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WEEKLY DEVOTION AUGUST 3

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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

“As Was His Habit”

READING: Luke 2:41-42 – Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.

Luke 4:14-16 – Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.

The Greek word translated in both of these texts as “custom” is ethos. It is a word that can just as readily be translated as “habit”. I like it that way. It was Mary and Joseph’s “habit” to go each year to the Holy City to celebrate the Passover Festival with family and friends. It was also their son’s “habit” to attend worship and instruction in the town’s synagogue wherever he happened to find himself when the Sabbath day rolled around. It was their “habit” to attend to their spiritual needs just as assuredly it was their habit to feed themselves, clothe themselves, or bathe themselves.

Since the Pandemic hit us, some new habits have become quite noticeable in our society. I see people who are still wearing masks in public, even if they have already been inoculated against the virus. It has become a habit for them. It gives them a sense of safety. I have a feeling that for some people, the mask will become a regular feature for the rest of their lives.

Since the Pandemic, hugs and handshakes have become a little problematic. For some, those physical connections have become uncomfortable and they have made a habit of avoiding such close contact. For a year it was considered unsafe and unsanitary to do such things, and now it’s become a habit that’s hard to break.

Since the Pandemic, many people began to order their groceries online and then pick them up without contact at the store. For many, this has become a habit for them. They like the convenience of it. They like the time-savings they get from it. And, they can avoid any kind of crowd and the lines at the check-outs. It has become a habit.

Unfortunately, there is another habit that has become the norm for some members of our congregation. It’s a habit that had an entire year to develop and I’m afraid it’s going to be one that’s hard to break but broken it must be. I’m talking about being absent from the Lord’s house. There are a fair number of people we have yet to see in attendance on Saturday or Sunday since the “Lock-down” started last March. We thank God that we were able to have online services that will continue indefinitely, and we thank God that we have been able to safely gather once more in worship. But I fear that for some, staying away from the Sanctuary has become a bad habit. Here’s why I say that:

#1 – Communion. Those who either watch the services online or have gotten “out of the habit” of worship cannot and will not receive the Lord’s Supper. This is the very meal that Jesus gave us so that our souls may be fed on the very “Bread of Life”. It is a life-giving, life-saving meal that forgives our sins, strengthens our faith, connects us the Jesus, and ties us together as the family of God in this place and around the globe. You’ve got to have it!

#2 – Fellowship. We are meant to be together. The “Lock-down” was a misery because it kept all of us apart. It was not normal. God ordained congregations because he knew in his wisdom that his people are stronger, more faithful, more productive, and comforted by the love and help we give each other. Fellowship -talking, caring, loving, laughing, worshipping together- is an indispensable part of the Christian walk. You cannot get that online. You cannot get that sitting on your deck or riding on your boat or hitting a bucket of balls at the range. Christians are people who need people – and who need to give of themselves to people who need them! It is God’s way.

Now there certainly are people who benefit from online services because they are shut-ins or temporarily side-lined with an injury or an illness. Thank God for that technology. And I know there are some who are still frightened by COVID even though they have already been vaccinated. But for most of us, there is no good reason for us to be away for week after week from the Lord’s house. It was Jesus’s “habit”, his custom, to be in the place of worship like clockwork every Saturday Sabbath no matter what village he found himself in. It was his habit because he, according to his humanity, needed to be connected to his Father in worship and needed to be comforted, strengthened, and “fed” by his Father’s word as it is found in the Scriptures. Let us make it our habit as well. And let us encourage family and friends we know who have gotten “out of the habit.” Invite them to “come on home,” for after all, it is our Father’s house. Amen.

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

1) Our celebration of Pastor Woods’ 25th Anniversary of his Ordination is planned for August 22 in late service and in the dinner to follow the service. Watch for details that should have come to you on a postcard. Be sure to respond to it. What a blessing he has been to us!

2) Pastor Woods and Trish will make a trip to Alaska the last week of this month and the first week of August. Keep them in your prayers.

