purpose outside of God. It is allowing money and possessions to become the center and the control of our lives.

God created us to love people and use things, but our hearts have changed to loving things and using people. The love of material things will destroy our relationship with Jesus because the blessings that God has provided become more important than the giver Himself.

When we focus on material things, we become independent and self-sufficient. We become very prideful in what we’ve accomplished and own, and our purpose in life is to gain more and more stuff of this world.

Instead, let us focus on Christ.
     “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
          who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
               and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

 At this time, when each of us seems to have more spare time than before, use it to connect to family and friends through phone calls and social media. Yes, practice hospitality. And let us use this time to connect with Christ. Spend time reading the Word of God. Spend time in prayer. Maybe even, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a)

Blessings,
Pastor Hartwig

Greetings in the name of Christ, Our Redeemer!

God’s Word, over and over, tells us to be not afraid.  The Prophet Isaiah speaks God’s Word:
“Fear not, for I am with you always.  Be not dismayed, I am your God.  I will help you, strengthen you and uphold you with My righteous right hand!” (Isaiah 41:10)

With God, the command to “fear not” is always followed with a promise! So, with confidence in our God, we trust in Him to be with us during all times and all circumstances.  That means that during this uncertain time with the coronavirus, we put our trust in God, as well as being proactive in making decisions.

Our Redeemer leadership and staff are monitoring the COVID-19 developments and do not want to be hasty in making decisions. Here are the decisions we have made:

WE WILL SUSPEND THE GREETING BEFORE WORSHIP. During the season of Lent we follow Divine Service Setting 3.  Also during this time, we begin with opening sentences instead of an opening hymn.  These sentences echo King David in Psalm 51 where we cry out to God to forgive and cleanse us from our sins. These sentences are followed by confession and absolution.

It is a somber tone, and a perfect way to begin a Lenten service.  Because we begin with sentences, for years we have forgone the greeting and shaking of hands that follows the Pastor’s welcome and precedes the opening hymn.  Logistically it has been easier to move from welcome to opening sentences.  We will continue this practice.

WE WILL OMIT THE SHARING OF THE PEACE. It has been decided that during this unprecedented time we are suspending the offering of the peace that comes before the Lord’s Supper.

BOTH PASTOR AND VICAR WILL STILL GREET. We will greet members and guests as we leave worship.  Yes, we are shaking hands. We are not offended if you do not want to shake our hands, and we ask that if you are sick and not feeling well to withhold your handshake. It would be even better if you stay at home if you are not feeling well.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. This is always a good practice, but especially now be vigilant and stay home.  The Lord will understand if you are home sick. If you are at home, please listen to an online sermon.  Over a decade of sermons are stored on our website: ourredeemer.org. We are working on creating a YouTube Channel so you can watch an entire worship service.  More to come!

OFFERING PLATE. When you arrive at church, the offering plates will be near the usher stands.  Please give your offering before worship. If you forget, you will have an opportunity to put the money in the offering plate in the Narthex.  The offering plates will not be passed. However, the usher will still bring the plates forward for the acolytes to place the offering plates on the altar.  Obviously, our need for offerings and ongoing support to operate our ministry continues.

BIBLE STUDY, SUNDAY SCHOOL, CLASSES AND EVENTS.
For this weekend and next week, all events on our calendar remain.  At this time, we are not canceling LWML, Midweek meals, Bible Studies, or any event on our church calendar between now and March 19th.  There are no confirmation classes because this is ICCSD Spring Break Week.

We are watching the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and awaiting the decision of the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) to determine next steps.  We expect a decision from the ICCSD on March 19th.  This decision will guide Our Redeemer Leadership and Staff in determining what will be done with Bible study, Sunday School, all classes and events. Watch for additional emails and check our website for updates.

WORSHIP
We look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend, if you are able to attend. God’s grace, mercy, and peace covers you.

God’s Word is performative.  That means it does what it says.  So hear this blessing and know that God is at work in your lives.

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. Amen. Amen!

Pastor Hartwig