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This Week at St. Luke’s Sunday, October 4

LWML Weekend 7:00-Prayers (Prayer Room) 8:00-Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30-Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 10:45-Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) Noon-Private Rental (FLC & Kitchen) 1:00-Praise & Prayer Service (Sanctuary) 4:00-Confirmation 9th (Downstairs) 6:00-Confirmation 6-8th (Sanctuary) 6:00-High School Youth (FLC, Loft & Small Gym)

Monday, October 5

Start of Congregational Bible Study Outflow 6:30-Cub Scouts (FLC & Kitchen) 6:30-Boy Scouts (Small Gym) 6:30-Girl Scouts (Classrooms) 6:30-Stewardship Ministry Team (Library)

Tuesday, October 6

1:00-Senior Bible Study (Library) 7:00-Choir (Balcony) 7:00-Auction Meeting (Library) 8:00-Men’s Basketball (FLC)

Wednesday, October 7

2:00-Early Dismissal / Teacher Meetings 7:00-Prayer Meeting (Sanctuary)

Thursday, October 8

11:00-OWLS Luncheon (FLC & Kitchen) 6:30-Stephen Ministry (Downstairs) 7:00-School Board (Library)

Friday, October 9

Saturday, October 10

7:30-Mentoring Group (Library) 9:00-Praise Team (Sanctuary) 10:00-GO Team (Panera) 5:30-Worship (Sanctuary)

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost,

October 3 & 4, 2015

Lesson for This Weekend— Mark 10:6 “But from the beginning of creation. . .” In recent years our country, along with most all the Christian nations of Europe, has lost its way when it comes to marriage. We have ignored the fact that it is God who created us. We always go off the tracks when we forget that He made us and that everything good in this world is from His hand. In big things and in small things, in the life of a nation or the life of an individual: things go dreadfully wrong when we ignore the Creator’s instructions for life.

THIS Weekend is LWML Weekend October 3 & 4, 2015 has been designated as LWML Weekend at St. Luke's Church. The women of the LWML invite the entire congregation to celebrate together as the body of Christ under the theme, “Seek First the Kingdom of God.” We will share in special worship services based on Matthew 6:26, 32b, 33. Join us and learn how the Lord has worked through the LWML in bringing the lost and erring into fellowship with Him through mission and ministry. See our banners, talk to the women who will be wearing purple (which are LWML colors) and serving in many capacities at each service.

PRAY Praise Repent Ask Yield There will be a special PRAISE and PRAYER Service for the St. Luke’s Church and School Families on Sunday, October 4 starting at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Please come and join in PRAISING our Lord through song and talking with our Lord through PRAYER. We will pray for our church, our school, our community, and our world. This is a church, school, and community service event. All are invited and welcome!

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

New Adult Bible classes began September 20.

Choose a study and begin today to strengthen your faith and knowledge!!

1. Men’s Class—The Book of Acts, The Gospel Throughout the World—(Church Library) The Church is more than a physical edifice, more than a particular Christian group or denomination. The church is Christ manifesting Himself to the world through the people of God. God speaks to us today through Acts concerning the basis of the church’s power; the central mission of the church’ the inner workings of the church; and the perpetual perils threatening the church from without and from within.

2. Friends of Jesus Bible Study by Karen Kingsbury—(2nd grade classroom) If you enjoy Karen Kingsbury's best selling books, then you will love this new Bible study written by her. In this six-session study, Karen Kingsbury explores six people in the life of Jesus and the depth of friendship that is found with each one.

3. Value-Packed Parenting Raising Rock Solid Kids in a Pleasure-Driven World—(7th/8th grade homeroom, bottom of Narthex stairs) Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known Christian psychologist, best-selling author, speaker, and media personality. Some of the topics included are: The 10 Best Gifts You'll Ever Give Your Kids, How to Listen so Kids Will Talk & How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, Discipline Isn't Spelled P-U-N-I-S-H-M-E-N-T, 10 Ways to Improve Your Child's Self-Confidence, and others.

4. LifeLight: Obadiah/Jonah/Micah—(Small Gym) This nine-session study is part of the LifeLight in-depth Bible study series. The goal of LifeLight is that through a regular program of in-depth personal and group study of Scripture, more Christian adults may grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ. The study starts off in Obadiah with Session 1: The Day the Lord is Near, and takes us through Jonah and then to Micah, ending with Micah 7 in Session 9: When I Fall, I Shall Rise.

