5-Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Adam McDowell • June 16, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Day 1: The Majesty of God's Creation

Reading: Psalm 8:1-9

Devotional: As we read Psalm 8, we're reminded of the vastness of God's creation and our place within it. Just as Pastor McDowell marveled at the complexity of the Mizar and Alcor star system, take time today to observe the intricacies of nature around you. Reflect on how, despite the enormity of the universe, God is mindful of you. How does this realization impact your view of yourself and your relationship with God? Today, practice gratitude for God's personal care in your life, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel.

Day 2: The Mystery of the Trinity

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Devotional: The concept of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is indeed beyond our full comprehension, as Pastor McDowell noted. Yet, this mystery doesn't diminish its truth or impact on our lives. The Small Catechism helps us to understand the impact God has in our lives by describing the characteristics of God. As you read about Jesus commissioning His disciples and look at the Small Catechism's teaching on the Apostle's Creed, consider how each person of the Trinity is involved in your own faith journey. How has God the Father created and sustained you? How has God the Son redeemed you? How does God the Holy Spirit guide and comfort you? Embrace the mystery today, and thank God for revealing Himself to us in ways we can relate to, even if we can't fully understand.

Day 3: God's Mindfulness of Humanity

Reading: Genesis 1:26-31, 1 Peter 1:18-19

Devotional: Today's reading reminds us that we are God's greatest creation, made in His image. Despite our failings and brokenness, God still considers us precious. Reflect on times when you've felt small or worthless. Now, contrast those feelings with the truth of how God sees you. How does this change your self-perception? Today, strive to see yourself and others through God's eyes - as valuable creations worthy of love and respect.

Day 4: Christ's Humility and Sacrifice

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 2:5-18

Devotional: The sermon spoke of Christ being made "a little lower than the heavenly beings" to become our Savior. These passages in Philippians and Hebrews expand on that idea, showing the depths of Christ's humility in taking on human form. Meditate on the magnitude of this sacrifice. The infinite God became finite, the immortal took on mortality, all for love of you. How does this sacrificial love challenge you to live differently? Consider one way you can emulate Christ's humility in your interactions with others today.

Day 5: God's Word in Our Mouths

Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

Devotional: Pastor McDowell mentioned how God gives us His word to speak, even comparing us to "babes and infants" in our ability to comprehend His greatness. Yet, God's Word is powerful, accomplishing His purposes regardless of our limitations. As you read Isaiah 55, reflect on the power of God's Word in your life. How has God's Word brought comfort, conviction, or change to you? Today, be intentional about speaking God's truth and love to others, trusting that His Word will not return empty.

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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.