The story of Job is the story of someone facing extreme hardship. The bible is full of people who face hardship usually as a result of unfaithfulness. However, Job’s story is a test. This story is an opportunity for a person to explore one’s reactions and what that tells you about your own faith. Within the context of this story, you can explore fairness, grief, reconciliation, fear, good and evil and a whole host of other themes depending on how deep you want to dig. The following study is meant to start you on that exploration. You may decide at another time to dive deeper into the book to the rich conversations between Job, his friends and God. May the spirit bless you in your study.

A monologue of Joseph's thoughts upon hearing of Mary's pregnancy. Can be shared with a study group or a worship service.Some topics and questions are provided at the end for group discussion or focus points for a sermon.Based on the text from Mark 1:18-25

A meditation to the song "Hear Us From Heaven" by Ross Parsley

I think film is one of the most powerful ways to reach people, especially in today’s society. People connect with film on a level unlike anything else. If we can get them to take that connection and use it to consider the possibilities this carries for their Christian faith, we can very possibly change the way they see the world. This is a six-week film series to help deal with these issues. I have chosen six different films, some more recent and some not so recent, all with something different to say about God, Jesus, or various other Biblical messages. I include a brief summary of each film, a focus point for each film, followed by some study questions to be used for it to jump start a discussion. I also include a prayer to be used either at the beginning or end of each film discussion session.

In addition to financial support we also use email to share petitions for each other. We regularly remember people by name from each other's congregations, as well as preparation for annual meetings, and other issues. This is a practice that draws us much closer to each other and gives both congregations a sense of the whole church on earth in a direct and specific manner.

An "Extreme Faith Adventure Game," an action packed adventure for kids, that involves teamwork, learning, and acting out the "helping your neighbor" part of Luther's explanation to the 5th Commandment. Planning includes mapping out 6 or 7 "Adventure Points" on a course around the church, or outside, where each team has to complete a simple study task, before moving on the next point.

“ A seven year-old-child knows what the church is, namely, holy believers and sheep who hear the voice of their Shepherd.” Martin Luther