In this Sunday's scripture, James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 35:4-7a Like streams in the desert, God comes with healing Psalm 146 I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (Ps. 146:2) James 2:1-17 Faith without works is dead Mark 7:24-37 Christ healing a little girl and a deaf man
Join us THIS SUNDAY for a visit with Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA). In addition to preaching and worshiping with us, Solveig will be introducing us to LAMA, and sharing about the work that she and her team are doing with Lutheran communities across the state around advocacy and education. "The guiding principle for our work is our call to love and serve our neighbor as Jesus did, and where possible, we work toward systemic change" she said. "LAMA's mission is to join with the most vulnerable of our society to voice our common needs in the public square, activating our faith in love."
Learn about LAMA's annual Lutheran Day at the Legislature, their work with the Arizona Anti-Hunger Alliance and coalition partners, LAMA's annual Summit, Action Alerts, Advocacy 101 training, Arizona's Request to Speak (RTS) system, and more. Solveig said, "LAMA is not political. While there are many issues we face every day that could be solved through the legislature, we're not about politics, we're striving for justice, and peace, and fairness for all God's people." How can they possibly tackle all the issues facing Arizona citizens? They can't! LAMA's Policy Council discerns what will be its policy priorities for the year. In 2024, its policy priorities are Hunger, Water and Civic Engagement.
About Solveig Muus:
Solveig Muus is director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA). She worked for a decade at Augsburg Fortress Publishers (Minneapolis) before joining Christian Brands, a.k.a. Autom, (Phoenix) where she was Director of Marketing, Creative, Product Development, and Brand Manager. In addition to working with LAMA, Solveig served the Grand Canyon Synod for four years as Director of Advancement at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center (Carefree).
Solveig is a graduate of Saint Olaf College (Northfield, MN) and has an MBA from Metropolitan State University (Saint Paul, MN). She is a member of Grace Lutheran Church (Phoenix) where for 14 years she served as Outreach Director, working with volunteers and ministry partners to serve the Grace community through its Heat Respite Program, Pancake Breakfast and Grace Room. She loves singing, feasting with friends and camping with her dog, Happy.
Sign-Up to help God's ministry at Crossroads by serving on one of our Ministry Teams:
Welcoming/New Member/Hospitality Team
Help organize & orchestrate reaching out and welcoming ALL people within the church and in the larger community, including organizing greeters and connecting with people who fill out connection cards.
Social Team
Help organize & orchestrate our Social gatherings within the church community and in the larger community.
Outreach/Faith in Action Team
Help organize & orchestrate serving our neighbors within the church and in the larger community.
Education/Faith Formation Team
Help organize & orchestrate our Educational Faith Formation opportunities within the church and in the larger community, including Kid’s City.
Worship Team
Help organize & orchestrate worship within the church and in the larger community.
Finance & Stewardship Team
Help organize & orchestrate how we use our time, talents and treasures for ministry, including budget planning and auditing and helping the church treasurer when needed.
Prayer Team
Help organize & orchestrate prayer ministry within the church and in the larger community.
“The Station Coffee Co.” Ministry Team
Help organize & orchestrate ministry for The Station Coffee Co within the church and in the larger community of Florence.
Building Team
Help organize & orchestrate any issues or improvements that need attention in and around the church building
Order your Crossroads Lutheran Church gear today! We have updated the logo and will be placing an order for new t-shirts! There are many new options: V-neck, long sleeve, kids etc. All options are not pictured! We will not be ordering any "extra" shirts, so please get your order in before the September 30 deadline!
All orders will ship to the church and be distributed from there!
Hometown: Marshall, MN How long have you been in Arizona? I've been coming to AZ off and on since my college days in the 70'S. Vicki and I bought our home in STV in May of 2015. Our first winter/spring was 2018-2019 Year round or winter disciple? Winter disciple How long have you been a member of Crossroads? Since 2019 Why did you decide to start attending Crossroads? We had friends that attended and we had attended Easter services before we purchased a home and liked what we saw and heard. What is your favorite memory of attending Crossroads? When I was able to be part of the Passion service on Palm Sunday this past year How did you become involved at Crossroads? I became involved when asked and Vicki and I have volunteered to help out when we can and are able. What are you currently involved in at Crossroads and outside of Crossroads?I am involved with the Transition/Call Committee and now the Call Committee only. I am involved with the HOA Finance Committee at Solera adult community What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Biking, hiking, walking, reading, Bocce Ball, golfing, entertaining. Just like being involved! What is something that your church family may not know about you? I worked in the hospitality industry and in K-12 education What is something you are passionate about and would maybe like to spend more time doing? Helping eliminate hunger What is one item on your bucket list? Go to the Holy Land
MAKE LIFE BETTER
Join us at Feed My Starving Children in Mesa for a 2 hour service project packing meals for those in need! Want to join? Let us know at admin@iamcrossroads.org
We had a great time this past Monday at the Feed My Starving Children Pack! Join us for our next pack! See above for dates the rest of the year!
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