This Week at New Spirit | Pause, Test, Hold On
Pastor’s Reflection
This Sunday I showed you a video of me singing the praises of breakfast for dinner. Anyone who knows me knows there was something wrong with that picture! I made the clip in just a few minutes. We laughed, but the moment raised a real question: what do we do when something looks true and is not? We do not need to live in fear. God’s grace holds us, and the Holy Spirit helps us be thoughtful. This week, I invite you to practice a small pause before believing or sharing what appears on a screen. In Christ, Pastor Hartman.
From Sunday’s Message
A short AI video showed Pastor Hartman praising breakfast for dinner—something he would never say. The joke raises a serious question: Can we believe what we see? As Jesus faces a question meant to trap him in Matthew 22, we are invited to recognize manipulation, test what we hear, and lean on the Holy Spirit. God’s grace frees us to seek truth without fear and to protect our neighbors from deception.
Weekly Spiritual Practice: Before sharing or reacting to one online claim this week, pause. Check who posted it, look for independent confirmation, and ask whether you are believing it because it is true or because it agrees with you. If it is false, do not forward it; when helpful, offer a gentle correction.
This Sunday at New Spirit
Sunday, October 25 — Reformation Sunday – WEAR YOUR RED!!!! Worship at 10:00 AM, in person and online. Fellowship and Sunday School / adult discipleship follow. Join us with your questions, doubts, and real life.
Life at New Spirit
Wednesday, October 21: Pray Without Ceasing at 9:00 AM and Bible Study at 10:00 AM. We continue to give thanks for volunteers serving our neighbors through food and care, and for those who help lead music and worship.
Upcoming Opportunities
Saturday, October 31: Trunk or Treat, 5:00–7:00 PM.
The October Beyond the Book selection is Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day; please consult the calendar for meeting details. For other activities and confirmed updates, visit the New Spirit calendar.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for people who are ill or grieving; those facing hunger, housing insecurity, or digital fraud; leaders and teachers; our worship and music ministry; and those without someone to pray for them. Contact the church office to share a prayer need.
Helpful Links
New Spirit website: https://newspiritlutherantucson.org/
Church calendar: https://newspiritlutherantucson.org/new-spirit-calendar/
Plan your visit: https://newspiritlutherantucson.org/about/plan-your-visit/
New Spirit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newspiritlutheranchurch1255/
