As we pray for God's healing in our world and the peace only he can give, we also want to be doing the things he has given us to do. In light of this, please take a moment to read the attached file containing a message from our synod about the current health crisis and the procedures we have decided to follow in our congregational life. Of course, only God knows the future, so things can change rapidly in these fluid situations. Pray that God lead us to be a calming, helpful, positive reflection of his light as we react to what we see around us. Pastor Foley and the leadership of Star of Bethlehem.
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/11 — Easter 2
2021, Apr 10 @ 4:00 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/11 — Second Sunday of Easter
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/04/11 — Easter 2
2021, Apr 4 @ 11:40 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/04 — Easter
2021, Apr 3 @ 11:45 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/04 — Easter Sunday
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/04/04 — Easter
2021, Apr 2 @ 8:30 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/02 — Good Fri
2021, Apr 2 @ 2:10 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/02 — Good Friday
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/04/02 — Good Fri
2021, Apr 1 @ 8:50 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/01 — Maundy Thurs
2021, Mar 31 @ 10:15 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/04/01 — Maundy Thursday
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/04/01 — Maundy Thurs
2021, Mar 29 @ 5:30 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/28 — Lent 6
2021, Mar 28 @ 5:00 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/28 — Sixth Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/28 — Lent 6
2021, Mar 25 @ 6:30 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/24 — MidLent 6
2021, Mar 24 @ 12:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/24 — Sixth Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/24 — MidLent 6
2021, Mar 21 @ 11:40 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/21 — Lent 5
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/17 — MidLent 5
2021, Mar 20 @ 3:00 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/21 — Fifth Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/21— Lent 5
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/14 — Lent 4
2021, Mar 17 @ 3:30 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/17 — Fifth Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/17 — MidLent 5
2021, Mar 13 @ 5:00 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/14 — Fourth Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/14— Lent 4
2021, Mar 11 @ 10:20 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/10 — MidLent 4
2021, Mar 10 @ 8:50 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/10 — Fourth Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/10— MidLent 4
2021, Mar 7 @ 11:50 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/07 — Lent 3
2021, Mar 6 @ 5:00 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/07 — Third Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/07— Lent 3
2021, Mar 4 @ 8:10 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/03 — MidLent 3
2021, Mar 3 @ 9:00 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/03/03 — Third Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/03/03— MidLent 3
2021, Feb 28 @ 11:20 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/28 — Lent 2
2021, Feb 27 @ 4:40 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/28 — Second Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/28— Lent 2
2021, Feb 25 @ 8:37 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/24 — MidLent 2
2021, Feb 24 @ 7:40 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/24 — Second Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/24— MidLent 2
2021, Feb 21 @ 12:45 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/21 — Lent 1
Changed readings order as mentioned by Pastor Foley during the service, for service date 2021/02/21— Lent 1
2021, Feb 20 @ 5:25 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/21 — First Sunday in Lent
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/21— Lent 1
2021, Feb 18 @ 10:10 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/17 — Ash Wednesday
2021, Feb 17 @ 8:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/17 — Ash Wednesday
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/17— Ash Wednesday
2021, Feb 14 @ 1:30 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/14 — Epiphany 5
Updated top video to the 1920 x 1080 video for service date 2021/02/14— Transfiguration
(Due to internet issues during the live service)
2021, Feb 13 @ 4:00 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/14 — Last Sunday after the Epiphany [Transfiguration of our Lord]
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/14— Transfiguration
2021, Feb 7 @ 11:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/07 — Epiphany 5
2021, Feb 6 @ 11:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/02/07 — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/02/07— Epiphany 5
2021, Jan 31 @ 11:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/31 — Epiphany 4
2021, Jan 30 @ 4:10 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/31 — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/01/31— Epiphany 4
2021, Jan 24 @ 11:15 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/24 — Epiphany 4
2021, Jan 23 @ 6:10 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/24 — Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/01/24— Epiphany 3
2021, Jan 18 @ 1:55 PM
NOTE: Noticed a delay in one of the microphones that was annoying, so re-uploaded both full service and the sermon only to YouTube and corrected their links here. (Original stream and upload are still loaded on the YouTube channel...for now)
Updated 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/17 — Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1920 x 1080 video for service date 2021/01/17— Epiphany 2
2021, Jan 17 @ 11:10 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/17 — Epiphany 3
2021, Jan 16 @ 3:10 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/17 — Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/01/17— Epiphany 2
2021, Jan 10 @ 11:20 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/10 — Epiphany 1
2021, Jan 9 @ 2:40 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/10 — First Sunday after the Epiphany
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/01/10— Epiphany 1
2021, Jan 3 @ 11:30 AM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/03 — Epiphany
2021, Jan 2 @ 2:40 PM
Added 1920 x 1080 Sermon video to service date 2021/01/03 — The Epiphany of our Lord
Updated top video to the 1280 x 720 video for service date 2021/01/03— Epiphany
Pastor Mike Foley
1 John 5:1-6
John 20:19-31
Acts 3:12-20
The fact of Jesus’ resurrection is our assurance that we have eternal life. Our faith, based on our risen Savior, gives us what we need for this life and for the life to come. Through his Word we receive our faith and the strength it needs. In our risen Savior, we have the victory and want to live like people who know that.
He’s risen! Jesus, our crucified Savior has risen from the dead. His resurrection dries our tears; he has risen for the poor and lowly, the weak and undeserving, for you and for me!
The Hands of the Passion Series: Nail-Pierced Hands
Darkness descended on the world that day as God draped Creation in the darkness of mourning. For the Light of the world was flickering out. Though guiltless, he was tortured and cursed; though innocent, he died among criminals. Who could ever call this day “good?” Only those who know the truth of the cross: “Sing my tongue the glorious battle; sing the ending of the fray. Now above the cross, the trophy, sound the loud triumphant lay. Tell how Christ, the world’s Redeemer, as a victim won the day.”
