Behold, the Lamb of God!

So when I got back to work this week, I was absolutely delighted to see that the amazing Barb Knehans had indeed seen to the placement of the crucifix in the Chapel.  It had been planned for a while, but I asked her if there were any way it could be in place before the Missionary Orientation, and voila!  Thanks, Barb.  There is something so utterly powerful about having the great "for you" before our eyes - the Lamb of God, victorious in His sacrifice of love.  Behold, O Christian, your righteousness, your life, your very salvation. 

In old Lutheran art, much hay was made of the way that the crucifix stands above the altar from which the self-same body and blood are put into the mouths of His people. and to which all true preaching points and proclaims.  That will happen on Friday, July 6, when we celebrate the sending service for the new missionaries being oriented this week and next. 

Pastor Golden of Village Lutheran Church (which sponsors the Eucharist) will preside, Vice-President Mueller will proclaim the Gospel, and I will be assisting minister.  Christopher Ahlman (also one of the missionaries!) will be serving on the organ bench.  Lots of other special music too.  All to proclaim and rejoice in the presence of Him whose body and blood upon the cross atoned the sins of the world and who gives now that body and blood into us that we might share in His unending life - that life of being sent as sacrifices out into the world to give away to others the love and life that we have received in Him!