God the Spirit

Late Lenten greetings to you in the name of Christ, our Brother.

Two weeks ago, we started our series on the Apostles’ Creed.  When we discussed the first article, we discovered a God who gives us exactly what we need every day, and that miraculous provision can be found in every nook and cranny of creation.  Last week, we shared what I consider the most beautiful words of truth from the catechism: Luther’s explanation of the 2nd article of the Creed.  What joy to know that we have been freed from sin, death, and the power of the devil by Jesus Christ!

Today, we zero in on the third article of the creed and discuss the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes, we think of the Spirit as this floaty, aloof, being that wafts about.  But I like to think of the Holy Spirit as that force in our lives that strengthens us for the most basic and earthly of tasks.

The Spirit creates and sustains faith in us.  The kind of faith that trust in our status as God’s children.  The kind of faith that seeks to serve our neighbors – even when that forces us to admit uncomfortable truths about ourselves.  The kind of faith that believes in salvation for ALL who cling to Christ.  The kind of faith that believes in a resurrection not just for souls, but for our whole selves and the whole of creation.  God is going to redeem every last bit of us and His creation.

How can the Holy Spirit possibly do that?  Through daily gifts like forgiveness.  Through gifts like the church (even when the building isn’t so easy to access, the Holy Spirit is at work in the church!).  Through the gift of God’s Word.  Through gifts like the community of believers, and the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

It is certainly a challenging time for the church and for God’s people.  It might even feel like we’re falling apart.  But some way, somehow, the Holy Spirit holds us together – sometimes in ways we can’t even see.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith individually and communally – that we might lean into our status as God’s people and remain faithful day after day … until this faith becomes sight!

*******************

Wednesday Soup Suppers & Evening Prayer – Last One March 24!!
One last time this season you can get a comforting bowl of soup. Swing past the church on Wednesday, March 24 5-5:45pm and pick up a meal for your whole family.  No need to pre-register.  Just show up by the parking lot doors and someone will serve you!  And you’ll still get home to enjoy Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 (Facebook, KWAD)

Palm Sunday Youth Lunch – March 28, 11-1pm

The youth are serving a wonderful meal on Palm Sunday and would love for you to “Grab and Go” in Immanuel’s parking lot … and support our Youth Ministry at the same time!  To RSVP, call the church office (631-2738), or visit wadenaimmanuel.org.  You can also sign up on the church bulletin board.

 

Holy Week Worship Schedule

Here’s the plan for Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

·         Palm Sunday (March 28) ~ 8:30am – in person worship (also on Facebook)

·         Maundy Thursday (April 1) ~ 2pm & 6:30pm – In person worship (6:30pm on Facebook)

·         Good Friday (April 2) ~ 6:30pm – Facebook only

·         Easter Sunday (April 4) ~ 8:30am & 10am – In person worship (8:30am on Facebook)

·         Radio Broadcast continues each Sunday 9:30am on KWAD

Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

Comments

Unknown said…
What a great explanation of the holy spirit
Friday, March 19, 2021 5:33:00 AM
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