Today we proclaim with our words that we are saved by grace through faith. But in reality, we often assume that others’ sins are worse than our own, and that somehow we are better people.  Paul challenges us to confront the awesome grace of God in Christ.

Worship this week –

Saturday – Worship with Holy Communion – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – Worship through Music – Led by ELC Senior Choir

9:30 a.m. Final Day of Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion/Graduate Recognition

Devotions for this week:

Living by Faith                                                                 May 21, 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: Living by Faith, Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21

Monday: Welcome to the Galatians, Galatians 1:1-12
Tuesday: Paul Defends His Apostleship, Galatians 1:18-24
Wednesday: Paul and the Other Apostles, Galatians 2:1-10
Thursday: God’s Promise to Abraham, Galatians 3:10-18
Friday: The Purpose of the Law, Galatians 3:19-22
Saturday: Paul Reprimands the Galatians, Galatians 4:8-20

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

With power and grace Paul calls out some of the leaders on their inconsistencies, and presents himself as the classic example of someone who could not have been justified but through the grace of Jesus.  There are no good guys and no bad guys. There are just people saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• What is going on in Galatia?
• Too many churches have been notorious for assuming that we are saved by our good deeds and our refraining from sin. How might your story sound if you shared the good news that people are saved by the work of Jesus Christ apart from their good works? How might non-believers respond to such a message?
• How do you feel about the news that your salvation doesn’t depend upon what you do or fail to do? Does this sound like good news or bad to you? What might prevent you from claiming this gift of justification and salvation? How can you begin to let go of your reservations?

PRAY:  God of life,  We all stand condemned, but for your grace, O God. Foster in us such love for your word that we cannot help but proclaim it freely and openly to all, in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

BLESS:  God says:  You are good, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Join our wonderful Senior Choir, under the direction of Diane Dangerfield, in a worship celebration  next Sunday.  Invite your friends and neighbors!!

Sugar Creek Bible Camp

“Where all generations encounter Christ through God’s people and creation”

We look forward to having Don Shunkwiler, executive director of Sugar Creek Bible Camp, with us for worship this week.

Worship this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

The Council at Jerusalem                                                           May 14, 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: Council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:1-18

Monday: The Conversion of Lydia, Acts 16:11-15
Tuesday: Paul and Silas in Prison, Acts 16:16-40
Wednesday: Paul Sails for Rome, Acts 27:1-12
Thursday: The Storm at Sea, Acts 27:13-38
Friday: The Shipwreck, Acts 27:39-28:16
Saturday: Paul Preaches in Rome, Acts 28:23-31

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

The early leaders of the faithful had an ever-growing task on their hands: to keep adding to the numbers of converted while trying to reconcile the old customs with the new message. Opinions are strong, and the young church faces one among many threats of division. There are many things that can divide a church today, yet many more that can unite us.

• What issues have divided the church in the past? Are they still important?
• How does division affect our witness?
• Do you live as though you were saved by grace or by your good works? What difference does it make?
• How does your faith inform your behaviors?
• What is your favorite dramatic or exciting biblical story? Why?

PRAY: God of great mission, You have set before us a great task, O God: keeping sight of the things which matter. Steer us away from our preoccupation with issues that do not bear on our eternal salvation, focusing instead on all who still long to hear your word of grace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

BLESS:  God unites us through Christ’s love for witness and service to the world. Amen.

When directed by the Spirit to  ‘get up and go’, Phillip discovered that God prepares unexpected opportunities to share faith and hope.  Let’s be ready to move into God’s world with purpose, and may our eyes be open to those God places in our path this day.  There are still unexpected opportunities, and sometimes unlikely people, to encounter with the compassion of Christ.  In those encounters we may bless, and discover blessing.

Worship this week with Holy Communion –

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

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School

10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

An Ethiopian comes to believe                                                   May 7, 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: Ethiopian Comes to Believe, Acts 8:26-39

Monday: The Death of Herod, Acts 12:20-25
Tuesday: Barnabas and Paul Commissioned, Acts 13:1-3
Wednesday: The Apostles Preach in Cyprus, Acts 13:4-12
Thursday: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, Acts 14:1-7
Friday: Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe, Acts 14:8-20
Saturday: Return to Antioch in Syria, Acts 14:21-28

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

The disciples’ mission is now springing up everywhere, this time in the middle of the desert, with a high-ranking foreign official. What will this Ethiopian say when Philip reveals to him the astounding truth of the scriptures?

• How is the apostles’ preaching beginning to spread throughout the world?
• How does your community of faith engage in the exchange of ideas concerning the things of faith? How are you personally engaged in a community to help you grow in faith? What might your community of faith do to engage more of the community inside and outside your church?
• If you have had a conversion experience, who have you told? If you have been a person of faith your whole life, who have you told? Who might be hungry for the Word and the story of how you experience God?

PRAY: God of encounters, Your good news stops us in our tracks with amazement, O God. Renew our wonder at the word and all the promises contained within it, gifts especially for us, your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BLESS:  God delights in the joy you experience hearing God’s word. Amen.

 

God’s dream, God’s vision, God’s intent for the world is reconciliation.  This is the task we were given as Jesus’ followers — to be ambassadors of reconciliation.  Join us as we hear Bishop Froiland’s message this weekend.

Worship this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m.  Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

Stephen’s Witness                                                                         April 30, 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: Stephen’s Witness, Acts 6:1 – 7:2a, 44-60

Monday: Saul Persecutes the Church, Acts 8:1-25
Tuesday: The Conversion of Saul, Acts 9:1-19a
Wednesday: Saul Preaches in Damascus, Acts 9:19b-31
Thursday: Peter and Cornelius, Acts 10:1-33
Friday: Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:34-48
Saturday: Peter in Prison, Acts 12:1-19

 TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.    Acts 7:59-60

Introducing Stephen, a man of spirit and grace who seems to speak with the authority of God. The powerful are known for attracting attention, but it may not be the sort that Stephen would have wanted. How far are Jesus’ followers willing to go?  Sometimes the proclamation of truth is dangerous.

• What happened to apostles that preached Jesus?
• How have the duties in your faith community been distributed? How might you do things differently to best honor the gifts of those in your community?
• What role do you play at home, at work, or at church? How are you best using your gifts to do God’s work in the world? Are you doing what God has created you to do, or is it time for a change?

Keep a calendar this week of everything you do  At the end of the week, evaluate your calendar. How is your time reflecting your values? Make one change next week so your time honors your values.

 PRAY: Holy Lord, Your servant Stephen was bold in the face of danger and death. Make us faithful in our witness, even under threat of opposition to your word, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

BLESS:  God has created you with unique gifts. Use them well. Amen.