Henry's last day at Camp

Today is Henry's last day at Camp Lutherhaven. He'll come home tomorrow. After church we'll take off for a few days in Chicago before he packs up to go back to Terre Haute.

Hank will be a senior this year. The time has gone by quickly. He's done a great job and picked a school that is perfect for him. From our experience ISU has been "More. From day one." My two sisters who live out of state are coming into town next weekend. Should be an interesting week!

Cat pic Friday. Salem aka "the fat man" loves to sleep on his back...and dream of food! We don't have too many pics of Tacy. Salem however loves to be in the spotlight.

Proper 14 - August 10, 2008

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

http://www.zionfriedheim.org/

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838
Matthew 14:22-33
August 10, 2008
Proper 14

Jesus’ walking on the sea frightens the disciples. Jesus sends the disciples by boat to the other side of the lake while He went up a mountain to pray. When the boat was far from shore, a terrible storm developed, and the disciples were frightened. Three hours before dawn they had a greater reason to be scared. They saw a figure walking on the water thinking it to be a ghost.

Jesus assured them immediately. He said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. Peter asked Jesus to let him come to Him by walking on the water.

The Savior’s words - "Take courage!" and "Don't be afraid" bracket the central reason for Jesus’ calming words. He says, "It is I." Although the Greek words for "It is I" ("I am") can have no more force than that, any Christian after the Resurrection and Ascension would also detect echoes of these words. These words are Jesus’ decisive self-disclosure of being none other then Almighty God Himself! (See Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 51:12; cf. John 8:58).

Walking on the waves in the early hours of the morning Jesus calls out to His fearful disciples saying “I am none other then God Himself” Peter, wanting convincing proof says in effect “Jesus, if You really are whom You claim to be, if You really are God Almighty – then command me to step out of this boat and I too will walk on this water!”

Jesus’ response to Peter is a decisive command. “Come! “ “Bring it on!” “I will prove Myself to you!”

Peter steps out in faith. He is walking on the water just like the Savior who has called Him. It is the Lord! He truly is the Lord! He can be trusted at His Word!

But when Peter saw the waves, he becomes overwhelmed. Fear gets the best of him. Peter lost faith and began to sink. In desperation he cries to Jesus for help. Jesus took him to the boat, the wind stopped, and the disciples - in awe - confess that Jesus is the Son of God. They heard His command, they witnessed the drama. They saw and experienced the effects of complete silence.

When we face the storms of life we need the same Christ to come to our rescue. This miracle teaches us to take Jesus at His word. When He tells us clearly, “I am none other then God Almighty and My ways are good for you” we can do nothing but trust and obey. When fear and doubt challenge our faith; we, like the anxious father, in fear for his child need to plead, “Lord I believe…help my unbelief!”

Let up pray to the Lord…

“Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merit of your Son, Jesus Christ.”

In our deepest need —

1. We cry for help — But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me. Vs. 30. Peter expressed the ultimate need of every human — “Lord! Save me.” Each person has many needs, but basic to all is the need for deliverance from the threatening forces that are our own undoing. On the sea of life, every person faces drowning. He needs to be rescued. At Peter’s cry, Jesus “reached out His hand and caught him.” Jesus said His followers were to catch men before they perish in the perils of the world.


A. Peter felt threatened by surrounding conditions — “when he saw the wind.” What is it that frightens people these days? Growing up in the 1960’s many feared a surprise missile attack from the Communist Russians.

All people could hope for would be that our defense systems would destroy theirs entering our air space. Now many fear attacks from terrorist cell groups who may go undetected in our country for months, possibly years.

The National Red Cross recently put together an educational curriculum for children which, [and I quote,] “provides positive ways for children and their families to respond to past events and plan for future uncertain times.” Advertised as, “a supplement to Masters of Disaster™ the children's natural hazard safety curriculum.” “The format and components are similar, including ready-to-go lesson plans, activities and demonstrations that can be incorporated within core subject areas. Lessons are aligned with national health, social studies, and language arts standards.” [1]

There you have it - a ready made curriculum addressing the subject of fear. Rational or not, real or imagined, there is an entire cottage industry geared at addressing people’s fears.

