El Paso, Texas LCMS
Repetition yields memorization, contemplation, and deeper understanding. Draw from these scriptures, prayers, catechetical materials, and hymn(s) throughout your week of personal and family devotion, prayer, or homeschool family instruction. Then let them resonate in new ways as we all gather together in worship on Sunday.
Download “Rest in Christ” At-Home Devotional Materials
When I was little, about five years old, I LOVED being carried into the house “asleep” in my father’s arms. Usually, it was in the late evening, after driving home from some activity. After years of finding their little boy asleep in the car seat, my parents were in the habit of carrying me in. Now a little bit older, I wasn’t actually asleep, but had learned to love the embrace, the lift, the carry, and the placement right into bed. As an adult with my own children, when each one arrived at that stage, I smiled inside as I lifted the pretend sleeper up out of the seat to carry them in, resolving to keep doing it as long as my back could hold out under the growing weight. God lifts and carries us when we are weary (and even when not so weary). Our Father is always present, strong, and loving to lift us and give comfort and rest.
Matthew 11:28–29 (ESV): “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.”
What you can look forward to from your Heavenly Father as you remember Christ’s sacrifice and victory is REST.
Hebrews 4:9–11 (ESV): “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall”
Everyday (every moment 24/7), in Christ, we live in His Sabbath rest. He died for our sins. Our souls rest in His accomplishments, in His grace, in His ways, and in His promise of resurrection. We do our daily duties of school, job, or home from a condition of security and rest in Christ.
At Zion, on Sundays, keep setting apart time to rest for a few hours together in His Word and sacraments, in the singing of hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs, in prayer and in the mutual consolation that comes from time spent with others in Jesus’ name. All the week, continue to rest in Christ’s gifts alone in the early morning or late evening hours, with family in devotions together on the phone or online.
Each time we worship, we rest in the arms of Christ as we hear scripture and preaching and share in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Christ gives rest, by His power, real supernatural rest for our souls.
Fall Stewardship Theme: “Forever Alive”
Our times together on Sundays this Fall, as the Pentecost Season gives way to Advent, will offer us opportunity to reflect on these important stewardship themes of Good News for a weary, confused, and hurting world:
October: Weariness yields to REST
November: Confusion gives way to DISCOVERY
December: Hurt finds healing in LOVE
These will inspire a fresh outlook concerning our 24/7 walk with God and our times together for worship, prayer, study, and working together at Zion.
I’m excited for us all to rest in some new (for us) songs we will sing together in canon during worship, sung throughout each month reflecting the month’s theme. What a blessing to share life together, resting in the arms of our savior!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Stephen
For at-home worship, here are links to the video stream, bulletins, and more:
Masks while indoors? Recommended but not required – You are welcome to wear a mask at Zion and maintain social distancing as is recommended, but not universally required, by the CDC and the recent health ordinance of El Paso County. When you arrive, please let an usher know your distancing preference for seating. Disposable masks are available near the church entrance for those who wish to wear one but do not have one. (Learn more)
Smartphone-Friendly Version of Bulletin
Mail Offerings to: Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing Dr., El Paso, TX 79903
Donations via an app: If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
Pastor Emeritus Howard Patten and Pastor Stephen Heimer examine the upcoming scripture lessons for Sunday, September 26, 2021, the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Scripture:
Masks while indoors? Recommended but not required – You are welcome to wear a mask at Zion and maintain social distancing as is recommended, but not universally required, by the CDC and the recent health ordinance of El Paso County. When you arrive, please let an usher know your distancing preference for seating. Disposable masks are available near the church entrance for those who wish to wear one but do not have one. (Learn more)
For at-home worship, here are links to the video stream, bulletins, and more:
Smartphone-Friendly Version of Bulletin
Mail Offerings to: Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing Dr., El Paso, TX 79903
Donations via an app: If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
Repetition yields memorization, contemplation, and deeper understanding. Draw from these scriptures, prayers, catechetical materials, and hymn(s) throughout your week of personal and family devotion, prayer, or homeschool family instruction. Then let them resonate in new ways as we all gather together in worship on Sunday.
Download “You Light Up the World” At-Home Devotional Materials
Masks while indoors? Recommended but not required – You are welcome to wear a mask at Zion and maintain social distancing as is recommended, but not universally required, by the CDC and the recent health ordinance of El Paso County. When you arrive, please let an usher know your distancing preference for seating. Disposable masks are available near the church entrance for those who wish to wear one but do not have one. (Learn more)
For at-home worship, here are links to the video stream, bulletins, and more:
Smartphone-Friendly Version of Bulletin
Mail Offerings to: Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing Dr., El Paso, TX 79903
Donations via an app: If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Vanco Mobile app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
Repetition yields memorization, contemplation, and deeper understanding. Draw from these scriptures, prayers, catechetical materials, and hymn(s) throughout your week of personal and family devotion, prayer, or homeschool family instruction. Then let them resonate in new ways as we all gather together in worship on Sunday.
Download “Blessed With Messy Jobs” At-Home Devotional Materials
Masks while indoors? Recommended but not required – You are welcome to wear a mask at Zion and maintain social distancing as is recommended, but not universally required, by the CDC and the recent health ordinance of El Paso County. When you arrive, please let an usher know your distancing preference for seating. Disposable masks are available near the church entrance for those who wish to wear one but do not have one. (Learn more)
For at-home worship, here are links to the video stream, bulletins, and more:
Grow In The Word Sunday: This Sunday, we are blessed to commission congregation members who are leading our Christian Education efforts to teach young and old this year. After our worship service, please enjoy snacks in the auditorium to visit the display tables where you can learn about and sign up to join a Bible study group!
Smartphone-Friendly Version of Bulletin
Mail Offerings to: Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing Dr., El Paso, TX 79903
Donations via an app: If you prefer using your phone or tablet, you can download the Give Plus app from either the App Store or Google Play, depending on your type of phone. Give Plus is the Vanco mobile application. You can easily set up an account and donation through the app.
Repetition yields memorization, contemplation, and deeper understanding. Draw from these scriptures, prayers, catechetical materials, and hymn(s) throughout your week of personal and family devotion, prayer, or homeschool family instruction. Then let them resonate in new ways as we all gather together in worship on Sunday.
Download “Tongues for Teaching” At-Home Devotional Materials
