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Welcome to Bytes of Bread! 
At the beginning of each Bytes of Bread you will find a short bible study followed by announcements and reminders for everyone at Lamb of God.
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We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God
Can you relate to Elijah? In I Kings 19:4-8, Elijah was crying out to God, “I’ve got nowhere to go!” If Elijah were here today, he would impress on us, “We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God.” That truth affects the way we view our entire spiritual life. August 19, 2012.
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You’ve been working at the same job for nearly five years. When you started, you had dreams of rising through the ranks. But the way the company is structured, it’s becoming more and more obvious that you’ll never be promoted. You’re thinking, “I’ve got nowhere to go!” Then there’s the person who’s suffering, who’s picked on, who’s under such mental and emotional strain that the brain waves are spinning faster than a Tilt‑a‑Whirl at the fair. Energy gets sapped faster than a tank of gas in an RV. Feelings of fear and loneliness dominate day and night. That person is ready to cry out, “I’ve got nowhere to go!”
That was Elijah. He was the first in a four hundred year line of Israelite prophets, and he would have a legitimate claim to being one of the greatest prophets in that nation's history. But in the first lesson today from First Kings chapter nineteen, he was on the run, choking on fear and loneliness. Elijah was crying out, “I’ve got nowhere to go!”
Can you relate to Elijah? Can you peer into his experiences twenty‑eight centuries ago and transport them into our time and into your life? If you can, you’ve caught the secret of Bible reading and Bible study. You see, God caused the Bible writer to record this incident for our learning and our spiritual well-being. If Elijah were here today, he would impress on us, “We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God.” That truth affects the way we view our entire spiritual life as we give up, get help and go on.
Give Up
Elijah had just completed an incredible victory. He had challenged the prophets of a filthy fertility cult to a duel on Mount Carmel and won. Elijah may have assumed that he had completely removed all idol worship in Israel. He may have assumed that his time under pressure and persecution was at an end. But that was not the case. When wicked Queen Jezebel heard about Elijah's victory, she sent a messenger to him to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them” (1 Kings 19:2). All of Elijah’s dreams came crashing down. This man of courage found himself afraid and running for his life. He went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life.” God’s enemies seemed to be in charge, and Elijah felt that he was the only one left. The straw had broken the camel’s back.
What led him to that point? Was it fear because of the threat on his life? Was it embarrassment because he had run away and failed to keep standing up for the truth of God? Was he just worn out, burned out, and tired of the seemingly endless uphill battle against those who could care less about God? Was it an overwhelming sense of sin and inadequacy? Whatever the reason, Elijah was at the point of giving up. He realized, “I’ve got nowhere to go!”
It’s the feeling teens get when their friends call them weird just because they want to remain abstinent. It’s the feeling parents get when they pray and preach, give and guide, and their kids still get in trouble. It’s the feeling we get when the pressure at work becomes unending and overwhelming. It’s the feeling we get when the doctor says, “I can’t do anything for you.” It’s the feeling we get when we finally crank up the courage to tell someone we love the truth about his or her sin, but it falls on deaf ears. It’s the feeling we get when we try to do what is right but get mocked and kicked and gypped. It’s the feeling we get when our own fears, embarrassment, burn‑out, sin, and inadequacies lead us to say, “I might as well give up. I’ve got nowhere to go!”
Whatever it was that led Elijah to that point doesn’t matter. The point was that he was beyond low, “I am no better than my ancestors.” That was a humble confession, like that of the apostle Paul, “I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9). “I am the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Elijah was ready to give up. But it was precisely at that point that he was most ready for God’s help.
Time and again that’s where God takes us, too. He leads us to agree with Elijah, “There are two important truths I have learned: There is a God, and I’m not him.” You see, God takes us to the point where we are empty and ready to give up, the point where we are finally ready to admit, “We’ve got nowhere to go!” That’s when we are most ready for his help.
