This week, we have held in prayer all those facing storm Elsa – and yet also know that there are many other types of storms we face in life. In the midst of any such storms that have come your way, we pray you have felt the presence of Christ your Shepherd, the mighty love of God, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit – all at work in your life to bring sure & certain HOPE. At LS, we continue our Summer Hope focus, with special 5-minute pre-worship Prayer Times to be still & know that God is God, amidst all life’s storms. At 8:10 & 10:25, it is also possible to have the pastor come offer special prayer with you in the pews, should there be a particular burden on your heart.
At 8:15, worship is in the sanctuary. At 10:30, worship how you choose – in the sanctuary, from the parking lot, on the lawn, or online. For those who are out-of-town or vacationing, continue to spread the word about our 10:30 livestream on Facebook and YouTube! For this 7th Sunday after Pentecost, with the story of the death of John the Baptizer, we hear how kingdoms of the world operate in stark contrast to the grace-filled, hope-giving Kingdom of God that Jesus and his disciples are working for so many hurting people. The apostle Paul speaks of the great inheritance of God’s grace we have been given to share with others – and the prophet Amos, an ordinary farmer, is given the vision of a plumb line, to go declare God’s justice in courts of worldly power. We are inspired by words of Psalm 85: “I will listen to what the Lord God is saying – for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you!” Come celebrate the grace and peace of God this Sunday – and invite someone to join you!