A Message from Pastor Bob

Which phrase do you use? • I’m going to church. • I’m going to worship. • I’m going to the service. • I’m going to the church service. • It’s time for a little Jesus. It doesn’t matter which phrase is your favorite, as long as you attend worship, right?

As you know, our Catholic friends use the term “mass” for their worship services. Martin Luther preferred the term “service,” a form of the German word Gottesdienst (literally "God-service" or "service of God"). Luther defined the word to mean that God serves the people in worship. This preference reflects the Lutheran belief that the main actor in the service is God alone, not the worshippers.

God is the subject and we are the objects, and the Word and Holy Communion are the gifts given by God to the people. So why does God serve us in worship? I believe there are at least two reasons.

First, life is hard and each of us comes to worship with some longing, some sadness, some fear in our heart. So, the worship service is to fill us with the strength and hope we need for the week ahead.

Second, we are called by Christ to live a life of service, a life he modeled for us while on this earth. We can best do that when we are serviced by God – are recipients of this grace and mercy and love – during times of worship.

As the saying goes, you can’t serve from an empty cup. For a short while now, our Dismissal in worship has been: P Let us go in peace, with this prayer written on our hearts: C In the Name of Christ, let us love God, love others, and serve the world. Amen.

As I stated above, we are called by Christ to live a life of service, a life he modeled for us while on this earth. And in worship, God serves us, prepares and equips us, to leave the church ready to love God, love others, and even serve the world! God makes us the object of God’s love and we are to go into the world and let others be the object of God’s love through our godly words and actions. Serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11

As a church family, may we be known for be served by God in worship, and for our service to others. This Fall, our Rally Day/First Day of Sunday School (September 8), will focus on our education ministries plus the combined service of all our members. You can get information on our variety of ministries and the many opportunities available to service our church and our community. Each time you enter this beautiful church of ours, may you be served by our gracious, loving God, and be encouraged and enlightened to discover how you can serve others in Jesus’ Name. In the Name of Christ, let us love God, love others, and serve the world. Amen.

Pastor Bob