Get Help
Amazingly, neither the falling short of his own expectations, nor his fears, nor any of his faults had placed Elijah outside the sphere of God’s love or nullified his call as a prophet. God came with help in a remarkable way. Elijah sat under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
Have you ever heard someone say, “God helps those who help themselves.” That’s really not true. The truth is that God helps those who cannot help themselves. In other words, we see his help best when he lets us know in no uncertain terms that we need it. Elijah had nowhere to go but to God, and when he did, he discovered that God was there with help all along.
God’s help is there for us, but often it comes in surprising packages: the calming words from the lips of a little child, “Don’t worry, Mommy! God will protect us;” the friend who just happened to call to see how you’re doing just when you really needed someone to listen; the article in the church magazine that just seemed to have the right thing to say at the right time in your life. Getting help is not a matter of searching and striving. It’s a matter of giving up and realizing that there’s nowhere to go but to God. Sure enough! He has been there with his help all along.
Most importantly, God’s help for our biggest problem is always there. Whether we realize it or not, whether we think about it or not, God’s forgiving love is there for us. Even when we have been unfaithful to him, he remains faithful to us. That’s why it’s so important to give up trying to earn his help. What did we do to cause Jesus to live the way we can’t and pour out his blood, both of which God offers to us? Nothing – except sin! But God gives the help we need the most, the forgiveness of all of our sins, through Jesus. We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God for forgiveness, and where else would we want to go?
Go On
Did you notice the direction Elijah was going? Originally, when he ran away, he had headed south into the desert. Having now received help from God, you’d think he would turn around, head back up north, and go to work. But something unusual happened. Elijah got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. Instead of heading north to go home, Elijah went farther south. God strengthened him for a forty‑day journey and led him to Mount Horeb. Do you see what was happening? Before God sent Elijah back to work, he first wanted him to take time out, get away, and spend some time listening to God. Then, when he would run into other difficult days and more low spots in his career, he could go on in his life of service to God because he would be in the pattern of believing and saying, “There’s nowhere to go but to God!”
The length of Elijah’s journey and his destination are reminiscent of other servants of God. Six hundred years earlier, before God sent Moses to serve the Israelite escapees from Egypt, God trained him in listening to God and in patience, not for forty days but for forty years in the vicinity of this same mountain. And how about the apostle Paul? You remember how God turned his life around. He had been a persecutor of Christians. God called him to be a preacher of Christ. But do you know how much time passed before Paul went on his first missionary journey? Fourteen years. Maybe you members of Grace didn’t know it, but years ago our church council meetings each month seemed to last for hours and hours. Now the leaders of our congregation have re‑prioritized their meetings. They meet for half an hour of Bible study and then the meeting after that lasts about an hour and a half. It’s like the comment Martin Luther once made that he wouldn't have been able to get all his work done if he did not start each day with three hours in Bible study and prayer.
The apostle James wrote, “Elijah was a man just like us” (James 5:17). How true! If we really want to serve the Lord and make a difference in the lives of other people, then we first need to spend time listening to our God. That’s exactly why the Sunday bulletin is full of announcements about our September Bible class schedule and why the Adult Education Team is planning for The Story. In order to go on in life, we need to spend time listening to our Lord. Take time for Bible reading. Make time for Bible stories with your children. Develop the godly habit of listening to God in his Word, and then when you run into difficulties and low spots, you will be in the pattern set by Elijah. Then you will be ready to go on in your life because you will be believing and saying, “We’ve Got Nowhere To Go But To God!”
Someone once said, “When the Lord lets us stumble, he does so that we may fall into his arms.” I don’t know about you, but I stumble way too often. Won’t you join me in the prayer, “Lord, into your hands we commend our spirits!” Amen.
Voter's Meeting & Pot Luck
June 2nd after church will be a pot luck lunch followed by the voter's meeting.
Crafty Kids Camp ~ Summer 2013
June 10-14, June 24-28, July 15-19, July 29-Aug 2
Mon-Fri Mornings from 10 AM to Noon
For ages 5—12
Specific projects will be different each week, and will include papier-mâché, paper crafting, weaving and fabric art, paint-ing, and origami. The class fee for each week is $100 and includes all materials. There is a 20% discount for each of two or more campers registering together or for those registering for two or more of the camp weeks. For more information, contact Deborah Bray at 256-508-0141 or ddejbray@knology.net
Registration forms are available on the table in the narthex.
