St. Luke Lutheran Church

Have you noticed that there is a subtle terminology shift in describing the response to a disaster?  The initial urgent efforts to save the injured are referred to as a “rescue operation.”  In contrast, the long, slow, careful process of locating and removing the bodies of the victims is called the “recovery operation.”  Rescue operations are hopeful and urgent.  Recoveries are sorrowful and paced.  It is always difficult to shift a rescue operation to a recovery operation. No one likes to give up.

Unfortunately, many Christians have given up on the Lord’s rescue operation and are living their lives in recovery mode.  “What rescue operation?” you might ask. Yes, Jesus commanded us to continue His rescue operation.  In Luke, Jesus said, “I have come to seek and save the Lost” (Lk 19:10). The lost are those whose lives have been victimized by sin. The lost are not aware that Christ has delivered them from death through His victory over sin. Without the rescue efforts of other believers, we would perish in our sins. Many followers of Christ has become convinced that no hope exists for those who do not yet follow Jesus.  The hopelessness blinds them to the opportunities for the gospel.  Paul spoke of Jesus as the “God of hope” in part because through Christ all have the opportunity to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Imagine a scene of devastation; victims are lying amid the rubble.  Rather than administering medical aid and rescuing the victims, the firefighters and paramedics busy themselves cleaning up the rubble and tending to the bodies. That is the scene that is reenacted every day in our lives.  We have the power to rescue, but we have become insensitive to the tragedy around us. We have come to accept the lie that the best we can do is help people recover from the spiritual carnage.

We cannot forget that we have the power to rescue and save. By God’s Spirit, we have the power to give life and hope to those trapped. I want to encourage you to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who is perishing because they don’t know Jesus. Our rescue operation does not require thousands of dollars in equipment, extensive training, or certification. It simply needs us to tell others about the Father’s love through Jesus Christ.

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.

Nursery: 3-year-olds and younger
Sheepfold: 4-year-olds thru 5th Grade
Youth Group: 6th-12th Grade

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 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 ..

You can connect with Pastor Todd either by email or cell phone 734-213-4256.