How to Read the Bible - Session 6 - Character [Video]

Session 6

How to Read the Bible: Character

Most of us think of characters in Bible as either sinners or saints, good or bad. At least that’s how Bible stories are presented to children. In this video, we’ll explore the ways biblical authors present characters as more complex and morally compromised than we usually imagine.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

[Sunday] - Reflection - God's Greater Story - Romans 6

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1.  Describe a time when you felt beat up by life.

2. Read Romans 6:1-14.  What is the relationship between grace and sin?

3. Read Romans 6:15-23.  What do you think Paul means when he says you are now a slave to righteousness, as opposed to a slave to sin?

4. How has Jesus pulled you through the sin of your past and given you new life?  What does he mean for you now?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Joyce Matte - 5/18, Allison Schultz & Ervin Schimkat (99th)- 5/19, Danielle Hoffman - 5/21, Pat Gebhardt - 5/22

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Raquel & James Thomson - 5/17 - 44 years!

REMEMBERING TOM  Our prayers are with Mary Anne and the Roksvold family in mourning and remembering Tom Roksvold, for he passed away Wednesday afternoon. Video recording of the graveside service will be available.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 10:30 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

How to Read the Bible - Session 5 - Plot [Video]

Session 5

How to Read the Bible: Plot

An important part of reading biblical narratives is learning how to understand the nature of "the plot," how stories are arranged into a pattern of conflict and resolution. In this video we'll see how ignoring the sequence of the plot can lead to distorted interpretation of biblical stories. We'll also explore how grasping the multi-layered nature of the narrative can help you see the unified story that leads to Jesus.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

How to Read the Bible - Session 4 - Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature [Video]

Session 4

How to Read the Bible: Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature

Episode 4 explores the unique literary style of the Bible that is meant to draw its readers into a lifelong journey of reading and meditation. The Bible is designed as a multi-layered work, offering new levels of insight as you re-read it and allow each part to help you understanding every other part. The Bible is the original meditation literature.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

How to Read the Bible - Session 3 - Literary Styles [Video]

Session 3

How to Read the Bible: Literary Styles

Episode 3 shows how reading the Bible wisely requires that we learn about the ancient literary styles used by the biblical authors. These writers expressed their ideas and claims through a variety of different type of literature, and this video will explore why it's important to tell them apart so we can hear their message on their terms.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

How to Read the Bible - Session 2 - Biblical Story [Video]

Session 2

How to Read the Bible: Biblical Story

Episode 2 summarizes the overall story of the Bible as a series of crossroad decisions. All humanity, followed by the Israelites, redefine good and evil and end up in Babylon. They are followed by Jesus, who takes a different path that opens up the way to a new creation.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

Email Blast May 11 20

https://www.gracelutheranpsl.com/campaigns/view-campaign/u3vU1cPsc03NbhpeE4x5K-3eyk3XJi8oDjNs6YUahBJHfiuOYTKcIabv5dx5EsqPIqJ9EvoiQinJl85IfAiUxU8Yn0qkyh8F

How to Read the Bible - Session 1 - What is the Bible [Video]

This is a starter video series that helps you read the Bible while understanding its unique design and literary devices.

While the Bible is one unified story, it cannot all be read in the same way.

The How to Read the Bible series walks through each literary style found in the Bible, and how each uniquely contributes to the overall whole. Each literary style lives by its own rules and structure. First, lets see what the bible actually is.

---

Session 1

How to Read the Bible: What is the Bible?

This is episode 1 of an ongoing series that explores the origins, content, and purpose of the Bible. Here you'll be introduced to a condensed history of how the Bible came into existence, and the different forms of the Bible in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christian traditions.

All Content, Lessons, and Videos are taken from the Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/

Table Talk: Apologetics [Video]

[Sunday] - Say What?! Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1. What’s the messiest mess you’ve ever had to clean up?

