Connecting People to Jesus A Congregation of The Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod

Transcription

1 Sermon Based Bible Study SERMON-BASED BIBLE STUDY Share 1. What do you think Jesus means when he says, do not be anxious? 2. There are things a Christian MUST be concerned about if he is to be responsible before God. But there is apparently a spirit of worry that is irresponsible and sinful how would you describe it? 3. Discuss together Philippians 4:6 and Webster's definitions of two key words that give understanding to this topic: concern something of importance to one; worry a troubled state of mind, uneasiness. God expects us to show concern, but not to the point of a troubled mind crippled by needless anxiety. Paul wrote, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Phil. 4:6). Study Read through the text Matthew 6: Take time to gain understanding from the context by reading all of Chapter 6. What are the threads that connect each segment of teaching? Pastor Mike said in the sermon that the Therefore of Matthew 6:25 might just point us back to the whole of Chapter 6, suggesting that each of the topics covered by Jesus are issues where anxiousness gets in the way of following Him resulting in worry rather than trust and faith. 1. What point does Jesus make with his twin parables of the birds of the air and of the flowers of the field? Matthew 6: Does Jesus teaching imply that, if we really have enough faith in God, we don t have to work, since God will take care of all of our needs? 3. How many times in this passage does the phrase do not worry, do not be anxious, or take no thought occur? In what way does excessive worry border on sin? Are worry and trust exact opposites? 4. Why does Jesus mention the pagans in verse 32? What point is he making? How should a Christian differ from a pagan, according to Jesus teaching in this passage? 5. What emotional and faith effect does the phrase, your heavenly Father knows that you need them, have in your life? 6. Twice in the immediate context, in Matthew 6:8 and 6:32, Jesus insists that our Father in heaven already knows what we need. If this so, it should help us to trust God to take care of our needs. But then, if he already knows our needs, why pray about them, as Jesus urges in Matthew 6:7-13? 7. What is the command in verse 33? How must our seeking God differ from our seeking of food and clothing, according to this verse? What is the promise found in this verse? 8. Give some examples of how we today have become so concerned about our livelihood (getting enough to eat and drink) that we have forgotten the art of living. Support 1. If you are comfortable doing so, share briefly with others in your small group something you are worried about right now or have been recently. 2. Think for a moment about the worry you just shared, rather than the problem that is the occasion for your worry. a. What, if anything, are the benefits of worry in such a situation? b. On the other hand, what are some of the dangers that worry may pose in this situation? 3. How can your small group pray for you as you seek to live out a Matthew 6 faith? Prayers of the Congregation Please contact the church office at if you would like someone added to the Prayer List. To place someone on the Prayer Chain contact Dianne Lohan at or Lianne Anderson at Kobon Ministry in Papua New Guinea: We thank the Lord that the Living Word Schools staff and students will return to school refreshed on September 19 after school break, ready for the final term before graduations at the end of November. Please pray for them. This week please pray for Timothy, Hibru, Joel, Lindon and Philip who will teach at the Teacher Training Course that begins on September 22, and that many trainees will attend. Reverend John and Maila Davies, Lutheran Bible Translators, Papua New Guinea Pray for Our Country, Our State, Our Leaders, Our Military: Alanzo Arzate, Robert Barba, Matt Burns, Carson Cornell, David, 2nd Lt. Evan Edison, Mike Espinoza, Nick Ferral, Foults, Sam Gaynor, Rob Genzel, Genzel, Sean Green, Manny Gonzalez, Michael