ASLC Devotions - Saturday

Mark 10:32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.  He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him.

The one word in this passage that jumps out at me is “again”.  Even though the disciples had been told of what was to happen to Jesus two times before, Jesus still repeated it again.  Being afraid and amazed, I think it was difficult for the disciples to believe what was to take place.  Like the disciples, sometimes we too need to be reminded and to hear things again and again to believe. Each Sunday we are forgiven and blessed.  A constant reminder to us to put our faith in God and believe in his word. 

We don’t always like to be reminded and in fact it gets a bit annoying at times however in our relationship with God it is quite comforting to have those loving words said to us again and again- we are forgiven and we are loved unconditionally always.

Ann Lynch

Join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. We begin our Holy Week journey leading to the culmination of Easter morning this weekend. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing…

Ha!  Who gave me this passage, so rich in spiritual guidance?

I am a grumbler, a “murmurer,” quick to grouse about some assignment, or even one I’ve volunteered for. God does not like grumblers. He wants his work done with a willing and joyous heart.

But, as I said, I whine and grumble…a lot. And every time I do, God gives me a gift. Oh, the graciousness of God!

Here’s an example: Last fall, helping with Holy Family’s benefit, moved by the enthusiasm of the benefit’s event coordinator, I impulsively offered to buy and make a lottery ticket tree. I don’t buy lottery tickets and, with all the other things I had to do with the benefit, I had little time. So, grumbling I went in a rush to our Shell gas station to buy some scratch-off lottery tickets. Mike, a bright-eyed teen, was manning the counter that night and graciously offered to help me. I mumbled, grumbled to him that I did not buy these things.

“I don’t either. I don’t think I’m very lucky,” Mike said.

And then looking me straight in the eye, he said, “I don’t think I’m lucky, but I know I’m blessed.”

Ha! There it was: God’s gift to me. In the midst of all my grumbling, the “Blessing of the Lottery Tree.”

Jane Oppermann

Join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. We begin our Holy Week journey leading to the culmination of Easter morning this weekend. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Philippians 2:5-6 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
    who, though he was in the form of God,
   did not regard equality with God
   as something to be exploited,

This is the first few lines of the first Christian hymn – it's an ode to Jesus. But hymns comes in all forms and all subjects: there some odes that speak of God's majesty (How Great Thou Art), some that speak of God's healing power (Healer of Our Every Ill), some that speak of Jesus' friendship (What a Friend We Have in Jesus). This early hymn is specifically about Jesus' humility.

Jesus was humble enough not to regard equality with God as something to be exploited. Jesus was humble enough to leave the comforts of heaven to take on human form as a baby born in an animal stall. Jesus was humble enough to walk with the poor and the outcasts. Jesus was humble enough to die.

For us.

For you.

Thanks be to God.

Pastor Seth

Join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. We begin our Holy Week journey leading to the culmination of Easter morning this weekend. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Wednesday

 John 12:44-45 Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. ⁴⁵And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.’

I believe this verse from John is one example that shows Jesus understands his role as the conduit through which we find God. Jesus delivers God’s word and message of salvation through his teachings and actions. And he reminds his listeners that they are about God and not himself. So who should we focus our worship on, who should we pray to – God or Jesus?

If God was only concerned with delivering the message of salvation and grace, he could have simply inspired a prophet as He had many times in the past. Instead, He sent his Son. I believe God sent Jesus among us knowing fair well that Jesus will be worshiped as his equal because people can relate to a person in flesh more readily than a concept based on faith alone. But Jesus did not forget who the ultimate deity was. Jesus does not chastise us for worshiping him but reminds us that he is the channel through which we find God.

We give thanks to Jesus and praise him for that reason. We give thanks to God for deeming us worthy of receiving salvation through Jesus. I believe the answer to my earlier question is: Both are worthy of our worship and there is no conflict in doing so.

Monika Fiedler

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday (TONIGHT). Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection called "Freedom." Then, join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

 Acts 2:20-21 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

When I first read this bible reading it immediately reminded  me of the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.   It is truly an amazing gift God gave us - His only son to die for us and cleanse us of all our sins and lift us out of darkness forever.  