The Hands of the Passion Series: Hands of Humility
Christ shows us the full extent of God’s love for us. The Church calls this day Maundy because of Jesus’ “new” command in the Gospel lesson that his followers love one another (it is the dies mandate). Christ shows the full extent of his love in service and in sacrifice. He loves us more than life and feeds us his body and blood to prove it. Reconciled to God, we then follow his command to love one another.
Lent began with an almost equal focus on the sinner and the Savior. But increasingly and now in Holy Week the focus is on Christ. The readings for today want us to understand once and for all who it really is who has come to save us, so that with all confidence we may do as the Prayer for the Day suggests, follow him from Holy Week to Easter, from earth to heaven.
The readings today tie Lent with both Epiphany and Easter. In them Jesus shows his glory as a saving glory but a glory that is hidden under a blanket of suffering and a veil of humiliation.
Traditionally this Sunday was called Laetare, “Rejoice” Sunday. We rejoice in the middle of Lent that God has so fully and so perfectly taken to heart our only real need as sinners and satisfied it in Christ.
Lent shows us that God is serious about his Word — all of his Word. The law shows we deserve only God’s wrath and punishment. But Jesus Christ came into this world in response to God’s promise, to live and die as our substitute. He led the perfect life we could not live and died in our place, to give us salvation — all according to his Word.
Lent has to last a while and come around every year if for no other reason than this, that it is so hard for us to get the points made so strikingly in Lent. This Sunday we see God’s seriousness in Lent in this: Salvation and suffering go hand in hand, for Jesus and for us too!
Jesus Christ came into this world to live and die as our substitute. He led the perfect life we could not live because of sin and died in our place, suffering the vengeance of all our sins. No one can take from us the salvation that is in Christ Jesus nor separate us from the love of God that we have through Christ.
The Hands of the Passion Series: Hands of Repentance Return to the Lord!
Ash Wednesday calls us to a forty-day journey of repentance and renewal. Recognition of our sin leads us to cry out for mercy and trust in God’s promised forgiveness. Return to the Lord for he is gracious! Having obtained his pardon, we seek a renewal of faith and life that we might live as baptized children of God.
Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to come into this world to save us, never lost the glory he has as the Son of God. We see his glory shining in his saving message of salvation, and that glory reflects off us and shines to others as we share the Good News.
Because of sin, there are sufferings and struggles in our lives. But Jesus shows his authority over sickness, Satan and sin. His good news heals our most serious disease (sin) and frees us to serve our Savior in a life with real meaning.
Why follow him? Jesus shows his glory by his triumph over the devil. When he walked this earth for us, he sometimes did that openly for all to see. He still does it just as effectively but in a less public, less obvious way. Just as his victory made manifest his glory then, so it does now. Just as then, so now, everything is accomplished through his Word.
Jesus shows his glory in the kind of people that he calls to serve him and in using the gospel to make them willing to follow him. Some he calls to a full-time following that leaves behind secular vocations. To all however comes the call to follow him with a willingness to abandon everything should faithfulness require it.
God’s Word is powerful. It makes changes in the hearts and lives of those who hear it, and calls them to be followers of Christ who fulfilled everything necessary to put us back together with God.
The long-expected Christ has arrived; the waiting is over as the Son of David is anointed. The Father’s approval sounds from heaven and book-ends the season of Epiphany, when with the Holy Spirit and with power it thunders again on the Mount of Transfiguration as the Son is revealed in glory.
The Eastern Church celebrates January 6th as the Nativity of our Lord. For the West, the Epiphany of our Lord is the continued celebration of the birth of the Savior of Nations. So bright is the dawning of the Son, so great is the fullness of his glory, that his light not only fills the dark streets of Bethlehem, but the ends of the earth. Jew and Gentile alike gather to worship him who is born ruler of Judah and Shepherd of all Israel.
There are two great miracles of Christmas: the one that God has become man for us and for our salvation, and that he in grace reveals the first miracle even to me and blesses me with all its benefits.
God’s Word for us this day raises us up above the cute and the trite and the trivial; for so many people that is all that Christmas is about. But there is nothing trite or trivial in what has happened today: The deepest lowliness is but the mask for the greatest glory, the glory of him who came to be our Savior!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Just as Mary, on the very first Christmas, we too meditate on the mystery of Christmas. Christ was born in order to live, die and rise from the grave for us! The Word became flesh and through faith we see his glory! Glory to God in the highest!
What’s the best way to prepare for Jesus’ coming? It’s not with frantic doing. It’s not with a focus on what we have done or promise to do. It’s not with how we will pay back what he comes to bring. The best preparation for Christmas is a readiness to receive.
In this season of Advent (Coming) we focus on the three “comings” of Christ: his coming into this world as a baby to put himself in our place and to pay for our sins, his coming in glory at the last day to take us into the full enjoyment of our salvation, and his coming into our hearts through the power of his word which gives us faith and makes that salvation our own. And all three of these comings lead us to REJOICE....
Since Jesus’ coming is sure and so important, he sends out forerunners in the footsteps of John the Baptist who help us to make proper preparation for his coming. They do that with a message not their own. They do it with the message that he himself has given. Pay close attention to those heralds of the coming Lord, the prophets and apostles, and to the pastors and teachers in our midst who have succeeded them to get us ready for his coming.
Keep watch! The unexpectedness of Christ’s coming doesn’t change its certainty. We know he is coming with judgment on the unbelieving world and grace and rescue for his people. We are filled with hope, with love, and with light. With anticipation in our hearts, we long for the fulfillment. “Come, Lord Jesus! Amen!”
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