We are packing the college care kids TOMORROW after worship! Join us in sending some grace and love to our college students!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #DonationsNeeded #godlovesall #care #kits #carekits ##livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #DonationsNeeded #godlovesall #care #kits #carekits ##livingwatersclLivingWatersCL
Please help us raise money for the hungry tomorrow 5-8 pm at the Crystal Lake Culver's Crop Walk Fundraiser!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
TODAY, a non-food fundraiser that feeds the hungry at Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock! Online sales count too as long as you mention the Crop Walk in your order
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #books #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
Crop Walk is on 10/4 at 2 pm at First Church in Crystal Lake!! Want to fight hunger around the world? Join our team!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
Join us for youth group from 4-530 this Sunday for game night! Bring a favorite game. If you are interested in the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis next summer, please come to the meeting at 3:30. All at St. Barnabas
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #fun #youthgroup #LivingWatersCL
Lost, Found, and Transformed for this week!
Angels Among Us by Andrea
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10 - NRSVUE
Biblical “stories” contain occurrences of prophecy, angelic visits, dreams, and the voice of God. Our world is far removed from such experiences, possibly making contemporary readers baulk at these passages with a “get real” attitude.
So, let’s get real.
We live in an age of instant gratification, where the internet will help us find, learn and discover most anything with just a few clicks. And, of course there is an app for most everything. I’ve not yet found God’s app, or an “Angel On-Call” service the delivers true divine assistance, but maybe that is just not “real” enough for our higher power!
Does real for our God look different than you or I could ever imagine?
Revelation is an apocalyptic prophecy written for early, persecuted Christians, by “John”. It is a dream-like, visionary, description, that some think to reveal the end of times. But for its audience of early Christians, hiding to worship in catacombs, could it have been a message to show that God will ultimately triumph over their current circumstances. Whomever the actual writer, and if it is or is not a prophecy of the end of times, the writing is powerful.
“Get real!” can be heard echoing in the minds of many Revelation’ readers. (Or true fear of what may come! If you are afraid, please, please read on.)
As a reader of any text, I not only look at the work as a whole, but at the components that stand out as important. “I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters,” is just one of these that resonates. It is here that we can “get real” with not only angels, but with our God. Here in Revelation at the end of our Bible, after many other examples... read more at https://www.lostfoundtransformed.com/
All giving to the Change for Change fund for this Quarter will go to The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)! Thanks for your generosity!
#livingwaterslive #newlife #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #changeforchange #LivingWatersCL
TOMORROW we will be packing the Blessing Bags for the unhoused for God's Work Our Hands Sunday. Please join us and help as we are one of the thousands of projects happening across the ELCA tomorrow!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #ministryinaction #EveryGiftMatters #calledtoserve #sharingthegraceofchrist #outreach #GodIsHere #elca #wearethechurch #nisynod #gwoh #LivingWatersCL
Any Given Day!
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NRSVUE
Anything can happen on any given day. We have been given life and I’ve heard it said that we were not promised what “kind” of life. That we must make the best of what we are given; in that we are creators of each day by our free will choices.
Now, I’ve known folks who’ve lived through unbelievable things, some were crushed by life and in the end, never contributed, never bounded back, gave back, but were seemingly forever lost in their own spiral of sorrow. Other folks, who’ve also lived through the roughest loses that life could throw at them, somehow, someway, persevered in ways I have found to be remarkable, inspirational and truly courageous. I am in awe of these people’s resilience and ability to create a new life, walk with grace and be new with love and integrity.
This verse from Lamentations has always given me hope. The ideas of steadfast love, endless mercies, great faithfulness and best of all the glory of a “new morning!” It is like that fresh new day or like a new season that can and will give a new start that makes all the darkness of the night before dissipate with the morning dew.
But this is from Lamentations and is attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. Again, believed to have more than one author, but lamentations is an expression of deep grief, sorrow or regret.
When I was about four years old, I awoke to my mother’s weeping. Her grief at the loss of her father that early morning was true lamentations physically expressed through a wailing and moaning the likes of which I’ve only heard or experienced a handful of times in my life. Darkness had fallen on our home, and four-year-old me, could only try to comfort my mother with the love only a small child could give.
