“Called to be Holy!” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
Come on Peter, really? Quoting God and telling us we should be holy? Why do you tell us that knowing that we are not very holy? But that is the point, isn’t it? Our sin, our lack of holiness turns us away from God. But Peter tells us that we are a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” We no longer are separated from God but now are called by Him.
As priests, we come to God, not with our list of how good we have been, but with Jesus as our offering, our Redeemer. Our darkness is paid for, ransomed by Christ Himself. By His grace we walk in the holy steps of our Lord.
Question of the week: Who first told Peter about Jesus?
Answer: In the Book of John, we are told that Andrew and John, disciples of John the Baptist, were directed to Jesus by the Baptist. They were invited by Jesus to come with Him and they did spending the day. Then, Andrew “first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).” John 1:41-42.
Update on our LifeCenter
The Planning Team met with Rick Geiler, our architect, this past week on Oct. 28, for the purpose of setting a construction schedule. Present plans are to distribute bid plans in early January to be returned in late February. Construction will start as weather permits in March or April. Projected completion of the LifeCenter is Thanksgiving 2014.
Our LifeCenter Campaign continues with a goal to assure that loan payments will not exceed our budget constraints. Living within our means allows our focus to remain on sharing the good news and meeting the needs of those around us. Each giving unit at Word of Life has been asked for a confidential pledge for the building fund, an estimate on their giving for the general fund and/or sign up for a hands on project on the building itself. We boldly ask for your continued prayers and God’s blessing knowing it is all in God’s hands to His glory.
We pray and trust that God will lead us as we go, serving Him. Our LifeCenter for Christ and Community Campaign Co-Leaders are R.O. Ouellette and Jason and Lynette Windhorst, Mike McHargue and Tom Hoegemeyer. Contact me, Pastor Larry at 402-641-3692 or larkitoetting@yahoo.org for information on our prayer team and the vision we have in serving Him.
Christmas Parade in Seward
A parade at this time of the year? Yes, a Christmas Parade in Seward on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Remember the winter parade that escaped Lincoln? It is in Seward now, along with other activities and a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Word of Life participates with a float for the third year and encourages you to bring your kids and grandchildren. The theme this year is “Believe!” How fitting for us who know and believe that the little babe born in Bethlehem is the gift that Christmas is all about.
LifeGroup Information
LifeGroup is the name for our small groups at Word of Life. In LifeGroups we share, we study and we support. The leader facilitates the discussion centering on the life that Jesus gives us. LifeGroup members are partners in the Word, by God’s grace and direction, living life together, no matter what.
One LifeGroup meets on Wed. at 7 p.m. twice a month. A Men’s LifeGroup meets every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. at Word of Life. Three Sunday Morning LifeGroups meet at 9:15 a.m. at Word of Life. Call Pastor Larry at 402-641-3692 for information.
Time to Join a LifeGroup?
Larry and Susan Biel are starting a new LifeGroup in Seward that will meet in their home. Call Larry B at 402-310-3098 for information.
The Wednesday night LifeGroup that is led by Tom and Linda Hoegemeyer and meets at their home will begin a new study called, “Living God’s Will!” Consider joining for the eight sessions of this study. The study begins on Nov.13 at 7 p.m. Call Pastor Larry at 402-641-3692 for information.
Welcome to Our Guests
Word of Life welcomes you on the part of Pastor Larry Oetting and all the partners in the Gospel here at Word of Life as you view our website and Facebook page or attend our service. Please know that we desire to offer to all an oasis of hope, trust, safety and love through His power and in His name. As God leads you, we hope to get to know you and serve you through His power and love.
Prayer Team Ministry
We thank Marsha Dick for coordinating our Prayer Team Ministry at Word of Life since it began. Shirley Guy, (sguy52@yahoo.com) is the new coordinator for the ministry. Contact Shirley to become a member of the ministry team or to submit a prayer request. All prayer request are kept confidential to the team members.