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

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

PRINTABLE PDF: WEEKLYDEVAugust3.PDF

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WEEKLY DEVOTION AUGUST 2

Monday, AUGUST 2, 2021

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

“Handling the Unexpected”

Years ago, during my vicarage year, long before cell-phones, I was driving through the country side on highway from St. Louis back home. My vicarage congregation in Salem, Illinois was only a couple of hours away so occasionally I would end up back in the city for a night out. South central Illinois is mostly farm country and mostly flat. At about 1:00AM I encountered the unexpected. My headlights barely picked it up at first and then it became clear. A year-old steer had wandered into the middle of the road and was just standing there staring into my headlights. I’m glad I saw it. So, I pulled off trying to keep my headlights on the calf in case anyone else came along. Hopefully at least they would see my headlights and slow down.

So, I got out thinking I could just shew this dumb animal off the road. Nope. It just maneuvered enough to stay away from me and did not leave the road. Believe it or not that night others were also driving down that road. When I saw their headlights, I would try to wave them down and pray they saw the calf in the road before they clobbered it—and me. Realizing I wasn’t getting anywhere with Mr. Hamburger I ran over to the nearest farm house, which happened to be right nearby. I figured it had to be theirs anyway so I’m going to go wake them up before someone gets hurt.

I got the door and knocked hard. I was greeted by a sleepy-eye fella in shorts, his wife behind him asking who it was. “I apologize for waking you up this late, but I think one of your calves has gotten out and is in the middle of the road.” To which he responded, “Must be that same calf again.” Apparently, this thing just didn’t want to be separate from its momma and kept escaping from the pens on the other side of the road to get back to momma. So, we had a good old fashion round up in the middle of the highway all while dodging the occasional oncoming vehicle.

The farmer knew what to do and it a short while we had the calf off the road. After we got it rounded up there was a short goodbye and I was off on down the road again. I can honestly say to you that was totally unexpected and has turned into a fond memory for me from that time in my life. It just fit into the context of that year and the blessings of that year.

For Jesus ministry was a series of unexpected things. Consider Mark 6:45-56 for today. 45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

All night up and until an hour before the sun was coming up the disciples are rowing hard against the winds and waves struggling to make progress. They are worn out and perhaps a little bitter at Jesus. Remember they wanted to send the people away. Jesus instead has them feeding the 5000 well into the evening. Originally, they were going in the boat, during the last boat trip, to a solitary place to get some rest by themselves. Instead, they were interrupted by the people who ran ahead of them. Jesus felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. The feeding of the 5000 was a series of many unexpected things and interruptions. So, verse 52 tells us “for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” This verse gives me the impression that they were a little fed up with all the craziness. In chapter 4 and 5 of Mark’s account of the Gospel paints a picture of interruptions and unexpected things. So, why not one more?

Jesus doesn’t have a boat to use so he just takes a stroll walking on the water. Like the calf in the middle of the road seeing a person walking on the water was completely out of place and quickly grabs their attention. Mark tells us that Jesus was about to pass by them—I guess to meet them on the other side. But their tired minds and their tired eyes, and their tired bodies had made them vulnerable to seeing Jesus but thinking He was a ghost. Jesus calls out to them and announces his presence. Mark cuts out Peter’s attempt to walk on the water. But Jesus announces Himself, “Don’t be afraid.” When He climbs into the boat the winds die down and the waters calm just did in Mark 4:35-39.

We learn a few things about such unexpected things. First, expect your plans to be interrupted. It may be brief like herding a calf off the road or your plans may be completely changed, like not rowing to a quiet place for rest. One thing is for sure the Lord will gladly throw in the unexpected things. In the case of the disciples, it was to shake up the hardness of their hearts over the feeding of the 5000 and get their attention on bigger things then a little rest. For the calf experience, I would like to think that was a night that was good for me as well as the farmer.

Secondly, expect Jesus to get in the way of a dull heart or sinful attitude. The disciples were grumpy and tired, fearful and worn. They had seen a lot of action and hadn’t even had the chance to catch up to all that Jesus was trying to teach them. When it says that the disciples’ hearts were hardened Jesus walking on the water definitely would get them to rethink the loaves and what that means. The fact that they were amazed seems to indicate that they had missed something with all the miracles they had been witnessing. And Jesus walking on the water would definitely steer their minds away from their own discomforts and fears. Jesus was waking them up to something greater, namely who Jesus is and what He was there to do.