Gund, Philip Hall, Jonathon Hall, Sarah Haller, John Herman, Mark Kampa, Tanner Klugherz, Cameron Landers, Max, Justin Mack, Wesley Mann, Charles Marien, Kevin Mason, Colin McFerran, Chris Merikkan, Adam Moise, Casey Patterson, Taylor Rose, Jonathon Scrantom, Major John Skinner, Adam Spies, McLean Swink, Alex Tafur, Morgan Taylor, Kane Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Jacob Vallee, Captain Shane Yates and all the Military and their families... PERSONAL Curtis and Lisa John Davis Debra Derek Dustin and Rachel Edith Erica Grace Andy Hodge Jasmeet Deborah Hinmen Jessica Karen Kathleen Kim Kittle Family Lauren & Andy Leslie N. Lauren Lisa and Curtis Paul Mize Nicholas Brei Nieto Craig O'Connor. Trevor Olson Chris Ortt Patti Paul Rick Robert Parrish Peggy and family Sherry Sam, Holly, Paige Petraglia Family ILLNESS Devon Dorothea Emma Marty Flacks Jason Force Patrick Frericks Amanda Gavin Genevieve Rita Glowa Jim Gorsline Sr. Finn Green Greg Uncle Bob Gunther Debbie Hack Heather Haight Larry Haight Sophia Harvey Bonnie Herring Carolyn Hinchcliff Bob Hollenbecy Terry Houle Kathy Huff Jenny Renee Flores Jewell Judy Rosalie Jensen Julie Kendall & Family Brigitte Kleppe Julie Koonce Pamela Kratzke Bruce Lewis Meg Loesch Tom Ludtke Richard (Rick) Martin Betty Merritt Kevin Michaels Mikeyla Michelle Chrisann Migliore Miho Pam McPhee David Moeschler Pamela Mulholland Patrick Nandy Arlene Norcutt Marci Patterson Donna Perry Rhonda Madelynn Richberger Renee Riemer Pastor Robert Sherry Robinson Betsy Ruesler John Santora John Paul Saraga Joy Sheraton Glenn Smith Adam Sparks Steve Steve Shambaugh Jerry Snyder/Hochderffer Sharon Swaford Mary Lynn Teeling Joe Tellez Marjorie Tomko Elaine Van Dyke Pastor Charles VanKirk Robert Virata Gary Warbrick Jack Ward Marlene Weisheit Gertie Wiechmann Clementine Winklepleck Josh Williams Garth Wilson Nick Yorba Ashleigh Bauer Family Dakota Becker Bowman Family Brinkman Family Brock Family Brian Rick Carrasco Catherine Cone Nancy Connette & Family Krystal Adriano Jean Amburgey Art Rusty Ballard Ashley Bauer Nina Berhow Jimmy Bognar Steve Boren Thad Bower Ely & Titus Bowman Barbara Brisco Marge Brown Edna Burkey Kimberly Burks Cameron Delpha Cadogan Peggy Carrasco Frances Contreras Jack Conway Bob Crogan Bob Crosby Colin Cunningham Dayle Dominic Connecting People to Jesus A Congregation of The Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Christ Lutheran Church and School is a 21st Century mission outpost where people are supported, equipped, and launched into ministry, acting locally and impacting globally. The Christ Lutheran Staff Lead Pastor ~ Associate Pastor ~ School Principal ~ Preschool Director ~ Parish Administrator ~ Director Of Children and Youth Ministry ~ Director of Local Mission/High School Youth ~ Music & Worship ~ Deployed Pastor, Montclair, CA. ~ Pastor Emeritus ~ Deployed Missionary ~ Worship Schedule Mike Gibson Glenn Shelton Caleb McFerran Kristie Flohra Karen Culp Emily Eltiste Dana Burkey Chris Peterson Lance Irey Joseph Strubbe John Davies - pastor.gibson@christcm.org - pastor.shelton@christcm.org - mr.mcferran@christcm.org - mrs.flohra@christcm.org - mrs.culp@christcm.org - miss.eltiste@christcm.org - miss.burkey@christcm.org - mr.peterson@christcm.org - pastor.irey@christcm.org - josephstrubbe@yahoo.com - Papua New Guinea Altar Flowers 8:00 AM Traditional Worship 9:20 AM ** Special Equipping Hour Study 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship and Kid s Church The flowers that grace the altar today are given to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Brian Allen & Family in memory of Lois Mae Hansen, loving mother and grandmother. Sunday, September 18, 2016 Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Church ~ Victoria Street, Costa Mesa, California School ~ Fax ~