LUTHERAN PIONEERS
Lamb of God is exploring the possibility of starting a Lutheran Pioneers Program. Lutheran Pioneers is a Christ-centered program available to WELS and ELS congregations. Pioneer programs are flexible and congregations can choose the format that works best for them or use parts from the different programs to customize the program for the congregation.
Lutheran Pioneers offers youth several opportunities including; Service, Faith, Strengthening, Worship, Evangelism, Education, Leadership, Recreation, Thanksgiving, Fellowship, Stewardship
The Pioneer Topics and activities may include; Camping, Safety, photography, First Aid, Canoeing, Stewardship, Nature Study, Backpacking, Evangelism, Citizenship, Bicycling, Skills for Living, Cooking, PineCar Derbies & more.
It is not our intention to replace the Youth Program with the Pioneer Program.
Consideration will be given to combining youth program activities with Pioneer activities where possible. The program requires commitment by our adult membership and parents to make the program a success.
Based on Lamb of God demographics, we will most likely focus on preteen youth to start. This program is also designed as an evangelism tool and will be an open youth program.
We Need Your Feedback! There are signup sheets on the table at the Church entry, one is for expressing interest in being a Lutheran Pioneer and the other one is for anyone wishing to help administer the Pioneer Program for the church. You may reach out to the following church members to learn more about the program.
CONTACTS:
Ethan Wigley and Jeremy Dressler at dressler1999@yahoo.com, or phone 256-998-1406
Mike Presley at mp5864@att.net, or phone 256-461-0871
Radio Controlled Helicopter Rodeo
For dads and sons on Sunday, June 9th at 1 PM. Call Jeremy Dressler for details.
Third Annual Tennis Camp
Dates: Tues. June 11th, Wed. June 12th, and Thurs. June 13, 2013
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Children can register on-line at www.lambofgodchurch.org/tennis.
The cost is $30 per participant.
Tennis anyone? Ready for summer? Lamb of God invites all children ages 8-14 to our 3rd annual Tennis Camp. Once again we will have two very capable Kingdom Workers, Mike and Stephenie Pingel, who will come and lead our evangelism efforts by coordinating our Tennis camp. This is an excellent opportunity to invite all the children you know to come and learn the basic skills
of tennis, in a Christ-centered environment.
You are all encouraged to participate in our tennis camp in whatever way you can. If you have time to help setup the temporary tennis courts, retrieve tennis balls and supervise the children during the camp or make snacks, please let us know. Getting the word out into the community is one way you can help.
There will be four organized canvassing opportunities, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
on May 11, May 18, May 25, and June 1. If you are unable to assist at these times, you’re welcome to distribute flyers at your convenience. If you are unable to assist with your time, you can still help with a small donation.
To donate funds: visit www.lambofgodchurch.org and click on the “External Links” tab to “Donate to Tennis Clinic” Or go to the direct link: www.kingdomworkers.com/LambofGodMadisonAL.
We are excited to again have this opportunity to reach His little lambs. Come and be a part of this exciting evangelism opportunity. To God be the Glory!
For questions, or to volunteer, please contact Larry Povinelli at
lpovinelli@aol.com or (256) 325-4120.
Crochet Class
June 4,5,6,7,17,18,19,20,21
July 8,9,10,11,12
Clinic classes July 22, 23
All Sessions meet 10 AM to Noon
Ages 13 to Adult
Intro Class $40,for 2 sessions, Intermediate $80 any four sessions and two clinic sessions.Contact Deborah Bray at 256-508-0141
or ddejbray@knology.net
Or register at www.LambofGodChurch.org/crafts
Mary Martha Meeting
June 1st at 9 AM Installation of new president, Sue Povinelli, recap of Spring LWMS rally in Covington and planning for the fall rally here at Lamb of God. The meeting will be held at Kim Bodeker’s home, 107 Delmar Dr., Madison, AL 35758. Brunch Pot Luck. Please RSVP to Kim at 256-468-2744. Y’all come!
