Pastor's Points for November 17th service
This Sunday, November 17, is the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost; also the 2nd last Sunday of the Church year! The world often mocks the idea that Jesus will return in power and glory and judgment to bring this age to an end. But that’s what the Word of God promises he will do. Though we don’t know the day or hour when that will happen, Christians can be certain of being on the right side of judgment day when it does occur. In fact, we can look forward to that day with great anticipation. Sunday’s message, based on Malachi 4:1-6, is titled “The Right Side of Judgment Day.”
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her!” That’s what Jesus said to those who accused the adulterous woman in John 8. We, too, are sometimes quick to judge others, and label them a great sinner, without first taking a long look at our life and see where we fall short. When we repent, we also hear Jesus’ comforting words, the same thing he said to the accused adulterer: “Neither do I condemn you; go and from now on sin no more.” John 8 will be our focus in Bible class this Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. Hope you can join me!
Stewardship thought for the week: Luke 21:6 – “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Everything in this world is headed for the graveyard, but some things are also destined to rise from the grave. On that Day of Resurrection, as we look back on our earthly life, what will we see? What will have really mattered? This is a good question to ask oneself in this season of the Church year that focuses on the Last Things.
Order in the Order: In the KYRIE, we echo one of the oldest sections of the Christian liturgy. In it, we ask that God would never stop offering the mercy we treasure; the same mercy that was announced just moments ago in the Absolution. We recognize that we live only by God’s mercy, and we pray for its constant presence among us.
The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau is seeking volunteers to provide companionship and support to its residents who are in hospice care. Volunteers are asked to visit the resident once a week for a short time. What a fantastic way to serve and show the love of Jesus! If you are interested, please contact Brenda Smith at 573-334-1515.
Did you know…if you are 70 ½ years old or older and have an IRA, you can instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly from your IRA to Concordia Lutheran Church. This distribution is called Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). It counts toward satisfying any required minimum distributions (RMDs) and is excluded from your income for tax purposes. If you have questions or want to know more, please contact Carol Grebing Duggan at 573-824-6060.
There is still plenty of time to register for the “Spiritual Conversations” workshop sponsored by The Lutheran Hour 10-2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at St. Paul, Des Peres, Mo. This is a FREE workshop. Based on award-winning research conducted in partnership with The Barna Group, the workshop consists of presentations from LHM staff, and interactive breakout sessions for participants to brainstorm how they might implement the ideas and tools from the workshop in every-day conversations. When you walk out of the workshop you will have a sense of confidence knowing that you are prepared to respond in spiritual conversations, and YOU can even start spiritual conversations with others who might be receptive to talking about faith. Amy and I are registered for this date, and we’d love to have others from Concordia join us. Again, registration is free, and lunch is included. If you are not able to go on January 25, there is another one scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, February 8, at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis. You can register online at www.lhm.org/workshops
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her!” That’s what Jesus said to those who accused the adulterous woman in John 8. We, too, are sometimes quick to judge others, and label them a great sinner, without first taking a long look at our life and see where we fall short. When we repent, we also hear Jesus’ comforting words, the same thing he said to the accused adulterer: “Neither do I condemn you; go and from now on sin no more.” John 8 will be our focus in Bible class this Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. Hope you can join me!
Stewardship thought for the week: Luke 21:6 – “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Everything in this world is headed for the graveyard, but some things are also destined to rise from the grave. On that Day of Resurrection, as we look back on our earthly life, what will we see? What will have really mattered? This is a good question to ask oneself in this season of the Church year that focuses on the Last Things.
Order in the Order: In the KYRIE, we echo one of the oldest sections of the Christian liturgy. In it, we ask that God would never stop offering the mercy we treasure; the same mercy that was announced just moments ago in the Absolution. We recognize that we live only by God’s mercy, and we pray for its constant presence among us.
The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau is seeking volunteers to provide companionship and support to its residents who are in hospice care. Volunteers are asked to visit the resident once a week for a short time. What a fantastic way to serve and show the love of Jesus! If you are interested, please contact Brenda Smith at 573-334-1515.
Did you know…if you are 70 ½ years old or older and have an IRA, you can instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly from your IRA to Concordia Lutheran Church. This distribution is called Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). It counts toward satisfying any required minimum distributions (RMDs) and is excluded from your income for tax purposes. If you have questions or want to know more, please contact Carol Grebing Duggan at 573-824-6060.
There is still plenty of time to register for the “Spiritual Conversations” workshop sponsored by The Lutheran Hour 10-2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at St. Paul, Des Peres, Mo. This is a FREE workshop. Based on award-winning research conducted in partnership with The Barna Group, the workshop consists of presentations from LHM staff, and interactive breakout sessions for participants to brainstorm how they might implement the ideas and tools from the workshop in every-day conversations. When you walk out of the workshop you will have a sense of confidence knowing that you are prepared to respond in spiritual conversations, and YOU can even start spiritual conversations with others who might be receptive to talking about faith. Amy and I are registered for this date, and we’d love to have others from Concordia join us. Again, registration is free, and lunch is included. If you are not able to go on January 25, there is another one scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, February 8, at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis. You can register online at www.lhm.org/workshops
