Rev. John Christianson, PhD
[email protected] CHURCH PHONE:
712-276-3452 CHURCH HOURS Monday: 9:00 AM -12:00PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM -1:00PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM -1:00PM Thursday: 9:00 AM -1:00PM Friday: 9:00 AM -12:00PM 
Matthew and the Roman Military: How the Gospel Portrays and Negotiates Imperial Power
A paperback edition of my book is now available by clicking the link in the picture
I’m happy to announce my new book that will be published in January 2027. It is designed for Lent, and has 40 daily readings + weekly discussion questions. The chapters will take readers through the entire Gospel of Mark. My goal in writing was to undertake an extended study on Mark’s Jesus, what it means for him to be God’s Beloved Son, and how this can help us create friendships and be good neighbors with each other. The book will be published by Westminster John Knox press and is available for pre-order now. We will probably put an all-church order together early next year for those interested. https://www.wjkbooks.com/bookproduct/0664269699-beloved-son-blessed-community/ |
Pastor’s Corner
Scriptural Holiness: Methodist Christianity in AmericaIn late August and early September we will look back across the years to meet some Methodist Christians who can teach and inspire us. Methodist Circuit Riders were preachers on horseback that traveled across the country in the 1700 and 1800s. They shared the gospel, encouraged, and formed classes and churches. Francis Asbury was sent by John Wesley to be the first Methodist Bishop in the United States. Responsible for overseeing the health and well-being and growth, Asbury traveled over 300,000 miles in his lifetime. Samuel Mitchell was a Virginian who moved to Illinois and then Wisconsin. A Revolutionary War veteran, he was “awakened” to God by Methodist preaching and became a preacher himself. Each of these – and many others – offer us examples of faith and faithfulness, and challenge us to reflect on how we answer the moral questions of our times for the sake of our Christian witness.
August 23 The Circuit Rider: Wilderness Witness 30 Francis Asbury: Organizing America September 6 Samuel Mitchell: Revolution & Salvation John 3:1-16 13 Samuel Mitchell: Manumission & Moral Compromise Matthew 7:1-5, 12-13, 24-27 
What Makes a Monster? Have you ever thought about what scares you and why? All people have things they consider fearful or perilous, and all societies have ways to define impurity and danger. In the Bible, such things appear as monsters and giants, beasts and demons. These creatures communicate what is monstrous to the Biblical writers, and have shaped moral viewpoints for centuries. These texts can help us face our fears and teach us how to live more faithfully today. September 20 Leviathan (Psalm 74; Isaiah 26:19 – 27:1) 27 Giants (Numbers 13:25-33; 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 38-45, 48-49) October 4 The Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-20) 11 Four Frightening Beasts (Daniel 7:1-14) 18 A Legion of Demons (Mark 5:1-20)
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