Subject: Midweek Reminders from Pastor Joel
‘Choose life…loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you…’  Deuteronomy 30.19-20

Moses finished his great speech to the people of Israel with these words, before they entered the promised land.  He recognized that we have choices throughout our life, some of them very tough choices.  He also knew, however, that one choice in each situation always trumped other choices: choosing to love God and trust him above all.

He chose us to be his people long ago in our baptism.  But even as his beloved people we can still make some pretty dumb and dangerous choices in our lives.  Thank God that in Christ, he continues to call us back to himself.  When we, in the power of the Spirit, respond daily to that call, we are on the road that leads to real life.

This coming Sunday,September 9, we power up the DVD and monitor for the first presentation of the new course, “Jesus and the Gospels.”  Professor Luke Timothy Johnson provides the 30 minute lecture, and then we’ve got the rest of the hour for discussion.  If you are a new Christian or a life-long Christian, there is much in these classes to help you grow in understanding and faith.  Join us! When.Sundays from 8:45am – 9:45am WhereThe Commons Room at the north end of the building What:A challenging and exciting learning experience Time:We will begin at 8:45am sharp!& Please try to be on time. SAYING THANK YOU: From time to time, and especially at this time of year, members bring the bounty of their gardens and orchards to share with others at church.  Remember to say Thank You to those folks for sharing their produce!

RALLY DAY:  This coming Sunday, September 9, we begin another year of Sunday School for our children.  On this day we emphasize Christian Education at all levels of life, focusing especially on giving our kids a good foundation in the Lord.  Pray God’s blessings for our Redeemer Preschool, and Concordia School, as well as our Sunday School, as the new school year begins.

FEED THE CONTAINERS! One is rectangular—the newspaper dropbox in the parking lot.  All recycling proceeds go toward Lutheran World Hunger.  The other one is circular—the food barrel.  Our next Food Drive is scheduled for September 30, but why wit?  Hunger is always an issue, and Marion Polk Food Share needs our donations to keep helping hungry people.

IN YOUR PRAYERS: Renee Albrecht is now at the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt Angel for rehab work on her broken leg…  Larry Schelske undergoes surgery on Thursday this week…  Use the prayer list in our bulletin each Sunday as a guide to your daily prayers for others.

STEPHEN MINISTERS from Redeemer are available to help you in all sorts of difficult circumstances.  This Christian, highly confidential, one-on-one ministry offers the care and love of Christ in a very personal way.  If you know of someone—including yourself—whom you think can benefit from Stephen Ministry, please talk with Pastor Joel or Etta Mae Hitchcock, our Stephen Leader.