Friday, August 22, 2025

Here are some important words for us from the Acts of the Apostles...

                   Then the jailer brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."    (Acts 16: 30-31   NLT) 

Chances are, you'll probably never face a situation as dramatic as Paul and Silas did in this passage.
   
But who knows? Maybe you will. Maybe you'll meet someone today who's on the verge of taking their own life. Maybe they'll see something in you that they've never seen --- a joy that reaches deeper than the false smiles they've seen all these years. Maybe they'll strike up a conversation about God, hoping beyond hope that you'll have an answer to save them from the death they've planned for tonight. And maybe you'll never know this person's struggles. Maybe all you'll see is a casual conversation with a seeker --- a small incident you might even forget about in the following weeks. 
   
But the most important question is this: will you know what to say? Has your relationship with Jesus given you the answers you claim to possess, or have you kept God at arms length, finding yourself at a loss for words when confronted by someone who's searching for something beyond superficial?
   
There's only one way to prepare yourself for such an encounter: regularly submerging yourself in the truth of God's Word!

                Father, give me the words to speak to those who need to hear Your message.  I'm willing to be Your vessel of truth and encouragement for others. Amen.    

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 9:00am in our beautiful, air-conditioned sanctuary. This week we'll be hearing about a woman bent over by her own sin and I am thinking about how each of us is "bent over by sin" as well. How do we find the strength to stand up fully erect? Only through knowing and following Jesus. Join me as I think this through with you. If you're traveling, look for us on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am for our "live stream" or following worship on the church's YouTube channel. We'll also be singing a few more of our congregation's favorite hymns this week... so bring your singing voice!  

+++ On Tuesday, 8/26 St. Michael's Lutheran Church will be offering another "Grab and Go Dinner" in their parking lot. The FREE drive thru dinner is served beginning at 5:00pm but don't be late... as the summer hamburger meal will be gone quickly! Donations are accepted but not necessary! 

+++ Next Wednesday, 8/27 is the final session of this year's Vacation Bible School program. We've been on the Road with God this month and the kids and adults are having a great time! We hope to have the kids join us for worship on Sunday September 7th for the final session of the program and to show the congregation all that they've learned during the program. This date is also the first day of KIDZ CLUB for the fall season! Mark your calendars friends!

+++ Our Sleep In Heavenly Peace bed build is occurring on Saturday, September 13th.  Have you signed up yet to be a part of the fun?  See Shelley for help as we all are registering online this year.  

 +++ A couple of dates for your calendars...

• Sunday, September 7th we return to our fall worship schedule with worship at 8:30am in the Fireside Room and 10:00am in the Sanctuary. 
• We hope to welcome NEW MEMBERS at both services on Sunday, September 21st. Speak to me to get in on becoming a member of this great   congregation!  

Make this day a great day and look for ways to share the Good News of Jesus with those around you!   
​Pastor Jack