![[Sunday] Rain on Enemies - The Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1605237296500-WBW04LPRYG6CXWY7SDYR/Generosity+Weekly4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Rain on Enemies - The Party
Look at the party the father is throwing. The whole town is there. Even that scoundrel Matt is there who stole from the father’s business. I can’t even believe he is throwing this party for that son who took everything from him. But did you hear about the drama with the older son? He is refusing to go into the party? After all it is raining on all the party.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
Questions for the Week
1. Read John 3:16. What gift does God promise you? Why does He give you this gift?
2. Read Matthew 5:43-48. Why does Jesus say to love your enemies?
3. Why does loving your enemies show God’s abundance and His generosity towards you?
4. When you look at the world with the eyes of Jesus, seeing God’s abundance all around, how does your view of the world change? How might this view change the way you live?
---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 15, 2020
Worship Service 8:30 AM
Second Worship Service and
video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM
Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon
Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM
AA 7:30 PM
Rest of the week November 16 - 21, 2020
Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM
Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon
ACC Board Meeting Wednesday 3:00 PM
ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM
Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM
Operation Christmas shoebox packing Saturday 9:00 AM till completed
For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Trudy Miller - 11/16
THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by the Korean congregation.
CHECK IT OUT THE 2021 FLOWER CHART is up and ready for you to sign up for donating flowers next year in memory of or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanksgiving to God. Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.
2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex from Susan Becker. The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.
FAMILY MEALS… CONTINUES: Our collection of food and money for the “Family Meals” concludes today! All food and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated.
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 for your convenience.
MITES BOXES RETURNED? LWML Sunday was observed last Sunday. In celebration of this , we had placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return. The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus.
“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”: Please drop off your packed Shoeboxes this week November 15-20, between 9 AM and Noon. Then come and join us this Saturday, 9/21, from 9 AM till finished helping us pack the boxes. Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555
COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups. Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.
SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends. All are welcome!
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM. ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person! ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening, at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community. We have added Paypal for online donations. 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.
![Christmas Dinner at Mission BBQ [photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1766111458710-ULPCKS16DAZCMUN7LI93/PXL_20251218_000243197.jpg)
![[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Know Me Better Man Stave 3](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1765482111687-AQYCM4FZQV9BO7JIPL02/Christmas+light+3a.jpg)
God’s Hands Across America
It’s been said before that we live in the horizontal and that our horizontal grace is only a glimpse of the vertical grace that comes from the source of Love itself. Being what we are, that horizontal relationship is often a broken chain.
In 1986, there was a nation-wide campaign called Hands Across America, in which 5 million people held hands in a human chain for fifteen minutes along a path across the continental United States. It took a staff of 400 people and a slew of celebrity cameos nine months to prepare and publicize. The event was deemed a success — money was donated to charity and there was an increase of “homelessness awareness” — but it didn’t exactly bring everyone together. While some cities had enough participants for lines to be six to ten people deep, there were inevitably big pockets where the chain was broken, specifically the low-population areas of the midwest and the desert southwest. According to the Los Angeles Times, there were big gaps in some of the dodgier sections of East LA, and volunteers had a hard time recruiting people to join the chain from their front porches………….
Read the Article here https://mbird.com/2020/11/gods-hands-across-america/
![[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 3 - Zoom to Scripture](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1605311725242-KQVEPMSRWID7SUGZGWSQ/Zoom+to+Scripture+%2826%29.jpg)
Wisdom for When Things are Out of Control
A life of faith is a life of wisdom, which is a life lived knowing that it is God’s authority — and his alone — that prevails as the consummate active power in the cosmos.
To be sure, Ecclesiastes is one of the most daunting and frustrating books to sermonize. Chapters 7—10 are especially problematic with their wide assortment of proverbs and pronouncements about life’s inequities. The Preacher’s labyrinthine observations regarding life “under the sun” continually confound clergy and laymen alike. Renowned Scottish orator Alexander Maclaren, for instance, asserts in one of his sermons on Ecclesiastes 12 that the Preacher’s conclusions are a mix of untruths, partial truths, or exaggerations.(1) This is indicative of the varied and assorted opinions one can find when trying to determine the precise meaning of the Preacher’s sayings.
