Southwood Lutheran Church

Joy to the World

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:7-9 NIV

“Let every heart prepare Him room . . .” Ever notice how a new decoration or piece of furniture can make you rearrange a whole room?  Sometimes it might be nothing more than a new flower arrangement that gets it started.  With my wife, merely the thought of something different in our home can start us both pulling the couch across the room, dragging the rocking chair here and there, trying it every which way, until we finally settle on what we want . . even if it happens to be what we had before!

When Jesus comes into our lives, everything has to be rearranged.  Sometimes we forget this and center our lives around the wrong things.  Suddenly we realize everything’s out of whack.

Advent is a great time to make sure the Savior is in His rightful place.  It may mean rearranging the furniture of our lives.  But that’s a joyful task—hardly a task at all.  Some things will have to go.  The rest you’ll want to move around until everything is properly around Him.

From Be Thou My Vision, by John Fischer

Cultivating Contentment

Listen to Pastor Greg's Message

Message Text: Luke 12:13–21 (NLT)

We are bombarded with messages…

• If you had a little bit more, you’d be content
• If you had this new ”thing” you’d be satisfied
• If you had a bigger house or more fashionable clothes, you’d be happy

Adam Hamilton calls this the RHS (Restless Heart Syndrome):  “We are never satisfied, always searching for something more, something better, something bigger,  something that satisfies.”

Contentment is a condition of the heart and soul!

¹¹Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. ¹²I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Philippians 4:11-12 (MSG) 

¹⁶Be cheerful no matter what; ¹⁷pray all the time; 18thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) 

God made us to be content with some things and not to be content with others.
We are made to be content with what we have, and not content with the injustice in the lives of others.  The problem is that we get these confused.  We become content or complacent with the needs of people around us because we aren’t content with what we have.

Contentment is a life choice. Choosing Contentment means:

• that we look to God as the source of all we have and give thanks for what we have been given.
• we ask God to give us the right perspective on money and possessions and to change our hearts each day.
• we lead a simpler life, wasting less, conserving more, managing well.
• we say yes to the right things, and no to the unnecessary, and that we grow closer to God to know the difference.
• we live generously for the sake of others in need.

Prayer of Contentment

Lord, help me be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.  AMEN

This sermon series is based on the book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton

The Happiest People I Know

"Those are the happiest people I know."

A blog post with this title has been ruminating in my head for about a year.  It was originally about shoes, but now its about Tanzanian's.  Let me explain.

I know a girl who works in the shoe department at Von Maur. I have to admit that I was surprised to hear her say that working there is the best job she's ever had.  She claims:  "These are the happiest people I've ever met."  This is not a flaky superficial girl either, she's spiritual, she's a church goer, she prays, she even meditates.  All that and she still says, customers in the shoe department at Von Maur are the happiest people she's ever met.

I think I agree with her.  The shoe department at Von Maur is one of my happy places.  Even if I don't buy anything, I could spend an hour just perusing the possibilities.  In the shoe department you don't have to worry about how much weight you've gained or how tall/short your legs are - shoes look good on everybody.  This makes a shoe shopper happy.

But I started to rethink this theory on Sunday.  I heard someone declare at a Tanzania meeting that "Tanzanian's are the happiest people I know."  I couldn't disagree with her either.  I've never seen bigger smiles than on my friends in Tanzania.  These people, who have next to nothing by way of material possessions, have everything by way of sheer joy and happiness.  It's no wonder that a very common girl's name there is "Happy."

I am laughing at the irony of comparing shoe shoppers (perhaps the quintessential expression of American greed) to Tanzanians (the very picture of humility and generosity).  Our perspective makes such a difference, doesn't it?  If you're looking for happiness - you're going to find it.  If you're looking for greed, you're going to find it.  If you're looking for despair, you'll find it.

