Daily Email: Thursday, Nov 17, 2016

DEVOTION: Luke 23:27-43 (ESV)

²⁷ And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. ²⁸ But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' ³⁰ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' ³¹ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

³² Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁴ And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."^[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments. ³⁵ And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ³⁷ and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him,^[b] "This is the King of the Jews."

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,^[c] saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" ⁴⁰ But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." ⁴² And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." ⁴³ And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

There's so much stuff in this passage that it's hard to pick one thing, until we focus on the focus point, namely Jesus.  From a cross hanging by nails in his hands and feet, Jesus is caring for and forgiving others.  Let that sink in for just a second. 

This really happened.  Jesus really did hang on a cross.  Jesus really did Speak to the women standing there weeping and comfort them.  Jesus really did ask his Father to forgive the crowds who were insulting him.  Jesus really did tell that criminal on the cross that he would be with him in paradise that very day.  All this he did while hanging by nails from a wooden cross. 

So when you're having a bad day and you think the whole world is against you, realize that it really was all against Jesus that day on the cross, but that he gladly went there and cared for all his children as he died. 

Then realize that he didn't stay dead!  He conquered death.  He really rose from the dead nail holes still there in his hands and his feet.  Thousands of people were eyewitnesses and billions more are heart and life witnesses.  Christ is risen!  he is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Let us pray:  Lord, thank you for making our salvation all about you.  Amen.

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 CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 5:30-7:30
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Voters meeting 9:45; Chapel 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard  11- Luke Rausch

Ushers- Scott Heitgerd, Alex Heitgerd, Tom Linke, Bob Linke

Altar-  Set up- Don Hance; Clean Up: Sandy Robine

Elders-  Sat-  Roy Bohning; 8:30- Don Turnure ; 11- Steve Robine
 
Greeters-   8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell;  11- Dan and Lisa Rausch

Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Steve Robine

Piano- Kathy Barrow

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Perricones; Sun- Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S  QUIZ: 

  Where did Paul grow up? Tarsus

(Or from Pat:  Obvious answer: In his parent's house. Well, duh! But not what you were looking for, I know. Soooooooo..... How about the city of Tarsus, which was the capital of Cilicia, which was part of Syria. "So what?" you say! Well, Tarsus was one of the largest trade centers on the Mediterranean coast, and the home to a famous university. At the time of Alexander the Great, it had become the most influential city of Asia Minor. So no small-time fisherman here – from backwater dirt towns - like the rest of the disciples. No, it was more like the New York City of its day, which would have made Paul more cosmopolitan in his outlook.

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Give me all the information you can find on Lazarus.

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NEWS!!!! 

THANKSGIVING MEAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Due to low sign up there will not be a meal at church this Saturday.  All donations will be brought to Agape and distributed to those in need.

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MEN'S BREAKFAST IS THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!

Come enjoy some good hot breakfast and Bible study. 

Menu and Bible study topic will be a surprise! 

Please RSVP asap to let me know you are coming so I can buy and prepare the right amount of food. 

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VOTER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!

If you are a confirmed member 18 years old or older you are a voting member and should attend. 

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LADIES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON WILL BE TUESDAY, DEC. 5 AT NOON AT DENNYS

Sign up sheet is on the counter in the narthex, or you can call the church office at 456-2888

Bring a "White Elephant" gift.

All women of the congregation are invited.

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SHOE COLLECTION

Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program.  Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church! 

 

DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!

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OUR BELL CHOIR IS BEING RESURRECTED FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS!!

They need ringers!!!!  If you're interested please contact Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070

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RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID ON THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL

Prices are marked on the bottom of the box.  You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.

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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER ARE INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND INSTANT OATMEAL

Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

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SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!

You can place your orders anytime before that!  Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office.  If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!

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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

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GENERAL PRAYER

For BARB PERRICONE, who is hospitalized with a hairline fracture in her back which is causing lots of pain, and the pain is causing troubles with her COPD and oxygen levels. 

For LEW FELDKAMP as he recovers from heart valve replacement surgery. He is at home.

For WILMA WEIGLE who has been placed on hospice care.

For ARCIE POINTER, Cheri' Hofeldt's mom, who has been placed on hospice care.

For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.

 

For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.

 

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been placed on hospice care due to cancer.  She is at home.

 

For DENNIS PERREY, as he is doing much better, is able to drive, but is not allowed to go hunting yet.    He is still in a bit of pain from time to time.