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A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied,“Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:24-25
The familiar hymn, "Amazing Grace" was written in 1772 by John Newton, a former English slave ship captain turned Anglican minister. Following a near-death experience in a violent sea storm in 1748, Newton began a spiritual conversion, eventually abandoning his past as a "wretch" to advocate for the abolition of slavery.
Written for a 1773 New Year’s Day sermon, the hymn reflects Newton’s personal journey from a life of sin (including involvement in the slave trade) to redemption. He worked alongside William Wilberforce to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. Can you even imagine a hymnal without this hymn?
We have a few people in our congregation with eye impairments – near blind. Bob and Pastor Breznen, of course, have limited vision. One person you may not realize that has vision impairment is our soloist Emely Rowan. She has been singing for us that last few months. She even has some opera training – which you can tell when she hits those high notes!
To help her out, we give Emely the words to the songs ahead of time. She has a machine that will transcribe the lyrics into braille for her to use while singing. It is just wonderful that she can share her gift of singing while we get to enjoy it – a blessing to all. It also reminds me of the braille ministry that First Lutheran used to do, returning the gift the congregation was able to give for so many.
Next time you see her singing – say a word of prayer and praise to God for her and her family. I don’t think you need to make a big deal out of her eyesight – just thank and encourage her.
LENTEN SERIES
Join us this Wednesday, March 18th, for a soup supper at 6:00 p.m. and a study at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This week’s topic is “Jesus Healing the Man Born Blind” in John 9:1-41.
Experience the story of Jesus healing the Man Born Blind as artist Paul Oman brings this dramatic event to life on canvas, layer upon layer, scene after scene. The man who was blind gives his first-person account of this encounter with Jesus and how it changed his life. Music and sound effects accompany the storyline.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Welcome to worship this Sunday with First and Holy Cross churches! Remember to join us for a delicious lunch following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
- Help us celebrate and decorate for the Resurrection of our Lord with Easter Lilies.Please fill out order forms on the ushers table in the back and place them in the offering bins. The cost per plant is $15.00.
- The First Church Anniversary Committee will meet after worship this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
- We are excited to welcome Pastor Paul F. Arnold back to preach next Sunday as apart of our centennial celebrations. Pastor Arnold served as a pastor at First Lutheran for 50 years, from 1970-2020.
- We’re looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School this spring. Parents, mark your calendars for June 15-19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Our theme this year is: “True North”, where the kids will have an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! This year we will be adding a track for 4- & 5-year-olds, as well as the elementary youth. Registration will begin in April.
- The Church Choir will rehearse before worship next Sunday.
- Everyone is invited to come to the annual Passover Seder held by Holy Cross and Tikvah Israel Churches on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There is a sign-up sheet and costs $15.00/person. Come learn the meaning behind the Seder meal!
