Tomorrow Sunday, August 14th, 2016 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: “Division” (Luke 12:49-53)
Location: Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine: 12500 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618
Directions: Exit Sand Canyon from the 405 or 5, head East towards the hills, cross Irvine Blvd., turn right on Saint’s Way (this will put you on the campus of Crean Lutheran High School…we worship in the event center/gym)
Divine Service: 930 am
Bible Study and Sunday School: 11 am
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Lord Jesus came to save and as a result of that salvation, there is — as a natural consequence — a resultant division among people. The division strikes even the closest families. This is a painful reality. At the same time, it is also a chance for Christians not to stand idle in the face of it. We are given the Lord’s Word (and Sacrament) and Holy Spirit to respond to the division in a godly manner: not by demonizing anyone, but by overcoming evil with good. Divisions can also receive healing. We don’t give up on healing. We shouldn’t. Still, it does no good for us to pretend that divisions aren’t there. We need to understand them and we need the Lord’s instruction on how to deal with them. I hope you come for tomorrow’s proclamation on this important subject.
In addition, I will be announcing my decision regarding the call I’ve received from the Kansas District of the LC-MS. This has been an arduous process. It would mean a great deal to me if I could have your support tomorrow morning. Please come so that I may share with you the basis for my decision. It would mean a lot to me. As always, I thank you for your prayers and support along the way.
Tomorrow will be a blessed day too, because:
- We are installing a brand-new elder to the board of elders! Jeff Mays is a wonderful man of faith and true servant of the Living God. An already outstanding board of elders is getting even better!
- We are receiving a brand-new member — Katherine Dubke — who is a tremendously gifted and talented young Christian woman. We grow stronger tomorrow as a congregation.
- We continue with Dr. Bret Taylor’s important study on the theology of the call.
- I will meet with the youth once again for Sunday School-Bible Study in the conference. We will consider what faith is, where it comes from, and how it grows stronger.
Let us rejoice for the many blessings our Heavenly Father continues to pour out upon us. We are truly blessed!
In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,
Pastor Espinosa