This is a special performance by the Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir of Sing to the Lord by Ken Medema.

In today’s reading, Jesus lays before us the importance of relational social issues as we live our lives right here and right now.  We are called to live into God’s dream of justice for this entire world.  God created us to live in relationship with all others and with the creation we have been given.  The abundant, eternal life Jesus calls us into comes through the community of creation, and that life starts now.  God calls us to enter into that life and seek abundant life for our neighbors and the whole world, the life made manifest and available to all in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.

A special performance of Celebration from the Faith Bells

Special music presented by Bob Nelson at today's service at Faith Lutheran Church.

This week we had a special performance by the Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir as they performed Partnership of Faith in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church.

As we look to the future, we are called to live into God’s vision of peace for this world and announce the gospel good news of a God who is like the crazy manager in today's story, a God who forgives sin. And, like that crazy, shrewd manager, we are called to use our gifts, our resources, and our skills in service to the master, our gracious God. We are called to invest those gifts in returns that are priceless, not only for us, but for the sake of the world.

Special Music by the Chancel Choir of Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, Michigan.

The cross and resurrection testify to God’s faithfulness in loving and rescuing all that are lost. This faithfulness of God, shared with overflowing grace in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, is patient, forgiving, energetic, and ready to celebrate. And, words like “losers” are gone because all are welcomed at the party God is throwing – the party Jesus hosts where he welcomes sinners and eats with them. This is the party where we all are called “guest,” “graced,” “gifted,” “loved,” “cherished,” and “empowered.” Come to the party, celebrate and join the feast.

We follow the one who loved this world so much he went to the cross. Following Jesus is not easy, but His word is still the best news this world has ever heard for bad times or good, and that is what you and I are called to remember together. Discipleship is demanding. Discipleship is a delightful thing, and discipleship is a determined thing. If you would follow Him, come with all you are and with all you have. The promise of life, abundant life, life that truly matters is always in front of us. And, the promise of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and grace far outweigh whatever the cost discipleship might bring. May God’s love free us to choose life and daily center our lives in Christ, beginning now.

Special Music by the family pick-up family choir at the September 4 service at Faith Lutheran church in Okemos, Michigan.