Pentecost 1: Holy Trinity + Being Sent Out = ?
More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.
Today’s readings each refer to God as Three in One. You will hear this relationship expressed as creator, word, and breath; as love, grace, and communion, and as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. None of these can full express the true nature of God – but as we ask the Spirit to open the Word, perhaps we will find comfort and peace.
Those emotions are important because this festival day also points us to our work as God’s Stewards – to go and care for God’s creation and to make disciples of all nations. This work is for all of us – from the youngest to the oldest.
Please join us for worship at 8 AM or 10:15 AM this week!. See you in church!
June 15 is an important day! Here’s what’s happening:
1. Time and Talents Consecrated:
The next step is to figure out how to use those skills to build community – specifically here at SOTH. The links will lead you to a booklet about areas where you may be able to help as well as a sheet that we ask you return to church on June 15 so we may offer them to God. Throughout June, folks will work to organize the results so that when our program year begins in the fall, we are ready to Rise Up! in Christ.
Time and Talents Booklet
Time and Talents Commitment Form
These forms will also be available in hard copy at church. This congregation is grows because of you. Together, we will truly be able to welcome, equip. and send all of God’s children into the world.
2. Sunday School Teacher Recognition and Picnic!
This Sunday, at the 10:15 worship time, we will thank and bless the volunteers that have helped our young peole grow in their faith on Sunday morning. And then we’ll celebrate with a picnic immediately after worship. Please bring a dish to share – we’ll provide the meat and bread.
3. Blessing of Travelers:
Summer vacation is nearly upon us and before we scatter for the summer, We will take some moments to reflect and to bless one another as we travel to and from our vacation spots.
New Member Class:
This week (June 14 from 10-12) we will look at why we are Lutheran. Next Saturday, we’ll look at Shepherd of the Hills and how your stewardship will add to our already rich community.
We will then receive new members through Affirmation of Baptism on June 29 – the day before our church’s anniversary. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Tina.
High School Graduation Recognition:
On Sunday June 22 at the 10:15 worship, we as a congregation will bless our students that have graduated from our area high schools and are making a transition into adulthood. They will also share with us their plans for the future. We give thanks that they have grown up with us and have helped to make us a better place. Please join us!
Rise Up Together! :
If you missed the kickoff meeting for the NYG-Detroit – don’t be afraid. Pastor Tina has info packets put together. The crucial deadline date to be all in is August 1, 2014.
The 2015 National Youth Gathering of the ELCA will be in Detroit, MI, a city that is rising up out of job loss and bankruptcy. God is calling us to bring our hands and feet and hearts to this place.
With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