NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Jeremiah 23:16–29; Romans 8:12–17; Matthew 7:15–23.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . In the Garden of Eden, our first parents received food freely from the gracious hand of God, apart from any burdensome work (Gen 2:7–17). But after the fall, food would be received only through toil and labor. The curse declared, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground . . .” (Gen. 3:19). In other words, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). But into this wilderness world came Jesus the Messiah to restore creation. Having compassion on the weary multitudes, He renewed the bounty of Eden on the third day, freely granting an abundance of bread to the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–9). So also our Lord Jesus, having endured the burden of our sin, was raised on the third day to bring us back to Paradise. He now miraculously turns the bread of death into the Bread of Life in the Sacrament, giving us His very body and blood for our forgiveness. For “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Romans 6:19 “For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” To be sanctified means to be set aside for God’s purposes. St. Paul encourages us to see ourselves, our bodies, our souls, and all that we are as set aside for God’s work—in all that we do whether in the home, church, or society at large.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by ????? to the glory of God ?????.

PASTOR BRAATEN WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE . . . July 15–26, on vacation, camping in Kentucky. Cellular service might be sketchy. If you need assistance, you may contact him on his mobile phone or call one of the Elders. Seminarian Jackson Scofield will be filling in next week for service.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS . . . for Saturday, July 27 at 9:00 AM as our next cooking day at Immanuel. Many hands make light work! We use these meals to bless those in our congregation who may need extra love during a difficult time or to show them how much we care as their church family. No need to bring anything, except maybe an apron. If you have questions, please talk to Ann Carroll.

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