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WEEKLY DEVOTION JUNE 22

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Pastor Bruce Kischnick, Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, IN

“POWER IN THE SEED”

READING: Mark 4:26-29 – He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain – first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

My garden has really taken off. A couple of weeks ago, things were growing slowly, what with the cool weather and dry conditions we had then. But when the rains fell and the sun came up and warmed the earth, I could literally see my garden growing day by day. It must be the old farmer in me because I have a hankering to get my hands into the dirt come spring, and I love to watch things grow.

Seeds are a fascinating subject. Have you ever noticed how little the seeds resemble the plants they produce? Beet seeds are tiny little curlicues that in no way resemble a beet, yet when I broadcast those seeds in a corner of my garden, I believe every single one of them sprouted. I’ve had to thin them and then thin them again. Sunflower seeds are fairly large, yet they in no way resemble the long stalk and massive blossom that they will produce. And to think that the entire design of the plant is contained inside that one odd little seed! It’s amazing.

In our text today Jesus indicates much the same truth regarding the kingdom of God and the Church that came to fruition after Pentecost. The Gospel, he says, is much like my garden in that the seed that was scattered in the mission fields by Paul and Peter, John and Barnabas, and by hundreds, then thousands of Christians as the traveled or fled persecution, didn’t look or sound very powerful. It was just the story of a man lived, taught, died on a cross, and rose again three days later. That doesn’t sound like a threat to the establishment or much of a hope to his followers, yet that simple story, augmented by the theology of his virgin birth, his multiple miracles, his divinity, and his substitutionary sacrifice, changed the world and brought hope to a hundred or more generations to this very day.

The elders, teachers of the law, Pharisees, Caiaphas, Annas, and all his other enemies could never have guessed, would never have believed that this itinerant rabbi from Galilee would establish a kingdom that would reach to the very ends of the earth, encompass the Roman Empire, and bring salvation to all who believed in his name. Jesus planted the seed and the Holy Spirit weeded, watered, and watched over it as it sprouted, took root, grew, and blossomed. Even now he continues to gather into his garner the harvest of souls saved by the Good News of Jesus the Christ.

I was out in the countryside around Lanesville last week and was delighted to see the wheat fields turning. I’m thinking the harvest will start the end of this week or next week for certain. What a happy time that always was on the farm. Wheat was the first cash crop to be gathered in, and my dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Earl were usually in a good mood as the wheat poured into the combine’s hopper. It was a return on their investment and on their labor of the fall before when they planted the seeds in the ground. Whether they slept or got up, the seed had sprouted, grown, survived the winter snows, and now they were gathering it up.

Imagine the joy of God’s angels on that Last Day when the Master sends them out to gather up all his faithful in that final harvest. They will rejoice at the Master’s grace and marvel at his glory as the whole Church stands before the Throne and sings his praises. And to think that it will all have started with the seed of the Gospel sown in the little land of Palestine all those years ago. The power was in the seed – and the seed brought forth a harvest of righteousness and a heaven filled with the children of God: you and me! Amen.

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

1) VBS will run from this Sunday through Wednesday. No regular meetings during those days.

2) Remember to mark your calendars for Pastor Woods’ 25th Anniversary of Ordination celebration on Sunday, August 22, in the late service and the dinner to follow.

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/jahHotPk_no

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

PRINTABLE PDF: WEEKLYDEVJune22.PDF

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WEEKLY DEVOTION JUNE 21

Monday, JUNE 21, 2021

Pastor Matthew Woods from Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana

“Show Us the Father”

Like Father…

Happy belated Father’s Day to you. Yesterday was Father’ Day so I thought that today we could talk about our Heavenly Father. But before I do first let me say thank you to all the godly fathers, grandfather’s and men who have been a father figure in the lives of our children. Although the world would say otherwise, godly fathers who bless their families and are faithful to their calling as husbands are essential to the health and well-being of our communities. So, thank you to the godly men who honor the Lord as good dads.

Most people know that I have a love for woodworking, fixing things, and doing things hands on. That only means I know enough to get in trouble most of the time. My wife will tell you I have many unfinished projects that need attention. While I was working last week for VBS I had a member ask me where I learned to do all of this. Well, that’s easy. Dad inspired most of it. I just happened to like doing the same things he likes to do. Growing up I can fondly remember many days working on our house. It was also the best time to go out to the house and help dad work on something. And something stuck. I’ve always enjoyed it. Dad taught me a lot and I am grateful for all of it. So, getting to know me you might get a good sense of who my dad is because of it.

