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DNF

The Cross and the Finish Line

I came to with a blur of faces standing over me. “Let me finish,” I mumbled. “Please, please let me finish.” I tried to get up from the stretcher but was gently pushed back down.

“We need to make sure you’re okay first,” someone told me. “We need a doctor to clear you.” I nodded and lay back down. I told myself that I would be fine, that I just needed to start running again.

A man who I assumed was the doctor came over to my stretcher. He looked me over. He asked the nurses, “She threw up?”

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei

It seems like chaos as Jesus is arrested. It’s like He’s a feather in the wind, being blown around into beatings and shame with a crown of thorns placed on his head. But what if the wind is not chaos but more like a cloud in the wilderness?

Questions for the week

  1. How have you seen God work in the middle of chaos in your life?

  2. Read John 12:27-36 (and John 18 and 19 for extra credit). How do you see God in control at all times, even in chaos?

  3. How can we be more effective as witnesses in presenting the cross as a sign that God is in control of the chaos?

Sunday Bulletin August 7th

Bollywood Remake of Forrest Gump Trailer

Opening Scene From Forrest Gump Featuring the Feater

Give to Grace
Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Featured
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True

The Creed reveals a God who made His love real by becoming human to be with us in our greatest sorrows and our loudest joys.

Remembering Susan Becker
Remembering Susan Becker

Remembering our Dear Friend, Mother, and Grandmother| Susan

The First Ladies Bunco
The First Ladies Bunco

Fun times with bunco

Blessings in Haiti
Blessings in Haiti

Earlier this year, we received an urgent request for food aid in Haiti. Thanks to your support, we provided the funds to buy rice, oil, and other essentials.

Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study

A study through Joel 2:18–3:21 explored God’s call to heartfelt repentance, His promise to restore, and His just judgment on nations that commodify and oppress people, contrasting worldly power with God’s care for the humble.

[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True

From manna in the wilderness to the groceries in your cart, discover how God actively provides for us through Jesus and the vocation of others.

2nd Sunday School in January
2nd Sunday School in January

Having fun time outside

Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study

This week in our study of Joel, we explored chapters 1 and 2, discussing how the prophet uses the imagery of a devastating locust plague to represent a coming judgment, call God's people to heartfelt repentance, and promise profound restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit.

[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True

The Creed cuts through the noise of our own unworthiness to name us as 'good' creatures, loved by a God who honors our flesh and blood enough to redeem it, not just replace it.

Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series
Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series

We are dusting off the Catechism to discover that the Creed is not just a list of principles to memorize, but a testimony of a God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you.


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Enduring the World

When Faith Wavers And Trust Wanes

Read the whole Article at https://mbird.com/everyday/enduring-the-world/

Like most people, I’m not immune from feeling the pressure to be perfect in this world. For me it often manifests in body image stuff. I’m prone to compare myself to others, even those in superhero movies, and find my lack of a six pack distressing. Whether it’s because of this insecurity or because of my love of sports, I’ve always been rather familiar with the inside of a gym………………..

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei

Just like our favorite gifts we have received at Christmas, God's gift of the Messiah is a better gift than Peter could ever have imagined.

Questions for the week

  1. Describe a time when you’ve misunderstood Jesus or a teaching of His.

  2. If someone were to ask you “Who is Jesus?”, how would you answer?

  3. Read Matthew 16:13-20. How does Peter appear to get it all correct but also get it all wrong about Jesus at the same time?  

  4. How does knowing that Jesus came even for “the Peters” of the world, give you hope?  

Sunday Bulletin July 31st
Give to Grace
Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Featured
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True

The Creed reveals a God who made His love real by becoming human to be with us in our greatest sorrows and our loudest joys.

Remembering Susan Becker
Remembering Susan Becker

Remembering our Dear Friend, Mother, and Grandmother| Susan

The First Ladies Bunco
The First Ladies Bunco

Fun times with bunco

Blessings in Haiti
Blessings in Haiti

Earlier this year, we received an urgent request for food aid in Haiti. Thanks to your support, we provided the funds to buy rice, oil, and other essentials.

Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study

A study through Joel 2:18–3:21 explored God’s call to heartfelt repentance, His promise to restore, and His just judgment on nations that commodify and oppress people, contrasting worldly power with God’s care for the humble.