2. Read Matthew 23:27-28.  Describe a time when you felt like a whitewashed tomb?

3. According to Jesus what happens when we cleanse ourselves to look clean on the outside?

4. Read Titus 3:4-8.  How are we ultimately made clean? 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Norm Neuberger - 5/11, Greta Tuning - 5/14, Deborah Lemke - 5/15, Victoria Thomason, Diane Heinz & Glenn Swiston - 5/16

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Chuck & Joyce Strickler 5/15/1965 - 55 years!

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris has started an online “live” Bible study for you to participate in.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Announce] Live Streaming + Covid 19 and Grace

May Drone Footage

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Gains Another Angel

Service [above] Sermon [under]
Sermon Released Monday Morning

Questions for the Week

1. What do you think your neighbor would say is the role of angels?

2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  What does Paul have to say in this passage about those who pass away?  What hope do we have?

3. Read Luke 24:36-43.   Why do you think he has the disciples touch him and ask them for a meal?   After Jesus rises, is he a ghost, or did he have a physical body?  

4. What words would you use to encourage someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Kent Bowen -5/3, Paxton Becker-Sauber 5/4, 

Richard Harms - 5/5, Linda Gannon -5/6, Steven Choung - 5/8, Phyllis Schimkat - 5/9 

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris has started an online “live” Bible study for you to participate in.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”
Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Very Nice Post from Alzheimer's Community care's Facebook Page

Ed’s wife, Barbara, has attend the Specialized Adult Day Center in Port St. Lucie since early in 2018. Barbara has thrived there and he has thrived as a caregiver, due in part to the wonderful care and support his wife has received., “ACC has provided a wonderful experience for my wife and I now have time to take care of her and our home.” When his church, Grace Lutheran Church - Port St Lucie, FL, wanted to dive deep into a community outreach project, he recommended building a second Day Center is Port St. Lucie on their property. He knew that the need was growing and that it wouldn’t take long to fill another Center in Port St. Lucie so he advocated for it with his congregation. It was an easy sell and the members quickly embraced the mission of Alzheimer’s Community Care and as they say, “the rest is history”. Ed shared these photos recently of the progress taking place. We are so happy to partner with Grace Lutheran Church - Port St Lucie, FL and their wonderful congregation. Thank you for being the “community” in Alzheimer's Community Care.

The Freedom to Do Nothing

Source: https://mbird.com/2020/04/the-freedom-to-do-nothing/

The following was written by Sarah Denley Herrington.

What a time to be alive!

I’ve been comforted and inspired by the frequency of seeing a gracious word here and there on social media. But it gnaws at me, the guilt I feel when I don’t do enough. I recently decided to get on Facebook (which is always a good decision) and respond to this meme that’s been going around saying that if you don’t do all of these things (learn a new skill, start your side hustle, etc.) you’re lazy. Its perspective is absurdly privileged. The truth is, we’re experiencing collective trauma. But I’m convinced that if I don’t take people to task on Facebook, I’ve done a disservice to those around me who are struggling who could be comforted by my hot take. Sigh.

I recently listened to a podcast in which the guest, Celeste Headlee, who wrote a book called Do Nothing shared research about how, when people were asked their hourly rate for their work before listening to a beautiful arrangement of music, they said the piece lasted too long. The piece was three minutes.

I stay at home with my three children and homeschool them, so my hours have no such worth. And yet, I’m constantly thinking about time, work, and what Headlee called the “cult of efficiency“. And more often than not, I’m tying it to my personal worth, in conscious and unconscious ways.

I realized almost immediately when we began streaming church that, for the first time, I could monitor how much longer church would last. I felt an odd sense of control and also an incredible sense of guilt. I told myself that a large part of operating on countdown mode was my anxious personality and my unruly children who unsurprisingly seem to behave less well in the comfort of their own home, watching a screen than in the confines of a pew where some (very small, in their case) amount of decorum is expected. I also reminded myself that this wasn’t specific to a worship service. I often find myself fixated on how many episodes are left in a season of a television show or how many pages are left in a chapter of a novel. I am unquestionably a neurotic person living in a neurotic age. I did feel such satisfaction hearing about the musical piece that, at three minutes, was just too long for folks.