Some fear an uncertain economic future, while others fear the rise in diseases such as cancer.

B. By definition fear is a sinking condition — “beginning to sink.” It is a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence of danger. It is a state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear. It is a feeling of disquiet or apprehension: a fear of looking foolish. It is a reason for dread or apprehension: Being alone is my greatest fear.[2]

C. As with Peter fear reared its ugly head because of a lack of faith — “afraid.” It seems that a fear of the future basically boils down to a lack of trust in God. Even after we have seen marvelous and miraculous events in our life, we still lack faith in God’s providence. Take for example yet another instance in which Jesus was with His disciples on the sea - the case when Jesus and His disciples were on the Sea of Galilee and an unexpected storm arrives. Jesus of course is asleep and the disciples panic. Jesus assumes that fear is directly related to lack of faith. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”[3]


We stare into an unknown future and the uncertainties drive us to a point that we either do not think that God is in control of our lives or that we know that God is in control, we are just scared out of our mind as to what God will actually have in store for us.

To combat fear and to build and bolster faith we need to recall the sure and certain words of our Lord and Savior. Says St. Paul, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”[4] So says the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”[5]

Transition: A lack of faith causes both fear and doubt to flourish. Where do we do for help? We turn to Christ for only He can save.


2. We are helped — But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” vv. 31-32.

A. He hears Peter’s cry — “Lord, save me.” This is the cry of faith. We pray this prayer Sunday after Sunday in the words of the Kyrie. “Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy. In the words of the Agnes Dei we petition our Lord, “Oh Christ Thou Lamb of God who takest away the sin of the world have mercy upon us and grant us Thy peace.” The Centurion with a critically ill servant said to the Savior, Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

B. He offers His hand — “Reached out his hand.” In this instance He rescued Peter from drowning. Says the Psalmist, "You called in trouble and I rescued you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah.[6] Stephen in his defense reminds us in Acts, chapter ten, “Joseph's brothers became jealous of him and sold Joseph as a slave in Egypt. However, God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler of Egypt and of his whole household.[7]
Says again the prophet Jeremiah, I will certainly rescue you. You will not die in war. You will escape with your life because you trusted me, declares the LORD.[8]

C. He rescues and saved Peter — “caught him.” Christ’s enemies declared from the foot of the cross, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him, if He wants to do so now. After all, he said, 'I am the Son of God,'"[9] The cruel cross of Calvary always looms before us. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you? This is the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin. It is the only means necessary for you to receive pardon and peace.
................................................................................
Conclusion: If you have raised children you have encountered this scene at least once that of the waiting father arms extended; encouraging, coxing his child to jump into the water. There the child sits, perched on the edge of the pool, frozen in time, petrified. Will he leap, or will fear get the best of him? So it goes with your Savior. He waits for you. He has the means necessary to come to your rescue. Into Your hands o merciful Savior we commend ourselves, trusting in You to protect and rescue us from all peril.



[1] http://www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/facingfear/
[2] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fear
[3] Mark 4:39-40
[4] Romans 8:28
[5] Jeremiah 29:11-13
[6] Psalm 87:1
[7] Acts 10:9-10
[8] Jeremiah 39:18
[9] Matthew 27:43

Mission-Philosophy-Vision Statement of our Friedheim Family

The Mission of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be “A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith”

The Philosophy of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is recorded in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfast in the Apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer”

The Vision of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church - Friedheim is to be one with respect to four specific objectives of mission and ministry.

Ø “The Apostles Doctrine” Being one in unity and faith. Basing our lives on God’s Holy Word as He speaks clearly to us through that Word.

Ø “Fellowship” Being one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Experiencing true joy in Christ. Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another.

Ø “The Breaking of Bread” Sacramental living. Experiencing daily the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation as Christ comes to us in and through the Sacraments.

Ø “Prayer” Upholding one another. Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.



