PENTECOST Season - June, July, August 2021
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Early Summer Theme: "In Christ We Speak God's Truth"
We enter a season of “Mission Moments” in worship! Each Sunday’s message will include a story or testimony from our shared “spirit of faith” that flows from the psalmist: “I believed, and so I spoke”! These moments might touch on courageous stewardship, or the church’s involvement in Pride month, or the justice work in the community. The power of God that raised Jesus from the dead raises up our witness to God’s truth at work in the world. Sharing these stories brings us together into the living presence of God. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, at it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:13-15; Ps. 116:10)
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Weekly Worship Focus
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June 6 - Pentecost 2B “Standing Strong in Christ”
A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus speaks to this when he is accused of being outside the faith. He defines his family as all who do “the will of God”. How we act and speak makes a difference! We can stand strong with all who are committed to God’s love and grace in the world. (Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1; Mark 3:20-35) June 13 - Pentecost 3B “Small AND Mighty in Christ!” In Christ there is “a new creation” - that has nothing to do with size or quantity to be fully alive in the kin-dom of God! From the tiniest seed of truth or love a spacious home for the multitude of God’s creatures can grow. Let’s tell stories that start, “The kin-dom of God is like…”! (Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17; Mark 4:26-34) June 20 - Pentecost 4B “Riding out the Storms of Life with Christ” When has your life been swamped by a storm raging around you? What difference does it make to call on Jesus? Stories of faith in the face of storms help us discover power greater than all we fear - the power of genuine love, truthful speech, and God’s word alive in Christ. (Job 38:1-11; Psalm 107:1-3; 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41) June 27 - Pentecost 5B “With Christ, Generosity Flows” Rivers flow with no regard to human-designated boundaries; so, too, with Christ’s generosity. Today we witness the generous flow of healing power. In Mark’s gospel Jesus breaks down barriers. We dare to touch Jesus in our “uncleanness” and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider. (Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43) |
July 4 - Pentecost 6B “The Power of Christ in Us”
Jesus does great deeds of power and entrusts that power to followers - like us! When we are sent to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable and dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent. (Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13) July 11 - Pentecost 7B “Compelled to Proclaim Truth in Christ” The prophet Amos and John the Baptist suffered for speaking truth to power. All the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus; this is hope for the oppressed. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love. (Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29) July 18 - Pentecost 8B “In Christ We Dwell in Peace” Jesus welcomes the words and work of disciples; he also cares for their health and wellbeing. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves. (Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56) |
Telling Your Faith Story - Resources
Members and participants of WLLC are being brought into the summer worship services again. The 2020 stories can be found on the "Telling Your Faith Story" page of this website. There you also will find helpful videos and other resources to go deeper into your own story of faith. The best way to tell that story - start a conversation! Through listening and deeply knowing your own story you will be able to provide a witness to Christ. Our actions also tell the story - as Christ was moved compassionately to help, advocate for, heal, and encourage others, he continues that work through you and the church!
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Reduced to Love
WLLC's oldest member - Ruth Hopp - describes how she knows God loves her. Her life is reduced to loving God and loving others. How do you know that God loves you? Tell that story! |
Sowing Seeds of Faith
The family of Daryl Sieker, an architect who used his creativity to shape WLLC and many lives, shares about the witness of his life, work, and great faith. |