[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True

From manna in the wilderness to the groceries in your cart, discover how God actively provides for us through Jesus and the vocation of others.

2nd Sunday School in January
2nd Sunday School in January

Having fun time outside

Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study

This week in our study of Joel, we explored chapters 1 and 2, discussing how the prophet uses the imagery of a devastating locust plague to represent a coming judgment, call God's people to heartfelt repentance, and promise profound restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit.

[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True

The Creed cuts through the noise of our own unworthiness to name us as 'good' creatures, loved by a God who honors our flesh and blood enough to redeem it, not just replace it.

Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series
Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series

We are dusting off the Catechism to discover that the Creed is not just a list of principles to memorize, but a testimony of a God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you.


Read More
Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei

Jesus breathes that same spirit that hovered over the waters of creation, that same breath that animated and bright life into Adam's nostrils, that same wind that hit the church and put all over us that same mission of bringing life and beauty to everywhere we go.

Questions for the week

  1. How "Sent by Christ" do you feel? That is, how aware are you each day that Christ has sent you on His mission to proclaim the forgiveness of sins?

  2. What does it mean to you that the risen Christ came back for Thomas? What does this say about Jesus, about Thomas, about you?

  3. As a mission-hearted Christian, give your best answer to the question, “Where do you come from?”

Sunday Bulletin July 24th
Give to Grace
Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Featured
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True

The Creed reveals a God who made His love real by becoming human to be with us in our greatest sorrows and our loudest joys.

Remembering Susan Becker
Remembering Susan Becker

Remembering our Dear Friend, Mother, and Grandmother| Susan

The First Ladies Bunco
The First Ladies Bunco

Fun times with bunco

Blessings in Haiti
Blessings in Haiti

Earlier this year, we received an urgent request for food aid in Haiti. Thanks to your support, we provided the funds to buy rice, oil, and other essentials.

Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study

A study through Joel 2:18–3:21 explored God’s call to heartfelt repentance, His promise to restore, and His just judgment on nations that commodify and oppress people, contrasting worldly power with God’s care for the humble.

[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True

From manna in the wilderness to the groceries in your cart, discover how God actively provides for us through Jesus and the vocation of others.

2nd Sunday School in January
2nd Sunday School in January

Having fun time outside

Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study

This week in our study of Joel, we explored chapters 1 and 2, discussing how the prophet uses the imagery of a devastating locust plague to represent a coming judgment, call God's people to heartfelt repentance, and promise profound restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit.

[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True

The Creed cuts through the noise of our own unworthiness to name us as 'good' creatures, loved by a God who honors our flesh and blood enough to redeem it, not just replace it.

Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series
Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series

We are dusting off the Catechism to discover that the Creed is not just a list of principles to memorize, but a testimony of a God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you.


Read More
Read Cris Escher Read Cris Escher

Tales the Carpenter Told - Mission of God

The kingdom of God is not built, but planted.

Read the whole article at The Tales the Carpenter Told - Mockingbird (mbird.com)

Jesus’ father was a carpenter. Presumably his father was a carpenter as well. And his father before him. We might well imagine a few generations of tradesmen, passing their sophisticated engineering knowledge down from father to son: how to hang a plumb line, sharpen a hand saw, or level a wall. Jesus, likewise, would have learned the highly specialized craft from a young age. Alongside the usual religious education for children, Jesus and his siblings would have at least helped his father in the family business. If your roof caved in from a windy storm, Jesus would have been handy with a bow saw. Everything changed, however, when Jesus turned thirty. Leaving behind his auger, Jesus went into the kingdom o………………..

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Sermon Series, News Cris Escher Sermon Series, News Cris Escher

Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

Here is the amazon link for the book we are using.

