God Owns — We Manage
In our capitalistic system, we are allowed to own private property. We become owners through deeds, certificates, and other legal instruments. Ownership is part of the American dream. Most people would rather own than rent.
As the legal owners of so many things, it is sometimes difficult for us to acknowledge that God is the real and ultimate owner of everything. He is the owner; we are the managers or caretakers of God's property. King David wrote, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). God is the landlord. We are the tenants. We possess, we oc-cupy, we use, we manage—but we don't own.
Scripture tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Out of nothing, God created life. The world and all who live in it are gifts from God. To sustain our lives, He gives us the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). He gives us strength, wisdom, knowledge to use in this life and then eternal life with Him in Heaven.
In Genesis 1:26, God puts us in charge of His kingdom. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and birds of the air, over the live-stock, aver all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” God has made us His stewards responsible for all the gifts He has entrusted to us. As wise managers, we understand that we will be held accountable for how we manage God's possessions. If we manage what we been given wisely and responsibly, we will one day hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23).
This Week
Today
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
Monday
Newsletter Articles Due
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Ladies Crafts
Saturday
5:00 p.m. Praise Worship
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
Altar Flowers – In praise and thanksgiving to God, the chancel flowers are given by Andy Anderson and Dallas Cooper in honor of David Anderson’s birth-day. We thank them for their kindness.
Serving God and Us
Today:
ACOLYTE: Breanne Harkins
READER: Andy Anderson
GREETER: Lou and Patty Basham
USHERS: Donahoo
COFFEE: Andy Anderson
Next Sunday:
ACOLYTE: Kyle Effertz
READER: Paul Krumm
GREETERS: John & Lee Kinslowe
USHERS: Effertz
COFFEE: Susan LaSelle
Taking Part
New signup sheets are on the bulletin board for readers, greeters, acolytes, and coffee fellowship. We invite all our members to be involved.
Welcome
Today we welcome again Pastor Gary Heckman to lead us in worship and share God’s Word. We ask God’s blessings upon him as he shares his message and pray that our hearts be receptive to the good news of God’s grace and that its impact shows forth in our lives.
Upcoming Events
Pastor will begin Seventh Grade Confirmation Class on Monday, September 13. Sessions will be held 3:30-4:30 each Monday. Please speak with him if you are interested and have him review the program plans for the year.
Sunday Bible Class will begin again on September 12 following our fellowship. Pastor will again follow the schedule of our Sunday School Lessons. The first lesson will be on Marriage.
We do not plan to hold worship on Saturday, December 25, Christmas Day. We will poll our Saturday members in November if they would like to have our service on New Years Day.
Attendance: (last week)
Saturday -- 18 Sunday – 55
Important Date:
Newsletter articles are needed by Monday, August 23 for our September Issue. This is the way we inform our congregation of events and invite participation. You may be able to e-mail your articles if you prefer.
Christ Lutheran Finances
Given Last Week: $2,302.00
Given To Date: $87,779.42
Needed Last Week: $3,044.85
Needed To Date: $96,435.20
Building Fund: $5.00
