LWML Sunday
Posted by:
Pastor Bill Mueller
Monday, October 11, 2010
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LWML Sunday
This Sunday and Monday in our worship services we are celebrating the mission and work of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). The LWML has a strong international mission presence to encourage all of us to share God's love in Jesus Christ. In worship we will discover more about the transformation that happens when we are "in the mind of Christ" - quoting the Apostle Paul from Philippians 2. We also celebrate as a number of women in our congregation assist with some of the Scripture Readings and ushering.
Body Needs
Scripture calls the gathering of disciples of Jesus Christ at Suburban Bethlehem as the "body of Christ." We are all connected together. There are some needs within the Body of Christ right now. We have a member family who will soon be taking care of one of their family members (this family member is currently hospitalized recovering from surgery). There is a need for either a single or twin bed for this family to borrow during the time of recuperation. Please see me in person or via email if you have further questions or thoughts. We are the Body of Christ.
God is Faithful
I have a great story to share with you as a perfect illustration about the faithfulness of God and spreading / growing His Kingdom. This past Monday, as I was eating lunch with our new seminary student (you'll have to come to church to discover who!) a gentleman approached the table where we were sitting and I motioned the spot next to me was open. When I noticed the man had not sat down but was simply standing next to me I looked up and, after two looks and a close look at his name tag, realized this was a former elder from my first parish in Minnesota. Soon after we had left our first parish he and his family had returned to his home town of Memphis, Tennessee. But here he was sitting down next to me to eat lunch at the seminary cafeteria. He has enrolled in the "SMP" program to become a pastor within our church body. ("SMP" stands for "Specific Ministry Pastor" and is very useful in situations where the pastor needs to have a part time or full time job outside of the ministry.) Kyle, this long lost friend, attends most of his classes via distance education but once a year is required to be on the seminary campus for one week.
A couple of things strike me about this. First, God is faithful. Kyle and I had talked more than ten years ago about Kyle becoming a pastor, but things never worked out the right way. That is, until now. Now is the time for God to move and work in his life to accomplish His will. The second thing that strikes me about this is how, when we both realized who each other was (he saw me from across the cafeteria) we instantly rejoiced and began catching up. Could that be a little slice of what heaven will be like? Granted, Scripture (particularly Revelation) speaks about God'ssaints in awe and worship of Him and His Son....but might there be some time for some high fives and wide smiles as we see old friends? But don't forget the big picture - God is faithful and is always on the move setting the stage for His kingdom to continue to expand and grow. (By the way, one of the things I love about Kyle and his family is that Kyle was convinced to become a Lutheran after reading Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians. We had him over for supper last night and enjoyed a long conversation.)
Friendship Sunday
God is faithful - this is critical for us to remember as we get ready for our Friendship Sunday on October 17 - just two weeks away! Who is going to receive your invitation to join you in worship that Sunday and the special activities? (Remember we have a Christian magician coming and a meal after the 11:00 worship service.) How is it that you are going to make the most of your opportunities to share Jesus? When will we share Jesus? In the recent message series "Welcoming Sinners and Eating with Them" I shared the thought that, in my opinion, one of the best things that could be said about Suburban Bethlehem by our community is that "they love sinners." May God's Spirit continue to move and work among us that do just that - love sinners in and with Jesus!
Trivia
What Old Testament prophet was told to eat the Bible - that is, eat the scroll containing God's Word? This puts a new understanding of the prayer from the old The Lutheran Hymnal to "inwardly digest" the Word of God! :)
God bless you and I'll see you in His house this Sunday / Monday.
Yours in the Name of Jesus,
--Pastor Bill Mueller
(Acts 16:31)