Our Lutheran tradition has always held music in high regard. Martin Luther wrote: “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.”  We conclude our “Practicing our Faith” series with a music-filled worship weekend!

Worship this weekend:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m.  Traditional worship music (including a chance to request your favorite hymn!)

Sunday — One worship service at 10:00 a.m. led by our contemporary praise team!!
 

August 30-31 – Practicing Singing Our Lives

Questions for the week:

• How often have you had a tune ‘stuck in your head’?
• What songs can you sing by heart?

Hymn of the week:

My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—How can I keep from singing?

Devotions for the week:

Monday: Psalm 66:5; Ephesians1:3

Lord, I stand in wonder of the deeds of power you have worked in my life. Forgive me when I demand new signs instead of trusting you.

Tuesday: Psalm 145:13; Philippians 4:6

When worry, fear, and anxiety overtake me, remind me that you are not far off. Turn my fear into trust in you.

Wednesday: Psalm 16:2; John 6:66-68

Lord Jesus, each day restore me in faith, and keep me close. Turn my life around and call me to follow you alone.

Thursday: Micah 7:19; John 12:47

Compassionate God, thank you for taking my sins far from me. Bury my lack of faith that I may rise again in your grace.

Friday: Psalm 31:15; Matthew 6:30

Lord God, release me from my need to control times and seasons. Help me to live today for it is on this day you come meet me, and sustain me.

Saturday: Isaiah 61:1; Romans 8:14

When the world tells me otherwise, remind me that I am a beloved and blessed child of God.

 

“Asante” is a Swahili word translated “Thank You” in English. The Asante Children’s Choir is made up of children from East Africa, a region recovering from years of civil war and genocide that have claimed millions of lives leaving thousands of children and women as orphans and widows. The Choir is dedicated to spreading love, hope and joy while raising awareness for the desperate plight of orphans and other vulnerable children. Their colorful clothing, pounding drums and sweet voices demonstrate their hope and dream for a brighter future. Their inspirational stories of resilience have instilled hope in the hearts of all those who have seen them perform.  For more information visit:  www.asantechoir.org

Come  join us for this wonderful concert and invite your friends and neighbors.

None of like to think about dying, but we also know that death will come to all of us. How can help one another to live well, and to face death with faith and hope, surrounding the dying and the mourning with Christian love and community?

Worship this weekend — Special note – All services in air-conditioned fellowship hall!!

             5:00 p.m. Saturday – Worship

             8:30 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship

            10:00 a.m. Sunday – Contemporary Worship

 August 23-24 — Practicing Dying Well

Questions for the week:

• How can you help those who love you prepare for the end of your life?
• In times of grief, what words and acts have you found helpful?
• What words don’t help?

Hymn of the week:

Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord,   Lead me home.

Devotions for the week:

Monday: I Kings 8:56; Ephesians 2:14

Lord, thank you for giving me strength when I feel the storms around me. Come near and calm my troubled heart and be with me.

Tuesday: I Samuel 2:2; I Corinthians 3:11

Thank you, Lord, for being my rock and foundation. Forgive me when I rely on my own construction instead of your strength.

Wednesday: Leviticus 26:5; John 6:11

You, Lord, are the one who feeds, fuels, and secures my life. Forgive me when I look to others instead of relying on you.

Thursday: Isaiah 65:24; Ephesians 3:20-21

Lord, thank you for not waiting for me to act or call on you. Help me stop scheming and notice all you are doing for me and saying to me.

Friday: Isaiah 8:17: Romans 8:25

Jesus, grant me patience, especially for the changes I don’t see or understand. Help be trust that you are working in all things.

Saturday: I Samuel 17:45; I Timothy 4:10

Thank you, Lord, for true security. Help me be ready to work and willing to be forgiven. Help me to share hope even in difficult times.

 

 

 

While most of our images of healing involve doctors and patients, there is also a long tradition of faith which focuses as much on wholeness and restoration of relationships. We pray and work for physical health, but also for spiritual and community healing.

Worship with Holy Communion this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in chapel

Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

         10:00 a.m. Contemporary worship – on Church lawn (weather permitting)

August 16-17 – Practicing Healing

Questions for this week:

• Where does healing taking place in your life? Is it only in clinics and hospitals?
• When have you felt healing in the presence of God?
• When have you experienced the healing touch of other people?

 Hymn of the Week:  

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again.

Devotions for the week:

Monday: Jeremiah 33:10-11; Mark 2:19

O Lord, you are good, and your steadfast love endures. Help me to share that love in my voice and hands this day.

Tuesday: I Kings 8:27; Ephesians 3:17

Thank you Lord for dwelling in my heart, head and hands. Use me to buildupon your wisdom, to that you may dwell in all hearts.

Wednesday: Psalm 6:9; Colossians 4:2

Thank you Lord, for listening to my praying, sighing, groaning, pleading, whining, and wondering. Your grace is beyond words.

Thursday: Deuteronomy 30:9; Luke 5:5

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings. Forgive me for clinging to them, and claiming them for myself. Help me to be open to you and others.

Friday: Daniel 11:32; Philippians 3:13

Make my attitude on of living, breathing gratitude, and help me to see what might be, and move forward in faith.

Saturday: Psalm 40:5; I Timothy3:16

How wondrous are your deeds O God! How wondrous that you invited us to trust you in Christ! Continue to reveal yourself to me and through me.