May 1, 2026

Love, Love, Love

Scripture readings

for Sunday, May 3

Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

1 Peter 2:2-10

John 14:1-14

That’s what it’s all about! Jesus loves.

Jesus’ love is a constant in scripture. From his humble birth to his teachings, parables, healing miracles, feeding of the multitudes, power over creation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus loves.

Some people wanted the Messiah to take a much different approach. They thought their savior would come as a strong military leader, but Jesus did not start a violent overthrow of the Roman Empire. He just could not and would not do anything in conflict with love. He gave himself up and loved until the very end. In his last breath on the cross, he forgave everyone involved in crucifying him. This is the depth of the amazing love of God shown to us in Christ Jesus.

Stephen, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), strove to live as Jesus lived and to love as Jesus loved. As he was being stoned to death, Stephen shouted, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:60).

Following Jesus was not easy for Stephen and other early Christians. It is not easy today. But in today’s gospel reading, Jesus assures his followers—then and now—of three things. First, the great doors to a place with God will be open to us, in a house with many rooms. Second, he is the way, truth, and life, and by knowing him, we come to know God the Father. Third, we can ask him for anything. These are promises of Jesus’ continuing care for us, for people of every time and place, and for all creation.

Jesus loves.

From sundaysandseasons.com.

• For our community of faith as we seek to do God’s work in the world.

• For those in our congregation and community who suffer silently with illness, financial burdens, and family obligation.

• For for all those affected by illness and those who care for them.

• For Ann Saar, Judy Kelly, Kay Marker Magneson, Thom Shagla, Jan Nelson, Jenny Theo, Macey Lundmark, Michael Prall, Brenda Wagner, Dawn Arnet, Mark Kiendl, Tyler LaChapelle, Heather Miller, Nick Johnson, and those serving in the military and law enforcement and their families, including Sean Pecuch, Ben Wickerham, Paul Hebert, and Nicholas Hebert.

• For the ELCZ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and ELCZa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which

time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need

for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME BACK PR. TIMOTHY MILLER

AS OUR SUPPLY PASTOR HIS WEEK.

CALENDAR

May 3

May 4

May 7

May 8

Good News

That group of people had Jesus as their center, as the reason for being together. The heart of that group was Jesus.

But now he said he was leaving, not just dying and then rising, but he was returning to God.

"What do you mean, Jesus is leaving? He's the whole reason why we get together! What are we going to do without him?" Everyone felt troubled.

Jesus assured that group by saying, "Do not let the heart of the group be troubled." Then he told them why they need not be troubled. Even though he was leaving (dying on a cross), he would rise from the dead and so prepare a place for them in his Father's house. Trusting Jesus was the way to be with God. We can trust him even though we cannot see him. We can receive his forgiveness even though we cannot see him. And it is by being together with those who trust Jesus that our hearts are encouraged and comforted and loved. It is by being together that we get through the times that trouble our hearts.

Thank you for being here in our church.

Peace,

Pastor Hoyer

Our Transition Pastor is Pastor Timothy Hoyer.

His Cell Phone is

(716) 490-5731 in case of an emergency.

His office hours are Thursdays 1-3 pm

Special Thank you coffee hour – Join us Sunday, May 3rd to announce our Call Committee and thank you all for your continued support. Ministry Site Profile update.

Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up – Friday, May 8th at 9:30 am.

Change in Spring Work Day: Please join us for our

annual Spring Work Day, Saturday, May 23rd from 9-12

am. Many hands make light work.

5 Loaves & 2 Fish Backpack Ministry

25/26 School Year

Packing May 19 at 7:00 pm

This is our last pack night of the school.

Resuming next September

Enjoy the summer!!!

We can't thank our volunteers enough for all you do to make this happen! If you're looking for a wonderful way to give back to your community, please consider volunteering 1 time a month packing bags of food for area students. We're done by 8:00 pm!

Fun Fact: every month we have between 8-10 adults and students setting up tables and food for the evening packing. We couldn't do this without them!

We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry. Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthex. Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex. Monetary donations welcome! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com

If you can volunteer, please contact

Gale Svenson-Campbell at the link above. Thank you!!