Thy Kingdom Come
In the third petition of the Lord’s prayer, we invite God’s kingdom to come, but what do we mean when we pray the petition? When the disciples heard the petition, it probably made sense to them. They expected Jesus to be a ruling emperor. They expected a change in government. They expected political and social change. However, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” The expectations of the Disciples were crushed under the weight of Christ’s death on Good Friday. I imagine in the solitude of that upper room where they hid in fear of the Jews, they probably thought about the statement about God’s kingdom and wondered how it could be fulfilled. While we spend a good deal of time this Sunday looking at the concept of the Kingdom of God, for now, I want to pause briefly to note that Jesus said, “Thy kingdom,” not “My kingdom.” In the Lord’s prayer, we ask for God’s kingdom to come. God’s kingdom is not shaped by our agendas or our expectations. The Kingdom of God is what God wants it to be. From His parables, we learn that the Kingdom of God is a blessing that multiplies (Matt. 13) and that the Kingdom of God often begins in simple, unremarkable ways. (Matt. 13:33); that the Kingdom of God is more precious than hidden treasure or a magnificent pear (Matt. 13:44, 45); and that the Kingdom of God is a place of outrageous mercy and unending love (Matt. 18:23ff.)
The disciples lived with a great deal of tension and anxiety during their time with Jesus because Jesus wasn’t saying and doing the things that were needed to fulfill their expectations of the Kingdom of God. Following Pentecost, when their knowledge of the resurrected Jesus was combined with the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were confident and filled with peace. They finally lived free from the anxiety of “My kingdom” and embraced the power of “Thy Kingdom come…” Join us this Sunday as we discover the power of God’s Kingdom in our midst.
Through the Bible Study: Join us in room 102 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.
Married People Discussion Group: Join us for our Married People discussion in the West Wing, during the discipleship hour. 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!
St. Paul Lutheran Church in partnership with St. Luke, University Lutheran Chapel, and New Life are excited to take kids deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! VBS is open to children who have turned 4 by June 1 through children who have completed 4th grade. You can serve as a volunteer at VBS once you have completed 5th grade.
Dates: June 17, 2024 — June 20, 2024
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: 495 Earhart Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER your student as a participant or to volunteer (5thgrade thru adult).your student as a participant or to volunteer (5th grade thru adult).
LWML Memorial Day Picnic Potluck
LWML Daughters On Mission invites you to a picnic potluck at the home of Jane Ross on Saturday, May 25 from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. We will be celebrating a wonderful year of ministry, enjoying a hands-on project that serves The Luke Clinic, and looking forward to the 2024 LWML Michigan District convention in Grand Rapids. Please RSVP toby Wednesday, May 22. Address information available when you RSVP.
Ypsilanti Community Choir Concert
Ypsilanti Community Choir Presents the concert Singing a Song on Thursday, May16th 7:30pm at Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College located at 4800 E. Huron River Drive. Carl DeMeritt and Don Fredricks will be singing. No cost! Hope you all come
Lutheran Choralaires Spring Concert in support of Concordia University Ann Arbor
The Lutheran Choralaires, a men's chorus under the direction of noted Detroit area composer and arranger Terry Herald, will present their annual Spring Concert entitled “What Wondrous Love is This" on Saturday May 18th, 4:00PM at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church (14175 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154). Tickets are not necessary, however there will be a freewill offering. All proceeds will go to support the Concordia University Ann Arbor Music Department and Students In Need funds. For further information email ,or visit www.lutheranchoralaires.org.
CEF Information Technology Administrator
Church Extension Fund, a ministry-based financial institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks qualified candidates for the position of IT Administrator. This position, which serves both CEF and the Michigan District LCMS, performs a range of network and workstation duties for a combined office of 30-35 on-site and remote users. The position reports to and assists the CEF Assistant VP-Systems Manager in three main areas: network management, cyber-security management, and software administration. Opportunities for advancement exist. A complete position description is available on CEF’s website: mi-cef.org/news. Applicants should mail or email a cover letter and resume no later than May 31, 2024 to: Ms. Kris Nowak – Executive Assistant, Church Extension Fund, 3773 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, . Interviews and hiring expected in June.
Ann Arbor VBS 2024
LWML Memorial Day Picnic Potluck
Lutheran Choralaires Spring Concert in support of Concordia University Ann Arbor