But we have the advantage of knowing the whole story … think of the people who lived during that time.  I cannot fathom how scary it must have been.  It is hard to picture the moon turning to blood and the terrible darkness. 

How did we get so lucky?  Could you have sent your son to death for everyone’s sins?  Are you calling on the Lord today?  Are you taking the time to invite others to join us in this amazing gift of being saved in the name of the Lord forever? These are the questions we ponder as we consider the wonderful gift that God has given us this seasons.

Kathy Garner

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection called "Freedom." Then, join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org    

ASLC Devotions - Monday

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

We live in a country and society where lawsuits rule the day.  The law can be a double-edged sword.  We use laws first to protect, but also sometimes just to sue the pants off each other, all according to the letter of the law.

But, this is not about politics.  This is about our relationship with God.  In these verses, Paul invites us – or rather compels us – to be ministers of a new Spiritual covenant in Jesus Christ.  The people of Moses’ time were given the Ten Commandments, a covenant carved in stone.  Law by the letter.  But, Jesus came to give us a new covenant, a new relationship with God that doesn’t rely on the letter of the law, but rather on the Spirit.  Thank God for that!  And tell your neighbors about it, too.

John Lofgren

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection called "Freedom." Then, join us for Palm Sunday at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

 John 12:3  Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Mary gave Jesus a gift. And what a wonderful gift she gave! I'm not talking perfume. I'm referring to caring for his feet - his tired, aching, calloused feet.

There were no buses, trains or planes in those days. You walked wherever you needed to go. Ever have hurt, tired feet after walking a lot and someone massaged them for you? Then you know how Jesus probably felt.

Jesus puts Judas in his place in verses 7 and 8 and I love it! 'Leave her alone...you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.'

I've known Mary Lou (now 85) since a few months before my daughter was born. We meet for lunch at a local bagel place and had many long lunches while I was out of work. When I started working full-time again I couldn't have a long lunch with her anymore, but soon found a way to have a short lunch with her one day a week. She's mentioned several times how important that time is to her. It is to me as well.

True Friendship is a gift from God.

Janet Lowe

Join us for Sunday worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org     

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I wonder how many of us feel we approach our faith with boldness.  Do we do as is suggested in the opening of Star Trek “to boldy go where no man has gone before”? I’m not sure we do. If you think about it, isn’t that what Jesus did his whole life. Go boldly proclaiming God’s message & sacrificing himself for us to receive God’s mercy and grace.

Shouldn’t we be bold in our faith? Aren’t we supposed to try to be Christ-like in our faith? If it is true and I believe it is true, we should be bold too. We should spread God’s message to all whom we come in contact with, both in our actions and our deeds. If we are truly bold in our actions and deeds, God’s mercy and grace will be there to guide us.

Be Bold!

Sandy Herweg

Join us for Sunday worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org     

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

 Hebrews 4:9-11 So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

Rest. Now that’s a word that isn’t often found in my vocabulary.  I find myself going from one thing to another, planning this and doing that. I really enjoy all of the activities I get involved in.  You’ve heard of burning the candle at both ends?  At times, I think I do that. Not intentionally mind you, but it just happens.  My husband thinks I burn it in the middle too.

God gave us a good example to follow when he “rested” on the seventh day. That is important for us as well – to rest from labor - to rejuvenate our mind, body and spirit. There is another form of rest, rest involving remaining confident, keeping trust. Entering God’s rest means to enjoy the unwavering assurance of salvation in our Lord. We are at peace because there is no more reason to fear. We have complete trust and confidence in God’s power and care. Feeling that rest is something I struggle with, too, and continually pray to God about. Maybe it’s time to start making that effort - learn to rest from my labors, pray, and then listen to enter that rest in God.

Lori Quinn

Join us for Sunday worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org    

ASLC Devotions - Wednesday

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

As a child growing up on a farm in downstate Illinois, I remember we experienced some pretty bad storms.  Sometimes the electricity would go out and we were without power and light for several hours.  We had to go down to the old-fashioned farm cellar which was dark and scary, especially at night.  In fact during our family trip to Disney two years ago one of the rides had a malfunction and we were stranded in total darkness for about 10 minutes.  Again, at 56 years old, I was earnestly praying to see “light.” 

