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