Blindness is not only a physical ailment. Sometimes we fail to see God’s presence even when our eyes are working properly. What gets in the way of our seeing, and acting, in love towards those around us?

 Worship this weekend with Holy Communion:  Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Chapel

                                                                           Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

                                                                                           9:30 a.m. Sunday School

                                                                                          10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

9:30 a.m. – Thank you reception for Pastor Hans and Connie Floan – join us in fellowship hall for refreshments and a time to say thank you to Pastor Hans for his service to ELC

 March 2, 2014
John 9:1-41

Key Verse: “Jesus said, ‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’” John 9:5

Time: 27-30 CE

Background: At the time of Jesus, people believed that physical or mental disabilities or challenges were caused by sin, either of the disabled or their parents. Jesus started the conversation in today’s reading by stating the man’s blindness was not caused by sin, but could be used to show the power of God’s goodness. Many of Jesus’ words and actions were to show how God’s people had misinterpreted God’s intentions for God’s people over the years. Jesus came to help people come to right relationship with God.

The Pharisees were confused by Jesus’ works because he healed on the Sabbath, which was contrary to God’s law. How could a man of God break God’s law? They didn’t understand that the Sabbath was to serve humanity, not the other way around.

Community: Are there people today who are still blamed for their misfortune (poverty, addiction, homelessness)? How might we become instruments of healing for those people?

At Home: What stands in your way of being able to see clearly God’s intention for you and your life? Ask God to remove all barriers so that you can see God’s light in your life and follow God.

Read This Week:
Monday, Mar 3, Jesus Heals on the Sabbath, John 5:1-18

Tuesday, Mar 4, The Authority of the Son, John 5:19-29

Wednesday, Mar 5, Good Shepherd, John 10:1-18

Thursday, Mar 6, Witnesses to Jesus, John 5:30-47

Friday, Mar 7, Feeding the Five Thousand, John 6:1-15

Saturday, Mar 8, Jesus Walks on Water, John 6:16-21

Next Week: Sunday, Mar 9, Raising Lazarus, John 11:1-44

 

Rozella White is the ELCA Director for Young Adult Ministry

Keynote:  The Millennial Reformation:  Learning From A New Generation of Leaders

Today’s young adults are a part of the Millennial Generation, those born between 1982 and 1995. In the most generous accounting of this generation, millennials are said to number about 80 million, which makes them the largest generation in American history. However, according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and their 2010 report, “Millennials: A Portrait of a Generation,” approximately one-third of those who are unaffiliated with a community of faith are under age 30.The Lutheran church does not reflect the reality of the changing world in that the majority of people in our congregations are over the age of thirty and there is a shortage of next generation leaders. It’s time to broaden our conversation from why this population is not engaged to how we understand who they are and the culture shift that is happening. Using sociological inquiry and theological reflection, participants will gain new insight into the millennial landscape and how communities of faith might learn from this population as they reform traditional ways of understanding and being the church.

For more information on LEAD please click here:   http://www.cvent.com/events/lead-2014/custom-18-750426498a5741c99aa745708487cc0c.aspx

 

“Learning from a new generation of leaders”

Follow the link below for  a list of speakers, workshops and registration information

http://www.cvent.com/events/lead-2014/event-summary-750426498a5741c99aa745708487cc0c.aspx

Jesus promises life, but even in his day that promise was not always well-received. How do we continue to bring life to a skeptical world?  This Sunday we also mark “Bold Women’s Day”,  celebrating the witness of women in our church and in our lives.

 Worship this week:  Saturday 5:00 p.m.  in the chapel

Sunday–  8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

                 10:30 a.m.  Contemporary Worship

Education & Fellowship – 9;30 a.m.  Sunday School, Fireside Chats, Adult Bible Study

February 23, 2014
John 7:37-52

Key Verses: “On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,and let the one who believes in me drink.’” John 7:37-38a

Time: 27-30 CE

Background: By this point in John’s gospel, Jesus’ teaching was beginning to intrigue, confuse, and anger people. Some were starting to believe he was the Messiah based on his teachings and signs. Others felt threatened by his words and sought to kill him.

The Festival of Booths was one of three major pilgrimages requiring Jews to travel to Jerusalem for the celebrations. The festival included ceremonies that celebrated light and water. Jesus indicated he was the source of living water and light, which amounted to blasphemy. Some debated his origin to gather proof of his blasphemy so that he could stopped.

Community: How often do those who argue or debate, do so with closed ears, seeking only to prove a point, rather than to learn? What debates have you heard recently that have been closed? Which have been open? What have been the outcomes of the debates? How could you listen with openness so that you can respond with kindness, justice, and peace?

At Home: How often is Jesus your source of living water, power, understanding, or decision-making? Be intentional this week about turning to Jesus as your source of all that you do and say.

Read This Week:
Monday, Feb 24, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:1-3

Tuesday, Feb 25, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:4-6

Wednesday, Feb 26, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:7-11

Thursday, Feb 27, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:12-16

Friday, Feb 28, Praise for God’s Care for Jerusalem, Psalm 147:17-20

Saturday, Mar 1, Jesus and John the Baptist, John 3:22-36

Next Week: Sunday, Mar 2, Light of the World, John 9:1-41

“Holding Your Family Together”  — 5 Simple Steps to bring your family closer to God and each other.

This Sunday, February 16th, at 5:00 p.m. there will be an introductory session for anyone who wishes to consider this course.  Join us for a light supper and discussion.  Child care will be made available if needed.  Please register by contacting the church office or send an email to Pastor Twiton – john.twiton@elcmthoreb.org