2 CHRIST WELCOMES YOU! We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with us at Christ Lutheran! Please check us out at for more information on all our ministries, missions and small groups. Need additional attention or direction? Give us a call in the church office and let us know how we can serve you! The Equipping Hour During September We offer several Bible studies and ChristCare classes throughout the week; mornings afternoons and evenings. Contact the church office ( ) if you would like more information on any of the above listings or pastor.gibson@christcm.org Sunday School Classes are from 9:20-10:20. We meet in room 103 for a Bible lesson and fun activity! All children age 3 (and potty-trained) through 5th grade are invited to join! Kid s Church continues during 10:30 worship every Sunday. Children, Junior High, High School & Young Adults CHILDREN'S MINISTRY We continue our fall study of the parables of Jesus with the parable of the sower! Children age 3 (& potty-trained) through 5th grade are invited to join us for Sunday School from 9:20-10:20 in room 103 and Kids Church during the 10:30am worship service in rooms 102 & 103. Children can be picked up from their classrooms after service. Contact Emily Eltiste at miss.eltiste@christcm.org. CLUB 56 Tomorrow night is our first Club 56 of the school year from 6-8pm. Pick up & drop off take place at the picnic tables. We'll spend time in God's Word then compete in a variety of Minute-to-Win-it games! Contact Emily at miss.eltiste@christcm.org. JR. HIGH 7th and 8th grade youth are invited to join us this Wednesday from 6-8pm in the youth room. We'll continue our fall series on the book of Philippians and then wrap up the evening with a game. Contact Emily at miss.eltiste@christcm.org Confirmation is an 8-mo commitment that teaches the basics of the Christian faith for youth in 8th grade! Register for the confirmation class by Sept 25th. Classes begin Sun, Oct 2nd from 9:20-10:20 am in the rm #207. Dana at miss.burkey@christcm.org or visit christcm.com "YOUTH MINISTRY" under the church tab to register. High School Youth Tonight we join our first night of the Bridge which will be on the 3rd Sundays of each month from 5-6pm with dinner to follow. All are welcome, bring a friend to sing praises, study the Word and connect in community. Contact Dana Burkey at miss.burkey@christcm.org to receive weekly updates and get connected. Young Adults Thanks to all who joined us for game night last Thursday night! at miss.burkey@christcm.org to receive updates with more ways to get connected. Local Mission Looking for ways to express your OUT now after our GLOCAL mission series? Contact miss.burkey@christcm.org to learn more about how we live out God's mission here in Costa Mesa. See you at the Bridge tonight, 5-6pm dinner to follow.on the third Sundays of the month, we'll gather together to sing praises, study the Word and connect in community in the fireside room and on the plaza. For dinner, there'll be carne asada and carnitas tacos, please bring an item to share based on your last name: A-M side dish, N-Z dessert! Contact mr.peterson@christcm.org or miss.burkey@christcm.org with any questions or to learn more. If you are new please register online by completing our medical release and information form at forms.htm. You can do so by scanning this QR code with your wireless device. CONTRIBUTION REPORT ~ CHURCH BUDGET ~ 9/11/16 Weekly Worship Weekly Offering Weekly Offering Offering Attendance Received Budget Variance 9/ $ 14,785 $ 28,150 $ - 13,365 Budgeted YTD $ 309,650 Offerings YTD $ 280,345 $ - 29,305 4 Those 2 Come Phase 2 Capital Campaign 9/11 Pledged $3,789,526 Rec d To Date $2,438,499 Bal. $1,351,027 Give Now: by scanning the QR code to the right with your wireless device, or through PayPal on our webpage:

3 What s Happening? THANK YOU to all who ate at the Habit as part of the fundraiser for the Tijuana Mission Team last Tuesday night! What a fun evening. Now please PRAY for the trip next Saturday. CLS School Age Care Program is looking for before and after school counselors. We are looking for caring, energetic people to lead crafts, supervise homework and mentor our students before and after school. This position offers approximately hours per week. For more information, please contact Tracy Colyer at mrs.colyer@christcm.org or (949) Have you lost a pair of sunglasses? Drinking cup? Hat? Sweater? You might find it in the Lost and Found box in the ushers closet. Just ask an usher and they can help you find it. There will be blood pressure checks on the patio after each service on Sunday, Sept. 25 th. Please join us for a DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND CLOTHING DRIVE event on Sat, October 1st, 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. in the Christ Lutheran Church Parking Lot. Stephanie Shields, Danica Golden and their team from Thrivent are hosting a document shredding service & taco lunch for clients & friends. Also please bring gently used men s and women s clothing, shoes, hand bags, & jewelry to be donated to the charity, Casa Teresa. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet your family & friends. If you know of someone who could benefit from the services we provide, please bring them! Hosted by the South Coast Group, CA License 0D Lunch will be served from 11 am - 1 pm. Please RSVP by Sept 27th. Call Sue Shelton at or susan.shelton@thrivent.com. See you there! Families, couples, or singles are encouraged to get involved! Who knows whose heart and soul will be moved by your inviting smile! To be a Greeter is simple. Contact Scott Roberts by at greetersclc@gmail.com or call him at Together we can make that difference at Christ!! Dear Church family members-we are in need for some helpful friendly faces at the Guest Center. Can you help us out? Families can serve too! We would love that! Please Lori Cone conelori@gmail.com or call (714) (It only takes 15 min before or after a service, just once a month!) New Member Orientation and The Basics - Fireside Room Pastor Mike Gibson leads this class each Sunday. Each term begins with a two-session Orientation to the ministry of Christ Lutheran followed by The Basics - a sixsession course on the fundamentals of the faith: basic theology (from a Lutheran perspective), how to use a study Bible, how to pray, how to share your faith, and how to stand strong as a follower of Christ in our secular age. This class is not just for new members - everyone is welcome. How well do you know your basics? Loving God With Your Mind - Room 114 (8th Grade Classroom facing parking lot) This excellent study with Dr. Larry Vescera engages your mind, your heart, the Bible, theology, science, history, current events, and more. Sermon-Based Bible Study - Room 112 (Science Classroom behind the Welcome Center or access from the walkway leading from the plaza into the Gym). Join Chris Bellew and Matt Williams in a Bible study that makes use of the Sermon-Based study printed each week in the Sunday bulletin as a companion to the Sermon. Dig deeper into the week's topic! Hymns that Jesus Sang - The Psalms - Library (end of the plaza, just left of the elevator) Former Christ Lutheran School Principal, Ed Stelling leads this class on selected Psalms. Effective Parenting in a Defective World - Raising Kids is Tough... But God has a Plan - Room 113 (7th Grade Classroom facing parking lot) This Class Begins later in September. Sign up today on the patio. This is an 8-session video series taught by Pastor Chip Ingram. Christ Lutheran School Principal, Caleb McFerran is the class facilitator. There is a $7 cost for the workbook.

4 Great Questions of the Bible Great Questions of the Bible Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to this life? Matthew 6:27 What does it mean to be anxious? Is it wrong to be concerned about things? What do we worry about? Why do we worry? Luke 8:22-25 How do we stand up to anxiousness? The Great Question: Matthew 6:27 THEREFORE... Matthew 6:25 Fear of Loss Your Matthew 6:1-4 Your Matthew 6:5-8 Our - Matthew 6:9-18 Your Matthew 6:19-24 Therefore, do not be anxious Matthew 6:25-34 God s got you. Seek first in your life and righteousness everything else follows. Live for Him, at a Matthew 6:34 Scan the QR code or simply download the YouVersion app on your phone. In the more options, select events and find Christ Lutheran Costa Mesa to follow the service in worship electronically.