In fact, it is on this point that I diverge from Maclaren’s estimation ………………………..
![[Sunday] Garden & Deserts - The Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1604675667069-JJ22IFO06P3Z2X88DNOL/Generosity+Weekly3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Garden & Deserts - The Party
We find ourselves in deserts. They seem so lonely, and we long for the peace and coolness of the gardens. But God is always in the desert with us, and He will always lead us to gardens flowing with milk and honey.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
Questions for the Week
Describe a time that you destroyed a gift that was given to you. How did you feel? How did the gift giver respond?
Deuteronomy 11:8-12. Who gives Israel the promised land, and who cares for it?
Describe a time when you forgot that God has given you everything, what motivates you to do this?
Read Exekiel 36:22-36. Who will ultimately restore us who squander away the gift? What does it look like for Him to do this for you?
---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 8, 2020
Worship Service 8:30 AM
Second Worship Service and
video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM
Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM
Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM
AA 7:30 PM
Rest of the week November 9 - 14, 2020
LWML Meeting Monday, 12:30 PM
Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM
Veterans Day Wednesday
Individual/Family Communion canceled this week (11/11)
ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM
Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM
For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar
COMING: Saturday, November 21st, Operation Christmas shoebox packing, 9 AM.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Kevin Garbers - 11/9 and Lois Danzo - 11/13
THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by
Chuck & Joyce Strickler.
2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex from Susan Becker. The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.
ALL LADIES! You are invited to join us for our November LWML gathering here at Grace, tomorrow, at 12:30 PM. This will be an inspiration, with a great time for all. Refreshments will be served. Contact Shirley Mullins for more information. (719) 482-6058
FAMILY MEALS… CONTINUES: Our collection of food and money for the “Family Meals” will continue through November 16th. All food and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated.
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 for your convenience.
MITES BOXES FOR ALL! LWML Sunday will be observed TODAY. In celebration of this , we have placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return. The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus. Hopefully, by taking a Mite box will help remind us daily that all, great or small, gifts can be used to bless many with the gift of the Gospel.
“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”: Please keep your packed Shoeboxes at home until November 15-21, 2020 between 9:00 and Noon. Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555
COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: (Canceled 11/11) If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups. Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.
SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends. All are welcome!
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM. ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person! ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening, at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.We have added Paypal for online donations. 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.
![[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Pointing to Greatness Stave 4](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1766107074577-MKU6U8LW1N5S1EATE1RW/Christmas+light+4a.jpg)
Covid Style Youth Retreat, Nov 7th
Gripped Virtual Youth Retreat
November 7th from 6-8:45 PM
Romans 8:38-39
Get to Grace around 5:30PM
Going live at 6 PM
We will have Pizza and Snacks and Starbursts.
The Night will be filled with Speakers, performances by bread of Stone and Group discussion.
Pre Gathering Bible Study
What the Night will Look Like
Virtual Gathering Elements EMCEE Wes Wright Live - Wes is back again to be our EMCEE for the event and will be appearing live throughout it! He will be sharing some social challenges throughout the night so be ready! Winners will be shown live during the gathering with chances to earn prizes. Instagram @MSYG_flga #gripped2020
Bread of Stone Music - We welcome back BoS to lead our worship! A song list will be made available if you want to print lyrics sheets or listen to their music ahead of time. Stay tuned!
Main Speaker Sessions - Dr. Jake Youmans and his high school daughters Leilani and Maile will be unpacking our theme from Romans 8:38-39 in three mini sessions during the night!
It’s Impossible To Find Happiness In An Election
This election will have absolutely no lasting impact on your happiness.
But there is hope.
Read the whole article @ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/its-impossible-to-find-happiness-in-an-election/
“Don’t you realize elections have consequences?”
“If ____ doesn’t win, I’m leaving the country!”
“If you vote for _____, as far as I’m concerned, our friendship is over.”
Social media is littered with people’s election declarations. If you haven’t seen at least one of these phrases on your social feeds yet…you’re either not from the United States, or apparently I need you to teach me your secrets. Everyone’s taking sides, and even worse, the sides are deeply polarized.
