Midweek Reminders from Pastor Joel 7/11/07

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart...and your neighbor as yourself.'  St Luke 10.27

There are 6 and 1/2 billion people in the world.  Each one is our neighbor.  Jesus calls us to love the neighbor.  The classic story he tells of the Good Samaritan is our gospel reading for Sunday.  It opens our minds, our hearts, and our eyes to God's vision for humanity in a powerful and challenging way. 

CANADA MISSION TEAM RETURNS:  On Monday evening, a tired but happy group of youth and adults from Redeemer pulled into our parking lot after their 10 day trip to share God's love among the First Nation people of northern British Columbia.  Grateful that God has brought them home safely, we look forward to their stories and sharing on Sunday, July 29 at worship.

CONSECRATED STEWARDS:  By now, with the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, all of us should be fulfilling the pledges we made to increase our giving.  As we do, God will give us blessings and joy along with growth in Christian stewardship.

SUMMERFEST!!  Coming in only a few weeks, on August 12, is our congregation's major outreach event of the year to our community and neighborhood.  Please think of those whom you will invite to be a part of our worship and festivities on that day.

BAPTISMS THIS SUNDAY:  A special blessing of our worship this coming Sunday will be the Baptisms of Shae and Troy Skiles, the children of Bryan and Deb Skiles.  Both children have attended our Redeemer preschool.

CARE OF CREATION:  I've really enjoyed Jan Shearer's articles in our Spirit Call newsletters, and I want to encourage you to continue your own care of creation. This is God's world, not ours, and God has told us to take care of life on earth, to use the earth's resources wisely.  So educate yourself about how you can conserve and preserve, and put what you learn into practice in your home and your purchasing habits.

LCMS CONVENTION:  Our national church body meets in convention for 5 days in Houston, beginning this Saturday.  Paul Schutz is the lay delegate for our Circuit.  Please keep this convention in your prayers.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Although it's all over for this summer, our VBS outreach to the community will continue to resonate with blessings to the children who attended, and their families.  Our thanks to Pat Haneberg, Debi Williams, and all who helped put it together!

URGENTLY NEEDED HELP WITH OUR MEDIA MINISTRY: You are encouraged to help with the projector on Sunday mornings. Dave will be happy to provide training. Without help we may not be able to have a projector presentation every Sunday morning.

Blessings and joy as you enjoy these beautiful days of summer!  May they bring you opportunities for renewal, refreshment, and re-creation!

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