St. Luke s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, January 31 & February 1, 2015

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1 St. Luke s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, January 31 & February 1, 2015 St. Luke s Vision Powered by the Holy Spirit we: Trust God! Live an Extreme Faith! Are Bold in God s Word! Bring People Home to Christ! Fully Commit to the Body of Christ! Pray and Worship with Enthusiasm! Expect Results! Welcome to Worship! Members and Visitors Please complete the worship attendance cards in the pews and place them in the offering plates. If you are visiting with us, we welcome you! We hope to meet you at Fellowship time (Sunday, 9-9:25 am). Regular Worship Services Saturdays, 5:30 PM Sundays, 8:00 & 10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study Sunday 9:30 AM A staffed nursery is provided for children 3 and under during the Sunday morning worship services and Bible Study hour. This Week at St. Luke s Sunday, February 1 Lutheran Hour Ministry Weekend 7:00-Prayers (Prayer Room) 8:00-Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30-Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 10:45-Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) Monday, February 2 3:30-6:00-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:30-Cub Scouts (FLC, Boardroom & Kitchen) 6:30-Boy Scouts (Small Gym & Library) 6:30-Girl Scouts (Classrooms) 6:30-Stewardship Meeting (Library) Tuesday, February 3 1:00-Senior Bible Study (Library) 6:00-Adult Bells (Balcony) 7:00-Financial Peace University (Multi-Purpose Classroom) 7:00-Choir (Balcony) 7:00-Mentoring Group 2 (Library) 8:00-Men s Basketball (FLC) Wednesday, February 4 2:00-Early Dismissal/Staff Meeting (Classroom) 3:30-6:00-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:00-Praise Team Practice (Sanctuary) Thursday, February 5 3:30-5:00-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:30-Hobby Night (Library) 6:30-Prayer Team Meeting (Panera) 7:00-Leadership Meeting (Boardroom) Friday, February 6 3:30-5-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) Saturday, February 7 8:30-LWML (Library) 10:00-Private Rental (FLC) Noon-Girl Scout Event (FLC, Boardroom, Kitchen, Small Gym) 5:30-Worship Service (Sanctuary) 6:00-PADS (FLC, Kitchen, Small Gym) Lesson for This Weekend Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. Authority is a word we are sometimes afraid of and don t like to hear. But that s just our sinful flesh talking. Jesus authority is something we need. We need him to show us what to believe and how to live for Jesus authority is always connected to his love. Celebrate Lutheran Hour Ministries Weekend January 31 - February 1, You'll learn about LHM's long and respected history of providing outreach tools to congregations that work in concert with its Gospel proclamation activities. This foundation serves as the catalyst for partnering with the laity to embolden them to be missionaries in their own communities and around the world. See Page 6 for additional LHM information. January 2015 Member Directory Available NOW The latest update of Keeping Connected, your St. Luke s member directory is now available at the board by the Narthex Information Desk. Also included in the directory is the updated Staff and Leadership members page. Pick one up and stay connected to your St. Luke s family! 2014 Year-End Contribution Statements Your year-end offering statements are available at the information desk in the Narthex. Please pick up your statement this weekend! If you have any questions on your statement, please contact Connie in the church office at , x

