Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Praying to Humbly Admit My Sin, and To Share my Savior Jesus With Others

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

My wife, Kathy, reminded our family at our evening meal the other night of a potentially divisive event which happened at the July 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans.  On July 22, Westboro Baptist Church (unaffiliated with any denomination) from Topeka, Kansas, protested.  According to Google, “Protesters held signs with hateful messages, including ‘You are God's Enemy’ and ‘God hates you,’ which targeted the LCMS attendees.”  Westboro from Topeka protests at big events around the country, primarily targeting sexual and gender issues.

 

At supper, Kathy reminded us of the sermon by LCMS President, Matthew Harrison, during the closing worship service.  President Harrison referenced the protest in his sermon and said that some protestors had told him, “You have sinners in your church.”  His reply to the protestors, according to his sermon, “Well, Duh!”  Jesus established the church because “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We have all fallen short and sinned. Everyone needs a savior.  Jesus came because we need Him and we need His forgiveness.  The purpose of the Christian Church is to share the saving forgiveness of Jesus!

 

October 26 will be celebrated in many churches as Reformation Sunday, because it is the last Sunday in October, and because the precipitating event of the Reformation, the 95 Theses, is dated to October 31, 1517.  HOWEVER, if churches were not celebrating Reformation Sunday on that day, the Gospel reading assigned for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost is Luke 18:9-17, which includes the well-known parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’" (Luke 18:9-14)  In this parable, Jesus commends the humble confession and faith of the sinful tax collector over the self-righteous and judgmental behavior of the Pharisee.

 

Did you know that when asked for opinion polls in the 1980’s “How would you describe Christians?”, one of the most common answers given by Americans to that question was “arrogant!”?  In their 2007 book, ‘UnChristian’, Gabe Lyons and Dave Kinnaman wrote that this generation often sees Jesus’ church as ‘judgmental.’  In other words, it is not just the people who protested at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering who act that way.  Christians live in the tension between, on the one hand, standing for God and His law to love our Lord and to love others. Yet, on the other hand, our main message is the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus.  Unfortunately, Christians sometimes do come off as self-righteous and judgmental.

 

Do you remember Jesus’ words in Mark 2?  After eating in the home of Levi, or Matthew the tax collector, we are told, 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’" (Mark 2:16-17) Again, everyone needs a savior.  Jesus came because we need Him, and we need His forgiveness.

 

One of my favorite examples of Christians behaving as I believe Jesus models, comes from the 1997 Promise Keepers event, “Stand in the Gap,” in Washington, D.C.  Hundreds of thousands of Christian men gathered for teaching, support, and encouragement.  I watched on television news as a news reporter from one of the major television networks at that time asked some attendees what they thought about other people.  “What do you think of . . . ?” and the reporter listed a number of behaviors which traditional Christians believe transgress the law of God.  The answers I heard were, “I cannot condemn someone else.  I know that I personally am sinful, and I need my Savior to forgive me, and to help me live for Him.” 

 

Christians live in the middle.  We are called to stand for the righteousness of God, yet our primary message is one of forgiveness, because the perfect Son of God died on the cross to pay for our/my sins.

 

My prayer is that I know and live the words of Jesus, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." My prayer is that I can humbly admit my sin, and that I share my Savior Jesus with others.  


How about you?

 

A Child of God, Praying to Humbly Admit My Sin, and To Share my Savior Jesus With Others,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 8 names.

The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

The next meeting is Friday evening, October 24.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters held their annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this took place on the 7th in the library.

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival was held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       There is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       Ladies Bunco on Monday evening, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       Men’s Night on Friday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Birchwood Saloon!

 

·       Youth Group meets after worship on Sunday, October 26.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now studying about the church.  On October 12 we began studying about “Lutheran Distinctives.”  We will continue this study on October 19.  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School is held each Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Subsequent classes will be held on October 19 and November 2.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, October 15 we finished reading 1 Thessalonians.  On October 16 we begin to read 2 Thessalonians.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  - As seasons change, so do recreational opportunities in Alaska. 