So I've been keeping my eyes open for happiness - and I'm finding it, not only in shoes and Tanzanian friends but in:

• The laughter in my small group at the frequency with which we get off topic.
• The joy a young boy named Marvin finds in reading.
• The "cheese sandwich" I made with my nephew out of two couch cushions and a story book.  (Which, by the way, was delicious.)
• The "ah-ha's" people are having as they read Enough.
• The excitement building for Thanksgiving worship and time with family.
• The anticipated "white stuff."

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 (TNIV)

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

Who are the happiest people you know?

Pastor Sara

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  Romans 8:26 NIV
 
“Come, Thou fount of every blessing Tune my heart to sing Thy Grace . . .”   I have played the guitar for more than thirty years.  For at least twenty of those years, I had to tune all six strings by ear.  Then someone came up with electronic tuners, which virtually eliminate the margin of error.  With the touch of a button and the read of a dial, I can tune my guitar perfectly every time, string by string.  So I’m more dependent upon technology now, but also painfully aware that until this machine came along, the accuracy of the tuning of my guitar strings was always in question.
 
There’s something akin to this in the hymn writer’s phrase, “Tune me up to sing thy praise.” This is a part of God’s graciousness.
 
All of us are out-of-tune praise-givers.  God must cringe when we take a big breath. But somewhere between the note and His ear, He is able to straighten out the tone and make it suitable for Him
 
The Spirit interceding for us in “Groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26 NIV) is a little like this, too. Knowing there is an interpreter of our own uneven notes makes it easier for us to try.
 
Our hearts are not perfect.  We are in the process of being sanctified, but tune-ups are being given every time we lift our voices in praise.
 
 
From Be Thou My Vision, by John Fischer

Defined by Generosity

Listen to Pastor Greg's Message

Based on: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

We were created to be givers—we are tempted to be takers and keepers.

• Fear: “If you give, there may not be enough left over for yourself.”
• Self-gratification: “If you give you won’t have enough money to buy the stuff you want that you think will make you happy.”
• Defeating these voices is an act of faith!  As we grow spiritually, we’ll grow in our generosity. We discover that ancient truth that there is more joy in doing for others, than for ourselves.

What we believe about life and what we have to give:

• Life is a gift and everything in it belongs to God.
• We are called by God to be good stewards and managers of all that God has given to us.
• Acts 20:35:  It’s more blessed to give than to receive. My security is in God.  Not in money. 

Giving to God
A large portion of what we’ve been given is for us…taking care of us, our families.  But God also expects us to care for others. To build his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Giving is a part of following Christ that many people feel uncomfortable exploring.  But giving generously is often life-changing for those who respond to God’s call. Our tithes and offerings are:

• Tangible signs of where our heart is with God.  They show God what we think of him. 
• Expressions of our worship and gratitude to God.
• Demonstrations that we put God first in our lives.
• An investment in God’s work through the church.
• Pleasing to God

When we give generously we will be blessed. 
It’s not that we give to get blessed.  That’s the wrong motivation and heart. But when we give generously, thankfully, faithfully, blessings will be ours!  Living for others results in blessings—and isn’t that how we want to be remembered when our life is over?

This sermon series is based on the book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton

I'm Thankful for ...

Thanksgiving Day is only 13 days away. As you prepare for family and friends to gather together and celebrate, take time to remember what you are truly thankful for. It might be big or small or even something you take for granted. Give thanks to God for providing what you have on this earth since, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." Psalm 24:1 (NLT)

Between now and Thanksgiving I challenge those on Facebook or Twitter (or another social networking site) to daily post something for which you're thankful. Let your friends know how appreciative you are for what the Lord have given you!

Dan Noennig
Communications & Media Coordinator

Heleluyan

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God. Revelations 19:1 NRSV
 
Heleluyan (pronounced hay-lay-loo-yahn) is a traditional Muskogee (Creek) Indian song.  It is thought that this song originated just prior to or during the Trail of Tears which forced the Creek and Cherokee peoples to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) in 1838 and 1839. It was kept alive through oral tradition for over one hundred years.  This hymn appeared in print for the first time in the United Methodist Hymnal (1989). It was transcribed in 1987 by Charles Webb from a videotape of this hymn as sung by a Muscogee (Creek) United Methodist family in New York State.
 
