Readings, Devotion, Prayers and Announcements for the Day of Pentecost, May 31, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

As we are not able to meet due as usual to health and safety concerns, yet we are still finding ways to share and celebrate our faith together.  We will resume in-person services on the weekend of June 6-7, following the normal schedule for both MLLC and Waldeck.  The Facebook Live services will be offered on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. from Waldeck, and at 10:00 a.m. from MLLC.

Below are the readings, prayers, and various announcements for this Sunday and this week.  The Sunday devotion is at the end of the readings.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual.  Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week.  Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site:  mllccarmine.com/online-giving  This page has a link to our secure giving page.  Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

YouTube Video Link

Here is the link for the YouTube video of this day’s service.

May 31, 2020

Day of Pentecost

First Reading: Acts 2:1-21

A reading from Acts.

Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival that marked the fiftieth day after Passover. Luke portrays the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the disciples before the gathered and astonished people assembled in Jerusalem for the festival. Filled with the Spirit, the disciples were able to witness to the power of Christ’s resurrection.

¹When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. ²And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
⁵Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. ⁶And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. ⁷Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? ⁹Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” ¹²All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
¹⁴But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. ¹⁵Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. ¹⁶No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
¹⁷‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
¹⁸Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
¹⁹And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
²⁰The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
²¹Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ ”

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

²⁴How manifold are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
²⁵Yonder is the sea, great and wide, with its swarms too many to number,
living things both small and great.
²⁶There go the ships to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you made for the sport of it.
²⁷All of them look to you
to give them their food in due season. 
²⁸You give it to them; they gather it;
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
²⁹When you hide your face, they are terrified;
when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
³⁰You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;
and so you renew the face of the earth.
³¹May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
O Lord, rejoice in all your works. 
³²You look at the earth and it trembles;
you touch the mountains and they smoke.
³³I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will praise my God while I have my being.
³⁴May these words of mine please God.
I will rejoice in the Lord.
^35bBless the Lord, O my soul.
Hallelujah! 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

A reading from 1 Corinthians.

Paul is helping the Corinthians understand the relationship between our God-given unity and Spirit-created diversity. The Spirit creates the unity of faith and gives all Christians diverse gifts for the common benefit of all. We need one another’s diverse spiritual gifts because the same Spirit has given them to each person for the common good.

^3bNo one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
⁴Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; ⁶and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. ⁷To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

¹²For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gospel: John 20:19-23

The holy gospel according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁹When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²²When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

“Living Waters”

By Pastor David Tinker

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many years ago I attended a spiritual retreat near Lima, Ohio.  At the Christian retreat center there was a simple, yet beautiful chapel.  On the wall behind the altar was a mosaic with blue, aqua-blue, white and red tiles.  This beautiful mosaic depicted a sort of gushing geyser.  I believe the symbolism was that of the Spiritual life which God provides for us in super abundant ways.

In today’s gospel reading we hear Jesus talking about how God’s Spirit will be granted to his people.  He says, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”  John comments to help us understand this when he writes, “Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive…”

Jesus talks about living water.  For us today, we don’t necessarily get that concept.  For people living in or near a desert, such as in the Holy Land, water is precious; drinkable water in an absolute necessity.  “Living water” is a phrase used for flowing or fresh water, for example, “running water” in English. Flowing water is usually drinkable water, and that is something very important in desert climates. In contrast, there can be “dead” water. Water going nowhere which is stuck in a stagnant pool is usually undrinkable.  Drinkable water was much rarer than we experience here in our nation, and it was seen as an essential source of life.

So, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus, both in his day and in our day, are given new and abundant life.  In John’s gospel, chapter 4, verses 13 and 14 we read:  “Jesus said to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.””

Jesus is talking about the gift of his Holy Spirit for us.  This Holy Spirit brings life to us in many ways.

The Spirit opens us up to knowing the true source of life – The Holy Spirit of God enables us to understand and believe God’s Word and Promises for us.  The Spirit opens us up to the greatest spiritual truth, that of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sin.  The Spirit helps us see that God loves us beyond measure, and that he has come into this world to free us from the power of sin, death and evil.  God, the Holy Spirit, grants us the faith we need to trust in what Jesus has done for us.

The Spirit stirs us to faith and action – God’s Spirit powers us for life and ministry which build up the church and the world we serve.  When God the Holy Spirit stirs among God’s people, great things happen.  God’s Word is spread; the hungry are fed; people are brought to faith in Christ; worship becomes more joyful; there is greater peace among church leaders; people become passionate about prayer; people look beyond themselves to help the hurting, hopeless and lost in their community.  I’ve personally witnessed this in my life as a pastor and as a Christian.  As we pray today, let us pray for a grand stirring of God, the Holy Spirit, in this congregation.

