THE HOLY CROSS BLIND OUTREACH NEWSLETTER Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2003 NE Englewood Road Kansas City, MO 64118 www.holycrosskc.org GREETINGS Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” These words are God’s invitation to come to Him with even our simplest needs, to thank Him for even the smallest of reasons. Our Lord rules over our lives giving us what we do not deserve and withholding from us what our sins merit. Despite all the confusion we face with medical bills, natural disasters, and fiery misfortunes—our Lord creates in us confidence that clings to Him who we do not see. We can be sure that Jesus hears us because He has once for all endured hardship, insults, jeers, and death for us. Being God the Son from eternity, He chose to suffer and die for us. We can trust Him because, now risen from death, He still sympathizes with us. How do we approach someone we cannot see? We may hear a paratransit driver’s beckoning us to the Sedan, but until they tell us their name and that they are with Share A Fare, we have no need to take their elbow or follow them. Unless we know the route to a local destination, we have due cause to shutter when a stranger offers us help when crossing a busy intersection. Today, prayer is a popular expression of “spirituality”. Some books claim that if we pray, we will get better healing, more stable relationships in marriage, and financial peace. The list goes on. Some people say that if we want something, we have to be specific in naming it before we will get what we want. Even more guilt-creating is the backhanded slap: It didn’t happen because you didn’t have enough faith! So, we pray on. We desire that point where we will get over that nagging loss. We beg for that answer to some question to have an answer—were God to speak directly in our ear. Where is our confidence? We see our own efforts and diligence. We witness the increase or decrease of bucks in the bank. We take note of how friendships and marriages strain or grow. We also sense our confidence (let alone our emotions) spiral with every moment of our lives. In his Large Catechism, Martin Luther defines a god as that to which we look for every good and trust in our time of need. Is our confidence scattered? When lured by our sinful nature, we fashion for ourselves a pantheon of idols. And, our trust floats to the results we hope to see instead of Him who gives all we need to support our body and life. Instead of assurance, then, we find ourselves awash in worry, in danger of losing our faith unawares. But, why trust the Lord who invites us to come to Him whom we do not see? Unlike those who sometimes forget to identify themselves, our Lord has made Himself known through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our financial well-being wil fluxuate. But, He who gives us food and clothing, house and home, etc. does not change like shifting shadows. Though well-intended, every human relationship is laced with conditions we must meet to make it last. God’s gift of eternal life is free for our trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. Sure, we don’t see Jesus walking with us. But, we have the historic record of those who did written for us. We don’t witness the mud slapped on someone’s eyes that they may see. But, we do receive our Lord’s forgiveness distributed—when the Lord gives His very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine of Holy Communion. We don’t hear His voice by the impulse of our heart or in thin air. But, His consolation does come from the lips of a pastor in public absolution or in the concern of a friendly conversation. Thanks be to God. He has made Himself known. The name of Jesus is the only name given under heaven by which we must be saved. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for our prayers as well. He bids us call upon Him in the day of trouble. He speaks to us deliverances. We speak back to Him honor due His name. He fixes our trust on His rule of grace and adds to it those things which sustain us from day to day. How do we approach someone we cannot see? Our heavenly Father hears our prayer addressed in the name of His Son who has made Him known. What a Savior we have in Jesus, who our needs and thanks He bears. He receives us in our weakness and extends to us His care. \ WHAT’S FOR DINNER? This month, we are having chicken salad sandwiches and a dessert. As usual, if you let us know if you have any dietary needs and we will accommodate your them. Please, let us know—if possible—by Wednesday, September 22 if you need a ride to and from the meal. BLIND OUTREACH HAS TALENT This month, we are having a time for you to sing, tell a few jokes, or any other small viniette you can bring. Come and enjoy a bit of talent, a bit of humor, and a lot of fun. IN THE COMMUNITY You are invited to join members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and other area congregations for a presentation on disabilities. At King of Kings Lutheran Church, on October 17, Dr. James I. Lamb of Lutherans for Life will speak on our being made in the image of God—regardless of the physical challenges we face. For more information including exact time of the event, please, call (816) 436-7680. Reminders: 1. Please, try to get your reservations for a ride to and from the meal to me by Wednesday, September 22. 2. 2. CD’s of recent sermons at Holy Cross Lutheran Church will be available at this Saturday’s meal. Please, take one per person or family. COMMUNITY CALENDAR October 1: Allied Workers for the Blind; Contact Terrie Arnold at (816) 363-6658. October 8: First Steps for the Blind support meeting: Contact Cathy Pyper at (816) 455-5219. October 10: Columbus Day October 12: First Steps For The Blind, evening; Contact Cathy Pyper at (816) 455-5219. October 16: Progressive Council of the Blind; contact Scott Vroegindewey at (816) 213-8222. October 16: National Federation of the Blind; contact Ruby Polk at (816) 505-9993 October 21: Blinded Veterans of America, call Ed Reyes at (816) 454-3312. October 30: Holy Cross Blind Outreach meal of the month; call David Rosenkoetter at (816) 805-7333. Every Sunday Worship at Holy Cross: Sunday mornings at 8:00 and s10:45 AM Wednesday evening: 7:00 AM Bible class: Sunday morning, 9:30 AM Now, may the Lord direct our days and our deeds in His peace. David Rosenkoetter, Director (816) 805-7333 Assistants: Ruby Polk (816) 505-9993 Shirley Grauel: (816) 587-5406 ____________________________________________________________ Mortgage Rates Hit 3.25% If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4c98b0c44945b3e7d40st05vuc To subscribe or to leave the list, or to set other subscription options, go to www.freelists.org/list/real-eyes