Greetings!
We appreciate everyone's feedback on the e-newsletter and devotion and we're glad you're enjoying this new ministry of Canton Lutheran Church. In response to some of your feedback regarding readability we have once again revised the format. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to your feedback. In addition, you will notice that we have added links to websites you may want to visit. If you can think of other links you would like to see, let us know. Have a blessed week as you seek to participate in God's Work with Your Hands.
Pastor Tony
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This Week's Devotion
Selling for Jesus
by Pastor Tony Haglund 
"Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions."
-Romans 14:1
One of the things that really bugs me is telemarketers who speak to me as if we're long lost friends who are now calling just to catch up. "Hey Tony! It's Steve, how are you? What's the weather like in South Dakota? Hey, I'm working with xyz company and you gotta get in on this deal." Of course salespeople do it all the time -- try to befriend us for the sake of making a deal.
When the Apostle Paul writes to the congregations in the city of Rome he encourages them to avoid this way of thinking. We shouldn't make friends with our neighbors for the sake of saving their souls or getting them to our church. We should make friends with our neighbors because making friends with our neighbors is a better way to live.
Many congregations say evangelism is their #1 goal. When asked why they'll tell you that if they get more members they can pay their bills easier and find more volunteers to do the work of the church. The problem is that with this way of thinking our neighbors become one more assett for us to exploit rather than human beings sharing our journey here on earth and worthy of our love and respect, even if we find ourselves differing in believes or faith.
So this week, let's make a new friend. Let's share our story and take the time to listen to the stories of our neighbors. Not because we need to sell Jesus to them but because in the lives of our neighbors is the life of Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ is life for us all. |
What's Happening at the Church
Youth Car Wash on Saturday As you're making the rounds to the carnival and looking for rummage goodies throughout Canton on Saturday, June 6th - Please stop by Farmer's State Bank between 1 and 5 pm, so we can make your car sparkle. All proceeds go towards the New Orleans youth trip. |
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Missionary Weekend Rev. John Peter Kirabogaran will join us for worship this weekend (June 6 & 7) to share stories about his work in India. A time of fellowship will follow both services. |