Pr. Brian Stoffregen, of Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, Arizona, comments on this: “Neither living water nor wind are stale (or boring?). Shouldn’t the same be true of Spirit-filled believers and congregations? Both living water and wind (Spirit) are images of power. I think that that’s what Pentecost is all about. We, the followers of Jesus, have been empowered by God to carry on Jesus’ witness and ministry in the world.”

He continues when he writes: “I’ve often thought and said, while the early believers thought of the Spirit as something that powered their lives, we often think of it as a doctrine to be studied.”

My hope for us all is that we will receive the power of God’s Spirit and that we will understand the Spirit.  As a reminder on this Day of Pentecost, I share with you the basic teachings of Luther’s Small Catechism regarding the Holy Spirit.

The Third Article:  On Being Made Holy

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

What is this?

I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith. Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins—mine and those of all believers. On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and will give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true.

As we reflect on this today, I pray we will also be stirred to greater faith and action through the power of God, the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray – Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you enter our lives in many ways, and call us to follow you.  Help us to receive the living water of your Holy Spirit.  May we be refreshed and empowered by your gracious spirit in our lives.  We pray this in Jesus holy name.  Amen

*Prayers of Intercession

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Grant, Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love and reveal your glory in the world.  Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially those who we name aloud or in quiet prayer… ; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.  Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died (especially…), that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

P:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

LORD’S PRAYER 

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27061.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings, Devotion, Prayers and Announcements for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Ascension Sunday, May 24, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

As we are not able to meet due as usual to health and safety concerns, yet we are still finding ways to share and celebrate our faith together.

Below are the readings, prayers, and various announcements for this Sunday and this week.  The Sunday devotion is at the end of the readings.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual.  Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week.  Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site:  mllccarmine.com/online-giving  This page has a link to our secure giving page.  Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

YouTube Video Link

Here is the link for the YouTube video of this day’s service.

May 24, 2020

The Ascension of our Lord Sunday

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

A reading from Acts.

Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

[Luke writes:] ¹In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning ²until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. ⁴While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; ⁵for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
⁶So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. ¹¹They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 47

¹Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with a joyful sound.
²For the Lord Most High is to be feared:
a great king over all the earth,
³who subdues the peoples under us,
and the nations under our feet;
⁴who chooses our inheritance for us,
the pride of Jacob, whom God loves. 
⁵God has gone up with a shout,
the Lord with the sound of the ram’s horn.
⁶Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our king, sing praises. 
⁷For God is king of all the earth;
sing praises with a song.
⁸God reigns over the nations;
God is enthroned on high.
⁹The nobles of the peoples have gathered as the people of the God of Abraham.
The rulers of the earth belong to God, who is highly exalted. 

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

A reading from Ephesians.

The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.

¹⁵I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, ¹⁸so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. ²⁰God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. ²²And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53

The holy gospel according to Luke.  Glory to you, O Lord.

On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.

⁴⁴[Jesus said to the eleven and those with them,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”⁴⁵Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
⁵⁰Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. ⁵¹While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵²And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; ⁵³and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

“God’s Goal – Our Goal”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mass media have changed our world.  The big transition started with the printing press over 500 years ago.  Books and pamphlets were everywhere.  Transportation improvements over the centuries made these spread faster and further.  Communications improvements in the 1800’s such as the telegraph and telephone spread information even further.

In the late 1920’s movies started having sound with them.  At the same time broadcast radio was taking off and stations were started across the country.  A couple decades later television became a national reality.  This put even more information and entertainment into our homes.  In the past few decades the internet has grown to where most people have access to news, information and entertainment in homes, offices and public places.  The past decade or so has put the internet into Smartphones, so now many have this available pretty much wherever and whenever.

While not exactly a parallel effect, the Ascension of Jesus kicked off a radical and positive change for life and faith.  The Ascension took place on the 40th day since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  That 40th day this year was this past Thursday.  Since we normally gather on the weekend, we celebrate this event today.  We heard two accounts of this in the books of Luke and Acts.  In Acts we have this description of the Ascension:  Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as (the Apostles) were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”  We see that Jesus gives them a job to do, promises them the Holy Spirit, and then ascends out of their sight.

Along with others I have wondered why Jesus chose to ascend like this.  He was alive beyond death, never to die again, and was with his people.  He could still be here with us, leading the church in perfection and love.  The purpose of the Ascension of Jesus has to do with how he is with us in different ways now that he is ascended.   It is similar the changes in the way we receive information and entertainment which I noted earlier.

Think about this:  Jesus is God with us, yet he is also just one person.  He entered human life and died on the cross to meet us in our sin and death.  On the cross he brought about the forgiveness of our sin.  Through his rising he leads us to life with him, both now and forever.  This is all central to our faith and life with God.

Jesus could have stayed around like he did in those 40 days after his rising from the dead.  He could have easily kept on teaching and ministering to people.  He could have been an inspiring preacher and could have drawn crowds for the past 2000 years.  But he didn’t.  And that is actually a very good thing.  Had he done that the church would likely have stayed a very small group on Jewish followers in the Holy Land.  I believe he knew this, and he had a greater plan for the Good News and for his followers.  Because he did it the way he did, the Church is now a worldwide movement of close to 3 Billion people.

Jesus did at least four things to execute his plan to spread the Gospel.  The four things would bring the ministry and teachings of Jesus to the ends of the earth.  Jesus would go away from us in one way, but then he would be with us all the time in other ways.  Here are the 4 things he did:

1. He taught the disciples about the way of God. This became the New Testament. We continue to read and teach from this today.
2. He gave them the Sacraments. We have the power and presence of Jesus Christ through Baptism and the Holy Communion.  These words and elements bring the Good News and the forgiveness of our sin by God. Our congregations are drawn together and unified by these Sacraments.
3. He organized and commissioned pastoral leaders – the Apostles. They would train more pastoral leaders who would bring Word of God and the forgiveness of sin to people.  Instead of just one pastoral leader – Jesus – there are literally millions of pastors, priests and ministers around the world.  Each pastor has the call to offer us the Word of God and the forgiveness of sin. Each is called to help us know and serve God and neighbor.
4. He promised his Holy Spirit. The giving of the Holy Spirit is promised many times, including in John 14:25-26: Jesus said, “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”  With the Holy Spirit of Jesus in the world our Lord is not bound to just one location.  Jesus can be in every church for worship, fellowship time and Bible Study.  He can be with each of us in prayer. He can be with us as we serve our neighbors in need.  He can be with those who need to understand the Gospel.  He can be with those who are facing difficulty of any form, or who are suffering for the Gospel.

Here is something else to consider:  Some churches have set off fireworks on the evening of Ascension.  I think it is a great image.  A limited image, but it is a start.  A firework goes up into the sky, seemingly out of our sight.  That is like Jesus going up out of our sight.  Then, suddenly, there is a fiery explosion.  That is like the day of Pentecost, which took place 10 days after the Ascension.  The Holy Spirit makes a grand, fiery and powerful arrival.  The presence of Jesus in Spirit is brought to the church, and the Spirit is then shared with all who would believe.  The fire of a firework lasts, at most, a few seconds.  The fire and influence of the Holy Spirit continues to this very day.

This burst of life for the Church stirs and empowers us to live out God’s goal for us.  Here I bring in the Catechism of the Church of England.  In the section on the Church it makes note of the mission of the Church.  Here is part of what we read there:

1. Why is the Church described as apostolic?
2. The Church is apostolic, because it continues in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles and is sent to carry out Christ’s mission to all people.
3. What is the mission of the Church?
4. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
5. How does the Church pursue its mission?
6. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
7. Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?
8. The church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.

The Ascension of Jesus sets in motion God’s grand plan.  This is to bring the Good News of Jesus to others.  God’s goal is that fulfilling this plan becomes our goal.  With God’s provision we can be part of this great mission in the world.

On this Ascension Day celebration, we give thanks that Jesus did leave us.  He left so that he could give the world even more.  He gave us his teachings, the Sacraments, the Ministry of pastors and forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit.  Through these he makes it possible for the message and ministry of Christ to be brought to people all over the world.

Prayer

Amazing and Mighty Lord, we praise you as the God of all creation.  As we celebrate the Ascension of your Son, Jesus Christ, help us to understand the great things you have in store for us.  By your Holy Spirit enliven our faith and help us to be steadfast in you.  We pray this in the most Holy Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

*Prayers of Intercession

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Loving God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we pray for the spread of the Holy Gospel to people of every language, tribe, and nation.  Help all pastors, deacons, teachers, missionaries, and the whole people of God, to speak to others of the Word of salvation and new life in Christ.  Stir your Holy Spirit in the lives of those who hear the message of the Gospel so they, too, will have new life in Christ Jesus.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all faithful Christians in this congregation and throughout the world.  Grant us the grace of the Holy Spirit, both to fight against the snares and lures of our ancient enemies, and to carry out good works through congregations and communities.  Help us joyfully to continue our partnership with the AMEN Food Pantry. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who will be graduating from high school, college or university.  Grant them an assurance of faith as they enter a new season of their lives.  Draw them to a renewed connection with your church as they move toward new endeavors of life.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are in mourning, [especially the family and friends of …], that our gracious heavenly Father would comfort them in their sorrow with the hope given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior. By your compassion dry their tears and help their sorrow be turned to joy.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick, suffering from COVID19 illness, undergoing surgery, or suffering any other affliction, especially those we name aloud or in quiet prayer…  We pray that you, our great and heavenly Physician, would grant them healing, strength and renewed hope.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

P:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

LORD’S PRAYER 

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27061.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WALDECK PRAYER LIST:  Linda Brown, London Gaskins, Phillip Procell, Brian Shaffer, Sandra Gest, Barbara Spence, April Weyand, Fritz Schoenst, Alicia McQuaig, Diana Garik Poentisch, Sally Beettner, Carrie Oltmann, Robin Hardin, Beverly Drescher.

