So, there's a football game this Sunday? I can hear your chuckles already! Yes, the game certainly would have been much more exciting (at least for some of us!) had it been a Favre - Manning match up. But, instead it's a Breese - Manning. Those Boilermaker fans will have a tough time - follow an alum or go with the home team. Personally, I hope for a good game - and a Colts win.
With the big game this Sunday I came across a song written by a former member of SBL who is now principal in Kendallville. The song - put together with some interesting video - is out on You Tube. "Jesus is better than football" - the song's title - sounds like a fun parody, but it can actually force us to think about the role / place we want Jesus to have in our lives. Are we guilty of placing Jesus into our own hand-crafted "boxes" or "compartments"? And when those boxes are crushed it can be painful and embarrassing...we can learn that from Peter in Luke 5. Peter, when he realized there was something more to this Jesus than meets the eye, begged Jesus to go away. But going away was not anywhere on Jesus' list of things to do with Peter. And it's not anywhere on His list of things to do with us. We'll talk more about that in worship this Sunday. By the way, I plan to show that video / song as part of the message at the 11:00 service.
Lutheran Hour Ministry
This Sunday is also Lutheran Hour Sunday. We praise and thank God for the ministry of this vital radio program. Larry Zelt will also share information about Lutheran Hour Ministries at all three services.
Lenten Journey
Our Lenten journey will begin on Ash Wednesday - February 17. Our Wednesday worship services during Lent will be at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. with the suppers served from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the School Commons. The theme for our services this year is "Overheard: Conversations at the Cross." It builds around some of the "what ifs" about Good Friday - what if certain people involved in the passion and death of Jesus had the chance to talk to each other? We'll explore how those possible conversations - coupled with what we know did happen that Friday - impacts our faith and life.
51st Annual Fish Fry
Just a reminder that our wonderful Fish Fry is quickly approaching - Saturday, February 13 is the date.
School Open House
Pass the word along about our school's Open House on Sunday, February 21 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. This is for all prospective families - and for new Preschool families. Drop by to learn about everything SBLS has to offer - food will be provided for everyone to enjoy as well.
Worship Survey
This coming Sunday - February 7 - and for the next couple of Sundays, our Board of Elders and I desire to hear from you about your preferences at our worship services. We thank you for the information you have been providing us recently, especially those of you who regularly worship at the 8:45 service. We have readjusted the format for the 8:45 service to share equal Sundays between a traditional and a softer blended worship style. The Elders and I are interested in everyone participating in worship as we are the body of Christ together. In order to enhance congregational understanding about worship preferences, please complete the survey you will find in Sunday's bulletin. We want to hear from you!
God bless you as you live in Jesus' love and grace. He is better than football...and everything else!