YOUNG @ HEART’s ON MEMORIAL DAY!
There will be a Young at Heart gathering on Memorial Day at the home of Larry & Eva Harbaugh, 105 Bailey Station, Madison, AL 35758. Phone 256-464-5977. Early arrivals at 3 PM, potluck at 5:30. This will be a Pot Luck very much the same as when we have one at church. There is a sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Please sign in your RSVP and the culinary delight you will bring. (Suggestions are one or two of the following: meat dish, potato or rice dish, vegetable dish, salad, snacks, chips/dip, fruit, dessert.) Mark your calendar if you are not traveling on Memorial Day. See you at Larry & Evas!
GIT MO’ MAIL Want a way to share your faith without being put on the spot, and get more “real” mail in the process? Become a prison pen pal! Read an inmate’s testimony in the April Forward in Christ (pp. 14-15) or watch the April WELS Connection to see how your letters can inspire incarcerated individuals. Contact WELS Prison Ministry at (507) 354-3130 or prisonministry@wels.net for guidelines that will explain how to get involved while protecting your privacy.
People Matter Wednesdays 6:00 PM
In this Bible study we are going to listen once again for the calling of Christ. In his promising shepherd’s voice. At our dirty feet cleansed by his caring and living water. Throughout his ministry to all kinds of people and “sinners.” And certainly on the cross where our shame has found its end. This class explores the relationship between Pastor and members, between the Good Shepherd and his flock, and how we can better minister to one another.
Church Library Website!
This Website will allow people to quickly see if we have a book in our church library from any computer/device with Internet access. Please let everyone know that they can contact me directly if they have any questions or suggestions. My email is gwen_yarbrough@yahoo.com or they can call me at 256-506-1024.
Tired? Stressed Out? Spiritually Drained?
Wanna Scream—'Give Me A Break!'?
Caring for someone with an intellectual and developmental disability can leave you drained spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Retreat with us, the WELS Intellectual and Developmental Disability Ministry and witness God’s love as he gives you renewed strength.
For more info click on this link
The Thursday Evening Study Group SMALL GROUP
May 9th and May 23rd 7 PM
SUBJECT: Martin Luther: Gospel, Law, and Reformation as lectured by Professor Philip Cary of Eastern University. Seating will be limited, so please sign up at the table in the Narthex, if you would like to participate.”
Location: Ehrman’s home, 303 Cliftworth Place, Madison
Call Jon or Marilyn at 256-539-9068 to RSVP for May 9th
Women's Ministry
Motivated solely by the gospel, WELS Women’s Ministry exists to assist our congregations in nurturing, encouraging and equipping women to faithfully and fully use their God-given gifts to glorify God.
"Now we are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27
A new version of the Congregational Ministries pages on the welswomen.net web site is being launched! Click the Congregational Ministries tab to see what is available. Please take a look at this wonderful resource.
Women's Leadership Conference
www.welswomen.net/conference
Join us as we come together to better understand God's desire for each of us as laid out in the Bible, with a special focus on the unique calling God has for women as leaders, and then discuss the application of these Biblical truths to our varied personal lives.
Get Connected!
We are looking to build a network of women in the South Atlantic District to share ideas and resources. We'd love to have a contact in every congregation so that we can encourage each other and share ministry ideas. If you are interested in becoming a member of our team click here for more information.
Interested in Taking an Online Bible Class?
Interested in taking an online Bible Class? WELS is offering an online Bible class on the topic of "Self-Esteem" and other classes are available also. The classes are archived and you can Click on this link to download & watch one anytime you'd like to.
Growing in Hope
Thursdays at 7 PM
For Newcomers and Members! Bring a friend! GROWING IN HOPE is a class for those who are interested in the Lutheran Church’s teachings, to refresh what they have learned, or learn it for the first time! The class is part of becoming a communicant member of our congregation, with no obligation. Members & Visitors are very welcome to join any or all weeks.
Lamb of God Book Club
Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 9:30 in the “living room” of the welcome area at church. The book club is open to men & women, young & old. 5/14 Book: “The Five Love Languages; The Secret to Love That Lasts” ISBN 9780802473158
NOTE: The next two books chosen for discussion are (June) “Mere Christiani-ty” by C.S. Lewis, and (July) “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman
Call Becky Tauchen 256-852-7505 with any questions you might have.
El Mensajero Luterano
The latest issue of WELS "Together" e-letter included a story about a new Spanish language website that WELS has put together, "El Mensajero Luterano" (The Lutheran Messenger).
FOOD PANTRY
Please continue bringing in canned and boxed food. Checks and gift cards are welcome too. There is a donation box in the Narthex, or you can put your donation in the offering plate. Make checks out to “Lamb of God” and write “Food Pantry” in the memo line.
Opportunity for Serving
Sign up to set up or take down communion! You will be trained and instruction book is always in the sacristy for reference.
Depending what works best for you, sign up for setup or takedown!
Thank you for your service to our Lord and to Lamb of God Members!
Sign up to set up coffee! Help keep our Bible Class caffeinated! Arrive at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays to set up the coffee maker in the fellowship hall. Sign up is just for one week at a time! At this time we have July thru the end of the year open!!!
LAMB OF GOD RECYCLES! We have a blue Recycling Bin in the fellowship/kitchen area for newspaper, paper, cardboard, magazines, cans, and plastic. If full, please get a second bag. Kim Bodeker will empty it once a week for us. This is only for recycling materials generated by the church. Please do not bring in your home recycling.
THE AMAZING RACE—TEEN CHALLENGE
(for teens entering grades 9—12, dates 6/26—29th, 2013 )
A form for this spectacular outing for our children were distributed to the children in Sunday School. If you have not received your form, please check the Narthex table for a set.
Bible Reading on the Go!
Would you like a free app for your iphone or ipad for bible reading? The Bible Gateway Bible App offers many wonderful ways to experience Bible reading and Bible study, including:
More than 90 different Bible translations, including NIV. Easy-to-use and reliable Bible search, both online and offline. Daily Bible verse in the translation of your choice Daily Bible reading plans Bible audio in a number of different translations and styles.
Here is the link to get it at itunes
Men's Breakfast
The last Saturday morning at 7:30 of each month is the men's breakfast.
Great food & fellowship make for a wonderful way to start your day!
Ivey's, 101 Ivory Place, Madison Located between Zaxby's & O'Reilley's Auto Parts on Sullivan Street, across from Compass Bank near the intersection of Sullivan & Hwy 20
The Ladies Craft Group meets every Thursday for fellowship and crafting of your own choice. Bring embroidery, knitting, scrapbooking, art, play cards or games and enjoy conversation. Every Thursday from 10 AM-Noon! Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!
~~~~~ Just for Fun!~~~~~
When I run into something I hope you'll enjoy I'll drop it here!
Interesting Stuff
Youth and Family Kids Connection!
Check out: My Life Issues This ministry encourages and assists congregations and parents as they nurture our future church leaders in the Word from birth through high school by providing resources, encouragement, and training.
Here is a link to Kids Connection Stay Connected to Jesus!
Military Ministry!
Missed a Sunday? ... Want to Hear it Again?
We are so blessed at Lamb of God to have a Pastor who preaches theology without apology! Enjoy the Word preached! Want to reinforce what you heard? You will absorb even more the second listen. Guaranteed.
Give Attention with Intention! Recent Sermons
Send this to a friend! You may find their heart open to visiting sometime after they have had a taste of what we hear on Sundays! Also now available when you are unable to attend church and can't access the Internet to listen to any missed sermons, you can request a CD copy of the sermons you have missed, or to give to a friend. Request one anytime.
Come Worship the Lamb of God!
Sunday Worship at 10:30 AM
Sunday School and Bible Study 9:00 AM ****
******(No Sunday School or Bible Study Sunday May 26th Memorial Day Weekend)****
Wednesday 6pm 'People Matter' Class
Thursday 7pm 'Growing in Hope' Class
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