Sympathy – Peggy Rodgers, Waldeck Community Member.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Susan Ray (recent knee replacement surgery); Brad & Patti (Hart) Eilers (both quarantined with COVID-19); Megan Hart Burch (daughter of Patti & Brad, cancer and chemotherapy); Ruby Renck (recent surgery); Angie Colpetzer (recent surgery); Carol Mertz Leitzel, Janet Schnell Beckworth (both friends of Praise Team leader Jolene Wickel, health concerns and in hospitals);  Ricky Eckert (brother of Ronnie Eckert, health concerns); Kalisa Pomykal (Paula Barrick’s sister, medical concerns); Kenny Lorenz (former member Robert Hinze’s relative, serious burns and numerous health concerns); Nancy Pietsch (former RT-C teacher, health concerns); Johnny Dunham (health concerns); Joyce Kelley (friend, health concerns); Jack Walsh (friend of Wade Eilers, chemotherapy); Robert Vaughn (at Texas Neurology, thankful for extended stay for rehab); Edna Mae Krivacka (friend of Ed Eargle and Carol Carmean, back home, health concerns)

Sympathy to the families of Bill Clarke (friend of Daryl & Susan Ray); Sylvia Braun Hughey (Floyd Braun’s sister); Carrie Bozarth (friend of Sedalia Ullrich); Ruth Hueske (friend from Brenham); Nelson Neutzler (friend from Burton); Verlene Citzler (aunt of Leonita Sanders)

The Ongoing Prayer Concerns may be found in the monthly newsletter.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE The Carmine EDC along with Quade-Werchan American Legion Post 338 will sponsor a drive-in or drive-up, stay in your vehicle Memorial Day Service of Remembrance at the Carmine Muehlbrad-Albers City Park tomorrow, Monday, May 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Due to social distancing, those attending will be asked to remain in their vehicles or be appropriately distanced within the park grounds.   There will not be any type of formal service and refreshments will not be served.

At 9:30 a.m., the flag will be lowered with taps played by Jennifer Mohr.  Names of deceased veterans will be read, followed by Taps played again.  All leave the park, and the flag will be raised by post members back to full staff at noon.

MEMORIAL DAY is being observed tomorrow.  Today we remember the deceased veterans of our congregation with a list of their names; and are thankful for their service to our country.

WORSHIP SERVICES will begin June 6 & 7.  Limitations will be listed in the June newsletter and possibly in next Sunday’s bulletin.

A.M.E.N. May is the month that we collect for the food pantry in La Grange.  You may either send or bring by your monetary donations.  You may also bring non-perishable food items to the church.  The box is in the narthex.

HERITAGE COMMITTEE of the Carmine Chamber of Commerce will not meet on June 4 as planned.  Next meeting will be Wed., Sept., 2 at 10 a.m.  The topic will be “Educational Memories” from the old school.  Questions and discussions are welcome.  Please invite others interested in the history of the are to join the session.

RECYCLING TRAILER is now back at the Carmine Hall on Thursdays from noon until 4 p.m.  They are in Ledbetter the same day from 8:30 – 11 a.m. behind the Ledbetter Hall.

OUTREACH/CARE COMMITTEE A person is needed to serve on the Church Council for the Outreach/Care Committee position.  You would only need to attend meetings and serve as a liaison, as someone has volunteered to serve as the chairman.  Please consider serving in this role.

WELCA BANQUET set for June 3 has been postponed.

OFFERING ENVELOPES may be mailed to the church at PO Box 362, Carmine, TX 78932.  You may also give online.  Check the http://mlllccarmine/online-giving/ website for more information.  Thanks to all who have continued to make contributions.

LUTHERAN MISSION APPEAL envelopes are designated for Lutheran Disaster Response of the ELCA.  You may send contributions in the mail, or bring it by the office, with the check made out to MLLC and in the memo line, put Lutheran Disaster Response.  You may also go to the website to donate.  http://mlllccarmine/online-giving/   When you go to this page, click on the link for the giving site.  On that page you will see a line for disaster relief – Lutheran Disaster Response   That is where you can indicate your gift amount through the online giving.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at MLLC has been postponed to August 2-6, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., with the theme Rocky Railway.  See the codes in the May newsletter to register your child and to volunteer.

Registration is also available at the church web site:  https://mllccarmine.com/vacation-bible-school-2020/

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Bethlehem Lutheran in Round Top is postponing VBS indefinitely.  It may still be cancelled, but they are waiting to see how things go this summer.  There are registration forms in the narthex and church office.  For more information contact Stacy Eilers at 979-639-1897.

Readings, Devotion, Prayers and Announcements for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

As we are not able to meet due as usual to health and safety concerns, yet we are still finding ways to share and celebrate our faith together.

