The Monday evening bible study is just beginning it's read through the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. (You are welcome to join us on any Monday evening that you are able to attend! We meet in the Fireside Room at 7:00 p.m.)
This book might be better called: "The Acts of the Holy Spirit," because one of the first things you notice about it is that nothing happened, or was done in the early days of the Christian Church without the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We forget that to our peril. Today too, both individually and as a group or church, it is only the things that we do that sincerely convey Jesus' love and his regard for God's will to be done among us as it is done in heaven - it is only those things done by the grace of His Holy Spirit that will last or truly matter.
When Jesus ascended into heaven he did not leave this world. He merely transformed the way in which he is forever with us. Now he makes no more brief or "mini" visits with us in the flesh. Instead, he is with us always through the Holy Spirit as his Spirit dwells in us and works through our flesh and blood lives. In that sense, the Book of Acts tells the exciting story of how the life, ministry and witness to God that Jesus lived, now lives and continues on in you and me - in the "body of Christ" - those who name him as Lord and pay heed to his word.
In Confirmation we are closing out the year by studying what Luther's Catechism teaches about the Third Article: "I believe in the Holy Spirit..." As Luther reminds us in his explanation to that article: "I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true.”
Yes, the work of our risen Lord goes on! And we are blessed to be his partners in ministry and mission.
˜ Pastor Greg

FRENCH RIVER LUTHERAN CHURCH
MISSION STATEMENT:
“To live and love as God commands, accept His grace, and share the Good News.”

The FRENCH RIVER RINGERS perform monthly and special performances during Easter and Christmas. They are directed by Mary Garmer. The Bells number about 12 including substitutes. They practice on Sunday at 8:15 a.m. They recently added a set of handchimes to add a different sound to their musical selections.

Both MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS are looking for your voice or for you to give them a hand! Try it you'll like it.