Adopted: February 6, 2003

IN MEMORIAM

Donna Schieferstein
Born: June 9, 1929
Baptized: June 25, 1929
Confirmed May 4, 1953
With Christ in Peace: August 1, 2008
Committal: August 5, 2008

Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells – Psalm 26:8


Dorothy Selking
Born: April 19, 1925
Baptized:April 26, 1925
Confirmed: April 1, 1939
With Chrit in Peace: August 2, 2008
Committal: August 6, 20008

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want - Psalm 23:1


Death is so limited…
It has not crippled love,
It has not shattered hope,
It has not corroded faith,
It has not eaten away peace
Nor destroyed confidence

It has not killed friendship,
It has not shut out memories,
It has not silenced courage,
It has not invaded the soul,
Nor reduced eternal life.

It has not quenched the Spirit,
It cannot, has not,
Nor will not lesson the power of the resurrection!

Time in the Word - Proper 14 - August 4-9, 2008

Two simple yet heart felt Prayers –

“Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another.”

“Pour out upon us, O Lord, the Spirit to think and do what is right, that we, who cannot even exist without you, may have the strength to live according to your will.”

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.
The lessons give us people who are in trouble. In the Gospel lesson the disciples are frozen with fear on the Sea of Galilee. In the Old Testament lesson Elijah is in the throes of complete despair to the point he has given up. In the Epistle Paul is so desperate in his concern for the salvation of his fellow-Jews that to win them he is willing to be cut off from Christ. The hymn asks God our heavenly Father to guide us safely through this wilderness of life.

Collect for Proper 14 – Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merit of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen


Monday, August 4, 2008 – Psalm 34:1, 4-8; Antiphon, Psalm 145:16 In the Introit for next Sunday, David sings the praises of the Lord, who provides for all his needs, and saves him from his enemies, especially sin, death, and the devil. We apply it to ourselves when we use the antiphon, “You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing,” as part of our table prayer, as we are taught in Luther’s Small Catechism.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 – 1 Kings 19:9-18 - Here we encounter the prophet Elijah, hiding in a cave in fear for his life. He is discouraged because his people, the children of Israel have forsaken the true God for idol worship. The Lord shows Elijah His might in the form of a mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire, but then comfort Elijah by speaking in a “gentle whisper.” (Or, we might remember the King James Version’s “still, small voice.”) The Lord directs Elijah to anoint kings and prophets, and assures him that a faithful remnant endures.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 – Romans 9:1-5 – This day’s epistle fits nicely with the Old Testament reading. As did Elijah, St. Paul here laments over his people, the Jews. The very people to whom the Messiah was sent, from whom He came, have rejected Him. Paul’s anguish is very much in evidence; he is willing to forego his own salvation, if it would save his people. And still, in chapter eleven, he, too, will speak of a remnant of the faithful.

Thursday, August 7, 2008 – Matthew 14:22-33 – We can see ourselves in Peter. Jesus asks him to do the impossible, and Peter, full of bravado, believes he can. However, when he takes his eyes off of Jesus, he falters, and is at risk of perishing. Likewise, when we avert our eyes from Jesus, we lose faith and confidence, and put ourselves in spiritual jeopardy. When we cry out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus rescues us, lest we drown and are lost forever.

Friday, August 8, 2008 -Psalm 28- The Psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar in theme to the Introit: David beseeches the Lord to deliver him from his enemies, and then praises Him for His justice and deliverance. Once again, we encounter a verse which is very familiar to us; this one from the liturgy. Verse nine appears in the creedal hymn of praise sung in the order of Matins, the Te Deum Laudamus: “O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine heritage. Govern them and lift them up forever.”

Saturday, August 9, 2008 – Psalm 90 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Our God our Help in Ages Past.” Isaac Watts based his hymn on Psalm 90, but it fits very well with the Introit, Psalm, and all three Scripture readings for to-morrow. He is, indeed, our Help, Hope, Shelter, and Home.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Zachariah names John, Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Proper 13 - August 3, 2008

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

http://www.zionfriedheim.org/

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

August 3, 2008
Proper 13
Matthew 14:13-21


Jesus feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. More than any other episode, the feeding of a crowd of thousands of people is related six times in Holy Scripture. Apparently, this fact points to the importance with which the apostolic church held it. The account shows us Jesus’ power over nature, and His use of the disciples in feeding the multitude.

