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2011 Prayer Support for Mission V. 2; N. 45
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the summit
The idea of a multi-site church is nothing new to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Ever since a contemporary worship service began in 1997 (which meets in a the New Life Center at our St. Paul downtown location), we have been a multi-site church.
Click here for the website. |
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Do you know people who would like to make a difference in the world?
Invite them to become an m2c Missional Prayer Partner. Forward them this link. click here!
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Invocation
Almighty, Lord, May I see the world as You see the world. May I see people as You see people. May I bring grace and mercy into Your world, as Jesus brought grace and every mercy, all in His name to Your glory. Amen.
Reading Luke 13:18-30; Psalm 133
Reflection
FROM EVERY NATION
"Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" (Lk. 13:23) Someone asked Jesus this question while he was on his way to Jerusalem. It is an interesting question to think about.
The word "faithful" is used a lot these day to encourage believers to remain strong in their faith, especially as the world moves more and more into a post-churched culture. Being "faithful" is used positively as Christians grow in their faith and mission outreach, but at other times it is used as an excuse to isolate ourselves from the evil culture around us. "Faithful" is also used to say that we shouldn't change anything in the church. "Faithful" has been used to justify smallness. Some would say that we are not called to be big, but faithful. On the other hand, "faithful" can be used to inspire our mission efforts in our congregations, districts, and Synod.
Luke 13:18-30 speaks about the kingdom of God being something that is ever growing and expanding. It is like a small mustard seed that is planted and becomes a tree where birds can perch in its branches. The seed doesn't stay as a small seed but expands and grows above and below the soil.
The kingdom of God is also compared to a little yeast that is added to a large amount of flour. The yeast grows throughout the flour as it is mixed. The yeast does not stay by itself, separated from the rest of the flour. It moves out and permeates the entire flour. In a way, it transforms the environment around itself.
To understand the last parable in this section (Lk. 13:24-30), it is helpful to start with the end of the parable where Jesus declares, "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God." The answer to the question, "Are only a few people going to be saved?" is that many will be in the kingdom. The first part of the parable also makes it clear that those who believe they are good enough to be in the kingdom will not be.
The Lutheran Church─Missouri Synod (LCMS) has been losing members for a long time. Some say that numbers don't matter as long as we remain "faithful." The LCMS might continue to decline, but the kingdom of heaven is growing and expanding around the world. Praise God!
By Rev. Ken Hennings, President, Texas District, LCMS
Pray (As you pray include . . . people who don't know Christ; people who will plant & witness; include people who pray. In addition, pray that the land be quenched with rain and that opportunities to bring God's love to individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires not be missed by God's servants.)
Benediction
The Lord is near to you and will use you this day for His kingdom. Amen.
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Pray that the members of the Texas District embrace the mission.
Lord, As fears grow concerning local, state, and world events, make Your presence known, through Your church and through Your people in such a way that Your hand of grace would be seen calming hearts and minds ultimately drawing all people to Yourself. Amen.
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Pray for Missionaries and their Families -----
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For the Preparation of new Church Planters who are ready to enter into this challenging and difficult ministry in Texas and throughout the nation
For the Center for US Mission CPAC. Pray that men and their families are raised up for vital church planting in our church body.
For the unseen missional workers in neighborhoods and communities in Texas and around the world whose hearts would reveal Christ to the world.
For Vicars and Call Candidates as the Lord leads them and their families for work in God's Kingdom. |
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For Ms Raquel Fehr, University Lutheran Center - UTA, Arlington
For Vicar Nelson & Perla Gil de Rodriguez, LINC Houston Comunidad de Gracia, Houston
For your Pastor.
For church planter coaches and those being coached
For those preparing for the ministry, that they recognize the heart and desire of Christ in every ministry to which they are called.
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Pray for New Missions -----
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| For Campus Missions and those serving in those locations across Texas.
