A Taste of What’s to Come…
This Sunday we will be looking at Romans 9:14-21. This section of Scripture touches on a very challenging concept for most Christians - the Scandal of Particularity. The phrase most often refers to the fact that God chose the Israelites to be His people. In choosing the Jews, He did not choose the other people alive at the time. Sometimes the phrase is used to refer to God choosing Mary to be the mother of Jesus. The perplexing question is why Mary and not some other girl? There is no doubt that the issue is troubling because we perceive there might be an injustice, God chose us, but what about those who are not chosen? However, I think the concept is more challenging because it forces us to realize that we are not the master in our relationship with God. We are comfortable with God as our co-pilot or even with God being the pilot, as long as He takes suggestions now and then. The scandal of particularity reminds us that we like clay in the hands of the master potter. Our true happiness and fulfillment is found in being what he has formed us to be. This Sunday we will dig deeper into what it means to be chosen by God and the common misconceptions about predestination. Please join us this Sunday.
- Pastor Todd Jones
Please pray for Call process and voters' meeting
As we come before our Father seeking His will for St. Luke, may we remember to pray for the pastor we are going to discuss at our meeting Monday. We pray that he will seek diligently in prayer what it is the Lord has planned for him. We so desire a pastor to be our shepherd, yet we desire even more God’s will to be done. Thank You Lord for your love for us, for the pastor, his family, and his congregation. May we hear Your voice clearly and desire Your will and Your way beyond any intentions of our own. Amen
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.
Revelation Study: Pastor Carl DeMeritt will lead a study on the book of Revelation, in room 106. Join Pastor DeMerritt as he guides us through this important book of the Bible.
St. Luke Membership Class
Pastor Jones will be leading a series of membership classes starting this September 10 and running through October 1. The classes will be held in the Pastor's Office during the Sunday morning Bible class hour. Those who have not been confirmed in the Lutheran Church need to complete the class before they are eligible to be received into membership at St. Luke.
Nursery: 3-year-olds and younger
Sheepfold: 4-year-olds thru 5th Grade
Youth Group: 6th-12th Grade
What’s Next?
I am very grateful for the members, volunteer staff, and our paid staff who have been working with an even greater intensity to cover the gaps from the recent staff transition. We are very blessed to have Amy Duncan to assist us with the second service. Amy will be here at least through the month of September. Ryan Rosenau is a first-year music student at CUAA. He is helping us out with the organ music for the interim. I am in conversations with some church musicians to explore ways that we can strengthen, and by God’s grace, grow our music program over the next year. As the plan begins to solidify, I will be able to share them with you. For now, please keep the Greunke family in your prayers that God will open doors for Jeff to use his gifts for the kingdom of God and keep St. Luke in your prayers that we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus during this time of transition. The path is challenging and the outcome lacks clarity, but God is with us. If God is with us, who can be against us.
-Pastor Todd Jones
We Appreciate Your Help
We are seeking volunteers to assist us with our two worship services. We are in need of volunteers to help with the Sunday services in the following ways:
Singers to assist with the praise service.
Instrumentalist to play in either service.
Computer operators to assist with the in-worship media and livestream technologies.
People who are comfortable with social media and skilled at writing to assist with our social media profiles.
Photographers to assist in our social media accounts and our web presence.
People to assist with the paraments and communion set-up and take down.
If you would like to help, please send an email to the with your name and the areas that you are available to assist. We will connect you to the appropriate person for training.
“In the margin of life is grace... In the margin is connection... In the margin is laughter.” - Ted Lowe
Have you ever wished you and your spouse had this “margin” in your marriage? Or wondered how the two of you could create Time for Your US?
Then you are invited to come and enjoy an evening out with other couples who are looking for answers to those exact same questions. Your evening includes hors d'oeuvres, desserts, games, fun and laughter, prizes, and a guest speaker who will share insights on how to create Time for Your US. So be sure to save the date:
Married People Fall Event
St. Luke Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
All married couples, friends, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors are invited, so spread the word!
To register and purchase your ticket ($15/couple) for this wonderful one-night event, click here to sign up.
*Partial babysitting cost reimbursement is also an option upon request on the registration form.* If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Darragh at (734) 904-8580 or Rick Darragh at (734) 904-8581.
