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.

God has spoken to the people in many ways throughout history, but in Jesus we have the the “exact imprint of God’s very being” (Hebrews 1:3). We look to Jesus to most directly see and understand what God has in mind for all of us.

Join us as we worship this weekend:

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

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – Traditional worship in sanctuary

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

Devotions for this week:

God Has Spoken – July 14, 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 1:5-14, The Son Superior to Angels

Tuesday, Hebrews 2:1-4, Warning to Pay Attention

Wednesday, Hebrews 2:5-9, Jesus a Little Lower than Angels

Thursday, Hebrews 3:1-6, Moses and Christ

Friday, Hebrews 3:7-19, Warning against Unbelief

Saturday, Hebrews 4:1-13, God’s Promised Rest

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.”                                                     (Hebrews 1:1-2)

We are blessed that we can hear God’s voice throughout the Bible, but especially in the words of Jesus.

• Think of an important message that was shared – a famous speech, sermon, or headline.  How did it impact or change society?
• Would the world be different if that message was not known?
• What has someone said to you that you’ll never forget?
• How did their message to you change your life?
• How can we share an important message?

PRAY:  God of wisdom, you are speaking even when we are not listening.  Incline our ears to hear what you are telling us, in this day, in this world for the life of your people.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

BLESS:  May the words you speak be a light to the world.  Amen.

This week we finish our four-week series in the book of Psalms. We have touched the surface of some of the diversity in the book with praising God as well as low points of the writers, just as we experience in our own lives.   In this week’s text, our Psalmist has experienced deep lows and found solid ground once again, knowing God has been instrumental in his situation, helping him through his challenges. As a result, he is signing a new song, one of hope. His life is different.  He has a story to tell and he is not shy about telling it!

Worship this week with Holy Communion –

No Saturday worship this week –

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

10:00 a.m. – Contemporary worship in fellowship hall

Devotions for this week:  A New Song – July 7, 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 30, Psalm of Thanksgiving

Tuesday, Psalm 32, Psalm of Thanksgiving

Wednesday, Psalm 34, Psalm of Thanksgiving

Thursday, Psalm 57, Psalm of Thanksgiving

Friday, Psalm 66, Psalm of Thanksgiving

Saturday, Psalm 116, Psalm of Thanksgiving

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God”

 (Psalm 40:3a)

The psalmist sees and acknowledges what God has done, and recognizes God’s faithfulness.  God’s abundant love helps the psalmist grow in faith.

• Who do you know that seems filled with joy?  Why do you think they seem so happy?
• Think of a time something good happened for you.  How did you react?  Who did you tell?  Did you say a prayer of thanks?
• How does it feel when someone thanks you for something you’ve done?   How does it feel if someone seems ungrateful?
• How does thanksgiving reflect our faith in God?

PRAY:  Abundant God, you have been forever faithful to your children.  Draw forth our praise and gratitude for all that we have received in your name, and through the grace of Jesus Christ your Son.  Amen.

BLESS:  May the God of abundance bless you in all that you do.  Amen.