5 Sermon Based Bible Study SERMON-BASED BIBLE STUDY Share 1. What do you think Jesus means when he says, do not be anxious? 2. There are things a Christian MUST be concerned about if he is to be responsible before God. But there is apparently a spirit of worry that is irresponsible and sinful how would you describe it? 3. Discuss together Philippians 4:6 and Webster's definitions of two key words that give understanding to this topic: concern something of importance to one; worry a troubled state of mind, uneasiness. God expects us to show concern, but not to the point of a troubled mind crippled by needless anxiety. Paul wrote, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Phil. 4:6). Study Read through the text Matthew 6: Take time to gain understanding from the context by reading all of Chapter 6. What are the threads that connect each segment of teaching? Pastor Mike said in the sermon that the Therefore of Matthew 6:25 might just point us back to the whole of Chapter 6, suggesting that each of the topics covered by Jesus are issues where anxiousness gets in the way of following Him resulting in worry rather than trust and faith. 1. What point does Jesus make with his twin parables of the birds of the air and of the flowers of the field? Matthew 6: Does Jesus teaching imply that, if we really have enough faith in God, we don t have to work, since God will take care of all of our needs? 3. How many times in this passage does the phrase do not worry, do not be anxious, or take no thought occur? In what way does excessive worry border on sin? Are worry and trust exact opposites? 4. Why does Jesus mention the pagans in verse 32? What point is he making? How should a Christian differ from a pagan, according to Jesus teaching in this passage? 5. What emotional and faith effect does the phrase, your heavenly Father knows that you need them, have in your life? 6. Twice in the immediate context, in Matthew 6:8 and 6:32, Jesus insists that our Father in heaven already knows what we need. If this so, it should help us to trust God to take care of our needs. But then, if he already knows our needs, why pray about them, as Jesus urges in Matthew 6:7-13? 7. What is the command in verse 33? How must our seeking God differ from our seeking of food and clothing, according to this verse? What is the promise found in this verse? 8. Give some examples of how we today have become so concerned about our livelihood (getting enough to eat and drink) that we have forgotten the art of living. Support 1. If you are comfortable doing so, share briefly with others in your small group something you are worried about right now or have been recently. 2. Think for a moment about the worry you just shared, rather than the problem that is the occasion for your worry. a. What, if anything, are the benefits of worry in such a situation? b. On the other hand, what are some of the dangers that worry may pose in this situation? 3. How can your small group pray for you as you seek to live out a Matthew 6 faith? Prayers of the Congregation Please contact the church office at if you would like someone added to the Prayer List. To place someone on the Prayer Chain contact Dianne Lohan at or Lianne Anderson at Kobon Ministry in Papua New Guinea: We thank the Lord that the Living Word Schools staff and students will return to school refreshed on September 19 after school break, ready for the final term before graduations at the end of November. Please pray for them. This week please pray for Timothy, Hibru, Joel, Lindon and Philip who will teach at the Teacher Training Course that begins on September 22, and that many trainees will attend. Reverend John and Maila Davies, Lutheran Bible Translators, Papua New Guinea Pray for Our Country, Our State, Our Leaders, Our Military: Alanzo Arzate, Robert Barba, Matt Burns, Carson Cornell, David, 2nd Lt. Evan Edison, Mike Espinoza, Nick