Festival of St. Michael & All Angels At-Home Service for Sept 27

Today we celebrate the festival of St. Michael and All Angels – September 27, 2020 (Transferred from September 29).  The name of the Archangel Michael is Hebrew and means “Who is like God?” Michael is mentioned in the Book of Daniel (10:13ff; 12:1), as well as in Jude (v. 9) and Revelation (12:7). Daniel portrays Michael as the angelic helper of Israel who leads the battle against the forces of evil. In Revelation, Michael and his angels fight against and defeat Satan and the evil angels, driving them from heaven. Their victory is made possible by Christ’s own victory over Satan and His death and resurrection, a victory announced by the voice in heaven: “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come” (Revelation 12:10). Michael is often associated with Gabriel and Raphael, the other chief angels or archangels who surround the throne of God. Tradition names Michael as the patron and protector of the Church, especially as the protector of Christians at the hour of death.

Follow along with the the At-home version of the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels Sunday service.

Click here on the image below to view the at-home version of the service.

Pastor Rike’s Sermon

The name of the archangel, St. Michael, also asks a question. Rather than deceiving, this question enlightens and delivers. The name Michael means “Who is like God?” It is a powerful question because it asks us to reflect upon our relation to the conflict. In essence, that question, Michael, (Who is like God), reminds us of something else proclaimed in that passage from Revelation.

The outcome of this conflict has already been decided. (Revelation 12:8, 12). It was finished before time even began. Despite the battle of heaven having already been won, the deception of the Devil continues to encourage humanity to doubt the certainty of that outcome. In the angst that results from such doubts, the warfare continues here on earth.

Click here to read Pastor Rike’s entire sermon.

Video Options

Follow along with the service on video led by Pastor David Rike with music performed by Randy Broker

Click on the image below to view the video.

Festival of St. Michael and All Angels Sunday Service for September 27 includes: Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise performed by the Randy Broker, First Reading Revelation 12:7-12, Holy Gospel Luke 10:17-20, Sermon by Pastor David Rike, Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign performed by Randy Broker, Prayers and Lord’s Prayer, Blessing