5 Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Paul Dancy • February 3, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: The Nature of God's Love

Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

Devotional: God's love is the foundation of our faith. This passage reminds us that "God is love" and that His love for us was demonstrated through sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Reflect on how God's unconditional, agape love differs from human love. How does understanding God's love change the way you view yourself and others? Today, consciously choose to respond to others with patience and kindness, mirroring God's love in your actions.

Day 2: Faith Expressing Itself Through Love

Reading: Galatians 5:1-6, 13-26

Devotional: Paul teaches that "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Our faith is not meant to be passive, but active and demonstrable through loving actions. Consider how your faith is currently expressed in your daily life. Are there areas where you can more intentionally show love to others? Choose one practical way to serve someone today, letting your faith shine through your actions.

Day 3: The Greatest Commandment

Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

Devotional: Jesus summarizes all of God's law into two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. This simplifies yet challenges our understanding of what it means to live a godly life. Examine your priorities – do they align with these two great commandments? Reflect on ways you can deepen your love for God and expand your definition of "neighbor." Make a commitment to reach out to someone you might typically overlook or avoid.

Day 4: Love in Action

Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Devotional: Paul's famous "love chapter" provides a practical description of what love looks like in action. It's patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud or rude, not self-seeking or easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. As you read through these characteristics, which ones come easily to you? Which ones are challenging? Ask God to help you grow in the areas where you struggle, and look for opportunities today to practice one specific aspect of love described in this passage.

Day 5: Hope and Divine Presence in Suffering

Reading: Romans 5:1-11

Devotional: Paul reminds us that our hope is grounded in God's love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This hope sustains us even in suffering, knowing that God is present and working for our good. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence during a difficult period. How did it shape your faith? If you're currently facing challenges, invite God's love to fill you anew, trusting in His presence and the hope He provides. Reach out to someone else who may be struggling, offering encouragement and reminding them of God's unfailing love.

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News & Notes

Staffing Updates

By Pastor Danny Eggold • November 12, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope this note finds you well and encouraged in the Lord. St. Peter’s continues to be a place where God is at work through our preschool, school, various ministries, and the daily faithfulness of His people. I am grateful to serve the Lord with you in this place! As we continue to serve together, I want to update you on changes in our church office and ministry staff. As many of you know, Michelle Leahy has been serving as our “Interim Director of Operations,” providing support and coordination across many areas of congregational life. In the coming weeks, Michelle will be stepping into a new role, “Executive Director.” This means her work will shift from hands-on ministry support to more administrative leadership and oversight of the church office, properties, finances, and technology. This is an important step for us as a congregation as we continue to support our staff and serve our members. With this change, we want to ensure that daily ministry needs are met. After reviewing our current staffing and budget, we can make an adjustment that supports the ongoing ministry without increasing costs. To that end, Kami Jo Mogelvang will expand her role to serve as “Church Ministry Coordinator.” Many of you have already seen Kami Jo assisting Pastor McDowell in youth ministry two days each week. Under the new alignment, she will: Continue serving in youth ministry, and Help coordinate ministry efforts and volunteer connections with Pastor Nate and Pastor McDowell across the congregation. This will help us strengthen volunteer support and the many “connecting points” that help our church family care for one another. As Kami Jo transitions out of her receptionist duties, this change will open about 18 hours per week at the front desk, which we have posted. This staffing arrangement stays within our approved 2025 budget. I am thankful for Michelle, Kami Jo, our staff, and all our volunteers. I also appreciate the spirit of grace and partnership that marks our congregation. Please keep our staff and ministry leaders in your prayers as we move through these transitions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for the privilege of serving Christ with you! In Christ, Pastor Danny Eggold St. Peter’s Lutheran Church & School