The Press Conference from the Cross
What’s Life Really All About?
Read the whole article here. https://mbird.com/sports/the-press-conference-from-the-cross/
From politics to sports, the press conference is generally a scripted affair. There are certain things you mustn’t talk about — namely, religion, sex and especially death. Things run smoothly when a public figure simply stands at a podium and is asked questions about what they could have done better or how best to move forward. The answers are full of catchphrases and conventional jargon about needing to focus on the right things and to “keep doing the hard work.” It is often a one-size-fits-all ordeal where nothing of substance is ever actually said. Every once in a while, however, the veil is lifted and the interaction feels all-too-human. In those times, it can feel as revelatory as a fiery sermon on a sleepy Sunday.
Two days after a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA playoffs, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was asked how he was coping. What exactly was he doing to stave off the gloom? Was he watching movies or taking long walks? His response was astonishing. “Honestly,” he said, interrupting the reporter before the question was finished, “I met three girls under the age of twenty-one with terminal cancer. Watching a girl dying; and smiling and enjoying being with……………..
![[Sunday] Grief - Rise & Fall](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1686834314419-MWSO75K85R6ZTSH6GEP6/R%26F10a.jpg)
[Sunday] Grief - Rise & Fall
Absalom looks at his father David and only sees pain. In his attempt to take the throne, he ends up getting caught up in his own pride.
Absalom looks at his father David and only sees pain. In his attempt to take the throne, he ends up getting caught up in his own pride.
Bible Study for Sunday
2 Samuel Chapters 13-20
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[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)
![[Wednesday] - Mid-week Advent - Christmas Variety Show](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/9bbb3ea9-ae2f-4317-a416-e9a3b6aa13ce/Variety+show25a.jpg)
![[Sunday] A Song of Christmas Light - Flickering Past Stave 2](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1764904771417-1ODC6N70IDWFLRDHDLYP/Christmas+light+2a.jpg)
![[Sunday] Bathsheba- Rise & Fall](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1686320525961-SEJ40E4CQS8HCO3U523K/R%26F9a.jpg)
[Sunday] Bathsheba- Rise & Fall
David looks over his kingdom, holding his head high enough to not look on the problems and needs of those in his kingdom beyond himself. In a series of moves with Bathsheba, David neglects others and causes hurt and pain for his own family for years. But in that same series of moves we see the power of forgiveness in the cross and resurrection.
David looks over his kingdom, holding his head high enough to not look on the problems and needs of those in his kingdom beyond himself. In a series of moves with Bathsheba, David neglects others and causes hurt and pain for his own family for years. But in that same series of moves we see the power of forgiveness in the cross and resurrection.
Questions This Week
For this week read 2 Samuel chapters 8 and 12.
What has the most annoying person in the world done to you? What makes them so annoying?
Read 2 Samuel 11. What does David use his power to do? How does one sin lead to other sins?
Read 2 Samuel 12:1-14. Why does Nathan tell the story about sheep to David? What does David realize?
When have you been “that man?” When you realize that you are “that guy,” what should you do?
How does looking to the cross of Jesus give you hope when you are “that guy?”
Bible Study for Sunday
2 Samuel Chapters 8-12
What Had happened at Grace this week.
1st Week of Summer Kids Bible Club, Photos
Fun Times at the first week of summer kids Bible Club.
Fun Times at the first week of summer kids Bible Club
Chocolate Ice Cream Day at ACC
Kevin Made Chocolate Ice Cream for the patients at our center on Wednesday!
Kevin Made Chocolate Ice Cream for the patients at our center on Wednesday!
![[Sunday] House - Rise & Fall](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1685664450071-S7IZYOOLH9QR917HR6K1/R%26F8a.jpg)
[Sunday] House - Rise & Fall
David feels bad as he looks around his really nice house made of cedar; the Lord needs a house like this. Peter sees Jesus bright and shiny on the mountain and immediately wants to build a house for Jesus. But Jesus, with the Lord’s house behind him, says, “Tear it down, and I will rebuild it in 3 days.” We realize it has never been about the house we want to build.
David feels bad as he looks around his really nice house made of cedar; the Lord needs a house like this. Peter sees Jesus bright and shiny on the mountain and immediately wants to build a house for Jesus. But Jesus, with the Lord’s house behind him, says, “Tear it down, and I will rebuild it in 3 days.” We realize it has never been about the house we want to build.
Questions This Week
Read 2 Samuel chapters 6 and 7.
What is the greatest church building you’ve ever seen? What made it so great?
What are ways we are tempted to think we are building things for God that actually honor ourselves?
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17. Why does David want to build a house for the Lord?
How does God describe being with his people? As David thinks he’s going to build a house for God, what does God promise to do (see verses 12-16)?