Below are the readings, prayers, and various announcements for this Sunday and this week.  The Sunday devotion is at the end of the readings.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual.  Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week.  Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site:  mllccarmine.com/online-giving  This page has a link to our secure giving page.  Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

YouTube Video Link

Here is the link for the YouTube video of this day’s service.

May 10, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 7:55-60

A reading from Acts.

Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve tables so that the apostles could be free to serve the word (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen does more than distribute food, however. For his preaching of God’s word, he becomes the first martyr of the faith.

⁵⁵Filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶“Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” ⁵⁷But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. ⁵⁸Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

¹In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
²Incline your ear to me;
make haste to deliver me.
³Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold;
for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.
⁴Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me,
for you are my tower of strength. 
⁵Into your hands I commend my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
¹⁵My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
¹⁶Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.” 

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-10

A reading from 1 Peter.

Christ is the cornerstone of God’s saving work and the foundation of our lives. We are God’s chosen, holy people who continuously celebrate and declare the mercy of God we experience through Jesus Christ.

²Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—³if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
⁴Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and ⁵like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
⁷To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”
⁸and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
⁹But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
¹⁰Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel: John 14:1-14

The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

On the night that he is to be arrested, Jesus shares final words with his disciples. As the one through whom God is known, he promises to go before them and act on their behalf.

[Jesus said to the disciples:] ¹“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to the place where I am going.” ⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
⁸Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” ⁹Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. ¹¹Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. ¹²Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

Pastor David J. Tinker

“Together in Christ for Each Other”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A young man from the United States walked along a dirt road in Mail.  That is a country in West Africa.  Life was harsh in the desert nation.  Poverty was everywhere.  He was there to help distribute food as part of a summer mission training program during college.  He felt lost in this land; all the locals he met were not Christians, and only a few spoke English.  His thoughts drifted to the Christian friends who had helped raise funds for this trip.  They were back home, and he was here in Mali, felling alone.

As he walked along the road he came upon a small village.  While walking past a hut he saw a family cooking their meal. As they cooked, they sang.  He couldn’t understand the words, but he knew the tune.  It was a song he would often sing with friends back home in the United States.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord

We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored

And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Although he didn’t know their language, he sang along in English.  He was not alone, for had found brothers and sisters in Christ in this foreign land.

In our reading from First Peter, chapter 2, we see Peter’s encouragement to a group of early Christians. They were from various backgrounds and situations, but they were all followers of Jesus Christ.  Although we don’t totally know the situation, we get some ideas from the text. There seemed to be a need for there to be a deeper interconnection among the people of the Church.  They knew each other, but they didn’t understand themselves as a group in the same way that God did.

Peter encouraged the church to deepen their fellowship, to be built into a “spiritual house” made of “living stones.”  Other terms for this deep sense of connection were “Holy priesthood”, “chosen race”, “Royal priesthood”, “a holy nation”, and “God’s own people.”  What mattered is that they knew each other and looked to each other for God’s provisions of strength, support, and community.  It wasn’t easy to remain faithful to Christ when the world around them was, at best, apathetic about Jesus, and at worst, hostile to the point of violence and murder against Christians.  These early Christians remembered the first Christian Martyr, Stephen, and the many other who had been killed because they believed in Jesus Christ.  What these people needed was solid support from a community which shared a common Savior and common values.  They were in it together.  It would take work, but it would be worth it in the long term.

Today we have similar needs.  We need Christian Fellowship and Community.  We have a true need for mutual care and support which is founded in the love of Christ.  Our efforts at building Christian community are worth it because each person is valuable to God.  Our value comes from the love of God in Jesus Christ.  We are people for whom Jesus Christ died, and we have received him in faith.  In doing so, he also forgives our sin and calls us to participate in his new way of life in community.  This is called many things, including, “A Royal Priesthood”. This Royal Priesthood is made up of those who respond to Christ’s call to bring Christ to one another and to those we encounter in this world.

I had an excellent experience with this.  In 1989 I returned to Houston after college.  I quickly stared attending worship at my home church, and I made a connection with a weekly Bible study group.  There were about 20 of us in the group, ranging from age 22 to about 85.  We took time each week to be together and to study God’s word.

There were two purposes for our gathering.  One was to study God’s Word, and the other was to build community. We came from various situations, yet we were all centered in these purposes of God.  Each week we grew closer through our shared Christian experience.  About 30 years later I am still close with several in that group.

We at MLLC/Waldeck have the opportunity to celebrate the fellowship we do have going already, and to enhance this to build even stronger connections.  Here are some practical ways we can increase and strengthen our fellowship in this congregation starting right now.  Yes, I know that some of these things will happen more fully once we resume our normal gatherings in the weeks to come:

*Find ways to be of service to your brother or sister in Christ.

*Seek to build a connection with someone you don’t know as well or at all.  Studies have shown that people need 7 or more connections in a congregation to feel connected.  These 7 connections need to be in addition to the pastor and his or her family.  You can be the good connection the other person needs, and you can benefit from having another connection in life.

