Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine

Sunday, July 27th, 2014 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine

26Jul/14Off

Divine Service: 9:30 am

Bible Study and Sunday School: 11:00 am

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)

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I just returned with our contingent of 12 representing our congregation that attended the 2014 Higher Things Conference (LCMS high school conference) in Logan, Utah called "Crucified." It was a fantastic conference. We camped on the way there and on the way back, but in between was the great 3 1/2 day conference at Utah State University. I was given the privilege of conducting two of the break-away sessions: one on Angels & Demons and the other on the Reliability of Holy Scripture. I hope you might enjoy the power-points which I am attaching here. [those reading this on the website, please be patient and we will include these onto our site]
Tomorrow the Lord Jesus will preach to us in our 9:30 am Divine Service. That is we will receive His Word through His Office and the Holy Spirit will once again work powerfully in our lives keeping us in the forgiveness of sins which He won for us through His life, death, and resurrection.
After worship we will have a short voter's assembly meeting to provide an update from our site committee (and other leaders) on our search for our own facilities. This is an important meeting about our vision for the future and I hope you'll take the time to attend.
Also, I am excited to announce that tomorrow my son, David Espinosa, will be confirmed! His confirmation verse is Psalm 23:1, a word we all need to remain mindful about.
In addition, we will offer a special blessing to members of our congregation who will attend the upcoming "Around the World" tour as representatives (students and faculty) of Concordia University Irvine.
Finally, please prayerfully consider attending the Memorial service for our sister in Christ, fellow member of Saint Paul's, Gladys Geisler who fell asleep and went to be with the Lord on July 7th. The Memorial will be in the Good Shepherd Chapel at Concordia University Irvine at 3:00 pm.
May the Lord bless us as we abide in the saving faith and rejoice in the Lord always!
In Jesus' Love,
Pastor Espinosa

Tomorrow July 13th, 2014 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: “Christ Prepares Your Heart for the Word” (St. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) & VBS Report

12Jul/14Off

Divine Service: 9:30 am

Bible Study and Sunday School: 11:00 am

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)

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Tomorrow we study the very first parable our Lord Jesus taught: "The Parable of the Sower." Our Lord thoroughly described sinful reactions against His life-giving seed which creates and nurtures faith. We learn that what is really important is our relationship to His life-giving seed (His Word). When the seed of Christ's Word touches our lives through hearing, understanding, and producing fruit, we experience the fruit of a living faith. This is the Lord's gift to us His people...through HIS fruit born for us...His hearing, His understanding, and His fruit for our forgiveness and salvation!
Come to Divine Service ready to receive the Lord's forgiveness and grace as you continue to live in Christ. Come ready to receive His body and blood...we celebrate the Holy Sacrament which the Lord gave for the life of the world!
Also, I wanted to share some exciting news about the VBS at Crystal Cove State Park (Beach) that we just completed. Consider these three year statistics:
2012: Total number of children served: 22
2013: Total number of children served: 29
2014: Total number of children served: 34
Total number of other participants including nursing students from CUI:
2012: 29
2013: 31
2014: 32
Total number of participants:
2012: 51
2013: 60
2014: 66
We praise the Lord for the opportunity He granted for us to serve more children than ever!
In Jesus' Love,
Pastor

Sunday July 6th, 2014 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: “I Will Give You Rest” (Matthew 11:25-30)

4Jul/14Off

Divine Service: 9:30 am

Bible Study and Sunday School: 11:00 am

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)

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

 

One of the most comforting Scripture passages is found in this Sunday's Gospel, Matthew 11:25-30! Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Jesus calls us to Himself and it is a most loving and gracious invitation indeed. It is one which invites us to receive rest in our lives, rest from the burden and condemnation of sin; rest from the hopelessness of the world; and rest from the bondage of the evil one. This is the rest that leads us to know Jesus' yoke...to be joined to the One who bore all of our sorrows and by whose stripes we are healed. When we have this yoke -- this union with Christ created in Holy Baptism -- then we know the "easy" way; the "light" way...the way of God's peace and the way of God's constant compassion and comfort. This is the rest we all need.

This rest is also received in the Holy Sacrament. For those who share our common confession of the faith (normally established through the rite of holy confirmation in the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod) and confess the true body and blood of Jesus in, with, and under the bread and wine receive this Holy Sacrament for the forgiveness of sins and do indeed receive Christ's rest.

Let us gather this Sunday for this wonderful rest!

 

Also on Saturday, July 5th: we are having a share and defend the faith seminar with Pastor Mark Jasa at Psator Espinosa's residence, 21986 Mae Circle, Lake Forest, CA at 4:00 pm. Please call Pastor Espinosa at 949-379-0883 if you'd like to come. We would love to have you. Invite a friend!

 

Also, this coming week is VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at Saint Paul's: July 7th through July 11th from 9 am to 12 noon. We are meeting at Crystal Cove State Park. We are using the Reef Point entrance between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar. Reef Point entrance is between El Morro School (to the south) and Newport Coast Drive (to the north). When parking at the Reef Point parking lot ($15) walk down to Sandy Beach at Muddy Creek (just below the stair way on the beach). This is where we are setting up!

 

VBS is FREE and Ruby's Diner is providing FREE lunches!

 

We are celebrating "Creation in Christ" and of course the fact that "Jesus Loves You!" Hope to see you at Vacation Bible School.

 

Note: all children must have a registration form filled out & these will also be available on site.

 

In Jesus' Love,

 

Pastor Al Espinosa