WORSHIP NOTES FOR 2018 JULY & AUGUST
Why Is There a Church Year?
This question has frequently been asked, and the response is that it has a long history. Early in the Church, conversion was usually done by families. Easter was an every-Sunday celebration. Once Christianity became the legal religion of the Roman Empire (around 325 A.D), there were a lot of people who wanted to join the Church. Church leaders needed to teach these people about the life of Jesus. Hence there wasa six-month cycle which covered His birth (Christmas), His miracles showing He was God (Epiphany), His suffering and death (Lent), and His resurrection (Easter). On Easter Sunday, Baptism granted them admission into the Church. Thereafter, they continued learning about Christ.
As the Church grew and moved into the Middle Ages, infant baptism became quite popular. It was necessary to have Christian education after the baptism and to prepare young Christians for a confirmation of their faith. Hence the entire church year was developed. Half of the year continued to be focused on the life of Christ, preparing them for confirmation (Christmas to Pentecost); the other half of the year centered on growth of the Christian faith--adult Christians getting ready for Christ's final coming. Every Sunday of the year was filled in with an event in Christ's life or an event within the Church. The last Sunday of the church year was reserved for the final coming of Christ. The next Sunday prepared the Church for the coming of Christ as a child. Thus, the Church had a yearly calendar which focused on Christ.
As the Church grew and moved into the Middle Ages, infant baptism became quite popular. It was necessary to have Christian education after the baptism and to prepare young Christians for a confirmation of their faith. Hence the entire church year was developed. Half of the year continued to be focused on the life of Christ, preparing them for confirmation (Christmas to Pentecost); the other half of the year centered on growth of the Christian faith--adult Christians getting ready for Christ's final coming. Every Sunday of the year was filled in with an event in Christ's life or an event within the Church. The last Sunday of the church year was reserved for the final coming of Christ. The next Sunday prepared the Church for the coming of Christ as a child. Thus, the Church had a yearly calendar which focused on Christ.
6th Sunday After Pentecost - July 1
July 1 is a continuation of our growth in faith. Christians need a constant reminder to see that God's love lasts forever. Every morning His mercies are new, and we can live our lives seeing God's generosity (Old Testament Reading). We, in turn, reflect God's generosity as we give our offerings to support Christian endeavors. In the Epistle Reading, Paul had to remind the Corinthians to give generously so that they could support the Jerusalem Christians who needed considerable help. In the Gospel Reading, we can look to Jesus who healed a woman with a blood disorder and brought Jairus' daughter back to life. Hymns that show us God's generosity include:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
We Give Thee But Thine Own
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
We Give Thee But Thine Own
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
7th Sunday After Pentecost - July 8
The Christian life is not always a rosy one because the devil and our sinful nature want to prevent us from Christ's love. All three readings tell us about this struggle. Ezekiel in Old Testament times, even though the Spirit entered into him, still had to face his inward self, which often refused to hear God's Word. Paul, in the Epistle Reading, described the "thorn in his flesh" as a tool of God to keep him from boasting about himself. God kept Paul humble and therefore helped him focus on the message of Jesus' love. In the Gospel Reading, Jesus Himself was rejected by the Church leaders of Nazareth. They refused to see Him as the Son of God. Hymns to provide comfort to us include:
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
On Galilee's High Mountain
O Christ, Our True and Only Light
On Galilee's High Mountain
O Christ, Our True and Only Light
8th Sunday After Pentecost - July 15
As a continuation of last week's message, we Christians need to be prepared for even greater amounts of bad news. God expects us to confront evil, expecting us to bring His message of love to those who don't want to hear bad news. Amos told them to "shape up or get shipped into exile." The message was not well received for the Israelites did not change and the exile happened. Please look at John the Baptist, who proclaimed to Herod that it was sinful to marry his brother's wife. When Herod offered a reward for some excellent dancing, that wife requested John's head on a silver platter. In contrast to the bad news in these two readings, Paul relays God's extreme comfort and spiritual blessings to the believers, including the statement that they were saved before the creation of the world (predestination). Hymns that provide God's reassurance include:
Jesus, Priceless Treasure
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
Saints, See the Cloud of Witnesses
O Holy Spirit, Enter In
Saints, See the Cloud of Witnesses
9th Sunday After Pentecost
God provides great comfort to Christians, and He does it with great care. Jeremiah compares the believers to a flock of sheep that is faithfully watched over by a caring shepherd. In the Gospel Reading, with only five pieces of bread and two fish, Jesus fed 5000 people who had come into a desolate place to hear Him preach. In the Epistle Reading, Christians experience the Church as a place in which they are no longer strangers, but citizens gathered around God's love. Hymns that proclaim God's greatness and care include:
The Church's One Foundation
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Christ Is Our Cornerstone
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Christ Is Our Cornerstone
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
2nd Sunday After Pentecost - June 3
God created us with the ability to work, but more importantly with the ability to worship Him. The Old Testament Reading reinforces the observance of the Sabbath by commanding the Israelites to observe a day of rest for contemplation and worship of God, reminding them that they worked hard as slaves and should thank God for deliverance from this bondage. Although the command of the Sabbath as a day of rest was abolished by Jesus, He asked us to set aside time for worship, reflecting on His Word. In the Gospel Reading, Jesus, when confronted by the Pharisees for "working" on the Sabbath, reminded them that He is Lord of the Sabbath. The Apostle Paul, in the Epistle Reading, reminds us that our bodies are earthly jars of clay and can easily break. Hymns that call us to worship God include:
O Day of Rest and Gladness
O Worship the King
Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
O Worship the King
Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
10th Sunday After Pentecost - July 29
God shows His great promises to us and has control of catastrophes. When He sent a flood to destroy the extreme wickedness of the world, He promised Noah that a rainbow would be a sign that He would not destroy the entire world with a flood. Similarly, when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked on the water and brought calm. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote that we should pray for spiritual strength to know the love of God in every situation. Hymns that show us God's love include:
Jesus Savior, Pilot Me
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Give Thanks with a Thankful Heart
Our Father, by Whose Name
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Give Thanks with a Thankful Heart
Our Father, by Whose Name
11th Sunday After Pentecost - August 5
The month of August begins a three-week discussion concerning Jesus as the Bread of Life. In the Old Testament, God's people were fully familiar with His providing of manna daily to the Israelites as they wandered in the desert for 40 years. When Jesus fed the 5,000 people in an desolate area, people requested that He provide them with bread for life. His response was that He was the Bread of Life and that He would fill them spiritually with all that they need. Paul, in the Epistle Reading, reassures the Ephesians that Christians have unity in the body of Christ, for He provides the one hope for eternal life to those who have faith in Him. Hymns that show us Christ as the bread of life include:
Feed Thy children, God Most Holy
At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
O Living Bread from Heaven
I Am the Bread of Life
At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
O Living Bread from Heaven
I Am the Bread of Life
12th Sunday After Pentecost - August 12
When Jesus proclaimed that He was the bread of life having come from the Father, He met opposition from the Jewish leaders. They saw Him only as an ordinary man, ignoring all of His miracles. Jesus stated that their ancestors, having eaten manna in the desert eventually died, and that His spiritual bread would allow them to live eternally. As expected, the message was not well-received. The large crowds eventually left Him. The parallel reading in the Old Testament comes from I Kings 19. There we are told that Elijah had to escape the wrath of Queen Jezebel, since he had destroyed her idols and killed the evil prophets. The crowds continued to follow the idol worship and abandoned Elijah. Paul encourages Christians to give up their old evil ways of sinful conduct and follow Christ in His righteousness. Hymns that point us to Christ's way include:
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Where Charity and Love Prevail
I Am the Bread of Life
Be Still, My Soul
Where Charity and Love Prevail
I Am the Bread of Life
Be Still, My Soul
13th Sunday After Pentecost - August 19
