Pastor David Maier - Forward in Hope

Sex and the Christian Marriage

This past Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of speaking to the adult youth leaders, church leaders and parents at the Mid-Michigan Purity Rally at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI.  Bill Yonker, close friend, noted Youth Speaker, and Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dundee, IL, was the featured speaker for the Youth.  He also was the preacher for Our Savior's Reformation Services, also celebrated on November 1.  Of course, God used him mightily in both venues.

In my research while preparing for my presentation to the adults I came across an article at crosswalk.com written by contributing editor Betsy St. Amant.  It was entitled "Sex and the Christian Marriage ."  The title is a hyper link that will take you directly to the article ... but it is also reprinted here.  It is an excellent, candid and informative article that is well worth the read ... for those who are dating, those contemplating marriage, and those married, whether they are "veterans" or in the first years of marriage.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

Please leave your comments below.  It would be great to get a discussion going.

"Sex and the Christian Marriage" by Betsy St. Amant

Youth Ministry at Our Savior Church, Lansing, MI

Over the past year TJ Wulff has been an incredible asset to the spiritual growth and maturing of our youth here at OSL.  From summer outings to Wednesday evening “highs and lows” and a topical discussion … addictions, dating, how to say to your boyfriend or girlfriend that your not comfortable with how the relationship is going, honoring your parents, etc. … TJ, a young man studying for his Masters at MSU in Social Work and Counseling, has given some incredible insights, encouragements, and some stability to our High School Youth Ministry.

With some changes and schedule, approaching marriage in June, and time marching on I am thrilled to share that Mrs. Sherry Burmeister will soon be taking the lead as the OSL Youth Ministry Director.  She will not only be overseeing the coordination of the Jr. High, Sr. High, and College Ministries, but will take over the direct leadership of the High School Ministry.  We are also incredibly thankful for the help of Sara Bennington, and OSL member and alum of Our Savior Lutheran School.

Sherry brings with her and awesome heart for kids to know Jesus, excited willingness, committed availability, and dedication to Christ and the OSL ministries.  She has raised 4 boys with her husband Bill and they are growing, productive, members of various LC-MS congregations – with two still her at OSL. 

Can’t wait to see how the OSL Youth Ministry continues to expand and mature.  Welcome Sherry!!

NOT Just "The Future" ... but The Present

It’s often been said that our children and youth are the “future of the church.”  Not really.  I believe they are “the present.”  They are continually on the front lines of contemporary culture and therefore always on the Satan’s front line for temptation.  OSL has always recognized the benefit, and blessing, therefore, of our Christian Day School for grade school age children, working with parents in believing the promise of Proverbs 22:6:  “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

But what about our not-so-little, growing and maturing lambs, after they graduate from OSL?  What about our High School Youth that never attended OSL School … but like our grads, desperately need a continuing walk with Jesus? 

Thank God for our Youth Ministry … and it’s continued development and growth.  With Eric having departed for the seminary (where he’s doing very well) we were most blessed to have T J Wulff step in to fill a huge void.  T J left his job at Star Commonwealth in order to pursue an advanced degree in social work at Michigan State University.  While he’s here in the Lansing area, we are most thankful for his expertise and service … for all that he brings to our youth here at OSL. 

T J was not a stranger to our Youth, for many of them knew him as one of their favorite counselors at Camp Arcadia, during Alumni Week.  Fun loving, incredibly relational, but serious about Jesus and our youths’ relationship to Him, he has a true passion and concern for youth.  They know that … and are responding awesomely.  Not only are our youth returning to the mid-week GROUP Time … but they’re also bringing their friends.  At our last social activity – the hayride, “haunted house”, bonfire at the Hughes – we had well over 40 kids in attendance.  What a blessing!  With mid-week GROUP attendance in the mid-twenties, and growing, and Sunday Bible Class with Brett Kaschinske we are looking forward to our youths’ growth and transformation in Christ.

Please continue to pray for T J and his remarkable, faithful volunteers – especially Sherry B., Carlos, and Brett K. – but especially for our Youth … for they are the present … and the future of our dear Lord’s church.