In my research of this book, I discovered... read more at www.lostfoundtransformed.com
#lostfoundtransformed #LivingWatersCL
WINNER REVEALED THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP! The vote for the next Change for Change recipient is live! Link has been sent out on realm. Which local nonprofit organization will we give to next?
#livingwaterslive #newlife #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #changeforchange #LivingWatersCL
Wish you could listen to music that we sing in worship? One of our members made a Living Waters Spotify Playlist! Scan the image to check it out!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #worship #GodIsHere #music #musicministry🎶 #LivingWatersCL
This past Sunday we celebrated our first Creation in Christ Sunday, where we came up with 1. Things we love about the universe God created 2. What do we hope to see/experience in creation 3. How we can care for creation. Thankful for all God has made!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #thankful #Godsgifts #Godisgood #creationcare #GodIsHere #LivingWatersCL
The before, during and after of our God’s Work, Our Hands project of packing supply bags for the unhoused! Thanks everyone for your help!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #nisynod #ministryinaction #elca #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
Be Bold!
Are you a courageous person? I am not. I am an introvert by nature, but have pushed myself to do stuff that honestly terrifies me.
For example, I am not a fan of flying. Big metal tube in the sky, so, so VERY unnatural. But without flying I would not have visited my grandmother in Germany, gone on a cruise to Alaska, or this year to Hawaii. My work also requires a level of travel; as I like my work, insurance and paycheck, I have figured out how to navigate a variety of airports, get on the planes, and even used “Uber” or gotten a rent a car to do what I need to do. (Let me tell you the “rent a car” driving in our nation’s capital was not a fun experience; so many more cars than this midwestern, even Chicago gal is used to, but that’s a whole other story.)
Being bold may sound easy, but during my 10+ years as an educator, there we students who seemingly boldly tried everything, and there we others, who like me cautiously dipped their toes in, and some who would not try at all. The mind, that will "to do" or "not do do", is so very powerful.
God is with us in all we do, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
God may call us, we may want to, but fear may hold us back.
Yet, in our humanness, we have real fear. And sometimes we have fear for good reasons.
Be Bold! Is a call to live boldly despite our fears! (Living boldly without fear is, I feel a social media lie, we still in our humanness will have fear, but with our faith, that fear does not have power over our work.)
For me being able to name my fear helps. After my first marriage ended, I had two little boys and a whole lot of responsibility. I suffered from at times, debilitating panic attacks. Attacks so bad that when witnessed a co-worked asked, “Are you ok, what was that?” The fear was so real it manifested itself physically. Thankfully, that season of my life is in the past, but it took real work to figure out how to get past the fear and be bold. In those years, when I could feel... read more at www.lostfoundtransformed.com
Do you have a student in college or just recently out on their own? LWLC would love to send some love! We will be packing care kits at the end of September with snacks and essentials. If you have someone you would wish to receive a kit, please sign up on the google form that went out via realm!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #DonationsNeeded #godlovesall #care #kits #carekits ##livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #DonationsNeeded #godlovesall #care #kits #carekits ##livingwatersclLivingWatersCL
"We always have so much fun with our annual March Madness pool, why don't we do something for football season?" .... Introducing the first ever Living Waters Survivor Pool! Each week you pick one team to win, if they do you survive to the next week, if they lose you are eliminated. Last entry standing wins their place in Living Waters history! Link to enter and instructions sent out via realm!
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #fun #fellowship #football #LivingWatersCL
Folks wanted a head up, so here is your in advanced notice of the Culver's Crystal Lake Crop Walk Fundraiser! Please help us raise money for the hungry on 9/23!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
Today, 9/8, is 988 day, a day we join millions in sharing awareness for the crisis hotline. You are loved, you are not a burden, you are wanted here and there are people who can help that are always just a phone call or text message away
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #newlife #mentalhealth #mhatlw #sharingthegraceofchrist #HealthAndWholeness #LivingWatersCL
On 9/13 we will be packing the Blessing Bags for the unhoused for God's Work Our Hands Sunday. We are gathering supplies to be packed, check realm for the list! Please join us and help as we are one of the thousands of projects happening across the ELCA tomorrow!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #ministryinaction #EveryGiftMatters #calledtoserve #sharingthegraceofchrist #outreach #GodIsHere #elca #wearethechurch #nisynod #gwoh #LivingWatersCL
Transformed
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV
Lost, Found & Transformed was created with some simple goals in mind:
• An inquiry-based outreach to common minded (curious) people.
• To engage people with and without a faith home who question their place in the world and connection to others and their higher power.
• To inspire discussion, self-reflection and peace.
• To be an agent of transformation by providing messages of hope and communion through a grounding of faith.
• As an extension of Living Waters Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, IL, “Sharing the Grace of Christ” is the overarching guidepost for all communications.
If you are engaging and hopefully enjoying these short midweek messages, wonderful! But, what does it mean to be transformed?
Though the hope is to be positive, some harder stuff will also be brought up. I’ve created this series with work experience in business and education, and underlaying formal education in art, education and art history. These life experiences encompassed a level of risk taking, of creating and growing through hard inquiry and even (gulp) failure.
Diamonds are created under pressure; humans too need to be challenged, to explore, and yes fail, when growing, developing and learning. As a young person I resisted failure, now I embrace that I tried, tried again, failed, learned, changed my approach, tried again and again, and then finally rejoiced with success.
Andy Crouch’s contends in his text, “Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling”, that being an agent of transformation within our circles of influence is a powerful expression of our relationship with God. Romans 12:2, makes it clear that such transformations begin in the mind. We have free will to choose to be a vessel for God’s good works. The path.... read more athttps://www.lostfoundtransformed.com/
Want to make a difference? Tomorrow, help us feed the hungry in our community. Join us in volunteering at the CLFP tomorrow any time you can between 8-2.
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #foodpantry #LivingWatersCL
This past Sunday in our Summer Sermon Series: The Little Church That Could, we heard how God provides what is needed, no matter how great or small. Join us in worship, this Sunday at 10 am for the conclusion of this series together!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #GodsMission #sharingthegraceofchrist #goodnews #ministryinaction #sermonseries #UnityInChrist #churchfamily #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
The vote for the next Change for Change recipient is live! Link has been sent out on realm. Which local nonprofit organization will we give to next?
#livingwaterslive #newlife #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #changeforchange #LivingWatersCL
The Power of Words
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. NLV
Ephesians is credited to the disciple Paul, but some scholars argue that it could have been written by one of followers. If this and other passages were not written by Paul, does that change our view of these texts? Here are just a few things to consider regarding the power of words as we read our Bibles and use our own words to create community.
First, that the Bible was written in several languages. The Old Testament in Hebrew with some sections in Aramaic. Christ’s primary language was Aramaic, but scriptures (The Torah) would have been in Hebrew, that Greek rule meant Greek language, and that Latin was the official language of the Roman administration. If a writer wanted to have greater reach, they would have chosen Greek, the lingua franca of Roman times. New Testament was written in Greek.
Second, we know that translations can may not capture subtle nuances, word order use and structures which often contribute to further and deeper meaning to the written words. For example, having studied German I know there are reflexive verbs that do not exist in the English language, and a translation does not carry the weight of the concept in its original language. This is why word for word translations can sound off, odd or laughable.
Third, that as educated people we can be curious to know and explore the original source and context of writings when and where possible.
One example of this is the South African term “Ubuntu” which translates to “humanity toward others” (hmm sounds like the golden rule), but has also been translated to “I am, because we are”. Which is again a bit of what I hope “we” are trying to create in our daily lives. When I re-explored this on the web the description, “Emphasizes that... read more at www.lostfoundtransformed.com/
On 9/13 we will be packing the Blessing Bags for the unhoused for God's Work Our Hands Sunday. We are gathering supplies to be packed, check realm for the list! Please join us and help as we are one of the thousands of projects happening across the ELCA tomorrow!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #ministryinaction #EveryGiftMatters #calledtoserve #sharingthegraceofchrist #outreach #GodIsHere #elca #wearethechurch #nisynod #gwoh #LivingWatersCL
It's time to nominate new Change for Change recipients! Link has been sent out on realm. Which local nonprofit organization will we give to next?