It’s very interesting to me how often the word “light” is used throughout scripture.  In fact, light is the first thing that God creates in Genesis chapter one.  Light is what helped the children of Israel move forward in the desert.      

The good news for our reflection this Lenten season is that Jesus is our light.  When we read, study, and reflect on scripture, we receive the light and promise of Christ.  When we celebrate the Lord's Supper we receive the true light and promise of Christ.  As we serve others; we are sharing the light of Christ.  Remember that the light (Christ) will help us move forward this year!      

Wayne Kolweier  

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship TONIGHT on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection based on the prophet Ezekiel called "Can These Bones Live?". Then, join us for the Fifth Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Temptation. Such a tempting word. It would be so easy to list some common worldly, human temptations – food, laziness, sex – and think the subject had been covered. But in this time of Lent, we need to look deeper, at temptation and at ourselves.

Temptation isn't something nebulous that comes and goes. Temptation is a constant presence in our lives. The temptation to think we can do it ourselves instead of relying on God. The temptation to let things slide, just this once. The temptation to procrastinate on our promises to God. It is so easy to miss how prevalent and how powerful these forces are.

Fortunately, our passage doesn't end with temptation itself. God is there and God is stronger than temptation. But I love the imagery of this passage, because it's clear temptation is more powerful than any one of us. We can't defeat temptation. All we can do is escape it. Endure it. And even that, only with God's help. So, today, as temptation besieges you on all fronts, remember that God is with you, to help you escape and endure. Today. And tomorrow. And every day.

Doug Kuhlman

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection based on the prophet Ezekiel called "Can These Bones Live?". Then, join us for the Fifth Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org  

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Hebrews 3:3  Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.

Let’s get the pecking order right here!  Jesus is greater than Moses.  Having been part of several different Christian traditions over the years I have always heard the message of the New Testament trumping the Old.  Perhaps this isn’t exactly what was being preached from the pulpit or taught at home, but it is surely what I heard.  Both have a role in developing our faith understanding; yes I’ll accept that.  But come on, it’s the Good News of the New Testament that we come to hear of each week!  From my background these words from Hebrews seem just natural.  Of course Jesus is more worthy than Moses.

This lesson is a good example among so many others that invite us to look beyond our 21^st century viewpoint and to try to see the 1^st century understanding of Jesus, Moses and faith.  To the first century writers and readers of the Hebrews text the Jesus event, his birth, death and resurrection is the NEW news. The Moses stories are the oh so very old and oh so very well understood foundations of faith. This is being written to help 1^st century contemporary Christians understand the relationship of OT prophecy and the NT proclamation of God’s Son-Jesus.

Then and now, the message is real and worthy of hearing and understanding. AMEN! 

Jeff Witt

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection based on the prophet Ezekiel called "Can These Bones Live?". Then, join us for the Fifth Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

 

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

 John 3:7-8  "Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Here is a text that overall, seems to provoke more questions than answers. Certainly Nicodemus, the one to whom Jesus is speaking here, must have thought this as he came quietly by night to meet Jesus. Yet we also sense that Jesus very much wants this highly educated man and religious leader, to experience the mysterious but real and living presence of God's Spirit in his life, and to be "born of water and Spirit".

It seems fascinating to learn that in both Hebrew, (Jesus' language), and in Greek (the language in which the New Testament was written) the same words are used for both 'wind' and 'spirit'. (and the Greek word, 'pneuma', has made it's way into English, as we realize, in 'pneumatic' ('pertaining to air, gases, or wind') By this we are reminded that indeed, God's Spirit daily surrounds us, fills us, energizes us, 'inflates us', and is as close to us as the life-giving air we breathe. What more can we say than 'thanks be to God'!!

Del Anderson

Join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at 

http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Friday

Ephesians 1:7-8

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.

Wow! Cliff Notes for Lent; Cliff Notes for Christianity. The eponymous study guides were first published when I was a freshman in college. (I might have done better had I used them.) I can’t find one for the New Testament, but Paul published one for the church at Ephesus in the first century A.D. And it works for us today. We are redeemed through the Crucifixion; we are forgiven through his grace. That’s it. God loves us so much that he gave his only son so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

Tom Germuska

Join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Ephesians 1:3-6 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

I'm tired. Just keeping to my schedule is tedious.  When I'm rushing to get things done, I sometimes miss getting everything right.  Being somewhat of a perfectionist, this is really a strain on my nervous system. 