Jesus concluded His teaching on the Bread of Life by reminding the people that He was speaking spiritually, reaffirming that all people must come to Him if they want to seek the Father. As stated above, a large number of the crowd no longer followed. In the Old Testament Reading, Joshua encourages the Israelites and us to serve and follow God instead of idols. Likewise, Paul encourages us to walk as children of the Light. In all three readings, following Jesus can become difficult, because there may not be an immediate reward on earth. However, the ultimate reward--a crown of life in heaven--cannot be obtained through any other means. Hymns that give us the right encouragement include:
O Word of God Incarnate
O bless the Lord, My Soul
You Are the Way through You Alone
Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread
O bless the Lord, My Soul
You Are the Way through You Alone
Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread
14th Sunday After Pentecost - August 26
Following Christ presents us with many challenges, but we sometimes let other things get in our way. Even religious people need to be reminded that we are to follow Christ. In the Old Testament Reading, Isaiah tells his readers that people honor God with their lips, but do not give Him their hearts. This is not God-pleasing. Paul tells us that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved His Church and gave His life for it. He also tells wives to submit to their husbands, as the Church submits to Christ. Finally, Jesus tells His listeners that following traditions or socially accepted patterns of behavior and attitudes can impede people from doing the will of God. Hymns that show God's desires for us include:
God's Word Is Our Great Heritage
Love in Christ Is Strong and Living
Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens
My Faith Looks up to Thee
Love in Christ Is Strong and Living
Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens
My Faith Looks up to Thee
CHURCH NEWS
Lutheran Women's Missionary League Convention
The LWML Michigan District Convention will be taking place in Port Huron from July 20-22 under the theme, "Shout for Joy to God." The main item of business is the selection of the Mission Grants
to be supported by MITES gifts for the next two-year biennium. The previous goal of $235,000 was met by the April deadline and the 23 grant proposals being presented to the delegates will need to be condensed to a number that will meet whatever goal the delegates also select for the coming two-year period.
"Gifts From the Heart" ingathering for the convention will include: 1) paper products for Camp Restore Detroit; 2) new socks and underwear for Kids in Distress in Port Huron; 3) diaper ointment, baby wash, and baby first aid kits for Blue Water Pregnancy Services in Port Huron; 4) diapers, sizes 5 & 6 for St. Paul Community Mission in Pontiac; and 5)Walmart gift cards to be shared with students at the St. Louis and Ft. Wayne Seminaries.
Additional needs for Servant Events on the initial day of the Convention include: 1) white sheets for rolling bandages; 2) 8" crochet hooks and balls of cut bags for making sleeping mats; 3 )2 yard cuts of fleece for making Heart Pillows; 4) envelopes with stamps (not trimmed) for Stamps for Missions; and 5) towels, toothbrushes, combs, nail clippers, bars of soap in original packaging for Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits.
If you would like to make donations of any of the items listed above, route them to Lucie before she attends the Convention. Lucie will be representing Mt. Calvary as a delegate for the Convention. Please keep attendees in prayer for safe travels, joy-filled worship and Bible study, and wise decisions in the use of God's gifts.
to be supported by MITES gifts for the next two-year biennium. The previous goal of $235,000 was met by the April deadline and the 23 grant proposals being presented to the delegates will need to be condensed to a number that will meet whatever goal the delegates also select for the coming two-year period.
"Gifts From the Heart" ingathering for the convention will include: 1) paper products for Camp Restore Detroit; 2) new socks and underwear for Kids in Distress in Port Huron; 3) diaper ointment, baby wash, and baby first aid kits for Blue Water Pregnancy Services in Port Huron; 4) diapers, sizes 5 & 6 for St. Paul Community Mission in Pontiac; and 5)Walmart gift cards to be shared with students at the St. Louis and Ft. Wayne Seminaries.
Additional needs for Servant Events on the initial day of the Convention include: 1) white sheets for rolling bandages; 2) 8" crochet hooks and balls of cut bags for making sleeping mats; 3 )2 yard cuts of fleece for making Heart Pillows; 4) envelopes with stamps (not trimmed) for Stamps for Missions; and 5) towels, toothbrushes, combs, nail clippers, bars of soap in original packaging for Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits.
If you would like to make donations of any of the items listed above, route them to Lucie before she attends the Convention. Lucie will be representing Mt. Calvary as a delegate for the Convention. Please keep attendees in prayer for safe travels, joy-filled worship and Bible study, and wise decisions in the use of God's gifts.
