5 Lent, March 21st 2010
Rev. Mark Oehlert
Good morning one and all,
What a glorious week after a long winter!! Whose spirit is not uplifted as a nice reprieve in temperatures was our gift this week?
This Sunday we will be blessed with a wonderful opportunity to host Reverend Denver Bittner, the president of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Pastor Bittner is at the forefront of social concerns throughout our state. Thousands of people throughout the state, including right here on 1st avenue in Sterling, are affected in positive ways by the efforts of LSSI. I urge you to come and learn about our shared ministry. This is a significant ministry of the Northern Illinois Synod of which we are a strong part. Pastor Bittner will deliver the sermon AND will be presenting a program during our coffee hour. Please plan to attend one of the worship services and the coffee hour. Let’s show Pastor Bittner some real hospitality as we grow in our understanding of what God does through a positive agency in the greater church!
Readings for Sunday:
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
The scriptures this week will teach us what it means to serve and to share as our Savior has taught us!! Read through ahead of time for a deepened worship experience!!
If you are reading this message today, you have been given the gift of life- purely by the grace of God. That means 168 hours in seven days. God asks that we not forget WHO gave this gift to us. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy! I look forward to seeing you in God’s house this and EVERY Sunday morning!
THANK YOU for your part in building up the body of Christ known as St. John’s.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Mark