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/
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
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/
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
Once again a great Reconciling in Christ Sunday. This year we also had a Blessing and Godspeed for the Kananen family. May God’s love shine upon you wherever you go!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #godislove #GraceAlone #Godisgood #reconcilinginchrist #LivingWatersCL
Our annual RIC Sunday to kick off pride month is on 6/7 this year! Wear lots of colors! There will a special offering for Reconciling Works
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #Pride2026 #sharingthegraceofchrist #godislove #GodsJustice #elca #blessing #godlovesall #reconcilinginchrist #reconcilingworks #nisynod #LivingWatersCL
You are loved by God and welcome here! Happy Pride Month!
Here at Living Waters, our mission is "Sharing The Grace of Christ". We live this mission in everything that we do, God's love and grace is for all people! When we say "all are welcome", we truly mean it. Come as you are.
The people of Living Waters Lutheran Church are called to share the grace of Christ with ALL people through worship and community service. We are committed to welcoming into our community and advocating for persons of every race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, and economic status. Together, using our various gifts, we are dedicated to upholding equity, justice and acceptance for ALL of God’s children!
#livingwaterslive #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #sharingthegraceofchrist #godislove #GraceAlone #Godisgood #reconcilinginchrist #LivingWatersCL
TRAINING ON HOW TO TABLE THIS SUNDAY AFTER WORSHIP! We are going to have a table at both Crystal Lake and Woodstock pride fest again this year! Sign up to table via the link sent out on realm
#livingwaterslive #godislove #fun #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #pride2026 #pride #reconcilinginchrist #ministryinaction #Godisgood #sharingthegraceofchrist #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
Our annual RIC Sunday to kick off pride month is on 6/7 this year! Wear lots of colors! There will a special offering for Reconciling Works
#livingwaterslive #lakeinthehillsil #crystallakeil #mchenrycountyil #Pride2026 #sharingthegraceofchrist #godislove #GodsJustice #elca #blessing #godlovesall #reconcilinginchrist #reconcilingworks #nisynod #LivingWatersCL
We are going to have a table at both Crystal Lake and Woodstock pride fest again this year! Sign up to table via the link sent out on realm
#livingwaterslive #godislove #fun #crystallakeil #lakeinthehillsil #mchenrycountyil #pride2026 #pride #reconcilinginchrist #ministryinaction #Godisgood #sharingthegraceofchrist #LivingWatersCL
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