Some of Jesus’ followers were ready to let God’s word take root and grow strong in a hostile environment.  How is that Word growing in your life? How are you sharing that Word with others?

WORSHIP SCHEDULE 

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.

Worship this week:

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: Parables in Mark – January 19, 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 126, Psalm

Tuesday, Mark 3:31-35, The True Kindred of Jesus

Wednesday, Mark 4:35-41, Jesus Stills a Storm

Thursday, Matthew 13:1-8, Parable of Sower

Friday, Matthew 13:9-12, Disciples Question Jesus

Saturday, Matthew 13:13-23, Parable of Sower Explained

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow.”  (Mark 4:2-3)

Jesu taught by parables so that some would understand, while other were kept from knowing the word.  For now, Jesus would invest in those ready to follow.

• What does it take for seeds to grow?  How much do they depend on humans, and how much is by design alone?
• Sometimes we can’t completely change a situation—we can only plant a seed.  When was the last time you felt you planted a seed?

PRAY:  O Lord, your word is indeed life to us.  May we receive it with joy, and lay aside the concerns of our lives, caring only for the abundant life in your service.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

BLESS:  May the God of growth help you find good soil!

When Jesus began his ministry, he started by gathering followers and then by healing and teaching. The first priority for him was to tend to the people.  We are called to continue that ministry.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE 

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.

Devotions for this week: Jesus Heals and Teaches – January 12, 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 103:6-14, Psalm

Tuesday, Mark 2:23-28, Pronouncement about the Sabbath Wednesday, Mark 3:1-6, The Man with a Withered Hand

Thursday, Mark 3:7-12, A Multitude at the Seaside

Friday, Mark 3:13-19a, Jesus Appoints the Twelve

Saturday, Mark 3:19b-30, Jesus and Beelzebul

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

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas

“When he returned to Capernaum after some days …So many gathered that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them “(Mark 2:1-2)

Jesus’ ministry was in full swing.  He was beginning to do and to say things that shocked and challenged.  Healing, offering forgiveness, eating with tax collectors on the Sabbath – all things which shook the way things had always been.

• What was the last controversy that shook your community?  How did people handle it?
• Are you willing to push back when you see something that is wrong?  Even if you might upset people?

PRAY:  O God, your words are sometimes difficult to hear.  Turn our hearts toward you, so that when we are challenged, we can rely on your Spirit for strength and guidance.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

BLESS:  May you feel the guidance of Christ, even in uncertain times!

We invite everyone to celebrate Christmas with us at any of our Christmas worship opportunities! We gather for Candlelight and Carols at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. on the 24th. We gather on Christmas morning at 10:00 a.m. for Christmas Day worship.