Scriptures for November 9, 2025
• Job 19:23 – 27a
• Psalm 17: 1-9
• 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-5, 13-17
• Luke 20; 27-38
IMAGES OF HEAVEN
Last Sunday we lit candles for people we remember with fondness. This week our Gospel text invites us to consider what heaven is like. The conversation in Luke 20: 27-38 begins with the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, asking Jesus about a seven-time widow. In those days women depended on their children for help in her old age. At Faith, we have wonderful examples of children caring for their elderly parents, bringing them to church on Sundays, helping them with a variety of tasks. In them we see heaven lived out on earth. But what would happen to a woman who had no children? In Jesus day there was no long-term care insurance or assisted living homes. The law of Moses provided a way to deal with this issue. “If a brother dies leaving a wife with no children, his brother will marry the widow so she might have children.” If that brother dies again leaving the widow with no children, the next brother should step in. Now if seven brothers stepped in and all died leaving the widow childless, who would be the husband in heaven? If I were brother six or seven, I would head for the hills rather than marry this deadly widow. But the question is one of those that people ask just to create conversation without much reality behind it.
In his answer, Jesus provided some insights into our heavenly existence:
First, heavenly relationships are different from earthly relationships. Heavenly relationships are eternal so the promise “till death do we part” does not apply. Additionally, heavenly bodies are not the same as earthly bodies. There is a connection but not a direct one. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:42 and 44: “What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable . . . If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body.” The seed is not the same as the plant that results.
Jesus becomes the example of what a heavenly being is like through his resurrection. When he appears to the women and the disciples, they do not recognize him immediately. They are fearful. When they do recognize him, Jesus’ most recognizable feature are his wounds. Revealing to us that the wounds we suffer, the sacrifices we make for others, will be our most defining characteristic in heaven.
Second there is an eternal existence because God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God would not be a God of the dead but of the living. Our current science would agree. Everything in all creation has been in existence from the beginning of the cosmos. No amount of energy to matter following the “Big Bang” has been lost. Matter and energy are transformed but are eternal.
Third there is no reincarnation “you cannot die anymore”. Eternity exists outside of time. We have one shot at this life, no second takes or reruns. Fourth, Jesus is NOT focused so much on what heaven in like, but rather how we can make this world more heavenly. When Jesus sends out the 70 to bring Good News and healing, assure people that “The kingdom of God has come near.” (Luke 10:11) Even when we face rejection for this message we can still “rejoice for surely your reward is great in heaven.” (Luke 6: 23)
PRAYER:
Lord thank you for this life and its blessings. May we bring heaven near to those around us. May our actions reflect your presence in the world. May pain and tears and goodbyes give way to glimpses of eternal joy.
Grace & Peace, Pastor John
November 9 Reflections on Heaven and on Veterans Day. We want to honor our veterans I have photos of Bob Jensen, Michael Shea, Dona Whitt, Steve Cady and Joe Koenig for our PowerPoint. Pastor Tim Drom and Fred Johnson are also veterans. Did I miss anyone?
November 16 Semi-annual meeting, immediately after worship with donuts and coffee in Narthex. We will be approving the 2026 budget and a slate for council.
November 23 Christ the King Sunday. Farewell to the year of the Gospel of Luke and hello to the year of Matthew.
November 30 The First Sunday in Advent and the Baptism of our granddaughter Lily with refreshments following service.
THANKSGIVING at the PANTRY which is open Saturdays November 8 and 22 from 8 to 10:00. We have 25 turkeys for Thanksgiving distribution from the Morongo tribe. If you can donate one that helps as well. Starting now and ongoing to Thanksgiving, we are asking donations from the church family for the other parts of a Thanksgiving meal, as well, such as cranberries, turkey dressing, gravy, canned vegetables, canned yams and any other miscellaneous items.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY. A new session will begin this coming Sundays starting November 9 after church 12:15-1:00 to accommodate schedules. If interested, let Holly or Connie know. No class fee, materials provided if you do not have own. For taking the class, we ask you to please donate to the Camp fund for youth.
QUILTING – Was not that wonderful for have 26 of the quilts from our quilting group on display! 16 were boxed for Lutheran World Relief, which distributes them around the world. 10 were given to our San Bernardino Wellness Center.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office on Monday morning and afternoon and all of Tuesday afternoon next week.
MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR SUPPORT
We will be updating our sign out front and lighting it. Let us know what you think of the solar lighting at night. Walker Signs is assisting with the sign out front. (He had a child in our preschool).
Michael Gross is working on the sound system upstairs. We also will be adding a stove to the Fireside Room for convenience of refreshments, meals, and our preschool. Thanks to Kyle Hadley and Lou
Hitter for helping with the installation of the oven. Together with Tim Drum and Dana Hadley we are blessed with people caring for our property.
• Eloise came through her surgeries and chemo for the melanoma discovered around her eye. All appears well but they will do further diagnosis later.
• The Hamre family – Scott’s mother, Dorothy, passed away on October 25.
• Ann Shea’s – Aunt Jean Fenton also passed away.
• Pat Motschall after tests and consultation with her cardiologist, Pat will be needing to replace her aortic and mitral valves. She is meeting with her primary doctor this week to move the process along.
• Connie Bunge is still awaiting surgery date on her kidney stone but has been approved. New medications allow her to return to church.
• Bob Jensen also developed a kidney stone and infection. He had a positive experience at the new Urgent Care by the new Stater Brothers off Cherry Valley Blvd but is still unable to pass a larger stone.
• Bonnie Hallberg is still awaiting shoulder surgery. The blood clot discovered in her leg has not dissolved. The shoulder is painful, but the clot must be taken care of first.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns including his heart function and breathing.
• Lauren Shaffer who works with us remotely, made it through her surgery and is recovering well. Once fully recovered she will be scheduled for surgery for a stent on her right leg, likely mid-December.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle. She was with us in church on Sunday.
• Judy Martin has moved into Golden Oaks and is receiving Hospice care.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Jennifer’s surgery went well but she is now receiving radiation treatments. She plans on being back in January.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier who, due to her eyesight, is no longer able to drive.
• Jeanne Koening. Her health issues continue but she able to go to Loma Linda, so care is much closer.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
Thanks to David Strack for coordinating.
Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making
donations as well.
FELL
OWSHIP/OUTREACH
PRAYER CARDS – Thanks for sending out cards to remember family and friends.
Thanks again to the artists: Emily, Kim, Barbara, Karen, Holly, Pat T., Linda D., Connie Fall cards are in the Narthex.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS – Karen, Connie, Sharon C., and Carol Hamre have painted prayer/friendship rocks for you to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put in your garden, etc. We have painted for a Prayer
Ministry that Paula will begin; rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups that meet weekly.
2 WELCA – Thank you!
9 Veterans Celebration – Richard/Jenny, Spaghetti
Karen, salad; Connie, ice cream and cookies
16 Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
Donuts and Coffee in Narthex
23 POTLUCK – Mexican Cuisine – Maria bringing her famous Mexican enchiladas. Thanks for your sign-ups. Anyone wish to bring sour cream, salsa onions and cheese?
30 GRANDDAUGHTER, LILY BAPTISM John/Connie provide refreshments
7 WELCA
14 BD/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – Oct-Dec
Jerry Mills has graciously offered to bring his famous roast beef dish
Pastor John will also bring one. Salad and cake.
21 BINGO
28 DARK – Enjoy with family/friends
