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After preaching in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus encounters resistance and doubts. So He hints that the scope of his coming work goes beyond Israel's borders when he says, "though there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heavens were shut up three years and six months and a great famine came over the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but on to Zaraphath in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow." What is the story of this widow? She had struggles and doubts too, but through God’s power she finds faith that sees her through a famine. Through her witness, we may also find ways to be faithful when God calls on us to give of ourselves in challenging times.
This Sunday is also Veteran's Day - a national observance to pause, reflect, and thank those who have served our nation. This year is also the centennial remembrance of "the war to end all wars", World War I, and that is reflected in this year's VA poster.
The word "Invite" was one of four words our leaders chose when we were led through a process called "Congregational Renewal" at Bethany Lutheran Church. We were asked what were our "non-negotiables" were, meaning what are the characteristics of our congregation. After many affirmations and challenges, we came up with four words that became the short version of our mission statement. They are: Invite, Celebrate, Serve and Grow.
In a special campaign, this year, we hope to study the word "Invite" as we look at God's Word and all our ministries at Bethany. As we do so, please pray about how we can INVITE everyone in and around Bethany to serve the Lord with us.
See other sermons in this series by viewing past sermons in September and October.
