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Regular Worship Services Saturdays, 5:30 PM

Sundays, 8:00 & 10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study

Sunday 9:30 AM

St. Luke’s Vision Powered by the Holy Spirit we: Trust God! Live an Extreme Faith! Are Bold in God’s Word! Bring People Home to Christ! Fully Commit to the Body of Christ! Pray and Worship with Enthusiasm! Expect Results!

Newsletter for the Weekend of The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost,

September 16 & 17, 2017

Lesson for this Weekend—Romans 14:1-13

We are excited to announce our new PIP program: Partner’s In Prayer

We are inviting you to participate via text, email, or in person.

Look for more information and sign up in the Gathering Area.

Welcome to Worship! Members and Visitors—Please complete the worship attendance cards in the

pews and place them in the offering plates. If you are visiting with us, we welcome you!

We hope to meet you at Fellowship time (Sunday, 9-9:25 am).

This Week at St. Luke’s Sunday, September 17

8:00-Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 9:25-7/8th Grade Confirmation (Downstairs) 9:30-Sunday School (Small Gym) 9:30-Adult Bible Study 10:45-Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) 4:00-9th Grade Confirmation (Library)

Monday, September 18

11:00-Autumn Leaves Chapel 6:00-Boy Scouts (Small Gym) 6:30-Cub Scouts (FLC & Kitchen) 6:30-Girl Scouts (Classrooms) 7:00-Mentoring Group III (Library)

Tuesday, September 19

7:00-Mision & Ministry Meeting (Library) 7:00-Choir (Balcony) 8:00-Men’s Basketball (FLC)

Wednesday, September 20

3:00-Newsletter Deadline 7:00-Prayer Meeting (Sanctuary)

Thursday, September 21

6:30-Ladies’ Night Out (Longhorn Steakhouse)

Friday, September 22 No School 10:00-Teachers’ Meeting

Saturday, September 23

7:30-Mentoring Group (Library) 5:30-Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Altar flowers are given this weekend by Scott & Sheryl Rentz in celebration of

Tyler’s 17th birthday on September 21.

Reformation Books Available! Celebrate our 500th Anniversary!

The sixteenth century was a cultural and historical earthquake, the aftershocks of which continue to be felt even now, 500 years later! “The Reformation” provides a richly illustrated and engagingly written overview of this amazing time of change and renewal in the Christian Church. In this beautifully designed coffee table-style book, you will learn about famous leaders and lesser-known players who took part in the complex chain of events that shook church and state to their very foundations. Concordia Publishing is offering these books at a special price of $22.49. St. Luke’s will be placing our order on October 16. If you would like to purchase a copy, you must sign up on the poster on the bulletin board next to the church office by October 15! Please make checks payable to St. Luke’s and place in mailbox #10, or drop off in the church office.

SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17!

See page 2 for all the details!

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Sunday School and Adult Bible Studies

Classes Start THIS SUNDAY—September 17, 9:30 am

SUNDAY SCHOOL BLAM! Building Lives Around Music

There will be a whole new curriculum that will center around MUSIC! 1st grade through 4th grade will be the target group. 5th and 6th graders will be an important part of this program-both as participants and as facilitators. High schoolers will be the trainees. We will sing at least once a month during a church service. This curriculum will include a short “small group” bible study session related to the music being introduced. Parents are invited to attend!! We will be in the small gym (right off of the main gym) and will meet from 9:30 to 10:30 starting September 17!

Pre-school and Kindergarten will continue with Julia Kothera in the preschool classroom just past the mailroom.

For questions or early sign-up, please contact Lisa Steinwart at steinwart@aol.com.

Adult Bible Studies Sunday Mornings, 9:30—10:30 AM

It's that time again! It's time for you to decide to learn more about your Lord and Savior! It's time to step out and take a deeper walk with God. Commit to coming to an adult class! . See you there!

1. Men's Class (Church Library) - “Is This the End?” This is a 10 lesson study by Dr. David Jeremiah. Signs of God’s providence in a disturbing new world. Led by Kevin Cuyler.

2. Adult Class (School Wing) - “Hebrew: The Fulfillment of Faith” - In Hebrews, God gives us hope and courage in our discipleship so that we “will not grow weary and lose heart.” He directs us to Jesus “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” on our behalf. Led by Bob Toepper.

