Wednesday's Message

Several people have asked about my work on "Care for Creation."  It seems some inquisitive folks have looked me up on the Internet and discovered that I've been engaged in this work for the past few years.  Briefly, it means helping the church understand what it means to call God "Creator," to appreciate God's presence in creation, and to discern our Christian responsibility to care for the Earth community God has made (and is still making). 

One of the things I've learned in doing this work is the concept of "resilience."  Resilience is defined as "the ability of a system to absorb disturbance and still retain its basic function and structure."  Understanding the nature and limits of resilience is key to managing human interactions with the rest of the Earth community.  Resilience is also something I see clearly displayed at SOV.

SOV is one of the most resilient congregations I've encountered.  I need not list the disturbances this church has suffered.  You've absorbed these shocks and still retained your functioning as a community of faith, hope, and love.  Despite great stresses, you are not falling apart but are continuing to flourish.  Why? 

If you have insight into why SOV is resilient, please share it with me. All congregations have the same basic goods: God's word, the sacraments, worship, community, service ministries.  But some are resilient and some are not.  It seems important to understand why.  Please feel free to share your insights with me — I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Pastor Brian 

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Adult Sunday School
Friends, I'd like to meet between services next Sunday to discuss Adult Sunday School.  I know the pastor is supposed to lead this weekly Sunday school session, but I don't know what you would like to learn about.  I'd find it helpful to hear about your interests and needs as people of faith and adult learners who want to grow in Christian wisdom.  So, once you've got your coffee & cookies, let's meet near the front of the worship space to begin this conversation.

Pastor Brian

Lessons for Sunday
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35

THIS WEEK

Wednesday   10:00 a Bible Study with Pastor Brian
                      No Choir Practice

Thursday      6:30 p Men's Night at Lil' Cooperstown, (if you wish to partake, some Men are meeting at Avamere at 5:30 p to 'check in' with Pastor Randy and Bob) Special Guest will be Pastor Brian.
                    National Day of Prayer
                    Happy May Day

Friday         1:00 - 9:00 p Albert Palmeter Piano Studio

Sunday       Scrip Order Sunday
                   Birthday Sunday    
                   Blood Pressure Sunday

Mothers and Others Tea
Saturday, May 10th
10:00 - 12:00 p
Please RSVP to Tammy, Brenda, Caryl or Lynn so we may plan accordingly

KOK Fundraiser Night at Papas Pizza
May 12th
Order in or take out good all day.
Please pick up a flyer from the usher station or online at www.sovlutheran.com/kok

U of O Gospel Singers Concert
May 17th
2:00 p & 6:00 p Concerts