God’s people live in faith that the promises of God will be kept, even when they seem distant. How do we hold faith through times of waiting? How does the witness of others help us? Join us for worship this week.

Worship schedule: Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Modified Traditional Worship

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship

10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week: The Meaning of Faith – August 11, 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, Hebrews 12:18-24, Rejecting God’s Grace

Tuesday, Hebrews 12:25-29, Rejecting God’s Grace

Wednesday, Hebrews 13:1-6, Service Well-Pleasing to God

Thursday, Hebrews 13:7-19, Service Well-Pleasing to God

Friday, Hebrews 13:20-21, Benediction

Saturday, Hebrews 13:22-25, Final Greetings

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”                                 (Hebrews 11:1)

Many of God’s people had faith in things that they would never come to know.  For some, the promises God made to them were realized by their descendants, sometimes centuries later.

• What is something you, your family, or community looks forward to?  What makes it worth the wait?  What happens if we become impatient?
• What is your deepest hope?  Do you believe it will become a reality?  Why or why not? How does faith compare with optimism?
• How do you deal the times of waiting?  How does the witness of others help you in persevering?

PRAY:  Trustworthy God, you are good to your word, and generations have witnessed your blessings.  Make us bold to believe your promises, even when we may not see their fulfillment within our lifetimes.  In the name of Jesus.   Amen.

BLESS:  May you be filled with the peace and trust of God.  Amen.

We join in one special worship service at 9:00 a.m. Sunday this weekend. Vicar Jason will preach his final sermon as our intern, and we conclude the worship with a special blessing of Godspeed for his journey ahead. Following the worship there will be a reception in the fellowship hall. Please join us!!

Devotions for this week:

Praise for Those Being Tested – July 28, 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, Hebrews 5:11-14, Warning against Falling Away

Tuesday, Hebrews 6:1-12, Peril of Falling Away

Wednesday, Hebrews 6:13-20, God’s Certain Promise

Thursday, Hebrews 7:1-10, The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

Friday, Hebrews 7:11-28, A Priest like Melchizedek

Saturday, Hebrews 8:1-13, Mediator of a Better Covenant

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”              (Hebrews 2:18)

Even though humanity suffers, and continues to cause suffering, Jesus’ sacrifice has given us confidence that suffering, pain, and not even death will have the final say.

• Think of a recent disaster.  What seemed to be most helpful to those who are suffering?  Did you do anything to help?
• When has your faith been tested by illness, disaster, or a difficult situation?
• How did you handle it?  What gave you hope?

PRAY:  Holy Lord, you became one of us to know fully our humane experience.  Make us one with you in the mission to proclaim your gospel to all on earth.  In faith we pray, Amen.

BLESS:  May you feel surrounded by the love of God even when you are suffering.    Amen.

For a week in June four adults and sixteen youth weren’t in the church building, but we were the church. We gathered for meals, shared devotions, worship and prayer, but we also painted walls, organized donations, shared our time with children, adults, and the elderly of Indianapolis, and much more. This week in worship we’ll have a chance to hear from the mission trip participants at all three worship services. Come join us!

Worship this week with Holy Communion:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall – Modified traditional worship

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship in Sanctuary (will move to air-conditioned fellowship hall if conditions dictate)

10:00 a.m. – Contemporary worship in Fellowship Hall.

Devotions for this week:

Jesus the Great High Priest – July 21, 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, Hebrews 9:15-22, Mediator of a New Covenant

Tuesday, Hebrews 9:23-28, Christ’s Sacrifice

Wednesday, Hebrews 10:1-18, Christ’s Sacrifice

Thursday, Hebrews 10:19-25, Call to Perseverance

Friday, Hebrews 10:26-31, Call to Perseverance

Saturday, Hebrews 10:32-39, Call to Perseverance

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.”                                           (Hebrews 4:14)

The High Priest was revered, but a good one was a humble servant of the people.  Jesus served people to the point that he gave everything he had and everything he was for humanity’s redemption.

• Think of a leader you admire.  Do they show humility?  What is it like for someone in power to show vulnerability?
• Have you been called to be a leader in a situation?  What did you learn about the temptation to use power over others?  Were you able to be gracious?
• How does Jesus’ example show us what true leadership is?

PRAY:  Compassionate Lord, you didn’t exalt yourself for you won sake, but sacrificed yourself on our behalf. Make us grateful for your gift and eager to serve the people whom you love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  May you find power in the humble every day.  Amen.