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Happy DEPENDENCE Day!
On Wednesday, America celebrates its 242nd year of independence as a nation. There will be picnics in the park, backyard bar-b-ques and small town parades. People are traveling, and as the day draws to a close, there will be traditional fireworks displays all across the country. It’s great to live in a free and independent nation.
The word independence means freedom from control or influence by another in your affairs. It is the idea that we are self-directed, self-sufficient and self-reliant. As I thought about those words, self directed , self sufficient, self reliant, it occurred to me that while those might be admirable attributes for a nation, they most certainly are not attributes of those who call themselves followers of Christ.
As we read Scripture, we’re told that God directs our affairs. We’re told that he is sufficient for us and that we are to rely on him for our every need. When it comes to our relationship with God, it seems as though the Bible calls us to the very opposite of independence. In fact, God’s Word is full of exhortations to depend upon God completely—in every area of life.
Yes, the world teaches us the virtues of independence and self reliance, but in matters of faith, there is nothing we can do apart from God. So I’d like to lift up a few reasons why it’s so important for people of faith to declare our dependence upon God almighty:
We depend upon God because of what sin does in our lives.
Sin came into the world because humans thought that they knew better than God—that it was better to rely on themselves rather than on God. The consequence of that sin was a broken relationship with God—a relationship that we had no way of reconciling on our own. Left on our own, we would be facing the ugly truth that ‘the wages of sin is death.’ But because God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life. He offers us love, mercy, forgiveness and grace—depend on him.
We depend upon God because there is no place we can hide from his presence.
Adam and Eve couldn’t hide from God in the garden. Cain couldn’t hide from God the fact that he had killed his brother Abel. Jonah couldn’t flee God’s presence by boarding a ship headed the opposite direction of place God called him. And we can’t hide, either. We confess that even our inmost thoughts and desires are known to God. On the one hand, that fact is very humbling-so humbling that we may want to hang our heads in shame. But on the other hand, what is more freeing than realizing that God knows all there is to know about us? Nothing is hidden from him—and he loves us anyway! We are his children anyway! God longs to be in a deep and intimate relationship with us anyway! That we can’t hide from God is a GOOD thing! Depend on him.
We depend upon God because his kingdom is the only one that will last forever.
We’re rather impressed with the fact that our republic has lasted for 242 years. But in the course of civilization, our nation is quite youthful. Yet even the most permanent seeming culture lasts a mere blink of an eye when compared to eternity. The world tries to convince us that we can acquire things or relationships that will endure. But the fact of the matter is that earthly possessions eventually let us down. Even the most enduring relationships end. Those people or things that we depend upon in this life are only temporary—and even when they’re in our possession, they can never meet all of our needs, no matter how much we rely on them.
Only God’s promises will last forever. He will never let us down. He will never disappoint if we are open to his will. Depend on him.
We depend upon God because he can accomplish what no one else can.
We live in an age of marvels. Science and technology have made such great strides that things that were unthinkable only a few years ago are now commonplace. Diseases that once meant a death sentence are now manageable, with survival rates that increase each year. Yet progress can go only so far. While it’s good to have an optimistic view of the future and hopes and dreams for great human achievement—the truth is that only God can accomplish all that we—and the world—need.
You see, as impressive as human accomplishments are, they can still disappoint… they can still fall short of our hopes and expectations. So we’re wise to depend upon the One who created all that exists, the One who can part the seas and calm them with a word, the One who can feed a multitude with a little boy’s lunch.
We depend upon God because he is completely trustworthy.
We’ve all experienced broken promises. We’ve broken them ourselves. We’ve been told lies. We’ve told them ourselves. We’ve counted on people and things that have not lived up to our hopes or expectations. And we’ve let others down as well. But we have God’s Word that he will not do that. He promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. He wants nothing more than to know that we trust him totally and completely—in every aspect of our lives. Depend on him.
Our country was founded by people who were courageous—whose principles led them to risk their lives for what they believed—for the freedom and independence they desired. But not for a moment did our nation’s founders think they could accomplish their goal of independence without total dependence upon God.
That’s the real message of Independence Day for people of faith. In order to reach our full potential… in order for us to be the people God created us to be, we are to depend upon him:
The only One who has the solution to our problem of sin…
The only One from whom we can never completely hide…
The only One whose kingdom will last forever…
The only One who can accomplish all that we and the world need…
The only One who is completely and totally trustworthy.
