This week!

May 16, 2023

Dear friends,

This week is a little wonky! Here are the details:

Wednesday morning chapel (9:30am) and Bible Study (10am) like normal.

Women’s Bible Study is on Wednesday at 7pm (instead of the usual 6pm). We’re wrapping up our study of virtues – Loyalty and Chastity.

Men’s Bible Study is on Wednesday at 8pm.

No Vespers on Wednesday Evening.

Circuit Ascension Service on Thursday at 7pm with treats to follow!

Let me first explain what the Circuit is. The congregations of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod are divided up into districts throughout the United States. We’re in the Minnesota North District. The District is then further subdivided into Circuits. Our Circuit is the St. Cloud Circuit, and it consists of these 9 congregations besides ours:

SonRise, AvonTrinity, Clear LakeSt. Paul’s, Eden ValleyImmanuel, Farming Twp. (Albany)St. John’s, KimballFaith, St. CloudHoly Cross, St. CloudLove of Christ, St. CloudRedeemer, St. Cloud

They’re our nearest neighbors, or at least the neighbors we do church business with and the pastors that I meet with regularly. We’re actually on the border of the Minnesota South District, so Zion in Annandale is not only in a different Circuit, but a different district all together. That’s okay though – we’re still neighborly with one another.

The Ascension is an often overlooked festival in the Church. Christmas, Easter, Pentecost – these festivals are Sunday headliners. The Ascension always falls on a Thursday (40 days after Easter), and so it is easily neglected. But, think about the significance of the Ascension! In the Ascension, the resurrected flesh and blood of Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, with all authority and power being given to him. Our Savior, our brother, the one who has conquered death, now rules in the heavens for our sake. People clamored to see and touch Jesus while he was on earth – how much greater that in the Ascension we gain access to the very throne of God through Jesus.

Come on Thursday and celebrate this festival. The whole circuit is invited, so come to share in the gifts of Jesus with your brothers and sisters from the St. Cloud area!

God bless and keep you,

Pr. Buchs

COMING EVENTS: Women’s & Men’s Bible Study – Wednesday, May 17 @ 7 & 8pm Ascension Service – Thursday, May 18 @ 7pm Christian Doctrine – Wednesday, May 24 @ 6pm Elder’s & Council – Thursday, June 8 @ 6 & 7pm