3. Adult Class (School Wing) - “Lord, I Want to Know You” - When the car won't start we call a mechanic. When the bathroom overflows we call a plumber. Yet, when we are in the midst of a spiritual struggle we often fail to call upon God's provision, comfort and strength. In this insightful study of God's names, learn how to call upon the names of God so that you can connect with your: Protector in times of vulnerability, Healer in times of illness, and Provider in times of financial drought. Learn how to call upon specific names of the Lord who can provide for your every need. Led by Jan Hoffman.

Wayside Cross Ministry for September In September, we are going to collect TOOTHPASTE, which is the item that is asked for most. Please place your donations in the LWML box located outside the secretary's office. We appreciate all that you do for the men at Wayside. They are so grateful for your help and LWML is grateful also.

LWML Weekend The first weekend in October is traditionally set aside for the observation of LWML Weekend. Come celebrate here at St. Luke's on October 7 & 8. Building on God’s promises, we know that this is our time to be distinctly Lutheran. Since 1942, the LWML has affirmed each woman’s identity as a child of God and her relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging and equipping Christian women to live out their lives in active mission ministries, and to support missions around the world through their sacrificial gifts of mites, tithes, offerings, and tireless service. Now is our time to “Be Ready to Confess!” faithfully and boldly of Christ’s redemptive work for us and for all the world. Joe Boway, founder of the Liberian Children's Ministry, and his over 5000 students are learning English as a second language so dictionaries are very helpful. Right now, one dictionary gets passed from family to family in a village because they are so rare. Therefore, our LWML will be collecting paperback dictionaries as a special mission project during the month of October. Please help us. Any questions, contact Bette Seifert.

Ladies’ Night Out The next Ladies’ Night Out will be Thursday, September 21. We will meet at Longhorn Steakhouse on Rt. 34 in Oswego, at 6:30 pm, or you can call for a ride. Any questions, contact Pat Freeman at 630-859-2874, or Nancy McNeilly at 630-896-2348.

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Take a Stand for Life As life-affirming Lutherans, witnessing within our community is one way we can make a positive difference in the lives of preborn children, their mothers and fathers. September 27 through November 5, 40 Days for Life, a globally-coordinated movement of prayer to end abortion, will take place outside of abortion facilities. There are five 40 Days for Life locations in the Northern Illinois District, including Aurora, Chicago, Downers Grove, Orland Park, and Ottawa. Consider committing to an hour or more of prayer and pro-life witness to the community. Sign up at: https://40daysforlife.com/.

Prayer Request Updates We welcome your prayer requests to pray for your needs or the needs of others. Please remember to submit an update after two weeks so that we can pray more effectively, whether it be prayers of thanks-giving or to continue to pray as directed. Without these updates, the prayer request will be removed after two weeks as we will assume that these needs have been met.

“Pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.” 1 Timothy 2:1

Mrs. King’s Weekly Academy Update We began this week with computer achievement testing. It is a very different platform for students that takes some new testing skills. This early testing helps guide teacher’s lessons to be more relevant to student needs. We will still be collecting for hurricane aid, so please help us by contributing to the “Wishing Well”. We will use Lutheran Church Charities that sends 100% of our donations to those in need. We thank Culver’s for our school night that helps fund school needs. Curriculum night was this past Wednesday. Parents became more aware of students schedules, textbooks, projects, and our expectations for them. Hopefully they are now even more invested in our mission for their student.

New Member Class A new member class will be offered on October 7 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm in the library. If you are interested in St. Luke’s membership this class is mandatory. The class will be led by Pastor Hoffman. Please sign up at the welcome center or call Chris in the office (630-892-9309) by September 29. A continental breakfast will be served as well as lunch. Any questions please contact Bob Cano (630-881-5954).

PADS Kendall County PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) starts its 8th season on October 21 at St. Luke’s. Seven local churches serve as hosts for our homeless guests to provide a hot dinner, a safe place to sleep, breakfast and a bag lunch. St. Luke’s is the Saturday night host from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Please consider volunteering for a 4-hour shift once a month to help those in need. See Patti and Randy Carter with any questions. There is also information on the Missions & Ministry Board. THANK YOU to our past PADS helpers and volunteers! This very important ministry exists because of you. This just in…. PADS Refresher Training will be October 5, 6:30-8:30 pm, in the FLC & Kitchen.

