June 17, 2010 Grace Lutheran Church 6931 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 899-1700 contactus@GraceHB.org WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND:Worship - Sunday 8:30 am, 10:30 am; Wednesday 11 am Children's Sunday School - 8:30 am & 10:30 am Middle School [6th-8th Grade] - Sunday 10:30 am High School [9th-12th Grade] - moving to Tuesday nights in July Adult Bible Study Classes - Sunday 10:15 am
 Putting Life
Into Perspective
[ Jonah 4:1-11]
And so we come to the last few verses of the
book of Jonah…
Over these last few weeks we’ve been listening
in to an ongoing conversation between a prophet and the God who called
him. Actually, it’s been more like an argument
between a worker and his employer. Jonah’s complaint against the LORD
isn’t as much a labor dispute as it is a management issue. Jonah
presumes to sit in judgment even though it’s uncomfortable. He’s even
willing to engage in a little character assassination—to
even give up his own life—to underscore his contempt for God’s
management style.
The world would be better off without an evil
city like Nineveh. Israel would be better off without a growing empire
like Assyria. Jonah would be better off without
having to rub elbows with such unsavory types as the Ninevites. God
extends a pardon, whereas Jonah wants a conviction. God speaks grace
whereas Jonah breathes condemnation.
It has been a bitter disagreement that seems to
be leaning toward divorce…but not so fast! Jonah pulls away but God
refuses to let go. Jonah ignores a word from the
LORD but the LORD repeats the question. Jonah tries to run but he can’t
hide from God’s little object lesson. Jonah has done most of the
talking but the LORD will get the last word.
I invite you this Sunday to listen to what God
has to say to Jonah. Together we will get a different perspective on our
lives, our rights and our responsibility to each
other. You and I will hear it straight from the Creator’s mouth—who
this God is, what this God desires and what that means for how we see
ourselves and our common humanity.
You might think you already know what you’re
going to hear, what you’re going to see. But let me ask you this, when
is the last time you looked at the world through
God’s eyes? Are you willing to consider that we’re more attuned to our
cultural frequencies than we are to the LORD’s wavelength?
If Jonah was out of sync, maybe we all are. If
Jonah needed an adjustment, maybe we do, too. If Jonah didn’t get it the
first, second or third time, maybe our batting
average is just as suspect. Maybe a little perspective IS just what we
need…
Grace to you!
Pastor Chris Click here to listen, watch, or download archived sermon messages. Click here to subscribe to our sermon message podcast on iTunes. TALK IT OVER using our Jonah Chapter 4 questions or see all Jonah Chapters. P.S. - If you missed our recent Congregational Luncheon
and ELCA Discussion, the audio is available online
here. If you are invested in Grace, then it is worth your time to
listen.
Final VBS Planning Meeting is this Wednesday, June 23, 6pm
 at the Grace School Multipurpose Room.It is important for ALL volunteers to
attend. School is located at 5172 McFadden Ave.
VBS is July 12-16, 2010.
Registration happening now! Sundays on the patio or weekdays in the church or school office.This summer, bring your kids and their friends to SonQuest Rainforest - an experience of discovery they will never forget! Based on five key Bible verses that will change a child's life - including John 3:16 - SonQuest Rainforest transports young minds into a rainforest environment where they will explore and encounter Jesus in everyday life. PITCH IN - FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED:Please help by dropping off some of these items to the school, church or Sunday school offices. - animal crackers - goldfish crackers - pretzels - watermelons - small bags of chips - graham crackers - popcorn - 2 liters lemon lime soda - otter pops - hand sanitizer - white napkins - lemonade Questions? Contact Beth Tweitmann [714-899-1730 or btweitmann@gracehb.org] Learn more about VBS at Grace.
Next Book Discussion (new date)
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
 Friday, July 30, 7:05pm
The Boomers Ministry at Grace invites you and your friends to join us at Angels' Stadium for some summer fun, food and fireworks! This is a fantastic way to spend time getting to know people from our Grace family and a perfect event to invite friends from our community to attend with you. We are sitting in the Right Field Pavillion. Tickets are $15.50. Questions? Contact us [ finch.4@verizon.net]
S.H.I.P. (Self-Help Interfaith Program) is Coming!
July 31 - August 21 at Grace
 This longtime ministry at Grace provides housing, meals and fellowship to homeless men and women in Orange County while they develop life skills and job hunt. Sign-ups are starting this Sunday on the Grace Patio for anyone called to provide family-style dinners, night/weekend supervision or administrative support. Individuals, families and especially Life Groups are strongly encouraged to find one way to support this worthwhile ministry that has been impacting lives for years. Contact Lori Brunner [714-841-2797 or loribrunner@verizon.net] Click here to learn more about SHIP.
Have A Car? Help Our Missionary!
 Mark & Kathi Williams have been Grace missionaries to the Philippines for the past twenty years. They are also the parents of our 10:30am worship leader Drew Williams. They are returning to the USA on June 21 for a one-year furlough and are in need of a car. Their resources are limited, but they are looking to borrow, rent or possibly purchase a car. If you or anyone you know is able to help, please contact Janelle Pederson [714-840-6777 or JPederson@CanterburyConsulting.com].Click here to read more about Grace's Global Missionaries.
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