“The Parable of the Persistent Widow.” Luke 18:1–8
In this parable, we learn the value of positive, persistent prayer and the need for prayer in our lives. The title of the message is “P.U.S.H.,” an acronym for “Pray Until Something Happens!” Jesus had a great deal to say about prayer. His disciples watched Him, and they said, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” The one thing about His life that was so fascinating that they wanted to imitate Him was His prayer life.
Question of the week: What was the place, the social status of widows, in the Scriptures?
Answer: Widows in the Bible were often objects of pity, recipients of favors. Living in a patriarchal society without a male to protect them and to be their point of reference, widows were victims of injustice. They were outsiders, no provisions were made by society for them; they were helpless and defenseless. Widows were overlooked in the Israelites’ system of inheritance. Yet, both in the Old and New Testament, people of God are told to protect and care for widows.
Important Dates
- August 1-7
- Pastor’s Vacation
- August
- No Sunday School or LifeGroups
Summer Message Series – The Mind of Jesus
Our Summer Message Series uses the parables of Jesus as a guide and inspiration for living and demonstrating the love God has for us. The parables make up a large part of the recorded preaching of Jesus. The great themes of Jesus are intimately revealed and expressed in His parables. A bonus in studying the parables is that they put us in touch with the mind of Jesus as well, if not better, than any other part of the Gospels. That will be our quest. What is the mind of Jesus and what does He tell us?
Today we look at a parable that Jesus told about a persistent widow and the power and value of positive, persistent prayer
Guest Pastor for August 4
Pastor Steve Sirek was our guest pastor last Sunday and returns this Sunday. (Pastor Oetting and Kitty are on vacation to attend the wedding of grandson Joel Oetting to Jessica.)
Pastor Sirek grew up on a farm 10 miles west of Pierce, NE. He is a graduate of Pierce High School, Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University) and Concordia Theological Seminary.
Steve writes this:
“I was blessed with many ministry experiences: Lutheran High School Teacher and Coach, College Professor and Coach, Missionary Manager for Orphan Grain Train in Latvia, Lutheran High School Campus Pastor, Parish Pastor and Major Gift Officer for Concordia University, NE. I am presently an Insurance Associate with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Lincoln, NE.
I have been blessed with three children: Christiana (Jarrod), Stephanie (Erik) and Micah. My wife, Kathy, and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this summer.”
Update on our LifeCenter
The Planning Team met Monday, July 29, with our architect, Rick Geiler, to discuss and give input for the design of our church building. President of Word of Life had these comments about the meeting:
“Planning meeting was well attended. Rick presented several sketches of the plan C concept and the team approved the direction he is headed. The next meeting will be on Aug. 12 and should include more of the various stake holders.”
The Aug. 12 meeting is at 7 p.m. in one of the classrooms at Concordia Fallbrook.