Pastor’s Reflection
What makes a relationship real? On Sunday, we explored that question as artificial intelligence moves into spaces where people seek guidance, comfort, and connection. I use AI as a sounding board, and I can see why a quick, encouraging response feels helpful. But our need for care goes deeper than having someone—or something—agree with us.
Real relationships ask us to listen, tell the truth with kindness, work through misunderstandings, and show up when life is difficult. Paul calls us to look to the interests of others. Jesus loves us first and frees us to make that love visible. We do not have to become a perfect community before we can offer a real welcome.
At New Spirit, people find connection through worship, meals, quilting, conversation, and service. This week, let’s carry that care beyond the people we already know well. A simple invitation can make room for someone who is wondering whether they belong. As I said on Sunday, “You are welcomed here because you are loved.”
In Christ,
Pastor Hartman
From Sunday’s Message
AI can answer questions and mimic caring conversation. Pastor Hartman asked what makes a relationship real and pointed us toward the trust, honesty, and care that grow when people share life together. Christ’s grace comes first. Our response is to notice our neighbors and make room for them. Love shows up in real relationships.
Weekly spiritual practice Reach out to one person this week with a real invitation to talk, share a meal, or sit together. Listen without trying to fix them.
This Sunday at New Spirit
Sunday October 4
- 10:00 AM Worship Gathering in person and online
- 11:10 AM Adult discipleship and Sunday School for kids
Life at New Spirit
- Wednesday at 9:00 AM Pray Without Ceasing
- Wednesday at 10:00 AM Bible Study
- Mark your calendars! Social Events Coming Up!
-Our first New Spirit Lutheran Church Social Coffee Meet Up will be Tuesday, October 6 at 11am at Caffeine Cauldron which is at the Park Place Mall.
-Our first New Spirit Lutheran Church Bowling Meet Up will be Saturday, October 10 at 11 am at Bowlero on Camino Seco.
-Our first New Spirit Lutheran Church restaurant Meet Up will be Thursday, October 15 at 5:30pm at the Village Inn on Old Spanish Trail.
-Please wear a New Spirit shirt if you have one! - Please continue praying for New Spirit’s worship and music ministry during this season of transition.
Upcoming Opportunities
Beyond the Book’s October selection is Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day. Visit the church calendar for gathering details.
You can also take part in this week’s practice wherever you are. Invite someone to talk, share a meal, or sit with you at worship. Let the invitation be gentle, and leave room for their answer.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for people who feel alone, neighbors facing food insecurity or housing instability, everyone carrying illness or grief, and those without someone to pray for them. Prayer requests may be shared with the church office or during Pray Without Ceasing.