This Sunday, September 17, will be the final Gardens for Growth for this year. Please bring in any of your surplus homegrown vegetables to share with our St. Luke friends. The vegetables will be available for purchase via a freewill offering. Thanks to those who contributed in the Spring. The money we raised was applied to the church's mortgage payment.
Office Administrative Assistant Sought
We are seeking an office administrative assistant to work part-time
from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The position will be responsible for answering phones, interacting with the public as they visit the church during the week, and assisting in the clerical duties associated with our communications. Please contact Susan Jones at if you are interested in learning more about the position. Please pass along the information to someone you know who might be a good fit.
“A Tribute to Rosie The Riveter” - 55 Alive September Meeting
Monday, September 18 From 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
at St. Luke Ann Arbor in The West Wing
55 Alive is the senior ministry for St. Luke and area churches. Though mainly comprised of folks 55 and older, anyone is welcome! You won’t want to miss our September meeting featuring Claire Dahl, an American History expert from the Yankee Air Museum who has an energizing and inspiring presentation on the boldness, determination, `and creativity of American men and women as they prepared for, then valiantly fought, World War II. We are honored to also welcome a special guest, Virginia Rusch (age 96) who is one of the “Original Rosies.” This lunch is potluck style—bring a dish to share and let Arthur know you’re coming at .
Click here if you would like to read the monthly newsletter.
Supporting Circles and Friends In Deed
St. Luke has a long history (40 years) of supporting the work of Friends In Deed. We host the Circles program in our building every week and have many members who volunteer there regularly. Friends In Deed has a unique fundraiser coming up: Over The Edge. It is an urban rappelling adventure where people raise money for FID’s programs by rappelling down the side of the 11-story Hill Hall on EMU’s campus. (Previously at the Graduate in Ann Arbor)
St. Luke’s own Catherine Thornburg is rappelling this year, as she has the past two years. She is asking for your support to help her raise money. Or you could choose to rappel with her and the other brave and committed folks doing this amazing thing.
Here is what Catherine wanted to say:
"I love Friends In Deed. I like the people there. They help the poor with money and furniture. My first time I did it (rappel), I was Shakin’ Bacon! But I had a blast. So, I did it again. The second time I was comfortable. I am so excited to do it at Eastern. I love Eastern. My sisters went there. Always, GO EAGLES!! So, please help me raise money for Friends In Deed. And wish me luck."
Click here for Catherine's fundraising page and here if you would like to learn more about Friends in Deed.
Here is Catherine rappelling last year:
LWML Fall Rally - “Taste and See”????
Lutheran Women In Mission will meet at Living Water Church on Saturday, September 30 for a Fall Rally featuring Mary Moro, Director of Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST), as guest speaker. The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. with registration and coffee/pastries served at 8:30 a.m. You can look forward to dynamic worship and insight into the wonderful world of short-term mission trips! Please bring pairs of non-prescription sunglasses as an Ingathering for MOST Ministries. Noon lunch is included. Suggested donation at the door is $5.00 per person. Living Water is located at 200 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189. RSVP to Linda Murdock.
“What does the word ‘abortion’ really mean? A Medical Perspective"
Dr. Donna Harrison
Teens and Adults are cordially invited to a special presentation on Saturday, September 23 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Concordia, 4090 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor. Dr. Donna Harrison is the former CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a member of the group who asked the federal court to stop the unrestricted dissemination of chemical abortion pills. Click here to view the flyer for this event.
The event is free with no registration necessary!
LIFE CHAIN 2023
Sunday, October 1, from 2:00-3:30 PM
Intersection of Washtenaw and Huron Parkway
Be the Connection Between Crisis and Care
Life Chain is a positive, public pro-life demonstration promoting the value of all human life. We'll line the intersection, holding positive pro-life signs.
Join us to help women dealing with crisis pregnancies discover the great support available locally.
Be a witness: Pro-Life people are here to help!
Positive signs available on site. Donations deeply appreciated.
Please don't park in the lots of open businesses.
Attend the 2023 Michigan March for Life!
Join us and our partner, Right to Life of Michigan, for the MI March for Life at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on November 8th, 2023.
Click here to view the flyer and click here to sign up for the charter bus.
Office Hours
The office doors will be monitored by the staff from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 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
Church Office
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
“A Tribute to Rosie The Riveter” - 55 Alive September Meeting 
