Serve One Another- Galatians 5:13-14
Last week we introduced our new sermon series by talking about the importance of bearing with one another. We were challenged to do more than tolerate others, we are to embrace them as our dearly loved brother or sister. Love in the Bible is not just an emotional concept, it is an action. This week we will be talking about love in action as we discuss “serving one another.” In Galatians 5:13-14 Paul wrote, “13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The Geek word translated into English as “serve” goes much deeper than holding the door for someone coming into the church. It is rooted in slavery. As God’s children we are called to serve one another with the same devotion and intensity as that of a slave serving a master. Our slavery is not defined by the law, with threats and suffering. Our slavery to one another is defined by love, with promises and joy. This Sunday we will explore the promises of service and rediscover the joy that service gives to us in Christ Jesus. Please join us this week as we continue this amazing sermon series. Life is better when we do it together.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Please plan to join us this November 22 at 7:00 p.m. for our Thanksgiving Eve service. The service will use traditional hymns and Scripture responses to remind us of the blessings given to us in Christ Jesus. The service will include the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Wednesday Night Advent Worship and Soup Suppers
Join us on December 6th, 13th, and 20th for Wednesday Night Advent Worship and Soup Suppers. Dinner will take place in the West Wing each week at 6pm, followed by worship in the West Wing at 7pm. This annual tradition is a great way to grow relationships and prepare your heart for Christmas. We’re asking you to help out by bringing soup, bread, salad, or a dessert. If you are providing food please drop it off no later than 6 PM. We hope to see you there! Click hereto sign up.
Call Process
As we take our next steps in the call process, we are opening the pastoral nomination process to the congregation through Sunday, November 12th. On Monday, November 13th, we will email the Michigan District office with the names submitted (if any) and request a new list. You can nominate Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) rostered pastors for consideration via this link.
Please continue to pray for the discernment of our Call Committee, those who will be compiling a list of potential candidates, the men who will be on that list, and that Jesus’ will, above all, would be done! As we have been in the practice of doing, we will continue to keep the congregation updated throughout the call process. Our Lord continues to be in control of all things…may we continue to walk by faith.
Leader Nominations
St. Luke Church is undertaking our annual process of nominating and affirming our church leaders. Our bylaws require that congregational officers, the SLC, and the Elders stand for affirmation by the congregation each year. The four congregational officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The SLC consists of the four congregational officers, three at-large members, and the senior pastor (a non-voting member). The SLC oversees the general ministry of the congregation. The Board of Elders oversees the pastoral care of congregational members.
We are asking our current leaders for their intention to continue in their roles. We are also seeking nominations from the congregation for these positions. Position descriptions are available in the church office. You may nominate yourself or anyone else in the congregation. If you are nominating someone else, please check with that person first to confirm that they are interested in serving.
Here is the link to the electronic form to submit nominations. Paper forms are also available in the church office. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, November 19. The elections will be conducted on 2 Sundays in December.
Please pray for discernment and wisdom for all our current leaders and for those considering lay leadership positions at St. Luke.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Jones or any of the members of the Nominating Committee: Andy VanEgmond, Karla Chapman, Sherrill Derksen, and John Nees. Since this is an annual process, please feel free to reach out to any members of the SLC or Board of Elders if you think of other good candidates during the course of the year.
Fall 2023 Bible Studies Sept. 10 - Dec. 10 West Wing Study: We’ll be utilizing a number of studies from Lutheran Hour Ministries. The topics include: Life Together, Martin Luther, Forgiveness, and God in Worship. This study will be led by a variety of people including Pastor Todd and our elders.
Women’s Study: Lynn Corker and Libby Fink will be leading a study geared toward women, in room 104/105. This year, we’ll explore 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 will lead 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
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.
Homes For The Holidays
A very special event is being planned for Saturday night, December 9 from 4:00 - 10:00pm It’s called: Homes For The Holidays. An opportunity for St Lukers to get to know each other better while enjoying appetizers and dessert in the homes of several of our members who have decorated for Christmas. This event is for adults only age 18+.. Cost is each person or couple will bring an appetizer, or dessert to share. How to register: a table will be available In the lobby at church after each service on Sundays November 19 and November 26 or you can email Lynn Wrightson.
You don’t want to miss this fun, enjoyable evening. Questions? Contact Lynn Wrightson.
Poinsettia Orders Due December 5
We are taking orders for fresh poinsettia plants that will be used to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Please consider offering a plant as a Memorial or to give thanks to God. Order forms are available at the Welcome Center or online. Orders are due December 5!
Craft Time It is time for another Iris folding class. If you have not done it before, this is a good class to start with. We will be creating Christmas cards. The event will be on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the West Wing. For more information contact Susan Jones:
55 ALIVE
Monday, November 13th from 11:30 to 2:30 55 Alive is meeting at Aubree’s Pizza in Ypsilanti on Whittaker Rd. They will have a Veterans Program with a presentation from Major Jim Dresbach, "Civil Air Patrol, History to the Present.". There will be a pizza, soup, salad buffet plus beverage for $5 and chicken wings for $2 more. RSPV to Arthur Clarke at .
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 Service
Church Office
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
es For The Holidays
Poinsettia Orders Due December 5 
It is time for another Iris folding class. If you have not done it before, this is a good class to start with. We will be creating Christmas cards. The event will be on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the West Wing. For more information contact Susan Jones: 
