This Sunday's Theme:

"Do We Practice What We Preach?"

Matthew 23:1-12

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

Making Jesus Christ the Heart of Every Home!

Vision Statements can often be taken for granted, but as Alex shared with me yesterday, our vision statement is really at the forefront of our minds this week. In the midst of a medically trying week, we are even more focused on the heart of Jesus and making that heart the center of our lives, our families, and our ministry at New Covenant.

We might say that Tuesday was “Heart Day!” at New Covenant. At 10:28 am Marigold Eloise (Goldie) entered this world, newborn daughter to Katelyn and Stephen McMahan, and newest grandchild for Patti and me. Goldie was born with some severe heart defects, to which we are trying to get answers. We know that she will have surgery soon, we are just unclear what all they plan to do for her heart.

Meanwhile on Tuesday afternoon, Alex received a call from his cardiologist, that he will need open-heart surgery to replace a heart valve. While the hope was to do this with minimally invasive surgery, the decision was made that they will have to do open-heart surgery to replace his valve. Alex and Annie are looking towards the end of the year or early next year for his surgery.

This all is “Heart-Wrenching” news! So, as you can see, we have been focused on hearts! But the most important heart that we can direct our attention to is the heart of Jesus! After weeping over the lack of repentance from the cities that Jesus had ministered to, he gives thanks to his Father for his ministry. Think about that. The people have failed to respond to Jesus, and he still gives thanks to God. Jesus said,

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 25-30

Jesus is God, and God is gentle, and humble, and meek. This is the heart of Jesus and what we need to focus on during this time. These “heart-felt” concerns are going to give us, as a church, the challenge and opportunity to be a united church, who cares for the sick. Will we live up to the challenge? You are the answer to that my friends!

This Sunday, join us as we celebrate All Saints Sunday! We will lift up those who have departed this life this past year, and now rest eternally with our Lord and Savior. I hope to see you!

Pastor Steve

• Goldie McMahan and her family as they prepare for heart surgery. Bring healing to this little girl, that she may grow to bear a profound testament of faith in Jesus Christ. Please continue to check the website here for updates if you would like to follow along with her journey.
• Alex Duarte and his family as they prepare for open-heart surgery towards the end of this year or early in the New Year – for peace, strength, hope, courage, and life!
• Prayers for healing for Jan Andrews (stepmother to Dave Andrews), as she has started chemotherapy treatment today for lymphoma.
• Prayers for a speedy recovery from knee replacement surgery for Penny Selseth, Erika Walker's mom.
• Prayers for a quick recovery for Kristen Duarte, following recent surgery.
• Prayers of thanksgiving for the successful recovery of Lavita, Jennifer Coughenour's mom, following two surgeries.
• Prayers for a speedy recovery for Patrick Hannon following hip replacement surgery.
• Prayers for peace and guidance of care for Dean Ostrand, as well as strength for him and his family.
• Prayers for continued healing for Mike Darkoch following a recent hospitalization.
• 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 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.
• 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.