Scrip News
The Back to School sales will soon be upon us so please check the weekly bulletins for updates on bonus offers that will be available for select retailers. It's not too late for ordering gift cards for some late summer treats such as movie theaters, a meal out, gas cards, or a last home improvement project. See Lucie Witte for a current order form or to place an order. Orders placed on Sunday are available for pick up by the middle of the week.
Food Bank
Upcoming dates for the Food Bank are July 18, August 1, 15, and 29. We will be going down to Historic Trinity in July to pick up food from their Food Pantry. Donations of plastic grocery bags and men's clothing are always welcome!
Headstart
There were 21 students who are going on to Kindergarten in the fall. Ten children and their parents participated in a special "Science Play and Learn" program the week of June 18. At the conclusion of the four-day program, those who attended all sessions were given a tablet to aid in their continued learning. We will be meeting with the Head Start administrators in July to discuss and sign the lease for the 2018-2019 school year. We pray all the staff, students and their families will have a safe and happy summer!
Summer Camp (VBS)
As of this writing, 61 students were registered for our Summer Camp which was held June 25-29. We pray that the Lord sent most of these children to our midst to hear the important message of God's love through this year's program - Splash Canyon. A very special thank-you to the group from St. Paul in Des Peres, MO who helped us with the program and the new sports camp that was added this year. Special thanks too, to Elizabeth Parrish and all from Mt. Calvary who are always so faithful each year in helping with this important outreach program.
First Annual Fundraiser For Camp Restore Detroit
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 14 at 3:00 p.m. for the first annual fundraiser for our Camp Restore Detroit ministry. We plan to have a meal, silent auction and other activities and hope you and your family and friends will join us! More details will be in the bulletin and in the September/October Newsletter.
Camp Restore Detroit Schedule For May And June
The following churches and or groups will be with us through July and August for Camp Restore Detroit.
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July 01 – July 7
July 08 – July 14 July 08 – July 13 July 09 – July 13 July 11 – July 15 July 19 – July 22 July 27 – July 31 July 22 – July 28 July 22 – July 27 July 22 – July 25 August 05 - August 11 August 05 – August 10 August 05 – August 08 |
Old St. Patrick’s Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Group Community Lutheran Church Orange Nation LCMS St. Paul Lutheran Church Riverside Presbyterian Church Zion Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Association of Fraternal Leadership Values Hope Lutheran Church Zion Lutheran Church |
Chicago, IL
Hamburg, MI Avon, IN Davison, MI Flat Rock, MI Bay City, MI Riverside, IL Cincinnati, OH Muskegon, MI Fort Collins, CO Adrian, MI Holland, MI |
Church Extension Fund
From long and short term savings plans to traditional and Roth IRAs, investments in the Church Extension Fund help fund your future and the future of congregations right here in the Michigan District. To learn how you can make a difference call CEF at 800.242.3944 or visit them online at www.mi-cef.org.
Lutheran Seniors Connection
Lutheran Seniors Connection is a new group that wants to provide opportunities for seniors in Metro Detroit to gather together in a variety of activities providing fellowship and enrichment of mind, body, and soul. Their first official gathering will take place on Wednesday, July 25th at 6 pm as part of the Detroit Zoo Wild Summer Nights with a concert by the Michigan Opera Theatre. Concerts take place in the Main Grove from 6:30-8 pm. Concert-goers are invited to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and either pack a picnic or take advantage of food, snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase from Zoo concessions. Concerts are free with Zoo admission. Look for a red and white poster with LSC-Lutheran Senior Connection- at the picnic tables under the tent. If you'd like to offer suggestions for future outings or are willing to help plan and organize activities, feel free to contact Sue Boyle at 248-320-3413 or [email protected] or Sally Barnett at 734-464-0965 or [email protected].
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
2018 July Birthdays
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03
07 27 |
Maxwell Grammens
Leona Varty Sylvia Wallace |
2018 August Birthdays
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04
17 21 22 30 |
Nancy Roemer
Kennedy Grammens Kristin Miller Adam Kurtz Jennie Yee |
Don't forget to stop by "From The Pastor's Desk..." to see what insights Pastor John Carrier has for the months of July & August.
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Downloadable PDF Copy Of The Newsletter To The Left | ||