Notes from the Pastor
On this page, you can read selected Grace Notes articles from the Pastor from past months and study them in closer detail. Enjoy!
May 2024
“Pentecost Fourfold Purpose”
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ~ John 20:21-22
The appearance of Jesus in the Upper Room must have been for the disciples such an amazing event. I suppose we have our questions that if we were there, we might have wanted to ask…. like “How?” How did you rise from the dead? How is this possible? At its conclusion there is only faith that it is true… Jesus, you are resurrected… alive, gloriously, heavenly.
It is the mark of the season of Easter. Resurrection Joy!
This month though we mark a change in the liturgy and season of the church. We transition from Easter to Pentecost.
What is the celebration of Pentecost? What is Pentecost?
The word corresponds to a number… 50 (as in 50 days). The Bible loves numbers with mean-ing. Fifty is one of those numbers with meaning. It symbolizes a sevenfold completeness. In the Old Testament this festival was called Shavuot (a counting from Passover to Shavuot (which means to count). Pentecost is a Greek word that means 50 and is used in the New Tes-tament to refer to Shavuot). Pentecost/Shavuot was a spring harvest festival. Later there was another fall harvest festival called Sukkot (tabernacles/tents).
In the book of Acts we are told that on the day of Pentecost, there in the city of Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came to rest on the apostles. Inspired, they felt the “holy fire and power” of the presence of God. And then an unusual thing began to happen, they spoke in different lan-guages so that all the visitors in the city from around the world for the festival could hear the good news of Jesus! That was an amazing miracle. It was the beginning of the New Testament Church as we understand the Church today (a kaleidoscope of different people from different places… yet all gathered as a community of believers around Jesus as Savior and Lord).
If Easter is the celebration of Resurrection, then Pentecost is the celebration of Inspiration.
Be inspired! Live the Good News. Share the Good News. Love the Good News.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ~ Luke 10:2
Rev. Grant Bode
“Pentecost Fourfold Purpose”
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ~ John 20:21-22
The appearance of Jesus in the Upper Room must have been for the disciples such an amazing event. I suppose we have our questions that if we were there, we might have wanted to ask…. like “How?” How did you rise from the dead? How is this possible? At its conclusion there is only faith that it is true… Jesus, you are resurrected… alive, gloriously, heavenly.
It is the mark of the season of Easter. Resurrection Joy!
This month though we mark a change in the liturgy and season of the church. We transition from Easter to Pentecost.
What is the celebration of Pentecost? What is Pentecost?
The word corresponds to a number… 50 (as in 50 days). The Bible loves numbers with mean-ing. Fifty is one of those numbers with meaning. It symbolizes a sevenfold completeness. In the Old Testament this festival was called Shavuot (a counting from Passover to Shavuot (which means to count). Pentecost is a Greek word that means 50 and is used in the New Tes-tament to refer to Shavuot). Pentecost/Shavuot was a spring harvest festival. Later there was another fall harvest festival called Sukkot (tabernacles/tents).
In the book of Acts we are told that on the day of Pentecost, there in the city of Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came to rest on the apostles. Inspired, they felt the “holy fire and power” of the presence of God. And then an unusual thing began to happen, they spoke in different lan-guages so that all the visitors in the city from around the world for the festival could hear the good news of Jesus! That was an amazing miracle. It was the beginning of the New Testament Church as we understand the Church today (a kaleidoscope of different people from different places… yet all gathered as a community of believers around Jesus as Savior and Lord).
If Easter is the celebration of Resurrection, then Pentecost is the celebration of Inspiration.
Be inspired! Live the Good News. Share the Good News. Love the Good News.
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ~ Luke 10:2
Rev. Grant Bode
April 2024
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
As we come to the month of April, I thought a bit of “Lutheran Trivia” might be in order. These are things that many of the average people in the pew are not aware of, but with such knowledge, a person’s worship life can certainly be enhanced!
We will start with Divine Service itself. In many of our churches. A responsive reading of what is called the “Introit,” is used immediately following the confession and absolution. This Latin word means “he enters.” Having confessed his sins along with the rest of the congregation, and receiving the holy absolution (which the minister speaks on behalf of Christ as one of His undershepherds), the presiding minister then enters the chancel for the reading of the introit.
Also, I have mentioned the work “absolution” a couple of times. This important word means “you are forgiven.” As we confess our sins, our Savior, Jesus Christ, through the lips of your called servant, announces that absolution (forgiveness) to you!
Liturgically, we use what is called a “church year” cycle in our Sunday worship. We happen to use a three year cycle of lessons (called series A, B, & C) of scripture readings for each Sunday of the church year. These lessons help to guide the Pastor in preparing the sermons each Sunday and in fleshing out the rest of the service.
Did you know that the first Sunday of the church year does not coincide with the secular calendar? The first Sunday of a new church year is always the first Sunday in Advent, which happens typically near the end of November or the first part of December. The Advent wreath tips us off that this new season (and church year) are upon us!
The season that we happen to be in right now is called the Easter season. The paraments (colorful altar, pulpit, and lectern hangings) are white during this season, standing for purity or joy. This I just a bit of “Lutheran Trivia” for you!
On another note, this will be the last time that I will be writing to you as your Vacancy Pastor. I join you in being thrilled that God has answered your call, and that Rev. Grant Bode will be in-stalled as your next pastor this month. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many months in your midst, and pray God’s rich blessings upon all of you as you continue serving Christ in the Braham / Rush City area! God keep all of you in His care!
May your month of April truly be blessed!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
As we come to the month of April, I thought a bit of “Lutheran Trivia” might be in order. These are things that many of the average people in the pew are not aware of, but with such knowledge, a person’s worship life can certainly be enhanced!
We will start with Divine Service itself. In many of our churches. A responsive reading of what is called the “Introit,” is used immediately following the confession and absolution. This Latin word means “he enters.” Having confessed his sins along with the rest of the congregation, and receiving the holy absolution (which the minister speaks on behalf of Christ as one of His undershepherds), the presiding minister then enters the chancel for the reading of the introit.
Also, I have mentioned the work “absolution” a couple of times. This important word means “you are forgiven.” As we confess our sins, our Savior, Jesus Christ, through the lips of your called servant, announces that absolution (forgiveness) to you!
Liturgically, we use what is called a “church year” cycle in our Sunday worship. We happen to use a three year cycle of lessons (called series A, B, & C) of scripture readings for each Sunday of the church year. These lessons help to guide the Pastor in preparing the sermons each Sunday and in fleshing out the rest of the service.
Did you know that the first Sunday of the church year does not coincide with the secular calendar? The first Sunday of a new church year is always the first Sunday in Advent, which happens typically near the end of November or the first part of December. The Advent wreath tips us off that this new season (and church year) are upon us!
The season that we happen to be in right now is called the Easter season. The paraments (colorful altar, pulpit, and lectern hangings) are white during this season, standing for purity or joy. This I just a bit of “Lutheran Trivia” for you!
On another note, this will be the last time that I will be writing to you as your Vacancy Pastor. I join you in being thrilled that God has answered your call, and that Rev. Grant Bode will be in-stalled as your next pastor this month. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many months in your midst, and pray God’s rich blessings upon all of you as you continue serving Christ in the Braham / Rush City area! God keep all of you in His care!
May your month of April truly be blessed!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
March 2024
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“But the angel said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee:
The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified
and on the third day be raised again.’
Then they remembered His words.” Luke 24:5b-8
As we come to the month of March, this year our major focus comes on March 31 — the resurrection of our Lord! Indeed, Easter is the high point of the Christian church year — the most joyous festival of the entire year! Why is this so? A word previously mentioned sums it all up: RESURRECTION! Jesus did exactly what He said He would do. He was crucified on that first Good Friday, and he died on that same day. However, the grave didn’t hold Him. On that first Easter Sunday, he rose triumphantly! That was the angel’s message to the women who visited the grave early on that morning. What they were looking for — a dead body to properly anoint for burial — was not there! What they found was an empty tomb. What they heard was a reassuring word of victory. What they experienced was ecstasy!
What does this all mean for us? Very simply, it means that because Jesus lives, we will live too! So will our loved ones who have died in faith before us! By faith in our victorious Savior, death and the grave have been conquered for us. Resurrection victory means forgiveness, life, and salvation for each of us! That’s why Easter Sunday is the most joyous festival in the church year!
Unfortunately, we don’t always live each day like the Easter grave is empty. We don’t always bask in the victorious hope of the season. Sometimes, we live as though we have a dead Jesus leading a dead faith. Brothers and sisters, let me remind you that, come what may, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, victory is yours!! So rejoice each day in the blessings of the
resurrection for you, even through the trials that you face. Because Jesus lives, death and the grace have indeed been conquered for you!!
On another note, Confirmation Sunday this year will be held on Palm Sunday, March 24. St. Stephen’s members, Savannah Gudilias and Morgan Stauffer will be confirmed that day!
Congratulations to both of them! Also, on April 7 at 4:00 pm our new Pastor, the Rev. Grant Bode will be installed in a special service held at St. John’s in Rush City. Please plan to join us for both of these very special events.
May your month of March, as well as your Easter, truly be a blessing to you!!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“But the angel said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee:
The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified
and on the third day be raised again.’
Then they remembered His words.” Luke 24:5b-8
As we come to the month of March, this year our major focus comes on March 31 — the resurrection of our Lord! Indeed, Easter is the high point of the Christian church year — the most joyous festival of the entire year! Why is this so? A word previously mentioned sums it all up: RESURRECTION! Jesus did exactly what He said He would do. He was crucified on that first Good Friday, and he died on that same day. However, the grave didn’t hold Him. On that first Easter Sunday, he rose triumphantly! That was the angel’s message to the women who visited the grave early on that morning. What they were looking for — a dead body to properly anoint for burial — was not there! What they found was an empty tomb. What they heard was a reassuring word of victory. What they experienced was ecstasy!
What does this all mean for us? Very simply, it means that because Jesus lives, we will live too! So will our loved ones who have died in faith before us! By faith in our victorious Savior, death and the grave have been conquered for us. Resurrection victory means forgiveness, life, and salvation for each of us! That’s why Easter Sunday is the most joyous festival in the church year!
Unfortunately, we don’t always live each day like the Easter grave is empty. We don’t always bask in the victorious hope of the season. Sometimes, we live as though we have a dead Jesus leading a dead faith. Brothers and sisters, let me remind you that, come what may, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, victory is yours!! So rejoice each day in the blessings of the
resurrection for you, even through the trials that you face. Because Jesus lives, death and the grace have indeed been conquered for you!!
On another note, Confirmation Sunday this year will be held on Palm Sunday, March 24. St. Stephen’s members, Savannah Gudilias and Morgan Stauffer will be confirmed that day!
Congratulations to both of them! Also, on April 7 at 4:00 pm our new Pastor, the Rev. Grant Bode will be installed in a special service held at St. John’s in Rush City. Please plan to join us for both of these very special events.
May your month of March, as well as your Easter, truly be a blessing to you!!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
February 2024
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“Go to Gethsemane, All who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, Watch with Him on bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs sway; Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.”
LSB #463, v. 1
Beginning on February 14, Valentine’s Day, we will, in spirirt, journey again to dark Gethsemane, as we begin our midweek Lenten services. Our services each week will be joint services, with St. John’s hosting on February 14, 28, and March 13, and St. Stephen’s hosting on February 21, March 6, and March 20. All services will begin at 7:00p.m., with fellowship meal preceeding each service at 6:00 p.m. The general theme for our Lenten services this year is: “Prayers Of The Passion.” The emphasis each week is as follows:
Week 1: “Let This Cup Pass”
Week 2: “Why Have You Forsaken Me”
Week 3: “Father, Forgive Them”
Week 4: “Jesus, Remember Me”
Week 5: “ Into Your Hands”
Week 6: “ I Have Prayed For You”
Why attend midweek Lenten services, you ask? Very simply answered, these services give you an opportunity to follow our Lord through the events of His Passion to sing those beautiful Lenten hymns, and to fellowship with fellow believers in a way that you don’t on Sunday mornings. You also have the opportunity to invite others to join us so that they can experience what Lent is all about. Please plan to join us! And invite your friends and neighbors to do so as well! Your Savior, Jesus Christ gave His life for you. You have the privilege to learn more about what that means and to rejoice in His victory on your behalf!
“Follow to the judgement hall, View the Lord of life arraigned;
Oh, the wormwood and the gall! Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffr’ing, shame, or loss; Learn from Him to bear the cross.”
LSB #436, v. 2
May your month of February truly be richly blessed! And may the season of Lent and what it stands for bring greater spiritual joy to your lives!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“Go to Gethsemane, All who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, Watch with Him on bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs sway; Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.”
LSB #463, v. 1
Beginning on February 14, Valentine’s Day, we will, in spirirt, journey again to dark Gethsemane, as we begin our midweek Lenten services. Our services each week will be joint services, with St. John’s hosting on February 14, 28, and March 13, and St. Stephen’s hosting on February 21, March 6, and March 20. All services will begin at 7:00p.m., with fellowship meal preceeding each service at 6:00 p.m. The general theme for our Lenten services this year is: “Prayers Of The Passion.” The emphasis each week is as follows:
Week 1: “Let This Cup Pass”
Week 2: “Why Have You Forsaken Me”
Week 3: “Father, Forgive Them”
Week 4: “Jesus, Remember Me”
Week 5: “ Into Your Hands”
Week 6: “ I Have Prayed For You”
Why attend midweek Lenten services, you ask? Very simply answered, these services give you an opportunity to follow our Lord through the events of His Passion to sing those beautiful Lenten hymns, and to fellowship with fellow believers in a way that you don’t on Sunday mornings. You also have the opportunity to invite others to join us so that they can experience what Lent is all about. Please plan to join us! And invite your friends and neighbors to do so as well! Your Savior, Jesus Christ gave His life for you. You have the privilege to learn more about what that means and to rejoice in His victory on your behalf!
“Follow to the judgement hall, View the Lord of life arraigned;
Oh, the wormwood and the gall! Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffr’ing, shame, or loss; Learn from Him to bear the cross.”
LSB #436, v. 2
May your month of February truly be richly blessed! And may the season of Lent and what it stands for bring greater spiritual joy to your lives!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
January 2024
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
Happy New Year! Many of us will be exchanging these three simple words as 2023 becomes history and the new year, 2024, comes upon us.
The nagging question for many is this: Will it truly be a “happy new year” in 2024 for me? The answer to that question depends on one’s perspective on it. If one is looking at the question physically, it may or may not be a happy new year. Will I have good health in the new year? Will I have adequate income to meet my wants and needs? Will my relationships with others be strong and positive? Will my life have clear direction and purpose? Who knows the answers to these questions and others that we might have?? For sure, only God knows!
However, if one is looking at the answer to the nagging question spiritually, it certainly can be a “happy new year,” come what may. As Christians, we don’t think—we KNOW that our eternal destiny is secure. That’s not because of anything we do. That’s not because of anything we are. That’s not because we have a certain amount of health or a certain amount of money. It’s ON-LY because Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again for us and for our salvation! Without Jesus would our health, or lack of it really matter? Without Jesus would our material wealth or lack of it really matter? The answer is a resounding NO!
Holy Scripture is clear as it reminds us that: “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.” That means that the grace and forgiveness of our Savior are always there for us as we come to Him anew each day in repentance and contrition. That means that we don’t need to wonder about our futures. They are indeed secure in the love that Christ has for each of us!
So, I say to each of you, once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR! May our focus in 2024, be on Jesus Christ and what He has done for each of us. May we concentrate on the message of God’s truth for us in His holy, inspired inerrant Word! May we all be regular and faithful in worship and in our attendance at the Sacrament. Then, come what may, we can rest secure in the lov-ing arms of our Savior!
May your month of January and beyond, truly be blessed!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
Dear Members of God’s Family at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
Happy New Year! Many of us will be exchanging these three simple words as 2023 becomes history and the new year, 2024, comes upon us.
The nagging question for many is this: Will it truly be a “happy new year” in 2024 for me? The answer to that question depends on one’s perspective on it. If one is looking at the question physically, it may or may not be a happy new year. Will I have good health in the new year? Will I have adequate income to meet my wants and needs? Will my relationships with others be strong and positive? Will my life have clear direction and purpose? Who knows the answers to these questions and others that we might have?? For sure, only God knows!
However, if one is looking at the answer to the nagging question spiritually, it certainly can be a “happy new year,” come what may. As Christians, we don’t think—we KNOW that our eternal destiny is secure. That’s not because of anything we do. That’s not because of anything we are. That’s not because we have a certain amount of health or a certain amount of money. It’s ON-LY because Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again for us and for our salvation! Without Jesus would our health, or lack of it really matter? Without Jesus would our material wealth or lack of it really matter? The answer is a resounding NO!
Holy Scripture is clear as it reminds us that: “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.” That means that the grace and forgiveness of our Savior are always there for us as we come to Him anew each day in repentance and contrition. That means that we don’t need to wonder about our futures. They are indeed secure in the love that Christ has for each of us!
So, I say to each of you, once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR! May our focus in 2024, be on Jesus Christ and what He has done for each of us. May we concentrate on the message of God’s truth for us in His holy, inspired inerrant Word! May we all be regular and faithful in worship and in our attendance at the Sacrament. Then, come what may, we can rest secure in the lov-ing arms of our Savior!
May your month of January and beyond, truly be blessed!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
December 2023
Dear Members of God’s Families at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts on human hearts The blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming; But in this word of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in.”
LSB #361, V. 3
These beautiful words from the hymn, “ O Little Town Of Bethlehem,” capture so well, the meaning of the wondrous season that we celebrate near the end of December — the season of Christmas!
God’s gift of salvation, wrapped in the person and work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, comes to us silently and humbly. There was no grand palace. There was no special fanfare. There was only an announcement to poor shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock. There was only a feeding trough for a birth place. There was only a humble mother, pondering
in her heart the events of the day.
However, the lack of fanfare does not diminish the importance of the gift. As we, in faith, receive this humble gift, we are reminded that it is Jesus who enters our hearts, by grace through faith, bringing with Him the gift of life and salvation. Without this gift, we would have no hope. Without this gift, all we would have to look forward to is eternal damnation! But, praise and thanks to God, who graciously gives us this gift so that we might be eternally His, in spite of our sinfulness!
May our Christmas prayer then, be these words — again from the same hymn mentioned above:
“O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, O Lord Immanuel!”
LSB #361, V. 4
From our house to yours — may your month of December, and especially your Christmas celebration,
be a personal blessing to you and yours!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III
Dear Members of God’s Families at St. John’s and St. Stephen’s,
“How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts on human hearts The blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming; But in this word of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in.”
LSB #361, V. 3
These beautiful words from the hymn, “ O Little Town Of Bethlehem,” capture so well, the meaning of the wondrous season that we celebrate near the end of December — the season of Christmas!
God’s gift of salvation, wrapped in the person and work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, comes to us silently and humbly. There was no grand palace. There was no special fanfare. There was only an announcement to poor shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock. There was only a feeding trough for a birth place. There was only a humble mother, pondering
in her heart the events of the day.
However, the lack of fanfare does not diminish the importance of the gift. As we, in faith, receive this humble gift, we are reminded that it is Jesus who enters our hearts, by grace through faith, bringing with Him the gift of life and salvation. Without this gift, we would have no hope. Without this gift, all we would have to look forward to is eternal damnation! But, praise and thanks to God, who graciously gives us this gift so that we might be eternally His, in spite of our sinfulness!
May our Christmas prayer then, be these words — again from the same hymn mentioned above:
“O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, O Lord Immanuel!”
LSB #361, V. 4
From our house to yours — may your month of December, and especially your Christmas celebration,
be a personal blessing to you and yours!
Your Vacancy Pastor in Christ,
Rev. George W. Sagissor III