One thing I did manage to catch last Sunday was our pastor asking what we were grieving. I paused the service and asked my children. The first thing my big kids both said was New York. We had a trip scheduled this month. We were going to spend the last part of Holy Week there and I was planning on attending a conference that I’ve missed for the last several years and that, in very real ways, sustains me. The children were mostly going to enjoy revisiting their old favorites in the city they once spent a year and a half growing up in and sharing it with their baby sister who has been to visit once but doesn’t remember anything about it. I had tears in my eyes. What a better use of our time than all the Pinterest and home improvement projects I was scheming about and mentally writing on a list.

This hasn’t sucked entirely. In fact, we’ve been some of the lucky few who have really enjoyed this time. We’ve thrived. Largely, I think because I decided VERY early on that I did not have the energy to erect arbitrary and artificial frameworks in our days. I knew that attempts to block schedule things like “art” and “exercise” would be fruitless with my crew and would result in mutiny.

But it was hard to wrap my mind around at first. So I did the thing — I grieved it, the structure and the tidy, predictable blocks of time we operated in, for however long this would last. You can be damn sure I grieved the three mornings a week I dropped my favorite three year old off at the Methodist church preschool with the pithy, if occasionally preachy, church signage and completely precious director who gives the children lollipops with very little restraint and toddler buddies whose names filled our days. You can also be damn sure I did not grieve the multiple nights a week on the soccer field. And now we mostly just do what we want.

But the thing that has been hard has been feeling like that’s enough. Like it’s enough for me and my children and my husband (when he’s home from his essential job in the health care field that he doesn’t like to be fawned over for) to just be.

I’ve heard a lot of people talk about this “historical moment” and this “current moment in time” and one that sticks out is this “present moment.” It just seems so difficult to be present in this present moment — mentally and emotionally and spiritually. I’m certainly here physically but sometimes that feels like about all. My preteen is experiencing the onset of teenage ennui early and my little boy who is nine but developmentally about seven recently asked, “What even is this life?” And my little one, who has more energy than the other four of us combined, has been missing preschool and the sibling run-around in the afternoon and evening. We are so in our feelings. I feel the tediousness and mundaneness of this vocation on an entirely new level. I so often feel the numbness, the dull ache which I’m terrified is the depression I had finally gotten a hold of in the past year.

When I get sad and lonely and afraid, I am reminded of a great comfort and that is that Jesus is present in this present moment. When I am distracted and impatient and at the very end of my rope (or roll of toilet paper), God is in this mess beside me.

Our pastor reminded us of another fabulous truth on Easter Sunday. She said “In Christ’s resurrection, we experience the liberation from saving ourselves and the liberation from praising ourselves.” But man, do I find myself going back to those chains. I need a daily (hourly?) reminder that my worth is not found in a failed (or unattempted) house project and I also need the reminder that my worth is not found in a successful one.

For the past decade, God has used my children to show me this truth and in 2020, He is using a pandemic to show me.

Praise God for the days when I check everything off my list and for the days when I am unable to accomplish a blessed thing. And praise God that my worth is tied to neither.

Ordering Online

Roofing the building

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

1st Zoom to Coffee

It was a great seeing all that joined in.

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Help Those who Help Themselves

Service [above] Sermon [under]
Sermon Released Monday Morning

Questions for the Week

1. When have you heard the phrase “God helps those who help themselves?”  Why is it normally said?

2. Read Genesis 12:10-20.  Describe what happens when Abram takes things into his own hands and tries to help himself in a time of distress.  How do we often try to do the same thing?

3. Read Philippians 4:10-15.  What does this say about contentment?  

4. Describe a time when you have been strengthened by Jesus’ presence in your life.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Table Talks: Historical Faith

During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther would sit around his dinner table at home with friends and students and talk about life and theology. Over the past year, we've started to emulate these famous talks with our friends and family, and today we're excited to share the first one with you. This third episode, hosted by Kelsi Klembara Adam Francisco, Malte Detje, Bob Hiller, and Dan van Voorhis as they explore the topic of Historical Faith.