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Children at school need to be taught how to stand in line behind the Line Leader. You know what they don’t need to be taught? How to cut in line and get to the front. Our sinful flesh naturally gravitates toward the top spot. Sometimes it’s as simple as cutting in line. Often times its putting ourselves ahead of others at their expense. Jesus gives us a lesson in humility in God’s kingdom. Shoving our way to the front doesn’t work in God’s kingdom. Those who exalt themselves get humbled. Those who are at the bottom are lifted up and brought to the high place. It sounds like Jesus is giving a lesson in dinner party etiquette: “Don’t take the top spot. Take the lowest spot and then you can get invited up.” It’s dinner party etiquette in the kingdom of God! We don’t come to the head of the table. Our Lord invites us up there. He says, “Come up higher. Sure, your spot should be down there, but I’m inviting you to sit by Me in My kingdom.” That’s God’s grace at work. And that’s how the Holy Spirit works in us to learn to take the low spot and put others first. Jesus has given you the highest place of honor next to him. So now there’s no need to show off and cut in line in life! That’s this Sunday, the 17th Sunday after Trinity.

WHICH BIBLE STUDY IS FOR YOU?
We currently have three opportunities for learning and growing in God’s Word and I hope you’ll take advantage of one or more of them. Unless you’re an expert on the Bible, you need to join us! You can ask any question and you never have to read out loud. I want everyone learning God’s Word to cherish and treasure it, not be intimidated or uncomfortable! Here’s what we’ve got:

Sundays
8:45am – Bible Study – We’re reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. It’s a book full of promises that God makes and Jesus keeps.
10:15am – Learning the Faith – This is for ALL ages, and we mean ALL. Kids and adults learn side by side and have a lot of fun. We’re focusing on getting to know and using our Bibles.

Tuesdays 
10:30am – Bible Study – We’re reading the Book of Acts to see how the Lord grew His church through the work of the Spirit in the preaching of the Good News of Jesus. Lots of good application to our life as the church today and in recognizing how the Lord continues to build up His church in a world that doesn’t care or is even hostile to God’s Word.

FALL BONFIRE
We’re going to have a Bonfire on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 7pm down by the picnic pavilion. Everyone is invited to have some Fall fellowship and fun. We’ll pray Evening Prayer and then enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate. We’ll have rides available for those who need them to the bottom of the hill. Mark your calendar!

LADIES GUILD CLOTHING DRIVE
Instead of a Fall Rummage Sale, our Ladies Guild will be taking donations of bagged clothing for the month of October. Bring your CLEAN (no stains, holes, etc.) clothing in to donate beginning next Sunday, October 3. More information is in the News Notes.

MASKS IN WORSHIP
We are currently wearing our masks during worship. At this time there is no restriction on capacity or seating arrangements. Please consider the well-being of your neighbor most especially by staying home if you have any symptoms of illness. As always, you can get in touch with me to request a visit if you can’t be in church. Thank you for your patience and understanding and love of neighbor in all of this!

LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
You can watch live and find recorded services here:
We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.
The simplest way to watch online (not live) is probably through our church’s website HERE.
It’s never safe to presume before God. We don’t come before the Lord in the confidence of our record or reputation, that we’ve “tried hard” or are “good people.” True humility is to take the low spot, acknowledging we deserve nothing from the Lord. In His grace, He will exalt you, lift you up, make you look good, and give you the seat of honor next to him at the head of the table. Life in Jesus’ kingdom is about Him giving us the top spot, never us presuming to take it. You can’t get a more honorable spot than the one Jesus has given. And you can’t get it for yourself. It’s a gift and invitation given out of pure grace and His love. See you in the Divine Service at the Supper of salvation!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow

Congratulations, Madison and Steven Dermont! 

Pastor Interrupting Art Class