Communications, Newsletter, Word for the week

Word for the Week

Sunday, August 27, 2017 Lectionary 21 Introduction

In Isaiah the people are bid to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world, but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

Prayer of the Day

O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6

Just as God had called Abraham and Sarah and given them many descendants, so now God offers comfort to Zion. God’s deliverance will come soon and will never end.

Psalm: Psalm 138

O Lord, your steadfast love endures forever. (Ps. 138:8)

Second Reading: Romans 12:1-8

In response to God’s merciful activity, we are to worship by living holistic, God-pleasing lives. Our values and viewpoints are not molded by this age, but are transformed by the Spirit’s renewing work. God’s grace empowers different forms of service among Christians, but all forms of ministry function to build up the body of Christ.

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

At a climactic point in Jesus’ ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.

Communications, Newsletter, Worship & the Seasons

Theme for the Pentecost season (summer)

The depth of God’s love, the extent of His abundant grace, and the certainty of His unwavering faithfulness are far bigger than any of us can ever fully comprehend. These freely-given gifts are ours, regardless of our level of faith or understanding.

This Pentecost season is a time for us to grow our faith and immerse ourselves in God’s abundant love. Our weekly worship gathers us together to hear God’s Word, learn through Jesus’ teaching and example, share in God’s Meal, and be sent out to share God’s abundant love with the world.

Listen. Learn. Proclaim.
This is God’s call this Pentecost.

Open our Hands.
Open our Hearts.
Open our Lives.

This is our prayer as we answer His call.

Communications, Events, Newsletter, Together in Christ Parish

Together in Christ Parish

Pastor Amy’s Office Hours

For the month of August, Pastor Amy’s office hours will be:

+ Pastor Amy will not be in the office(s) on Mondays, but please don’t hesitate to contact her via phone (662.292-6185) in case of emergencies.

+ Tuesday and Thursday 9 am – 1 pm at All Saints

+ Wednesday and Friday 9 am – 1 pm at St. James

+ Tuesday – Friday afternoons (from 1 – 5 pm) are times Pastor Amy will have appointments, visit shut-ins, do hospital visits, meetings, etc. and flexible as to which church she will be in.

+ Saturdays will be reserved for special projects and Pastor Amy will be available by appointment.

“God’s Work, Our Hands”

Get ready to do some more of God’s work! This year, we will join the wider ELCA in participating in the annual “God’s Work, Our Hands” weekend. This is a weekend set aside for ELCA churches to serve in the communities, we serve together locally, and we serve together globally. Saturday, September 9th, join with other ELCA churches serving at River Bend Food Bank, packing backpacks for their weekend food program. These backpacks are sent home with kids facing food insecurity. They are packed with easy-to-prepare meals for the weekend away from school. Sign up for one of two packing shifts (8 – 10 am or 10:30am – 12:30pm) online. Snacks will be provided for the packers. More details to come. Please sign up at the provided link.

https://riverbendfoodbank.org/donate-time/

 

Adult Book Discussion at St. James Lutheran Church

The Honoring Our Heritage: The Reformation committee is hosting a book discussion on the book together by grace – Introducing the Lutherans on three Sundays in September (10, 17, and 24) from 10:15-11:15 am, in the upstairs Conference Room. If you are interested in attending and want a book, please contact Joyce by August 15 via email at gsgopher50@gmail.com or via phone at 563-343-3404. The committee will purchase books (one per family unit), so please let Joyce know by AUGUST 15 if you will be attending and want a book.

together by grace is a book of articles that “explore the rich and lasting legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformation. This legacy consists not only in the theology Luther articulated…but also in the witness of many individuals who have been shaped by the Lutheran Christian tradition…”. It was compiled by Kathryn A. Kleinhans, and consists of several articles in six general topic areas: The Faith We Confess, From the Sixteenth Century to Today, Worship and the Arts, Faith Active in Love, Being Lutheran Together in a Wider World, and Voices and Places: Stories from the Global Lutheran Family.

Questions?  Contact Joyce

Members of All Saints church are cordially invited to attend and are welcome to attend our church service prior to the discussion group meeting.

 

Lifetouch Photo Directory
Mark your calendars for October 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2017 for Lifetouch photo directory pictures to be taken. This photo directory will be a Together in Christ Parish directory. More information to come about picture location(s) and time(s).