For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to keep, and a time to cast away.  Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

Into everyone’s life comes the day when the realization hits that “stuff ” has to go! It can be the attic, garage, kitchen, desk, wardrobe, or whatever else it is that has an overabundance of accumulation. The big decisions now are, “What shall I keep?” and “What shall I cast away?”  Our lives are somewhat the same with accumulated discouragements, resentments, regrets, or angers, all of which lead to spiritual sickness. This is the day to start casting them out of our lives for good. Our faithful Father is waiting to help us do just that because He knows we are helpless to do it on our own.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory… (Ephesians 3:20-21a NIV).

• Tom Ade – needed emergency surgery on his neck to relieve stress to the spine. We are hopeful for a good outcome and for a strong recovery. 
• Sharon Kirsch completed radiation for cancer, and is now awaiting word on the potential of surgery. As the later treatments along with chemo have weakened her, we pray for stamina and strength, day by day.  Grant good news in the upcoming tests to determine when the surgery can be done.
• Zac Lippert has made good progress this week. Our thanks and praise for allowing the medical teams to catch his liver infection in time to save his life.  Remind Zac that there is a purpose to life that comes from above, and is linked always to the new life in Christ.
• David Stirmel, Dianne Robertson’s brother and Janet’s son, has had a recent cancer diagnoses of the tonsil. We pray that he heals and responds to the chemo and radiation.
• Pat Wetzel’s mother – successful surgery, now recovering and will have some follow up treatment
• Sandy Kobin’s step-mother – needed gall bladder removed and surgery went well and she’s doing exceptionally well.
• Rebekah Sueflow update ~ They removed all breathing tubes and she is breathing on her own. She has one feeding tube left and they will try to remove that soon.  She has been very alert and is trying to talk and communicate.  This is all very positive progress.
• Peter Kelm – went through a clinical trial of injected antibodies in hopes that this might stimulate the immune system to attack the cancer.
• Prayer of Thanksgiving from the Radandt/Miller family it has been 4 years since Jacks heart transplant. He just celebrated his 16^th birthday and after many tests last week his rejection level is ZERO.  A prayer of comfort and reassurance for the donor family whose loss has made Jack’s growing old a real possibility.  As we are amazed by your grace we dare to ask for long-term continued health for Jack
• We rejoice with Dave & Lois Spietz at the celebration of their 40th Wedding Anniversary. It is your constant and consistent love, dear Lord, which has kept them secure.  Now we ask you to bless them and their children and their families in the coming years with faith and hope and more love.
• We are most grateful that both Monica Dierker and Amanda Hering have accepted the Call to teach in our school next year, As you grant many of your blessings through those who serve with the Gospel in our midst, bless these teachers in all their endeavors to lead and train our children in following you.

Reformation 500 – Dear Lord, what a wonderful blessing it is for us this year to celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation! Thank you for those who used their talents to produce the new Luther film, A Return to Grace: Luther’s Life and Legacy. Continue to bless the efforts of all those congregations utilizing this film in their outreach efforts to emphasize your grace and the saving message of your gospel. Amen.