Bible Verses for Service May 7, 2023
Matthew 6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Nehemiah 1:5-6
And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night …
Announcements:
Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and to honor our mothers we will have a carnation for the women in church next Sunday.
We want to get a picture of the entire church family that we can send to the students of ACTs Training Center in Siliguri, India. Our church has partnered with them to provide funds for their training in ministry this year. Be sure to see a picture of the group from India on the foyer bulletin board.
Graduates, Meleri Hofer is graduating Shepherd High School on May 21st and Cole Orelup is graduating this Saturday from MSU in Bozeman
Meleri’s open house is May 20 from 2 to 5 PM at the Hofer residence at 8126 Wade St in Shepherd in good weather. If it rains, the open house moves to 7710 Spear Dr. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, May 21 at 11AM at the Shepherd School.
La Vie’s Baby Bottle Campaign, themed this year as “Change for Hope” runs from May 14 (Mother’s Day) through June 18 (Father’s Day). You can give online, but we will place a large baby bottle in the foyer where you can place your gift. The La Vie pregnancy center provides free and low-cost services to the women in our community. La Vie’s mission is “To empower individuals to embrace hope by providing loving, compassionate care for those facing unplanned pregnancies.”
In preparation for VBS, we will have a meeting May 24 at 6:30 to get organized for the week of VBS. We will go over the daily schedule and responsibilities of each position. If you are planning to help, please do all you can to be there.
Vacation Bible School, June 5-9. Theme: Keepers of the Kingdom. Please be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to an exciting week of ministering to children. VBS runs from 9AM to 11:45AM. As usual, we need people to help so please let Natasha know if you can give of your time that week.
Sermon:
Continuing in Luke, Pastor preached on Luke 8:1-3, “Women in Christ’s Ministry.” Luke, a careful recorder of Christ’s ministry, recorded some notable women assisting this ministry. In noting this work, Pastor remarked that one of the women who influenced him was his Sunday school teacher, who helped him in his faith by advising him on his choice of friends. This illustrates one aspect of women in ministry, the different, distinctive roles assigned to women versus men.
In answering the question, how were these women an example to us in this scripture, Pastor first remarked on their gratefulness, particularly Mary Magdalene. She had benefited from Jesus casting demons out of her. In gratefulness, she served Him and His ministry.
Besides gratefulness, these women evidenced generosity. Joanna and Suzanna were wealthy women. They supported Jesus and the disciples in covering the expenses of things like food and lodging as they moved around the area. Given Jesus could have provided these my miracle if He had wanted to, it is significant He let those who had been blessed by His ministry repay in small part through the blessings that they had received.
Lastly, Pastor remarked on the genuineness of their belief. By looking forward in Luke’s account, looking at the Luke’s account of the crucifixion, Luke 23:48-56, Pastor pointed out that these same women were there at the cross when Jesus was crucified. They believed, and were firm in their belief. Contrast this with the men. At the cross, only the women are present, the men are nowhere to be found. These women kept the faith, and bore fruit with patience. Let that be a lesson to us all, men and women.
Accessing the Service, Bulletin and Sermon Outline:
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