#livingwaterslive #newlife #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #changeforchange #LivingWatersCL
This past Sunday in our Summer Sermon Series: The Little Church That Could, we heard how God works to overcome great odds constantly in every generation of the church, including ours! Join us in worship, Sunday at 10 am for the rest of August as we go through this series together!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #GodsMission #sharingthegraceofchrist #goodnews #ministryinaction #sermonseries #UnityInChrist #churchfamily #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
On 9/13 we will be packing the Blessing Bags for the unhoused for God's Work Our Hands Sunday. We are gathering supplies to be packed, check realm for the list! Please join us and help as we are one of the thousands of projects happening across the ELCA tomorrow!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #ministryinaction #EveryGiftMatters #calledtoserve #sharingthegraceofchrist #outreach #GodIsHere #elca #wearethechurch #nisynod #gwoh #LivingWatersCL
Today on his last Sunday with us, our now former music director Jackson, passed the torch to Lu, our new music director. Blessings to Lu as she begins here and to Jackson in his move out east!
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #worship #music #LivingWatersCL
This week's Lost, Found & Transformed by Andrea
Humans Make Plans
Many are the plans in the mind of mankind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
As a young person, I had plans for my life, and “shocker!” those did not go to plan. I often now laugh that my Plan A, which ended disastrously, caused me to develop Plan B. But really, really, was this not all God’s Plan A for my life all along?
And guess what??? God’s plan for me has been more magnificent, more challenging, more fulfilling that I ever could have ever, ever imagined!
When I began writing, meeting with others, with Pastor and thinking, praying about creating short messages I had a lot of doubt. There was a Plan A, then a Plan B and I could not even tell you what version I am on now, but here I am. Could it be Plan OMEGA??
My friend, who is older than I, travels widely, is widowed and lives a full rich life, started an online group called “I’m still here!” I found out that her group is one of many, “I’m still here!” groups that promote acknowledgement, social value and support to an aging but vital and contributing segment of society. Those that embrace their own true later in life Plan Bs.
God challenges us to be faithful and engaged throughout our entire lifetime. For me, as a creative, this is a new extension of the gifts God gave me, but it is a challenge.
If you’ve read every issue, you will I hope know that:
All of us are lost and found at various points in our lifetimes.
I hope that our lives and relationships with each other and our higher power, transforms us in ways we may never have expected.
There is a difference between the earthly realm and that of God. To God we are known by name, but in this world we are often anonymous.
We cannot define the Infinite by our human experience or understanding; it is at the intersection of Faith and Grace that we meet God.
Prayer in any way, shape, or form is our connection with God.
The choice to be alone is not always loneliness, but loneliness is a cultural epidemic.
We can create community through active engagement.
My plans... read more at https://www.lostfoundtransformed.com/
Our final Tuesdays Together for this summer is tomorrow, 8/11 at 6 pm. We simply gather to have fun together! Potluck dinner, bring outdoor games, chairs, or whatever you need. It's a chill and fun time!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #fun #fellowship #LivingWatersCL
This past Sunday in our Summer Sermon Series: The Little Church That Could, we heard how God works through small yet mighty churches! Join us in worship, Sunday at 10 am for the rest of August as we go through this series together!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #GodsMission #sharingthegraceofchrist #goodnews #ministryinaction #sermonseries #UnityInChrist #churchfamily #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
This is the event we collected the shoe donations for. Please share for any who needs these free resources! Taking place at the Evangelical Free Church on Crystal Lake Ave today!
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #EveryGiftMatters #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #donationsneeded #blessing #LivingWatersCL #BackToSchool
A Loneliness Epidemic
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLT
In our high-tech world, it seems we spend more time with our phones than the people right next to us. Sociologists and health experts trace this epidemic back to changes to the community social structures in the mid and late 20th century and the rise of digital technology. Mass adoption of smart phones and the 2020 COVID pandemic did not help.
If this sounds familiar, I spoke more in depth on the sociological angle at the kick of for Lost, Found & Transformed, a transcript of which was posted to this blog. Here are some different thoughts on this same topic.
In Matthew 28:20, Christ reminds the disciples of His commands, but reminds them that he is with them always. As we discuss loneliness, the thought of never being along because our God, our higher power is always with us, is a comfort, but humans are like sheep and do better in a herd. In fact, if you read all of Matthew 28, you realize that the resurrected Christ is revealed first to the women disciples and then to the rest of the disciples, that this is the human community of first Christians.
They were the rag-tag community of followers of Christ. After the crucifixion they huddled together, were frightened, scared, and confused together. Judas, in his lone act of betrayal was lost forever. These are the first days of a Christian community, and one where there was doubt as to where “physically” and probably spiritually their Lord was! They felt the nothingness of Jesus’ empty place in their rooms and hearts.