Several items are noteworthy: Jesus’ compassion for the needy, His power to make so much of so little, His partnership of the disciples, and the oversupply of food. The Lord provides. We have been blessed! Let us pray to the Lord…

“Gracious Father, Your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world. Give us this bread, that He may live in us and we in Him.”

Introduction: The miracle of feeding 5,000 with five loaves is a vehicle that carries several important truths. If we see only a miracle and nothing more, we miss the point. Apparently this episode was very important to the apostolic church because all four Gospels give an account of this miracle. We need to learn the lessons of this miracle.

Consider the permanent values in this miracle —

1. Christ is able to feed us — vv. 19-20. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The people needed physical food. They were plain hungry. Jesus tells the disciples to give the people something to eat. In a world where one-third of the people suffer malnutrition, Jesus has a message to those able to share their food. Jesus is concerned about the physical welfare of people as well as with their souls.

There is no dodging this issue by spiritualizing this account to say it refers to the Lord’s Supper, or to see Jesus as the second Moses, or to see the feeding of the crowd as a picture of an eschatological banquet. This miracle is to be taken as a concrete, factual situation - of real physical hunger which Christians have a responsibility to alleviate.

There is truly a spiritual dement ion to what you do. In our weekly prayers – from Easter to Thanksgiving – from planting to growth to harvest – we include petitions for farmers. We ask the Lord to help us to see that by this noble vocation you are feeding the world. That’s what you do. It is a holy work. Is it challenging – of course it is. Is it tiresome, frustrating, and rewarding? Yes, to all of these. But it is a work that is both important and necessary. That is why conclude our petition with the request “and cause all people who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.”

Transition: Not only is Jesus able to feed us> He is filled with compassion. He is willing to feed us.

2. Christ is willing to feed us. He has compassion. — Vs. 14 - When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Here is the heartbeat of the miracle. It is a greater factor than the power to bring food for 5,000 out of five loaves of bread. Because of His love for the hurting and the hungry, Jesus is moved to help and heal.

The people are not in a position to help themselves; it is at the end of the day, they are far from civilization, they are out of supplies. To get food at that time and in that place demanded a miracle. The disciples had no other options. Divine intervention was necessary. This account teaches that Jesus is not only able but willing to help. Contrast this with many contemporary instances when people in trouble are ignored when they cry for help.

It is so easy for so many to simply ignore those who truly are in need. For us to see the need would require us to respond. That’s why it’s so easy to look past those who are in need. It’s much easier to simply respond, “I’ve got mine…I’ve paid my dues…let them fend for themselves.”

What happens when you find yourself truly in need? What happens when your fervent prayers appear to go unanswered? What happens when all seems lost? This miracle proves that Jesus is both willing and able to help in your time of need.

The disciples were out of options. There was nothing they could do. Jesus came to their rescue for only He can save. Jesus came to prove that He is serious about dealing with your circumstance. This miracle was written for your – to assure you that He is the only one capable to save and serve.

Transition: Jesus is both willing and able to set the table for He is in charge. He is in control.


3. Christ is in control — v. 18. Bring them here to me, he said. The power of the miracle is Christ. The 5,000 are fed with five loaves. He asks that the loaves and fish be brought to Him. He takes the food, gives thanks and breaks the bread until all are fed. The tremendous truth in this act is that man is so little and Christ can do such great things. This reminds us also that a common meal in the home or out in a field can be a sacramental act of love when the bread is blessed and shared.

It only took a little. Jesus took five loaves and a few fish and fed a crowd. The food kept coming until the people were satisfied. Such power was demonstrated of Him who spoke this world into existence.

Such power was demonstrated when He entered time and space to be your redeemer. Such power was demonstrated when He hung on a cross bearing your sin. Such power was demonstrated when on the third day He broke from the tomb and destroyed the powers of death and hell forever.

Transition: Jesus has such powers given Him by our heavenly Father. And the blessings are enormous.

4. Christ provides abundantly — v. 20. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The people were satisfied with the quality and the quantity of food. They were filled with food. In fact, they could not eat it all — twelve baskets were filled with leftovers. Here we see the generosity and abundance of God’s provision of our needs. God gives us more than we ask for, more than we need. God does exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.

Take an inventory of your life. Can you count all of the blessings? They are too numerous to count. He provides more then we could ask or think so that we can know without any hesitation that His provisions are abundant. More then we could ever imagine. More then we could ever hope for. More then we could dream of having. This miracle teaches a profound truth – you can not out give God!

Conclusion: Luther put it best when he explained to us the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. What does it mean believe in God– the Father Almighty? What does this mean? Luther explains: I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this - He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

Soil Deo Gloria

In our prayers this week...

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim
10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
http://www.zionfriedheim.org/
A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42
Prayers of the People of God at Friedheim
August 3, 2008
Proper 13

Almighty God since You have granted us the favor to call on You with one accord and have promised that where two or three are gathered together in Your name You are in the midst of them, fulfill now the prayers of Your servants, granting us in this world knowledge of Your truth and in the world to come life everlasting.

We remember our members who are celebrating birthdays this week and pray Your blessings upon them Izaak Bobay, Gabrielle Brandt, Emma Buuck, Nick Linnemeier, Hannah Timm, Elfurt Blomenberg, Jacob Conrad, Misty Gehres, Beth Rettig, Carrington Bultemeier, John Nidlinger, Bonnie Buuck, Eldora Fuelling, Roger Manley, and Chad Baumann.

You alone are the Great Physician. Grant health and strength to all who are in need of the touch of Your healing hand. We especially remember this day –Karen Johnson, Kelly Baumann, and Troy Sinar.

We would ask that You guide and direct all who serve and protect; Police, Fire, and Rescue workers; first responders, border patrol agents, and all who serve their neighbor.

We remember those who are serving in the armed forces of our country—Josh, Zach, and Jacob Stoppenhagen, Steven Banks, who are serving in Iraq, Jason Putteet who is in South Korea, Randy McAllister who is serving in Germany. Direct also we pray; Mike Brandt, Brian Moeller, Danny Cross, Cam Koldyke, Cody Kiess, Josh Colwell, Brian Journay, Lydia Reynolds, James Johnson, and Chad Hall. Lord, protect and guide them in their missions.

Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell. Keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever.

O God of grace and glory we remember before you our sisters in Christ Donna Schieferstein and Dorothy Selking. We thank You for giving them to us to know and to love as companions during our pilgrimage on this earth. In Your boundless compassion consol all who grieve their passing. Give them your aid that they may see in death the gate which leads to eternal life. And may we continue our course on earth in confidence until by Your calling we are united with those who have gone before us.

Keep the members of St. John’s Bingen and our brothers and sisters at Zion Lutheran in Decatur in Your safe keeping as they search for ministers to serve their congregation. We pray the Spirit’s aid at St. John as they assemble to call a Pastor next Sunday and Zion who has extended a call to Barry Keurulainen as Sr. Pastor. As we rejoice in the 170 years of ministry within our Friedheim family we pray that we may continue to be a haven of peace and a harbor of hope in this world.

Heavenly Father continue to guide all parishes of our Synod who are in the pursuit of pastoral care especially do we commit to Your care Jeffrey Keuning who patiently waits for a call to come. We rejoice with Pastor – elect John Wurst who will be installed as Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church Duluth, MN as well as Pr. Tomas Olson who celebrates 25 years in the ministry this day.

Almighty God, You blessed the earth to make it fruitful, bringing forth in abundance whatever is needed for the support of our lives. Prosper; we implore You, the work of farmers, especially in this growing season. Grant them seasonable weather that they may gather in the fruits of the earth and thus proclaim Your goodness. May we see by this noble vocation that by Your aid we are helping to feed the world and cause all who give thanks over their food to treat those who produce it with honor and respect.

We come to Your table at Your gracious invitation to eat your Holy body and blood in the blessed Sacrament. Bless our participation that we may depart from Your presence in peace and joy knowing we are reconciled to the Father and also to each other. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hank will be home tonight!

Son Henry will be home for part of the weekend. He's been working all summer at Camp Lutherhaven. His last day is August 8. We'll vacation as a family for a few days in Chicago then the kids take off for college.

Cat pic Friday...if Salem had a day planner it would read: "wake up...kill something and eat it...take a nap..." What a life!