Verbal Announcements
As We Gather
The religious leaders of Jesus' time were aghast at the company Jesus kept. He responded to their criticism by proclaiming, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." These spiritually sick people included Matthew, a man considered a traitor to his people because he was a tax collector. Unlike the practice of the time, Jesus' disciples did not select Him as their rabbi, but rather Christ Himself chose them---even a man such as Matthew. Jesus calls us to follow Him today, to be part of a 'spiritual hospital,' His Church, just as He called Matthew and the other disciples two thousand years ago. In this 'hospital,' healing comes through death and resurrection: the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross and His triumph over death and the grave. As Christians we are sustained by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ through water, Word, bread, and wine. As God's Word penetrates our hearts and minds, as we are nourished through the Sacraments, the Holy Spirit ignites within us the gift of faith---a faith that bids us to follow Christ.
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated today with the confession that we receive the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in, with and under (a way of saying that Christ is fully present in) the bread and wine. Christ's presence gives us the assurance that our sins are forgiven and to nourish our faith. This is a solemn celebration, “For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” (1Corinthians 11:29). The Lord’s Supper is meant for our good, not to our judgment. But, before presenting yourself ask these questions:
1. Am I sorry for my sins and need forgiveness?
2. Did Christ die and rise to forgive my sins?
3. Am I receiving the very body and blood of Christ Jesus?
If your answers are yes, you are welcome. If you are not a member of a LCMS church, or have further questions about The Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor.
Stewardship
Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God did not wait for mankind to make the first move. He did not wait for Adam and Even to come looking for Him — He went and found them. And while we were still sinners, still enemies of God, still set against Him, God looked on us with kindness and generosity, and so loved us that He sent His Son Jesus to suffer, die and rise for us. We now seek to grow up into His image as loving, generous and kind sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
Lutherans For Life
“If you’re married and afraid your vows of faithfulness are fading like the mist, lean on Jesus. His words, ‘Do not be afraid,’ can allow you to forgive, rebuild, and rediscover hope and love. If you’re an unmarried mother worried about your child growing up without a father, come to Jesus with your little one. Hear Him say, ‘Do not be afraid. I will give you guidance.’ Today is the day the Holy Spirit is calling you to introduce you to the Savior. His Name is Jesus. If you don’t know Him, call on Him. If you do know Him, draw closer. Jesus offers you a new life—courageous, inspired, and given by God Himself.” Rev. Ken Klaus, former Speaker of “The Lutheran Hour” – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • www.lutheransforlife.org
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flower Chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex by the drinking fountains. Check chart for donation opportunities and availability.
Children Sunday School
The account of “Joseph’s Troubles” continues the study of Joseph’s life in the Sunday School lesson for this week. God was with Joseph; and in Christ, God is with us in all the situations of life, providing, protecting, and forgiving us. As a family, you might discuss, “How do we usually react when we are falsely accused of wrongdoing? How can we learn to trust Jesus to work out all things for our good?”
Congregational Voter's Meeting
A Voters' Meeting is scheduled to accept the Financial Review Committee's report.
The Voters’ Assembly meets only a few times during the year. There is a meeting in November to set and approve the budget, a biannual meeting in February (2028) to elect officers and boards, and this June meeting.
Garry Haase
Youth Group
Benevolence
A ministry that helps individuals and families facing immediate financial hardship. Whether it’s a neighbor behind on their utility bills, someone recovering from a crisis, or a church member in need, your contributions help us respond with love and compassion in real, tangible ways. Luther once said that we are like vessels through which God's blessings flow to others. When we give to the Benevolence Fund, we become part of that flow—we become the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are struggling. This isn’t just charity. It’s personal. It’s ministry. It’s the body of Christ caring for its members and community in a time of need. (Online to donate: https://www.shalimar.church/human-care)
Marionette Puppets
Good Samaritan. We live in a state of grace because of what Christ did for us on the Cross. A traveler is ambushed by thieves who take everything that he has and leaves him beside the road. Several people pass by but no one stops to help. Our actions are to reflect the love given us. Love your neighbor as yourself is easier said than done.
MomCo Planning Meeting
We are gearing up to launch MomCo, a ministry dedicated to providing moms in our community with a welcoming place for fellowship, scripture discussion, encouragement, and connection. To bring this vision to life ahead of our late-August launch, a leadership team will meet in Classroom 6.
For more information contact Kathy Lee
Sharing and Caring
A ministry supported by our congregation through donations of non-perishable food items, placed in the collection basket in the inner Narthex. Sharing and Caring serves individuals and families in need by providing food, clothing, and emergency assistance. It brings hope, encouragement, and practical support to those experiencing hardship or crisis.
Family Game Night
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. Life is busy and Sunday Mornings is sometimes a difficult time to connect with members of your church family. So, we have planned family game night for an opportunity to know and be known. This activity night is open for all to come. We will meet in the Cafe and the Youth Room with games and food.
For more information contact Curtis Parker
Cruising with the King Car Club
All men of the congregation are warmly invited to join us, along with men from the community, in Cruising with the King Car Club. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply looking for meaningful fellowship, we gather regularly for monthly to build friendships while reaching out to our local neighbors. We already have a strong group of men actively participating. Join our signal group.