God isn’t confined to a building and promises to go with you wherever you go. Describe a time when this has given you peace.
Bible Study for Sunday
Chapters 29-31- 2 Samuel 1-6
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Naughty By Nature
Grace abounds precisely where sin abounds.
Read this article at this link Naughty By Nature - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
NAUGHTY BY NATURE
Grace abounds precisely where sin abounds.
The author of this page reflects on his experience of attending a concert where he was exposed to moralism and activism from the opening acts. He compares this to the biblical story of Moses and the golden calf, and argues that he prefers the pagan party over the religious law. He then discusses the problem of evil and suffering in the world, and how Paul’s writings in the New Testament offer a critique of moralism and a solution through grace. He concludes by saying that grace is the only antidote to living in an evil world, and that God’s love is shown through the cross of Jesus.
![[Sunday] Future - Rise & Fall](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1685052434626-73KV9KG1818C0GGGHUCV/R%26F7a.jpg)
[Sunday] Future - Rise & Fall
Saul is uneasy, he feels his future sitting on him with the weight of the world. If he could only talk to Samuel again. Even though the powers of the world keep telling David to take charge of his future, he simply trusts living in each day the Lord gives him.
Saul is uneasy, he feels his future sitting on him with the weight of the world. If he could only talk to Samuel again. Even though the powers of the world keep telling David to take charge of his future, he simply trusts living in each day the Lord gives him.
Questions This Week
For this week, read 1 Samuel 28 - 2 Samuel 5
Share about a time you’ve worried about the future. What was it like?
Read 1 Samuel 28. What is Saul worried about? What does he try to do to fix the problems that cause him to worry? What is the result?
Read 2 Samuel 1. How does David respond to Saul’s death? Why do you think he responds that way?
How can you share the peace of Jesus with someone who might be in the midst of a worry?
Bible Study for Sunday
Chapters 29-31- 2 Samuel 1-6
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Brain Health With David Watson PsyD,
Alzheimer’s Prevention: Just Around the Corner?
Dr. David Watson, PsyD,
Certified Principal Investigator,
Alzheimer's Research and Treatment Center
Alzheimer’s Prevention:
Just Around the Corner?
Thursday Evening, June 8, 2023
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Alzheimer's Community Care
at Grace Lutheran Church
555 SW Cashmere Blvd Port
St. Lucie 34986
Seating is limited, You must Register to attend
Register at
561 683 2700
education@alzcare.org
Weird, Out of Touch, Merciless, and Absolutely Essential
The church is dead. Long live the church?
Read this article at this link Weird, Out-of-Touch, Merciless … and Absolutely Essential - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
"Weird, Out of Touch, Merciless, and Absolutely Essential"
On first glance, these words may seem like harsh criticisms of the Church. However, a deeper examination reveals that these traits are not only accurate, but are also virtues that make the Church essential to our lives.
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[Sunday] Projection - Rise & Fall
It seems as if much of the First Book of Samuel is taken up with Saul trying to kill David and David escaping; and when David catches Saul in the most vulnerable position, his men urge him to kill Saul. It would be nothing more than self-defense. Wouldn’t Saul kill David if Saul caught him with his pants down? Isn’t Saul turning over every stone in the wilderness looking for David so he can kill him?
It seems as if much of the first book of Samuel is taken up with Saul trying to kill David and David escaping; and when David catches Saul in the most vulnerable position, his men urge him to kill Saul. It would be nothing more than self-defense. Wouldn’t Saul kill David if Saul caught him with his pants down? Isn’t Saul turning over every stone in the wilderness looking for David so he can kill him? Saul and David are both projecting: one a murderous rage and the other, the kingdom of God.
Questions This Week
Read 1 Samuel Chapters 20-26.
Think of someone who has done wrong to you. How does revenge towards this person negatively affect you?
Read 1 Samuel 24:1-22. Describe what happens when Saul goes into the cave where David is. Why did David only cut the corner of Saul’s robe?
How does Jesus do a similar thing as David for you?
How does forgiveness free us from the need for revenge? What benefit does forgiving others have in your life?
Bible Study for Sundays Chapters 20-26
What Had happened at Grace this week.
How to Win a Rap Battle (With the Devil)
When the Devil Throws Your Sins in Your Face
When the Devil Throws Your Sins in Your Face
Read the whole article at How to Win a Rap Battle (With the Devil) - Mockingbird (mbird.com)
There’s a famous scene at the end of 8 Mile, the early 2000s hip-hop drama based on the backstory of Eminem. In a crowded basement, two rival rappers, Papa Doc and Rabbit (played by Eminem), face off in a freestyle contest, both of them trying to tear down the other’s ego in a battle of wits. The key is to reveal the other’s weaknesses. Any material that could be used to discred
Kids did a wonderful job singing and playing the bells.