You are Invited!

I read recently that the average young adult uses their smart phone 53 times each day to tweet, text, email, facebook, or snapchat their friends. We are unbelievably connected to each other through electronic media! In fact, a phone is critical for this generation to build 21st century friendships. What would happen to our relationships without a phone?

The flip side of our connectedness is that we are rarely alone with our thoughts.  Watch anyone waiting somewhere and you are bound to find them staring at or talking on their phone.   

One relationship that requires no phone but does require our intentional communication is our relationship with our Creator and Savior.

The Bible calls us to “Be still and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10)  God seeks a relationship with you but may not overwhelm you with His presence.  Prayer then is a gift for us.  Perhaps prayer, like a smart phone to our friends, is our connection to God.

Through times of prayer we can come to know God. 

That alone, is an awesome thought!

What would happen to our relationship with God if we regularly engage in prayer?

Through prayer we can grow in our knowledge of God’s love and grace.  We can begin to learn how He is uniquely calling you and me to be His people in this world – to both rest in His grace and to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

This coming week, we ask you to take time each day for a few moments in the morning, at noon, and near the end of your day to join the members of Resurrection Lutheran Church in prayer.  A devotion will be sent to you each day.  You can pray at home, at work, along your commute, at lunch, and at dinner with family. You can pray the following prayer for Resurrection:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your steadfast love for our family and our congregation.  We ask that you would clearly lead Resurrection Lutheran Church into the future you want us to have.  Guide us to be your church for people far into the future. You grace us and call us to a vibrant life of faith in Christ, a life we are asked to share with others.  Take away our fear and give us courage and strength to trust that you go with us. Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear your voice, give us eyes to see your path, and give us faith to follow you. (pause for silence and listening) In Jesus' name. Amen.

You are also invited to meet at the church at 6:30 am, noon and 6:30 pm for prayer, and to be part of the Prayer Retreat on Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm at church.

How is God calling you in prayer?

Written by: Brian Jordahl

Be the Light Back at Home

Campers had their last evening campfire last night,  attended morning chapel, Bible Study, and now packing their bags and getting ready to go home.

Campers love this place, and am sure parents will hear songs, and stories about camp on the drive home.  I loved being at camp this week with our campers and constantly seeing smiling faces, watching campers be confident in themselves, and watching their faith grow.   

TIM (Teens In Mission) Team campers are high school campers that desire to be leader's and disciples of Christ. They spent time writing personal covenants this week on practical ways they can continue to grow in their faith, and be leaders in their school, and church.  They attended three workshops on spiritual gifts, belonging, and running the race.  This morning we prayed for the year and ask God's blessing and courage to serve boldly.   We have high school young people coming home ready to make a difference in their community.  PRAISE GOD!

 TIM  Team Commissioning Service

God has shown up BIG TIME this week! How can we be the light back in our own communities? How can we serve others?  How can we spread the God's love?

Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.  Thanks be to God. 

Day 5: Celebrating Jesus and Kids.

 

 

Sign of Patience

Block work started on our new sign

Waiting with joy is a Christian practice that builds patience.  Our congregation has had to practice patience as we waited for final city and county approval for our new road sign.  That approval was granted last month and our new sign is under construction. 

The sign is the final piece of our New Connection projects that started last year.   The other projects are either completed or in process.   Last August we connected to the city sewer system and this spring we started our consultation with the architects from Station 19 regarding our master plan for our build facilities.  A final report from Station 19 will be present to the congregation this fall or winter.   All the projects were funded through the generous donations to the New Connection fund drive one year ago. Thank You for your participation

Leroy Signs artist rendition of our new sign. 

The new sign will replace the one wooden sign at our entrance on Bailey Road. It will have an electronic display board that will allow us to publicize our ministry opportunities to the many people who pass by on Bailey Road. This will help us in our mission to call all people to the vibrant life of faith in Christ.  

This past week the monument foundation was built using the same block that is part of our building.  The other pieces will be coming in the next few weeks and our sign will be completed.   Thank you for your patience in this endeavor. 

May you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully  giving thanks to the Father. Colossians 1:11

Question for reflection:  What do you think should be our first message on the sign?   

Having Fun

Some people view the Christian life as being glum, sour and super-serious.  At Camp Wapo, children and youth discover that life in Christ is vibrant and fun.  They sing, dance, run, jump, spin and laugh, - and this is just in Chapel!  The vibrant life of faith in Christ becomes a new reality for our children and youth.

Taking a break in worship

Game Faces for Nine Square

All the fun has a purpose, to introduce and encourage our children and youth to live in Christ. He is the center of all that takes place here.  While there are plenty of games and laughter, moments of deep conversation and prayer are almost as common.   The counselors and staff share the reality of walking with Jesus on a daily basis.

Smiles are common at Camp Wapo

As their pastor, I rejoice that I can be a small part in this transformative week.  The Spirit is active and alive at Camp Wapo. Thanks be to God.

Pastor does a selfie with our youth!

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice!  Phil. 4:4.

Oh happy day . . .

Morning chapel began with the song Oh Happy Day, and it truly feels like a happy day - beautifully sunny, neither too hot nor too cold, and the day ahead promises both new and old adventures, games, devos, campfires, and Agape Hip Hop worship this afternoon.

Service is raised up daily here at camp! Well done.

Settling in

Getting familiar, getting comfortable, learning names, catching on to routines ~ all part of the first full day. Campers seem excited to have so much of the week still ahead.

Some are humming these lyrics from morning chapel: 

Every move I make, I make in you, Jesus. Every breath I breathe, I breathe in you.

Waves of mercy, waves of grace, every where I look, I see your face! 

Oh your love has captured me . . .

            

      

Waiting for the ever-popular swim test. :)
Safe? Yes. Important? Yes. Popular. Uh, no.