Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

“Here I stand I can do no other.”  A quote from Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms when confronted with the content of his writings.  He was called to retract what he had written because it disagreed with the Roman Church’s understanding of the Word of God and what it means to be a faithful Christian.  Martin Luther did not confess that everything he wrote was perfectly in line with the Word of God, but asked that the things he wrote only be rejected or defended based on God’s Word.

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen”

We, who are brought into the faith through the Word of God and the waters of Holy Baptism, are subject to God’s Word.  We are called to hear and cherish that same Word.  We are called by faith to conform our beliefs and life to the Word of God. 

Our life as disciples of Christ are to always wrestle with that Word; to learn, mark and inwardly digest that Word.  Sometimes that Word of God brings us comfort and peace.  Other times that Word challenges what we think and believe.  We, like Dr. Luther, use the Scriptures and clear reason to learn and grow in our faith.  This is the heart of the Reformation that we celebrate this next weekend. 

This Reformation Sunday we celebrate Scripture alone, which reveals God’s grace alone, which comes by faith alone.  This is who we are as Christians.  Here we stand, we can do no other.  Come join me this weekend as we celebrate this great faithful heritage that we have been handed and perpetuate in the life of our congregation and as individuals.  Stay with me afterward as we fellowship together with beer and brats after service and bring a side to share. Blessed Reformation to all of you.

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

I’m writing to you in regard to the shock and awe of the events that transpired and continue to transpire in Israel.  Once again, we see the chaos of sin in our world unfolding in the turmoil of war. We pray for peace.  We pray for the families of those who have died.  We pray for those who are injured.  We pray for quick resolution to this conflict and all conflict of war.  We pray for the leaders of the people involved that they would be wise and seek that which is best for the peace and well being of the people.  We pray against the evil and atrocities committed. We pray for our own leaders that they would be wise in the support of our ally.  We pray, “come Lord Jesus.” 

Pastor Flamme, who lead our trip through the Holy Land, spoke well as we consider these events. He had this to share with those of us on the trip.

Dear Friends,

It's only been a few months since we've been to the Holy Land. The descriptions and images of violence are heartrending. The devil stirs up violence and strife everywhere in this world and it is only by God's grace that we are spared. Therefore, take a moment today to thank God for our safe journeys. Also, we should pray for the peace of everyone afflicted by this senseless attack.

Praise God that the true peace of Jerusalem, which we pray for in Psalm 122, has already been won through the death and resurrection of Christ. If only those who live now in present day Palestine and Israel would receive this peace with faith and show it among one another. 

We should pray they come to know Christ. We should also pray for the many Christians who are suffering, caught in the crossfire of this terrible hatred among the nations.

Almighty and everlasting God, the Consolation of the sorrowful and the Strength of the weak, may the prayers of those in this tribulation or distress who cry unto Thee, graciously come before Thee, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

In Christ,

Pr Brian Flamme

As Christian people we see and understand this conflict on an even deeper level.  This conflict in the Holy Land is not unique from conflicts around the world.  It is a conflict between peoples and nations.  Yet this war, like all war, will pass away when Jesus comes to make all things new.  Until then, may Our Lord, who through His life, suffering, death and resurrection brought peace to all who believe, bring peace in conflict and strengthen our faith in the midst of suffering and angst. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Members and Friends of Shepherd of the Hills,

We celebrated labor day yesterday.  What did we celebrate?  I’m not really sure.  However, here is what I do know.  I know that work is a gift from God.  We are called to be laborers.  God in his wisdom created us for work.  In the garden of Eden before the fall in to sin, Adam and Eve worked.  The curse that comes in chapter three is not a curse of labor, but now labor would be toilsome and difficult.  Now in our time God gives us our opportunities, experiences and talents to use in labor for the people around us.  We use our labors for our church, our family and our community.  

Saint Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to continue to work even as they wait for the Lord’s return. “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

This theology of labor has some day to day implications for us.

1—We don’t worship our work, but give glory to God for the ways that our labors serve others.

2—Our work never earns us favor with God, but instead is an outpouring of love and service to others because we have been loved and served by God through Jesus Christ.

3—We will never be perfect in our labor.  Our efforts and energies will never be maximized and utilized to the fullest, so we ask for forgiveness and celebrate our absolution.

4—We never stop trying to serve with our labor despite the reality that we will always fall short.

5—The people God surrounds us with need our labors.  Our church, our families and our communities need you and your unique experiences and gifts.

6—Labor is a blessing.

Consider the ways the Lord is currently blessing your labors and celebrate!  Consider the ways the Lord is calling you to labor and be open to how your labors bless others.  Labor Day is a wonderful reminder for all faithful Christians that labor is a gift and to be used fully.  I am honored to labor with you in this life here at Shepherd of the Hills and in our community.  

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

After a long and epic journey…I’m back.  My family and I are so thankful for the opportunity to visit the historic locations of our faith.  To wander where God’s people wandered, to walk where Jesus walked and experience the cultures of such wonderful people was truly a blessed experience.  

As much as I loved adventuring with my family and with the friends we made on tour, I am so thankful to return to Ruidoso and Shepherd of the Hills.  All adventures must come to an end and it is always glorious to find the end of the adventures return us back here…home.  I continue to process all the experiences of the last 3 weeks.  I look forward to processing them with you all.  Our family will plan a time to share pictures and stories.  As your pastor I would love to share with you from the scriptures some of the insights we experienced.  In the mean time, I would like to share with you some words from Pastor Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Roswell and co-leader of our tour.

