Living A Truly NEW LIFE as a Baptized Disciple of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

It was PERFECT TIMING!  On Sunday, December 28, the last Sunday in 2025, Harrison Graber was baptized at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak! 

 

Most people know that this Wednesday, December 31 is the end of the 2025 calendar year, and that Thursday, January 1, is the beginning of 2026.  There are BIG celebrations around the world when New Year’s Day rolls around.  I’m sure you know about the ball dropping in Times Square, New York.  Other cities and countries have major celebrations as well.  The idea is that the pain and suffering and trouble of the past year is over.  FINALLY, we get a new start!

 

Nevertheless, you and I also know that, just because the calendar rolls over, does not necessarily mean that the war in the Ukraine is over.  The dawning of 2026 does not stop cancer in those who suffer that dread disease.  A new year does not, on its own, heal families.  Just because the old year is gone does not mean that former problems are gone from our lives.

 

But, as I shared in worship on December 28, God gives a new start daily, in our baptisms. God inspired St. Paul to write about the baptized life in Romans 6.  Listen to these words about new life from verses 3 and 4.  “³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”  Through baptism we die with Jesus to our sin.  (See also Colossians 2:11-12.)  He washed away the old and we rise with Christ so that we too “Walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE.” 

 

God does wash away our sin in baptism, through the death of Jesus on the cross.  In baptism, He forgives us! God also gives His Holy Spirit in our baptisms. (Acts 2:38-39)  As God works and strengthens faith in our baptisms, we live this new forgiven life.  Also, because of the grace of God for sinners like us, God changes our hearts so that we want to live for Him.  That is why in Romans 6:11 God teaches, ^“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”  God takes away the sin of our former transgressions, and makes us new, through faith in Jesus.  We begin living that new life in this world.  God also promises that, ultimately, we will fully live that new life with Him in heaven.

 

Martin Luther wrote about the blessings and power of baptism in his Small Catechism.  (1529)  “What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should DAILY emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”  Luther then quotes the Romans 6 verse we also considered.

 

Baptism is not just a one-time part of our life with God.  Through our baptisms, because we are joined to Jesus’ death and resurrection, this new life is a daily blessing, a daily opportunity.  We do not have to wait for the turning of a calendar.  And, this new life of forgiveness and eternal life for the baptized child of God brings real blessings, not just an “imagined new start.” 

 

I am not surprised that people celebrate the arrival of a new year so passionately.  The pain caused by the sin in our lives is something we all want to put behind us.  Thankfully, as a child of God I have a new life daily, through my baptism, because Jesus died and rose for me! I live in the promise of a totally new life in heaven. Congratulations, Harrison!

 

A Child of God, Living A Truly NEW LIFE as a Baptized Disciple of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from Harrison’s baptism this past Sunday.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/AKusxMTPjzttYyKQ6

 

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

 

·       Pastor Craig Schultz will begin serving Our Redeemer as Interim / Vacancy Pastor in January.  Pastor Rockey’s last Sunday at Our Redeemer is January 4.  Then he will go to Gainesville, FL, and serve there where he was scheduled to return this past fall.  Pastor Schultz will preach at Anchorage Lutheran Church on January 4, and then Our Redeemer Lutheran on January 11, 2026.

 

·       Christy Andrews service – Long time, beloved Our Redeemer member, Christy Andrews, passed away on Sunday, December 28, after a long illness.  Initial plans are being made for a service at Our Redeemer on Saturday, January 10.

 

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

The first step in the call process was to complete a congregational self-study we received from the Northwest District.  The committee asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor were also distributed.  The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

Our Redeemer received a list of names of possible future pastors for Our Redeemer from the Northwest District on Wednesday, November 26. The committee met on Tuesday, December 9 to clarify their responsibilities, and they will meet again in early January to prepare to contact the pastors whose names we have received.

 

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 Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

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

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays 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.   

 

• Youth Group meets after worship on one Sunday each month.   They did NOT meet in December, but return in January.

 

·       A Memory Café for families dealing with the issues of dementia was held at Our Redeemer on Friday November 14.  There was good attendance, including some families from the community.  The next Memory Café is scheduled for Friday, January 9 at 11:00 a.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 FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   On Sunday, January 4, Keillor’s monologue is entitled, “The Pastors and the Boat”  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 the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  We finished fall Confirmation classes on Sunday, December 7.  This fall we studied about the Lord’s Prayer.  Confirmation Classes resume on Sunday, January 4 after church.  We will study about the Sacraments.  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, December 31, we read Revelation 22, THE LAST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE. Congratulations to all who read through Scripture with me.

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 Fun and Fishing!   

