Peace Talk - November 2010
Apostolic Mission Congregation of the LCMS Pastor Kristian Bjornstad 2506 N. Main Ave. 343-9828 www.yourpeace.org
FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART: 34"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day [Judgment Day] come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." This past couple weeks dealing with the Rogan family crisis has been a call to attention for me. How AM I being a good pastor to the beautiful people of this congregation? How AM I caring for the tender souls of our youth? How is it that such a precious child of God in THIS beautiful congregation was so despondent in his heart that he thought to take his own life? Jesus came to bring Life, and Life in all its fulness! Our hearts mourn at the depth of our loss and we cry with the saints hard pressed throughout the ages: “Lord have mercy on us all.” We can see in this tragedy that the Devil is powerful and if we let him, he will leave his prints all over our lives. But we rejoice today that we can be confident that despite John’s and our sin and faithlessness, God is faithful and His righteousness covers our sins! Jesus says that in these end times we will know great tragedy and all kinds of evil. The Evil One will be revealed for who his is. These are signs of the coming Judgment of the Lord. Instead of being burdened and weighed down, we are instead to lift up our heads and hope steadfast in the salvation our Lord is bringing us that sudden Day when we all stand in glory before the Son of Man. This Son of Man is the same Lord who gave himself up on a cross that we might have an eternal home with Him. Praise Jesus! To Him be all honor and glory! Pastor Bjornstad
In Memory John Rogan, Jr. John A. Rogan Jr., 16, of Scranton, died Tuesday night at home. Born Jan. 24, 1994, in Scranton, son of John A. and Carol Rogal Rogan, he was a member of the junior class at Scranton High School and was a member of the soccer team and Spanish club. John was called a child of God through holy baptism. He grew in faith and was confirmed in the Christian faith at Peace Lutheran Church. John confessed he was a sinner, but knows Jesus Christ is Savior. Also surviving are a sister, Sarah H. Rogan, Pittsburgh; a brother, Matthew J. Rogan, at home; maternal grandparents, Arlene and Thomas Jones, Scranton; his paternal grandmother, Ethel Rogan, Bristol; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandfathers Robert Rogal and James Rogan