This Sunday, we reach a climactic moment in Mark’s gospel, when Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do YOU say that I am?” and Simon Peter responds with his confession of faith, “You are the Messiah!” We hear Jesus’ powerful words of invitation, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me!” The words of Psalm 116 ring out in our souls, “I love the LORD, who has heard my voice … gracious is the Lord and righteous; our God is full of compassion!” We continue to offer safe worship options for everyone: from the lawn, the parking lot, or live-streamed at 10:30. We worship in the sanctuary at both 8:15 and 10:30, with everyone lovingly maintaining spacing and wearing our face coverings. Prior to both services, we continue to offer our 5-minute Hope Prayer Times to “Be Still & Know that God is God.” We again light 4 special candles of HOPE during this pre-worship time: for all affected by Hurricane Ida/fires/flooding/storms; for the people of Haiti; for our military & Afghan refugees; for frontline workers & all affected by COVID. During the pre-worship times, a pastor can come pray with you in the pew if there is a particular joy/burden on your heart. GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS! This Sunday This Sunday is a big Sunday for Living Springs and all our sister ELCA Lutheran congregations, as we celebrate “God’s Work, Our Hands” – and even in the midst of Covid, find creative ways to bring hope to others. This year, we lift up those who rely on laundromats for one of life’s basic necessities. There is some way for all of us to help. At 9:30 Sunday, come help pack bags of quarters, detergent, blessing cards, and snack items. At 12:00, we need teams to deliver the bags to about a dozen nearby laundromats.