No one’s denying it: presidential elections are important.
But we’ve become obsessed. We’re glued to the news cycle and the polling numbers……………………..
![[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 2B - Zoom to Scripture](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1604681126938-7RG2BOQLFPNFHW1B0UC4/Zoom+to+Scripture+%2824%29.jpg)
[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 2B - Zoom to Scripture
[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 2 Completely today
How Dirty Dancing with Jesus Can Set You Free
In my press to save camp, I forgot that it is not camp that needs saving, but me. My attempts to replace our Savior with our efforts is killing us.
It is late, almost midnight, and I call an emergency staff meeting. Sitting in a circle, as I prepare to speak with our 14 college-aged summer staff members, I feel like a fraud. I told them that we could do this. That God would bless our efforts. We just finished our second week of the summer and we are dealing with a situation that may put the rest of the season in jeopardy.
One of our staff members has been exposed to the coronavirus and will have to be quarantined for 14 days. While at this point they exhibit no symptoms, if they test positive or start to get sick, the rest of our staff will be at risk of getting sick or having to be quarantined. This may start a snowball effect that results in our cancelling the rest of our summer. Not to mention that it would be a devastating blow to my own personal sense of self-worth.
Camp Arcadia is a Christian family camp on the shores of Lake Michigan that has been around for almost 100 years, with families returning year after year. It is more resort than rustic. I’ve often described it as Dirty Dancing with Jesus — nobody puts Jesus in the corner. At Camp Arcadia we normally serve around 3,000 people a summer, with around 42 college-aged staff. This summer, under the COVID-19 restrictions, we had created a plan to serve around 1,000 guests with just 14 staff. Many thought (including me) that we might not be able to have any camp at all. So having camp, even a much reduced camp, was a pivotal decision.
We had spent months planning how to run camp during a pandemic. Then, we spent a week training the staff and ………………………………………..
Jesus is Bigger than Your Vote
You are free from allowing anyone to cast doubt on your salvation based upon your political preferences. And free from causing anyone else to question their faith due to what Christian convictions they may have to compromise to vote in one direction or the other.
You are free from allowing anyone to cast doubt on your salvation based upon your political preferences. And free from causing anyone else to question their faith due to what Christian convictions they may have to compromise to vote in one direction or the other.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve written anything. Between running a very demanding business during COVID and just an overall lack of inspiration I haven’t had much time or energy to write anything. But here I find myself at my keyboard this morning with more time on my hands, because my business is seasonal, and for the first time in months I feel like I have something to say.
If you have spent any time on social media or in front of a television this Summer and early Fall you have been bombarded with encouragements to vote. I can’t remember any other election in my lifetime where there has been so much emphasis placed upon the importance of registering to vote. We are continually being told that this is “the most important election in our lifetime.” I don’t know if that’s true or not, maybe it is, but who decides these things?
The NFL is running a whole campaign urging Americans to vote. Facebook is even paying for ads on television, as if their ubiquitous “are you registered to vote?” banner on your newsfeed isn’t enough! So in the spirit of election season, I’ll add to the cacophony with another encouragement to vote. Yes, if you’re of voting age and you live in a place where you are given the freedom to cast your ballot then by all means show your love for neighbor and go vote. However, please recognize that your vote does not define you, it’s not your identity, and those that vote differently than you are certainly not your enemy (but even if they were you’re still commanded to love and pray for them (Matt. 5:44)……………
Read the whole article Here. https://www.1517.org/articles/jesus-is-bigger-than-your-vote
![[Sunday] Voices & Stars - The Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1604070471744-S87K3YRRI7KNP3F9FTK9/Generosity+Weekly2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Voices & Stars - The Party
A voice breaks through and says, Take, Take the apple, take the blessing, take your brother." There is just not enough. But the other voice says, "Look at the stars, and count them if you can.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
Find out more about Nasa Deep Field
From the Sermon
Questions for the Week
Describe a time you saw someone hoarding more than they should have. What motivated them to act in this manner?
