Excelsior Lutheran Church

04/05/2026

He is risen!

04/03/2026

What happened on Good Friday?

Today is often called Good Friday, marking the day that Jesus suffered and died on the cross. There are a few reasons that we use the word "Good" today:

First of all, it is indeed good, because God's love of the world was on full display and humanity now had the opportunity to be reconciled with the Creator.

Secondly, the word 'good' in old English carried the same definition of 'holy'. Many other languages call today "Holy Friday", and "Good Friday" is mainly a semantic in English.

Finally, it is possible that today once was called "God's Friday" or Gottes Freitag, and after a while it evolved into "Good Friday". This is similar to how "God Be With Ye" eventually turned into "Goodbye".

Regardless of what we call the day, this is when Jesus gave His life for us. He was mocked, spit at, and tortured under the High Priest and then Pilate. He was then forced to wear a crown of thorns, along with a royal robe, and carry a staff while the soldiers bowed down and mock-worshipped Him.

After the flogging, Jesus was forced to carry His cross outside the city's gates to the place of the skull. He was nailed to the cross around 9am and would hang there for 6 hours. When Jesus gave up His spirit, the earth shook with a terrible earthquake and the temple veil was torn top to bottom. The centurion said "Surely this Man was the Son of God"

After He died, His body was taken down from the cross and placed into a borrowed tomb. He was wrapped in linen clothes, and a stone was rolled in front of the entrance. The women hurried home to make spices and perfumes to anoint the body of Jesus. After this, Good Friday was over and all was quiet.

But Sunday is coming!

Disclaimer: The Bible is not always written in chronological order, so it may be difficult to know exactly which specific days these events happened.

04/02/2026

On Maundy Thursday, we remember Christ's last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we love one another as he loves us.

"The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'

In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me! For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

01/23/2026

January 25th Church Service has been cancelled due to weather/temperature.

12/31/2025

12/23/2025

Please join us for our Christmas Eve Service at 6 pm, Wednesday evening. We would love to see you there!

11/30/2025

Advent can feel different for each of us. Some are excited, some are tired, some are holding a lot. But John 1:9 tells us the true Light is coming for EVERYONE!

As we prepare, may we find comfort in knowing that Christ sees us, meets us, and brings His light right where we are. Praying that each of you feels His hope, peace, and presence in a truly blessed Advent season. ❤️🎄

08/28/2025

Lord God,

We come to You heartbroken and weary. Once again, violence has devastated a school. We cry out to You for the children, families, staff, and community of Annunciation Catholic School. Hold them close in this hour of fear and grief. Surround them with Your comfort and strength.

We pray that all who are impacted by this shooting will be supported, cared for, and surrounded in love—not just today, but in the difficult weeks and months to come. Raise up neighbors, friends, churches, and communities to be Your hands and feet of compassion.

We thank You, Lord, for first responders, law enforcement, and medical teams who are stepping into the chaos with courage and compassion. Be their strength in the long and traumatic days ahead. Protect their hearts and minds as they carry heavy burdens. Give them wisdom in every decision and endurance for every moment.

This tragedy moves hearts across the nation. Lord, draw us together in compassion and care, and let Your presence be known in the lives of all who are hurting. Strengthen us to act with love and mercy in the days ahead.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

08/09/2025

David wrote in Psalm 27:4 , "One thing I ask of the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple".

07/08/2025

Please join us in praying for the families in Texas who are grieving the loss of loved ones due to the devastating floods. As the death toll rises and many are still missing, we ask God to bring comfort to those who are mourning and to surround the missing with His protection. Several communities have been deeply impacted. Let’s also lift up the rescue teams—asking for strength, protection, and wisdom as they work tirelessly and risk their lives to help others.