St. Paul, Ft. Worth / The Summit at Aledo has launched Crossroads in Burleson. Through crossroads, God is mobilizing people to grow as His disciples and to be a blessing to the South Tarrant/North Johnson County region! They launched on Sunday, October 9 at the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce from 5-7PM.
New Church Plant development in Lubbock with Rev. Tim Radkey of Hope, Lubbock.
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The development of the "Uvalde Great Commission Outreach," in Uvalde through Rev. Gary Martin.
For St. Paul, McAllen
For WOBLO TX as they begin the adventure of bringing God's kingdom into darkness.
For Epiphany, Pearland as they continue to develop their multi-site ministry. Many congregational representatives are traveling to Kenya this week. Hold their travels in prayer and that a missional culture grow at "home." |
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For Steve Sandfort, Mission Planting Vicar at Crown of Life, Colleyville and the launch team for Edge Community Lutheran, NW Tarrant County.
For the community celebration in Candelaria at the end of September. This celebration will include Area A mission presence.
There is conversation about starting a Lutheran School in Candelaria (closest school is 50 miles away.)
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Pray for Continuing and Key Events -----
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Pray for the students and AVID teachers.
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For congregations to make bringing Christ to communities their top priority
For strong fellowship development among like minded witnesses
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| For Mission Liberty Hill
For Redeemer, Austin to implement childcare outreach.
For Ramiro Guierrez and his family in the New Hope ministry. That leaders would be raised up for the surrounding community. |
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Pray for the new partnerships between LINC NT and congregations in the metroplex.
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For congregations in Area A as they look to develop missional hearts.
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For Parent Ministry in the Spanish-Speaking Church Plant in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, to break through the apathy to grow, and that parents and children grow in their relationship.
For Hope Lutheran, Marble Falls, planted in connection with Genesis, Buchanan Dam
For Area C: Missional Worker Training
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For the Ten new church starts in Area B.
Pray for the LINC NT staff
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Pray for a great start with the new SALI teachers in the Metroplex
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God is raising up new workers connecting with Ely Prieto in LINC SA.
LINC SA submitted a grant request for Hannah Shoup's work among college students, women and children.
For POBLO and a new Ethnic Mission Plant in partnership with Our Savior, Rockwall.
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Circuit Seven and Wichita Fall Mission Initiatives. That mission culture be developed.
For High Plains Mission Initiative development.
For 10% of the Baptized members of TxDistLCMS to pray for mission
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Pray for Congregations to grow in their discipleship response to the Gospel including their financial support for kingdom work. For Stewardship Resources click here. Pray for the U.S. Budget Process for 2012 and for the strengthening of our economy in the US and around the world for the continued resourcing of the Mission.
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Message to Partners -----
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Even though changes on these lists may be subtle and infrequent, do not be discouraged in your prayers and do not conclude that things are not happening. There is active mission movement in the Texas District. Perseverance in prayer is one of the characteristics of this ministry, as I am sure you know.
I assure you that your prayers are being heard and are greatly needed. There is movement in the body of Christ in Texas and around the world. Thank you for your persistent prayer support.
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This publication is made available for your encouragement in prayer ministry and prayer support for Mission 200 of the Texas District, LCMS. Reflections are authored by missionaries and leaders in the Texas District whose heart is to bring the Gospel to people who do not know Jesus Christ.
If you have questions, comments, prayer requests for planting, or if you are looking for information concerning church planting in your community, you may email your Area Mission and Ministry Facilitator:
Steven Misch | Paul Krentz | Mike Newman | Jon Braunersreuther
Mission 200 (M2C) is the effort of Texas District Congregations to start 200 new Word and Sacrament Ministries by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The Texas District prays that a mission movement can grow in Texas.
For more information & resources for mission planting in Texas go the m2c website by clicking here.
For information about Missional Worker Training in the Texas District, click here.
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Blessings,
Rev. Steven Misch
Texas District, LCMS
806-433-4536 |
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