2 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship Acts 3:42 Calling All Kids! Join us for Sunday School! Sundays - 9:30 to 10:30 am Classes for all children and youth from Pre-School through High School Pre-school and Kindergarten will meet in the Pre-school classroom with Julia Kothera. Grades 1 through 6 will meet in the Multi-Purpose Room (old 4th grade classroom in school wing): Each Sunday, students will participate in a large group Welcome activity, move into an exploration time in small family groups, then complete the hour with praise and prayer. JR High will meet as usual in the 3-4th grade classroom (in school wing). SR High classes will meet in the 7-8th grade classroom (downstairs). We re going to have lots of fun! Won t you join us? Adult Bible Studies Sunday Mornings, 9:30 10:30 AM 1. Men s Class Courageous Fathers of the Bible (Church Library) This study explores the lives and faith of 12 fathers of the Bible in a series of reflections springing from the lives of 12 real men we meet in God s Word. Highly selective and somewhat idiosyncratic, this study presents a picture, with clarity and wit, of the work of Christian fatherhood, taking special note of the challenges and victories faced as the fathers rely on God s grace. The fathers that will be discussed include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Job, Solomon, Joseph, Jairus, the Official, and the Prodigal s Father. 2. The Family of Jesus (Boardroom) What was it like to grow up in Jesus' family? Join Jan Hoffman and Sara Fauser as they lead a new twelve week Bible study. It is written by Karen Kingsbury who has authored many books. It is written with biblical foundation and historical research. We will go deeper into what we do know about each family member, into prophecies fulfilled, and into each member's unique role in God's redemption story. It will include video, group discussion, and some home study. Come with us as we learn more about the family and the historical times of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. 3. Philippians: Joy in Christ (Family Life Center) This class continues the study of Paul's letters to the churches he founded on his three missionary journeys. Join Al Krodel and Tim Scott as they lead a six-week study of the epistle to the Philippians. In this epistle, Paul characterizes the Christian life as joy no matter what the circumstances and eagerness to experience Christ-like humility that follows Christ in putting others first and trusting Jesus alone for righteousness. (The next study in this series will be I and II Thessalonians.) 4. Lost Books? (Small Gym) Can we be sure that the correct books were put into the Bible? In this four to eight week DVD-based study, Lutheran Hour speaker Rev. Gregory Seltz along with four other Lutheran Bible scholars explore how the New Testament canon was formed. Bob Toepper will lead this group. Prayer Request Updates We welcome your prayer requests to pray for your needs or the needs of others. Please remember to submit an update after two weeks so that we can pray more effectively, whether it be prayers of thanksgiving or to continue to pray as directed. Without these updates, the prayer request will be removed after two weeks as we will assume that these needs have been met. Pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. 1 Timothy 2:1. 2

3 Time for a New Picture Directory? It s almost three years since our last one! And the new Lifetouch plan looks like it has a lot to offer! If you would be interested in working on a team to plan and organize a new directory for publication sometime this year, please send an to connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org. 4 th Friday Neighborhood Family Fun Night We are inviting everyone to come and play B-I-N-G-O!! Friday, February 27, at 6:00 pm. There will be stations set up with different activities, crafts, and free snacks and beverages! FUN for all ages! What s coming up? Arts & Crafts on March 27 and Game Night on April 24. Soda/Pop Tops St. Luke's Girls Scout Troop 4697 is collecting soda pop tops to help raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House program. This program provides a home away from home for families who have a child in the hospital with an illness. We will be collecting the tabs from now until March 20. There will be a box in the gathering area marked "Pop Tabs" for you to place them in. Thank you for all your help. If you have any questions please contact Julie Franken or Regina Arnold. Interested in a Women s Small Group? I am starting a twelve-session woman s devotional/bible study called Pew Sisters. Every woman in the pew has a story of God s faithfulness, and women love nothing better than to learn from and celebrate each other s experiences! Women from all over the Church share their stories for the consolation and encouragement of their sisters in faith. Please let me know if you are interested in joining us. We will start at the end of February and most likely meet every other week. The day/date and location are yet to be determined based on interest. Please send an to connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org and let me know what days and times you would be available. Once we get the size of the group, we will determine a location. Concordia Recruitment Visits Have you ever considered becoming a pastor or deaconess? If so, Rev. Bill Wrede from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis would like to meet with you. Rev. Wrede is interested in meeting with prospective students of all ages elementary school age thru adults. Appointments are individual, informal, and family/friends are welcome to come with you. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a specific time, please contact Rev. Wrede at or wredew@csl.edu. Visits will be held at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, in the Koehneke Community Center on Wednesday, March 25, 8 am 4 pm and Thursday, March 26, 8 am 2 pm. Thrivent Program Retire Wisely Will you have enough to retire? Will your retirement income last? Are your assets protected? Join Thrivent Financial representatives, Matt Hutchison and Eric Himmel, for a complimentary one-hour presentation to learn how you can manage six risks all retirees face: outliving income, inflation, unpredictable events, market volatility, income taxes and rising health care costs. The program will be offered twice; Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7:00 pm at the Tap House, 123 W. Washington St., Oswego and again on Feb. 10 at 7:00 pm at the Tap House. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. To reserve your seat please call Matt Hutchison at or Matt.Hutchison@thrivent.com by Feb. 2. 3