Regular Worship Services Saturdays, 5:30 PM

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

Sunday 9:30 AM A staffed nursery is provided

for children 3 and under during the Sunday morning worship

services and Bible Study hour.

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).

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!

Calling All Kids! Join us for Sunday School!

Sundays - 9:30 to 10:30 am Classes for all youth from Pre-School through High School

For this year’s Sunday School curriculum for grades 1 through 5, students will work together in “crews”. Crew leaders develop a relationship with their students as a teacher directs the activities, discussion, praise and prayer.

Pre-school and Kindergarten will meet in the Pre-school 2 classroom.

Elementary (grades 1 through 5) will meet in the Multi-Purpose Room: Each Sunday, students will participate in a large group “Welcome” activity, move into an “exploration time” in small family crews, then complete the hour with praise and prayer.

Junior High (grades 6 through 8) will meet in the Youth Loft.

High School (grades 9 through 12) will meet in the Gathering Area.

10/3 Bible Point Key Verse Lesson / Scripture 1st –5th grade

God is our guide “Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you” (Psalm 143:8).

Acts 8:26

There will be lesson topics in the newsletter each week so parents can know what their children are learning.

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STARTING MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 - OUTFLOW

Outward-focused living in a self-focused world.

Outflow is a 5-week study designed to help individuals, small groups, and entire congregations learn “principles for enjoying a life that’s filled to the brim with God’s love, joy, and hope.” The foundation of this life is a deep relationship with God that acts as the source of life and love overflowing to family, friends, neighbors, the world. Outflow is not meant to be a program, but the beginning of a different lifestyle, one that “constantly drinks in the fresh, invigorating water of heaven’s goodness and pours it out into the lives of everyone around…”

How can you be involved? 1. Come to worship and hear Pastor's messages on overflowing with God's love into your families,

friendships, and communities. 2. Read the book. Books will be available THIS weekend, October 3 & 4, and we will begin reading

on Monday, October 5. PLEASE BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR BOOK! If you can help offset the cost of the study, and donate $15 for the book, it would be appreciated… however, if you are unable to donate, please pick up a book anyway and join us in reading about God's love and how it not only fills us, but can overflow through us.

Featured LWML Mission Grant This month we focus on the mission grant Disaster Response Trailers. With funds from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, districts and congregations, and LCMS Disaster Response, these trailers will be fully equipped with tools, cleaning supplies, power tools, and items needed to come into an area ready to go to work and not be an additional burden to the community. Twenty trailers in twenty districts is the goal at present, with prayers to increase in time. Teams will be trained to cope with situations that may arise and ready to share the Gospel as they labor for the Lord. Mercy In Action!!

Auction 2016! It's time to start planning for our annual auction and we would love your help! We have our first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at 7:00 pm in the Church Library. Come and see where you can help. We have many different jobs available including; advertising, getting donations, putting baskets together, food and entertainment, and many more. If you would like to help but can't make this meeting please contact Julie Franken, Nelly Needs, Tami McGraw or any member of PALS. We look forward to seeing you!

INVITING ALL BOYS AGE 11—17! St. Luke’s Boy Scout Troop 12 is holding an Open House on Monday, October 5 at 7:00 pm in the Small Gym. Boy Scouts provide opportunities to learn the principles of respect, achievement, responsibility, healthy habits, faith and self-worth through a program that is fun, engaging and challenging. Boy Scouts concentrate on developing leadership skills while having fun and achieving advancements. The scouting program gives a great emphasis on family based activities and interaction at all levels, so the whole family may be involved in the program. Boys and their families are invited to come find out about and experience the activities enjoyed by the scouts of Troop 12!

OWLS October Luncheon The OWLS October luncheon will be Thursday, October 8 at 11:30 am. A bratwurst lunch (with sauerkraut made by Bette Seifert!) will be served at NOON. Cost is only $6. OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) is fellowship for all people ages 60 + or younger if you want to! Please sign up on the OWLS board! Any questions call Barbara Murray at 630-892-0292.

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God has commanded us to love one another. Take a minute to appreciate a fellow St. Luke’s family member. Stop by the Information Desk and complete a thank you note and drop it in the box.

