5-Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Paul Dancy • March 4, 2025

Transfiguration Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: Unveiling God's Glory Reading: Luke 9:28-36
Devotional: As we reflect on the Transfiguration, we're reminded of God's glory revealed in Christ. Just as Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine nature, we too are invited to see beyond the ordinary and recognize God's presence in our lives. Today, consider where you've seen glimpses of God's glory. In what ways has He revealed Himself to you? Remember that these "mountaintop experiences" aren't meant to be permanent dwellings, but rather moments that strengthen us for the journey ahead. Remember God’s grace and love for you, as a forgiven child of our Heavenly Father, as you carry the light of Christ with you each and every day.

Day 2: The Voice That Calls Us Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
Devotional: God's voice on the mountain declared, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!" Amidst the noise of the world, how well are we listening to Christ's voice? Isaiah reminds us that God calls us by name, that we are precious in His sight. Today, take time to quiet your heart, be in his WORD, pray and listen. God speaks to us through the holy scriptures and to hear Him, we must be in the Bible. Remember, just as Jesus was affirmed as God's chosen one, you too are chosen and beloved. Let this truth shape how you view yourself and others.

Day 3: From Fisherman to Fisher of Men Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Devotional: Peter's journey from a simple fisherman to a bold apostle reminds us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Like Peter, we all have our flaws and moments of doubt. Yet God sees our potential and calls us to a greater purpose. Reflect on your own calling. What nets might God be asking you to leave behind? How might you be asked to step out in faith today, trusting that God will equip you for the task He's given you? Remember, it's not about our abilities, but our willingness to follow Christ.

Day 4: The Power of the Cross Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: The Transfiguration pointed toward Christ's ultimate act of love on the cross. Paul reminds us that Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our faith and hope. Today, meditate on the depth of Christ's love for you. How does the cross challenge and change you? In what ways can you embody Christ's humility and sacrificial love in your relationships and daily interactions? Remember, that when we fail to love like Christ loves, that we are forgiven. Let that forgiveness from Christ to us overflow to others as we forgive those who fail to love us like Christ as well. His blood redeems us.

Day 5: Carrying the Light into the World Reading: Matthew 5:14-16
Devotional: After the Transfiguration, Jesus and His disciples descended the mountain to serve and heal. Similarly, we're called to carry the light of Christ into the world around us. You are the light of the world, Jesus says. Consider the "messy world" and "messy people" mentioned in the sermon. Where might God be calling you to bring His light? It could be in your workplace, your family, or your community. Pray for opportunities to reflect Christ's love and truth in tangible ways today. Remember, even small acts of kindness and faith can dispel great darkness, because it is the Holy Spirit that does the work through our small acts, not us.

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Fieldworkers: Preparing Future Pastors

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 27, 2026

Our Partnership with Our Seminary

August Happenings

By Amy Widener • July 27, 2026

August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.