Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at home. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Greg Williamson on August 18 & 25, Pastor Lineberger on September 1, and Pastor McDaniels on September 8. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, and the family in your prayers.
Circuit Seminar: TriangleFaith.Org seminar at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary will feature Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Aug. 25-26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. His topic is “And All Find Fresh Hope and Purpose.”
Great Small Churches: “God has given His church (both large and small congregations) the biggest greatest vision of all – to make disciples and to love our neighbors. Every church – small or large – can be the church that way!” Check out this article on Great Small Churches.
Readings for Sunday, August 18 (Prop. 15), 10th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 23:16–29, Psalm 119:81–88, Heb. 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3, Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)
Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division: The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).