Reading Plan
Read around the readings for Sunday

  • 7/24/22

    • Acts 2:14a 22-321
      Peter 1:3-9
      John 20:16-24

  • 7/31/22

    • Malachi 3:1-5
      Hebrews 3:1-6
      Matthew 16:13-20

  • 8/7/22

    • Numbers 21:5-9
      1 Corinthians 1:18-25
      John 12:27-36

  • 8/14/22

    • Isaiah 61:1-4
      Galatians 4:4-7
      Luke 4:16-24

  • 8/21/22

    • Isaiah 40:1-5
      Hebrews 10:11-18
      John 1:29-348

  • /28/22

    • Isaiah 53:4-12
      1 John 4:9-16
      John 8:21-30

  • 9/4/22

    • Psalm 103:8-19
      2 Corinthians 5:11-21
      John 14:1-6

Featured
[Sunday] The Staff- Missio Dei
[Sunday] The Staff- Missio Dei

God came into the world not in power but as a baby born in poverty. When God set his people apart, he did not find a powerful ruler but a man who had no son. When God looked for a new king, he picked the one that was left in the field. And when God was asked how "How will they know I came from you?" He said, "Bring your staff, Moses."

[Sunday] The Reset - Missio Dei
[Sunday] The Reset - Missio Dei

The head Pharisee yelled at the guard for not capturing Jesus, “Has the whole world gone after Him?" Frustrated, this head Pharisee desperately needed a win, but not just a win; winning was his entire goal, and that goal blinded him to the heart of God in the world. We are no different. We need a reset.

[Sunday] Look & See - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Look & See - Missio Dei

We stepped out of the car all awestruck at what we were looking at. Even though all were already looking, we still encouraged each other to look and see. This is how John tells his story of hope for the creation.

[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei

We can sure be nasty when our expectations are not met. But would you throw someone off a cliff if they failed to meet your famous expectations? Let's see how God creates a new creation outside of our famous expectations.

[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei

It seems like chaos as Jesus is arrested. It’s like He’s a feather in the wind, being blown around into beatings and shame with a crown of thorns placed on his head. But what if the wind is not chaos but more like a cloud in the wilderness?

[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei
[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei

Just like our favorite gifts we have received at Christmas, God's gift of the Messiah is a better gift than Peter could ever have imagined.

[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei
[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei

Jesus breathes that same spirit that hovered over the waters of creation, that same breath that animated and bright life into Adam's nostrils, that same wind that hit the church and put all over us that same mission of bringing life and beauty to everywhere we go.

Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)
Missio dei: The Heart of God (Teaching Series)

From the beginning, God has been sending his spirit out to bring life and beauty in the universe. It's a great sending. In this sending, we can see the heart of God as we join in with God’s mission.

Read More
Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer

What do you mean power is made perfect in weakness? Perhaps it has something to do with the man who saw the third heaven.

Questions for the week

  1. No Questions this week.

Sunday Bulletin July 17th
Give to Grace
Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Featured
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True

The Creed reveals a God who made His love real by becoming human to be with us in our greatest sorrows and our loudest joys.

Remembering Susan Becker
Remembering Susan Becker

Remembering our Dear Friend, Mother, and Grandmother| Susan

The First Ladies Bunco
The First Ladies Bunco

Fun times with bunco

Blessings in Haiti
Blessings in Haiti

Earlier this year, we received an urgent request for food aid in Haiti. Thanks to your support, we provided the funds to buy rice, oil, and other essentials.

Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study

A study through Joel 2:18–3:21 explored God’s call to heartfelt repentance, His promise to restore, and His just judgment on nations that commodify and oppress people, contrasting worldly power with God’s care for the humble.

[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True

From manna in the wilderness to the groceries in your cart, discover how God actively provides for us through Jesus and the vocation of others.

2nd Sunday School in January
2nd Sunday School in January

Having fun time outside

Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study

This week in our study of Joel, we explored chapters 1 and 2, discussing how the prophet uses the imagery of a devastating locust plague to represent a coming judgment, call God's people to heartfelt repentance, and promise profound restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit.

[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True

The Creed cuts through the noise of our own unworthiness to name us as 'good' creatures, loved by a God who honors our flesh and blood enough to redeem it, not just replace it.

Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series
Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series

We are dusting off the Catechism to discover that the Creed is not just a list of principles to memorize, but a testimony of a God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you.


Read More
Photos, Serving Cris Escher Photos, Serving Cris Escher

Photos of 36 Backpacks!

We collected 36 backpacks.

Thanks so Much

We collected 36 Backpacks and 700 dollars.

