Mammon Illness

   Rev. John Haugher spoke to a gathering of church leaders some time ago about the "Holy Use of Money," taken from the title of a book he authored in 1986. He described what he called "mammon illness," that is so pervasive in our consumer oriented culture.

What is “mammon?”

   Rev. Haughey's description of “mammon illness” begins with a definition of the word “mammon.” In Luke's Gospel, the word “mammon” is not a neutral term. It is not simply another word for “money.” It connotes disorder. Its root meaning is “that in which one puts one’s trust.” Mammon becomes a source of disorder because people allow it to make a claim on them that only God can make. Rev. Haughey says, “Judging from the many references Jesus made about money and possessions, Jesus must have discerned this mammon illness to widespread. Concerns about money and possessions constituted a major obstacle to his hearers being able to accept his words about the character of God.”

Running after things

   One symptom of mammon illness is “running after things.” Here Rev. Haughey uses Luke 12 as a reference point: “As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. All the nations seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them” (vs. 29-30). It is as if Jesus were saying “To provide yourself and yours with what you want and with what you need, you think you have to run.” He connects running with unbelieving. He invites his hearers to connect slowing down and walking with believing. He doesn't deride providing for oneself, just doing so with anxiety, because anxiety is a sign that a person thinks there is a part of his or her life out of God's loving reach.

This Week

Today

10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

10:30 a.m. Sun. School Rehearsal

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

10:45 a.m. Bible Adventures

Serving God and Us

Today:

Acolyte: Kyle Effertz

Reader: Fred Donaldson

Greeter: Richard/Glenna Hoemann

Ushers: Anderson

Sunday School: Malorie Morrill & Dallas Cooper

Next Sunday:

Reader: Bea Cook

Coffee: Laurie Nelson

Ushers: Donahoo

Sunday School: Britney Mendosa

Opportunities

   We welcome participation by our members.  This is what makes our congregation special.  New sign-up sheets are on the board in the fellowship hall for readers, greeters, coffee fellowship, and acolytes. 

Attendance: (last week) 

   Saturday -- 20   Sunday -- 100

Leading Us in the Lord

   Today we welcome Pastor Gary Heckman who leads us in our worship and shares God’s Word with us.  We pray the Lord’s blessings upon our hearts that we are ready to hear and respond to God’s Good News in Jesus.

Altar Flowers – In praise and thanksgiving to God, the chancel flowers are given by Lou and Patty Basham.  We thank them for their kindness.

Take a Trip

   In Bible Adventures next Sunday Pastor will look at the events and observance of Pentecost from Acts 2:1-21. 

Rummage Sale

   Dates have been determined for the Rummage Sale.  We will hold it on June 4-5.  This will be for smaller items (excluding appliances and furniture).  Please start saving your treasures.  Pick-up of items will be announced soon.

Christ Lutheran Finances

Given Last Week: $3,092.07
Given To Date: $54,366.92

Needed Last Week: $3,044.85
Needed To Date: $59,852.15

Garage Sale: $50.00

Time to Rehearse

   Members of our Sunday School will meet during our fellowship time today to review their participation in our worship next Sunday. 

   Sunday, May 23 will be youth Sunday with our young people participating.

   Sunday, May 30 will be Graduate Sunday.  Quilts will be shared.