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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST
SUNDAY MORNING - 9:30 AM
Children's Sunday School -
Two year olds through High School
Adult Bible Classes
Patient Parenting:
"Raising Your Kids in the Shadow of the Cross",
led by Pastor Engel
The Gospel of Luke -
led by Charles Powell
Wisdom Books of Old Testament -
A study of Ecclesiastes,
led by Dr. Paul Cates
WEDNESDAY EVE 7:00 P.M.
Wednesday Together
A review of the Scripture Lessons for the coming Sunday's Worship.
led by Pastor Engel
THURSDAY - 10:30 A.M.
Senior Adult Bible Study
Pastor Engel, Instructor
Topic: Lutheran Liturgy
Each "First Thursday" of the month there is a special program or speaker
that will focus on the needs of Senior Adults,
especially in the areas of healthcare and finance.
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HOW TO LISTEN TO A SERMON
Lutherans believe God’s Word comes to us through the sacraments and the preaching of Holy Scripture. Honoring God’s Word, not to mention getting something out of church, includes diligent listening to the sermon and active mental participation.
1. REVIEW ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS. While the listener in this case doesn’t get to speak, the sermon is still a conversation. Make mental notes as you listen. Take notice of where and why you react and which emotions you experience.
2. TAKE NOTES. Note-taking promotes active listening and provides a good basis for later reflection. It also allows you to return to confusing or complicated parts at your own leisure. Some congregations provide space in the bulletin for notes (Trinity does!), and many confirmation ministries provide structured worksheets.
3. MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE. AVOID SLOUCHING. Sit upright with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your palms on your thighs. Beware of the impulse to slouch, cross your arms, or lean against your neighbor, as these can encourage drowsiness.
4. LISTEN FOR THE LAW. You may feel an emotional pinch when the preacher names the sinner in you. Pay attention to your reaction, and try to focus on waiting for the gospel rather than becoming defensive. For more information, see “How to Tell the difference Between the Law and the Gospel” on page 86.
5. LISTEN FOR THE GOSPEL. This will come in the form of a sentence most likely starting with the name Jesus and ending with the words for you. Upon hearing the gospel, you may feel a physical lightness, as though you’ve set down a great burden. You may cry tears of joy. This is normal.
6. END BY SAYING, “AMEN.” Since preaching is mostly God’s work, honor the Word by sealing the moment with this sacred word, which means, “It is most certainly true!”
7. REVIEW. If you’ve taken written notes, read through them later that day or the next day and consider corresponding with the preacher if you have questions or need clarification. If you’ve taken mental notes, review them in a quiet moment. Consider sharing this review time with others in your congregation or household on a weekly basis.
Reprinted from The Lutheran Handbook
Augsburg Fortress, 2005
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For Christ-centered resources that are faithful to the Scriptures,
visit Concordia Publishing House www.cph.org
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