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Victory Lutheran Church

Life-Giving Fragrance

If you were a scent, what would you smell like? I’d like to hear in the comments below.

To me there’s nothing like the smell of a sweet cake baking in the oven. It takes me back to when I was a kid spending the summers at my Nana’s house. She used to bake birthday cakes and wedding cakes for a living. I would stand by and watch, waiting to snatch some of the fresh cake trimmings to nibble on.

There is actually a science of smell and how scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined. It’s amazing how a smell triggers a rush of memories often long past, or even seemingly forgotten. 

Did you know God has blessed you to be a fragrance?

2 Corinthians 2:14 reads: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”

Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what is means to know Christ. Like a fragrance that fills the air. 

Have you ever thought about your life in those terms before? That you are giving off a fragrance, an aroma wherever you go? And people are picking up on it as we interact with each other in the same ways that you pick up on things as you interact with people?

Verse 15 continues “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.”

The picture reminds us of the sacrifices of the old covenant. When the priest made a burt offering, the scent of animal flesh on the altar was “an aroma pleasing aroma to the LORD.” (Leviticus 1:9)

We continue: “But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume…” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, NLT)

The smell of death to some and life to others? What does this mean?

Paul’s metaphor to “captives in a triumphal procession” we read about in verse 14 would have been readily understood by his audience. During these Roman military parades, captives of war would be marched through the streets as garlands of flowers were carried and incense was burned to their gods. Onlooking spectators breathed in their fragrance. At the parade’s finale, many captives would be put to death. Thus, the aromas were pleasing and life-giving to the victors, but they were the smell of death to those who had been defeated. Today, those dead in their sin who have hardened their hearts and rejected Christ.

Friends, Our lives smell like something. God has blessed you to be sweet fragrance. You are a fragrance of Shalom, hope, life, encouragement. Everything we say and do is creating the atmosphere we live in. Holy Spirit we invite you into that.

Join me in prayer:

Lord, teach us what it means to be a sweet fragrance of Christ. Release an amazing fragrance in the earth that those would be drawn to you. A sweet aroma of our love for God and trust in the Lord. We welcome whomever your Holy Spirit may draws to us. Let them see your light, Father, let them feel your warmth in me. Give me the words to say that will bring them to true repentance and cause them to make a decision to follow you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Continue praying with us! Click here for more inspiring prayers.

More Daily devotionals here.

 

5946 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85205

OFFICE HOURS
Mon – Thu (8am-4pm)

(480) 830-5024
hello@victorylutheran.com
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Spread The Word

Spread the Word May 2025Download

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GriefShare

The GriefShare Program is a 13-week series of videos that we watch each week of the meeting. Each weekly GriefShare group begins with a 30-minute video featuring respected experts on grief-related topics and helpful stories from people who have experienced loss. Their insights will help you manage your emotions, gain clarity, and find answers to your questions as you walk through the grief process. We welcome everyone who has a loss; whether it be a child or a parent or spouse.

The videos are followed by discussion. Talking with other people who understand what you’re experiencing brings great comfort, normalizes the grief experience, and offers a supportive environment to work through your grief.

Each session stands alone, so you can join anytime. Consider a single session to learn about the program.

We meet every Monday from 12:30-2:30pm here at Victory.
Check out the schedule.

Sign up today!

Do you have more questions? 
Don’t hesitate to reach us out at (480) 830-5024, or message us filling the form below.
Learn more about GriefShare at their webpage: www.griefshare.org.

Victory Quilters

We meet the 3rd Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at 8:30am. Come when you can, stay as long as you can; everyone can cut, sew, pin and tie knots. You do not need to be a church or circle member to attend. Bring a friend! The quilts are donated to Navajo Lutheran Mission, Orchard: Africa and Lutheran Social Ministries. We typically break for the summer. Please check schedule.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

Stephen Ministers are trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting.

Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister.

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis for about an hour to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

stephenministries.org

ORCHARD: AFRICA

To equip the church to respond to poverty & injustice, thereby caring for the vulnerable using four programs: Food & Agriculture, Care, Education and Ministry.  (orchardafrica.org)

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

A “shoebox ministry” of Samaritan’s Purse, delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to boys and girls around the world.

FAIR TRADE

Victory Women support Lutheran World Relief (lwr.org) by selling Fair Trade hand-made crafts, jewelry, coffee and tea that generates income for small-scale businesses in third world countries. 

NAVAJO LUTHERAN MISSION

Serving the Navajo community of Rock Point, AZ, a remote, isolated village near the Four Corners. The Mission campus includes a K-2 private Christian school, clinic, cultural center, water project and food bank.  (nelm.org)

MUSIC MINISTRY

Ensembles at Victory practice weekly during the high season to prepare for weekly worship and special events. In addition, many people share their talents individually. Click here for our concert line-up!

LSS-SW

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW)

I-HELP PROGRAM: We provide a safe and secure place for women who are currently experiencing homelessness the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month.

FOOD PANTRY: Food boxes distributed Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00-11:30am.
Utility & rental assistance by appointment only 480-654-4539.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study.

Summer Schedule (May-Sept): 2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30am

Winter Schedule (Oct-April): 2nd Tuesday of the month

Esperanza Bible Study – 9:30am

Mary Bible Study – 1:30pm (in home)


GRIEFSHARE

A grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.

13-week Program: Mondays, 12:30-2:30pm, February 13-May 8, 2023
(No meeting April 10th)
GriefShare.org

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life. 

FAMILY PROMISE

Four times a year we host families experiencing homelessness at Victory for a week at a time. Volunteers needed to set up rooms, preparing a meal, serve/clean-up dinner or stay as an overnight host.

Upcoming Host Weeks: April 16-23, 2023 & November 112-19, 2023

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

Stephen Ministers are trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting.

Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister.

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis for about an hour to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

Women’s Ministry

PURPOSE STATEMENT

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30 am.

Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

  • 2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Esperanza Bible Study - 9:30am
  • Naomi Bible Study - 2:00 pm
  • Mary Bible Study - 1:30 pm (in-home)
  • Women’s Ministry

    PURPOSE STATEMENT

    As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

    We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

    Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

    2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30 am.

    Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

  • 2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Esperanza Bible Study - 9:30am
  • Naomi Bible Study - 2:00 pm
  • Mary Bible Study - 1:30 pm (in-home)
  • WOMEN’S MINISTRY

    Welcome to the vibrant women’s ministry at Victory Lutheran Church! As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are committed to growing in faith, affirming our gifts, and supporting one another in our callings. Our purpose is to engage in ministry and action, promoting healing and wholeness in the church, society, and the world. At Victory Lutheran Church, our women’s ministry provides a nurturing and empowering space for women of all ages to connect, grow, and serve together. Through uplifting worship, inspiring Bible studies, enriching events, and impactful service opportunities, we equip women to live out their God-given purpose and embrace their unique gifts. Join us as we journey together, fostering fellowship, spiritual growth, and making a lasting impact within our church, our families, and our wider community.

    PURPOSE STATEMENT

    As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,  and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts,  support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

    We meet throughout the year on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for Bible Study:

    Summer Schedule (May-Sept)

    2nd Tuesday of the month all groups meet together on campus at 9:30am.

    Winter Schedule (Oct-April)

    • 2nd Tuesday of the month
    • Esperanza Bible Study – 9:30am
    • Naomi Bible Study – 2:00pm
    • Mary Bible Study – 1:30pm (in home)
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      • Traditional Worship
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      • Orchard Africa Mission Trip
      • Spiritual Pilgrimage – Italy
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