… be filled with the Spirit. … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18b, 20

A certain church member was very critical of his pastor. The pastor had never been able to do much of anything to please that cantankerous parishioner. But the pastor took the high road, never repaying hurt for hurt. He tried, and tried hard, to find good things to say.

One day he said with a wry smile, “You know, Joe has the cleanest car in town.” Instead of concentrating on his parishioner’s criticisms, he found one small thing to commend. “… be filled with the Spirit …,” says St. Paul. Spirit-filled people have no room left over for grumpiness, faultfinding, negativity, or thanklessness. Instead, they have an “attitude of gratitude” to God that spills over into relationships with others. And when bad attitudes invade, as they will because of Satan, the Spirit is there to strengthen God’s people once more.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).

• We thank you along with the Wagie Family on the occasion of John & Beth’s 45^th wedding anniversary; and Adam & Hannah Wagie’s 5^th. We ask that you keep them in your love, strengthen them for the challenges of life and grow their confidence in your promises.
• We inquire of your grace to bless Tom & Sharon Phillips who celebrate their 38^th anniversary this week along with three family birthdays next week. We ask you to bless their love, deepening their relationship with you and with each other along with their sons Greg & Joe in the years to come.  As Marty & Monica Dierker celebrate their 23^rd Wedding Anniversary, remind them of your presence and power alongside your incredible love that secures them.  And we rejoice with Bud & Marcia Grossman who have reached a milestone in marriage – 60 years together in Christ.  Continue to bless them with your loving grace.
• Prayers of intercession and concern for Jill Klug’s mother Jan, many days in the hospital with CHF. We ask for help for Sharon Kirsch who went through surgery following cancer treatments.  Spirit of life, give them courage and comfort as they seek your will for their future.
• We join Annette, Anna & Jacob Diener in prayers of love and memory as this is now the fourth year that Dick has been with you forever in eternity. Bless this family as they know and continue to learn of your sufficient, strengthening grace.
• Our prayers arise to the throne of grace for the Schmidt Family from Trinity in Crete, IL. Eddie lost his wife Lindsey, their unborn child and 3 sons (Weston, Owen and Kaleb  – 2, 4, 6 years old) after a car accident on their way to VBS on July 24^th.  Lord in such severe loss be gentle on all who grieve and remind them that we are not those who grieve without hope.
• Lord, we look for your wisdom and guidance to support our new teachers Mrs. Emily Rodrigue (Rŏd’ rĭg) and Amanda Hering as they join our staff and enhance our mission to KNOW, GROW and GO with the good news of forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

 Vietnam – Holy Spirit, what amazing work you have given us the privilege to be part of! We thank you that multi-cultural work with Hmong in the United States has led to open doors in Vietnam. Bless Pastor Bounkeo Lor as he leads efforts to teach law and gospel to 60 church leaders of more than 70,000 people. If it is your will, may this work progress to the point where WELS can join in fellowship with this body of believers. Thank you, as well, for the growth of this church body by 40 churches and 2,400 members since we have begun our training efforts. “Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise!” Amen.