Parenting with Love and Logic comes to St. Paul! Every Tuesday at 6:00 pm -7:30 pm, October 20 through December 15 85 South Constitution Drive, Aurora, IL, in the Modulars in Gr. 4-5 Classroom

If you want to raise kids who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the real world, take advantage of the win-win approach to parenting. Your kids will win because they’ll learn responsibility and the logic of life by solving their own problems. And you’ll win because you’ll establish healthy control-without resorting to anger, threats, nagging, or exhausting power struggles. (Jim Fay)

This class will be taught by Principal Diane Katz and 4th/5th grade teacher Christine Dail. Sign up for this 8 week class and find the fun in parenting!

Order your book from the school office for $25 (make checks out to Diane Katz and write Love and Logic book in the memo). Scholarships for the purchase of the book are available. Childcare will be provided at no cost. Please sign up by October 9 via email to Christine Dail at cdail@stpaulaurora.org and share if you will need childcare.

Focus on the Family Please pick up your October Focus on the Family Bulletin on the table in the Narthex. As always, great info on parenting, and this month it’s “focus” is on celebrating Pastors.

3rd Sunday Pot Luck

GO Team (Outreach) is the host for the October 18 potluck. They are expanding the Potluck into a block party in conjunction with our Outflow Bible Study and want to extend an invite to all member families, school families and the neighborhood.

GO Team will supply burgers, dogs, water and lemonade. We need volunteers to bring grills and man them! Since we will be outside, congregation attendees are asked to forego the usual potluck fare and instead bring and share single serve bags of chips and/or single serve, easy to eat desserts such as cookies or pudding cups.

The goal is to have a quick grab and go meal so we can get to some fun yard games!

Please contact Heather Claxton to volunteer to grill, and don’t forget to sign up at the Information Desk!

March 20 & April 17, 2016 are still in need of a host! If your group would like to be a host, call Bruce Twedt at 630-892-2964.

Wayside Cross Ministries for October Thank you for the 41 tubes of toothpaste, 41 toothbrushes, 28 soaps, 10 deodorants, 4 razors, 1 shaving cream and 400 Advil tablets you donated to the men in the Master’s Touch Ministry at Wayside in September. The men are grateful for all these items which they badly need. In October, we will be collecting winter hats and gloves. They will be needed in the coming months. Please place your donations in the LWML box located outside the secretary’s office.

Thank you for your generosity. The men always appreciate the help we give them!

Discovery Discipleship and Membership Information Class Saturday, October 17, 8 am—2 pm During this one day class we will get back to the basics of and discuss the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective. Anyone wishing to become a member of St. Luke’s needs to participate in this class. Coffee and doughnuts and a light lunch is provided. The class is taught by Pastor Hoffman. Please sign up in the binder on the Information desk, or contact Chris Hansen in the Church Office.

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St. Luke’s Annual Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, November 14, 9 am to 2 pm.

Crafters and home-based businesses need to sign up now! (Previous vendors given priority through September 26 only.)

To reserve a booth, visit the church website at http://www.stlcfamily.org/

to download a copy of the application and agreement. Complete both forms and return with payment to the church office.

The cost of a booth is 8 X 8 for $20 or 8 X 10 for $25.

Some 8 X 10 spaces have electricity available for an extra $5.

Details will be added as they become available. For more information please contact Heather Claxton, 630-346-4518 or

the church office at 630-892-0310, x-111 or x-115.

Small Group for Young Adults and Parents with Small Children Jordan and Kate McCroskey would like to start a small group for young adults and parents with small chil-dren, to be held at their house, 610 Hawley Dr., Oswego, on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30. If interested contact them at jordan.mccroskey@gmail.com or 630-301-2930.

Serving Beyond the Rail The Chancel Guild is a traditional ministry working behind the scenes to assure the readiness, function and appropriateness of the altar, candles, paraments, and associated vessels, beyond the communion rail in the sanctuary. We consider it an honor to serve our Lord by preparing His table for the serving of Holy Communion. In this preparation are many details and duties. We would love to have your help! And yes, we even have men on our team! Please join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 pm, in the downstairs lunchroom. Any questions, please contact Connie at connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org.

