NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Micah 7:18–20; 1 Timothy 1:12–17; Luke 15:1–10.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . Wisdom has issued an invitation to the divine feast: “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Prov. 9:5–6). This is the call of the Spirit of Christ to believe the Gospel and to receive His saving gifts in the Holy Supper. Many make excuses and reject this invitation, even as the Jews did in the days of Jesus, yet the Master’s house will be filled. The Gospel call therefore goes out to the lowly and despised, into the highways, even to all the Gentiles (Luke 14:15–24). For “you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13–22). In Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are no longer strangers but fellow members of the household of God. The enmity of class and race is put to death through the cross. Having been reconciled in the one Body of Christ, we are enabled to love one another (1 John 3:13–18) as we await the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which will have no end.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 14:19 “And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’” The things of this world tempt us to cast aside the things of God. The things of this world demand our attention, time, finances, etc. But Jesus invites us to the feast – what could be more important than this gracious invitation? Today’s parable invites us to examine our own priorities and attempted excuses…and then to come home to the Lord who invites us in humble repentance.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Roy & Norma Uthe to the glory of God for blessings received.

NOT ASHAMED CONFERENCE . . . Registration is open to everyone. Join us to hear about our spheres of influence within God’s orders of creation in the family, society, and the church. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors. Registration is free but limited. Register at this website: https://bit.ly/NotAshamedConf2024

THANK YOU . . . to all who helped out with Vacation Bible School this year. We had seventeen students attend throughout the week. They learned about the life and work of St. Paul, the obstacles he faced, the difficulties he endured, and yet remained strong and courageous because God promised to be with him. The crafts focused on making candles because having the light of Christ with us in the dark helps us not to be afraid and gives us courage. A special thanks to Sarah Andresen, Lauren Braaten, Ruth Bretz, Donna Campbell, Ann Carroll, Tiffany Cash, Krista Freebairn, Deborah Reifsteck, Jaimee Whitson, Leigh Ann Whitson.

PASTOR WILL BE AWAY . . . Monday, June 17–Thursday, June 20, to give a paper at the annual conference of the Association of Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Churches. In the event of an emergency, you may reach him on his mobile phone.