Basics

On Sunday at our weekly Faith Formation Forum we will begin an exploration of Martin Luther's Small Catechism. When I went through confirmation classes, Luther's Small Catechism served as our textbook for our instruction. Along with the Bible, the Small Catechism outlined the basics in the Christian faith and served as a guide in our preparation for Affirmation of Baptism. . . at least, that was the intention.

What has been your experience with the Small Catechism in the past? (If you have none, don't worry. That doesn't disqualify you. In fact, it's all the more reason why you will benefit from this series!)

In preparation for the class, I invite you to read and meditate on two passages from the New Testament.  The first is the passage we often refer to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Here it is:

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:16-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The second passage, a bit shorter, is from Paul's letter to the church at Galatia:

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Galatians 6:6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

I'm looking forward to this series of classes. You are invited to gather with us at 8:45 AM on Sunday as we make a start. Everyone is welcome: prospective members, experienced members, church council members, curious inquirers, friends, guests, neighbors . . . etc.  Take a moment to invite someone to come along with you.  If we run out of room in the fellowship hall, we an always move to the nave of the church!

To believe that Christ was crucified for us, that He died and was damned for us, requires the power of God. Thus St. Paul says to the Corinthians: "We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" (1 Cor. 1:23). And yet this proclamation penetrates the heart; for "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith"

Martin Luther, Sermon on John 3:14

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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 5, 2014

Prayer of the Day

Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. 

Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit 

to know those things that are right, 

and by your merciful guidance, help is to do them, 

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen

Readings

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:7-15

Philippians 3:4b-14

Matthew 21:33-46