Dear Church Family,
Who is the most generous giver you know? As Christians we know it’s God! God so loved the world that he gave. You know the rest of the verse… his one and only Son… (John 3:16). What gift could be more precious or more generous?
Because of what God’s Son, our Savior Jesus, has done for us we now also know that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. We have God’s sure and certain promises like this one from Romans 8: 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
When God says that he will graciously give us all things, he’s talking about not just what he knows we need for life here on this earth but also the riches of eternal life with God in heaven. Wow, right?!
So we can trust him. All the time. God is good. God is generous. He will always give us what he knows we need…and in heaven so much more.
With that in mind, please join me this weekend as we finish our three part series A God-Lived Life as we talk about A Life of Generosity.
FYI because I am officiating a wedding on Saturday up in Stuart, FL, Pastor Steve will lead the Saturday church service here in Doral but show a recorded video of my sermon. I will be with you all in person, however, on Sunday morning to preach and lead worship, and then of course for our important congregational meeting afterwards, and some fun and fellowship at our church picnic. I hope you can join me!
ICYMI: Watch Pastor Caleb’s message from last Sunday on A Life of Hospitality.
Supporting the Kurbis Family: Your prayers and gifts are appreciated to help the Kurbis family during this difficult time as Shanna battles cancer. All donations designated for “Kurbis Family Help” will be put toward various restaurant and grocery store gift cards to help alleviate their daily expenses. Give via our online giving portal or bring a check to church with the memo “Kurbis Family Help.”
Please Join Me in Praying for Ukraine: O Lord, ruler of nations and Savior of all people, we pray that you would look with mercy on our world engaged in war and bring this conflict to a rapid end. We bow to your will and hold fast to your promise that you are ruling the world for the welfare of those who love you.
We remember before you today the people of Ukraine. Be with them, protect them, and help them to endure these awful times. We bring our humble prayers to you, Lord, for the soldiers who fight to protect and defend others. Send your angels with the men and women who battle against selfish aggression; be their shield and give them courage to carry out their difficult duties.
Lord of all, as you would have us do, we also pray for those who have provoked this conflict. Open their minds and hearts to reverse these events and to work together peacefully with other nations. But if they persist in their hurtful ways, then rise up and frustrate their plans, so that your people may live in peace.
We confess to you, Lord, that the ultimate cause of war is sin. Lead us to repent of our sins and to hold fast to your forgiving love in Christ. When you determine to restore peace, grant that what is just and right in your eyes will prevail. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Thank you to retired pastor Jim Hoff for sharing this prayer)
Congregational Update: All are welcome to join us Sunday, Feb 27 in the high school commons immediately following our 9:30am worship service. We will share exciting goals and an updated vision for our ministry here at Divine Savior Church, Doral. This gives us direction as we go forward together to carry out the mission of our church using the gifts with which He’s blessed us. We will also have crucial information and updates regarding the building project of the new worship and ministry center. Your participation is important as part of our church family as we discuss those plans, options, and share the joy in serving together to change lives with Jesus.
DSC Picnic & Amazing Race: We only get together once a year for our church family picnic and Amazing Race. The fun begins on Sunday, Feb 27 around 1:00pm as we kick off the picnic first. We will provide grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, plates, cups, etc. but there are still many opportunities to do things and bring food to share. Please view the needs request and consider how you can serve. After we eat, get ready for the games to begin with the Amazing Race activities! The Fellowship Team has designed lots of fun for anyone of any age/ability to participate. Be sure to wear appropriate clothes/shoes. You’ll have an opportunity before the worship service on Saturday or Sunday to add your name to a team. If you’ve never attended, check out the video from the last time in 2020!
Mommy & Me: Our next session is Monday, February 28 from 8:45 – 10:00 am. Enjoy a fun morning with your little one where you can connect with others through storytime, music & movement, and play! Children from birth to age 4 and caregiver welcome! FREE! If you would like to participate and have not yet registered this year, please click here to register.
Healthy Choices Special Guest Speaker:Parents of teen/pre-teen children are invited to join us for a special presentation on Monday, Feb 28 at 7:00pm. Our kids are bombarded with mixed messages and lies about life and choices. Becoming aware and finding ways to encourage our children as Christian parents is so important. Rachel Greiner, a director from WELS Lutherans for Life, will share information to help us become informed and take action as we guide our children in making healthy choices. Meet at church.
Upcoming Lent Opportunities: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the six-week season of Lent. As Christians we walk with Jesus to the cross to see the extent of and reflect on His love that paid for every imperfect thought, word, and action. We pray you utilize these opportunities:
- Ash Wednesday bilingual worship services – March 2 at 5:00pm and 7:00pm
- Lent video devotion resources will be available for every following Wednesday for you to share with your family in your home or gather together and use with a friend/neighbor.
Connect Groups: Which group will you choose to join? Our next session of connect groups begin the first full week of March. Connect Groups are a great way to get to know others in your church family while growing spiritually together.These small groups meet once a week for 5-7 weeks to discuss questions together based on the Biblical text of the weekly sermon message, share how it applies to life, and pray together. Start perusing the menu of options on the DSC app under the “connect” button and “connect groups”. You can click the “join group” button to reserve your spot in a group now! If you are interested in facilitating or have questions, please contact Staff Minister Becky
Download Our Church App – Use it to worship online, watch archived messages, and register for events and classes that are coming up. Search “Divine Savior Church” in your app store. Select “Doral” as your campus.
DSC on YouTube: Watch past messages and worship services on-demand on our church YouTube channel.
Giving: To give simply follow this link to go to our secure giving page, or click Give at the bottom of the church app. You can make one-time special gifts or set up recurring gifts as well. Thank you for joyfully responding to God’s grace!
Changing Lives with Jesus,
Pastor Ben