 

·       We celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Worship.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/W17nZaFU2zWUbQXh9

 

·       On Wednesday night, Christmas Eve, Brandon Holmes proposed to our daughter, Mary, and she accepted.  😊 Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/keE6PZFg9zTj8Kpa7

 

·       We had a “partial” family Christmas celebration on Monday, December 29. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ABBMXYXEHY75beNx6

 

·       I went fishing on Friday, December 26.  But with the short days I did not have much time on the ice.  Here are some pictures from a trip to Walby Lake.  However, I had NO BITES!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ABBMXYXEHY75beNx6

 

·       I did go fishing on Tuesday, December 30.  It was late and the sun was setting, but I did catch one nice dolly.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/1atgGHdnEvE3tJBY6

******

 

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

907-841-4066 – cell

 

 

“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)

 

How Are YOU Celebrating Christmas? Let Me Recommend Christmas Worship!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

How are you celebrating Christmas this year?  Or, ARE you celebrating?

 

“Christmas” is the title for the day of Jesus’ birth, or the name of the holiday.  Years ago I read that the word “Christmas” came from the two words “Christ” and “mass,” or Messiah and worship service.  Even in the early days, Christmas celebrated the birth of Jesus with a time of worship.

 

Many Christian congregations have Christmas worship services today.  My personal experience is that one of the biggest, most festive worship celebrations of the whole year is the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  In this services there are often readings of Christmas prophecies, and readings of the Christmas story, or stories (Luke 2:1-20, or Matthew 1:28-25).  These messages of good news are highlighted by beautiful Christmas hymns, or carols, which proclaim peace and joy and salvation because the Son of God became human to save the world from their sin, from condemnation, and from death.  However, for this special occasion, there are often other additional special touches.  Often congregations arrange for special music, And THEN, when the candles each person holds are lit, and the church lights go out, and prayers are said and hymns are sung to candlelight (My favorite is “Silent Night.”), the worship service proclaims the wonder and mystery of the birth of Jesus.  No wonder many congregations hold more Christmas Eve Candlelight services than they hold on a normal Sunday.

 

To me, Christmas Day worship is special too.  The crowd is usually much smaller than on Christmas Eve.  There might still be special music.  We often celebrate the coming of Jesus as we receive the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus also gives Himself, His body and blood in the bread and the wine. (Actually, many congregations celebrate Holy Communion on Christmas Eve also.)  But the service seems quieter since there are fewer in attendance.  I would not call Christmas Day worship somber.  My experience of Christmas Day worship is that of a quiet, peaceful, joy.

 

While these worship services observe God’s special gift of love with special worship, our worship surely does not reproduce the setting of the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus.  Looking at the last minute for a place to give birth only sounds hectic, if not frantic.  Laying the new-born baby in a feed trough does not meet modern standards of cleanliness.  Everything surrounding Jesus’ birth, from the conception by a virgin through the Holy Spirit, to the trip to register in a census for tax purposes, to the singing of angels, is different than our planned, joyful, celebrations of worship.

 

Almost all also join in social and cultural celebrations of Christmas, such as Santa, and parties, and trees, and decorations, and gifts.  While these can point to the Christmas mystery of the birth of Jesus, they can also distract from the real reason for celebrating.

 

According to Scripture, God’s salvation plan through Jesus has always been a wonderful mystery, even for the prophets, even for the angels!  Please read 1 Peter 1:10-12.  ¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, ¹¹ inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”  What WAS that first Christmas like?  What IS a proper response? 

 

One of my now favorite decorations is an electric Christmas scene my daughter-in-law, Erin, gave my wife in a recent Christmas.  It is like a snow globe, with contrasting features.  Mary, and Joseph, and Jesus are pictured with some animals, an angel, and lots of blowing snow – snow with PALM TREES in the background.  Go figure!  The scene is lighted, and lights on top of the display also flash.  But, in the midst of all this Christmas glitz, the light shines on JESUS.  In the midst of the mystery of the birth of God’s promised Messiah and Christ, Jesus stands out!

 

The angels told the shepherds and told us what we need to know, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:11)  And this birth of Jesus is such an amazing mystery, and good news, it is worth CELEBRATING!

 

How are you celebrating Christmas this year?  Or, ARE you celebrating?  I have a suggestion you are free to accept or ignore.  Why not attend Christmas worship this year?  Maybe attend Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day.  In the midst of our crazy, mixed-up, sinful world, we need God’s help.  We need a Savior.  Again, the angel proclaims the reason to celebrate.  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

 

A Child of God, Awestruck by the Mystery of the Birth of Jesus, Worshiping my God and Savior!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here is a picture and a video of Kathy’s Christmas decoration!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DNbmXkeLL68HW1rX9

 

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

 

·       New Members – On Sunday, December 21, Our Redeemer received 2 new adult members, received through attending adult confirmation classes.  Justin Hall and Mollie Vukelic were received as adult communicant members.  We pray that Our Redeemer is a blessing to their faith, and that they find ways to serve their Lord at Our Redeemer.