4 Wayside Cross Ministries Thank you for another successful toiletry shower for the men in the Master's Touch Program at Wayside. The men are always so grateful for your gifts and they enjoy using every one of them. In February, we will be collecting... RAZORS... The men always need them! Please put your donation in the LWML box located outside the secretary's office. Thank you for helping the men with your donations. They are always so thankful and LWML thanks you for your support. February LWML The Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML) will meet on Saturday, February 7 at 8:30 am in the church library. All women are invited to attend for fellowship, prayer and a Bible lesson. LOVE YOUR CHURCH Did something special come your way a bonus, a tax return, a sales commission, an estate gift? Don t forget to say thanks to God, and show your gratitude with a gift to Him! The LOVE YOUR CHURCH display in the Narthex is one way to do it! Choose from the Giving Opportunities on the list in the lower left corner of the Narthex display, write a check and place it in one of the envelopes, and drop it in the Lucite box. You can pay all or part of the bill. God bless you! Parking Lot Fund Update As of January 25, 2015, the balance in our Parking Lot Fund is $17, Thank you for your donations and continued support for this project as we save now for the main parking lot. We will keep you updated monthly on our progress. Budget & Income numbers not currently available. They will be updated in the February newsletter Budget & Income (#s reported are as of 1/25) Monthly Need $96,691 Weekly Need $22,313 January Tithe Accounts Payable Mortgage payments owed Concordia Plan Services owed Current Month s To Date Contributions Current Month s To Date Income Received from School Current Month To Date Total Previous Month s Total $90,362 New budget #s effective 7/1/14: 10.5% Tithe from your offerings includes.5% to LBT, 2% to Mission trip fund,.5% to LCC,.5% to Walcamp,.5% to San Pablo, 6% to NID,.5% to Joe Boway New Life. Accounts Payable includes maintenance, utilities, office supplies, printing, and ministry expenses (communion, worship, advertising, etc.). Concordia Plan Services includes health care, retirement, and disability for church and school staff. 4 Last Week s Attendance Regular Worship January 24 & Communed 281 Adult Bible Study 31 Sunday School Pre-K thru High School 17 Sunday School Teachers & Support 5 Confirmation 6-8th Confirmation 9th Give Online. It s easy. Stlcfamily.org Download a QR Reader app and scan here to make a contribution to St. Luke s from your mobile device.

5 Servants for The Weekend of February 7 & 8 Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Tim Scott Acolytes & Cross Bearers 5:30 Jacob Schmalz & Luke Barron 8:00 Victoria Crawford Adele Flach 10:45 Amber Arnold & Tyler Rentz Chancel 5:30 Veronica Bailey 8:00 Linda Batt 10:45 Lorie Len Children s Message 5:30 Fred Treftz 8:00 Ruth Henning Fellowship Paul & Carol Steinwart Finance Assistants Mickey & Caroline Dusenbury Friendly Callers John Henning & Andrea Nicol Greeters 5:30 Bruce & Helen Twedt 8:00 John & Ruth Henning & Veronica Bailey 10:45 Ellen Rienton & Connie Pinks Information Desk Attendant Marilyn Bogda Nursery 8:00 Missy Hester 9:30 Julie Franken 10:45 Kim Fuelling Organist/Pianist 5:30 Paula Cameron 8:00 Paula Cameron Readers 5:30 Lesli Barron 8:00 Julie Borden 10:45 Todd Ruch Sound & Video 5:30 Austin Albright 8:00 Dave Black Ushers 5:30 Mikey & Caroline Dusenbury 8:00 Tony Abbattista, Andrew Auersch & Howard Springborn 10:45 John Odean & Kelly Biebel Worship Assistants Tim Scott / Elias Omar 63 Fernwood Road Montgomery, IL Church School Reverend Peter Hoffman, Senior Pastor Mrs. Robi Flach, Principal stlcfamily.org churchoffice@stlcfamily.org Panera Bread Pick Up for February 6 Lisa Steinwart Planning Ahead Feb 8-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Feb 9-Culver s Night Feb 9-1st Communion Class Feb 10-Financial Peace University Feb 12-Stephen Ministry Meeting Feb 12-OWLS Luncheon Feb 12-School Board Feb 13-MOPS Feb 15-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Feb 16-No School Feb 16-1st Communion Class Feb 16-GO Team Meeting Feb 17-Financial Peace University Feb 17-PALS Meeting Feb 18-Ash Wednesday Worship & Lenten Supper Feb 21-Prayer & Healing Service Feb 22-SR High Youth Group Feb 22-Confirmaton Guide Meeting Feb 22-Jr High Youth Group Focus on the Family Please pick up your February Focus on the Family Bulletin from the desk in the Narthex. As always, great info on parenting, including handling Miss Bossy Pants! And of course, romance!! Save the Date The first Prayer and Healing Service for 2015 will be on Saturday, February 21 at the 5:30 Worship Service. Please save the date if you would like to participate in this special service. DVDs are available! All services are recorded. If you would like a copy, please contact Paula at x-116, or leave a note on the credenza in the Narthex. To Reach the Church During Services If you have an emergency during a scheduled worship service, and need to reach someone at the church, please call (630) ext. 140, and the ushers will take your call. Newsletter Deadline Any new or updated articles and inserts for the weekly newsletter are due to the Church Office by 3:00 pm on the Wednesday before article is to run. Submit via to connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org or mailbox #82. Any questions, contact Connie Pittman at , x

