“CALLED TO SHARE CHRIST!”
FROM THE PASTOR: July is the last month of Summer, when we have a break from the
routine. Three events will break from the routine on the Church calendar. On July 6 all members
are invited to the “Mission & Ministry Meeting” to plan ways that Christ Lutheran can “Share
Christ” in the coming year. On July 10, we are called to share Christ with the residents of the
local nursing homes. On July 31 you are invited to “Share Christ” with friends and neighbors by
bringing them to Q&A Sunday.
Sermon Outline July 17, 2016
 Modern science can help us interpret the events of scripture in new and deeper
ways.
 The man born blind never had the ability to see just as we have no ability to come
to God.
 Even in a free country, we are enslaved by sin for freedom comes only from Christ.
 Jesus sets this man free from blindness and us from sin by changing our DNA.
 In the beginning God created man from dust. Now, Jesus uses dust and His own
DNA containing saliva to give this man what he never had.
 The water of baptism is applied to our body of dust to give us what we never had,
freedom from sin and death.
 Jesus took upon Himself our fatal DNA that we might be given His true life and freedom.
Sermon Outline July 10, 2016
 The parable of the Good Samaritan is so familiar we are tempted to read it
without thinking but the account of the healing of the man born blind
contains a similar theme that will help us to gain insight into this old story.
 The blind man was not healed right away but told to go to the Pool of
Siloam. He needed more help than just being dumped at the feet of Jesus.
 Sometimes healing takes time and we must walk around in a mess. Are we
willing to keep walking with those whose lives continue to be a mess?
 Our lives continue to be a struggle with sin and old habits and Jesus
continues to walk with us.
 The Good Samaritan gave ongoing care until healing came, as Jesus does for us and we
are to do for others.
Sermon Outline July 17, 2016
 What could be more important than serving Jesus?
 We have to ask, “Who is really serving who?”
 Service can be “all about me” and what people think of me.
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Martha seems to have been in the competitive mode rather than in awe of
her special guest.
Abraham acknowledges that he is not worthy to sit with his guest.
Martha has forgotten that Jesus is from God too. Likewise, we also become
so used to Jesus, we fail to give Him our undivided attention.
We, too often say we are serving God without spending time listening to
His Word in devotions or speaking to Him in prayer.
Abraham knew that his service was totally insignificant compared to the
blessings God could give.
Martha failed to understand that Jesus possessed the “one thing needful”,
salvation!
The real servant in both accounts is Jesus who gives what we cannot gain for ourselves,
the Son of God to take away the sins of the world.
Our hope is in the true servant of all who gave up his life for ours and was raised from the
dead to, once for all defeat the power of death for us.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” We serve Him because He first served us.
Sermon Outline July 24, 2016
 The parent has the power to grant the request. The child knows that the
parent loves them. The child desperately wants something they cannot get
for themselves. The child is powerless to provide for themselves and so
pleads with the parent.
 How is this different than prayer? We do not manipulate but seek the will
of God with confidence in His love and power.
 Jesus has all authority; He is the ruler. We are filled, that is fully satisfied
with His rule in our lives for we know how much He loves us.
 I know that He wants the best for me and loves to hear my prayers. God
wants me to talk to Him.
 Prayer is designed to remind us that we are powerless and all things come
to us through God’s grace.
 If I am not filled with the awe of God, I will not be persistent and
consistent in prayer. I will not plead with God, if I think He cannot answer
or doesn’t hear.
 Pleading in prayer comes from a total dependence upon God rather than a childish
attempt to manipulate His answers.
 He is all we need therefore we seek all He wants for us!
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ELDERS MEETING MONDAY, July 11, 7:00
“Called to share Christ”, it is the role of your elders to care for the spiritual
needs of the congregation so that we might all be equipped to share Christ with
our neighbors. We invite the members of Christ Lutheran to share with us any
way that we might serve you as a member and how we might guide the Church to reach out to
our community. If you have business for the elders, please let one of them or the Pastor know. If
you need to speak with an elder, they are available to listen to your concerns and help you with
spiritual and physical needs.
MISSION AND MINISTRY MEETING WED. JULY 6, 7:00
“Called to Share Christ”, with our community all members of Christ Lutheran are invited to
our annual series of brain-storming meetings to determine how we will “Share Christ” in the next
year. This year we want to start planning the “Living Nativity” early to overcome some of the
challenges we encountered last year. We also are looking for a
congregational Bible study for the Fall. Other topics will include the
Sunday morning nursing home devotions.
If you have mission and ministry ideas, we want to hear them. The Lord
has gifted us in order to bless our community. Perhaps we can have a
presence and Wasenek Days, or bring in some music groups. The Lord calls us to minister to the
poor and homeless, the widows and orphans wherever we have the opportunity. How might we
expand the ministry of Christ Lutheran and thus also the kingdom of God?
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Pastor is looking to lead and membership class this fall. Anyone who
wishes to become a communicant member is welcome. Dates will be set
once we determine what is convenient for everyone. There will be 7-8
classes, which will last about 90 minutes. These cover the basic doctrines
of the Church and would be a great place for even members to refresh and
ask question.
NURSING HOME SUNDAY, JULY 10
Q&A SUNDAY, JULY 31