 

·       Pastor Craig Schultz will begin serving Our Redeemer as Interim / Vacancy Pastor in January.  Pastor Rockey’s last Sunday at Our Redeemer is January 4.  Then he will go to Gainesville, FL, and serve there where he was scheduled to return this past fall.  Pastor Schultz will preach at Anchorage Lutheran Church on January 4, and then Our Redeemer Lutheran on January 11, 2026.

 

·       SPECIAL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:  In addition to regular Sunday worship at 10:00 each week, Our Redeemer has planned special worship services through the Holidays.  There are services every Wednesday, AND Christmas Day.  You might note these on your calendar

o   Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

§  Focus on Children – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.

§  Christmas Eve for all – Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

o   Christmas Day Worship – Thursday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.

o   New Year’s Eve Worship – Wednesday, December 31, at 6:30 p.m.

 

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

The first step in the call process was to complete a congregational self-study we received from the Northwest District.  The committee asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor were also distributed.  The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

Our Redeemer received a list of names of possible future pastors for Our Redeemer from the Northwest District on Wednesday, November 26. The committee met on Tuesday, December 9 to clarify their responsibilities, and they will meet again in early January to prepare to contact the pastors whose names we have received.

 

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 Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

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

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays 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.   

 

• Youth Group meets after worship on one Sunday each month.   The will NOT meet in December, but return in January.

 

·       A Memory Café for families dealing with the issues of dementia was held at Our Redeemer on Friday November 14.  There was good attendance, including some families from the community.  The next Memory Café is scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 11:00 a.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 FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   On Sunday, December 28, Keillor’s monologue is entitled, “A Christmas Story Retold!”  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 the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  We finished fall Confirmation classes on Sunday, December 7.  This fall we studied about the Lord’s Prayer.  Confirmation Classes resume on Sunday, January 4 after church.  We will study about the Sacraments.  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, December 23, we read through Revelation 15. We will soon have completed reading the Scriptures in a 2 year period!   

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 Fun and Fishing!  I got to go fishing 3 TIMES after the wind let up, some!

 

·       On Friday, December 19, I tested Seventeen Mile Lake for a possible fishing trip the next day.  I caught 4, and could have caught more if I stayed.  I released all fish.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/CumnNcEg1gkpJq937

 

·       On Saturday, December 20, I took Our Redeemer Member, Jacob Lewis, and son Nathan, fishing on Seventeen Mile Lake.  We were able to drive onto the lake which provided some shelter as . . . THE WIND was starting again!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xbNwjJSZ1xZvC83r8

 

·       On Monday, December 22, I went fishing with Kym Miller and with Mary’s boyfriend, Brandon Holmes.  It was about -10 and COLD.  But, we caught fish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH1XqxvGNnRRiP6m6

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

Amen! COME, Lord Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Do you remember waiting for Christmas morning? I shared recently with the members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, that, as a child, I would wait for weeks, getting more excited as the day came closer. I was always worried because of some trouble I had gotten into.  Would I get coal?  The night before Christmas, I struggled to go to sleep. I waited with anticipation for Christmas morning.

 

Of course, part of that excitement for a young boy was because of the presents.  Nevertheless, the whole day was special. It was different.  Often during the year my parents spent time correcting me, for good reason. I got in trouble at school. I was scolded and punished for fights with my brother.  BUT, on Christmas that was all set aside.  Family would gather.  My grandparents came over.  We went to church and had a nice meal together.  It was a feast of love.  I am thankful that in our family our feast of love centered in celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Savior. 

 

Yet, even though I am no where close to being a child any longer, I still wait for the celebration of Christmas.  In fact, as I read through my 2 year “Today’s Light Bible,” I am again nearing the end.  I am reading in the book of Revelation.  Therefore, I can echo the prayer at the end of that book.  Jesus declares, "Surely I am coming soon." And the Apostle John replies, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)  Yes, Amen!  Come, Lord Jesus!

 

As I write this devotion on December 17, the horrible news of the past week still causes me sadness.  There was a mass shooting in Australia this weekend at a Jewish celebration for the beginning of Hannukkah.  Two students were also killed and others wounded in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, RI.  As I read through the prophetic book of Revelation, the people of John’s time were facing violence, and persecution, and other challenges to their faith.  God gave this revelation to John in order to assure disciples of Jesus that “Yes, he HAD died for their sins,” and that “Yes, Jesus HAD risen and defeated sin and death.”  In spite of their trials God had not abandoned them.  So, they prayed for Jesus to come again. In the trials of our world today I also join in praying, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

 