Ferral, Foults, Sam Gaynor, Rob Genzel, Genzel, Sean Green, Manny Gonzalez, Michael Gund, Philip Hall, Jonathon Hall, Sarah Haller, John Herman, Mark Kampa, Tanner Klugherz, Cameron Landers, Max, Justin Mack, Wesley Mann, Charles Marien, Kevin Mason, Colin McFerran, Chris Merikkan, Adam Moise, Casey Patterson, Taylor Rose, Jonathon Scrantom, Major John Skinner, Adam Spies, McLean Swink, Alex Tafur, Morgan Taylor, Kane Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Jacob Vallee, Captain Shane Yates and all the Military and their families... PERSONAL Curtis and Lisa John Davis Debra Derek Dustin and Rachel Edith Erica Grace Andy Hodge Jasmeet Deborah Hinmen Jessica Karen Kathleen Kim Kittle Family Lauren & Andy Leslie N. Lauren Lisa and Curtis Paul Mize Nicholas Brei Nieto Craig O'Connor. Trevor Olson Chris Ortt Patti Paul Rick Robert Parrish Peggy and family Sherry Sam, Holly, Paige Petraglia Family ILLNESS Devon Dorothea Emma Marty Flacks Jason Force Patrick Frericks Amanda Gavin Genevieve Rita Glowa Jim Gorsline Sr. Finn Green Greg Uncle Bob Gunther Debbie Hack Heather Haight Larry Haight Sophia Harvey Bonnie Herring Carolyn Hinchcliff Bob Hollenbecy Terry Houle Kathy Huff Jenny Renee Flores Jewell Judy Rosalie Jensen Julie Kendall & Family Brigitte Kleppe Julie Koonce Pamela Kratzke Bruce Lewis Meg Loesch Tom Ludtke Richard (Rick) Martin Betty Merritt Kevin Michaels Mikeyla Michelle Chrisann Migliore Miho Pam McPhee David Moeschler Pamela Mulholland Patrick Nandy Arlene Norcutt Marci Patterson Donna Perry Rhonda Madelynn Richberger Renee Riemer Pastor Robert Sherry Robinson Betsy Ruesler John Santora John Paul Saraga Joy Sheraton Glenn Smith Adam Sparks Steve Steve Shambaugh Jerry Snyder/Hochderffer Sharon Swaford Mary Lynn Teeling Joe Tellez Marjorie Tomko Elaine Van Dyke Pastor Charles VanKirk Robert Virata Gary Warbrick Jack Ward Marlene Weisheit Gertie Wiechmann Clementine Winklepleck Josh Williams Garth Wilson Nick Yorba Ashleigh Bauer Family Dakota Becker Bowman Family Brinkman Family Brock Family Brian Rick Carrasco Catherine Cone Nancy Connette & Family Krystal Adriano Jean Amburgey Art Rusty Ballard Ashley Bauer Nina Berhow Jimmy Bognar Steve Boren Thad Bower Ely & Titus Bowman Barbara Brisco Marge Brown Edna Burkey Kimberly Burks Cameron Delpha Cadogan Peggy Carrasco Frances Contreras Jack Conway Bob Crogan Bob Crosby Colin Cunningham Dayle Dominic Connecting People to Jesus A Congregation of The Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Christ Lutheran Church and School is a 21st Century mission outpost where people are supported, equipped, and launched into ministry, acting locally and impacting globally. The Christ Lutheran Staff Lead Pastor ~ Associate Pastor ~ School Principal ~ Preschool Director ~ Parish Administrator ~ Director Of Children and Youth Ministry ~ Director of Local Mission/High School Youth ~ Music & Worship ~ Deployed Pastor, Montclair, CA. ~ Pastor Emeritus ~ Deployed Missionary ~ Worship Schedule Mike Gibson Glenn Shelton Caleb McFerran Kristie Flohra Karen Culp Emily Eltiste Dana Burkey Chris Peterson Lance Irey Joseph Strubbe John Davies - pastor.gibson@christcm.org - pastor.shelton@christcm.org - mr.mcferran@christcm.org - mrs.flohra@christcm.org - mrs.culp@christcm.org - miss.eltiste@christcm.org - miss.burkey@christcm.org - mr.peterson@christcm.org - pastor.irey@christcm.org - josephstrubbe@yahoo.com - Papua New Guinea Altar Flowers 8:00 AM Traditional Worship 9:20 AM ** Special Equipping Hour Study 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship and Kid s Church The flowers that grace the altar today are given to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Brian Allen & Family in memory of Lois Mae Hansen, loving mother and grandmother. Sunday, September 18, 2016 Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Church ~ Victoria Street, Costa Mesa, California School ~ Fax ~

