Even after things fall apart, God remains faithful.  We hear Isaiah’s word of promise that despite the consequences of sin, God will still act to redeem God’s people.

Worship this week with Holy Communion

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

SUNDAY, 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.

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

We’ll also receive our Thankoffering at each worship this weekend.

Devotions for this week:

Isaiah’s Vineyard Song – November 16 – 17

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, Isaiah 1:1-20, The Wickedness of Judah

Tuesday, Isaiah 2:1-4, The Future House of God

Wednesday, Isaiah 2:5-22, Judgement

Thursday, Isaiah 6:1-13 A Vision of God in the Temple

Friday, Isaiah 7:1-25, Isaiah reassures King Ahaz

Saturday, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Reign of the coming King

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. ² The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”  Isaiah 11:1-2

Israel had turned from God like “wild grapes” in a tended vineyard.  The consequence would be exile.  But God would one day send a Redeemer.

• What is it like for parents whose children “sow their wild oats”?  Is it easy to let them have freedom?
• Is it easy for you to stay on the path of righteousness?  Why, or why not?

PRAY:  Lord God, we have not borne the fruit you have   desired of us, and yet you show us mercy.  Plant the seeds of grace within us, that our lives might show forth your glory, for the sake of your Jesus. Amen

BLESS:  Rest in the knowledge that God loves you, even when you wander.    Amen.

Hosea described God’s love as that of a mother for her child, and expressed the pain and grief that occur when we, like old Israel wander away in disobedience.

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

Sunday – One worship service at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Annual Meeting of the Congregation

9:30 a.m Sunday School activities for youth

Devotions for this week: Hosea, November 9-10, 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, Hosea 1:1-2:23, Israel’s Unfaithfulness

Tuesday, Hosea 3:1-4:19, God’s Love and Judgment

Wednesday, Hosea 5:1-15, Judgment

Thursday, Hosea 6:1-7:16, A Call to Repent

Friday, Hosea 9:1-17; Punishment for Israel’s Sin

Saturday, Hosea 10:1-15, Israel’s Sin and Captivity

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”    (Hosea 1:1)

 Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom when in strayed form God’s ways.  What God expressed was grief and love, like a mother that nurtures her child.

• Think of a parental figure you hold in high regard. What makes them a good parent?
• How did your relationship with your parents or guardians shape how you see God?  How might you feel if your relationship with parents or guardians was different?

PRAY:  O God, like a compassionate parent you care for us.  May we learn to treat others with the same kindness, turning them to your grace and love, which knows no bounds.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

BLESS:  God’s love surrounds you as loving parent care for their child.  Amen.

Elijah’s faithfulness in the face of so many who opposed him is a great witness to us.  This day we remember all those who have witnessed the faith to us through the years. Each worshiper will have the opportunity to light a candle in honor of someone who has witnessed the faith to them.

Worship this week with Holy Communion:

SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP

5 p.m.
Modified Traditional Worship
A modified traditional worship service; generally less than 45 minutes.
We gather in the chapel on the Front Street side of the building near Fourth Street

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship
We gather in the main sanctuary for liturgical Lutheran worship,
accompanied by the pipe organ and featuring our excellent  choir.

9:30 a.m.
Sunday School, Adult study, Coffee & Fellowship

10:30 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
Led by our Praise Team, we share contemporary Christian music,
God’s Word and prayer in the main sanctuary.

All Saints’ Sunday – November 2-3, 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, 1 Kings 17:1-7, Elijah Predicts a Drought

Tuesday, 1 King 18:1-19, Elijah’s Message to Ahab

Wednesday, 1 Kings 18:41-46, The Drought Ends

Thursday, 1 Kings 19:1-10, Elijah Flees from Jezebel

Friday, 1 Kings 19:11-18, Elijah Meets God at Horeb

Saturday, 2 Kings 9:30-37, Jezebel’s Violent Death

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord indeed is God; the Lord indeed is God.” (1 Kings 18:38-39)

The northern kingdom created their own blend of spirituality that included God and the gods of nearby countries.  Elijah seeks to put an end to their divided allegiances.

• What does it take for you to change your mind?  Stories? Facts? Experiences? Emotions?
• Think of a scientific discovery that some people refused at first to accept.  What did it take to prove that the truth? 
• How might your allegiances be divided between God and other claims upon your life?

PRAY:  Dear Lord, you alone are enough for us.  Bring us back when we wander off and follow ways which don’t give life.  Bear us back home in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

BLESS:  May you never doubt that the one true God loves you.  Amen.

The Reformation was not the first time God’s people found themselves divided.  Human leaders are always fallible, but God continues to work renewal. As our young people are confirmed, we ask how each of us might be a part of God’s mission to rebuild broken communities and lives.

Worship this week:

SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP

5 p.m.
Modified Traditional Worship
A modified traditional worship service; generally less than 45 minutes.
We gather in the chapel on the Front Street side of the building near Fourth Street

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship
We gather in the main sanctuary for liturgical Lutheran worship,
accompanied by the pipe organ and featuring our excellent  choir.

9:30 a.m.
Sunday School, Adult study, Coffee & Fellowship

10:30 a.m.
Contemporary Worship – Confirmation Sunday
Led by our Praise Team, we share contemporary Christian music,
God’s Word and prayer in the main sanctuary.

Devotions for this week: A Divided Kingdom – October 26-27, 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, 1 Kings12:18-24, Jeroboam reigns over Israel

Tuesday, 1 Kings 12:35-33, Jeroboam’s golden calves

Wednesday, 1 Kings 13:1-34, A man of God from Judah

Thursday, 1 Kings 14:1-20, Judgement on the House of Jeroboam

Friday, 1 Kings 14:21-31, Rehoboam reigns over Judah

Saturday, 1 Kings 16:24-34, Ahab reigns

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, the people answered the king, ‘What share do we have in David?  We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!  Look now to your own house, O David.’  So Israel went away to their tents.”  (1 Kings 12:16)

After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam and Jeroboam divided the tribes of Israel into two kingdoms.  This division would alter the Jewish landscape forever.

• Everything that has happened made you who you are.  Think of an earlier event that had a big impact on your life.  How would life be different if it hadn’t happened?
• How can we learn to trust that God is still at work, when we can’t see how it fits together?

PRAY:  O God, you know the greed and dishonesty which lives within our hearts.  Humble us as Jesus was humble, and show us the way to true power.   In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

BLESS:  In a very divided world, may you feel the wholeness God brings.  Amen.

David’s joy spills over into a dance of celebration.  When is the last time we took great joy in God’s blessings in our life?

Worship this week –

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

SUNDAY, 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.

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

Devotions for this week: David Anointed King, October 19-20,  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 150, A Praise Psalm

Tuesday, 2 Samuel 5:6-16, Jerusalem, A United Kingdom

Wednesday, 2 Samuel 6:6-11, The Ark come to Jerusalem

Thursday, 2 Samuel 6:12-23, The Ark come to Jerusalem

Friday, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, God’s Covenant with David

Saturday, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, David’s Prayer

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

So all the elders of Israel cam to the king at Hebron; and Kind David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.  (2 Samuel 5:3)

After 20 years among enemies, the ark of the covenant is brought to Jerusalem by King David, and he rejoiced by dancing in the streets with reckless abandon.

• Think of a leader who has been celebrated when they took office.  Were you celebrating too?  Why or why not?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• How did you celebrate?
• Did many others celebrate with you?

PRAY:  Holy God, your word is life and your blessing infinite.  Fill us with such joy at your generosity that we cannot help but celebrate, so that all the world might know the joy that belongs to God’s Children.   In Jesus’ name.  Amen

BLESS:  May you be surrounded by the joy of celebration!  Amen.

David Anointed King, October 19-20,  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 150, A Praise Psalm

Tuesday, 2 Samuel 5:6-16, Jerusalem, A United Kingdom

Wednesday, 2 Samuel 6:6-11, The Ark come to Jerusalem

Thursday, 2 Samuel 6:12-23, The Ark come to Jerusalem

Friday, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, God’s Covenant with David

Saturday, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, David’s Prayer

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

So all the elders of Israel cam to the king at Hebron; and Kind David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.  (2 Samuel 5:3)

After 20 years among enemies, the ark of the covenant is brought to Jerusalem by King David, and he rejoiced by dancing in the streets with reckless abandon.

• Think of a leader who has been celebrated when they took office.  Were you celebrating too?  Why or why not?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• How did you celebrate?
• Did many others celebrate with you?

PRAY:  Holy God, your word is life and your blessing infinite.  Fill us with such joy at your generosity that we cannot help but celebrate, so that all the world might know the joy that belongs to God’s Children.   In Jesus’ name.  Amen

BLESS:  May you be surrounded by the joy of celebration!  Amen.