July 8 Greetings

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July 8 Greetings

So….the Phoenix Suns are in the NBA Finals!!! Whether or not you are a basketball fan, it’s nice to have something to cheer about at this time here in Arizona! With wildfires abound, and the threat of the Delta strain of the virus chasing our joy down….it’s nice to have a win here and there. I am the typical “fair weather fan” these days of many sports. When the local teams get into the playoffs, I start to pay attention a little more. Including my hometown Buffalo, New York, teams! I respect those folks who follow the long seasons in sports, game in and game out, even more so those who have season passes to attend most games. These true fans are the ones to check in with to see what’s on the horizon for the team.

This takes to me an interesting metaphor. We, who are the present-day disciples, are trying our best to follow the Lord, in-season and out-of-season, even when the subject of God is not popular….maybe we are the ones who folks will check in with to see what’s on the horizon of life and faith. Maybe when others have need in their lives, they will turn to us, asking for prayer and support. And honestly, even if we consider ourselves as “true and loyal fans” of God, we must admit that—just as in sports—when things don’t go our way, we can get upset with our team and the Coach/Creator. And on the other side of the coin, when there is good news, we certainly love to get out our metaphorical pom-poms in praise and thanksgiving!

All this to say….Go Suns!!!

And….Go God!!!

No reservations or masks are required for those attending worship who have been vaccinated, but if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, or if you or a loved one has health issues that necessitate it, feel free to wear one.

Please be careful about wearing strong scents to church.

This Sunday, July 11, the Emmanuel Lutheran Endowment Committee will be awarding their 2020 grants!

Click on the flyer to take a closer look at the details for the Diakonia retreat!

Outreach News

Our July Mission Outreach partner is Stepping Stones Ministries. They have invited us to a Work Day at the store on Monday, July 12. Restocking and reorganizing are among their needs. Let Mary Jensen in the church office know you will be there!

This month we will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for the Humboldt Unified School District.

The Navajo Lutheran Mission is our August Mission Outreach partner and we will receive a wish list from Pastor Kate for the Mission.

We are busy getting ready for our VBS weekend at the end of this month! Click on the flyer to take a closer look.

Please spread the word, and…we are still looking for some volunteers! If you can commit to Friday night, that’s great! If you can commit to the 9-12 Saturday, that’s great…if you can commit to 12-4pm Saturday, that’s great too! Get the hint..? We’ll take ya where and when you can be there!! Please keep us in prayer as we try to reach out to the community to invite local children!

A Vitalant blood drive is scheduled at Emmanuel:

Monday, July 19, 1:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Emmanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 7763 E Long Look Dr. Prescott Valley!!!

We won’t be posting any other donation opportunities, because we hope that you will schedule to donate at our blood drive! Most people can donate blood, and we hope that you will roll up your sleeve and give a gift of life.

Make an appointment between services in the narthex through July 11. We will will need volunteers to help after worship on Sunday, July 18, to move all the tables and chairs out of the Fellowship Hall to prepare. Plan to be at the church at noon!

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While there is no inherent risk of getting coronavirus when you donate blood, donors and staff are required to wear masks or reasonable cloth-based face coverings. Read our COVID-19 FAQs.

The following song, “Big House,” is a great song of invitation and celebration of the promises of faith. It is performed by the Christian group Audio Adrenaline:

A Bible verse for today:

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.

1 Corinthians 9:25-26

Peace in Christ,

Adam

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Prescott Valley, AZ