6 Sermon Based Bible Study SERMON-BASED BIBLE STUDY Share 1. What do you think Jesus means when he says, do not be anxious? 2. There are things a Christian MUST be concerned about if he is to be responsible before God. But there is apparently a spirit of worry that is irresponsible and sinful how would you describe it? 3. Discuss together Philippians 4:6 and Webster's definitions of two key words that give understanding to this topic: concern something of importance to one; worry a troubled state of mind, uneasiness. God expects us to show concern, but not to the point of a troubled mind crippled by needless anxiety. Paul wrote, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Phil. 4:6). Study Read through the text Matthew 6: Take time to gain understanding from the context by reading all of Chapter 6. What are the threads that connect each segment of teaching? Pastor Mike said in the sermon that the Therefore of Matthew 6:25 might just point us back to the whole of Chapter 6, suggesting that each of the topics covered by Jesus are issues where anxiousness gets in the way of following Him resulting in worry rather than trust and faith. 1. What point does Jesus make with his twin parables of the birds of the air and of the flowers of the field? Matthew 6: Does Jesus teaching imply that, if we really have enough faith in God, we don t have to work, since God will take care of all of our needs? 3. How many times in this passage does the phrase do not worry, do not be anxious, or take no thought occur? In what way does excessive worry border on sin? Are worry and trust exact opposites? 4. Why does Jesus mention the pagans in verse 32? What point is he making? How should a Christian differ from a pagan, according to Jesus teaching in this passage? 5. What emotional and faith effect does the phrase, your heavenly Father knows that you need them, have in your life? 6. Twice in the immediate context, in Matthew 6:8 and 6:32, Jesus insists that our Father in heaven already knows what we need. If this so, it should help us to trust God to take care of our needs. But then, if he already knows our needs, why pray about them, as Jesus urges in Matthew 6:7-13? 7. What is the command in verse 33? How must our seeking God differ from our seeking of food and clothing, according to this verse? What is the promise found in this verse? 8. Give some examples of how we today have become so concerned about our livelihood (getting enough to eat and drink) that we have forgotten the art of living. Support 1. If you are comfortable doing so, share briefly with others in your small group something you are worried about right now or have been recently. 2. Think for a moment about the worry you just shared, rather than the problem that is the occasion for your worry. a. What, if anything, are the benefits of worry in such a situation? b. On the other hand, what are some of the dangers that worry may pose in this situation? 3. How can your small group pray for you as you seek to live out a Matthew 6 faith? Prayers of the Congregation Please contact the church office at if you would like someone added to the Prayer List. To place someone on the Prayer Chain contact Dianne Lohan at or Lianne Anderson at Kobon Ministry in Papua New Guinea: We thank the Lord that the Living Word Schools staff and students will return to school refreshed on September 19 after school break, ready for the final term before graduations at the end of November. Please pray for them. This week please pray for Timothy, Hibru, Joel, Lindon and Philip who will teach at the Teacher Training Course that begins on September 22, and that many trainees will attend. Reverend John and Maila Davies, Lutheran Bible Translators, Papua New Guinea Pray for Our Country, Our State, Our Leaders, Our Military: Alanzo Arzate, Robert Barba, Matt Burns, Carson Cornell, David, 2nd Lt. Evan Edison, Mike