August Blog 07/29/2010
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 
      Our God has blessed us in so many ways…  I think back on Vacation Bible School and the Church Picnic--praising God for the fellowship and joyful service that he works among us.  I thank God for our Monday Night worship service as it continues at 6:30pm each Monday.  I look forward to the St. Matthew Rummage Sale, coming up before you know it.

      Soon, summer will slip by.  Routines will resume.  May our God refresh us and renew us through the rest of this summer, preparing us for routines that are healthier than ever.

      What has your routine for worship attendance been?  Maybe it’s been every week, and you can continue.  Maybe it’s been less often and you can increase your participation in worship with your brothers and sisters.  You can come at 7:30 or 9:45 Sunday morning or 6:30pm Monday.

      What has your routine for attending Bible Study been?  Now’s the time to attend Bible Study in August at 8:45 am Sundays.  It’s as simple as staying after early service or coming early before late service.  Now’s also the time to resolve to attend Bible Study at the eleven o’clock hour when it resumes in September.  Then, you’ll simply be following through on plans already made.

      What has your giving routine been?  May we also grow in this grace of giving…

      C.S. Lewis said, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’ ” As redeemed children of God, of course, we desire to belong to that first category, “Thy will be done.” 

      On the first four Sundays of August, the theme of our worship services and our Bible studies will be the lifestyle of faithful stewards.  We will learn how the Holy Spirit, working through Word and Sacrament, transforms us to be more like our Chief Steward, Jesus, Who willingly poured out His life in giving and serving, ultimately sacrificing His very life for our eternal lives.

      As your pastor, I pray that each of you will take advantage of these opportunities to grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord that you might be strengthened in faith both for eternity and for a fruitful life here on earth.

      The particular themes for the four Sundays are as follows: 


Sunday August 1st (and Monday August 2nd), “Building Relationships”

Sunday August 8th (and Monday August 9th), “Witnessing for Jesus”

Sunday August 15th (and Monday August 16th), “Living as a Servant” 

Sunday August 22nd (and Monday August 23rd), “Giving Joyfully and Generously” (Commitment Sunday) 


“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).  

Yours in Christ, 
Pastor Gary