Pastor's Page (Page 7)

Pastor's Page (Page 7)

Please enjoy reading newsletter articles and other writings published by Rev. Tab Ottmers.

Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

On Easter Sunday, and throughout the Easter season, we begin to hear what’s called the “Paschal Greeting.” I not only use this greeting during the season of Easter but also at every funeral. It is, “Alleluia, Christ is risen,” and in reply, “He is risen indeed, Alleluia.” What are the origins of this greeting? We’re not…

Return to the Lord – 1

In the Book of Joel, the prophet paints a vivid picture of the coming judgment of God, the Day of the Lord. The imagery is bold and terrifying: hordes of locusts swarming over the land and decimating everything. Joel’s prophecy has teeth even today as wars rage, natural disasters threaten and destroy, and our culture seems to be unraveling. But right in the middle of this…

Naming and Circumcision of Jesus

Luke 2:21, Galatians 3:23-29 After hours of labor and pain the mother is asked, “What is the baby’s name? That is often the first question people ask new parents. The baby’s name has significance. Usually it is a family name or something that is meaningful to the parents. Our boys’ names had to be connected to the Battle of the Alamo because Texas and our daughter’s…

Bonhoeffer’s Book “Life Together”

“Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 12 ESV In the November Voter’s Meeting I read a section of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together as we prepared for the meeting. This book was written in 1938 as he was living…