This month Paul is going to challenge us in our memory verse. Here it is.

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. (1 Corinthians 9:19)

Paul is talking about his desire and dedication to reach people with the good news of Christ. Using more current language, here is how Eugene Peterson put the entire paragraph in the Message Bible translation.

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized – whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ – but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all of this because of the good news. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in it!

Wow – it’s a little easier to understand but it sure sounds hard. Did you hear how Paul would intentionally enter the life of some one – some one different. That is not easy.

I met Pastor Heidi this year – what a gal. Like Paul getting involved in the realities of other’s lives. Imagine going to a place where Christians are routinely killed. Where violence can happen at any moment. Yet this grandma goes knowing that God has asked her to and she has seen God at work in a mighty way.

Can you see God at work in this? We’ve just completed a season of celebrating Emmanuel – God with us. Can you see God at work in the ministry of this church?

So…Can you see God at work in your life???? I hope so – for God asks us not to fear …..for God is our refuge. This frees us up to dwell in Christ’s presence and begin to see others through Christ eyes. To see others in need and to use our gifts, talent and resources to serve those among us. Wow – that is us, the Church – the Body of Christ – to do what Christ would do.

We are on a journey together to bring God’s Kingdom to those near and far. When Jesus says follow me – he takes us to places we have never been before and to people we have never met, but we do it together.

God is blessing us – see you on our continuing journey.

We do this by providing opportunities to develop deep and lasting friendships in community with others and by focusing on our ability to be caring here and to all people in the community.  We will provide a clean, safe and welcoming atmosphere where these opportunities can take place.
  Groups Within this Ministry: Women's Group Men's Group
Children’s Ministry Confirmation
Youth Group Saints Go Marching Out
Facility

Activities: Book Group, Men’s B & B, Secret Sisters, Rummage Sale, Lenten Meals, Wild Kingdom Kids, Craft Crew, Easter Egg Hunt, Dining Out, Thanksgiving Dinner, Youth Events, Cook Outs, Facility care

Council Representatives:  Cassie Boyle and Royce Weber
 
2. Worship Ministry: The Worship Ministry evolves around individuals from every age coming together in celebration of life in Christ at the foot of the cross.
 
We do this by hearing the Word, confessing our faith, receiving Christ's presence in bread and wine, singing our praises to God, making our offering and going in peace.

  Worship Leaders                          Altar Preparation
Music                                           Communion Assistants
Nursery                                         Kid's Church
Counters Fellowship Servers

Council Representatives:  Morgan Lyons and Sander Scheer
 
3. Witness Ministry:  The Witness Ministry equips us and leads us to remember the poor and serve the Lord.

We do this by providing faith-building opportunities to grow as
Christians and to live the gospel each day of our lives in service to others in community and in the world.

Cass County SENCA - Food Pantry, School Supplies
Open Hearts Kitchen
Prevent Blindness Nebraska
Open Door Mission
World Hunger - Wine to Water, Tour DE Revs
My Neighbor's Closet
Labels for Education

Council Representatives: Jason Haefele, Linda Mason,
& Claudia Wylie

We are a congregation representing this community with a history and mission dating back to 1983

We are a member congregation of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

That God the Father has created and preserves all things.

That God the Son, Jesus Christ, has redeemed all people through his life, death, and resurrection.

That God the Holy Spirit has brought us to faith and preserves and sustains us in that faith.

The Holy Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by God's Spirit.

The Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds are true declarations of the Christian faith.

The Gospel (Good News) is the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the world.

OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

Continues the mission of the church spreading the good news to those in our community.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Oversees the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs so that the word of God is taught in a way appropriate to their ages.

YOUTH COMMITTEE

Plans and conducts events that reach out and meet the needs of the young people of the communinty.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

SUNDAY SCHOOL - Our curriculum is Bible-based and Christ-centered. The Gospel is presented from a uniquely Lutheran perspective during the school year for children ages 5 through grade 12. Adult Forun is held each Sunday.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES - Students in grades 6th through 8th are involved in the confirmation program. Call for dates and times (402-296-2662)

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Vacation Bible School is a fun-filled, one week, summer educational experience for children of all ages.