Pentecost Message from Pastor Jim (August 2022)

Dear First Lutheran Family and Friends,                       

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

We are in a time of transition. Normally, this time of year, we’re focused on the transition from the dog days of summer to cooler fall days … from summer vacations to a new school year, new jobs and new schools following recent graduations, and maybe moves to new homes in new places. As we make these, and many other transitions, we ask God to help us as we all navigate these times of change and to recover from the challenges of the past year-plus. God, Father in heaven, have mercy on Your people. Help us, restore us, grant us Your peace and strength as you prepare for new stories in our lives. Guide us and protect us in all we do in service to You and each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

As our calendar flips from one season to another we in the church continue the long "Season of Green" – the Season of Pentecost. The “green season” is that long period in the church year where the paraments are colored green as we celebrate the “life of the church.” As He gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper, Jesus promised, “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you … When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:7,13) The season of Pentecost begins with Pentecost Sunday, the celebration of the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit, and continues as He calls, gathers and enlightens the church of all believers – bringing life to God’s church on earth.

In this season of Pentecost, whenever you see the color green or hear the living word of God, give thanks to God for the gift of life … now and in eternity … that you have on account of your faith in our Father’s love for you as expressed through His Son, Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim

Worship, Sunday School, Bible Study

• Masks optional for worshippers and Sunday School attendees of all ages.
• Please wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so ... please respect all for their decisions in this matter.
• Please continue to practice good hand hygiene and attend "livestream" worship and classes if not feeling well.

We encourage all of God's people to remember that after 2 years of suffering under the effects of this pandemic, not everyone is in the same place regarding health, masks, and other matters. 

• We strongly encourage those who need to continue practicing extra measures for their own health and the health of others to do so.
• We ask all to respect and honor these personal decisions in worship, in class, and wherever you might be in the community.

Remember Jesus' words, "Love the Lord your God ... love your neighbor as yourself"  (Matthew 22:37-39). 

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Worship

Worship Services

Sunday Morning
Click links below to attend on-line.

8:00 and 10:45AM In-Person and Livestream Worship 

If interested in the Livestream service call the church office at 410-257-3030.

Click here for Recorded Service 
(available after service is completed)

Wednesday Evening
6:30 PM In-Person Worship 
Or view Livestream here.

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Sunday School

9:30-10:30AM Children's & Youth Sunday School and Confirmation Classes (In-Person)

9:30-10:30AM  Adult Sunday School (In Person/Livestream)

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Bible Studies

 On-line studies on Sunday and during the week continue to be added. When available, please check in here.

•"Five Hundred Fifty Words-Or Less" Pastor's Blog