This weekend I’ll preach on Luke 12:13-21. Please read it in preparation for worship. I love this parable about the man whose land produced a grand harvest… and then some. Jesus tells us through this parable that God is the owner of all we have… even our very lives. Furthermore, it lets us know that God wants what is best for us. And what is best for us and for this world is to live our lives, including our time, talents, and treasure, in ways that are pleasing to God. I’ll get into this more in my sermon over the weekend.
Yet, on this is Veterans Day Weekend, I want all of us to pause and give thanks for the men and women who are, or have, served in any of the branches of the armed forces. We say thanks, too, for all police officers and first responders. Christ calls each of us to use our lives in ways that make our world better. These Veterans have answered the call in a specific way. Thank You! In worship this weekend we’ll recognize and say thanks to Veterans and active service members, as well as first responders. If this is you, please stop at the table in the Gathering Area before worship.
Ponder today the ways in which you have and are answering the call to follow Jesus in specific ways to make the world better for your neighbors and for the world. God has gifted us with all we have. It is an honor to steward our lives for the glory of God. Thank you!
This weekend is our “Faith Matters” Stewardship weekend. We will offer ourselves and our financial commitments for 2024 at the altar as an act of following Jesus.
There is no more purposeful living than to trust in Jesus’ promise of love for you, and to follow him with all you’ve got. God wants it; desires it; and expects it. Pray about your giving level to God through Gloria Dei. Some of you have already made your pledge for 2024. Thank you. If you haven’t and are not able to be in worship this weekend for some reason, we will follow up with you very soon.
Sacrificial giving is in response to our Lord who sacrificed his life for us. We have lots happening at Gloria Dei and it really does take all of us to give generously as we follow the generous and radical call of Jesus on our lives.
One more thing. Just a reminder that every second Saturday of the month, following our 5 pm worship service, we have “Second Saturday Supper.” This Saturday we’ll enjoy chili and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
See you in worship!
Pastor Tim