Espinoza, Nick Ferral, Foults, Sam Gaynor, Rob Genzel, Genzel, Sean Green, Manny Gonzalez, Michael Gund, Philip Hall, Jonathon Hall, Sarah Haller, John Herman, Mark Kampa, Tanner Klugherz, Cameron Landers, Max, Justin Mack, Wesley Mann, Charles Marien, Kevin Mason, Colin McFerran, Chris Merikkan, Adam Moise, Casey Patterson, Taylor Rose, Jonathon Scrantom, Major John Skinner, Adam Spies, McLean Swink, Alex Tafur, Morgan Taylor, Kane Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Jacob Vallee, Captain Shane Yates and all the Military and their families... PERSONAL Curtis and Lisa John Davis Debra Derek Dustin and Rachel Edith Erica Grace Andy Hodge Jasmeet Deborah Hinmen Jessica Karen Kathleen Kim Kittle Family Lauren & Andy Leslie N. Lauren Lisa and Curtis Paul Mize Nicholas Brei Nieto Craig O'Connor. Trevor Olson Chris Ortt Patti Paul Rick Robert Parrish Peggy and family Sherry Sam, Holly, Paige Petraglia Family ILLNESS Devon Dorothea Emma Marty Flacks Jason Force Patrick Frericks Amanda Gavin Genevieve Rita Glowa Jim Gorsline Sr. Finn Green Greg Uncle Bob Gunther Debbie Hack Heather Haight Larry Haight Sophia Harvey Bonnie Herring Carolyn Hinchcliff Bob Hollenbecy Terry Houle Kathy Huff Jenny Renee Flores Jewell Judy Rosalie Jensen Julie Kendall & Family Brigitte Kleppe Julie Koonce Pamela Kratzke Bruce Lewis Meg Loesch Tom Ludtke Richard (Rick) Martin Betty Merritt Kevin Michaels Mikeyla Michelle Chrisann Migliore Miho Pam McPhee David Moeschler Pamela Mulholland Patrick Nandy Arlene Norcutt Marci Patterson Donna Perry Rhonda Madelynn Richberger Renee Riemer Pastor Robert Sherry Robinson Betsy Ruesler John Santora John Paul Saraga Joy Sheraton Glenn Smith Adam Sparks Steve Steve Shambaugh Jerry Snyder/Hochderffer Sharon Swaford Mary Lynn Teeling Joe Tellez Marjorie Tomko Elaine Van Dyke Pastor Charles VanKirk Robert Virata Gary Warbrick Jack Ward Marlene Weisheit Gertie Wiechmann Clementine Winklepleck Josh Williams Garth Wilson Nick Yorba Ashleigh Bauer Family Dakota Becker Bowman Family Brinkman Family Brock Family Brian Rick Carrasco Catherine Cone Nancy Connette & Family Krystal Adriano Jean Amburgey Art Rusty Ballard Ashley Bauer Nina Berhow Jimmy Bognar Steve Boren Thad Bower Ely & Titus Bowman Barbara Brisco Marge Brown Edna Burkey Kimberly Burks Cameron Delpha Cadogan Peggy Carrasco Frances Contreras Jack Conway Bob Crogan Bob Crosby Colin Cunningham Dayle Dominic Connecting People to Jesus A Congregation of The Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Christ Lutheran Church and School is a 21st Century mission outpost where people are supported, equipped, and launched into ministry, acting locally and impacting globally. The Christ Lutheran Staff Lead Pastor ~ Associate Pastor ~ School Principal ~ Preschool Director ~ Parish Administrator ~ Director Of Children and Youth Ministry ~ Director of Local Mission/High School Youth ~ Music & Worship ~ Deployed Pastor, Montclair, CA. ~ Pastor Emeritus ~ Deployed Missionary ~ Worship Schedule Mike Gibson Glenn Shelton Caleb McFerran Kristie Flohra Karen Culp Emily Eltiste Dana Burkey Chris Peterson Lance Irey Joseph Strubbe John Davies - pastor.gibson@christcm.org - pastor.shelton@christcm.org - mr.mcferran@christcm.org - mrs.flohra@christcm.org - mrs.culp@christcm.org - miss.eltiste@christcm.org - miss.burkey@christcm.org - mr.peterson@christcm.org - pastor.irey@christcm.org - josephstrubbe@yahoo.com - Papua New Guinea Altar Flowers 8:00 AM Traditional Worship 9:20 AM ** Special Equipping Hour Study 10:30 AM Contemporary Worship and Kid s Church The flowers that grace the altar today are given to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Brian Allen & Family in memory of Lois Mae Hansen, loving mother and grandmother. Sunday, September 18, 2016 Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Church ~ Victoria Street, Costa Mesa, California School ~ Fax ~