This Sunday:

"Worthless Discipleship?"

Matthew 5:13-20

In-person and Live Stream to Facebook and YouTube at 10:30 AM

Why am I hoping to take a Sabbatical? I am in the final decade of my professional ministry and so it seemed to be a good opportunity for me to take some time to rest and to envision what parts of my work I will still want to do, even when I am no longer being paid to do it. I also think that it gives the congregation an opportunity to be more present and active in the leadership of the church.

To put it more succinctly, I was recently reading an article on why a sabbatical can be a good thing for the Pastor and for the church.

1.     A Sabbatical forces the Pastor and the church to trust God.

2.     A sabbatical makes the church less dependent upon the Pastor.

3.     A sabbatical renews the Pastor’s mental and spiritual health.

“Sabbatical” comes from the word Sabbath, and it means “to strengthen one’s relationship with the Lord”. This Sunday at the annual meeting, the board will ask the congregation for a vote of affirmation on my Sabbatical proposal. I hope you will come and hear more and take the opportunity to affirm this process.

And don’t forget to join us for worship as we continue Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount with a focus on “Salt,” “light” and “the Law”. Join me as we explore the option that is granted to us – to live out a discipled life following Jesus Christ, or to live a life of “worthless discipleship.” Which will it be for me? For you? If you are reading ahead, take a look at Matthew 5: 13-20. See you Sunday, Saints!

Pastor Steve

• Gretchen, Rebecca Kalogeris' cousin, suffers from pulmonary hypertension and was recently placed on oxygen and discussed transplant options. Prayers for best medical choices and comfort.
• Pastor Steve and Ms. Patti are both feeling better. Prayers of thanksgiving!
• David Cole's dad, Wally, recently passed away. Prayers for comfort for their family.
• Prayers for Amy's Uncle Ronnie, that he stays safe and receives the help he needs.
• Prayers for Keith and his family as they navigate some hardships.
• Prayers for pain relief and improvement for John Dahlgren as he is experiencing severe back pain.
• Prayers for Theresa Nguyen following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for Miss Brooke's daughter and their family as they navigate her health and treatment.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• Prayers for comfort and peace for Marjorie Reese as she is entering her final stages of life.
• Prayers for healing for Jennifer, niece of Kathleen Reese.
• Prayers for health and peace for Dana Engstrom's father.
• Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brothers, Len and Larry and also his wife, Ann, for healing; and also Daphne and Cassidy for God’s guidance.
• Prayers for comfort and healing for Sharon Dalbke, niece of Ron and Phyllis Ostrand, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.
• Dana Engstrom, the preschool director, is battling long COVID. Prayers for complete healing for her.