Of the two on the cross next to Christ, one was promised to be with Him in paradise. The other.... read more at lostfoundtransformed.com
Want to make a difference? Tomorrow, help us feed the hungry in our community. Join us in volunteering at the CLFP tomorrow any time you can between 8-2.
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #foodpantry #LivingWatersCL
Tuesdays Together is back this summer and we meet for the final time next Tuesday, on 8/11. We simply gather to have fun together! Potluck dinner, bring outdoor games, chairs, or whatever you need. It's a chill and fun time!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #fun #fellowship #LivingWatersCL
Crop Walk is on 10/4 at 1 pm this year, mark your calendar! The first fundraiser is TODAY atTSC in Crystal Lake from 2-5 pm. Help us feed the hungry! More details here: https://tropicalsmoothiecafe.force4good.com/event/6f29e21e-d219-4f58-8305-2c79852dc65e
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
Anonymously Yours, today's Lost, Found & Transformed Devotional
I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. John 10:1-5 NLT
Have you ever wished to melt into the ground and not be? Maybe out of pure embarrassment? Maybe to avoid a difficult task? Maybe to not feel the pain of grief? Whatever your reason, your prayer may begin as “Dear God” and end with, “Anonymously yours,” because even to God you don’t want to speak about that “melt into the ground” moment.
But as John 10 above states, there is no sneaking, no hiding from God.
In a world where people crave their fifteen minutes (seconds) of fame, the juxtaposition of anonymity and fame is stark. God knows all, our full pride, embarrassment, and more, we are never anonymous to God.
Our desires to be remembered are deeply rooted in our wanting this life to mean something, even with those embarrassing moments.
You may have heard it stated that, “none of us are getting out of this alive.” “This” being life as we know it. Considering the number of humans who’ve preceded us on this journey; it is true that life ends and that we become anonymous. How many are no longer remembered by name? Can you name your own Great-great grandparents? I can’t! We are all eventually anonymous. A speck in a place and time on a small blue planet. Wow, a bit awesome and depressing all at the same time.
But again, from John in the verse above, God knows all.
When I taught art history, I’d have some student’s who’d look at ancient art and report, “Anon created this art.” (SIGH!) Educational moment to... (read more at lostfoundtransformed.com)
#lostfoundtransformed
#LivingWatersCL
Starting this Sunday... our new Summer Sermon Series: The Little Church That Could! Join us in worship, Sunday at 10 am for the rest of August as we go through this series together!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #GodsMission #sharingthegraceofchrist #goodnews #ministryinaction #sermonseries #UnityInChrist #churchfamily #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
Real Prayer – What is real anyway?
For a long time, I’ve struggled with prayer. I absolutely have been lost to our God and then contently found, just to be lost and found again. Prayer has helped me at my lowest (lost) and highest (found) moments.
My prayer practice surely demonstrates this dynamic and so do my doubts around my prayerful activities, including starting Lost, Found & Transformed.
As the obvious jumble of thoughts pour out on this page, I am full again with self-doubt. What am I doing trying to write a weekly (gulp) short message? Who am I to do this? What do I know? And what can I possibly contribute to an already diluted field of voices? I’m so very unworthy!
Breathe in, breathe out, and repeat. (And pray!)
Then the urge to write is back, as is my prayer. Is it a calling? And I think, that I AM NOT ALONE as I sit with doubt. And I come back to the fact that we have all been and are Lost and Found in Christ. And that it is prayer, a conversation with God that puts all things right. I pray and my very heart, soul, breath is lighter, more at peace.
All through prayer? Yes! Exactly! Aren’t we all on a journey of transformation? But to what and where? Each one of us, and for God, has surely has our own journey.
Every human on this planet is in some state along the lost and found continuum, either in a relationship with Christ or not knowing Him at all. But in this, perhaps I am among the lucky, to have, though a struggling relationship (with prayer!), known in my soul that no matter how fickle my human heart feels on any one particular day, that I am still a child of God. In that way I am found and miraculously God has continuously been there with me the entire time.
I am in a few days ending my 57th year hoping for a new transformation to do more for my God.
So, what about this prayer stuff? Do I pray? Yes! Am I doing it right? I honestly don’t know. Is there a right way to do it? Are knees and folded hands required? What if my mind drifts from the prayer to what I need to add to my grocery list?
Here is what I think, and yes, I may... (read more at www.lostfoundtransformed.com)
#lostfoundtransformed #LivingWatersCL
Want to make a difference? Tomorrow, help us feed the hungry in our community. Join us in volunteering at the CLFP tomorrow any time you can between 8-2.
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #foodpantry #LivingWatersCL
We are once again taking part in our county’s Back To School event! This year we are taking donations of new shoes for kids of all school ages kindergarten to high school. Please turn in the donations by THIS SUNDAY
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #thankful #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #ministryinaction #donations #happybirthday #LivingWatersCL
Crop Walk is on 10/4 at 1 pm this year, mark your calendar! The first fundraiser is TODAY at Lou's Lakewood. Help us feed the hungry!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
The parable of the Lost Sheep is found in Matthew 18:12-14, in which a shepherd leaves his flock of 99 in search of one lost sheep. That the shepherd rejoices more over that one that was lost and now found than over the 99 that were safe the entire time can be disconcerting to a humanity that thinks that the bird in hand is more valuable than the two in the bush.
What? But, I’m part of the 99! What about me? Why does God love that lost soul more than me? This is a problem with taking a few verses out of context, where the meaning is bent to focus on self… Read the rest at https://www.lostfoundtransformed.com/post/lost-and-found-are-you-ready-to-be-transformed?fbclid=IwRlRTSATNhoFwZG9mBWZkaWQWULC6DTRfjt19PEHljv8xCR3hyRzRJmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR68TLbogo7_t1kwAK9ynvzrsoPFLfRWTUTWXpjjjNAK2HChFZaV3tNV-bRquA_aem_Yhw8dya8KFyoCFtZ_PRYPQ
#lostfoundtransformed
#LivingWatersCL
www.lostfoundtransformed.com
Of course ice cream has been had on the mission trip. Tradition! Hear about all the serving and the fun at mission trip recap in worship on 8/2!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #missiontrip #youthgroup #feedingthehungry #ministryinaction #wearethechurch #LivingWatersCL
We are once again taking part in our county’s Back To School event! This year we are taking donations of new shoes for kids of all school ages kindergarten to high school. Please turn in the donations by 7/26.
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #thankful #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #ministryinaction #donations #happybirthday #LivingWatersCL
Crop Walk is on 10/4 at 1 pm this year, mark your calendar! The first fundraiser is on Monday July 27th at Lou's Lakewood. Help us feed the hungry!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #cropwalk #foodpantry #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #EveryGiftMatters #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #LivingWatersCL
Announced this morning: we have a new music director! Lu Cantrell is joining us on 8/1 where she will train with Jackson until his last day with us on 8/16. We are so excited!!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #thankful #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #blessing #musicministry🎶 #LivingWatersCL
We are once again taking part in our county’s Back To School event! This year we are taking donations of new shoes for kids of all school ages kindergarten to high school. Please turn in the donations by 7/26.
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #thankful #generosity #sharingthegraceofchrist #ministryinaction #donations #LivingWatersCL
Tuesdays Together is back this summer and we meet again next week, on 7/14. We simply gather to have fun together! Potluck dinner, bring outdoor games, chairs, or whatever you need. It's a chill and fun time!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #fun #fellowship #LivingWatersCL
Tuesdays Together is back this summer and we meet again on 7/14. We simply gather to have fun together! Potluck dinner, bring outdoor games, chairs, or whatever you need. It's a chill and fun time!
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #community #fun #fellowship #LivingWatersCL
Want to make a difference? Tomorrow, help us feed the hungry in our community. Join us in volunteering at the CLFP tomorrow any time you can between 8-2.
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #foodpantry #LivingWatersCL
Want to make a difference? Tomorrow, help us feed the hungry in our community. Join us in volunteering at the CLFP tomorrow any time you can between 8-2.
#livingwaterslive #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #sharingthegraceofchrist #calledtoserve #ministryinaction #feedingthehungry #foodpantry #LivingWatersCL
Please hold in prayer our synod as we gather for our annual assembly where Brynn, Jenny, John, and Pastor Zach are representing us. Want to know what will be happening at Synod Assembly? Check it out here: https://nisynod.org/synod-assembly/2026-synod-assembly--354
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #crystallakeil #sharingthegraceofchrist #nisynod #LivingWatersCL #elca #NISynod25 #wearethechurch
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