The Muscogee (Creek) people are descendents of a remarkable culture that, before 1500, spanned the entire Southeastern United States. Today they live mainly in Oklahoma and Alabama (Alabama is the name of one of the Muscogean languages). “Heleluyan” (“Hallelujah”) is one of a number of interesting “tri-cultural” songs in the Muscogee language influenced by the songs of African slaves with a Christian message of joy. This song is a universally recognized symbol of cross-cultural goodwill.
 

From With One Voice Reference Companion by Marilyn Kay Stulken

Wisdom and Finance

Listen to Pastor Greg's Message

Sermon Text: Luke 12:22–34

Enough* Series Introduction

Where are you financially? Are you in a looming financial crisis? Are bills piling up? Do you have major debt on credit cards? Do you feel like you are on a treadmill and something is going to break…either the treadmill or your wallet? OR, are you doing well? If so, what are you doing with what you have been given? Do you waste your money? Do you ever wonder “where it all went?”

In this sermon series we want to look at these issues that deal with our money.  Many of the issues of money aren’t about money itself.  Money is just a tool.  The issue of money is really an issue of what is in our heart…what we value…who we love.

Finding our purpose:

Many of us don’t have our purpose figured out so we buy into our culture’s definition which is: “To consume. To have more.” On the contrary, this is what the Bible teaches us about our purpose:

• We were created to love God and others
• We were created to care for our families
• We were created to glorify God through our actions
• We were created to build God’s kingdom and do God’s will
• We were created to seek justice and serve others in their need
• We were created to follow Jesus

Our money and possessions should align with our purpose!
A Biblical Plan for Wise Financial Management—10/10/80 

• 10% to God
• 10% for the future
• 80% to live on

Six financial planning principles (Enough p. 43)

1. Pay your tithe and offering first (give God his share off the top—not your leftovers)
2. Create a budget and track your expenses
3. Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means)
4. Establish an emergency fund
5. Pay off your credit cards and use cash/debit cards for purchases and use credit wisely
6. Practice long-term savings and investment habits

Prayer of Contentment

Lord, help me be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.  AMEN

*This sermon series is based on the book Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton

God is Sufficient

This post comes from Scott Koehn, a member of Southwood's Tanzania team who recently hosted a visitor from Tanzania.

This past weekend, Saturday afternoon until Tuesday morning, we have had a Tanzanian named Munguatosha staying with us. It was his first trip to the United States and we spent all afternoon Sunday touring Lincoln.

He was amazed at the homes people live in, the shopping malls, the automobiles with only one or two people in them, the downtown area, and the university campus. As we passed a small used car lot he couldn’t believe the number of different cars and trucks there were for people to choose from. In his country walking, bicycles, and buses, are what most people use for transportation. I next took him to the new car lots on North 27th streets.

He asked how people could purchase such nice vehicles and live in such nice big homes. I tried to convince him that not everyone was so fortunate and drove him to some of the poorer neighborhoods with small houses and apartment buildings. He pointed out that people still had cars or trucks there as well.

We ended the trip by driving by a Starbucks and store that was marked Pet Hotel. He looked at me and before he could ask I said yes people pay money to leave their pets there while they are on vacation or out of town.

On Monday night I took him to small group where we went through the first chapter of the book “Enough” He sat and listened quietly to us talk about “affluenza” and “credititus” and keeping up with the Joneses. He listened quietly to us read and discuss the Bible verses. As we went through the discussion questions he talked about coming back from Henry Doorley zoo earlier that afternoon and seeing storage buildings where people stored there “stuff” they didn’t have room for in their homes and garages. Then I sat and became quiet. I thought about my own life filled with consumerism, all the stuff I had, and being driven to work hard to get a large enough retirement account that some day I could retire. But the thoughts and questions remained unanswered. How much is enough?