This passage offers me great hope. Because we are "predestined for adoption through Jesus Christ", I don't have to live a life trying to earn God's approval. I don't have to worry that because I didn't do something perfectly God is out to get me. It doesn't work that way. He alone is the soul/sole determining factor. God will not love me today and hate me tomorrow.

I would much rather my adoption be determined by the unchanging decree of God than based on my job performance.

Carole Graesser

Join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org   

ASLC Devotions - Wednesday

 Mark 11:17 Jesus was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations?  But you have made it a den of robbers.”

I remember that during my childhood, many times my father would come home from work and start sweeping.  He'd see the mess four kids made (already cleaned up several times by my tired mom) and, after a frustrating day of diplomacy, he tried to bring order where he could.  I inherited this gene and can tell you that sweeping is therapeutic!

I think Jesus was clarifying his priorities and putting his life in order when he “cleaned house.”  He cleansed the Temple, the center of worship, during his last week, right after he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to glad shouts of “Hosanna!”  He had hinted several times about the danger he faced.  He had things to do, with no time to waste.  A  previous verse tells us that the day before, “He had gone into the Temple and looked around at everything,” then left because it was late.  What he saw there must have really upset him, because the next day he went right back and drove out those who soiled God's house with dishonest religious businesses that robbed the Temple of dignity.

What do we need to clear out of our temples this Lent?

Linda Foltz

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship TONIGHT on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Isaac about the day his father Abraham nearly sacrificed him. Then, join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org  

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

 Hebrews 9:28 And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgement, so Christ, having offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

This has been, needless to say, a tough year for me. After reading the verses for this day, I focused on the above because it gives me hope. I am waiting for that second coming, whether it is when Christ returns or when I pass on.

It gives me hope that the ones that have gone before me (Son and Mother this past year, and Father and Brother previously) will be there to greet me. Christ’s sacrifice allows all of us the chance to be with Him as he took away our sins. Because we do not know the day, time or place when He will call us, we must always be ready.

Of course, you’re never ready to say good bye to your loved ones. We can only hope that they are at peace in the arms of Christ. He will never leave us. We are only here on this earth for a relatively short time (some shorter than others, which we don’t understand) before we are claimed by God.

I hope that each of you use the time here to thank Christ for His sacrifice and remember to hug, kiss and love those who are in your life.

Michael Nedzel

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Isaac about the day his father Abraham nearly sacrificed him. Then, join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Monday

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

It’s the middle of Lent.  20 days past and 20 more days of no chocolate. Today is also the 100^th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA.

The entire 13 verse assigned passage (1 Corinthians 3:10-23) is long.  It talks about a skilled master builder laying a foundation that someone else builds on.  Chocolate doesn’t make a good foundation, for health or a building.  Girl Scouts is one of the many materials we can use to build on our foundations and on the foundations of those around us.

You and I build on the foundation we received at Baptism.  We choose how to build on it and with what materials.  Our work will be tested with fire but we will survive, “saved only through fire.”  The fire makes us strong.

The reading continues with the building metaphor, “God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.”  If anyone destroys the temple, God will destroy that person.  I’m glad I’m on HIS team and not anyone else's.

My favorite part is verses 21-23. What a great message for the middle of the long Lenten season:  our work will be tested but God stands by us and “… all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.”  

 

We belong to God; there is hope.

Adrienne Bolbot

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Isaac about the day his father Abraham nearly sacrificed him. Then, join us for the Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

 Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them. 

What was your “ah ha moment” or have you ever had one?  That event, good or bad, changes your course of action or direction. Maybe it occurred when you lost your job or were hired for a new one. Could it have been after your recovery from as serious illness or an accident?  It might be something as simple as reading a meaningful book, listening to a sermon, attending a lecture or retreat, or as tragic as a death, divorce or personal addiction.  Whatever the event you are changed forever.   

