First, thank you, Pastor Marti, for filling in last week so I could lead worship in Virginia.
Through Christmas and Epiphany, we will be following the lectionary. This Sunday is the last Sunday of the church year, AKA Christ the King Sunday. The central theme of the previous four Sundays of the church year is focusing on the end of the world. Christ the King Sunday emphasizes the fact that Jesus has ascended to heaven, having defeated sin, death, and the devil, and reigns as our King. No matter what happens with politicians, wars, and cultural malaise, our King is still Sovereign over all. We have nothing to fear. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate and worship our King, Christ, at 9:00 am in the Ballard Middle School Board Room.
Please “Reply All” if you can help as lector and/or treat-bringer this week. THANK YOU!!!
The readings for this week are:
Ezekiel 34:11-6, 20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Matthew 25:31-46
Upcoming events:
Saturday, November 11 – Iowa LCMC District Gathering – Badger Lutheran Church, Badger, IA (don’t worry, they probably won’t have any lutefisk left from the previous week)
December 4-20 – Likely dates for the trip to India
Saturday, December 23 – 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Eve at Shepherd
Sunday, December 24 – Morning worship at Shepherd???
Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve at Bethany
PLEASE pray for the following:
The people of Ukraine, as their nation is under attack.
James Puotyual while he awaits a kidney transplant.
Paula, that her health might be restored
The Grulke’s in Botswana; Enrique Estrada in Mexico; Pastors Duggi, Swen, David, Dake, Moksha, Peter, Jonathan, Abdul, Subin Raj, and all the other faithful pastors as they minister in India
Matt and Simon, pastors in Estonia, as they minister in a climate that is resistant to return to Christianity.
Janis Diekonts and Ieva Diekonte, David and Angela Breidenbach as they conduct mission work in Latvia and other parts of eastern Europe
The people of South Sudan and Ethiopia as the civil war continues to rage – and for the South Sudanese Christians who have been forced to flee to Ethiopia
The children and staff at the Bethany-Good Shepherd Orphanage in Tanuku.
Pastor Duggi and the members of the Lutheran Church in Gudipadu, Andhra Pradesh, as well as the orphanage that he operates.
Tim T. as he begins this new chapter of his ministry
Our nation and its leaders – for a return to God and the values on which this country was built.
See you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Ballard Middle School Board Room.
Blessings,
Scott