This weekend we commemorate the events which led to the Reformation of the Church.  Martin Luther began to ask about our standing as the forgiven people of God in Jesus Christ.  His proclamation of salvation by God’s grace led him to stand in opposition to the powers of his day.   How about us?  We lay claim to that same promise of salvation, but where will we stand as Christ’s witnesses among the  powers of our day?

Join us this weekend for worship:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m.  Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Fellowship

10:30 a.m.  Contemporary Worship with rite of Confirmation

Devotions for this week: 

Reformation Sunday/Confirmation Day   October 28-29, 2017

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

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Jeremiah 31:31-34  God makes a new covenant

Monday, Psalm 46,  “A mighty fortress”

Tuesday, Romans 1:16-17, the righteous shall live by faith

Wednesday, Romans 3:21-27 justified by faith

Thursday, Ephesians 2:4-10 not by works

Friday, John 8:31-36  Freedom

Saturday, Romans 8:37-39  Nothing can separate us

 TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  John 8:31-32

 Martin Luther’s reading of scripture brought a new emphasis on the powerful grace of God in Christ Jesus.  This forgiveness comes as a gift, not of our deserving.  How does that good news change our lives?

 Have you ever been discouraged by your own ability to change?

• Have you ever felt imprisoned by forces that seem to control your future? Do you feel that you can’t meet the expectations of God, others, yourself?
• What does freedom from obligation do to your outlook?
• Can you forgive others as you have been forgiven?

PRAY: Here we stand with those who reformed the church so long ago, and with those who still are reforming the church today. Here we stand witnesses to your good news for all.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  May God set you free to be who God made you to be!

     David would not have been the first choice among humans, but God did not see only physical appearance. God looked in David’s heart and saw qualities that would make David a great king.  Remember God sees beyond the judgements of the world and calls us to be God’s people.

Worship this week:

Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Modified traditional worship in the chapel

Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and fellowship

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

God Calls David, 1 Samuel 16:1-13                              October 22, 2017

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

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14, God Calls David

Monday, 1 Samuel 17:1-11, Goliath

Tuesday, 1 Samuel 17:12-23, David Visits His Brothers

Wednesday, 1 Samuel 17:31-40, David Prepares for Battle

Thursday, 1 Samuel 17:41-54, David Slays Goliath

Friday, 1 Kings 1:28-31, Solomon Becomes King

Saturday, 1 Kings 3:3-15, Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” (1 Samuel 16:12)

Samuel has the weighty task of choosing Israel’s next king from among Jesse’s many impressive sons. But God—as usual—has a surprise at hand.

• What leadership qualities do you possess? (Everyone has some.)
• What other gifts has God given you? How can you use your gifts to do God’s work in the world?
• Wonder: What did God see in David? How did David’s brothers feel about being passed up for the kingship?

PRAY: Accepting God, you have chosen the least likely for your special purposes. Show us how you work in unexpected ways to carry out your will for the world which you have made. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  May God choose you just for who you are. Amen.

 

Amid all the noise of each day, God still calls people to speak, act, and live in ways which proclaim God’s love and justice.  These tasks may not be easy, but God’s Spirit empowers us to persevere in these tasks.  The real question may be, are we listening to God’s voice, or do we give in to less worthwhile noise?

Worship this week with Holy Communion:

Saturday  – 5:00 p.m in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. traditional worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and fellowship

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

God Calls Samuel, 1 Samuel 3:1-21          October 15, 2017

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

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, God Calls Samuel

Monday, 1 Samuel 4:1-11, The Ark of God Captured

Tuesday, 1 Samuel 5:1-12, Philistines and the Ark

Wednesday, 1 Samuel 6:1-16, The Ark Returned

Thursday, 1 Samuel 8:1-18, Israel Demands a King

Friday, 1 Samuel 9:27-10:8, Samuel Anoints Saul as King

Saturday, 1 Samuel 15:10-34, Saul Rejected as King

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

                                                                       (1 Samuel 3:10)

It takes several tries before young Samuel realizes that the One calling him in the night is God, rather than his master Eli. But delivering the message will prove even trickier.

• Tell of a time God called you to do something you were reluctant to do. (When was it hard to do the right thing?)
• How did you find the courage to do it?
• Wonder: How would your 11-year-old self have responded to a call by God?

PRAY: God who call us, your call comes often when we do not expect it. Incline our ears to hear what you are saying, and grant us courage to do what you ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  May God grant you courage to come when called. Amen

 

God promises that there will be enough for each day.   Like the people of Israel, we need to open our eyes to the good things God provides each day.  Too often  we struggle with  the concept of ‘enough’.  We are given enough, and we are enough, by God’s grace!

Worship this weekend:

Saturday  – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. traditional worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and fellowship hour

10:30 a.m. contemporary worship

Devotions for this week:

God Provides Manna, Exodus 16:1-18         October 8, 2017

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

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Exodus 16:1-18, God Provides Manna

Monday, Exodus 18:13-27, Jethro’s Advice

Tuesday, Exodus 20:1-21, The Ten Commandments

Wednesday, Exodus 25:10-22, The Ark of the Covenant

Thursday, Exodus 32:1-35, The Golden Calf

Friday, 1 Samuel 1:1-28, Samuel’s Birth and Dedication

Saturday, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah’s Prayer

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

 “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”                                                                 (Exodus 16:12)

God has looked after the Israelites as a loving parent would: first showing them the way out of slavery, then feeding and guiding them through the wilderness. And the people respond with all the gratitude of petulant children.

• How, when, and with whom do you eat? Tell about your favorite mealtime experiences, and how food brought you together.
• How many different ways could the Israelites have prepared manna and quail? What would you hope to eat if you were starving?

PRAY: Giving Lord, you have been generous beyond measure to your children. Open our hearts in gratitude for all that we have received, that we might give you the praise and honor befitting your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  May God provide for your every need. Amen.

 

The God of enslaved Israel is about to make good on an ancient promise, and has a special job for his servant Moses. This would-be hero, however, is less than enthusiastic.  God still calls us to speak God’s Word of freedom, forgiveness, and healing.  How will you answer God’s call?

Worship this week with Holy Communion

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

No 10:30 a.m. Worship this week — God’s Work/Our Hands volunteer projects.

Devotions for this week:

God’s Name Is Revealed, Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17
October 1, 2017

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

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17, God’s Name Is Revealed

Monday, Exodus 6:28-7:7, Moses and Aaron Obey God’s Commands

Tuesday, Exodus 12:1-13, The First Passover

Wednesday, Exodus 12:29-42, Death of the Firstborn

Thursday, Exodus 13:17-22, The Pillars of Cloud and Fire

Friday, Exodus 14:1-25, Crossing the Red Sea

Saturday, Exodus 14:26-31, Pursuers Drowned

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:13-14)

The God of enslaved Israel is about to make good on an ancient promise, and has a special job for his servant Moses. This would-be hero, however, is less than enthusiastic.

• Tell of a time you had to wait a really long time for an answer from God. What happened when the answer finally came?
• If you are still waiting, what answer are you hoping for?
• How do you respond to God’s call to intercede for God’s children in a time of need?
• Are we willing to speak up, even if it puts us at risk?

 PRAY: Holy God, your promises stand fast forever. Make us bold to trust where you lead, and put our unfailing hope in your faithfulness. In the name of Jesus, Amen

BLESS:  May God answer your prayers. Amen.