*When we are able to be back together, participate in fellowship after worship.  Plan your Sunday to include time with others after worship.

*In whatever form of service you do in the church and community, invite others to serve with you.  Serving alongside others builds community.

*During this time of the COVID19 Pandemic, find ways to contact others each week.  Think of those who might be more isolated due to age or living circumstances.  A phone call, note, text, email, or other contact will build connection.  Consider praying with the person or asking how you might be able to pray for that person.  You may even find a new opportunity for service to others through your contacts.

These are just a few ideas.  I invite you to think and pray about ways in which we can build up community in this congregation.  Let’s talk so we can find and implement more ways. Community building in congregations is essential in this continuously changing world.  Through building community, we get to be a blessing as we have been blessed.

Let us pray — Most high and holy God, pour out upon us your one and unifying Spirit, and awaken in every of your church a holy hunger and thirst for unity in you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
 

*Prayers of Intercession

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we come before you in humble prayer.  Enliven our faith and help us to follow closely in the way of Jesus Christ.  Lord, in your mercy,  Hear our prayer.

We pray that, by your Spirit, you would raise up among us individuals who have gifts of pastoral ministry.  Help us to discern your calling in our own lives and in the lives of those in this congregation.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the church around the world who face the threat of martyrdom.  Help all Christians to stand firm in faith in Jesus Christ when the day of trial comes.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

Grant us peace and comfort as we remember friends and relatives who have recently died.   (We especially remember…)   Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray that you will heal and strengthen all who wait upon you in sickness and physical trial, especially those whom we now name aloud or in quiet prayer… Be their help and their shield.   Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

On this Mother’s Day we pray for those who struggle with grief related to motherhood.  Comfort those who face estrangement from loved ones.  Give strength to women who have lost a child or whose circumstances have prevented motherhood.  Help us to honor the memory of mothers who are deceased.   Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all mothers, grandmothers as well as all faithful girls and women in this congregation.  Help them to love, serve and lead in ways which are honoring to you.  Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

P:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

LORD’S PRAYER 

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27061.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Waldeck Prayer List: Linda Brown, London Gaskins, Phillip Procell, Brian Shaffer, Sandra Gest, Barbara Spence, April Weyand, Fritz Schoenst, Alicia McQuaig, Diana Garik Poentisch, Sally Beettner, Carrie Oltmann, Robin Hardin, Beverly Drescher

MLLC REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Ruby Renck (recent surgery); Angie Colpetzer (recent surgery); Carol Mertz Leitzel, Janet Schnell Beckworth (both friends of Praise Team leader Jolene Wickel, health concerns and in hospitals);  Ricky Eckert (brother of Ronnie Eckert, health concerns); Kalisa Pomykal (Paula Barrick’s sister, medical concerns); Kenny Lorenz (former member Robert Hinze’s relative, serious burns and numerous health concerns); Nancy Pietsch (former RT-C teacher, health concerns); Johnny Dunham (health concerns); Joyce Kelley (friend, health concerns); Jack Walsh (friend of Wade Eilers, recurring melanoma); Bill Clarke (friend of Daryl & Susan Ray, stage 4 cancer); Robert Vaughn (at Texas Neurology, thankful for extended stay for rehab); Edna Mae Krivacka (friend of Ed Eargle and Carol Carmean, back home, health concerns)

Sympathy to the families of Sylvia Braun Hughey (Floyd Braun’s sister); Carrie Bozarth (friend of Sedalia Ullrich); Ruth Hueske (friend from Brenham); Nelson Neutzler (friend from Burton); Verlene Citzler (aunt of Leonita Sanders)

The Ongoing Prayer Concerns may be found in the monthly newsletter.

THIS WEEK at MLLC

Today          5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

May 3         5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

happy MOTHER’S DAY to all the mothers and daughters of mothers.  Thank you for all you do for your families.

RECYCLING TRAILER will be back at the Carmine Hall beginning Thursday, May 14 from noon until 4 p.m.  They will be in Ledbetter from 8:30 – 11 a.m. behind the Ledbetter Hall.

WORSHIP SERVICES are suspended until further notice.

WELCA BANQUET set for June 3 has been postponed.

OFFERING ENVELOPES may be mailed to the church at PO Box 362, Carmine, TX 78932.  You may also give online.  Check the mllc website for more information.  Thanks to all who have continued to make contributions.

CONFIRMATION will be postponed and a new date set when services resume.

LUTHERAN MISSION APPEAL envelopes are designated for Lutheran Disaster Response of the ELCA.  You may send contributions in the mail, or bring it by the office, with the check made out to MLLC and in the memo line, put Lutheran Disaster Response.  You may also go to the website to donate.

mlllccarmine/online-giving/

disaster relief – lutheran disaster response

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL has been postponed.  The new date at MLLC will be August 2-6, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., with the theme Rocky Railway.  See the codes in the May newsletter to register your child and to volunteer.