Happy Dependence Day—today and every day!
In Christ’s service,
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Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
Grass Cutters This Week
 Thank you to Jake Brunner & Luke Holton mowing last week and a reminder to Team One: Jake Gould & Michael Wojtkunski that you are on the schedule for July 5-7.
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Summer Office Hours
Now through September 2
Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Financial Update
May 2018:
Budgeted Income $ 25,366
Actual Income $ 36,609
Actual Expenses $ 27,257
Profit $ 9,352
Financial Update for 2018
January 1, through May, 2018:
Budgeted Income $ 152,833
Actual Income $ 162,807
Actual Expenses $ 174,970
Deficit $ 12,163 –
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August Lay Ministry Sign Up
Family Promise Update
Our Family Promise week is over…but planning will begin for our next week before we know it! Now would be a great time to take a training class so you will be ready to volunteer in August, the week of the 19th through 26th. Please check out the website at www.familypromisewaukesha.org; click on events, then events calendar, and you will find trainings listed here, with detailed information on times and how to sign up. The next training session is scheduled on July 21st at the Genesee/Wales Fire Department.
During our last week, we served four families, which included five adults and eight children, which is about the maximum number we can serve. We always need more volunteers! There are 52 slots during each week that need to be filled. Having more people sign up would certainly lighten the load for everyone!
As always, please contact me with any questions at lkdischer@gmail.com or (262) 894-2639.
Laurin Discher, Volunteer Coordinator for COR
 Outreach for Hope Family Bike Ride
You’ll be a Champion of Hope when you participate in the Outreach for Hope Family Bike Ride on September 8. Choose from two ride locations, each offering beautiful scenery along a well-maintained trail. Join friends and family on the Glacial Drumlin Trail in Dousman/Waukesha County, or the Interurban Trail in Grafton/Ozaukee County. The funds you raise benefit Outreach for Hope ministries throughout the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Enjoy the fun, food, and fellowship as you pedal for a great cause.
Registration is now open at ofhbikeride.com. A generous Action Grant will provide an additional $20 for each registered rider, virtual rider or volunteer. Register by 8/20 to receive a Ride T-shirt, and by 9/5 to avoid increased fees. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate. See you on September 8 as we pedal together to support life-giving ministries.
Outreach for Hope's mission is to inspire giving to support Greater Milwaukee Synod ministries that provide hope to those living in povert
Adults’ Evening Out
Donny’s Girl is an old-fashioned supper club in Watertown. A group from COR is going Thursday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Donny’s Girl is located 20 minutes from church at N8420 Hwy E in Watertown. Beloved by generations of locals and out-of-towners alike, there is no better place to enjoy classic supper club cuisine and spirits than Donny's Girl.
Most menu items are 13.95-$20 dollars. Deadline for signing up is July 16. Contact Pat Faherty at 262-337-0977 for your reservation. Carpooling can be arranged. The more, the merrier!
Hartland Kidsfest - Looking for volunteers
Every July, local community organizers put together a huge festival for kids in Hartland's Nixon Park. For the past few years, Church of the Resurrection has sponsored a booth in which we offer a craft and game for kids. This year's event is on Wednesday, July 25, 9 am - 2 pm.
We need your help! All you have to do is show up and staff our booth for a couple hours (we'll provide the crafts and games), telling others about our church. We are looking for volunteers for the following shifts:
8 am (setup) - 10 am
10 am - noon
Noon - 2 pm
If you'd like to help, please email Beth Earnest at earnestbeth@gmail.com or call her at (414) 380-9336.
The Word for Your Week…
The questions relate to the highlighted passage for the day.
The Prayer of the Week
Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Sunday, July 1: Psalm 30 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
Jesus’ ministry to Jairus’ daughter was interrupted by his encounter with the hemorrhaging woman. Jesus handled the interruption with grace. How do you deal with interruptions in your busy schedule? Is your way of dealing with them helpful? Why or why not?
Monday, July 2: Psalm 18:1-6, 43-50 1 Samuel 23:14-18 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
In verse 6, David tells how, in his distress, the Lord heard his call and cries. Think of a time when you sensed that God had heard your cries. Was it immediate? Was it something you realized later? Bonus: Which verses of today’s passage make up a familiar ‘camp’ song?
