We continue our study of Genesis in the Adult Forum. However, last Sunday and this Sunday we are on a bit of a detour focusing on creation stories and planning to return to Genesis itself and its account of the “troubles” in the early human community thereafter.
This past Sunday we began a study of the book of Genesis in the Adult Forum. (Come, join us at 8:45!)
As we read the first of the creation stories (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3) we saw reference to the creation of the “great sea monsters” – Leviathan – on the fifth day. Leviathan is the beast which the Psalmist reports (Psalm 104:26) the Creator formed simply to enjoy as it sported in the seas.
The origin of the Leviathan stories in the ancient near east is anchored in the people’s experience of the crocodilians that inhabited their world. This past week I had opportunity to get up close and personal with a lot of crocodilians and through that experience, came to better understand a Creator who delights in them.
Hymn Festival, Friday, August 4, 7:00 pm, “From the Heights of New Creation: A Hymn Festival Celebrating All the Saints”
All are invited to a program of readings, prayers, hymns, and songs! Led by Anne Krentz Organ and Karen Black, this event takes place in conjunction with the Augsburg Fortress Music Clinic. https://www.augsburgfortress.org/music/summer-music-clinics/
I’m excited to share some news about our worship and Sunday School (child and adult) plans for this fall.
At its July 11 meeting, the Church Council passed a resolution that beginning on September 10, 2023, we will offer two distinctive liturgies (services) on Sunday mornings, with communion at both services. The schedule will be:
This summer we are challenging the the entire congregation, including the children, to make 100 blankets! The blankets will be donated to the Who is My Neighbor-Helping Migrants Program. Our challenge date to have 100 blankets is September 10th the first day of Sunday school.
This coming Sunday I want to invite you to the Adult Forum where we will begin the study of the Book of Genesis. The book is a panorama of fascinating stories: about how our world came into existence; the beginnings of human life after the Fall from Eden: Cain and Abel, Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel. Then in Chapter 12 begins the story of Abraham and Sarah as God begins to gather people through whom God will restore Creation and reconcile all things in God’s graceful love. The stories of the formation of this family are larger than life. Here is how Frederich Buechner, in “Peculiar Treasures,” begins to retell the story of Joseph and his brothers:
Giving From the Heart. Soon we will be sharing with you the report of our giving in June. As you know the trend has been increasing deficits between the offerings we receive and the money we spend on our ministry. My prayer is that each of us, giving from the heart and in gratitude to Jesus for all of our blessings, will make regular and generous contributions to the mission of our church.
Performs an evening of delightful music in the theme or Summer Lovin’ at St. Luke’s on Saturday, July 22, 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Advance tickets:
$16 for adults; $14 for seniors
At the door:
$20 for adults; $18 for seniors
Youth and children under 18 are always free.
Tickets are available from Gary and Kyle Cartwright and Adam Cartwright.
When our lessons give us texts from little known Biblical writers, I like to take a moment and get to know them. This Sunday we will hear from the prophet Zechariah. Here is a little background on Zechariah whose depiction of the king who will come to us “humble and riding on a donkey,” has been seen by the Christian church as a reference to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.