July 4, 2024

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Pastor Trudy's Message

God’s grace is sufficient. After Paul planted churches, he moved on. Then other leaders came and made claims about the Gospel, some of which contradict what Paul said. What can a leader do to testify to Christ’s humility and grace while emphasizing his authority without personally attacking the other leaders, some of whom are teaching with good intentions? That question is a great example of the verbal gymnastics Paul uses to work through this tension! God’s grace is indeed sufficient to hold it.

Gracious God, Jesus is an example of humility and grace. Help us to live into this example when engaging a world that often contradicts this message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What if it doesn’t FEEL like God’s grace is sufficient?

• Where there is drought, bring nourishing rain. Where there is devastation from fire or flood, bring relief. Sustain the well-being of every living thing.
• Open the hearts those who govern to the cries of all who journey with no food or shelter, particularly people fleeing violence, those seeking freedom, and those in search of community. 
• Gracious God, your embrace brings wholeness to those who are troubled. Anoint all who suffer in any way with the oil of healing and grant them renewal.
• Welcoming God, in your presence strangers become companions and enemies become neighbors. Open our doors to those we have so easily shut out, particularly people who are different from us or who are marginalized by church or society.
• We give you thanks for our faithful departed. Inspire us by their lives of faith until, with them, we rest forever at our journey’s end.

Holy God, holy and merciful: into your outstretched arms we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Results of Last Week's Poll:

Would you rather be generous like the widow who gave her last two coins (Mark 12:41-44) or be generous like the Good Samaritan, who cared for a stranger (Luke 10:25-37)?

Each month this summer GLC women will have a chance to meet other women and get grounded in their faith. Trained leaders will cover the same topic on different days and times each month, with the hope that we can accomodate most schedules.

July's Topic: Discernment

How do you make decisions? Most Christians say that God is part of it, but how do you know it is God? We will explore discernment in this month’s sessions! Click HERE to register ASAP!

Join other GLC volunteers July 23rd at 9AM for food packing at Northern Illinois Food Bank. RSVP to Martha Sobie by July 9.

We need 6 baked, then frozen, 9x13 breakfast casseroles (any kind) dropped off at GLC by July 14. We have plenty of pans available for you to pick up at GLC this weekend. Contact Pastor Trudy if you'd like to participate.

Please join us on Sunday, July 14 at 10AM in Fellowship Hall to make meals for the Lazarus House residents. We are asking for food donations for lunch and dinner. Click HERE to sign up to donate!

Lazarus House is currently seeking professional volunteers to assist our guests by donating their skills once a month. Specifically, we are looking for a lawyer, a CPA, and someone with expertise in finance. Email Megan Lopezfor more information.

Click HERE to see pictures from the last week!

To see all weekly and special events please check our calendar.