Worship Series
Destination Cross: Christ our Goal

Just as travelers on the television series Destination X don’t know exactly where they’re going until they arrive, Christians often find that God’s Word takes us on unexpected stops in history - but every stop points us to the same final destination.

Join us this Sunday, October 19th, as we continue our journey to our next destination!

Don't forget to watch for clues on Facebook for our next destination!

Luke 17:11-19 – On the way to Jerusalem He [Jesus] was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

“Where are the other nine?” Jesus asked. “Where did they go? Were there not ten lepers I healed from the horrible disease of leprosy?” Jesus had just performed one of the most amazing miracles of His public ministry. He healed ten men afflicted with a dreaded disease, yet only one returned to thank Him.

This is a lesson from God for you and me today. Our hearts are hardened by sin, but the power of God’s Holy Spirit can renew them and heal them of their thanklessness. God does this through the miraculous power of His Holy Word. Just like the lepers cried out to Jesus for help. You and I can go to Him in fervent prayer, seeking His mercy in our time of need.

Let the words of Israel’s King David be your prayer. Here was a man whose sin brought him low but not so low as to forget the God who can heal him. David writes, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2).

For the many blessings of God in your life, be thankful. For the Son He sent to save us all, shower Him with ceaseless praise and thanksgiving. Look to the crucifixion cross of Christ. On that cross, Jesus died to save you and me from our cold and callous hearts. There, with His blood shed for you and me, He redeemed us, rising in resurrection glory to triumph over the grave forevermore.

And now, with hearts cleansed and healed by God, let us in all things be thankful. Know that the arms of your Savior are open wide, ready to receive you unto Himself, to cleanse you, and to restore your heart to a sincere and God-pleasing thankfulness.

This Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

Parable of the Persistent Widow

Sometimes it feels like no one is listening when we ask for something, but we should never give up! Keep talking to God and trust that He hears you and cares about what’s in your heart.

Don’t give up—keep praying and trusting God!

 Join us this Sunday, directly following Fellowship!
 

Fellowship for Sunday, October 19 
Cozy Comforts

Share your best fall recipes that showcase the homey, hearty comfort food we'll want to cozy up to this season. Think apples, squash, cinnamon, and more.

In this cozy Autumn moment, life seems perfectly seasoned!

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Camden Goolsby - Camden's hand is healing and recovering quite well, and almost has full use of his hand. 

Eddie Hensen - Recently diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer. Please keep me in your prayers—for healing, strength, and peace.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mark Dubois - Peace and comfort for the pain he is experiencing.

Tenna Walker - Had surgery on foot,  August 26th and is at home recovering well.

The Smiley Family - Prayers for peace, comfort, and understanding as they mourn the loss of a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. 

Miriam Satterthwaite - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as Miriam and her family mourn the passing of her father. 

John Goolsby - Prayers for strength, peace, and understanding as John and his family mourn the passing of his father.

Julie Featherston - Battling a stubborn cold—praying for God’s healing and renewed strength.

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland Sept. 16th for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Paul Orr - (Stephanie Freese’s uncle) - HPaul has been released from the hospital, will continue his antibiotics and has an RN avaliable to him were he lives to help with him to help with changing of bandages. Thank you for the prayers for him and the family.

Daniel Hood - Prayers as he celebrates his 60th birthday. May God bless him with continued health, joy, and peace in this new chapter of his life.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, October 17th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

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