As Mark’s gospel begins, Jesus’ baptism is marked by the Spirit’s presence, and he is sent out to begin this ministry. We have that same Spirit’s presence, and we are sent out as well.

Worship this week with Holy Communion:

SATURDAYS, 5 P.M. A modified, shortened traditional worship service, in the chapel on the Front Street side of the building.

SUNDAYS, 8:30 A.M. Traditional worship in the sanctuary, accompanied by the pipe organ and the ELC Senior Choir.

SUNDAY, 9:30 A.M. Sunday School for ages 3 through 8th grade, adult study and fellowship.

SUNDAYS, 10:30 A.M. Contemporary worship with Christian music by our ELC Praise Team.

Devotions for this week: Jesus’ Baptism, Beginning of the Good News – January 5, 2020

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Monday, Psalm 91:9-12, Psalm

Tuesday, Malachi 3:1-7, The Coming Messenger

Wednesday, Isaiah 40:1-11, Comfort, Comfort

Thursday, Isaiah 44:1-8, God’s Blessing

Friday, Joel 2:28-29, God’s Spirit Poured Out

Saturday, Isaiah 42:1-9, The Servant, a Light to the Nations

Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  (Mark 1:8)                                                       

Jesus’ ministry began with the voice of a prophet and meaningful baptism. Then he was driven out into the world, where he gathered his community.

• Has the world ever confused a prophet for an actual leader?  How does that impact the group and the message?
• What do you know of the story of your baptism?  Who was there?  What promises were made?  If you have children, what have you told them about their baptism?

PRAY:  O God, you poured out your Spirt upon your only Son, showing the people that he belonged to you.  Remind us that you have claimed us as your children in the waters of baptism.    In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

BLESS:  You are filled with the Holy Spirit and loved forever.  Amen.

We continue the celebration of Christ’s birth with a special worship of Lessons and Carols this Sunday. There will be one combine worship at 10:00 a.m., with no Sunday School, or Saturday worship this week.

Devotions for this week: Jesus’ Ministry Begun – December 29, 2019

SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

        Monday, Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm

        Tuesday, Isaiah 42:10-20, A Hymn of Praise

        Wednesday, Psalm 2, Psalm

        Thursday, Psalm 113, Psalm

        Friday, Psalm 146:5-10, Psalm

        Saturday, Psalm 108:1-4, Psalm

 (Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.)

TALK: In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.   (Mark 1:35)

Jesus’ ministry was fast and full.  In the middle of his whirlwind tour, he took time to pray – to recharge and spend time with God.

• With all the technology, there is a lot of discussion about how it impacts people’s brains.  Is our technology a good thing?  How might it cause harm?
• How do cope when you are too busy?  What happens if you don’t take time to decompress?
• For the littles: What is your favorite prayer

PRAY: O Lord, even when crowds were pressing upon you, you still sought time to pray.  Bring us back to the silence of our hearts, so that we too may be refreshed by your spirit.  Amen.

BLESS: May God bless your new year! Amen.

The time of waiting for Israel was nearly over. God had promised a savior from the line of David to redeem Israel.  The same Savior whose birth we await eagerly. This week we hear the words of Zechariah’s song at worship at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Followed by the Sunday School Christmas program “Manger Tales” at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday!

Devotions for this week: Zechariah’s Song – December 22, 2019

 SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Monday, Luke 1:14-38, An Angel Speaks

Tuesday, Luke 2:1-14, The Birth of Jesus

Wednesday, Luke 2:8-20, The Shepherds Visit

Thursday, Matthew 2:1-12, The Magi

Friday, Luke 1:39-56, Mary’s Song

Saturday, Luke 2:21-24, Jesus Circumcised

Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.”  (Lue 1:67-68)

Josiah was quite young when he became king of Judah.  But God know this young man had the heart to bring the nation back to God.

• Do you know someone who has had a long struggle to have children?  What was it like when they finally brought home a child?
• What is your reaction to unexpected good news?  Disbelief? Laughter? Challenges?  Do you trust in God’s timing?

PRAY:  Lord God, the gift of John the Baptist gave his parents joy and his people hope.  May their gladness be ours as we anticipate the arrival of our savior Jesus, in whose name we pray,  Amen.

BLESS:  May your feel the fullness of God’s surprising blessings!