Lost and Found
We have looked forward to today’s celebration for so long. Some of us, like Miriam Hibbs, who was baptized at FLC, are really going to love hearing from Bishop Burk and all the other former pastors today. But our readings for today tell us that God has a heart for losers. Well, that doesn’t describe Miriam, Martha, Harlan, or any of our older and long-time members. Today we hear how the risen Lord calls the violent, blasphemous persecutor, Paul, and tells parables about shepherds and ten silver coins. We are reminded that God doesn’t abandon people even when people abandon God. The Bishop is sure to tells us how the cross and resurrection testify to God’s faithfulness in that regard. God rescues strays one by one, making the first move to find the lost and create new hearts in them. On this day, when we give thanks for God’s blessing of our ministry throughout 150 years, we can testify to the faithfulness of God, shared with overflowing grace in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, who is patient, forgiving, energetic, and ready to celebrate. So are we!! Come, meet old and new friends, enjoy the reunion with former pastors and others who will be participating in worship leadership. And finally, before the celebratory potluck and pictures with the Bishop and a box of cereal, Jesus hosts the worshiping assembly welcoming sinners and eating with us. He issues the invitation to His table and the word “sinner” no longer describes us. Today, we will experience being a forgiven guest at our own celebration. Be “graced,” “gifted,” “loved,” and “empowered.” Then we follow Jesus out of the gathered assembly and into the world as searchers of missing persons, determined to find the lost and the broken and issuing invitations to come home. And that brings us back full circle to our anniversary, to our gratitude, to God’s incredible faithfulness and undying love. Do not miss this Sunday.
SUNDAY: September 15
First Lutheran’s 150th Anniversary!
9 am – Coffee and Conversation
10 am – Worship with
Bishop Michael Burk
Joint Service for CTS & FLC
(There will not be a service at CTS on this day.)
11:30 am – Lunch served at Carpenter’s Hall
(1215 Court Avenue)
Please come and celebrate with us!
MONDAY: September 16
7 pm – Quilt Guild in Fireside Room
TUESDAY: September 17
Noon – CTS Women’s Bible Study (place TBA)
3:30 pm – CTS Worship Committee
4:30 pm – CTS Task Force
Wendy will be on vacation September 17-19.
In case of emergency, please call
Pastor Sally (906-231-0048) or
Gayle Bortz (641-203-0677)
WEDNESDAY: September 18
THURSDAY: September 19
9 am – FLC Quilting
Noon – Wayne Co. Ministers Meet
7 pm – Slavic Worship
FRIDAY: September 20
9-11 am – CCC at CTS
Newsletter Deadline
Office Closed
SATURDAY: September 21
8:30 am – WELCA Fall Cluster
at Centerville, First Lutheran
NEXT SUNDAY: September 22
Worship
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
10 am – CTS Sunday School Begins
10:15 am – At FLC, All Church Activities & Picnic
1 pm – Slavic Worship
6 pm – Lutheran Adult Fellowship at FLC
September 22-24: Pastor Sally to Fall Conference
in W. Des Moines
ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, AT FIRST LUTHERAN & CHRIST THE SERVANT, Brittany Swanson, from Lutheran Lakeside Camp will be at both worship services to present news and updates from the camp.
FOLLOWING WORSHIP at FLC on Sunday, September 22:
For Students, Parents and the Whole Congregation!!
We will be filling school bags, playing some games, and having a great picnic on our new patio!! Chips and buns provided by Thrivent Action Team. Please RSVP to Katie Shore (charitonabstract@gmail.com)
or to FLC (Wendy) by 9-18-19!