I have begun regular exercise at the gym again. 

 

·       I golfed on Friday, October 10, with friend, Pastor Tony Schultz.  It was a cool but sunny day.  😊 Here are some pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/yXutxVUEVxCXKPN18

 

·       I had hoped to fish on Monday, October 13.  HOWEVER, the rain was steady, and the wind blew, so I stayed home and watched the Mariners win their second game in the m the League Championship Series.  😊

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK


 

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

  

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Blessed by Jesus in Ways I had Forgotten, in Ways Beyond My Understanding!!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I had a wonderful surprise this past September when I hosted family and friends of Pastor Paul Birner by taking them fishing on the Kenai River.  I have stocked up on poles, and lures, and boots, and rain gear, so that when folks fish with me I have all the equipment.  All they have to do is bring some food, and dress comfortably.  So, as I was preparing for these September fishing outings, I found a fishing pole I forgot I had.  I previously paired a really nice St. Croix fishing rod with an Abu Garcia C3 baitcaster, my favorite reel.  It turns out that this is my nicest salmon fishing set up.  As I used this combo, I found that it was the best casting reel I have, in Alaska or in Florida.  You see, I had this wonderful fishing gear all the time, but I had forgotten it, or even not realized it was there.  Finding this rod and using it again was indeed a wonderful surprise.

 

That is sort of like what I experienced on Monday, October 6, as I read my daily devotions, from Colossians 1.  I have read these words before, but I had forgotten the wonderful, life-changing truth found in this chapter.  Or perhaps, I had just never quite taken the time to truly understand this deep truth about the person and work of our Savior, Jesus, truth which God inspired Paul to share.  Please consider with me the depth of who Jesus is. “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:15-19) 

 

These verses begin to reveal to us some of the mystery of Jesus.  Jesus existed before anything else.  Of course, he is the Son of God, who is eternal.  Jesus was active in creation, creating everything ”in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible . . . all things were created through him and for him!  Jesus not only brought everything into being, but, according to these verses, “in Him all things hold together!”  Our world may be a mess, but what works is working because Jesus holds it together.  Jesus is the head of the church.  And, Jesus, the son of Mary, is also totally God, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,  It is through Jesus that God chooses to reconcile, or to save the world.

 

That is A LOT!  I paused over, thought about and considered, and meditated upon, what this scripture shares about who Jesus is.  Truthfully, the person of Jesus . . . blows my mind!

 

But, God reveals even more at the end of Colossians 1.  Paul writes 25  . . . I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:25-27)

 

Paul uses the word “mystery” twice in these 3 verses. The even GREATER surprise is that this Jesus, who is the Creator, and Lord and Savior of all, lives in me!  In Me! (And in you!)  I am so blessed.  This is BEYOND my imagination or understanding. 

 

To have the saving love and the creative power of Jesus in me is a gift that obviously makes a difference in my life.  Elizabeth Elliot, Christian writer and wife of missionary martyr, Jim Elliott, writes, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” When Jesus is in me I can face anything.  I can face disappointment, and sorrow, because Jesus who loved me is in me!  I can face my failure and my sin, because my forgiving Savior, Jesus, is in me!  I can face illness and death, because Jesus, who rose from the dead and offers eternal life through faith in Him, this Jesus is IN ME!

 

Last month I found this great fishing rod and reel which I had totally forgotten I had.  What a wonderful surprise!  But, after reading Colossians 1 again this past Monday morning, I’m still working to let this mystery sink in.  “. . . God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

What changes in your attitudes, what changes in your behavior, what changes in your life, because Jesus, the Lord and Savior of all, lives in you?

 

A Child of God, Blessed by Jesus in Ways I had Forgotten, in Ways Beyond My Understanding!!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 8 names.

The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters held their annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this takes place on the 7th in the library.

