August 27, 2024
Dear Friends,
First, take a look at the most recent issue of The Cloud, our circuit newsletter! It’s a great publication, useful for helping our local congregations to walk together! You can also find printed copies at church.
Then, “If anyone honestly desire to do the will of God, this desire has been created in him by God himself” (Nils Laache, Book of Family Prayer, p. 452).
This is an excellent reminder of just how deep our gratitude should run.
David puts this to words at the end of 1 Chronicles, when he is urging the people to give generously towards the construction of the temple. He prays this prayer of gratitude for all things, and even for his own willing heart:
1 Chronicles 29:10 Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.
16 O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.
17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.
18 O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.
As we strive to live mercifully and in righteousness, let us always thank God in all circumstances for everything!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, August 28
9:30 am – Chapel
10:00 am – Bible Study
7:00 pm – Vespers
Sunday, September 1
9:00 am – Divine Service
10:30 am – Bible Study
Saturday, September 21
4:30 – 6:30 pm – Pork Chop Dinner