Come and join us for the annual Women’s retreat

November 6 & 7, 2015 Kingfisher Lodge at

Hoover Outdoor Education Center in Yorkville, IL

3 meals, snacks, Bible study materials, & lodging: $40 Fun & Fellowship with women from St. Luke’s: priceless!

Sign up in the Binder at the Information Desk. If you have any questions, please call Stephanie Murray or Missy Hester.

FindpeaceandrestinthepsalmsofGod'sheart

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What Do You Do First?

The reason we come to Church on Sunday morning, as opposed to Sunday afternoon or Monday evening, is because it is the first day of the week. The first thing you do this week, before you do anything else, is come to Church. You begin your week with the Word of God, Prayer, and the Holy Communion. You give the first seventh, off the top, of your time to the Lord. He blesses that time. In that time, He forgives your sins, cleanses, and purifies you. He then sends you out into the world, into the week, as His in all your days and hours and life.

This is also the reason we pray before we eat. We want to establish that food is a gift from God and that He provides for us through it. Before we eat, we pray. This also blesses the food and makes it holy food because you are holy people.

Nonetheless, we have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives, to separate the spiritual and the secular, to put on different masks at work, with our friends, or at home. This is a fantasy. We are who we are wherever we are. We are the baptized and we never go anywhere alone. Everything we do is spiritual — including our use of time and food and money.

Now, you have a Christian duty to support the Church, to give of your time, money, and abilities so that the Ministry would be conducted among us and that the Gospel would be preached beyond us. How much you are to give is not dictated in the New Testament, unless it is everything. But how you are to give is clear. It is sacrificial, generous, first fruits, and proportional. You are to give a percentage offering—not an amount, but a percentage.

In the Old Testament ten percent was the norm. It’s hard to imagine that St. Paul was thinking that “being generous” would be anything less than this. But whatever it is, the point is to set your offerings in comparison to your total income. That is what makes it a sacrifice, a spiritual gift. How much of what the Lord provides do you return?

Next, it is to be first-fruits giving. It comes off the top. You write the check, or pay your offering, before you pay any of your bills. It is your first obligation and sets your priorities. You don’t pay your other bills and then give the leftovers to the Church. You make your offering first, in accordance with whatever promised percentage you made. This is not only first fruits, it is also sacrificial.

And you can always give more. Start with your commitment, with your percentage-based, first-fruits weekly offering, then as you have leftovers, give them out as it pleases you. But start with the Biblical model or percentage, first fruits.

That is how money is to be used and given by Christians. It is to be pressed into the service of the Gospel. It is not actually that hard. Start where you are and work toward greater faithfulness. Start now. Just take what you give now and figure out the percentage of your income and commit to keep that pledge for the year. Over time you can increase that commitment, that percentage. As your income fluctuates, going up or down, so will your offering amount. Set the percentage, then take that out of your check first each week. Make it a priority. It is the most important thing you do with your money. It is a spiritual exercise.

It will feel a little scary at first. Just do it. Take the risk. Set the money aside for the Lord and trust that He will provide. And over time you will find that you really can give more than 1% or even 10%, and even do so without regret. This kind of Biblical, disciplined, first fruit giving takes the unease out of it. It creates cheerful givers because when they drop the offering in the plate, they are already committed. They decided beforehand what to give. They don’t think about it. They are glad to fulfill their promise and to be in God’s house where He receives them according to grace.

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2015-2016 Budget & Income (#s reported are as of 9/27/15)

Monthly Need $87,595

Weekly Need $20,214

September Tithe $4,998

Accounts Payable $1,913

Concordia Plan Services (CPS) payments due (4) $48,993

Monthly Anticipated Income for September $59,500

Current Month’s To Date Contributions to General Fund $48,717

Current Month’s To Date Income Received from School to General Fund $20,000

Current Month To Date Contribution Total to General Fund $68,717

Previous Month’s Contribution Total to General fund $112,792

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 a specific fund 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.

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

Download a QR Reader app and scan here to make a contribution to

St. Luke’s from your mobile device.

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

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 thanksgiving 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

Last Week’s Attendance

Regular Worship September 26 & 27 229

Communed 201

Adult Bible Study 35

Sunday School Pre-K thru High School 26

Sunday School Teachers & Support 4

Confirmation 6-8th 20

Confirmation 9th 21

Confirmation Teachers & Support 12

Parking Lot Fund

As of September 30, 2015, the balance in our Parking Lot Fund is $18,512.06. Thank you for your donations and continued support for this project as we save for the main parking lot. We will keep you updated monthly on our progress.