Read Genesis 3:1-13. How does the voice of the serpent try to tempt Eve? Who do you think the serpent wants Eve to trust?
When have you been tempted by this same voice, trying to convince you that you don’t have enough? How does this voice move you to act towards possessions?
In times of crisis, a scarcity mindset—focusing on what we don’t have—can easily cause us to cling to worldly goods. Do you experience this? What would you and others around you gain by trusting God’s generous love instead?
---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 1, 2020
Worship Service 8:30 AM
Second Worship Service and
video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM
Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon
Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM
AA 7:30 PM
Rest of the week November 2 - 7, 2020
Election Precinct set-up - Limited office access Monday, 3:00 PM
Election Day - Office Closed Tuesday - All Day
Olivet School Canceled
Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon
ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM
Middle School Virtual Gathering Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar
NOTE: Next Sunday, 11/8 - LWML Celebration, wear your purple!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Karen Clemente - 11/1,
Jim Neagles & Kaitlyn Arbuzow - 11/4 and Marge Neuberger -11/7
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Roger & Karen Clemente - 11/1 (5 Years)
Bob & Sandy Zanzig - 11/4 (48 years)
THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by Steven Choung with the Korean congregation.
ALL SAINTS DAY REMEMBRANCE: Traditionally on All Saints Day we remember those who have died during the last twelve months. We remember: Val Bachman, Barbara Bock, Pastor Russ Johnson, Gerald Lindstrom, Thomas Roksvold, and Barbara Young.
MIDDLE SCHOOL VIRTUAL GATHERING Coming up this Saturday, November 7th, the Florida-Georgia district is hosting a “Middle School Virtual Gathering” and all youth of Grace are invited to attend for some fun, food, and fellowship. The event starts at 6 PM and will conclude by 9:30 PM. Pastor Cris has the information you need.
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 for your convenience.
MITES BOXES FOR ALL! LWML Sunday will be observed NEXT SUNDAY, November 8. In advance of this , we have placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return. The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus. Hopefully, by taking a Mite box will help remind us daily that all, great or small, gifts can be used to bless many with the gift of the Gospel.
(P.S. feel free to wear purple next Sunday to celebrate our LWML)
“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”: Please keep your packed Shoeboxes at home until November 15-21, 2020 between 9:00 and Noon. Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555
COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups. Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.
SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends. All are welcome!
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM. ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person! ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening, at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.We have added Paypal for online donations. 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.
The Hell Houses We Will Not Leave
I am dying to escape the hell houses of my own creation. Rooms full of rage and fear. I long to take this anger somewhere that can take it from me. To someone who can release me from the inescapable loop that is my own hardened heart.
Read The Whole Article ! https://mbird.com/2020/10/the-hell-houses-we-will-not-leave
by SARAH CONDON on Oct 29, 2020 • 8:30 am2 Comments
Hell Houses were a natural part of the Southern landscape when I was growing up. If you are not familiar with them, they appear in October alongside other haunted house experiences, only this one has a religious agenda. They aim to scare the hell out of you.
As you mosey through each room you will meet characters who have made bad “choices.” Who you have sex with, how much you have sex, and when you start having sex make for great Hell House foyers. Sex is hot in hell houses, I do not make the rules. Suicide often makes a whimsical appearance. And even dancing (¡escandalosa!) is identified as a “sin” people have committed who will be burning in hell. If all of this sounds traumatizing, that’s because it is.
Don't Be Early for Church!
Set Your Clock Back This Sunday Morning, NOV 1st
Set Your Clock Back This Sunday Morning
![[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 2 - Zoom to Scripture](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1604072356763-NJB6JD4XV2J67999LUIJ/Zoom+to+Scripture+%2822%29.jpg)
Pictures of Backpacks in Haiti
During back to school we gave Children in Haiti Backpacks
In Defense of Martin Luther
This is an adaptation of the introduction from “In Defense of Martin Luther” written by John Warwick Montgomery (1517 Publishing, 2017). Used with permission.