The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, making it an ideal time for another Good Shepherd Group event! We will be gathering at Eglin Beach Park for a fun afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles. As evening approaches, we will enjoy a shared picnic supper together before watching the nighttime fireworks show. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and family fun with your church family. Bring your swimsuit, beach chairs, sunscreen, and a dish or snacks to share for the picnic. More details, including the exact meet-up time, will be shared soon. We hope to see you there! For more information contact Curtis Parker.
Mite Boxes
Mite Boxes. Based on the Biblical account of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4), the Mite Box is intended for regular contributions of "mites" - offerings above and beyond the support given to congregations. Mite Box contributions amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants and implement the LWML ministry. The first Sunday of the month is when we receive your collected mites in the LWML Mite Box
Properties Board Meeting
For the maintenance and repair of the congregation’s facilities; to enable the congregation and its members to carry out our Christ centered ministries. Meets in the Library. For more information contact Jeff Adams
Church Directory
The Church Pictorial Directory is back on track! A church directory helps us put names with faces, encourages meaningful relationships, and builds a stronger sense of belonging within our church family. We need at least 35 families to participate. Photography is scheduled for Friday, July 24th, with signups now available before and after each service. Participating families will receive a free directory and 8x10 photo. Please sign up and help us strengthen connections in our church!
For more information contact Anna Haase.
Sunday School (Book of Concord)
Gain a deeper understanding of core Lutheran teachings through this overview study of The Book of Concord. Creeds have authority insofar as they are descriptions, restatements or summaries of Scripture. As our confessional standard, the Book of Concord includes the three ecumenical creeds, the Augsburg Confession with its Apology, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, and the Formula of Concord. Meets in the Cafe with Pastor Klemme.
MomCo
We are excited to announce the launch of MomCo! This ministry will provide moms in our community with a welcoming place for fellowship, scripture discussion, encouragement, and connection with other moms navigating the joys and challenges of daily life. Meetups will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 6:00–8:00 p.m., beginning August 27, 2026.
For more information contact Kathy Lee
Kenwood Elementary Donates
Kenwood School is currently in need of donations of pants and shorts for students who may require a change of clothes during the school day. Gently used items are welcome, including sweatpants, leggings, jeans, pajama bottoms, athletic shorts, and similar styles. Elastic waistbands are especially helpful, and well worn pants are perfectly acceptable. Needed sizes range from children’s sizes 5 through 14, as well as adult size Small. For more information contact Rachel.Bollinger@okaloosaschools.com.
Sanctuary A/C Replacement
After many years of faithful service, our Sanctuary air conditioning system is reaching its end of life and needs to be replaced. A new system will help us maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment for worship. To meet this need, we are launching an AC Replacement Fund. The estimated cost for the new unit is $45K. Your generous gifts will allow us to gather together without the distraction of extreme temperatures, so we can focus fully on worshipping God.
Festival Of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, received the name Barnabas from the apostles (Acts 4:36-37). He was sent to Antioch to see “the grace of God” among the Hellenists, exhorting “them all to remain faithful to the Lord” (Acts 11:22-24). There, through His Church, the Holy Spirit “set apart … Barnabas and Saul for the work to which [He had] called them” (Acts 13:2). Just as Christ had sent out the 12 to proclaim repentance and cast out demons and heal the sick (Mark 6:7-13), so He now sent Paul and Barnabas to proclaim repentance and healing among the Gentiles. Still, this Word is not always received (Acts 13:44-52). Even within the Church, divisions threaten it. Barnabas knew this. He was at the Jerusalem council to see that the Gospel was preserved without mingling in the Law (Acts 15:2-4), and he parted ways with Paul over the usefulness of John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Despite all these trials, St. Barnabas remained full of faith so the Gentiles could “give glory to the Lord, and declare his praise in the coastlands” (Isaiah 42:12). Thus, by the Lord’s calling and Spirit, Barnabas lived up to his new name: “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).
Source: LCMS Calendar of Feasts and Festivals.
Commemoration of The Council of Nicaea 325AD
The first Council of Nicaea was convened in the early summer of 325 by the Roman Emperor Constantine at what is today Isnuk, Turkey. The emperor presided at the opening of the council. The council ruled against the Arians, who taught that Jesus was not the eternal Son of God but was created by the Father and was called Son of God because of his righteousness. The chief opponents of the Arians were Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, and his deacon, Athanasius. The council confessed the eternal divinity of Jesus and adopted the earliest version of the Nicene Creed, which in its entirety was adopted at the Council of Constantinople in 381.
Source: LCMS Calendar of Commemorations.
Commemoration of Elisha
The Church honors saints for showing us tangible demonstrations of how living out faith can be done.
Elisha, son of Shaphat of the tribe of Issachar, was the prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel ca. 849-786 B.C. Upon seeing his mentor Elijah taken up into heaven, Elisha assumed the prophetic office and took up the mantle of his predecessor. Like Elijah, Elisha played an active role in political affairs. He also performed many miracles, such as curing the Syrian army commander Naaman of his leprosy (2Kings 5:1-27) and restoring life to the son of a Shunammite woman (2Kings 4:8-37). A vocal opponent of Baal worship, Elisha lived up to his name, which means "my God is salvation."
Source: LCMS Calendar of Commemorations.