“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
For several weeks during the spring, our confirmands studied and reflected upon the Lord’s Prayer as found in the sixth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Having listened to our students and their reflections upon what Jesus is teaching us; I would like to offer reflection on three of the petitions contained in the prayer our Lord has taught us.
The introduction and first petition of the prayer is “Our Father, hallowed be your name.” Jesus teaches us to pray in this way, not because God’s name isn’t holy or glorified on its own, but that we would recognize the holiness of God’s name and glorify Him in the way we live our life each day. As we recognize the holiness of God’s name we are most likely to honor and keep the second Commandment, not taking God’s name in vain. Honoring and glorifying God’s name is the precursor to living the Christian life.
The second petition I’d like to discuss is “Your Kingdom come.” God’s kingdom refers to His way of ordering things. Through the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus, we have a clear picture of what God’s kingdom is to look like. Throughout his earthly life and ministry, Jesus exemplified the greatest commandments to love God and love neighbor. Following his example, we strive to live as people belonging to the kingdom of God here on earth. We are to strive for peace, healing broken relationships, and caring for those whom society turns away.
And finally, the third petition I’d offer for reflection is “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This is a most difficult petition to live up to, for we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. Central to the teaching of Jesus is forgiveness. This is important because central to the suffering of our world, in all walks of life, is the reluctance to forgive. We do well to recall the words Jesus speaks following His teaching the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV).
Forgiveness and reconciliation are paramount to living as citizens of God’s kingdom. There is no room for sinners to live in the blessed peace of God’s forever kingdom. That is why he sent his Son Jesus into the world. God loved the world so much that all who believe that Jesus is indeed Lord and Savior would have their sins forgiven. Therefore, it is to be our thankful response to demonstrate this same love for our neighbor. For if we do not, God will not forgive us. We can’t pick and choose who we will forgive or not forgive, just as God would not pick and choose one believer over another. After all, any person who has sinned against another is also someone whom Jesus came to die for.
Each week we pray this prayer that Jesus taught us. It is a prayer central to our life together as God’s people. In reflection and study of the Lord’s Prayer, I asked our confirmands, as I always do, to write the Lord’s prayer putting it into their own words. There will be occasion in the future when I will use their prayers as a part of our liturgy. Until such time, let us strive to earnestly contemplate the words Jesus taught us, and focus on living as kingdom people saved by the grace of our loving and merciful God.
Heavenly Father, help us bring you glory by keeping your name holy in all we say and do. Lead us to do the work of your kingdom, and to forgive others as you have forgiven us. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Bible Study Archive
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted June 1, 2026 By adminSummer Sermon Series and Bible Study
Posted May 29, 2026 By adminBeginning on June 7th, Pastor David Nuottila will offer a summer sermon series focusing on the Seven Letters to Seven Churches in Revelation. He will also offer a Bible study on this topic which will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning on Wednesday, June 3rd.
Everyone is welcome to attend. There are no special materials needed. Just bring your Bible and a desire for conversation with your church family members. The location for our study is subject to change depending upon the status of our parking lot construction. Keep an eye on the weekly church bulletin for up-to-date information.
Women’s Bible Study: Summer Social
Posted May 28, 2026 By adminALL women are invited to join the Women’s Bible Study for a casual summer social and devotion at the home of Susan on Monday, June 8th beginning at 7:00 PM. If you can, bring a snack to share. Soft drinks and tea will be provided. Make plans to join us – and bring a friend! Please RSVP to Susan.
Devotion for June – Jesus said, “Let your light shine”
Posted May 28, 2026 By admin Read Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket.” God blesses the Church with the most precious treasure there is, the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian is therefore filled with the light of Christ and called to give witness to the wonders of God’s mercy and grace.
Often, it is said to the newly baptized person, “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our light shines when we love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves. Shining our light, we share the love of Christ Jesus with all whom we meet.
Jesus of Nazareth is light and life for the world. Baptized into his death and resurrection, the light of Christ dwells within God’s people. May you always feel the presence and power of our Lord Jesus. And may your light shine through the darkness of this world, that those within your midst may finally see the glory of the Father and enter the gates of our eternal home.
Prayer: Shine the light of your love, O Lord, and fill me with the power of your love. Amen.
VBS in July
Posted May 19, 2026 By adminMark your calendars for VBS 2026. Join us for Illumination Station Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th. Experience what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World. There will be classes for all ages including adults. Children will rotate classes for lessons, games, music, and crafts. Our meal will be served starting at 5:45 PM and VBS will start at 6:30 PM and end at 8:00 PM. Come and experience God’s promised, perfect, powerful, and proven son – Jesus Christ. Come and experience Illumination Station!
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted May 6, 2026 By adminPeter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.” Acts 2:14
On the Sunday of Pentecost, the day we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, we also celebrate the birth of God’s Church. In our worship, our learning and our serving, we see God’s Spirit in action. We feel the power of God’s love as the Spirit comes like the rush of a violent wind, stirring the hearts and minds of God’s people to faithfulness. These are the themes of Pentecost; the power of God’s Spirit blowing through the lives of God’s people.
It isn’t about wearing your red dress or shirt to church on Pentecost Sunday. It isn’t about confirming our youth as they complete their initial study of the catechism. It’s about the Holy Spirit of God blowing in the doors of the hearts and minds of God’s people, rearranging the furniture of our lives and filling us with all the confidence, strength, excitement and assurance the disciples had in order to share the good news of God’s redemption.
Think about the world around you. Think about the things you have heard and seen. Think about all the times in your life when you thought you were at wits end. In these instances, don’t you think the world needs to hear the good news of great joy that angels proclaimed to shepherds so long ago? In so many ways and in so many instances, God makes his presence and power known. Often it comes to us in the quiet moments of our lives. At other times it comes in ways so clear and powerful that no matter what, people can know and understand that God’s mercy and grace through Christ our Lord are real promises made to all who believe. God’s promises are real and his love lasts forever.
When God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the disciples in Jerusalem, amazing things began to happen. Suddenly, men who seemed to feel inadequate and frightened were filled with a bold confidence only God can provide. They took to the streets and faced the crowds they were, just moments before, afraid to confront. They spoke of the Old Testament prophecies, the faith of people such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They proclaimed the power of the Risen Christ, a power unmatched by the evil and brokenness of our world. And the people listened and believed.
The gospel of our Lord is the best news you are ever going to get in your life. The time you first realized God’s grace is for you, that you have been rescued from the consequences of sin forever, is as good as it gets.
When you are young, prom is a big moment. Some of us know kids who have recently gone to their first prom. Guess what, as good as the prom was, God claiming you to be his child is better. When you get older, graduation comes with all of its pomp and circumstance. Guess what, it can’t compare with all the glory of heaven. There are still bigger moments ahead in your lives. College, your first real love, engagement, marriage, the purchase of a home, and the birth of a child. You know what? All of these are wonderful blessings from our loving God, yet because of Christ Jesus, the best is yet to come.
People of God, all of these are wonderful events; they are milestone moments, monumental achievements, and times of great joy. But if that is where you live, if these are the most important times in your life, you’ve missed the boat. None of these can even compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved you from sin and death, made you holy in his sight and prepared a heavenly home for you. Nothing can compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved your life for all time. That’s good news, that’s exciting.
On the day of Pentecost, as we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray that God stirs us to such faithfulness that we cannot help but tell others the good news of salvation through Christ Jesus. As we strive to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, may we continue to love others as we are loved, feed the hungry, care for the sick and minister to those who are least of all.
May we continue to pray: “Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love!”
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Up and Going
Posted May 5, 2026 By adminNine Up and Going members met at Hawg Heaven Barbeque Restaurant on Thursday, April 16th for the April meeting. Devotions were given by Team Leader Helen Lindler based on God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet; there is more to come. There was prayer and then a meal blessing; we prayed together “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Business was discussed.
All enjoyed a delicious and bountiful buffet meal, but most of all each other’s company and the conversations around the table. Goodbyes were said and off everyone went to shop, get strawberries, run errands and head home. We all enjoyed our time together.
The May meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14th at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Irmo at 6164 Saint Andrews Road. Please meet there at 11:00 AM.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
Lutheran Women
Posted May 5, 2026 By adminOn Sunday, May 17th, the Women’s Group will be hosting an “Old Timey Luncheon” in honor of our 250th Anniversary. We are asking that you furnish an old timey side dish and/or a dessert. Some suggestions include green beans, butter beans, some type of squash, potato salad, liver nips, homemade bread or cornbread. Our group is furnishing fried chicken. So, pull out your cookbooks and look for some old Dutch Fork recipes. If you need any suggestions or recipes please call Phyllis, Joan or Patricia.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone. So come and enjoy some delicious food and wonderful fellowship!
Devotion for May – Jesus said, “Go”
Posted May 4, 2026 By adminRead Matthew 28:16-20
When we hear our Lord give the Great Commission, we understand finally that our response to Christ’s resurrection is to go into the world and tell others the good news of God’s salvation. Most Christians can quote this passage from memory; those who cannot certainly know where to find it in the Bible. But when congregations hear Christ’s command, the reaction can be varied.
As the remaining disciples gathered on the mountain with Jesus, Matthew tells us they worshiped him, but some doubted. Rest assured, the same condition exists within the Church today. Jesus says, “Go.” Yet, some doubt they are strong enough in their faith. Others doubt they have the necessary knowledge of the scriptures. Still others feel they lack the training and skill needed to make disciples. What it boils down to is a lack of faith. Suffice it to say, all baptized children of God are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission. All are blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit, all that is needed is belief in God and relying upon his presence. Doubt can be a strong obstacle to overcome, but it’s no match for the Holy Spirit. All this said, the command given by Jesus stands. Our Lord says, “Go.”
As followers of Christ, we are to go into the world teaching all Christ commanded. The good news is that you are equipped, you do not go alone. Jesus is with you just as he was with the apostles so long ago. Finally, doubt and fear are overcome with faith and love. Christ said, “Go.” And so we go, remembering Christ is with us even to the end of the age.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, overcome our doubts and help us live in your peace and presence. Amen.
Confirmation Class of 2026
Posted May 4, 2026 By adminWe are drawing nearer to the conclusion of this round of Catechetical instruction and plans are being made for the confirmation and continued instruction of our confirmands. It’s important to understand that confirmation is in no way a sort of graduation or completion of study. Our confirmed youth are not expected to know everything about the Christian faith, the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. What is most important is that the seed for continued faith formation is planted and nurtured so as they grow, our youth will remain active in their faith. The congregation’s role is to continue to lead and instruct them according to the promises we all made upon the day of their Baptism.
The final date has not yet been set for Confirmation Day but will be determined in the coming weeks. Until then, please keep our confirmands in prayer that they will grow in the faith in which they were baptized.
