July

Heavenly Father, during His earthly ministry Your Son Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead… O God, Your almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy… Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul… Almighty and most merciful God, You are the protector of all who trust in You…

During the non-festival half of the church year we focus on the ministry of Jesus. Through His words and actions. The prayer of the Day; throughout this month of July, address those qualities which are unique only to Jesus.  He alone heads the sick and raised the dead. He also made his power known by showing acts of care and mercy. He alone provides for all of our needs both physical and spiritual despite our flaws and failures. He alone is able to guard and keep us.  He alone is the one to protect us.

As we transition through life we can soon discover how vulnerable we are. We need Christ’s presence “every passing hour.” We plea for mercy. Based on God’s constant mercy of the past. There are times when we ask God to abide with us. When we need help. When the way is dark. We pray: “Abide with me; fast falls the eventide.” When joy is gone. We pray: “Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day.” When we seek comfort and forgiveness we pray: “Come not in terrors, as the King of kings”. When we were young and foolish we confess: “Thou on my head in early youth didst smile.” When we are tempted we pray: “I need thy presence every passing hour.”

Remind yourself and others that your God has never left you in life and He will not leave you in death. “In life. In death. O Lord. Abide with me!” That is our petition. And that is His promise.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;

 Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.

Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

Pr. Dahling will be out of town visiting his daughter in New York City from June 28 to July 3. He will be attending the wedding of his nephew July 26-31 In the event you are in need of pastoral care kindly contact Pr. Peter Brock, or Pr. Russell Fuhrmann or any of the other pastors of our Decatur Circuit.

Brian Horning after six years as Youth Director of the Oasis Youth Fellowship has accepted a call to a congregation in Michigan. His last day of service will be June 30.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege has been elected to a three year term as President of the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. His responsibilities at St Paul Preble after thirty-six years of service will conclude the end of this month. He will assume His office on September 9, 2018.

On Sunday, July 1, 2018 Rev. Martin Moehring will preach his farewell sermon as he will be retiring from full time Kingdom work after twenty-five years of service at St. Peter congregation. 

On Sunday, July 8 Pastor-elect Leonard Tanksley will be ordained and installed as St. Peter’s new pastor.