To: News
Subject: RE: Friday Blessings
 
Friday Blessings

 

 

Our Senior Pastor welcomes you to our weekly Friday Blessings update!

In This Issue

The Life You've Always Wanted Sermon Series -- This Week ..." A Life of Endurance -- The Experience of Suffering"

Joy Zone Children's Ministry Rally Day

Adult Forums begin this Sunday 

Preaching

 Pastor Knight Wells is preaching at worship services on Saturday and Sunday morning. Pastor Jim Reents is preaching at our Sunday evening L.I.G.H.T. worship service beginning at 6:00 PM.

 

Traditional Services are held in the Sanctuary. All other services are in the Parish Life Center.

 

Join us for worship at St. John's!

 

For More Information

St. John's Website



 

 

 THIS WEEKEND AT ST. JOHN'S

 

In his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, John Ortberg uses the following example of suffering and endurance . . . "I wSt. John'sas recently involved in a survey in which hundreds of people were asked to identify the factors that were most formative in their spiritual growth. The number one response overwhelmingly involved times of suffering and pain. Ironically, the role of suffering is one of the most neglected issues in spiritual growth, because we do not arrange for it to happen as we might Bible study or prayer. Instead, life inevitably arranges it for us. So if we are going to be transformed, we must look at how suffering benefits us, or at least how to respond to it. Suffering always changes us, but it does not necessarily change us for the better." (p. 211) The transformation potential for suffering is ultimately based on trust and faith in a God who has promised to be with us in the midst of whatever it is that we are going through. To find out more about this important issue in faith development, join us for worship this weekend. 

 

This weekend is also Rally Day, when our Joy Zone Children's Ministry begins and our Adult Forums make their debut. This fall we are featuring an excellent and thought-provoking DVD series with Professor Mark Allen Powell on "How Lutherans Interpret the Bible," followed by informative discussions of the recently adopted social statement by the E.L.C.A. Churchwide Assembly, "Human Sexuality . . . A Gift from God." (Adult Forum meets each Sunday morning, in the Sanctuary beginning at approximately 9:10 AM.)

 

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS . . .

  • When do I tend to quit or give up instead of endure? 
  • What needs to change in my actions or attitudes so I can be sure I will respond in a way that honors God the next time I feel like quitting? 
  •  Who can encourage me and help me in my training in this area of my life?

PRAYER: Gracious God, help me to keep "my faith alive," by placing my complete trust in your promise that you will never leave me and will always be with me, no matter what challenge or issue in my life would make me feel like giving up. When I want to quit, help me to persevere and endure through the power which you provide me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

 Alive in Christ,

The Reverend Knight Wells
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St. John's Lutheran Church
1617 E. Emerson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
309.827.6121 (office) 309.829.3866 (fax)

ELCA