Frank the Hippie Pope and Bart the Patriarch


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The hand of the Triune God’s blessing

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Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."' 27 "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." Hand gestures are a very effective nonverbal form of communication. Think of some of the famous hand gestures made popular in TV and movies. In “Star Trek,” Spock separated his third and fourth fingers to give the Vulcan blessing, “Live long and prosper.” In the “Hunger Games” trilogy, Katniss gives the three-finger salute to express unity with people of the districts. In “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” if someone just kept yapping Ross would give the “blah-blah-blah” gesture. Elaine’s was a bit more expressive. If you are a loser, Ace Ventura will give you the “Loser” sign with the L on the for…
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Be still – A funeral sermon for Jason Lopez, Jr.

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Psalm 46:1-3, 10, 11 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. … 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. The question that all of us are asking today is “Why?”. Why was Jason Jr. born so early? Why did he appear healthy until he wasn’t? Why did God give you a baby, allow you to love him, only to take him away so quickly? Jason and Heather, you’ve been asking “Why?” since Sunday. We can ask the question. It is a fair question to ask the Lord. But, don’t expect an answer. If you are a parent, you know how often your children ask you “why” questions. Many times, because they are children who can’t begin to comprehend complex issues, you simply say, …
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Funeral sermon for Susan P. Tangerstrom

Last Thursday, God called home to heaven Epiphany's beloved and faithful secretary, Sue Tangerstrom. It was a tough week, but God's Word and resurrection comfort brought joy in the midst of our pain and mourning. If you missed the funeral service, you can read the sermon that was preached for Sue's Christian funeral.

Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

How odd those words sound on a day like today. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” How strange those words sounded last Thursday as we stood by Sue’s side or heard the news.

Let’s be serious. We can’t really rejoice and be glad today. Think of what we lost. A beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt. A faithful friend, coworker, godmother. My boss.

Shouldn’t the Bible verse say for funerals, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us mourn and be sad in it?” That makes mu…
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