Registration is also available at the church web site:  https://mllccarmine.com/vacation-bible-school-2020/

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at Bethlehem Lutheran in Round Top will either be postponed or cancelled.  There are registration forms in the narthex and church office.  For more information contact Stacy Eilers at 979-639-1897.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBER A person is needed to serve as chairperson of the Outreach/Care Committee.  Please consider serving in this role.

Readings, Devotion, Prayers and Announcements for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, May 3, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

As we are not able to meet due as usual to health and safety concerns, yet we are still finding ways to share and celebrate our faith together.

Below are the readings, prayers, and various announcements for this Sunday and this week.  The Sunday devotion is at the end of the readings.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual.  Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week.  Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office  – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site:  mllccarmine.com/online-giving  This page has a link to our secure giving page.  Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

YouTube Video Link

Here is the link for the YouTube video of this day’s service.

May 3, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

A reading from Acts.

Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.

⁴²[The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
⁴³Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All who believed were together and had all things in common; ⁴⁵they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 23, King James Version

R:  Psalm 23, read in unison.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil;

my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25

A reading from 1 Peter.

Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.

¹⁹It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. ²⁰If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. ²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
²²“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
²³When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. ²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel: John 10:1-10

The holy gospel according to John.  Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

[Jesus said:] ¹“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. ²The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
⁷So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27061.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Devotion

By Pastor David Tinker

“Back to Basics”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As a youth I played soccer for several years.  One coach I had was fantastic.  His name was Dr. Hernando Español, and he was by far my very best coach.  He wanted us to have fun, and to have some success in the game.

At team practice Dr. Español observed that all we wanted to do was kick the ball and try to make goals.  He knew that running around the field and trying to be hot shots wasn’t going to win a game, nor make the game any more fun.  This great coach took the time to get us working on the basics.  He had us run endless drills for ball control, kicking, and various moves.  In that “Back to Basics” approach to practice, Dr. Español gave us more than enough to play well.  You know what happened after all that training?  We understood what we were doing, did it well, and had a great time.  It was the best time I’d ever had playing sports.

In today’s reading from Acts chapter 2 we read of the early church.  In this passage we see the community of Christians focusing on the basics of the faith.  All this follows the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  That was a glorious celebration of God’s love and grace given through Jesus Christ.  Over and over in Acts chapter 2 we read of the goodness of God expressed through the death on the cross and rising from the tomb of Jesus Christ.  In the dramatic sermon Peter preaches that day we hear him say, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”  He reminds the people of the wonderful and generous promises of God.  Sins will be forgiven, and people will receive the blessings of God’s Holy Spirit.    This good and gracious gift of God is offered to all who would receive it.

The early church, in response to God’s generous mercy and love, got back to basics.  Following their Spirit led model, we are invited to do the same today.  Let’s break their response down to the six basic elements:  Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, ministry to others, and generosity.

The first item on the list is that they devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching.  We do this all the time.  We read Scripture; we study it and preach about it.  We seek to base our actions and direction on what the Apostles have passed on to us.

The second element is their devotion to fellowship.  While this does include talking and just being together, that is not the end.  Fellowship is expressed in how we show steadfast support and love for our fellow believers.  Fellowship is expressed in how we stand with those who mourn.  Fellowship is lived out as we visit the sick and lonely.  Fellowship is when we encourage others to take time to invest in their spiritual life.  Fellowship is reaching out to those who are lost, forgotten, lonely or isolated.

The third element of life as the early church is their devotion to the breaking of bread.  All 3 references to the “Breaking of Bread” in Luke’s books – specifically the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles – are clearly about Holy Communion.  The early Christian Church put great importance in frequent Holy Communion and offered it at weekly worship and, in many cases, every day.

The fourth element of the early church’s life together was prayer.  Every week we pray in worship.  We print prayer requests in bulletins and newsletters.  We pray in our homes and throughout our days.  The Apostle Paul reminds us to “Pray without ceasing”.  Just as the early church did, we have the opportunity of prayer to connect with God on a daily basis.

The fifth element is that of ministry to others.  The early church served others and used what they had to be of benefit to others.  Throughout the book of Acts we see people helping others in need.  We do that today as well.  We support the local food pantry.  We volunteer in various ministries.  We care for one another.  We make quilts for various outside organizations.  We quietly care for our neighbors, and we do so much more.  Our Christian Ministry takes place both within the church and within the community.

The sixth element is that the early church was generous giving.  In response to God’s message of faith, hope and love the people gave and gave to God and others.  Christians, stirred by the Holy Spirit and founded in God’s love, were stirred to give generously.  We get to be generous today.

Since the beginning of the Christian movement the followers of Jesus have done these six things. Author Michael Foss has given the name, “Marks of Discipleship,” to these six patterns of living out our faith.  These are based on our reading from the Book of Acts.

The Marks of Discipleship:  I will strive to…

*Pray daily                   The early church prayed.

*Worship weekly          The early church broke bread – communion

*Read the Bible daily     The early church studied the apostles teachings

*Serve at and beyond Martin Luther Lutheran Church or Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church or my local congregation.

The early church cared for those in need

*Be in Relationship with others to encourage spiritual growth

The early church devoted itself to fellowship

*Give of my time, talents and resources in a generous manner and to the glory of God             The early church was generous

It is all there for us.  Acts 2:42-47 and the Six Marks of Discipleship are a guide to getting back to basics.  Remember, God dearly loves you and invites you to be part of the great things he is doing today.  He has invested in you through the work of Jesus.  Therefore, get back to basics so you can reinvest in your faith.

Let us pray – Almighty God, you mercifully offer us forgiveness and life in your Son, Jesus Christ.  Stir your Holy Spirit in our lives so that we might respond to your love by living out our faith each day.  We pray this in Jesus Holy Name.  Amen

*Prayers of Intercession

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You have called Your Church from the ends of the earth to be the witness to death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Enliven our proclamation of the name of Jesus so that all may put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that our brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer disgrace and persecution for your name may rejoice in your mercy.  We pray that you will continue to sustain Christians in Egypt during their suffering. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

Sustain those who are struggling with illness of any kind, especially those we now name aloud or in quiet prayer… Comfort those who have lost children through miscarriage, stillbirth, and tragedy, and restore to new life those who have suffered from abuse.            Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember your servants of every time and place who have gone before us (especially…). We thank you that through the gift of faith you have taken delight in them. Give comfort to those who mourn.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lead us into the world to serve others in need.  Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to respond to your mercy by being merciful to those who suffer in our community and around the world.  Lord, in your mercy,  Hear our prayer.

P:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

LORD’S PRAYER 

Prayer List for Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church:

Health and Well-being Prayer List:  Phillip Procell, Brian Shaffer, Sandra Gest, James Smith, Barbara Spence, April Weyand, Fritz Schoenst, Alicia McQuaig, Diana Garik Poentisch, Sally Beettner, Carrie Oltmann, Robin Hardin, Beverly Drescher

MLLC REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Verlene Citzler (aunt of Leonita Sanders, health concerns); Carol Mertz Leitzel, Janet Schnell Beckworth (both friends of Praise Team leader Jolene Wickel, health concerns and in hospitals);  Ricky Eckert (brother of Ronnie Eckert, health concerns); Kalisa Pomykal (Paula Barrick’s sister, medical concerns); Kenny Lorenz (former member Robert Hinze’s relative, serious burns and numerous health concerns); Nancy Pietsch (former RT-C teacher, health concerns); Johnny Dunham (health concerns); Joyce Kelley (friend, health concerns); Jack Walsh (friend of Wade Eilers, recurring melanoma); Bill Clarke (friend of Daryl & Susan Ray, stage 4 cancer); Robert Vaughn (at Texas Neurology, thankful for extended stay for rehab); Carrie Bozarth (friend of Sedalia Ullrich, cancer); Edna Mae Krivacka (friend of Ed Eargle and Carol Carmean, back home, health concerns)

MLLC Sympathy to the families of Dora Miller; Jeannie Johnson  (grandmother of Matthew & Nick Colpetzer, Joshua Aranzolo, and Emily Ortiz); LaVerne Krumrey (friend from Brenham)

The Ongoing Prayer Concerns may be found in the monthly newsletter.

THIS WEEK at MLLC

Today             5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

May 3             5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

WORSHIP SERVICES are suspended until further notice.

WELCA BANQUET set for June 3 has been postponed.

OFFERING ENVELOPES may be mailed to the church at PO Box 362, Carmine, TX 78932.  You may also give online.  Check the mllc website for more information: mllccarmine.com/online-giving  Thanks to all who have continued to make contributions during this unprecedented time with COVID-19.

CONFIRMATION will be postponed and a new date set when services resume.

LUTHERAN MISSION APPEAL envelopes are designated for Lutheran Disaster Response of the ELCA.  You may send contributions in the mail, or bring it by the office, with the check made out to MLLC and in the memo line, put Lutheran Disaster Response.  You may also go to the website to donate.

mlllccarmine/online-giving/

disaster relief – lutheran disaster response

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL has been postponed.  The new date at MLLC will be August 2-6, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., with the theme Rocky Railway.  See the codes in the May newsletter to register your child and to volunteer.

Registration is also available at the church web site:  https://mllccarmine.com/vacation-bible-school-2020/

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at Bethlehem Lutheran in Round Top will be June 1-4 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with the theme “Anchored.”  There are registration forms in the narthex and church office.  For more information contact Stacy Eilers at 979-639-1897.  Possibly to be postponed to a later date.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBER A person is needed to serve as chairperson of the Outreach/Care Committee.  Please consider serving in this role.