6 Lutheran Hour Ministries Weekend January 31 - February 1, Easter Egg Hunt Would you like to have an Easter egg hunt for members and neighbors to enjoy? Do you want to help? This is a short term committee for the creation of an Easter egg hunt event to be held toward the end of March. We will meet a couple time to make plans. However, this event will only become a reality if there are interested people to make it happen! This committee will be an extension of the GO Team and we need six dedicated, responsible people to work this event. Please contact Christine Benda at cbenda78@gmail.com this coming week and let her know of your willingness to help plan and work the Easter egg hunt The Lutheran Witness Subscription If you are interested in receiving The Lutheran Witness, a monthly publication of the LCMS, please let Chris in the church office know by February 28 and submit your check payable to St. Lukes in the amount of $15.96 for the year long subscription. The Lutheran Witness is published by Concordia Publishing House and has monthly articles of relevance to our LCMS beliefs and practices as well as our church workers and their activities. Each month has a different focus and articles revolve around that topic. 6

7 Show Mercy Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful (Luke 6:36). The word for mercy that Jesus uses here has a more concrete meaning than what we typically associate with mercy. It means more than just being kind. It means to be concerned about your neighbor s state and well-being. Thus, Jesus taught that we are to care, to be concerned about our neighbor s state and well-being even as our Father in heaven cares for and is concerned about our state and well-being. How has our Father in heaven cared for our state? How has He shown His concern for our well-being? How has He showered this mercy upon us? He gave of Himself. He sent His only-begotten Son in human flesh, to become one of us a man and to suffer all that we suffer and to endure what we endure a fallen world full of sinful people, temptation, the attacks of the devil, and death. He took upon Himself what rightfully belongs to us sin and death in order that He could give to us what rightfully belongs to Him righteousness, purity, eternal life, and victory over the temptation of Satan and this fallen world. That is how He cared for our state. That is how He was concerned for our well-being. He entered into our state for the sake of our well-being, died in our place, rose for our justification, redeemed us to make all things new. He entered our state so that by water and His Word we would be granted entrance into His state as children of our Father in heaven. In other words, He had empathy toward us, which resulted in true sympathy. Jesus, therefore, calls the church to empathy and sympathy for her neighbors. Be merciful even as your Father in heaven is merciful. He asks the church to give of herself, to enter into her neighbors state for their well-being. And the church gives of herself the only thing in her that is worth giving. As the Body of Christ, she gives Christ to her neighbors. She gives out the same mercy that she has received. She gives the mercy that the heavenly Father poured out upon her through the sending of His Son. And she does it through the preaching of the forgiveness of sins in Word and Deed, in Word and Sacrament. For this is how the church lives in the forgiveness of sins received in the means of grace and, therefore, this is what the church does. What else can she do? And since this is how the church lives and what the church does, this is likewise how Christians live and what Christians do. That is why giving to the church is so important. It ensures that the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins in Word and Deed continues. It ensures that our neighbors state and well-being is cared for and attended to. It ensures that our neighbors have access to our heavenly Father s mercy just as we have received it here in time for all eternity. Therefore, I say, let us be merciful even as our Father in heaven is merciful. 7