5-Day Devotion

Pastor Adam McDowell • July 14, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Day 1: The Heart of Mercy

Reading: Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)

Devotional: As we reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan, we're challenged to examine our own hearts. How often do we pass by those in need, justifying our inaction? The Samaritan's mercy reflects God's heart for us - unconditional, sacrificial, and crossing all boundaries. Today, ask God to soften your heart and open your eyes to the needs around you. Consider: Who in your life needs mercy today? How can you be the hands and feet of Christ to them?

Day 2: Love Without Limits

Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

Devotional: John reminds us that love for God and love for others are inseparable. Our ability to love others is a direct reflection of our understanding of God's love for us. As you read, meditate on the depth of God's love - a love so vast that He sent His Son for us. How does this change your perspective on loving those who are difficult to love? Challenge yourself today to show love to someone you might normally avoid or overlook, remembering that in Christ, there are no limits to love.

Day 3: The Royal Law of Love

Reading: James 2:8-13

Devotional: James calls love for our neighbor the "royal law." This elevates love from a mere suggestion to a divine mandate. As you reflect on this passage, consider the areas in your life where you might be showing favoritism or withholding mercy. Remember, we are all equal recipients of God's grace. How might your interactions change if you viewed everyone through the lens of God's royal law of love? Today, practice intentional acts of kindness, especially towards those you might typically overlook.

Day 4: Strength in Serving

Reading: Romans 15:1-7

Devotional: Paul challenges those who are "strong" to bear with the failings of the weak. True strength, in God's economy, is measured by our capacity to serve and uplift others. Reflect on your own strengths - how are you using them to build up the body of Christ? Consider areas where you might be using your strength for self-interest rather than service. Ask God to reveal opportunities where your strengths can meet others' weaknesses, creating a beautiful picture of the interdependence of the body of Christ.

Day 5: The Good Shepherd's Care

Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16

Devotional: In this beautiful prophecy, we see God's heart as the Good Shepherd who tenderly cares for His flock. As you read, picture yourself as one of the sheep - lost, injured, or weak. How does it feel to be sought out, carried, and healed by the Shepherd? Now, consider how you can extend this same care to others. We are called to be under-shepherds, reflecting God's care in our communities. Today, pray for eyes to see those who are lost or hurting around you, and for the courage to reach out with Christ's love.

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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.