Jesus tells His disciples that it is better for Him to go away so that the Holy Spirit will come. But what will the Holy Spirit do? “He will take of what is mine and declare it to you.” The Holy Spirit delivers the goods. What goods? Jesus’ goods: forgiveness of sins, life, salvation, the comfort of hope and faith that trusts Jesus for all these things. The Son of God, in His human nature, was visible to the people around Him. Now, by the Spirit, the hidden Son of God will come to the whole world through the preaching of the apostles, through the ministry of the holy, Christian church, around the world. So what does it all mean? It’s why we need church! It’s why we need to go to church! In His church, Jesus is among us. The Holy Spirit is bringing us the stuff that belongs to Jesus: the stuff that promises death is defeated, our sins are forgiven, God loves us, and that we will live forever when we are raised from the dead. The gifts of Jesus aren’t something you pick up at Walmart or order from Amazon. They aren’t just “out there” in nature somewhere. Jesus’ gifts are in a particular place: His church, which is in a particular place, in our case, McHenry, Illinois. Here He gathers us and gives us loads of good things! That’s this week, the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

CHECK OUT ZION IN THE NORTHWEST HEARLD
The Northwest Herald featured an article about churches getting back to things after Covid. Zion was featured! It was in this past Thursday’s edition of the Northwest Herald but you can also read the article online HERE.

SPRING VOTERS MEETING
Our Spring Voters Meeting is THIS SUNDAY, MAY 15, following worship (about 10:15am). The main business items include an update on things around church, and Elections and the Budget for next year. Please plan to take a little time to help contribute to the work and mission of our church and support our volunteers and leaders.

LADIES GUILD CLOTHING DRIVE
Clean out your closets and fill that big box in the rotunda! Our Ladies Guild is at it again, raising money for serving our congregation while helping you clean out your closets! You can bring your bags of clothes (no underwear or socks), and linens and place them in the box in the Narthex.This “FUN”Drive Clothing Drive will last through May 22.

FISH LAKE SERVICES STARTING UP
We’ll begin having services at Fish Lake over the Summer beginning Sunday, May 29, 10:30am (Memorial Day weekend). This will be a Communion service (as will Labor Day weekend). Thank you to our Elders for coordinating and serving at Fish Lake. If you would like to help lead worship or help with Sunday School/Crafts, please let Pastor or Nick Marcellis know.

SAVE THE DATE – VBS
Our Vacation Bible School, “God’s Wonder Lab” is June 13-17, 9-11am.Children of all ages are invited! Don’t forget to use your VBS Offering envelopes if you’d like to help contribute toward materials and supplies for our VBS!

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT 2022-23
Our school is now enrolling for next year. If you know anyone with children ages 3 years old through Second Grade, send them our way for more information on our Christ-centered academic excellence!

LIVE STREAM INFORMATION 

You can watch live and find recorded services at the links below:

We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.

Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.

The readings from John after Easter have Jesus preparing us for Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit and life in His church until He comes again. As James reminds us, every good and perfect gift is from above, from our Father. And church is where we receive those gifts together and give thanks for all of them. So see you soon in the Divine Service!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow