This Sunday's Theme:

"Lean In and Press On 2.0"

Philippians 3:12- 4:1

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

Hello Church,

I want to begin by telling you that my heart has been broken these past several days as I have seen the news reports of the terror that Israel has suffered from the terrorist organization, Hamas. Their actions are unspeakable. I am remembering the people of Israel in my prayers, and I hope that this war is resolved with the safety and security of Israel secured. I also pray for the safety of the innocent Palestinian people, who are not supportive of Hamas. I invite you to join me in praying for Israel.

Last Sunday, we had an inspiring visit with Boris Salinas, from Dunamis Ministries in Quito, Ecuador. Their work is to house and care for girls, ages 8-16, who have been caught up in trafficking. They have a new house that they would like to offer to young girls who have babies. It costs $1,100.00 a month to support the shelter, food, childcare, psychologists, and social workers that work with these girls. Patti and I have prayed about this, and we are going to offer $100.00 a month to support one of these girls. We would like to challenge others to join us in giving over our planned giving and support this work. We will create a fund that you can contribute to, whether it is $10.00 a month or $100.00. Whatever you give each month would be a life changing gift for an abused young girl. I hope you will prayerfully consider this challenge.

When things get hard, lean in and press on.

When your feathers get ruffled, lean in and press on. 

When the church disappoints you, lean in and press on.

When you accomplish a big project or study, use it! Lean in and press on.

When you get frustrated by a person, lean in and press on. 

When you learn a new teaching that brings you freedom, lean in and press on. 

When you feel alone, lean in and press on. 

When your marriage is on the brink, lean in and press on. 

When you feel like your gifts aren’t being used, lean in and press on. 

When change seems too hard, don't give up. Lean in and press on.

When you want to give up and quit, lean in and press on.

Beloved, live in grace, walk by faith and lean in and press on into Jesus this season. 

This week, we are going to revisit the message from Philippians 3:14-16, "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made ".

Paul reminds us that no matter what our circumstance or struggle is, we are called to "Lean In and Press On into Jesus" and the struggle, knowing that Jesus will walk through this hard season alongside us as He refines and strengthens us each step of the way. We will eventually see these hard circumstances pass but while we are in the thick of it, remember church, to Lean In and Press On into Jesus no matter what this world or the devil throws at us! Join us this week at 10:30am as Alex Duarte leads us through this scripture as Jesus strengthens and equips us to overcome with the power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever you're going through, join us as we Lean In and Press On into Jesus together! All are welcome! 

I hope to see you in worship this Sunday!

Pastor Steve

• Prayers for peace and guidance of care for Dean Ostrand, as well as strength for him and his family.
• Prayers for Katelyn McMahan, who is on bed rest, and baby Goldie as they await her arrival. Prayers for a safe delivery when the time comes and that baby Goldie would need minimal intervention for her heart function.
• Prayers for continued healing for Mike Darkoch following a recent hospitalization.
• Prayers for a successful knee surgery for Kristen Duarte.
• Prayers for Jan Andrews (stepmother to Dave Andrews), as she has a recurrence of lymphoma. Prayers for guidance for her providers and effective treatment for Jan.
• Prayers for Seth, for healing and successful treatment of his recently diagnosed cancer.
• Prayers for John McKinven, brother in law of Patti Kruse and Nancy Waldeck, following surgery for cancer as he seeks additional treatment.
• Prayers for Barbara Bontempi as she recovers from surgery.
• Prayers for healing and hope for Roxana Mullenhoff, friend of Dave and Debby Andrews, who has not yet found relief from headaches since suffering a head injury fourteen months ago.
• Prayers for healing for Will Wartenburg who is undergoing treatment following a cancer diagnosis. We thank you for his recovery from surgery to repair to vertebrae which had fractured.
• Prayers for Linda Brownlee who is ill with pancreatic cancer, and for her daughter Kim as she provides potential treatments and care for her mother.
• Prayers for Sandee that she is able to experience healing for her depression as well as other health struggles. Prayers that she would find a renewed sense of purpose.
• Jennifer Coughenour's mom, Lavita, has an upcoming surgery for circulatory issues. Prayers for a successful surgery and complete healing.
• Prayers for healing, faith, and guidance for Margie following a cancer diagnosis.
• Prayers for the Ostrands' niece, for a diagnosis of her health issue.
• Prayers for effective treatment for Paul Collins' brain tumor. May Paul and his family stay strong and feel God's comfort.
• Prayers for all young parents, for patience, peace, and overflowing love in their homes.
• Prayers for Uncle Ronnie's health and safety and for his family, that they may all feel strengthened and experience God's peace during this difficult time.
• Prayers for healing for Troy's brother in Colorado who suffers from Parkinson's.
• Matt Knopf of La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church has been diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. Prayers for strength for him and his family as he undergoes treatment.
• Prayers for Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, as she continues with therapy.
• 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.
• Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is in need of continued prayers as he navigates his diagnosis.