Munguatosha left Tuesday morning to visit other places in Nebraska. As Faye and I discussed the weekend’s events and our visitor around the dinner table Tues, evening, it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. I laughed out loud when it dawned on me the answer to my thoughts and questions had been with me all weekend. Munguatosha’s name translates to “God is sufficient”.

Our God is all we truly need.

I Surrender All

“Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 NRSV)
 
The Bible teaches us that brokenness is a prerequisite to blessing and usefulness.  No one ever achieves spiritual greatness until he has fully surrendered himself to God.  Victorious living comes only as we abandon ourselves to the lordship of Christ, becoming His loving bond slave.  God’s best for our lives is not the result of struggle.  Rather, it is simply the acceptance of His perfect will and the recognition of His authority in every area of our lives.

Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last hasth conquered:
Grant me now my supplication,
None of self and all of Thee (Unknown)

Judson W. Van DeVenter wrote “I Surrender All” after surrendering his many talents to his all-wise Savior:

For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work.  At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all.  A new day was ushered into my life, I became an evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me.  God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, He caused me to sing.

After making his decision to devote his life to Christian service, Van De Venter ministered with much blessing in extensive evangelistic work both at home and abroad.  Billy Graham is one of many who claim that Judson Van De Venter had greatly influenced their lives and ministry.

from Amazing Grace, by Kenneth W. Osbeck

Blessed to be a Blessing

Listen to Pastor Sara's Message

Sermon Based on: Matthew 5:1-12

Would you call yourself a saint?

• Saint (hagios)
• • Greek: holy, sacred, dedicated to God
  • English: a person of great holiness or virtue
• Blessed (makairos)
• • Greek: being fortunate or happy because of circumstances
  • English: to consecrate or sanctify by a religious rite; make or pronounce holy

Who does Paul call saints?

• 1 Corinthians 1:2 - To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.  (nrsv)
• Ephesians 1:1 -To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.  (niv)
• Philippians 1:1 - To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.  (nrsv)

The Beatitudes
(Matthew 5) describe the life of the Saint

• The first four bring comfort to those who are longing, hurting, or hoping
• The second five promise to bless those who actively seek mercy and peace

“The people who learn what it is like to receive the blessing, persons who travel the way of faith experiencing the ways of grace in all kinds of weather and over every kind of terrain, become good at blessing.”  —Eugene Peterson

Remembering the Saints:

• Who are the saints (living or dead) in your life?
• How do they bless you?
• How have they inspired you to bless others?
• How is your life different because of their lives?
• How are you a saint in the life of someone else?

Shall We Gather at the River

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,
bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:1 NRSV

Often called the “Good Doctor,” Robert Lowry was a cheerful man with a big beard and a quick mind.  He pastored Baptist churches in the Eastern U.S. during the mid-1800s.  One friend said, “Very few men had greater ability in painting pictures from imagination. He could thrill an audience with his vivid descriptions, inspiring them with the same thoughts that inspired him.”

But he is best remembered for his hymns.  Even in childhood he had composed tunes, and as he became acquainted with leaders in America hymnology—many of them based in New York—he realized he could reach more people through his songs than through his sermons.

He set many of Fanny Crosby’s hymns to music, including the classic, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” And he wrote both words and music to the popular gospel song: “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

The doctor’s best know hymn is “Shall We Gather at the River?” It is a song about heaven.  It came to Lowry on a mid-summer’s day in New York, when in the sweltering heat, he began musing about the cool, crystal river that flows through the city of God as described in Revelation 22.  “My imagination began to take itself wings. Visions of the future passed before me with startling vividness. . . Brightest of all were the throne, the heavenly river, and the gathering of the saints . . . As I mused, the words began to construct themselves.  They came first as question of Christian inquiry, ‘Shall we gather?’ Then they broke out in a chorus, ‘Yes, we’ll gather.’ On this question and answer the hymn developed itself. The music came with the hymn.”

