Newsletter - Lamb of God Lutheran Episcopal Adventure

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Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82243552232?pwd=bSw5KNVVWRVPdH1AKj4aWuz4J4ItNb.1

Meeting ID: 822 4355 2232

Passcode: 623084

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Read Ahead: Sept. 20th - Jonah 3:10—4:11; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

Sept 27th - Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Umbrella in the Rain

Being caught in the rain is no fun! The other day, I happened to be stuck outside while it poured. I was getting soaked. My clothes were drenched. I was waiting in line, unable to escape the rain. Suddenly, I heard a soft, sweet voice whisper, “Come stand here with me.” Her large umbrella was already open. I was intrigued by both the simplicity and directness of the tender invitation: “Come stand here with me.” Of course, I stepped under the umbrella, and we continued to wait in line together.

It raises an intriguing theological question… Did I save myself from the rain, or did the woman with the umbrella save me? On one hand, I stepped under the umbrella. On the other hand, it wasn't my umbrella. I simply responded to a gift that had been offered to me. It would have been cruel if the woman had refused to share her umbrella. But it also would have been strange if she had forced me underneath it against my will.

This is a story about God's grace. The rain represents our sinfulness; we cannot escape it on our own. The woman with the umbrella represents God. And the umbrella represents God's grace: a gift that we neither create nor earn. The good Lutheran question is not, “How did I get under the umbrella?” but rather, “Who brought the umbrella?” God did.

Grace does not begin with us. It begins with God. God comes looking for us before we ever go looking for God. God creates faith and gives us what we cannot manufacture or earn for ourselves. Even our ability to trust in God is ultimately a gift from God. That doesn't mean God drags us beneath the umbrella against our will. God's grace is not coercion. Instead, God graciously calls, invites, and draws us toward the cover God has already provided. God is the soft and gentle voice amid the downpour, whispering, “Come stand here with me.”

As Lutherpalians, we are cautious about making salvation primarily about our decision. Saying, “I accepted Jesus into my heart,” can be a beautiful expression of faith. But there is something even more profound to understand: Before I ever accepted God, God had already accepted me. Before I ever reached for God, God was already reaching for me. Before I ever knew I needed an umbrella, God had already brought one.

When we find ourselves standing beneath the protection of someone else's umbrella, the appropriate response isn't pride in having made the right choice. It is gratitude for the person who brought the umbrella. The emphasis is not on what I have done, said, or thought. The emphasis is on what God has done. And when the rain continues to fall, and it will, we don't have to pretend that the storm has disappeared. We simply remain under the shelter of grace.

Grace does not begin with us. It begins with God. And when we hear that gentle voice saying, “Come stand here with me,” our response is simply to give thanks. Because ultimately, the good news isn't that we found the umbrella. The good news is that God brought the umbrella.

Covered and assured,

Pastor Lucas

Preschool Closure

It has been a life-giving 25 years of serving the community in this way! So many people have a relationship with the Lamb of God Church through our preschool. Our typical weekday will be much less adorable!

The good news is that a lot of the preschool staff and students will be a short distance away at Creative World School. We plan to maintain a robust partnering relationship.

You're welcome to join us in a final farewell on Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:00am. We'll sing and share joy!

Vineyard Use Survey

Clink the button above to complete the survey about the Vineyard usage. This survey will only be available for TWO WEEKS, so please complete it at your earliest convenience. It can also be found on our website under "Connect." Your inpute is important to us as we plan our future!

Salvation Army

We will continue to collect all September long: pasta, Meseca flour, shelf stable milk, cereal, rice & beans, cooking oil, boy's clothing (5T & 8-12), and girl's clothing (2T-5T).

It was a joy to serve at their distribution site in Bonita Springs this Tuesday, always a blessing to serve!

Gratitude for Wendy

We will postpone our celebration for Wendy Smith until a more convenient time. Wendy sends her regrets rescheduling, but we all agree celebrating later is more suitable. Please continue to hold her family in your prayers.

Interfaith Lunch

THIS TUESDAY! Local interfaith leaders are opening the gathering to their congregations. The next lunch will be Tuesday, September 22 at 1:00pm. Are you interested in joining us? Let Pastor Lucas know.

Staff Shout-Out

The number of times we get hit by lighting is ridiculous, but our staff stays on top of it! This week, the panel finally displayed... "All Systems Clear!"

Walking The Mourner's Path

We're fortunate to have our Care & Connection Specialist bring us a new grief support ministry, Walking the Mourner's Path. Together, we focus on the process of individual grief and turning towards joyful living – accomplishing what we cannot do alone.

We are eager to begin this October with a full workshop! Although available spaces have been filled, we will be offering another workshop at a later date and would still love to have you join us for our next workshop.

If you or someone you know have an interest in the program please email val@lambofgodchurch.net

Saturday, Sept.19th - Come and join us for a fun night of dominoes! We will meet and dine together before playing. Please bring a dish to share.

If you've never come to dominoes night or you don't know how to play don't worry... we would love to have you join us and we will teach you how to play.

We always have a blast! If you have any questions,

please contact Barb Tvedt at btvedt6564@msn.com.

Sunday Volunteers Needed!

#1. Tech Booth

Running slides, operating the camera, or assisting with Zoom during the service, please contact Mika at mikasflower1234@gmail.com.

#2. Welcome Desk

Greeting members and visitors, please contact Val at val@lambofgodchurch.net.

Thank you for enhancing our Worship and visiting experience!

Request to receive a weekly email that contains a guided prayer and informs you of our community prayer needs. Know that confidentiality is extremely important to our team. If you know someone who needs our prayers or you would like to join our Prayer Team please contact Val Bridegam: val@lambofgodchurch.net

You can always add people to our list again, but we'll continue to hold folks in prayer for two months at a time.

TOGETHER WE PRAY

Seekers

Wednesdays, 10:30 am

Beginning July 1, the Seekers group will be discussing Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ. Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation and reentry program in the world.

From the dust jacket:

“Cherished Belonging invites us to nurture the connections that are all around us and live with radical kindness. Boyle believes that ‘the answer to every question is, indeed, compassion.’ Through colorful and profound stories brimming with wisdom, humor, and inspiration, we understand that love is the light inside everything.”

The Seekers group will discuss this book, chapter by chapter, on zoom. To join the discussion, contact Judy Frye at judyfrye608@gmail.com for the zoom link. All are welcome.