Author: Pastor Susan Gaeta

Weekly Scripture Readings

August 2 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 32:22-31Jacob receives a blessing from God
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied. (Ps. 17:15
Romans 9:1-5The glory of God’s people Israel
Matthew 14:13-21Christ feeding five thousand

August 9 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28Joseph sold by his brothers
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b Make known the deeds of the Lord among the peoples. Hallelujah! (Ps. 105:1, 45)
Romans 10:5-15Hearing and confessing the word of faith
Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walking on the sea

August 16 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 45:1-15Joseph reconciles with his brothers
Psalm 133  How good and pleasant it is to live together in unity. (Ps. 133:1)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32God’s mercy to all, Jew and Gentile
Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter

August 23 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 1:8–2:10  Pharaoh’s daughter takes Moses as her son
Psalm 124  We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Ps. 124:7)
Romans 12:1-8  One body in Christ, with gifts that differ
Matthew 16:13-20  The profession of Peter’s faith

God’s Not Dead

This same thing actually happened to me in College. A college student challenges his instructor who does not believe in God. We interact with people who do not believe in God. There are people who die and never take the opportunity to say ” I believe in God”

I invite you to watch this movie for encouragement. You can find it on Netflix. We have the DVD,

Since we are now having to self distance ourselves this is the opportunity to tell your contacts that God’s not dead. The people in the movie take up that call to text everyone that you know that “Gods not Dead.

God’s not dead He’s surely alive.

Movies of Inspiration

During this trying times where we are faced with social distancing many people are stuck in doors and are spending more time with their families and watching movies together to find inspiration and entertainment.

Last night we watched two movies that we found highly inspirational and entertaining.

The first movie was “Son of God” which is the life story of Jesus told from his humble birth, about his teachings, ,and in the end of his ultimate resurrection. We have the DVD.   The song at the end “Mary did you know “ is one of my favorite songs.  Pentatonix  does an incredible version of that song and you can find the video clip on Youtube. The lyrics are also available.

The second movie that we watched was Faith, Hope, and  Love on Netflix.  Our kitchen wallpaper uses that theme which is the foundation for our marriage.  Recently divorcee Faith enters a dance contest to save her dance studio, where she meets Jimmy Hope and rediscovers her faith and dreams. It’s a very uplifting movie of faith.  You can find the video clip on the IMDB database or a trailer on Youtube.

I invite your feedback on what you think of these movies and if you found them inspirational.

I have a list of Christion movies that I can post if people are interested and we can  share how the stories affect our lives.

Preparing for Holy Week

Especially as we enter into Holy Week,
consider setting up a worship space in your home.

Your dining room table, or another table, would be a good location.

The space might include:

  • a table cloth.
  • a crucifix to remember we are saved and forgiven in Christ’s death. For Good Friday, you might want to drape the cross in black or purple cloth. You can do this after the Maundy/Holy Thursday service.
  • a candle to remember we are to be the resurrected light of Christ in the world. For good Friday, consider having three candles to extinguish at times during the service.
  • a bowl of water to remember our baptism; this is especially appropriate for our Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday services.
  • and of course, your phone or tablet
  • for the Thursday service, a beverage and your evening meal or dessert.

Silent Auction coming soon – September 28 6-8pm

Keep the donations coming! September 21st is the last day to make any type of contribution to the Silent Auction. This is to allow enough time to create bid sheets as well as a brief description of each item and who it was donated by.

What can we expect to see at this year’s silent auction? Here are the latest updates.

The Silent Auction Raffle features three different items. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at the front desk where you will check in. 1 ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5. Be sure to bring plenty of cash as we have raffle items you are sure to enjoy.

The Silent Auction will have gift certificates to local businesses, handcrafted items from church members, gift baskets, and yes we even have framed photographs from photographer Kevin Sletten available for bidding.

This year we have decided to try something new. We will be offering a “Buy Now” table. The “Buy Now” table will feature items valued at $20 or less and can be purchased right at their value price but act fast because it is first come first serve. A hot item that will be available at this table are baked goods donated by Derek’s Dessert Catering (DDC). Be on the lookout for Herbie’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. These are typically only available to Groton resident Herb Iburg but September 28th only, these cookies are available for purchase to you so get them now before you lose your chance for an experience your taste buds won’t forget.  

Take a look below and see some of the items we can expect to see at the Silent Auction.

Personal Reflection on March 25

Today would have been my dear brother’s birthday.  He died over 20 years ago but he will always be my angel in heaven.  When he walked this earth he was a good soul and with the promise of redemption he is now with the Lord.  Therefore, when I gaze (or reflect) upon his image, it helps me remember the power and glory of God.  Lord, thank you for those angels who have come before us to guide us in our way. – Angela