GLC - - - Connects!
January 14, 2021
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WONDERING...
Real questions from real people to learn more about faith
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Which side is God on? When we start drawing boundaries around who is in and who is out, Jesus is usually on the other side of the line with the people we exclude. He does it over and over in the Bible—people are trying to draw boundaries and Jesus keeps smashing through them. I guess it makes sense, seeing how he broke the barrier between heaven and earth to walk with human beings, flawed and complex as we are. When we take this all the way through a line of thinking, we will find ourselves in some uncomfortable and surprising places. This is the space I like to call the Gospel space. It is the no man's land between the trenches, it is dangerous here, especially if you are intent on holding on to all of your ideas about things. Come, Lord Jesus, lead us to the Gospel space. Amen.
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One moment, people are speaking well of you, the next moment they want to push you off a cliff. Tough crowd. When Jesus speaks in the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth, the delight of the people only lasts as long as their perception that he will do miracles in their town. It turns out that the people of Nazareth are not ready to hear that Jesus’ gospel good news is meant for people besides themselves.
Compassionate God, we sometimes can be possessive of you and wish for your goodness to be ours alone. Let your mercy pour out as you will, and turn our hearts to being as open as yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL on YouTube! |
We are pre-recording the Sunday School lessons for your kids to watch and participate with on YouTube. They can sing along with the music, listen to a Bible story, and do an activity (see photo featuring last week's craft!). The Sunday lesson will be made available on the weekends, but watch whenever and wherever works for you and your child!
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We will join our first communicants in preparing for a special celebration of communion on or around Transfiguration Sunday, February 14 (since we are still not able to gather large groups— it will look different!). In preparation, we will fast from communion between now and then, focusing on the promises of the sacrament of baptism, the water and Word that gives us a tangible sign of God's love for us and how we live out of those promises in our lives. The light of Christ shines through all of us!
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Women's Retreat Cancelled |
The annual Women's Retreat has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19. The Nazareth Center has decided to keep the facility closed until June 2021. Plans are being made to save the usual dates for the end of February/beginning of March 2022. Email Karen Bentson or call 630-564-3075 for more information.
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To every donor, community partner, volunteer and sponsor who supported our regional events—Thank you! You provided holiday cheer at a time when our community needs it most. YOU made a difference this holiday season!
St. Andrew Lutheran Church would like to thank you all for the gift donations to our Uniting for the Holidays event on December 16th.
Without givers like you, our church can't have an impact or influence in our community. Together, we can make a difference. God bless.
Sincerely, Pastor Josh Ebener
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Weekly Bible Study on ZOOM
Thursday, January 21 @ 9:30 am
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Northern Illinois Food Bank
Wednesday, January 20 @ 9 am
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2021 RESOLUTION GROWING IN FAITH |
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Vicar Amber and Pastor Trudy will dive into some of the central topics of our faith. Scholar or beginner, come for conversation, learning and usually some laughter. All on Zoom.
Thursdays at 7 PM.
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Thursdays at 7:00 pm
January 14 - TONIGHT!
- What does it mean to be a disciple—and who has time for it?
January 21
January 28
- What does it mean to have 'sabbath'— and who has time for it?
February 4
- What have we learned about being a 'virtual' body of Christ?
February 11
- Fasting for Lent— why does it matter and who has time for it?
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**Want to listen to last week's conversation on Baptism?
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Please email Amy Steenson or call (630) 232-0165 if you would like to add a name to the prayer list. Submitted names will remain on the prayer list for two weeks.
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This is a confidential telephone network ministry that intercedes on behalf of those in need by lifting up specific requests, concerns, and emergency situations. To request prayer, please call Sally Harmon (630) 377-0021. |
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Notes from the GLC community |
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Thank you for knitting our future baby the beautiful little baby blanket! It made my day to see my son bring it home from PDO. What a blessing! Thank you all. Laura Garcia
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We received our surprise package filled with love. We so appreciate everyone's thoughtful efforts in preparing these gifts. The prayer squares are special. Thanks to whoever made them. So happy to have Word in Season devotions. We "attended" Christmas Eve services a couple days after and used the communion elements, felt like we were there! Bless you all, Donna and Don Elliott |
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Confirmation students Nicholas and Audrey earn serve hours for providing part of the Lazarus House meal. #loveisnotcancelled |
The Guys Group met for a "Happy Not 2020" happy hour over Zoom!
#joyisnotcancelled
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It's a first! First Communion classes started last Sunday over Zoom. #hopeisnotcancelled |
Bundle of Joy! Congratulations to Michael and Jena Hess on the birth of their son Ethan John Hess on January 8. He is also welcomed by big brother Quinn. #joyisnotcancelled
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Thanks to our group of guys who took down the stable last weekend. It seems like it just went up! #jesusisnotcancelled |
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Send your pictures of how you are living your #generouslifeinChrist to Margo. Thank you!
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