“I forgive you.” Those are powerful words. When Jesus says them, then your sins are actually forgiven. When your pastor says those words to you, they are Jesus’ words and they mean what they say: your sins are truly forgiven. Standing behind your pastor’s words is the authority of Jesus Himself. And standing behind His words of forgiveness are His death and resurrection by which that forgiveness comes. As a child of God through your baptism into Jesus, those words are a great comfort. But they are also your words to speak to others. When someone sins against you, tell them: “I forgive you.” When someone is burdened by their sins, troubled by their conscience, and despairing of God’s love, tell them: “Your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees didn’t believe human beings could say such things. Who can speak for God? Jesus teaches otherwise. He, as a man, spoke those words. You, as human beings also speak those words. In a world that loves to remember and hang onto sins, to call people out, cancel them, and judge others, the Christian church-the people of Jesus—have something else to say: “Your sins are forgiven.” God doesn’t hold them against you. He can’t after Calvary. He won’t after Easter. Your sins are forgiven because Jesus’ words mean exactly what they say! That’s this week, the 19th Sunday after Trinity.

LADIES GUILD CLOTHING DRIVE
Time to clean out your closets! The Ladies Guild is accepting bags of clean clothing (no socks or underwear), shoes, and kitchen and bathroom linens. Items should be put into 30 gallon trash bags and may be placed in the large box in the Rotunda. (Bags are available next to the box if you need to use them). Check out the countdown to our goal of 180 bags!

TRUNK-OR-TREAT
We’re planning to hold our Trunk Or Treat this year on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 after church. Everyone is welcome to dress up in costume, decorate their trunks, and pass out candy. The Trunk Or Treating will begin at 10:30 AM that day. Invite your family and friends!

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.

“I forgive you.” “You are forgiven.” Powerful words backed by Jesus’ saving death and His triumphant resurrection! Practice saying those words! Say them often. Say them to everyone! Say them to those are are sorry and those who aren’t. Say them to those who are troubled and those who aren’t. Hear them from your pastor. Speak them to your neighbor. Cling to them because they give exactly what they say: forgiveness! I look forward to speaking those words to you again this week. See you in the Divine Service!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow
School Chapel