o defend Martin Luther — whose courage in the face of overwhelming religious and secular attack has become a byword in world history — may well seem a superfluous if not presumptive task. One is reminded of the exchange between an eager young man and the great 19th-century evangelist Charles Finney. Young man: “Mr. Finney, how can I defend the Bible?” Finney: “How would you defend a lion? Let it out of its cage and it will defend itself!”In a very real sense, Finney’s reply is applicable to Luther. Since the monumental and as yet uncompleted labor of the Weimarer Ausgabe began in 1888 and the so-called Luther-research movement commenced in the labors of Karl Holl at Tubingen, the Reformer has been “let out of the cage” of secondary and tertiary interpretations to speak for himself; and his own writings are a magnificent vindication of his person and work.Yet just as the reading of Scripture does not automatically cause all criticisms of it to evaporate, so Luther’s writings do not in themselves eliminate superficial or perverse analyses of him. The poetical ideal expressed by Horace, De mortuis nihil nisi bonum, or “Of the dead say nothing but good,” has seldom been followed, particularly in the treatment of men like Luther whose controversial ideas and acts have elicited violent opposition. In point of fact, the dead — even those who were most adroit in defending their interests while alive — are pitifully at the mercy of their critics after their demise. What our Lord said to Peter concerning old age applies with equal force to death: “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst wither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee wither thou wouldest not.” Little study of the history of Luther interpretation is needed to demonstrate beyond all question that the Reformer, powerful enough in life to intimidate popes and emperors, has been “girded” again and again with viewpoints appallingly inimical to his true beliefs and has continually been “carried whither he wouldest not” since his death……………..
Read the full article here…..https://www.1517.org/articles/in-defense-of-martin-luther
![The Absolution I Didn't Want [Video][Read]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1603727034970-A7YJM080DQBHYXT0FZXJ/maxresdefault%5B1%5D.jpg)
The Absolution I Didn't Want [Video][Read]
It’s easy to slip into thinking about forgiveness solely in terms of our authority over it.
Last week at the annual Here We Still Stand Conference, during a conversation with Matt Popovits, I unintentionally stepped into something I wasn’t quite ready to receive. The moment was caught on video, which you can watch above if you would like. While I was trying to get Matt’s thoughts on the psychological effects of the law in general, I used a specific example from my own life - mom guilt - which quickly led to my shaky voice and quiet tears. For reasons I can’t fully explain, all of the pressure, changes, anxiety, and depression I’ve experienced in the past eight months dumped over me at that moment. Both my admittance of guilt, followed by Matt’s pronunciation of absolution, caught me off guard. I wasn’t ready for either, and to be honest, I did not enjoy any minute of it.
For months, I’ve been wrestling with the new balance of motherhood and work. One of the reasons I started working in the theological realm and decided to go back to school to receive my masters in theology was because I was tired of seeing women in theology do nothing more than shed tears about motherhood. And yet here I was, doing precisely that, on camera. I was in front of God only knows how many people and in a situation, where at least momentarily, I had no control.
It’s so easy to slip into thinking about forgiveness solely in terms of our authority over it.When we offer it to people, we think it’s on our accord; when we receive it, we think it’s because we feel ready to be at peace with whoever or whatever has wronged us. In other words, we operate according to the assumption that forgiveness functions (successfully or not) based on our control, our emotion, or our ownership. But Christ doesn’t wait to give us his word of forgiveness until we are rationally, emotionally, or physically contrite, and sometimes he doesn’t even wait for us to recognize what this word is before he pronounces it on us.
Christ’s word of absolution may come before we are ready. We may even misconstrue these words into more law and more guilt. But that doesn’t change the fact that, in Christ, the declaration that we are forgiven and that we are made righteous is both good news and true.
“Giving absolution and receiving it are just two sides of the same faith coin in which we trust God will continue to keep his promises.”
At first, I didn’t hear Matt’s pronunciation of absolution as good news for me. But others did for themselves. That’s how powerful God’s promises are - once they are unleashed on the world, we have absolutely no control of how, when, or on whom the Spirit will use them. All that we are promised is that they will take effect. We see this in the conversion of the Syrophoenician woman whose faith, as theologian Jim Nestingen is fond of saying, came from the rumor of Christ. She believed before she even spoke to him! God’s word is so living and active that it goes to work in secondary and tertiary ways; in ways that surprise us and in ways we will never see.