Monthly Financial Update As discussed at our March 1 Congregational Meeting, in addition to the financial information provided weekly, we are updating you monthly to show where we are.

As of - 3/1/15 4/1/15 5/1/15

Monthly Need $96,691 $96,691 $96,961

Month’s Contributions $71,827 $179,414 $84,653

Accounts Payable $14,962 $2,629 $6,243

Mortgage Payments Owed $52,004 0 0

CPS Payments Owed $89,534 $75,408 $74,389

6/1/15

$96,961

$98,278

$10,611

0

$74,931

7/1/15

$96,961

$79,063

$1,956

0

$75,858

8/1/15

$96,961

$74,560

$3,859

0

$69,212

9/1/15

$87,595

$112,792

$6,095

0

$49,284

10/1/15

$87,595

$68,717

$3,810

0

$48,354

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63 Fernwood Road, Montgomery, IL 60538 Church 630-892-9309 / School 630-892-0310

Reverend Peter Hoffman, Senior Pastor Linda King, Principal

stlcfamily.org churchoffice@stlcfamily.org

DVDs are available! All services are recorded. If you would like a copy, please contact Paula at 630-892-9309 x-116, or leave a note on the credenza in the Narthex.

To Reach the Church During Services If you have an emergency during a scheduled worship service, and need to reach someone at the church, please call (630) 892-9309 ext. 140, and the ushers will take your call.

Newsletter Deadline Any new or updated articles and inserts for the weekly newsletter are due to the Church Office by 3:00 pm on the Wednesday before article is to run. Submit via email to connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org or mailbox #82. Any questions, contact Connie Pittman at 630-892-9309, x-115.

Please join us every Wednesday, as we join together in prayer for our

church and school. Meet you at church at 7:00 pm!

Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Fred Treftz Acolytes & Cross Bearers 5:30 Tyler Middendorf & Luke Granholm 8:00 Caleb Hester, Grace Auersch & Ethan Odean 10:45 Julie Adorjan & Vinny Hamann Chancel 5:30 Connie Pittman 8:00 Shelley Izzo 10:45 Lori Len Children’s Message 5:30 Steve Steinwart 8:00 Ruth Henning Fellowship Todd & Mary Ruch Finance Assistants Cheryl Somers Friendly Callers Tony & Nancy Abbattista Greeters 5:30 Joey & Anita Johnson 8:00 Al & Betty Matson, Joann Fiene & Bernadette O. Schmidt 10:45 Virginia Stahl & Ether Spitz Information Desk Attendant Marilyn Bogda Nursery 8:00 OPEN 9:30 OPEN 10:45 Kim Fuelling Organist/Pianist 5:30 Paula Cameron 8:00 Paula Cameron Readers 5:30 Kent Johnson 8:00 Paul Steinwart 10:45 Eileen Wendorf Sound & Video 5:30 Austin Albright 8:00 Dave Hester Ushers 5:30 Mickey & Caroline Dusenbury 8:00 Al Matson & Tim & Katie Moran 10:45 Scott Rentz & Carl Witt Worship Assistants Fred Treftz / Chuck Granholm

Servants for the Weekend of October 10 & 11

Panera Bread Pick Up for October 9

Lisa Steinwart

Planning Ahead Oct 11-OUTFLOW Sermons Start! Oct 11-High School & JR High Youth Group Oct 12-Culver’s Night Oct 12-Church Office closed / No school Oct 13-Ladies’ Night Out Oct 13-Chancel Meeting Oct 14-Prayer Meeting Oct 14-Mission & Ministry Meeting Oct 16-BINGO Night Oct 17-New Member Class Oct 18-3rd Sunday Potluck Oct 18-High School Youth Group Oct 18-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Oct 19-Autumn Leaves Chapel Oct 21-Prayer Meeting Oct 22-Leadership Meeting Oct 24-PADS begins Oct 25-High School & JR High Youth Group Oct 25-Confirmation Guide Meeting Oct 28-Prayer Meeting

Altar flowers are given this weekend by Terry & Brenda Kardatzke in celebration of

Kim & Ben Wallace’s 7th anniversary.