Tuesday, July 3: Psalm 18:1-6, 43-50 1 Samuel 31:1-13 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul talks about the importance of our attitudes in regard to giving. Do you find it easy or difficult to be generous—at church, in the community and beyond? Do you consider yourself to be a cheerful giver? If not, how might you become one?
Wednesday, July 4: Psalm 18:1-6, 43-50 1 Chronicles 10:1-14 Mark 9:14-29
In this healing story, Jesus speaks about the importance of faith in the healer. What do you suppose the boy’s father meant when he cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief”? Have you ever prayed the same? Under what circumstances?
Thursday, July 5: Psalm 48 2 Samuel 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 4:1-13
In this passage Paul paints a rather grim picture of life as an apostle of Jesus. However, he reminds his readers that they are already the recipients of many gifts from God. As a recipient of these same gifts, how do YOU handle the (possible) harsh judgement you may face as a believer?
Friday, July 6: Psalm 48 2 Samuel 3:1-12 2 Corinthians 10:7-11
Psalm 48 is a psalm of great joy, praise and thanksgiving to God. The last stanzas encourage the telling of God’s goodness to the next generation. How do you ‘pass on’ the faith to others? Do you think it is important?
Saturday, July 7: Psalm 48 2 Samuel 3:31-38 Matthew 8:18-22
In words that sound harsh to our ears, Jesus tells a would-be follower that being his disciple is priority one, and that life will not be easy. Have there been times or circumstances in your life when being a Christian made your life more difficult? Explain.
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E-Giving
If you want to make a special contribution or just simplify your life, we now offer an on-line giving option for you. Just click HERE
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Wednesday, July 4
Holiday - Church Office Closed
Thursday, July 5
6:30 am Bible Class at This Great Coffee Place
Sunday, July 8
9:00 am Worship with Holy Communion
Summer Sunday School
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We Pray For:
Prayers for our country, those serving in the armed forces, and our leaders
Concerns
- Jeanne Kunath,
- Ellen, Susan Daniel's cousin
- Olivia Hautula, Jesse Niederbaumer's cousins daughter
- Gloria Harmmond
- Cindy Evinrude
- JR, Beth Berger's cousin
- Tom Stone, friend of the Perrigo's
- Lauren, Bob Kunath's granddaughter
- Chip Schreiber, serving in Kuwait, son-n-law of Jim & Karen Pieper
- Jim & Jill Ardis, friends of Salstrom's
- Shirley, mother of Gail Wojtkunski
- Benny Thielitz
- Matt Meyer, Mary Dunn's Nephew
- Kathy Klockow
- Zachary, Barb Mayer's great grandson
- Betty Rooney, mother of Colleen Rooney
- Amber Ove
- Laverne Ball
- Melissa Patterson, friend of the Perrigo's
- Art & Nancy Mitchel, friends of the Perrigo's
- Dr. Haskel
- Lisa (Mihas) Nelson-Sauer
- Betty, friend of Bob Kunath
- Quinn
- Michael, Sue Hader's grandson
- Jean
- Jin Kahn, Bob Kunath's brother in laws son
- Sean Faherty, son of Dennis & Pat Faherty
- Julie Evans, niece of Dennis & Pat Faherty
- Sherry, neighbor of Jim & Karen Pieper
- Tim Retic, son-in-law of Jim & Karen Pieper
- Jim, Joan, & Jim, friends of Sue Hader
- Missy
- Beccah Schmidt
Loss of Loved Ones
- The Mortensen Family, death of toddler, colleague of Shawn Motley & Matt Stein
- The Family of Dr. Brian Yagoda, bicyclist killed in Delafield
- The Family of Pastor Paula Harris, death of her sister
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Birthdays This Week:
7/3
Hader, Steve
7/5
Hegge, James
McCullough, Jennifer
7/6
Deininger, Kristin
Kaltenberg IV, John
Lofy, Terry
7/7
Fenske, Aaron
Fenske, Samuel
7/8
Kollmeyer, Tiffany
Niederbaumer, Jamie
Owsiak, Douglas
Schaber, Abigail
Thurow, Barbara
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Our mailing address is:
Church of the Resurrection
W287 N3700 North Shore Drive
Pewaukee, WI 53072
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Please click on the link below to sign up for Lay Ministry slots in August.
