Pastor's Points for October 17th service
As We Gather this weekend: "What is the meaning of life?" is an often-asked question. And it is often answered in terms of health, wealth, and leisure activities. This weekend’s Scripture readings move us to find meaning in how we relate to God rather than in the things of this world. And that relationship is secure because of the sacrifice of his Son for us. In Jesus Christ, we are indeed rich; and in him we are eternally alive!
Something to celebrate: Once more, Concordia is sponsoring a student through Concordia Seminary’s adopt-a-student program. For 2021-22, we again have the privilege of adopting Nick Wagenknecht as ours. This academic year, Nick is serving his vicarage (internship) in Seymour, Indiana. Please keep him and all of our seminarians in your prayers.
Stewardship Standard: “Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Mark 10:29-30) This is Jesus’ encouragement for every faithful disciple. Let it be an encouragement to you today!
I’ll be on vacation this weekend and then will be attending the Missouri District-LCMS pastor’s conference at Lake of the Ozarks on Sunday evening and Monday. Pastor Frank Lucas from Immanuel, Altenburg, is leading the Saturday night service, and Pastor Ken Sievers from St. Louis is leading the Sunday service. Please welcome these fine pastors to Concordia this weekend. If you need pastoral care tomorrow (Friday) or over the weekend, please contact Pastor Dressler at Trinity at 573-513-1677.
Don’t forget…the next Concordia voter’s meeting will be Sunday, October 24, immediately after the worship service. Please plan to stay and participate. In the wake of our strategic planning process, the congregations one- and 3-5-year goals will be presented to the voter’s assembly.
Lutherans for Life Quote for October 17: “The things that have come to pass in Jesus come from His self-giving. He becomes a fetus in Mary’s womb; He becomes a crying infant, cold and hungry; He becomes a desert wanderer, starving and tormented by demons; He becomes the subject of slander and spitting; He is whipped and pierced; He is laid in the tomb. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. That’s where life is found: in the crucified Jesus.” Rev. Christopher Esget, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Virginia – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
“What Causes Newcomers to Connect, Stay and Grow in a Congregation?” That was the question considered by a seminary student named David Durey for his doctor-of-ministry project. This is what he found:
The mission of Concordia Lutheran Church is to gather, teach, and inspire all generations to share the Good News.
Something to celebrate: Once more, Concordia is sponsoring a student through Concordia Seminary’s adopt-a-student program. For 2021-22, we again have the privilege of adopting Nick Wagenknecht as ours. This academic year, Nick is serving his vicarage (internship) in Seymour, Indiana. Please keep him and all of our seminarians in your prayers.
Stewardship Standard: “Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Mark 10:29-30) This is Jesus’ encouragement for every faithful disciple. Let it be an encouragement to you today!
I’ll be on vacation this weekend and then will be attending the Missouri District-LCMS pastor’s conference at Lake of the Ozarks on Sunday evening and Monday. Pastor Frank Lucas from Immanuel, Altenburg, is leading the Saturday night service, and Pastor Ken Sievers from St. Louis is leading the Sunday service. Please welcome these fine pastors to Concordia this weekend. If you need pastoral care tomorrow (Friday) or over the weekend, please contact Pastor Dressler at Trinity at 573-513-1677.
Don’t forget…the next Concordia voter’s meeting will be Sunday, October 24, immediately after the worship service. Please plan to stay and participate. In the wake of our strategic planning process, the congregations one- and 3-5-year goals will be presented to the voter’s assembly.
Lutherans for Life Quote for October 17: “The things that have come to pass in Jesus come from His self-giving. He becomes a fetus in Mary’s womb; He becomes a crying infant, cold and hungry; He becomes a desert wanderer, starving and tormented by demons; He becomes the subject of slander and spitting; He is whipped and pierced; He is laid in the tomb. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. That’s where life is found: in the crucified Jesus.” Rev. Christopher Esget, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Virginia – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
“What Causes Newcomers to Connect, Stay and Grow in a Congregation?” That was the question considered by a seminary student named David Durey for his doctor-of-ministry project. This is what he found:
- More than 70 percent of new Christians interviewed responded by saying that a personal invitation attracted them to the congregation they joined. This has been true for as long as these kinds of surveys have been made. A personal invitation makes all the difference!
- When asked why they stayed in the Church, 77 percent said it was because of the friendliness and caring attitude exhibited by people.
- When asked how they formed significant friendships in the Church, again, 77 percent said through small groups.
- It’s important for congregations to equip their people to share, on a one-to-one basis, the key elements of the Gospel.
The mission of Concordia Lutheran Church is to gather, teach, and inspire all generations to share the Good News.