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Read Cris Escher Read Cris Escher

Learning Limitations When There Is No More Room

Lightening the Burdens We Cling to and Collect

Read the whole article at Learning Limitations When There's No More Room - Mockingbird (mbird.com)

In my younger years, I was often complimented for my firm grip. Physically, I mean. I was skinny as a stick and not at all strong, but I could hold on tightly to something or someone and they’d have a hell of a time prying me off. My dad used to call me spider-monkey because whenever I was awake when he left for work or home when he returned, I would climb up his legs, wrap my skinny-as-sticks-arms — my brother, for his part, called me “twig” — as tightly as I could around them, and cling for dear life. It was a feat to loosen me……………………

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer

This super popular verse used mostly for evangelism actually has more in common with Daniel and the lion's den than telling your neighbors about Christ. Let's make it richer.

Questions for the week

  1.  Describe a time you felt persecuted or experienced suffering for your faith.  How did you respond to that persecution and suffering?

  2. Read 1 Peter 3: 8-22.   What does Peter encourage us to do in the midst of suffering?  Why does he encourage us to do that?

  3. Read Daniel 6.  What happens to Daniel in the middle of unjust suffering?   How does Daniel respond?   Why do you think Daniel could respond the way he did?  How does the chapter end?

  4. Following the advice of Peter, who is someone you can do good to this week?  

Sunday Bulletin July 10th
Give to Grace
Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Featured
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True
[Sunday] The Son, Most Certainly True

The Creed reveals a God who made His love real by becoming human to be with us in our greatest sorrows and our loudest joys.

Remembering Susan Becker
Remembering Susan Becker

Remembering our Dear Friend, Mother, and Grandmother| Susan

The First Ladies Bunco
The First Ladies Bunco

Fun times with bunco

Blessings in Haiti
Blessings in Haiti

Earlier this year, we received an urgent request for food aid in Haiti. Thanks to your support, we provided the funds to buy rice, oil, and other essentials.

Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 2:18-3 - Bible Study

A study through Joel 2:18–3:21 explored God’s call to heartfelt repentance, His promise to restore, and His just judgment on nations that commodify and oppress people, contrasting worldly power with God’s care for the humble.

[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Creation Sustained Most Certainly True

From manna in the wilderness to the groceries in your cart, discover how God actively provides for us through Jesus and the vocation of others.

2nd Sunday School in January
2nd Sunday School in January

Having fun time outside

Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study
Joel Chapters 1-2:27 - Bible Study

This week in our study of Joel, we explored chapters 1 and 2, discussing how the prophet uses the imagery of a devastating locust plague to represent a coming judgment, call God's people to heartfelt repentance, and promise profound restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit.

[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True
[Sunday] Good Creation Most Certainly True

The Creed cuts through the noise of our own unworthiness to name us as 'good' creatures, loved by a God who honors our flesh and blood enough to redeem it, not just replace it.

Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series
Most Certainly True - Apostles Creed | Teaching Series

We are dusting off the Catechism to discover that the Creed is not just a list of principles to memorize, but a testimony of a God who created, redeemed, and sanctified you.


Read More
Neighbors, News Cris Escher Neighbors, News Cris Escher

Haiti Backpacks & School Supplies + Chairs July 10th

What we need, Physical Backpacks, Funds for School Supplies, Shipping Chairs for a church in Haiti

Last Day of Collection is July 10th

Give though Paypal at gracelutheranpsl.com/give

What we need

  • Physical Backpacks

  • Funds for

    • School Supplies

    • Shipping Chairs for a church in Haiti

We have chairs that have been donated to a church in Haiti. We at grace have committed to the shipping of chairs over the Haiti.

We are not collecting school supplies this year due to the high tariffs Haiti is charging habitat for children ministries for importing. We are collecting funds and this will allow us to also support local Haiti retailers.

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Photos, Kids, Neighbors Cris Escher Photos, Kids, Neighbors Cris Escher

July 3rd Church Picnic

Check out the photos of our fun time

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Cris Escher Cris Escher

This Party is For You

At one point during the BBQ, a parishioner walked up to me and said, “America needs this.”

Read the Whole article here at This Party Is for You - Mockingbird (mbird.com)

Last spring, our church held a party after Sunday services. It featured a huge BBQ feast (with three different sauce choices!), bounce houses, a trackless train, live bluegrass music, a shaved ice truck, and a bubbleologist (look it up). It was a great day with tons of people of all ages enjoying the day together after worship. 

At one point during the BBQ, a parishioner walked up to me and said, “America needs this.” 

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