A Day at Niagara Falls- American Side

Yesterday, the four of us (me and the Joliet people) went to Niagara Falls. And yes, we did hit both sides. Here's the pictures from the American side. A fun day was had by all.

More 125th Photos and Worship

Here are some for pics from yesterday. Also included is the order of service we followed. Enjoy!



Processional Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” LSB 644

Invocation

P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord,
C: who made heaven and earth.
P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,
C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father
C: I, a poor miserable sinner confess unto you all the my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended you and justly deserve your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray you of you boundless mercy and for the sake of the innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful being.

P: Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

Kyrie Hymn: “Just As I Am” (Stanzas 1, 2, 6)

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P: The Lord be with you.
C. And also with you.
P: Let us pray.
(The collect is spoken.)
C: Amen

Hymn of Praise: “My Church! My Dear Old Church” (Stanzas 1-3, see insert)

Old Testament:
Psalm:

Choral Selection: “The Faithful Shepherd”
Epistle:
Gospel:

Sermon Hymn: “Amazing Grace” LSB 744

Sermon: “The Seeking God”

Responsory Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” LSB 801

Prayer of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer

Choral Selection: “You Are My All In All”

Collect for the Word

Benedicamus and Benediction

P: Let us bless the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God!
P: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you His peace.
C: Amen.

Recessional Hymn: “Lift High the Cross” LSB 837


















The Participants

Liturgist: Rev. Chris Agne, pastor 2007-present
Lector: Rev. David Batchelder, pastor 1990-1993
Preacher: Rev Douglas Meilander, pastor 1973-1980
Choral Group: Members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Joliet, IL
Crucifer: Daniel E. Gard, Head Elder

Pics from the 125th!

Faithful readers over the last few days will remember that I've mentioned that my congregation's 125th anniversary was this weekend. We finally celebrated it yesterday afternoon after months of planning. The service went really well. We had several people from the community attend besides our own members. We had 2 former pastors with us as well who served as lector and preacher in the service (I served as liturgist). Actually, I learned that the 3 clergy in attendance all had one thing in common: Trinity Lutheran Church, here in Silver Creek, NY was the first church they served. Kinda interesting, I thought. Anyway, the service was just great, like I said. It was good to hear a full church sing hymns they love.

The choir that I imported from Joliet performed admirably. They did 2 songs. The second was "You are my All in All." It was fantastic. When they finished, the people clapped! And without my prodding! I was so proud.

Following the worship service, we had a banquet. Very Tasty! What a fabulous day for me and my congregation.

Who These People Are

Here are some head shots of my friends who came to visit me and serve as the choir for my congregation's 125th anniversary. These were taken last night (Saturday, 8/10/08) at the Clarion hotel in Dunkirk, NY. From top to bottom they are: Bob, Kim, Mary, and Tracy.

An Evening At The Anchor Bar

So, last night, we went to the Buffalo icon known as The Anchor Bar. It's the birthplace of Buffalo Wings, for those who may not know. Anyway, it was me, my sister Missy, and some friends from Joliet, IL (Tracy, Mary, Bob, and Kim). We all had a terrific time.

I told everybody that The Anchor Bar had the best wings in the world. And "if you disagree, I will come into your room at night and punch you repeatedly." Nobody disagreed, even outside of the fear of reprisal. Anyway, we ate the wings, heard the Jazz music, had some rounds of Blue, and just enjoyed life.

Enjoy the pics. The first one was taken in the van on the way to Buffalo. I tried to get a shot of the sunset.

More Niagara Aquarium Pics?...Why Not?

Just for fun! Here's some more pics from the Niagara Aquarium. Have fun!

Niagara Aquarium Pics

We had originally planned to go to the Buffalo Zoo today. But it rained early in the day, and we had stuff to do later on that afternoon. So, we took a little trip to the Niagara Aquarium. I was surprised by the size of the place. I knew it wasn't going to be like spending a day at the Shedd Aquarium in Chi-town. I was actually expecting a pretty dinky place. But, it was bigger than I anticipated. Here's some pics from the day. Enjoy!