FLC Email | 2026.09.02

On Sun Aug 30, we were thrilled to hold our worship service outdoors, especially after it had rained all day on Saturday.  We welcomed our local Ukelele Group, a talented bunch of musicians!  They led us in singing Gospel favorites like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love," and "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me."  Our worship service also included a special prayer of blessing for our Little Free Pantry and Little Free Library after both were repaired and reinforced by Mike Smith (father of Dave Smith).
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 16:21-28),  we heard Jesus say to his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?"
Through the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, we are empowered to deny ourselves and, like Jesus did, go into places where it may be difficult to walk.  Right now we have members who are concerned about advocating for migrants.  They have joined with others from our community who are trying to find ways to come alongside immigrants and make sure their rights are protected.  And just last weekend, our church had a booth at Marshfield PRIDE Day, showing support to those who are marginalized based on gender.  We have other members who are taking up their cross to spread the love of Jesus in many other important ways through programs like Habitat for Humanity, Soup or Socks, the School Backpack Program, etc.  It might be easier to use our feet and go somewhere else where things are easier.  But with God, we are able to bear all that we might face.  Someone once put it this way:  “When we say, "But Lord, I cannot,”  God says, “I’m glad to hear you say that.  Through you, I CAN.’”