I think the transfiguration in Mark 9 is an “ah ha moment” for the three disciples and Christ.  This event on the mountain-top reinforced to everyone that Jesus was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.  This was not the first time the disciples and Christ had heard God’s voice, but the message was the same, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”  The Father repeated the announcement from Jesus’ baptism.  His divinity was confirmed,  shining brightly through the clouds. Christ’s life was about to change, going from preaching and healing to a path headed toward Jerusalem  and directly to the cross. His confused disciples were to follow but only Christ knew where He was going. Peter, James and John would have their “ah ha moment” in the days following the resurrection. Let Lent be our “ah ha moment” as we choose to follow Christ to the cross and celebrate His resurrection.

Sandy Drucker

Join us for worship this Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.  

ASLC Devotions - Friday

 Acts 7:35 It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ and whom God now sent as both a ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

To me, this passage is the story of someone ordinary who was called to greatness. And not just ordinary but already rejected by the very people he had been called to lead away from persecution – to rescue.

As we are told so often throughout our growth in the Christian faith, we are all called by God to do great things. The question is—will we answer the call? If you are like me, even a burning bush might just escape my attention as I move from task to task throughout my day. I’m busy, as are we all, and I tend not to force myself to slow down and smell the flowers. As Ferris Bueller says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”

On that note, I challenge you all to slow down and live in the moment. Take the time to actually listen to the person talking to you, with eye contact and everything. Take the time to find out how someone really is rather than settling for ‘fine’. Take the time to do something for someone out of the blue just for the heck of it—like the gal who, just a few weeks ago, paid for my Starbucks coffee and handed me a “pay it forward” card in honor of her birthday—how cool!

How can doing these things help us answer the call? We will be more aware of the needs of others, of our surroundings, of our needs, and then we can better help ourselves and others be and feel the best we all can. It’s not easy—this being “on call”—but God promises us it will all be worth it. And I believe Him.

Margo Ban

Join us for worship this Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.  

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

 1 Peter 2:5 Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.

For too long I was just a “stone” in my faith.  I was raised a Christian and have always believed in God but I didn’t really build on that belief.  I suppose at times in my life I didn’t feel I needed more or I just didn’t take the time to learn and build onto the foundation that my parents and grandparents had taught me.  In recent years I felt the need to understand and know more about God’s words so I started going to Bible study.  It has opened my eyes and heart to so much. 

When my “bible mates” and I are reading and discussing the Bible, it helps so much to put the printed words into a better understanding.  We read and discuss, laugh and sometimes even share very strong feelings about a passage and through it all; we are growing or building ourselves into a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian.   With more knowledge brings more confidence in sharing with others the good news of Gods love.

As we live a life of a living stone we are able to not only share the written words of Jesus’ love for us but also to show God’s love in our actions towards all people.

Ann Lynch

Join us for worship this Third Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.   

ASLC Devotions - Wednesday

 John 12:40-41
'He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
   and understand with their heart and turn—
   and I would heal them.’ 
Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him.

Has there been a time in your life where you felt that you had your eyes blinded or your heart hardened? Maybe you were walking downtown and there was a homeless person on the street with his hat out and you walked right on by. Or could it have been when your neighbor asked you to help him move and you made up an excuse so you didn’t have to take time out of your day to help another person.

I know there have been times in my life where my eyes were blinded and my heart hardened. It’s not easy to admit that we are human and these things happen. But that’s the point, we are human and without Jesus we don’t stand a chance.

Jesus wants us to understand that when we turn to him he will heal us as well as open our eyes and soften our heart that we may see his glory.

Maybe it’s time we all trust in Jesus and we will see his glory that Isaiah talked about.

Joe Quinn

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday (TONIGHT). Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Mrs. Noah on her Flood experiences. Then, join us for the Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

 Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Oh, doesn’t that sound lovely. Good Christians have faith, hold on, believe, trust in our Lord. Or so we’re told.  But life can be tough and sometimes faith isn’t that easy to grab onto.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that wavering, doubting, and even arguing with God isn’t unchristian, but simply human and something God appreciates from us.   See, God wants to hear from us, even in our most imperfect, fragile state.

Years ago I faced a serious surgery and I was scared. I had never had surgery, and the thought of facial paralysis and total deafness in one ear, was frightening to me. I was terrified and yes, angry with God.  My child-like faith had always counted on God to protect me, act as defense against all sorts of dangers. In that fog of fear and anger, God felt far from me; I could barely see, feel or hear him.