We saw the pyramids, climbed Mt. Sinai, explored Petra, and experienced the places where God worked mightily for his people's salvation. As great as all this is, greater still is the fact that God desires to meet us through the means of his Word and Sacrament. Though the tour gave great context to the biblical story of salvation, it certainly doesn't replace the sufficiency of the Word to save our souls when we believe the promises that God gave his Son to die for us. So if you're looking for today's promised land, look no further than your own pulpit, font, and altar.

I look forward to seeing you at today’s promised land…the place where we receive Jesus in his Word and Sacrament…Shepherd of the Hills.  

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

First off, VBS is going amazing. It is wonderful to be here and experience of the blessings of God’s Word among our kids, their families and our volunteers.  Thank you to everyone who is making this week happen.  You are all God’s gift to our Ruidoso community.

Second, Monday the 16th, Rebecca, Titus, Adeline and I will be traveling to Cairo, Jordan, Jerusalem and Galilee with 30 other LCMS Christians from around the country.  We will be gone until August 3rd.  Please pray for us and the group.  Pray for our safety and for all the learning that will happen.  I’m very excited for this opportunity and those who are making it possible for us to go.  This trip started with two pastors who desired to understand the Old Testament better through the geography of the land.  I’m very much looking forward to having some hands on experience with the land that was so intimate to the salvation story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. 

While I am gone, Pastor Steve Henze will be here filling in for me on the 23rd and 30th.  He will do the services and bible class.  If an emergency comes up please contact the church office and your elder.  If Pastor Henze is needed they will contact him.  I’m very excited you all get to spend time with him and hear the Word of God from him while I am gone.  You are in great hands.  He is a wonderful churchman and passionate about Jesus and His mission. 

I am excited to share with you all the stories that we will have when we get back and I hope that I will be an even better preacher and teacher having seen the historical sites of the Old and New Testament. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

It has been a full and wonderful start to the summer here at the church.  Celebrating confirmations, gathering in fellowship, raising money, taking the kids to confirmation camp have all made this summer just fly by. 

Do not worry though, the fun isn’t over.  In just a few weeks (July 10th-14th) we will be deep into Vacation Bible School. There are a number of reasons we do vacation Bible School here at Shepherd of the Hills. First, it is an opportunity to serve the families of our church and community.  We are really good at Vacation Bible School here at SHLC. It starts with Rebecca’s leadership and the VBS team she works with to get everything going.  It continues with you all as volunteers and leaders taking the time to grow together and create that safe, fun space for kids to learn about Jesus.  It takes a small army of supporters who help provide snacks and everything else that’s necessary.  It requires prayer.  Our prayer team has been praying for this event all year asking the Lord to prepare our church to serve and to prepare the kids to receive Jesus. 

Second, we are blessed by those who choose to entrust to us their kids.  It is such an honor to be given that responsibility and to be part of their family in this way.  Those little ones bless us more than we are a blessing to them.  They fill my spirit and exude joy.  I am so thankful for each family that is a part of our community for that week.  Because of that, we take the safety of those kids very seriously.  In our training session we will refresh on how best to do that good work.

Third, the joy of the Lord and His Word are proclaimed.  This is what we do as a church.  This is our mission.  This is our task.  Lots of places will entertain kids and keep them safe this summer.  We are the place where Jesus is preached and families become connected to the this saving Word.  Some of them have a church home and know the gospel.  Some of them know the gospel but don’t have a church home. Some of them have neither.  We will share full heartedly this pure Gospel as we know it from God’s Word with all people.  We will share it in the words we speak, the songs we sing, and the respect and love shown to all who participate in VBS, kids and volunteers. 

Thank you for being part of this wonderful week.  I look forward to spending that time with you all as we are nourished by God’s Living Water. I’ll see you this Friday the 30th at 9AM as we do our training.  The number one reason kids attend VBS is because one of our congregation members invited them and their family to come.  So, be on the look out for who God is guiding you to invite. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust

Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

This weekend is Confirmation weekend.  At the 10:30 Divine Service we will witness Alice Allen and Cassidy Byrd confirm their faith.  Congrats to Alice and Cassidy and their families.  After two years of faithful hard work they have studied all the books of the Bible and worked through the 6 chief parts of the Small Catechism.  They are now confirmed members of the church and I encourage you to continue to invite them into the life and leadership of the congregation along with all of our confirmed youth.  Please pray for Everett Byrd and Adeline Rust as they continue their next year of confirmation.  Please continue to pray for Gregory Stephens, Gillian Stephens, and Titus Rust who are also confirmands as we look to continue to include them in the life and leadership of the congregation. 

Confirmation weekend is a wonderful time for us to renew our commitment to the faith.  Being faithful to God’s Word is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is a work done in us and through us as we hear His Word and receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, the true body and blood of Christ, the strengthening of our faith and the forgiveness of our sins.  Come celebrate with Alice and Cassidy and their families in this wonderful milestone of faith.

Here are the questions and their answers you will hear from Alice and Cassidy this weekend.  May they also be our answers. 

Do you this day in the presence of God and of this congregation acknowledge the gifts that God gave you in your Baptism?

Yes, I do.

Do you renounce the devil?

Yes, I renounce him.

Do you renounce all his works?

Yes, I renounce them.

Do you renounce all his ways?

Yes, I renounce them.

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?

Yes, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord?

Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Do you hold all the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God?

I do.

Do you confess the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, drawn from the Scriptures, as you have learned to know it from the Small Catechism, to be faithful and true?

I do.

Do you intend to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully?

I do, by the grace of God.

Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death?

I do, by the grace of God.

Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?

I do, by the grace of God.

We rejoice with thankful hearts that you have been baptized and have received the teaching of the Lord. You have confessed the faith and been absolved of your sins. As you continue to hear the Lord’s Word and receive His blessed Sacrament, He who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust