connecting individuals to Jesus
Our Primary Prayer focus for this week is on Christ’s people on earth:
For the Holy Spirit to be at work enriching faith through our Barnabas Ministry. Giving us hearts that are growing in the joy of giving generously to the mission of STL. For children to be raised in the nurture and encouragement of the Gospel. For new individuals to become members of the STL Prayer Chain.
The Athanasian Creed proclaims that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and our Lord’s incarnation are the catholic faith. In other words, this is what the true church of all times and all places has confessed. More than 15 centuries later, the church continues to confess this truth, confident that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given himself for our salvation.
Over the past year – or so – different people have suggested that something I could do – in retirement or before – was to put into book form – or something similar – some of the stories and memories I have shared during my years of ministry. This is an activity I am seriously considering, though “retirement life” will need to slow down considerably if this is to happen. If, though, I were to start on the project today, the title I would give it would be “Heavenly Pours”.
We poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O Lord God, grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and Your will, and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
the Call Committee is in receipt of a new list of pastoral candidates to be the next senior pastor of St. Thomas. Based on the information presented, the list has been trimmed to four candidates and interviews are now being scheduled with each of those four (either in-person or remotely). Based on the outcome of the interviews, the Committee will present the candidates to the congregation for their approval to move forward with a call
We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
WOODARD, JoAnn Maria (nee Sorentino). Beloved wife of the late Charles W. for 31 years. Current companion of Victor Reynolds for over 20 years. Cherished mother of Helen (John) Garrity, Charles D. (Anita) Woodard, Cheryl (the late Gary) Witt and Carol (Harold) Lambert. Loving grandmother of Kelli (Chris), Matt (Kari), Dan (Heidi), David (Bobbiejo), Jennifer (Mike) and Jacob.
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Is there such a thing as “taking a break” when all you were doing in the first place was nothing? Perhaps that is something like a retired person – who is basically on vacation all the time – taking a vacation. Well, how does this sound? I, a retired person, earlier this week took a little break to get ready for a vacation! And I am glad I did.
Almighty God in his mercy has given his Son to die for you and through his blood redeems you from sin, death and the devil. As a called and ordained servant of Jesus, and by His authority, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.