Merry Xmas: God Revealed in Forgiveness
This is our last sermon in the short series in which we have examined Greek words that begin with the letter Chi (X). We end the series looking at God revealed to us in forgiveness. From this side of Christ’s resurrection, it is hard to imagine how anyone would not associate forgiveness with God. However, for those who do not know Jesus, God is most often associated with condemnation and judgement. If you are reading through the Bible with me this year, it can be difficult to see the merciful nature of God in the early Old Testament.The righteousness of God demands punishment for sin; it demands purification from imperfections. We are born sensing the wrath of God. We feel the shame associated with our imperfections. Because we are born knowing our sin, even though we may not call it sin, people have been attempting to find relief from guilt and shame. Our works, or good deeds, often become the means by which we justify ourselves. The system works particularly well because we are able to adjust our good works to allow us to keep our sinful condition while finding some form or peace from guilt and shame. The system works well until another person notices our flaws and accuses us of being broken. Their accusation brings with it more feelings of guilt and shame.In Christ, we find complete freedom from guilt and shame. In Christ, the righteous demands of God’s law are perfectly fulfilled. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:7-8, 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight. This Sunday we will discover the richness of God grace and mercy given to us in Christ Jesus. We will reveal our call to be ambassadors of peace as we practice extravagant grace and forgiveness in our lives.
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. You can complete the challenge by circling back to the start of Genesis in 2025 and complete the week that was missed. 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.
Life Light Bible Study
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth O that we were there!Imagine if you could place yourself at the very beginning. It's not humanly possible of course. But, we hope you'll consider starting this New Year with a journey through the beginning of Holy Scripture i.e. the Book of Genesis.Starting Monday February 5, 2024 St. Luke will offer an in depth and intentional study of the Word of God through a program called Life Light. For those who desire a deeper study of the Scriptures, Life Light will offer a broader time frame than is available in the typical Sunday morning adult Bible class. The LifeLight program assumes a level of commitment that will bring participants to each of the nine weekly assemblies having read the assigned readings and attempted to answer the daily study questions. These daily readings and study will require from 15 to 30 minutes for the five days preceding the LifeLight small group gathering. The day following the gathering will be spent reviewing the previous week’s study by going over the completed study questions and the enrichment magazine.This new group will be meeting on Monday evenings, from 7-8:30PM from Feb. 5th through June 10th at St. Luke. This winter and spring we will be covering the book of Genesis. Register here.
Rotating Homeless Shelter Program Update
St. Luke will once again be hosting the rotating homeless shelter program ran by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. Our weeks begin December 25, 2023 and January 15, 2024.We will need volunteers for the following areas:
Meals for the men each night
Overnight hosts - Sign up here to be an overnight host
Towel laundry
Allen and Sharon Morgan have coordinated/managed St. Luke’s participation with the rotating homeless shelter for many years and are looking for a person, couple, or group who would be willing to shadow them this year and then take the reins for the 2024/2025 season.
See here for more information. Please contact Allen with any questions or to volunteer for meals, towel laundry, or if you are interested in coordinating the rotating homeless shelter next season.
LWML Epiphany Brunch
The 2024 LWML Epiphany Brunch will take place on Saturday, January 13 at St. Luke, Ann Arbor..Many of you attended our last Epiphany Brunch and we look forward to welcoming you back for food, fellowship, and a presentation that you will not soon forget. Our special guest musician and speaker is Wendysue Fluegge, who will present “Reflections of Mary,” featuring the music and monologues of Christmas. You can look forward to an inspiring experience during a less stressful time of year…Epiphany!Please use the attached flyer to make your reservation by using the QR code or contact Debby Stinehelfer to make a reservation via email. You are very welcome to invite a friend to attend this event. Just make sure to reserve his/her place once they accept your invitation.
2023 Congregational Christmas Gift Thank You
Dear St. Luke,
Thank you for your generous Christmas gift this year! Your love and kindness are felt by us all. As we reflect once again on the glorious birth of our Savior Jesus, we are reminded of all the good and wonderful gifts we receive in His name…we count each of you as a gift from God. It is such a blessing to serve the congregation of St. Luke as you daily walk in the grace of our Lord. During this time of transition, as we seek a Pastor, we are encouraged by your faithfulness to the Gospel message, your outpouring of love, and your continued prayers. Peace and joy be with you all, in the name of our God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Your St. Luke Staff:
David Nelson
Susan Jones
Phil Geyer
Chad Moyer
Julie Himebaugh
Keryn Thompson-Kolar
2023 Giving Statements
In past years, it has been possible for our donors to go into Connect and print out their giving statements. This is not possible with Church Center and our current giving platform. We are currently looking at other giving platforms to change this.
This year the giving statements will be printed by St. Luke and available to t be picked by January 14, 2024. The statements not picked up at the church will be mailed at the end of January.You may receive an email concerning your giving account being joined with your spouse’s, if applicable. The following option will be included in the email:Please ignore this option. Due to our giving platform, you will not be able to access your donor profile.Please contact Susan Jones (email or call 734.971.0550) if you have any questions or need your giving statement earlier than January 14th.
Seeking Communication’s Team Members
Do you love to write, take pictures, or produce graphic art? If you do, we value your participation in the communications team that we are forming in January. Depending on the number of people and the skill set, the team will help with the production of enews articles, social media posts, and website content. Don’t let technology intimidate you. Most of what the team will do is take pictures and write stories. No special equipment is needed. If you are interested send an email to pastor Jones at .
Back by popular demand . . .
THE MARRIED PEOPLE DATE NIGHT KIT time
for your USWhen you got married, the two of you became an US. While every US is different,
there is one thing every US needs—time. Your US needs time to simply be
together because it gives you space to laugh and connect. That’s what this date
night is all about—no therapy—just fun and connection. So begin your “time for your US”
by picking up a Date Night Kit on one of the dates below at: St. Luke Lutheran Church
4205 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Saturday, January 13th, 2024 between 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Sunday, January 14th, 2024 between 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sunday, January 21st, 2024 between 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Date Night reminder:
Schedule your date night to happen within two weeks of picking up your "Kit".
You and your spouse plan your own date details
As you drive off for your date, open your "Date Night Kit" and follow the instructions in the order given.
Enjoy your date! Have Fun! This is “time for your US”!
Even though paying for your night out is not part of the deal, partial babysitting reimbursement is still available upon request. Please do not hesitate to fill out the form when picking up your Kit!
Comedy Night
GET YOUR TICKETS: Take time to relax and laugh after the busy holiday season. Saturday, January 27 at 7:30pm St. Luke will be hosting comedian Andy Beningo! Check out one of his bits here. Tickets are only $10. Purchase tickets here. Invite your friends! Andy is hailed for his clean and "every man" style, Andy has been named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming Comedians in the country.
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
Sunday Morning Worship Times
8:30 a.m. Living Heritage Service
9:45 a.m. Bible Study / Sunday School Hour
11:00 a.m. Living Praise ServiceChurch Office
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Phone: 734.971.0550
Email:
Through The Bible
Please ignore this option. Due to our giving platform, you will not be able to access your donor profile.Please contact Susan Jones (email 
THE MARRIED PEOPLE DATE NIGHT KIT
Comedy Night