However, my faith is not just challenged from outside my mind and heart. I also struggle inside myself, with doubt and anger and temptation.  I struggle to be faithful.  I recently read in my daily readings about the seven churches to whom John addressed this final book of Scripture.  Two of the seven churches were indeed faithful in the midst of persecution and even martyrdom.  But many of those churches to whom John wrote were wavering in their faithfulness to the one who had suffered and had died for them.  For example, John wrote to the church of Laodicea, “¹⁵I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!  ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  ¹⁷ For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”  Revelation 3:15-17)  Obviously, our Lord wants disciples who are fully committed to Him.  God is not happy when we obey, or worship, or thank, or praise Him just once in a while, only when we feel like it, only when we are in need.  One of my prayers for Christmas is that the love of God shines through the miraculous birth of Jesus and again touches hearts.  I pray that the self-giving, saving love of God, lights a spark again in the hearts of believers, a spark which keeps burning faithfully.  Therefore, I pray, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

 

This coming Sunday, December 21, the 4^th Sunday in Advent, the assigned readings are from Isaiah 7 and Matthew 1.  In both of these readings we are taught about Jesus, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14)  That, after all, is what I really need.  I need to know Jesus and His presence as I celebrate Christmas.  I need to know Jesus and His presence in order to receive the real gifts of peace and joy this year.  I need Jesus and His presence through all the craziness in our world, waiting for Him to come again.  I need Jesus and His presence in the trials of my own weakness.

 

So, this Christmas I again echo John’s prayer.  “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

 

A Child of God, Waiting and Hoping to Receive Jesus this Christmas, and Eternally!

Pastor Rockey

 

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

 

·       Pastor Craig Schultz will begin serving Our Redeemer as Interim / Vacancy Pastor in January.  Pastor Rockey’s last Sunday at Our Redeemer is January 4.  Then he will go to Gainesville, FL, and serve there where he was scheduled to return this past fall.  Pastor Schultz will preach at Anchorage Lutheran Church on January 4, and then Our Redeemer Lutheran on January 11, 2026.

 

·       SPECIAL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:  In addition to regular Sunday worship at 10:00 each week, Our Redeemer has planned special worship services through the Holidays.  There are services every Wednesday, AND Christmas Day.  You might note these on your calendar

o   Mid-Week Advent 3 Worship, The Angel and Joseph - Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m.

o   Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

§  Focus on Children – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.

§  Christmas Eve for all – Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

o   Christmas Day Worship – Thursday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.

o   New Year’s Eve Worship – Wednesday, December 31, at 6:30 p.m.

 

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

The first step in the call process was to complete a congregational self-study we received from the Northwest District.  The committee asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor were also distributed.  The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

Our Redeemer received a list of names of possible future pastors for Our Redeemer from the Northwest District on Wednesday, November 26. The committee met on Tuesday, December 9 to clarify their responsibilities, and they will meet again in early January to prepare to contact the pastors whose names we have received.

 

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 Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

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

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays 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.   

 

• Youth Group meets after worship on one Sunday each month.   The will NOT meet in December, but return in January.

 

·       A Memory Café for families dealing with the issues of dementia was held at Our Redeemer on Friday November 14.  There was good attendance, including some families from the community.  The next Memory Café is scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 11:00 a.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 FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   On Sunday, December 14, Keillor’s monologue is entitled, “James Lundeen’s Christmas.”  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 the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  We finished fall Confirmation classes on Sunday, December 7.  This fall we studied about the Lord’s Prayer.  Confirmation Classes resume on Sunday, January 4 after church.  We will study about the Sacraments.  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, December 17, we read through Revelation 9. We will soon have completed reading the Scriptures in a 2 year period!   

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 Fun and Fishing! 

 

·       We paid to have lights put on our 30’ blue spruce tree in the front yard, last Wednesday. The wind disconnected some lights on December 7.  However, during a short lull in the wind, I also set up our lighted outdoor nativity.  Here is a picture from last Thusday, December 11.  Of course, the wind began blowing again on Saturday and Sunday, January 13 and 14.  We continue the battle.  Here is a picture from last Thursday.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CQKsnpqdWym9e3uB8

 

·       On Saturday, December 13, we had our annual Christmas tree cutting outing.  Thanks to the Roelffs’ family for saving a tree on their property we could cut this year.  Here are some pictures of our tree.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iz5MmdeLE9Bmq1LF9

 

·       Mary took pictures of Jake's dog, Eska.  This is a blanket she gave Jake for Christmas. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5WMxvGdBbCdBJy6H9

 

·       Kathy made Christmas quilts for all the grandchildren, and she wanted them to have their Christmas quilts FOR Christmas.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Yt3zdCkpxxu3gekQ6

 

·       I have hoped, and even planned, to go ice fishing.  However, on days I have had free the wind is blowing with gusts up to 90 mph.  Thankfully our power did not go out again.  I haven’t been fishing, but here are a couple of weather reports. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Nf9DnSkedVsobAYA

 

 

 

*******

 

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)