SOTP-Newsletter Archives - Shepherd of the Prairie

A Note

From Pastor Mark

We have all come into this world with nothing. We have only survived because someone provided the care and nurturing we needed when, as infants, we were helpless.

From that time on, we have been provided for through the grace of God. God provides for us for two reasons.

First, because God loves us and finds joy in giving us what we need.

Second, because God wants us to share with a world that needs his love through us.

Our acts of righteousness and our service to God’s world is, in a way, an unspoken “thank you” to God. A generous heart is just as important as the goods we distribute – it defines who we are on the inside.

An attitude of gratefulness allows us to freely give away something of ourselves. The decision to share blesses both us and the receivers. They may see your good works as evidence of your faith in Jesus.

I was reminded of this from a text I read this morning in Deuteronomy 24:19-22.I invite you to read the text before continuing. You who know farming will appreciate it.

God reminds his people that there was a time when they were slaves in Egypt and had very little of their own. God tells them not to forget that history, so that they will appreciate having something now to share with others. It’s a reminder to not use all that we “harvest” for ourselves, but to allow some to remain as a gift to those less fortunate than us.

Do you remember a time when you were without something that you now have? (For example, skills, finances, a job, friends, etc.) Share your story, and the gratefulness you feel.

What “seed,” given to you by God, have you stored away? (For example, talents or skills.) Are you willing to share this with others? What charities are close to your heart? How has God made you overflow with grace and kindness? What ideas can you share with someone who needs a friend? How does that serve God?

Our October stewardship emphasis this year “Everyone has a Purpose and Place to Serve” calls us to consider these things. We will hear how God’s story connects with ours in everyday life. We will be encouraged to find a place to connect and serve. We will discover joy in generosity. We will celebrate all that God has done through Shepherd the Prairie and where God is leading into the new year.

Please mark Saturday, October 25th on your calendar. All members of SOTP are invited to join us for a celebration dinner, catered by Huntley’s newest restaurant (Café Roma). Wartburg Seminary professor Winston Persaud will be our special guest.

We are indeed blessed to be a blessing. Thanks so much for all you are doing to make Christ known.

I’ll see you in worship!

Pastor Mark

(A prayer to pray during the month of October)

Lord, as we reflect on what blessings we have, give us

thankful hearts. Open our eyes to those who have needs, so

that we may be generous and righteous givers, not expecting

a thank you, but full of joy in serving you. Amen.

Ministry Musing

By Donna Kelly

This last Youth Sunday, we had 8 kids ranging from 1st to 12th grade singing at the 10:45 service. Hearing and seeing them singing, “Oh the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God…” touched my heart in an amazing way. My heart ached and tears filled my eyes as those children sang of God’s love for them, and for us all.

It also led me to think about how Jesus’ love is reckless. The dictionary defines reckless as, “marked by lack of proper caution: careless of consequences. It also lists synonyms as: adventurous, venturesome, daring, rash, foolhardy; meaning exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense”.

And isn’t that just how Jesus is? He came to live among us, knowing that we humans don’t always show good sense. He lived, healed, taught, ate with sinners, touched the unclean, and called out the self-righteous. He came to show us who God is; how God loves without counting the cost. I’m sure he knew that many would take advantage, be unappreciative and unreceptive. Most likely he knew his actions could very well lead to death, maybe even the cross. But Jesus chose to love…to not draw back, hide away, or place conditions on his love, but to love recklessly up to the very end. He loved those whom society said were unlovable, unclean, unworthy, sinners. He also loved those self-righteous he called out, trying in every way possible to help them see that love.

And he calls us to love the same way, “Love one another as I have loved you. By this everyone will know you are my disciples”. That says to me that our love is called to be overwhelming, never-ending and reckless. Not to just love those who look or act like us, but those our society is trying to make unlovable, unclean, unworthy, sinners. We are called to be daring, rash, foolhardy and reckless in our love; open and unconditional.

Jesus’ love was “overwhelming, never-ending and reckless, and we are called to be the same!

Donna Kelly

email Donna at: donna@sotpmail.com