From Then Sings My Soul (Keepsake Edition) by Robert Morgan

Reformation and Repentance

Listen to Chip's Message online

Message based on: Psalm 46:1–11

Today is Reformation Sunday.
Reformation Sunday marks a very important historical event in the life of the Lutheran church, but it is also important to remember that reformation is always happening.

On October 31, 1517 a German Catholic Monk named Martin Luther challenged the teaching of the Catholic church with a document entitled “The 95 Theses.” After much study, prayer, and confession Luther wrote this and subsequent documents that called the church to turn back to God through Bible Study. Luther translated the entire Bible into German so that the average person could read and interpret it for themselves. Before Luther’s translation, the Bible was only available in Latin for the priests and educated professors to read and study. This began a reform of the Catholic Church that eventually led to a Protestant church and then many dominations of churches that all bear the name “Christian.”

But the Reformation continues today. We believe that the church is always under reform and that we are constantly called to a sound study of Scripture and a “turning back” to God for guidance in our lives and in the life of the church. The first of Luther’s 95 theses says: “Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ willed that the whole life of believers should be one of repentance.” As Christians we must continually repent and return to God. The heart of the reformation is repentance.

Repentance is not the same as confession.
Confession is simply acknowledging sin, but repentance is turning from it towards God. Literally means to change mind or change direction.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (niv)

Repentance is both a one-time event and an on-going process.

• God gives us a new heart and new nature upon our regeneration and we repent once for salvation.
• But we are also called to continually repent throughout our lives as we sin and struggle to follow Jesus.
• Revelation 2:4-5

Repentance is at the heart of the Gospel
Repenting well means that we experience the tension between our will and God’s, either through the Holy Spirit convicting us or reading Scripture or both, and we choose to turn toward God and not inward.

Repentance is proof that we are following Jesus.

For Further Study:

• Read and reflect on the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-31
• Meditate on Romans 2:4 and what is means following Romans 1. What does it mean?
• Ask God to reveal areas of your life where you need to repent. Where are you feeling tension between your will and God’s? What does repentance in that area look like for you?
• Log on to itunes and search for The Village Church Podcast—Sermon Audio and listen to the sermon “The Path (part 2): A Continuing Ethic”.

Jesus is a Rock

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3 NIV

In three magnificent movements treating the subjects of joy (vv. 1–4), thanksgiving (vv. 5–10), and prayer (vv. 11-17), in Psalm 40 David has flawlessly crafted a sonatina on the sacrifice of praise.

Most likely the psalmist has recently been near death, for he uses the metaphor of a deep pit, lined with slime, to describe his precarious position. But the Lord hears his cry and delivers him—and what a deliverance! Now David’s feet are firmly planted on a rock.

Released from distress, he moves quickly from anxiety to a joyous celebration of God’s power. This fresh vision of God gives David exciting material for a “new song.” He may have arranged an old hymn—and discovering its genius—added fresh color and new insights. Or perhaps, in the rush of creativity and exhilaration, he composed an entirely new song. Inner joy results in music!

This event, and other miraculous deliverances in David’s life, were the inspiration for many of his great hymns of praise, shared with his congregation and recorded for generations to come. As a result, thousands “fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Worship becomes witness!

I also will be used of the Lord today in the extent that I place my faith and trust in him and lead others to do so. This is the source of both my joy and my music.

From A Musician Looks at the Psalms, 365 Daily Meditations by Don Wyrtzen

Serve From Your Heart

Listen to Pastor Sara's Message

Text based on: Mark 10:35–45

Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.
—Martin Luther King Jr.

Biblical Context:  Jesus leads a group of fearful followers, including his twelve disciples, to Jerusalem.  For the third time Jesus tells them what to expect:  He will be mocked, spit on, beaten, and killed; three days later he will rise.  Mark 10:35-45 is the disciple’s response.

What does the disciples’ response tell us?

