Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. - Martin Luther


Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Generous Response on Malaria Sunday! Disaster Response in Nepal

THANK YOU to all the worshipers gathered as Christ the King Lutheran Church this past Sunday. A total of $685.57 was raised to support the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign - and every last penny helps reach the campaign's goal of $15 million by the end of next January.
As the offering was received, we watched a video about the ELCA Malaria Campaign's work in Burundi. Below, watch about the work being done thanks to your generous support in Malawi. And if you'd like to "stay in the loop" on the Campaign's efforts, check out the ELCA Malaria Campaign blog.

Folks are also asking about how to respond to the devastating earthquake in Nepal last weekend. One hundred percent of gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for "Nepal Area Earthquake," will be used for relief efforts. The ELCA has well-developed partnerships with Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran World Federation and the ACT Alliance, already delivering emergency aid. You can give online, or give through CtK, just indicate your gift on your check or offering envelope.

From the ELCA Disaster Response website:

Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Nepal, as rescue efforts and assessments continue. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has launched an immediate large-scale emergency response with its emergency team in Kathmandu at the LWF offices, which have escaped the worst impact of the quake. The ELCA is the only U.S. member church of the LWF. We are also working with Lutheran World Relief and church partners from ACT Alliance to coordinate the response, which includes the distribution of immediate life-saving supplies such as water, food, shelter and medication to people injured.

Thank you for your prayers and generosity in support of those in need.

Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of the earthquake. Reveal your presence in the midst of suffering. Strengthen those who work in search and rescue, recovery and relief efforts. Comfort those who mourn. Inspire generosity in the hearts of those with the capacity to help. And bless us all with the assurance of hope we know in the death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Happy happy Easter!

This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter - it's often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because all the lectionary Bible readings lift up the image of the Lord as Shepherd.

It IS still Easter after all. The season of Easter is celebrated as the Great Fifty Days - a week of weeks plus a day. Of course the reality of Easter lasts forever. Christ is alive!