Here's the Church, Here's the Steeple....

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Hi All,
Today our special guest was Pastor Neville Otto, President of the NSW & ACT District of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Pastor Neville's message talks about God building people together, as outlined in Ephesians 2 11-22. The church building is not the Church; the people of God in Christ are the Church. We gather together by the pull of the Holy Spirit and are fed and nourished at the place where God through Christ is present in His Word and Sacrement.
We all need to be nourished and rested to be our best in our vocations. This is why corporate worship is so important: it is our food and drink and rest, sufficent to allow us to face the next week with a bright outlook and a positive attitude, bringing Gods Kingdom by telling of His Gospel to those we meet.

This weeks message: Building God's People.

Illawarra Lutheran Parish.
23rd July, 2006.
7th Sunday after Pentecost.

Prayer of the Day.

Loving God, we thank you that you lead us like a good shepherd, caring for your sheep. Let us hear your voice and guide us in safety along Your right path. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Prayer Points.

• Pray for a restful break for Pastor John and his family.
• Pray for Fritz T., Christine F., Max C., Kiara B., Linda F. and Ray. W's wife as they struggle with ill health.
• Pray for the unity of the Church, God's temple on earth, with Christ as the cornerstone.
• Pray for the preaching of the true Gosple throughout the world: Christ and Him crucified.
• Pray for peace and reconciliation between families, peoples and countries.
• Pray for pastorlists, farmers and so on, that they may have a good return for their efforts.

Today's Readings.
Jeremiah 23: 1-6
Ephesians 2: 11-22
Mark 6: 30-34 & 53-56

Today's liturgical colour is
GREEN
The colour of life and growth in nature. Used in the meditative teaching Seasons which emphasise the living demonstration in the Christian of the power of God's salvation.
Use from the First Sunday after Trinity, or from the Monday after Trinity Sunday, through the Season to, but not including, the Vespers of the Saturday before the First Sunday in Advent.


Minor Festivals (and Colours) this Week.
25th July: St James the Elder. (Red)
Click on this link to read about JAMES AS THE EVANGELIST TO ISRAEL IN SPAIN.
Readings:
1 Kings 19: 9-18
Psalm 7: 1-10
Acts 11: 27 to 12:3a
Mark 10: 35-45

Thought for the Week.
Blessed be the Lord from Zion: He who dwells in Jerusalem!

* Photo: 'Church Textures 1' by Lynne Lancaster.