Jesus and the Father are One

Jesus talks pretty regularly about Our Father in Heaven. Some of the most familiar passage in the Gospels speak to the Father and the Son. John 3:16-17 is perhaps the most famous. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may no perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the World to condemn the world but to save the world through Him.”

Another very familiar Gospel passage is John 14 Jesus talks about preparing a place in the Father’s House for His followers. He tells His disciples to trust in Him—literally put their eternal lives into His hands. He also promises that He will come back to take all believers to Himself so that we may live with Jesus for eternal life. This passage is usually read at funerals up to verse 7 because it provides so much comfort. However, Jesus is also laying a strong emphasis on the Father and the Son being of one mind about our salvation. So, I invite you to consider verses 8-11.

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.

So, to see Jesus is to see the Father. To know Jesus is to know the Father. They are never in disagreement. In fact, they are of one will when it comes to our salvation. It is the Father’s love that sends the Son. It is the Son who willingly dies for our sins and rises in the resurrection. They are of one will. This is comforting but this is also challenging.

Jesus Illustrates the Father

Consider another very familiar Gospel passage from Luke 15:11-32. It is often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. However, it is really about the Father. The younger son goes to his father and says, effectively, “Dad I want you to be dead so that I can have my share of the inheritance.”

Listeners of this parable would have been amazed at the boldness of the younger son. We too are amazed that the Father gives a very rebellious younger son his share of the inheritance and then lets him go. But then again, the Father is gracious with all of His gifts. For example, He didn’t take Samson’s strength from him even though He was rebellious—at least until he went to Delilah’s hair salon. Another example: Jesus reminds Pilate that His authority was given from on high but does not pull rank on Pilate. And the Father’s love and grace are never withdrawn from us even when we demand His gifts like the Younger Son, and then ignore Him. The Father, like the Son, is a bigger giver to us then we are a receiver to receive His gifts. He gives to us not because of our goodness, nor because we deserve anything, but because of who He is—a loving Father who gives good things to His children.

And then the part of the Parable we love most. When the Younger Son comes to His senses and comes home the Father welcomes him back. The Father isn’t finger wagging and chewing him out or even reducing his son to a life of slavery. The Father runs out to his Son, grateful that he has him home. And to remove all doubt that the Father has welcomed him home as a son, he puts clothes from dad’s closet on him, a family ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet. Then he celebrates with a great feast letting the son know that He is most welcome. This too amazes us and gives us a sense that our Heavenly Father really loves us. All of Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents rather than the 99 others who do not need to repent. The son who was dead is alive. That’s all that mattered to that father in the parable. And this is all that matters to our Heavenly Father as well.

Something Worth Celebrating

Father’s Day is worth celebrating because we have our Heavenly Father. Even if some of us do not have a good example for a father—and many do. We still have our Heavenly Father. And in Him we children have something to show. We have one who loves us, even when we go prodigal on Him, so we can love others. We have one who is generous with us and forgives us so that we can forgive others. We have one that is patient with us, which is good because kids like us demand lots of patience. We have a Heavenly Father who is worth celebrating for these and many other reasons. We have a Father who will never leave us nor forsake us, who pursues us, knows us, and opens His home to us. We have a lot to celebrate in and through Jesus who tells us, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father as well.”

Now the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with His favor and forever and always give you His peace in Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Matthew Woods

John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WDJune21.PDF

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/5krWqgFtkfM

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

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Grace Lutheran Church

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Please register to be a VOLUNTEER.
Positions still needed! Click here!

Ages 4 thru Entering 5th Grade
JUNE 27–30, 2021

PRE-REGISTERING ALL STUDENTS THIS YEAR.

STUDENT REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS YEAR!

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VBS Craft Prep Parties

There is much to be done ahead of VBS opening night for our craft operation to be successful. Come and join the fun! Group leaders come see a preview of the crafts to be offered. Wednesdays, June 23, between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. Snacks available. Need to work from home? Leave a message for Sabrina at 812-944-1267. Thanks!!

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Preschool Teacher and Teacher Aides Positions Available

We are looking for a few individuals that would like to join our remarkable team of teachers and aides to teach our children to know God’s love in Jesus. We have part time openings for as little as 3 hours per week up to 30 hours per week. School starts August 16 but a required background check, additional trainings and meetings will require some hours before that date. Please leave a message at the school number (812-941-1912) or call or text Georgianne Weathers (502-295-1243) to set up an interview. You may also send a resume to geeweathers@aol.com or place it in my church mailbox. Come help us to make 2021-2022 school year to be the best one ever!

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Woman of Grace 2021 Retreat

LADIES: We are now taking registrations for our 8th BIENNIAL WOMEN OF GRACE RETREAT on Saturday August 14th & Sunday August 15th at Country Lake Christian Retreat Center in Underwood Indiana (https://countrylake.org)
Goals of the Retreat : to deepen relationships with our Sisters in Christ, provide a respite from the busyness of life, experience real relaxation, authentic spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to rest in our Savior’s love.
Come and be reminded that that each day brings new mercies and the opportunity to Renew* Restore* Refresh* in Jesus

For additional information on the retreat CLICK HERE!

There are registration forms in the Narthex or you may register at glcna.org.

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Celebrating Grace Lutheran Graduates

June 27, 2021

10:30AM

If you are graduating this year from High School or College we would like to honor you and give praise to God for your achievement. I would ask that graduates wear their gown and be prepared to be reintroduced to the congregation and to online viewers. Please let me know if you would like to participate by June 20th. Pastor Woods —- matt.woods@glcna.com

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NOTES

This new offering was very successful and enjoyed by all!

Grace Notes available Online

Grace Notes started as a children’s version of the confirmation level Sermon Notes. It has grown to two full pages front and back with Bible verses according to the weekly church readings, pictures illustrating stories or verses, a prayer box, and puzzles. Grace Notes are part of the Grace Packs (single use church bags) available on Sundays.

Grace Notes are an awesome way to build on the online service as an opportunity for devotion and discussion.

Children’s Ministry Contact Information

Email: sabrina.haug@glcna.com
Phone/Text: 502-386-6371
Facebook: Grace Lutheran Children’s Ministry
Web: www.glcna.org – click Children’s Ministry in right-side Index

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JR. & SR. HIGH YOUTH

Jr. High (5-8 grades)

CHECK HERE FOR LINK!

Sr. High Youth (9-12 grades)

CHECK HERE FOR LINK!

Join us Wednesdays from 6:00 pm in the Sr. High Room for Bible study, games, and fun!

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SERVICES IN THE BUILDING AND ONLINE!

PLEASE, we ask that you do not attend if you are older than 65, have any illness or underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the virus, or if you are feeling unwell, or are just not comfortable yet, we encourage you to stay at home and watch us online. Online Sunday services are a new addition and will remain indefinitely. For those planning to attend, we encourage you to wear a face mask, refrain from hand shaking and hugging. We will sanitize everything before and after services. We also will be spacing people apart in the Sanctuary.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE: (* = Communion).

Saturday, June 26, 5:00 pm — Sunday, June 27, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 3, 5:00 pm — Sunday, July 4 *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, July 10, *5:00 pm — Sunday, July 11, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 17, *5:00 pm — Sunday, July 18, *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, July 24, 5:00 pm — Sunday, July 25, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 31, 5:00 pm

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Grace Online – Children’s Bible Lessons!

Bring the message home with activity pages. Enjoy yourself or share with someone. Use as family devotion. New pages posted weekly on children’s ministry page @ glcna.org.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE CHILDRENS MINISTRY PAGE!

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For more information (Your Bulletin) check out
NEWS & TIDBITS at the top right box

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For more Devotions check out RECENT DEVOTIONS
at the top right box

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CHECK OUT BAPTISM – OBITS

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Bring Your Can to Church

Feed the Hungry

On Sunday, July 4th, we will again collect items for the food pantry to help feed the hungry. We can use: freezer items (meats, cheese, bread – place in food pantry freezer), mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce & noodles, jelly, canned meat, canned pastas, canned fruit, pork n’ beans, rice, potatoes, crackers, toiletries, baby diapers, wipes, formula, etc.

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For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9
https://glcna.org/wp-admin/admin.php?page=cgmp-documentation

Welcome to the Grace Lutheran Church and School web site. There is a variety of information here regarding our congregation and our beliefs. Lutherans are Bible-believing, sacramental Christians who trace their roots back to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. There have been Lutherans since 1517, particularly in Germany and Scandanavia. Lutherans in America followed large immigrations from Europe in the 1840’s and 1850’s.

The congregation at Grace was founded in 1927 in a small room over a pool hall on State Street in New Albany. The congregation moved to Tenth and Oak, then to Charlestown Road, before building its current facilities on Klerner Lane in 1974. The congregation now numbers just over 1100 souls. We worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings. The pastors are Rev. Bruce Kischnick and Rev. Matt Woods.