Finally, the unexpected often gets our attention better then our best laid plans. Finding a calf in the middle of the road sticks in my memory. Obviously, Mark’s account also means that it stuck in the memory of the disciples. I think this is where God’s grace does its best work–in the unexpected things. The disciples never expected Jesus to catch up to them walking on the water. And even though the disciples were told several times about the cross and resurrection they didn’t expect a resurrected Jesus to show up on the evening of that first Easter Sunday. In the same way unexpected things have a way of grabbing our attention much more efficiently than the things we plan in our head. And if the Lord can accomplish a greater faith in the surprises that come then He will certainly endorse them.

Unexpected things happen all the time. Our roll-over accident in Tennessee woke up an appreciation for our family and how quickly things can change, especially our plans to go to Florida. Meeting Tricia on my vicarage came at a time in my life when I was thinking about traveling to Germany as a single man with some of my classmates. Those plans definitely changed. And even losing my Grampa Woods, which for me was a huge shock and loss. It was my first experience losing someone close to me but something about it changes things for us. The experience ended up ultimately leading my path here to Grace as a Pastor. The unexpected isn’t always painless or trivial. Sometimes it can be very painful and traumatic. Within those moments I have come to believe that God’s grace is up to something. Besides what kind of life would it be if life had no curve balls to throw at us. The unexpected has a way of providing depth to faith and to living our lives and God willing, encountering Jesus more often in unexpected ways.

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

Pastor Matthew Woods

John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WDAug2.PDF

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

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

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RED Cross BLOOD DRIVE

Grace Lutheran Fellowship Hall

Thursday, August 5 3:00-7:00 pm

To make an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767 or go to redcross.org, click Give Blood and follow prompts from there.

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Pastor Woods’ Ordination Celebration

When: Sunday, August 22 after late service.

Where: Church Fellowship Hall.

Why: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pastor Woods’ Ordination into the ministry, and his 20th year as our Associate Pastor.

RSVP: Call the Church office at 812-944-1267 and let Karen know or go to church website at glcna.org and under EVENTS, click WOODS DINNER, move down the page and fill in your name and how many attending the dinner. SIGNUP HERE!.

Deadline: Register by August 16th, please!

Details: Dinner and a program. Menu: Pastor K’s meatloaf, red potatoes, baked beans, vegetables, salad, and cake for dessert.

Other Details: You may make a cash gift online or by envelope notated “PW Gift”. You may of course bring a card and/or gift to the dinner.

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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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Indiana Jr. High Youth Rally

September 10th and 11th
Camp Lakeview

All 5th – 8th graders

The Jr. High Youth Rally is a fun filled weekend of games, devotions, and fellowship with other Christian youth from all over the state of Indiana.
This will be one weekend you don’t want to miss!

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

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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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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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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, August 7, 5:00 pm — Sunday, August 8, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, August 14, *5:00 pm — Sunday, August 15, *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, August 21, *5:00 pm — Sunday, August 22, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, August 28, 5:00 pm — Sunday, August 29, 8:00 & 10:30 am

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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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Sunday Adult Bible Class

Pastor Kischnick’s Sunday Adult Bible Class are meeting in the Fireside Room from 9:15-10:15 am. We’ll be studying “The Little Books” beginning with I Timothy. Come join us!

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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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Bring Your Can to Church

Feed the Hungry

On Sunday, September 5th, 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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THE LUTHERAN HOUR RADIO BROADCAST

The Lutheran Hour can be heard on WHAS 840, at 6:30 a.m. Louisville and WSLM (1220 AM and 97.9 FM) 10:15 a.m.

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Grace Lutheran Preschool

Call: (812) 941-1912 Email: preschool@glcna.com
www.gracelutheran.school, click here!

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CENTENARY MEALS
FOR THE HUNGRY

Feeding the Hungry in 2021 Volunteers from Grace are needed to help cook, serve and clean up at Centenary on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Talk to your friends, to your team, to your group. We need volunteers for March thru December 2020.
Let Tim Goebel know if you can help. See Pastor Kischnick or Tim Goebel with questions.

Centenary’s Christ’s Kitchen
2231 Green Valley Road, New Albany, IN