Hurricane Harvey & Irma Help Lutheran Church Charities has several opportunities to help with those affected by these disasters. 100% of donations go directly to the cause. Visit them at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. Opportunities include donations to individuals/churches, Lutheran Rv’ers, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Care Cards program, LERT volunteers, etc.

FREE Girls’ Basketball Clinic A one-day FREE clinic will be taught at St. Luke’s by the Varsity Concordia University Chicago Ladies’ Basketball Team on Saturday, September 30. Junior High will be 9 am—12 pm, High School 1 pm—4 pm. PRE-REGISTRATION is required to participate. Instructions and the registration link are available at STLCfamily.org. Space is limited, sign up early!

St. Luke's Christian Academy is having a fundraiser at Portillo's in Oswego! Come and show your support for our school on September 28 from 5-8 p.m. and we'll receive 20% back from your order! Be sure to grab a flyer from the Information Desk, or take a photo of it and show it on your smartphone. If we have a good turnout, we'll add more dates!

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Budget #s effective 8/2/15: 10.5% Tithe from your offerings includes .5% to LBT, 2% to

Mission trip fund, .5% to LCC, .5% to Walcamp, .5% to San Pablo, 6% to NID, .5% to Joe Boway New Life.

General Fund is used for mortgage, CPS, accounts payable bills, and payroll. Does not include contributions given to some specif-ic funds or ministry (Parking Lot Fund, Youth, flowers, etc.).

Accounts Payable includes maintenance, utilities, office supplies, printing, security systems, commercial insurance, ministry expenses (communion, worship, advertising, etc.), and school expenses. (Does not include payroll & mortgage.)

Concordia Plan Services includes health care, retirement, and disability for church and school staff.

Give Online. It’s easy.Give Online. It’s easy. Stlcfamily.org Stlcfamily.org

DVDs are available! All services are recorded. If you would like a copy, please contact Lisa Steinwart, or leave a note on the credenza in the Narthex.

2017-2018 Budget & Income (#s reported are as of 9/10/17)

Monthly Need $87,219

Weekly Need $20,127

August Tithe $3,796

Accounts Payable $11,916

Concordia Plan Services (CPS) past due (2) $22,127

Monthly Anticipated Offering Income for Sept. $56,140

Current Month’s To Date Offering Income Contributions to General Fund $21,031

Current Month’s To Date Income Received from School to General Fund $12,000

Current Month To Date Contribution Total to General Fund $33,031

Previous Month’s Contribution Total to General fund $66,525

Mortgage Payments past due (2) $21,478

Last Week’s Attendance

Regular Worship September 9 & 10 201

Communed 174

Adult Bible Study 24

Adult Bible Study Teachers 2

Servants for the Weekend of September 23 & 24

Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Fred Treftz Acolytes & Cross Bearers 5:30 Dylan Middendorf / Henry Granholm 8:00 Megan Schraft, Alyssa & Serena Shriber 10:45 Raven Biebel & Kristin Frank Chancel 5:30 Debby & Howard Springborn 8:00 Shelly & Grace Izzo 10:45 Carol Beacham Children’s Message 5:30 Fred Treftz 8:00 Missy Hester Fellowship Ruth Henning Finance Assistant Ray Weeks & Barbara Murray Friendly Callers Nancy Vargo & Nancy Abbattista Greeters 5:30 Mark & Lesli Barron 8:00 Joe & Irene Pappa 10:45 Virginia Stahl Information Desk Betty Matson Organist/Pianist 5:30 Elainie Kothera 8:00 Ralph Gabrielson, Jr. Readers 5:30 Tim Scott 8:00 Chris Nelson 10:45 Todd Ruch Sound & Video 5:30 Austin Albright 8:00 Dave Hester Ushers 5:30 Brett Granholm 8:00 Ruth Henning & Marianne Benda 10:45 John Odean & Kelly Biebel Worship Assistants Fred Treftz / Earl Wendorf

Panera Pick Up for September 22

Pam Nickels Planning Ahead

Sept 24-7/8th & 9th Confirmation Sept 26-Drive Thru Prayer Sept 27-Family Life Meeting Sept 28-Leadership Meeting Sept 30-LWML Sept 30-Girls’ Basketball Clinic Oct 1-7/8th & 9th Confirmation Oct 2-Stewardship Ministry Meeting Oct 2-No School Oct 2-NID Conference Oct 7-8-LWML Weekend Oct 9-Culver’s Night Oct 9-No School / Church Office Closed Oct 10-Chancel Meeting

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