• The truth about the world:  We are told to do better, reach farther, get to the top—we want to be the best and we would prefer not to suffer to get there.
• The greater truth about the Gospel:  Having been saved by Jesus, we are freed from the tyranny of striving to do whatever it takes to get to the top.  Our request then changes: “Ask not what Jesus can do for you, ask what you can do for Jesus.”

How Do we Become Better Servants?
One way is by making sure that the motivation for our service is love. Eighteenth-century Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Secker said, “God has three sorts of servants in the world: some are slaves, and serve Him from fear; others are hirelings, and serve for wages; and the last are sons [and daughters], who serve because they love.”

Questions for Reflection
Have you come to a place where you can put your name in this verse?  “_______________ is not here to be served, but to serve.”

If you cannot confidently put your name in that verse, consider asking yourself the following questions and then praying through these scripture passages:

• Do I believe God has called me to focus on serving others?  (Mark 10:43-44; John 13:1-17)
• Do I believe he has equipped me for service? (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 12)
• Do I have a vision for what it would look like to live beyond myself?  (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 15:1-13; Philippians 2:5-11)

Lincoln Project Homeless Connect

A great event is occurring next Friday, October 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Center for People in Need, called Project Homeless Connect. It’s a one-day event organized by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition with a goal of bringing numerous community resources/agencies together to connect with Lincoln's homeless population.

They are looking for more volunteers. If you are interested please sign-up at http://projecthomelessconnect.ning.com/.

Please take note that all volunteers are required to attend a training session before the event. There are two times the training is offered, and you can choose to attend either one. They are available:

• Thursday, October 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Center for People in Need 3901 N. 27th Street Lincoln, NE
• Friday, October 23rd at 8:30 a.m. at the Center For People in Need 3901 N. 27th Street Lincoln, NE

This looks like a lot of fun and would be a great serving opportunity for friends, family or small groups.

O Christ Your Heart Compassionate

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:25-29 NIV
 
Do you tend to turn upside-down a gold object, or a piece of china, or a silver service, or a piece of antique furniture to look for a special stamp or symbol?  If so, you are checking for a hallmark, a stamp of approval by someone with authority, an official sign that the object is genuine and, therefore, valuable.  The proper hallmark can determine the difference between fake or genuine, trash and treasure, yard sale or Sotheby’s.
 
It is a lawyer that gets the conversation started in this reading from Luke 10.  “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” he asks Jesus.  Jesus reminds him that he already knows the answer.  As a faithful Jew, he is able to recite the age-old teaching, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” But the lawyer wants to nail down all the contingencies, so he asks Jesus for his definition of “neighbor.” Jesus responds with what has become known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 25:30-37).  In this story, a priest and a Levite each pass by the opportunity to look after a wounded man; only the Samaritan—a person considered unclean, unrighteous, and unworthy by the Jews—does the neighborly thing and takes care of the wounded man.  Jesus does not even have to answer the question himself; he out-lawyers the lawyer by letting him state the obvious verdict: the proper definition of “neighbor” is one who shows mercy.  Showing mercy to those in need is the hallmark of a believer.
 
From Soli Deo Gloria by Wayne Wold
Published by Augsburg Fortress
 

Southwood Serves Wall

The Southwood Serves Wall was unveiled on October 3^rd during the Southwood Serves volunteer day.  People were asked to share their serving stories on cards and clip them to the new wire grid on the wall to share with others. 

Here are some story examples from the Wall and pictures from the serving day:

• What an amazing experience packaging bags of food for Kids Against Hunger. We had a great family experience—the girls were thrilled to be able to do something for other kids. My heart was filled with joy when they announced that we filled over 11,000 bags.
• It was a nice feeling, knowing you are doing something that someone will really appreciate. Work can be a lot of fun, especially when you are serving Jesus.
• My favorite moment of our morning was my daughter saying “There is no time for sitting, it’s time for serving”
• I had an opportunity to share the morning with a lady named Linda, her cats, gerbils, and birds. Our group cleaned, painted, did yard work and windows. My prayer for Linda includes healing for her son and a chance to attend worship.
• We helped a Tabitha Meals on Wheels client clean up her yard. She was so appreciateive for what we were doing. Our group is planning to go again in another 2–3 weeks.  This was an amazing opportunity and I would definitely volunteer again. 
• It felt good to help out the dogs and cats at the Humane Society. It was even more fun to do it with my dad. I realized that by helping the animal shelter and animals, I was serving God. I think I will go to the Humane Society again soon and bring someone home with me!
• We helped at the City Mission Distribution Center. We organized the food pantry. This hopefully will help those in need. “Thanks for the food Lord!”

Stop by the Fellowship Hall to read more stories on the Southwood Serves Wall or sign-up to serve in Southwood’s Community, Global or Hospitality missions.

Here is the breakdown of where information between Southwood Central and the Southwood Serves Wall:    

Southwood Serves Wall:

• Community and Global Missions Information and Serving Sign-Up Sheets
• Southwood’s Hospitality Missions and Ministries Information and Serving Sign-Up Sheets

Southwood Central:

• New Visitor/New Member Information
• Children and Youth Information
• Women’s and Men’s Ministry Information

Living Beyond Yourself: Following Jesus

Listen to Pastor Greg's Message

Matthew 16:21-25

To follow Jesus you must…

• “Give up your selfish ambition” (self-centeredness)
• “Take up your cross” (Accept God’s plan for your life)
• “And follow me” (live like Jesus—“the way, the truth and the life”)

Being a Follower of Christ is the greatest adventure of all time.
In the market place, it is reputation and money.  In Christ’s work, when you are doing God’s program, there is a distinct possibility that something super natural is going to happen.  God is going to cross your path and do something and you will miss it if you are not connected to God.

Being a Follower of Christ changes the goal of life.
Instead of safety, Jesus calls us not to play it safe but to change the world—to build his kingdom.  Instead of playing defense, we are accepting Jesus’ invitation to play offense and score some points for God in this world.  His kingdom will advance and not even the gates of hell will have power over it.

Being a Follower of Christ changes our mindset.
Many present the gospel as a way to avoid hell.  When that is done, people just kind of hang out until heaven.  However, Jesus teaches us that when we know our salvation through his cross, we can then be a part of his redemptive actions in the world. 
We like to talk about being saved from something…Jesus challenges us to think about it in this way…what are we saved for? We are saved to build the “kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.”

Southwood Serves in Review

WHO ARE WE GOING TO SERVE? JESUS!

WHO ARE WE GOING TO SERVE? JESUS! 

That was the chant volunteers shouted while twirling serving towels in the air during the Southwood Serves Worship.  There was a definite energy in the atmosphere as people headed out to their serving projects.

Here are some fun facts regarding the Southwood Serves serving day:

• 11,880 meals were packed at Kids Against Hunger
• Groups helped with yard work and cleaning projects for 19 homes in the Lincoln community
• 15 pairs of Bigs and Littles came to Southwood to participate in fun fall activities with Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Volunteers helped with yard work, cleaning and organizing at nonprofit organizations such as City Impact, Gathering Place, Humane Society, Lighthouse and People’s City Mission.
• Groups brought cheer and good news through music to the residents at Madonna and Tabitha.
• The shelves were restocked at the Lutheran Food Pantry and food boxes were made for families
• 40 volunteers picked up litter and cleaned local parks in the City of Lincoln
• Volunteers helped clear a field at Camp Carol Joy Holling to prepare for a new baseball field

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and for showing people in our community God’s love.  I pray that our service brought many blessings to the community of Lincoln and the individuals we served. 

Below are some pictures of the serving projects:

• Worship
• City Impact
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Clean Up Lincoln
• Gathering Place
• Humane Society
• Kids Against Hunger
• Light House
• Lutheran Food Pantry
• Madonna Rehabilitation Center
• Meals on Wheels Homes
• Nursery
• Southwood Serves Wall
• Lunch Time