Where do we go from here? Together, some of us have given God 10 minutes of silence, resting in God’s presence and listening for his voice. Did you hear God’s voice? Did you feel his presence? Our lives are so busy. But I hope you found this 10-week journey beneficial to your spiritual life. In 1 Kings, 19:11-13 (Might want to read the chapter), God was not found in the noise but the quiet. Again, my question is, where do we go from here?
Had a very nice vacation with Patty and my daughter Kira’s family. Spent a lot of time in the pool and the lake. It was also nice just to carry on with my friend John and his family. John is one of those friends where we might see him once a year, but it seems that you carry on right where you left off. I hope you have one of those kinds of friends.
Didn’t watch any news or receive any news feed. It was our surprise that a couple hundred miles away, there was a horrific flood that took over a hundred lives. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones. Pray for the first responders who have been doing heroic work. At first, they were saving countless lives, and now they are looking for the lost. It is so hard to make sense out of this tragic event. How can God let this happen? Good question. All I can say for sure, is God is there now. All I know is when I think of Jesus and all he went through on the cross, the God that we worship is a God that is there in the tragic moments. Sometimes we may think that God allowed this to happen. I can’t fathom that. However, I do know that God is present when these events occur.
I love our faith. ELCA was quick to respond to this disaster. If your heart is being moved, you can always donate to the Lutheran Disaster Relief Fund through the ELCA. They have feet on the ground and will be there until their help is no longer needed. It will probably be a long stay.
We had the dedication of our candelabra candles at both services. How many remember candles made out of wax? Do you remember when the church switched over to candles filled with a wick and fuel? Well, we are adapting once again. Somewhere along the way, the wicks have been made in a different way, where they are no longer practical for us to use with the many candles we light during service. Altar Guild found these candles that are battery operated which last over 100 hours. The new wicks have a much shorter lifetime. Ask someone on Altar Guild what an enjoyable task that is (NOT!). The changing of the candles was approved at our last Council meeting. It is one of those things that just makes sense.
Somethings to mark on your calendar:
- We will be feeding the Pistol Shrimp players, coaches and interns this Tuesday (15) at 2:00 p.m. It is sort of a goofy time but it works out best for the players. Want to come help? We would love it. Want to come and hang out with the players? They would love it. Please come and join us.
- Vacation Bible School is from the 17 & 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. and going to 8:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School was a big part of my children’s life. Make it a big part of your children’s life. It is also a great opportunity to invite the children in your neighborhood.
- We are having our annual Potluck Dinner on Saturday July 19. It will start after the worship service. We would love to have everyone there. Meat and desserts will be provided. We ask that you bring a dish to pass. There will be no Sunday service.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the Sixth Weekend after Pentecost– July 19 & 20
Genesis 18:1-10a Psalm 15 Colossians 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42
Reading the Bible in a Year- Monday, July 14 to Sunday July 20
Day Ezekiel Psalms Proverbs Hebrews
Monday Ch 20:45-Ch 22:22 123 Ch 10:19-Ch 10:39
Tuesday Ch 22:23-Ch 23 27:15-22 Ch 11:1-16
Wednesday Ch 24-Ch 25 124 Ch 11:17-40
Thursday Ch 26-Ch 27 125 Ch 12:1-13
Friday Ch 28-Ch 29 126 Ch 12:14-29
Saturday Ch 30-Ch 31 27:23-27, 28:1-6 Ch 13
James
Sunday Ch 32-Ch 33:1-32 127 Ch 1