What does God have in mind for Messiah in 2009?
If you have not seen the movie “The Bucket List,” it is about two men, Carter and Edward, who have terminal cancer. They make a list of things to do before they die – or kick the bucket.
If we put a spiritual twist on this idea of a bucket list for 2009, we might ask our selves – what does God want me to accomplish in His name in the coming year? We have invited folks who are part of the mission and ministry of Messiah Lutheran to share one or two items from their “spiritual bucket list” for 2009. You can write these items down on the back of your attendance card or sheet on Sunday or email to Pastor Craig who is compiling a list.
The list will be put up in a public place and when we feel we have faithfully engaged in our call – check off our item. It will be a joy to see how God will work through us in the coming year. Here are just few items that have been shared so far.
Read the whole Bible
- Spend more time in prayer
- Bring my children to Sunday School
- Give regularly
- Serve the Lord through palliative care
- Encourage our son to attend church
- Have a women’s bible study
- To see my grand children grow up in the image of Jesus
- Have a stronger faith in God’s plan
- Advocate for the mentally ill
- Find more joy in life
- Start a prayer journal
Epiphany – the season of light – begins on January 6th and runs through February 24 (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Epiphany begins with the light that leads the Magi to Jesus, includes the light of the Spirit that comes at Jesus’ baptism, the light of Jesus’ earthy ministry that begins at Cana and continues with the call of his disciples, the first miracles, the spread of the good news and culminates with Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus is revealed to the world as the Messiah in this season of the church year. It is also a time to consider – how we reveal Jesus’ and our faith in Him to the world around us.
Martin Luther, his life, teachings and ministry were most certainly a light that revealed Jesus to a church in need of reforming. On Saturday January 24th from 9 am to 2 pm, Dr. Susan McCarver will be with us to explore and learn about Martin Luther at our annual Adult forum. Please let us know you will be attending by calling the church office or signing up on the kiosk in the gathering area.
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