Principal's Corner
Lutherans and MLK Day!
Happy New Year! 2025 is sure to be a blessed year as All Things Work Together for God’s Good Purposes. Interestingly enough, in reading an amazing book on Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546) titled: Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas (@2017).
Despite having grown up in the Lutheran Church since birth I never knew what I learned from reading this book. I learned that the famous Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (whom our Holiday in January honors) was actually named for Dr. Martin Luther the protestant reformer who changed Europe and the world in the 1500’s through his desire to have open debate regarding God’s Word, The Bible and ultimately siding with a view of The Bible that was different from Rome’s. This hence led to the birth of our modern idea of freedom.
The same Dr. Martin Luther that my Christian denomination is named for, ‘Lutheran’, is also connected to the National Holiday in January named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interesting, but how did this honoring someone by changing your name to theirs come about? Author Eric Metaxas drew me into his book on Martin Luther in the preface to the book (attached excerpt) when he shared that Baptist Pastor Michael King traveled to a conference in Germany in 1934 and during his time was so moved by what he learned about who Dr. Martin Luther was and the profound impact his life and works had on not just the Christian Faith, but on people in terms of how they think about freedom and democracy. Pastor Michael King formally changed his name to Martin Luther King, and changed the name of his young namesake son from Michael King Jr. to Martin Luther King, Jr. Yes, the MLK that is honored by our January holiday. If you are up for the challenge, check out this fascinating historical biography on Martin Luther. If you read this book, I’d love to hear what you think. It is always fun to learn new things – isn’t that what we are all about? Let’s hope so! Blessings & Happy New Year.
Pastor's Corner
Dear Red Hill Lutheran School Families,
I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year! On behalf of the members and leadership of Red Hill Lutheran Church, we are thankful for your partnership in our ministry through Red Hill Lutheran School! As we begin a new year, please know that we are here to support and equip you and your family to follow Jesus as His disciples. You are always welcome to join us on Sunday mornings. We offer…
- 8:00 a.m. (Classical worship) and 10:15 a.m. (Contemporary worship): Holy Communion is celebrated at both services every Sunday. We offer nursery childcare (Infant through five years during both worship services).
- “DiscipleU” Bible studies and groups for all ages meets from 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and "DiscipleU” K.I.D.S. Fellowship from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15a.m.
Beginning in January, we enter into the church season of Epiphany. The term “epiphany” comes from the Greek word ἐπιφάνεια (epiphania) which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” In early church history, the feast of Epiphany originally celebrated the birth of Jesus. However, as the church established December 25th as the day to celebrate Jesus’ birth, Epiphany was designated as the day/season that focuses on the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world. In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany was appointed as the day to celebrate the baptism of Jesus. In the Western churches, Epiphany became the day to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus through three great, Biblical events: The visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the marriage feast in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine.
The season of Epiphany is a time to celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ who is the fulfillment of God’s promises; both to His people, Israel, as well as to the world. Because the glory of God has been manifested in and through Jesus, we are called as His disciples to manifest His glory by growing in faith and living out that faith in the day-to-day events and relationships in our lives. In the words of the classic hymn, Epiphany points towards the promise and hope that..
As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we ever more be led by thee (“As With Gladness Men of Old.” Lutheran Book of Worship: #82).
On Sunday, January 5th, we began a new message series entitled, “The One For All!” The Gospel of Luke. Tradition tells us that Luke was an historian, being funded by a man named Theophilus (Luke 1.3) to investigate and record the life and ministry of Jesus. As we will learn in this series, Luke reveals that Jesus is truly, the “one for all;” a Savior who has come to save and transform the lives of ALL people. As one commentator has summed up Jesus’ ministry as described by Luke: “Jesus has come for the least, last and the lost.” The good news (gospel) that Luke tells us is that Jesus lived, died, resurrected, ascended and is returning one day to complete what He began while on earth: the salvation of all humankind...including you! I hope you can be with us!
As we enter into 2025, my hope and prayer for you and your family is that our Lord will deepen your faith, hope, and love as you serve Him. Again, if we can support you in any way, we are here for you! Happy New Year!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Red Hill Lutheran Church and School
Email: rhlsoffice@redhillschool.org
Website: www.redhillschool.org
Location: 13200 Red Hill Avenue, Tustin, CA, USA
Phone: 714-544-3132