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       There is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now studying about the church.  On October 5 we studied about The Holy Spirit and prayer,  On October 12 we will study about the Last Days and about “Lutheran Distinctives.”  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School began on Sunday, September 7!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, October 8 we finished reading Colossians.  On October 9 we begin to read 1 Thessalonians.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  - As seasons change, so do recreational opportunities in Alaska.  Also, I have begun regular exercise again. 

 

·       On Monday, October 6, after exercise at the gym, I took my dog, Mat, and we walked about 2-3 miles on the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pgSE5vTSdaXeMvtZ7

 

·       I do plan to golf on Friday, October 10, with friend, Pastor Tony Schultz.  😊

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 


Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Equipped by my Lord for the Daily Deadly Battles of This Life

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

At the Northwest District Convention held in June 2025 in Spokane, WA, one of the presenters used a quote from J.R. Tolkien, written in some of his letters.   "I am a Christian, and indeed a Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect 'history' to be anything but a 'long defeat' – though it contains (and in a legend may contain more clearly and movingly) some samples or glimpses of final victory". 

 

I have pondered that thought.   The words are not from Scripture, so they do not claim inspired truth.  But they are the words of a wise believer who has seen the battles of life.  How might this seemingly depressing quote about a ‘long defeat’ be true? 

 

We live in a world of sin.  Martin Luther taught that our enemies are “the devil, the world, and our flesh.”  We face constant attacks from the evil enemy of our Lord, who is also our enemy.  The wisdom of this world is contrary to the sacrificial, loving, wisdom of God. Our world calls us away from our Creator and our Savior and our loving Lord’s direction for our lives.  Finally, and sadly, we are often our own worst enemies.  Whether our pride, or lust, or anger, or greed, or doubt, or other fleshly desires tempt us, we do fight this battle within ourselves as well.  In the end we are all sinners.  We have all fallen short.  And we all face death at the end of this life. We face the ‘long defeat.’

 

Thankfully, even though we face the ‘long defeat’ in this life, Jesus has won the war for us.  Tolkien writes of ‘final victory.” Perhaps one of the most clear Scripture verses which speaks of both our defeat, but also our victory, is what God inspired St. Paul to write in Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  In the face of our defeat because of sin and death, our loving Lord gives, as a gift, victory through the eternal life we have in Jesus! His perfect life, His sacrificial death to pay for my sins, and the sins of the whole world, His death defeating resurrection assure us that, even in the defeats of this world, we have victory, “the free gift of God . . .  eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

On Tuesday, September 30, the readings in my daily devotions were from Ephesians 5 and 6.  These are rich chapters of practical wisdom and guidance for children of God.  In Ephesians 6 Paul encourages the Christians from Ephesus to “put on the whole armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:11) His reason for that armor is found in verses 12-13. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”   We are in a battle, in a war.

 

Just consider where the mark and damage of this enemy may be seen.  As you look around you in our world, do you see love, or hate?  Do you see unity, or division?  Do you see peace, or violence?  This disruption damages nations, steals world peace, and also attacks the church of Jesus.  Satan is really happy when people are fighting.

 

Paul tells us in this section of scripture of many defensive weapons for the attacks.  In Ephesians 6:10-20 we are told to put on the “belt of truth” and the “breastplate of righteousness.”  God defends us when we “take up the shield of faith” and “the helmet of salvation.”  (vv. 14-16) Our Lord gives armor to protect us.

 

But there are also offensive weapons in this battle as well.  God calls us to “take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” (v. 17) We also have the weapon of prayer.  18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”  (Ephesians 6:18-19)  I do personally pray daily for the church that the gospel of Jesus may indeed be proclaimed boldly.

 

As I consider the trials and challenges of my life of faith, as I consider my own weaknesses and failures, it is reassuring to know that God has given me weapons to fight these battles.  He gives His Word, through worship, through devotions and meditation, also through His sacraments.  Our Lord also provides us with the offensive weapon of prayer.  There is nothing better I can do in the battles of life than to read the Word of my Lord and to pray.

 

Are you facing any battles, or challenges, or difficulties right now?  Our Lord gives help and strength.  Are you worshiping, and reading His word?  Are you regular in prayer?  In the battles of life, in the ‘long defeat’, I trust my Lord’s victory in Jesus, and I use His Word and prayer to seek His purposes, and as I gain the ‘final victory.’

 

A Child of God, Equipped by my Lord for the Daily Deadly Battles of This Life,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 10 names.

The goal is to turn in this self-study, and nominations for pastor, to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Beginner Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Fall Prevention Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Voters will hold the annual budget and election meeting of the Voters on Sunday, October 5, after worship.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on Mondays, October 6 and October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In October this takes place on the 7th in the library.

 

·       A Fall Blessings Festival will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

 

·       There is a “Mind, Body, and Soul Event” for ladies at Our Redeemer on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class is studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now studying about the church.  On October 5 we will study about The Holy Spirit, about prayer, and about the Last Days..  Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School began on Sunday, September 7!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on Sunday evenings, October 5 and 19 at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, October 1 we will start reading the book of Philippians.   

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have recently received questions and comments.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.P.S. Family and Fishing!  - I did not go fishing, and gardening is completed for the year. However  . . .

 

·       I did golf.  Here are some pictures from a game at the Palmer Golf Course on Monday, September 29.  I had some good shots, and some bad ones. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pcfQtFzzMjR1w1c39

 

·       We saw Northern Lights on Monday evening, September 29.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/SLspdcmvT3hfJ4Rm7

 

·       Recipe – Kathy sent pumpkin cinnamon rolls to church on Sunday, September 28.  I have been asked for the recipe.  Here it is:

 

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls - Recipe  from https://lilluna.com/soft-pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/

 

Prep Time 30 minutes, Cook Time 30 minutes, Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes, Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

 

Ingredients

           2 tablespoons active dry yeast

           1/2 cup warm water 110° to 115°

           4 large eggs

           1 cup shortening

           1 cup canned pumpkin

           1 cup warm milk 110° to 115°

           1/2 cup sugar

           1/2 cup brown sugar

           1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix

           1/3 cup instant butterscotch pudding mix   I used cook and serve, because that’s what I had

           1 teaspoons salt

           7 1/2 cup all purpose flour  I used quite a bit more flour, and it was still a very moist dough. Like maybe another cup or more when mixing and ½ cup more to roll out.

FILLING:

           1/4 cup soft butter   I used ½ cup softened butter total, ¼ cup on each half of the dough

           1 cup brown sugar

           2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

ICING

           6 tablespoons water I used half and half, and probably not 6 tablespoons, but enough to make it thin enough to spread

           4 tablespoons butter softened

           2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

           3-4 cup powdered sugar

           3 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Instructions

·       Dissolve yeast in a large bowl with ½ cup warm water. Let stand until bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, shortening, pumpkin, milk, sugars, pudding mixes, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Slowly stir in up to 1 more cup of flour until soft dough forms. (Dough will be sticky). It was like brownie batter for me at this point, I kept adding flour, until it held together on the kitchenaid hook.

 

·       Spread ½ cup flour on a flat surface. Knead dough for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. I counted the time in the mixer as kneading. Just scraped it straight into the large greased bowl.   Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top of the dough. Cover and place in a warm spot. Let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.  Mine took 1 ½ hours.

 

·       Punch dough down and divide in half. Roll each into a 12x8 rectangle. Mine was probably more like 18 x 12. Brush or spread with softened butter. Mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle over dough.

 

·       Start rolling with a long side (jelly-roll style); pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 slices. I ended up with 15 slices, a little more than an inch wide. I put 12 each into 2 greased foil 9 x 13 pans and the rest in a foil pie pan.  Cut side down, place into 2 greased 9x13-in. pans. I covered with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator overninght. Took out in the morning and let sit on the counter for 30 minutes.  Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled.

 

·       Bake for 22-28 minutes at 350°. Rolls should be golden brown. Combine your water, butter and pumpkin pie spice In a small bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

 

Nutrition Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1765IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2.3mg

Kathy Rockey, 2025,  Happy Cooking!

 

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)