And then one night, I let God have it. I blasted him with my anger and fear. I told God how betrayed I felt. He was my faithful shepherd, after all. But through that long night I began to feel God’s presence, like a distant light, shining through the fog of my fragile faith.

Jane Oppermann

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Mrs. Noah on her Flood experiences. Then, join us for the Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org 

ASLC Devotions - Monday

Hebrews 1:8-12 But of the son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”  And, “You, Lord laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands: they will perish, but you remain;  they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same and your years will have no end.”

Fashion is ever changing and temporary.  It comes and goes, and eventually fades away.  Depending on your age, you might remember Twiggy with her brightly patterned miniskirts, bellbottom pants, patent leather go-go boots, and who could  forget the ever popular and versatile leisure suit.  If we still have these articles of clothing, they probably hang in the back of closets or in basements for our grandchildren to wear for play. The author of Hebrews reminds us how temporary the things of this life are.

In the passage, the writer’s emphasis remains the same, Christ will outlast the earth that he so carefully created.  God’s Son is constant and we can trust his  promises.  He never changes and is always faithful and forgiving. His reign is eternal and His power mighty. Earthly things will pass away but Christ’s covenant will never change.

Worldly things come and go but Christ is the same; yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  His love and forgiveness is never ending and will last for eternity. Let us always rely on His grace and love, especially during this Lenten season.  Thanks be to God!

Nate Drucker 

Join us for midweek Lenten supper and worship on Wednesday. Soup supper at 6:15 and worship at 7. This week, we will encounter a reflection by Mrs. Noah on her Flood experiences. Then, join us for the Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Full calendar is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org

ASLC Devotions - Saturday

 Mark 8:27-29
Jesus and his disciples now left Galilee and went out to the villages of Caesarea and Philippi.  As they were walking along he asked them, "Who do people think I am?  What are they saying about me?" The disciples replied, "Some think you are John the Baptist and others say that you are Elijah or some other prophet come back to life again." Then he asked, "Who do think I am?"  Peter replied, "You are the Messiah."

This is one of the most fundamental questions for Christians - who do you think Jesus is?

When my husband and I were in Israel some years ago, we went to the Garden of Gethsemane. We experienced a very spiritual moment at this site as did others. We somehow felt how much God loves us.

There is a small church there with a large rock inside. The story goes that this is where Jesus prayed that he would not have to suffer, but then asked for strength to do his father's will. At that moment Jesus decided to go to the cross and die for me and you. The result is that we can have abundant life here on earth and eternity with God.

I wish I could say that this feeling lasted but I can remember it and make a choice to follow Christ.

Each one of us should  think about who is Jesus, and if we truly accept him as the crucified Son of God, live like we know it and pass it on. 

Kay Weir

Join us for worship this Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.  

ASLC Devotions - Friday

 Romans 4: 7-8 Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven,
   and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.

Reading the passage that I was supposed to write this devotion for over and over for about a month, I wanted to say something wise, something that someone might copy and paste and send to someone else.  But I was having trouble finding “the true meaning” of the full passage assigned because it also talked about wages and circumcision.  Then I re-read the instructions and it said “choose one or two verses”.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just make things harder than they have to be. There was beauty right smack dab in the middle of the assigned passage!! The beauty of the Lenten Season:

Sinners are not only forgiven, but they are BLESSED! Once sinners ask for forgiveness, they are BLESSED…….and God will NEVER reckon with that sin again! The sin is gone!

We make our faith so much more difficult than it has to be sometimes, when the answer is always right in front of us. We are forgiven and BLESSED!

Linda Kinsella

Join us for worship this Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.  

ASLC Devotions - Thursday

 Romans 3:21-31 The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction since all have sinner and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus who God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood effective through faith.

 This just says it all and there's nothing else I can add.  My youngest granddaughter helped me to understand it by saying to us that she wouldn't be eating the chicken noodle soup Carole was making.

As she simply stated, "What is it you don't get?  I do chicken and I do noodles but I don't do soup"

It is what it is.

Well, as Christians, we get this bible passage as we journey through the Lenten season.  It is what it is.

And it's O.K. to pass it on.

Dutch Graesser

Join us for worship this Second Sunday in Lent at 8:30 and 11. Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar.