» Summer at the Movies

Summer is here!
This summer, we will use clips from movies, along with stories from our ancestors, to learn about God’s amazing steadfast love and the folks God chose to lead the way.

This week – we will focus on how God’s plan is fulfilled. Isaac was the miracle child of Sarah & Abraham but in order for God’s covenant to be fulfilled, Isaac needs a partner. Enter a servant with a task to follow as ordered by Abraham.

We also pause this weekend to thank God for the blessings bestowed to us in this country. “Band of Brothers” is a movie where a platoon was tasked with a mission to bring the last surviving son home from the war front.

What binds these two together is this: obedience. Abraham’s servant and the soldiers were given tasks that asked of them to follow specific guidelines so that their missions would be successful. Obedience unto death was required for Jesus – who died so that we might live. We are tasked to obey God’s commands – to love God and love one another – so that all may know God’s graciousness.

Please join us for worship at 8 AM or 10:15 AM this week!. See you in church!

Other news this week:

New Members!
We receive new members through Affirmation of Baptism on July 6. Please join me in welcoming these brothers and sisters in Christ as we continue to work together to bring God’s kingdom here on earth. Members will be received at both the 8 and 10:15 worship services.

Rise Up Together!
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.

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. That date is the all-in – with written confirmation and the first deposit of $100.00. Please contact me if you have any questions at all – including how we can help to subsidize your trip if necessary. (Official scholarship requests are due to the ELCA by July 15).

Summer Worship Series – “Summer at the Movies”
For a twist and a bit of adventure, a movie clip will accompany the theme of the week – hence Summer at the Movies. (or at least be a part of the discussion). If you have some experience with cutting and editing digital media, please let PT know – she’d appreciate the help!

If you’d like to see the full feature movie and are willing to help coordinate Friday at the Movies, PT is also the person to contact.

Thank you
Thank you for your prayers and support as I traveled to Puerto Rico the last 10 days to support my family as we say our goodbyes and prepare to celebrate my Abuela’s life here on earth and her homegoing to heaven. As of this morning (July 4), she is still traveling the path towards heaven. The time that I spent with my dad, aunts, uncles, & cousins was special as we recounted her influence on all of us. She gave birth to 13 children (9 spouses), has 40 grandchildren (and there are 24 spouses), 54 great-grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren. That itself is an amazing legacy. One of my middle names is hers – and as I sat with her and my dad, I realized that there are traits of hers that I have inherited. I am both heartbroken that her life here is ending but comforted that she, soon and very soon, will be happy, whole, and part of a company of saints that praises God forever.

With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