“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?”                             Galatians 5:13-15  (The Message)

As our nation celebrates its Independence Day on July 4^th, we will again hear much about the importance of the freedoms we celebrate in this country.  When Paul wrote to the Galatians about freedom, he was not speaking of political freedoms such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, but he was talking about freedom from a religious practice that mandated specific ceremonies, myriad regulations, and adherence to a strict set of behavioral norms.

Now, in Christ, Paul says that we are set free.  But all freedoms, whether religious or political, come with responsibilities and with the potential for harm.  Both as Christians and as citizens we would do well to hear Paul’s words of caution again this July 4^th.  “You were called to a free life.  Just be sure you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want and destroy your freedom.”   We are given this freedom to be a blessing to others.  And the danger of causing harm by abusing this freedom is very real.   As you celebrate your freedom this year, watch that you don’t use your liberty as an excuse to say or do things that are hurtful to your neighbor, and damage the very gift we’ve been given.

God’s Peace,

Pastor John Twiton

 

As part of our Mt. Horeb Summer Missions week, a number of our high school students prepared and serve a lunch for the residents of the Homestead Apts in Mt. Horeb.  After joining the residents for the meal, they held a trivia game and enjoyed their time sharing stories and meeting new friends.  Click on the pictures below to see full size frame.

 

Our Camp ELC and Mt. Horeb Summer Missions Week concluded with Thursday evening’s program at Brigham Park.  Beginning Sunday evening the staff from Sugar Creek Bible Camp met with our 2nd through 6th graders under the theme:  “Ordinary People … Extraordinary God”, while our younger students met with our own volunteers.  New this year was our middle school and high school “Mt. Horeb Summer Missions” week.  During their time this week these young people collected food for the food pantry, made and delivered meals and blankets for the Ronald McDonald House, volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Clothes Closet, and much more.

One special project completed by all the young people this week was a special ‘Noah’s Ark’ banner, filled with hand-prints and pictures to be sent to our sister congregation in Puerto Rico.

Many thanks to all who made this week a great experience!

 

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Hope you can enjoy this summer weekend, including time for worship!

^“For the love of Christ urges us on…,”  — 2 Corinthians 5:14a

Here’s the question for this week:  What is it that motivates your living, thinking, actions?  Paul posits that the ‘love of Christ’ ought to be what urges us on each day.

Worship with Holy Communion this weekend:  5:00 p.m. Saturday in Chapel
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Contemporary worship
Our special guests Sunday morning with be the Camp ELC counselors from Sugar Creek!

Be sure to stop in fellowship hall for coffee and donuts.

If weather is too warm, we will move into fellowship hall for worship.

Don’t forget that Camp ELC for children age 3 through 6th grade, and Summer Missions for Junior High and High School, starts this Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

The whole family is invited for swimming at the Mt. Horeb Pool, Sunday evening for 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.