Thursday, May 21 Ascension of Our Lord  While we look forward to everlasting life and being with Jesus in heaven, pray that we will live with confidence and joy in the promise of salvation and the presence of the Spirit, which sustains and equips us for the work we are called to today as people of the good news.

Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

  ⁶So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. ¹¹They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

                                                                  Acts 1: 8-11

Let us pray: Almighty God, your Holy Spirit equips the church with a rich variety of gifts. Grant that we may use them to bear witness to Christ in lives that are built on faith and love. Make us ready to live the gospel and eager to do your will, so that we may share with all your church in the joys of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

                                                      Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Coming soon!

      Tithe.ly online giving opportunities
     Updated web site and Constant Contact pages
     Reopening worship
    DreamLeaders Transitions Workshop- tentatively set for July 18, 2020
Official ELCA God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday- September 13, 2020

The mission of the congregation continues even as we maintain physical distancing and stay at home directives. If you can, please forward, pledges, gifts and tithes to our mailing address:

                                          St. Matthew Lutheran Church
                                          P.O. Box 350119, Jacksonville, FL. 32235