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And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus makes some bold statements about following Him. In many ways, these verses provide instructions for following, a kind of “Discipleship 101” Class.
You will hear the word “disciple” in church a lot - and rightfully so. One of Jesus’ last commands is for the church to go and “make disciples” of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The word disciple literally means “learner” or “pupil”. Discipleship often focuses on making a whole life transformation, developing personal character and following a specific world view.
Another word that might also be appropriate is an “apprentice” – someone who is learning a specific skill or a lifestyle. A disciple is someone who is applying spiritual practices to their daily life. Either way, it is someone who is learning from the master. In our case, it is following our Lord Jesus Christ!
Last week I looked back at the first half of the year. This week I’d like to look ahead to the rest of the year, and prepare you for some of the exciting things coming up!
New Members – this Sunday we’re gathering a new member orientation where we will get to know one another, talk about churches, and highlight some interesting facts about Lutherans. We’ve got a group of around ten who are interested in joining on August 23rd. There is still time to invite others to join!
Back to School Blessing – Summer is almost over and school is just around the corner. We’ve already been gathering items for students with our supply drive, filling up the boxes. On August 9th we’re planning a special Sunday to kick things off – much like we used to call “Rally Day”. If you know of any kids who we could invite to come and register for Sunday School (FLAME), let us know, and invite them!
New Playground - We’re praying the playground will be installed and ready to use by August 9th. Once it is in, we will have a special dedication service after church. It will be such a blessing to children and families for years to come, and complement the basketball courts and gaga ball court. Another valuable ministry tool and sign we are looking to the future!
Cultural Meal Celebration – On September 6th we are planninga very special cultural meal after church, featuring authentic Ecuadorian food by two of our new members, Heather and Jonathan Luzuriagga. We will be asking you to RSVP ahead of time, a freewill donation will be received to help cover expenses. I can’t wait to taste and see how good it is!
Christmas Angel Tree, Toy Drive – we will be partnering with Better Together this year to gather items for those in need around the holiday season. It was a wonderful success last year, making a huge difference in the lives of needy children and families in our area.
Adult Bible Class 101 – we have had some requests for classes like we’ve offered during Lent. Sundays are too busy with councils, choirs, congregational meetings and delicious meals – so we’re looking at Wednesday or Thursday evenings, in person or by Zoom. Let us know if you are interested! Let’s fill it up!
In the name of Jesus;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Join us for worship this Sunday at First Evangelical and Holy Cross Churches. We will have new member orientation on July 26 after worship, and welcoming new members in worship on August 23rd. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining the churches, please contact one of the pastors or the church office
- We are having a new member orientation after worship this Sunday for anyone interested in joining the churches. We will be welcoming new members in worship on August 23rd. Let’s celebrate all that God is doing with us!
- Help kids at Conniston Middle School by gathering items for our “Back to School Supplies Drive” through the end of August – Drop off items include: mesh backpacks, 6 tab dividers, 1 subject spiral notebooks, three hole punch pencil pouches, three hold punch rulers, sharpened #2 pencils, magic rub erasers, black-blue-red pens, college ruled notebook paper, reinforcement labels, glue sticks, highlighters. Please leave them on the table and in the boxes at the back of the church.
- Mark your calendars for our “Back to School Blessing” on Sunday, August 9th after worship. We will have special arts & crafts, games and more, for kids, parents and adults during the lunch hour. Invite families with children to join us for this special day, and register for “Flame”, our weekly Sunday School for elementary-aged kids.
- The Sunflower Christian Academy, just a few blocks east of us, are enrolling students for this fall’s school year. They will have an information table set up on August 9th for anyone interested to know more. They served PreK3 to 2nd grade, offer microschool for special abilities, after school programs for 5-12 year olds, and summer camp.www.scawpb.com
