This week’s Worship Theme: From its birth the New Testament Church has been persecuted. The religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to stamp it out, but they only succeeded in spreading Christianity. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, yet God’s Church exploded with growth in those early centuries. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor sought to stop the gospel movement that was spreading from Germany. But God was a mighty fortress for the Church.
Still today the Church is persecuted. Every day thirteen Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Another twelve are arrested or imprisoned simply because they profess faith in Christ Jesus. In the U.S. we have freedom of religion enshrined as a constitutional right, but that is no guarantee for a life free of persecution. Until Judgment Day, some will attempt to shout down the truth of Christ. We will be persecuted. That won’t stop us. The holy ministry preaches Christ despite persecution. Christ never promised his Church that ministry would operate unopposed. But he did promise to give courage to his witnesses.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EMAIL FROM PASTOR GEIGER
Dear saints at Peace Lutheran,
With this email, I wish to acknowledge the call which God, through you, has extended to me to serve as pastor at Peace. It is evident that the Lord is giving opportunities for renewed focus and energy to reach out into the Trinity community. Each soul matters to him and each soul is part of the work he’s given us to do.
Every call is an opportunity for prayer and evaluation of personal and congregational ministry. I pray God uses this time to hone the work and focus he has given to you in Trinity, FL, and an opportunity for me to consider the work and focus God has put before us in the Georgetown, TX community. Each nook of HIS kingdom has souls that matter to Jesus and need the saving message of grace.
I crave your prayers and will certainly hold the Peace Lutheran family in mine as we go through this period of investigation and deliberation. I look forward to speaking with your leadership and any others who wish to reach out.
God’s richest blessing to you all!
Pastor Mike Geiger
ANNUAL VOTERS’ MEETING
Peace Lutheran will hold its annual Voters’ Meeting this Sunday after the 10:00 am worship service. Items on the agenda include approving the budget for the next fiscal year. All members are encouraged to attend.
INSTALLATION OF PASTOR MICHAEL LINDEMANN
The members of Grace Lutheran in Spring Hill invite us to join them at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 2nd for the installation of Pastor Michael Lindemann. Pastor Lindemann joins Grace after serving at St. John’s Lutheran in Lewiston, Minnesota.
MEDITATIONS
The next edition of the Meditations devotional booklet is now available in the narthex. These devotions began on May 28.
PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING
If you would like a visit for spiritual care, please contact our elder, Brad Mattes at 513-235-1567.
PRAYER REQUEST
We wish God’s Blessings and congratulations to Cathy Long and Erwin Huber, who were married last Sunday. Please also pray for Cathy and Erwin as they consider treatment options for Erwin’s recently diagnosed cancer.
LOOKING AHEAD
SUN JUN 25
10:00 am Sunday Service
11:00 am Annual Congregational Voter’s Meeting
SUN JUL 2
10:00 am Sunday Service
11:00 am Fellowship
4:00 pm Installation of Pastor Michael Lindemann
Grace Lutheran Church 411 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL
Communion Participation Roster
Before the worship service, we are asking our members to announce their desire to receive the Lord’s Supper on the sign-up sheet located in the entry to the sanctuary. This will help us keep our records updated and also help with our annual reports to the Synod. If you don’t get the chance to sign the sheet before worship, please do so after the service has ended.
God Wants us to Give Cheerfully
The Bible says, “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of grief nor out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)..
Peace Lutheran offers a secure Give by Text option. To donate via text, send the dollar amount you wish to give, including a dollar sign, to 888-314-2975. Example: $50. You will receive a secure registration link. Another secure option for giving is at our website.
Member Information Sheets
Peace Lutheran is working to update our records for each member of the congregation. Information sheets have been prepared and we ask the each person complete the sheet and return it to the church office.
Synod wide events and other synod information can be found at www.wels.net under News/Media > Synod Events
Summer vacations coming soon or whenever you’re out of town and want to find a WELS church to attend, go to WELS.net and click on ‘Find a Church/School’
Military couples, here’s a great event to strengthen your faith and your marriage. This retreat in Texas at the end of October, features Lutheran speakers and counselors and other couples who truly know what you’re going through. Find out more and REGISTER at this link: https://www.lutheranmilitary.org/what-we-do/spiritual-retreats and definitely follow the Facebook pages of Lutheran Military Support Group and WELS Military Services.