From Broken to Blessed
The sermon last Sunday focused on the distinction between guilt and shame. Our culture concentrates on a person’s guilt to the point of neglecting the impact of shame on our outlook on life. Guilt is an objective state of our relationship to God’s law; we are either guilty or innocent. Shame is the internal subjective feelings we have about our worth. David was guilty of committing adultery with Bathsheba. He was guilty of killing her husband. He was guilty of drawing others into his crime by having them participate in the cover-up. In our readings this week, we see the result of David’s failure to address his shame and the devastation it wrought upon his family. David’s shame is most notable in Absalom’s rebellion. David recognized that his sin with Bathsheba was at the root of his son’s rebellion. You would think that anger or fear would have been the primary motivation when David fled Jerusalem. However, 2 Samuel 15:30 indicates that David felt shame most of all. The verse states, “But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.” We see the depth of his shame in the interactions in the next chapter, particularly when Shimei curses David. Rather than allowing his men to kill Shimei, David replies, “Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to (2 Samuel 16:11). David was completely beaten by his shame.
Similarly, we can be beaten down by our shame. Our sinful nature loves to rob us of joy and peace by reminding us of our failures and imperfections. We can be so overwhelmed with shame that we become convinced we do not deserve peace, joy, and love. Now, we cannot ignore the reality of David’s sin and that David’s sin gave birth to the extreme dysfunction in his family. However, David didn’t need to walk the journey he chose to walk. David could have applied God’s loving mercy to the negative talk that gave shame power over David. David could have reminded himself that God completely forgave him. He could have reminded himself that he was a new creation through faith
in the Messiah. He could have experienced true freedom from shame had he claimed God’s mercy and renounced any thought of condemnation. I pray that God will help us trust in His mercy for the gift of forgiveness and the peaceful release from shame.
Call Committee Update
We are in the process of contacting pastors. Please pray for discernment both for us and for the pastors are contacting.
Through The Bible
It’s not too late to join us as we read through the Bible in 2024. Yes, we have started the challenge, but you can still hop on the Bible Reading Train. Just go to www.stlukeaa.org/bible and start reading the Bible reading for today. Don’t forget, if you have a question you would like discussed in the Bible Class Hour, go to www.stlukeaa.org/bible and post a question using the web form.
West Wing Bible Study: Join us in the West Wing for a discussion based on the previous week’s through the Bible readings. If you have a question, or a comment for further discussion, you can send it in for inclusion in the class by using the form located at https://www.stlukeaa.org/bible. God’s Word is powerful and effective. Please join us this Sunday as we continue our one-year journey through the Bible.
Women’s Study: Lynn Corker and Libby Fink are leading a study geared toward women, in room 104/105. This year, we’ are exploring what it means that God is with us now, and we’ll trace this promise of His presence from the lost garden of Genesis to the garden city of Revelation, where we will dwell with the Lord forever. A $20 study guide is available for this class.
Parent’s Study: Andy VanEgmond is leading a study for all parents with children in the congregation, in room 101/102. We’ll discuss the Sheepfold lesson for the week and work to build a strong community of parents here at St. Luke, as we all navigate the tricky task of raising kids in the faith.
New Members Class Starts This Sunday
A new members class starts on April 14. It will meet in the pastor’s office during the Bible class hour of 9:45 to 10:45 for five weeks. If you are interested in joining St. Luke’s or would just like a refresher on the basics of the Christian faith, join us for this class. If you are interested, contact pastor Jones at: .
Married People Discussion Group
Join us for our Married People discussion group, beginning April 14th in the West Wing, during the discipleship hour. For 5 weeks we’ll help you become your best US by developing some new habits, specifically four core habits – have serious fun; love God first; respect and love; and practice your promise – that come from the Bible that can help every couple become their best US. We hope you’ll join us!
The Splendor of Life in a Broken World
A Life Summit from Lutherans for Life of MI
Are you up to speed on life issues from womb development to ethical issues surrounding the end of one's earthly life? The Life Summit keynote speaker, Dr. Roni Grad, retired pulmonologist, and LCMS Life Coordinator, will address both. Pastor Paul Clark, LFLMI President, will give an update on "The current state of affairs, especially in MI.
Date: April 28th, 2-5PM
Location: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fowler, MI, text:517-420-4826
For more complete information, go to Lutherans for Life table in the ministry hallway that is between the West Wing and the Lobby.
55 Alive April Meeting
Monday, April 15 from 11:30A-1:30P at St. Luke Ann Arbor in the West Wing
55 Alive is the senior's ministry for St. Luke and other Lutheran churches. While aimed at those over age 55, anyone is welcome to join at any time! For our next event in April, we welcome John Rinn! He’ll be sharing the story of “The Real McCoy,” a local man who had over 50 patents but is only remembered for the popular phrase and died financially poor. This month we will dine potluck style—bring your favorite dish to share. Planning to come? RSVP to Arthur Clarke at ..
LWML Spring Rally
Historic Trinity's Women's Retreat
Historic Trinity's Women’s Retreat on Saturday, April 13, 9:30am-3pm at
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church.1345 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207. 313.567.3100. Get more information here.
Office Hours
The office doors will be monitored by the staff from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. If you wish to enter the building during that window, ring the doorbell to the left of the door and wait for a response. Alternatively, you can call the office and make an appointment with someone on staff.
You can connect with Pastor Todd either by email or cell phone 734-213-4256.
Livestream Worship
There are two different methods for watching our worship livestream. Services are simultaneously streaming on Facebook and YouTube
Through The Bible
Married People Discussion Group