Hearing that Matt’s word had impacted others, in turn, impacted me. I don’t want to claim that the multidimensionality of absolution is always this black and white. To do so would be to wrongly assert, again, that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is limited to our own experiences and our own authority. We cannot assume to know when or even for whom forgiveness will function - we are only commanded to faithfully hand God’s word over to others and also to believe his words when they are delivered to us. Giving absolution and receiving it are just two sides of the same faith coin in which we trust God will continue to keep his promises.
So, just as Matt did, we hand out forgiveness when we see someone in need of it. Sometimes this happens in response to a co-worker’s apology. Sometimes, it follows a friend’s confession that they’ve messed up their marriage. Sometimes it’s needed to comfort the conscience of a loved one stuck in the clutches of the law’s terror, and sometimes it is essential after a new mom unintentionally unloads her guilt.
When we hear the words of forgiveness in Christ in our own ears, whether they are intentionally said to us or to another, we must believe they are true and true for us.
God’s word has the power to forgive, to create faith, to comfort the guilt-laden and downtrodden. This much is certain.
![[Sunday] Backwards Birds - The Party](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1603473287937-IXAPUN31L97GB3UMWE32/Generosity+Weekly1a.jpg)
[Sunday] Backwards Birds - The Party
What do you spend your time considering? Your financial portfolio? Who to vote for? How there is never enough? Jesus gives us some backwards advice. Consider the birds.
Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]
Questions for the Week
Describe the best party you’ve been to. What did the host do to make it so great?
Read Luke 12:22-34. What does Jesus invite us to look at in the world, to see the graciousness of God and His abundance?
Where do you see the generosity of God in the world, your life, or the story of the Bible? What are you most grateful for?
What are you anxious about in your present situation? Reflect on God’s love and care and how it might help alleviate your anxiety.
---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today October 25, 2020
Worship Service 8:30 AM
Second Worship Service and
video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM
Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon
Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM
AA 7:30 PM
Rest of the week October 26 - 31, 2020
Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM
Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon
ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM
Reformation Day Saturday
Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM
DST ends - Fall Back ONE hour Saturday Night
For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar
NOTE: Saturday, October 31, Set your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep.
November 2nd & 3rd church facilities will be restricted to Election Precinct use only.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Joan Gebhardt - 10/28, Pat Hasz - 10/28, Terry Brown - 10/31.
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Melville & Lucille Mills - 10/26 (57 yrs), Colby & Joelle Swanson - 10/29 (4 yrs)
THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by Sconge Boo Dyun with the Korean congregation.
MITES BOXES FOR ALL! LWML Sunday will be observed on November 8. In advance of this , we have placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return prior to or on the 8th. The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus. Hopefully, by taking a Mite box will help remind us daily that all, great or small, gifts can be used to bless many with the gift of the Gospel.
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 for your convenience.
“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”: Please keep your packed Shoeboxes at home until November 15-21, 2020 between 9:00 and Noon. Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555
COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups. Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.
SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends. All are welcome!
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM. ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person! ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening, at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community. We have added Paypal for online donations. 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.
The Party
The older brother could hear it, even from the fields. There was a party, and the music was pumping; he could smell all the food cooking over the fire. It all looked so great. But who was all this for? His good for nothing brother? No way would he be a part of that party. But then the father comes out to see if he could convince the older brother to come into the party. Will he go in and enjoy the party, or will he stay outside?
The older brother could hear it, even from the fields. There was a party, and the music was pumping; he could smell all the food cooking over the fire. It all looked so great. But who was all this for? His good for nothing brother? No way would he be a part of that party. But then the father comes out to see if he could convince the older brother to come into the party. Will he go in and enjoy the party, or will he stay outside?
Sermon Playlist
Watch Full Servies & See Bulletins
![[Sunday] Christ the King](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1605965932514-OTYSGGE80466FWKXQCBK/CTK+Weeklya.jpg)
While the Ghost points to the grave our ambition digs, Jesus answers by becoming the humble Child who enters that grave to raise us to new life.