For the week beginning 11/16/2008

 

he earth will give birth to those who sleep in death on the day when Jesus comes to judge the living and the dead. But already now those who die in the LORD are alive with Him. In the celestial courts above they sing the eternal triumph song of angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. (Revelation) But that’s not all. Their bodies will rise. With robes made white in the blood of the Lamb, they stand before the throne of God to be sheltered by His love. There their tears are wiped away by His own hand. But not here. Here we weep the tears of the saints in exile, longing for our eternal home. (1 John) What we will be we do not know, only that now we are the children of God. Yet the church on earth and heaven is all one. We, too, are blessed by the Lamb who reigns above. (Matthew) Even now He pronounces His heavenly benediction on all who suffer for His Name and Kingdom. The poor, the meek, the peacemakers…all who belong to Him are blessed: theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. From saints below and saints above one song ascends to God and to the Lamb in the power of the Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

 

ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY FAIRE: Time is quickly approaching for our annual Arts & Crafts Holiday Faire, to be held in the Fellowship Hall—Sat., Nov. 1, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.; before and after the Saturday evening service; and on Sunday. Nov. 2, between services and after the late service. Lunch will be available on Saturday. As always, your donations are very welcome, and any crafts or canned food items can be brought to the WFH on Mondays, Oct. 20, & 27 (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). Also, ladies, get your recipes out. We need your delicious home-baked items. They are always such a big hit. Bakery items can be brought to the WFH on the Saturday morning of the Faire at 9:00 a.m. Thanks to everyone for your past patronage. We look forward to seeing you all again this year. For questions, contact Marion Dopke (262-782-1771).

ABOUT the TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: Two Kingdoms

– highlighting the Scriptures for the week –

 

ven mighty Cyrus, ruler of pagan Persia, governed unwittingly under the rule of the LORD (Isaiah).  His mighty empire existed for the sake of tiny Israel, to provide for the LORD’s chosen ones.  From the rising of the sun to its setting all men should know that there is no god but the LORD, who makes darkness and light and creates both prosperity and disaster.  So the Lord Christ explained to his detractors that God rules over two kingdoms:  Directly via His Word in the Kingdom of Heaven and indirectly via Caesar in the earthly kingdom (Matthew).  The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is the instrument of His Spirit and power for faith, hope, and love (1 Thessalonians).  Such faith produces work, such love prompts labor, and such hope inspires endurance in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

“CS2: The Journey Continues” is Coming Soon! “CS2: The Journey Continues” is a follow up on the Consecrated Stewards stewardship education and commitment process that helped many of our members grow in their spiritual lives and in the grace of giving last year. See the letter in your church mailbox concerning the events that begin next weekend. Mark Nov. 8-9 now as the time of our Consecration Weekend. And, please pray that God will bless this emphasis as a time of spiritual growth and commitment.

ABOUT the TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: A Feast Prepared

- highlighting the Scriptures for the week -

 

 

he LORD speaks of a feast to come; a victory yet to be revealed. (Isaiah)  “On this mountain” He will show His hand in the destruction of sin, death, and hell – wiping all tears from His people, removing their disgrace, and setting before them a rich banquet.  So it was that, in the fullness of time, our heavenly Father sent forth His servants to invite His guests to the wedding banquet of His Son.  (Matthew)  When the guests spurned His invitation, He opened up the Kingdom to one and all.  He even provides the appointed apparel.  Therefore, since the Lord is near, we all rejoice.  (Philippians)  Setting aside our anxiety, we bring our requests to the heavenly throne in petition, prayer, and thanksgiving.  And the transcended peace of God stands guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

WELCOME BACK, REV. ANDRUS:  This weekend we welcome back to EGL the Rev. David Andrus, Executive Director of Lutheran Blind Ministry. He will provide the message at all services and a special update briefing between the two Sunday worship services in the church nave. Please do come to hear his exciting news.

ABOUT the TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: the LORD’s Vineyard

 

– highlighting the Scriptures for the week –

 

n joyful anticipation of the harvest, the LORD Himself established Israel as His pleasant planting.  (Isaiah)  He spared nothing for her productivity.  Yet she produced not good grapes, but bad; therefore she would be destroyed.  As it was with Israel, so it is with the Church; God’s new testament people.  (Philippians)  Striving toward lies ahead, the church exercises all the energy He Himself supplies.  She presses on to take hold of that that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of her.  We’re not there yet; still the promised prize awaits all who abide faithful to the end.  On harvest day God the LORD awaits His produce.  (Matthew)  The vineyard He planted among Israel will bear abundant fruit – despite the original tenants’ rebellious mutiny.  Though they kill His Son, He has opened the vineyard (Kingdom) to all the world.  The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is the cornerstone of His church, whether Jew or Gentile. 

BLOOD DRIVE AT EGL on Monday, Oct. 6, funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Please consider being a blood donor. We need you to take advantage of the opportunity to donate blood, right here at Elm Grove LC. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2:00-7:00 p.m., in the Christian Life Center. Please sign up on the time slot sheet on the tract rack or call Ron Wegner (262-781-6897) for an appointment time.

ABOUT the TWENTIETH SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: Repentance and Faith

– highlighting the Scriptures for the week –

 

ot sin, but faith determines God’s response to sinners. (Ezekiel) Each person is held accountable for his own sin: if a righteous man turns to impenitent sin, he will die. On the other hand, a sinner who turns in repentance to the LORD will live; God is absolutely fair in His mercy toward fallen mankind. Those who have received mercy are merciful. (Philippians) Tenderness and compassion are the hallmarks of the company of the baptized faithful. United in love, spirit, and purpose, in humility each member of the church considers the other better than themselves. So also it is in the Father’s Kingdom. (Mathew) Not sin, but penitent faith determines our relationship with our heavenly Father. Wicked people who repent are included, while seemingly righteous people who refuse to obey are excluded. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

ABOUT the NINETEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: Surprised by Grace

– highlighting the Scriptures for the week –

 

he LORD is surpassingly rich in His grace.  (Isaiah)  He is full of mercy and abundant pardon.  His ways and thoughts, higher than ours, surpass all human understanding.  In our way of thinking, you get what you earn.  Not so in the Kingdom of God.  (Matthew)  Our heavenly Father rewards all by grace; those who work long and hard receive the same mercy, love, and life as those who penitently turn to Him at the eleventh hour.  It’s never too late for the love of God; we may call on Him while He is near.  Thus the faithful are sustained in life and in death.  (Philippians)  To depart and be with Christ is the best of all; yet to remain in the body means fruitful labor in Christ.  By the mercy of God, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CHILDREN IN AFGHANISTAN NEEDED: One of our military men, Jeff Netzel, is serving our country in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in Afghanistan. He wants to gather school supplies for children in Afghanistan who have no supplies. Pencils, small pencil sharpeners, crayons, crayones, sheet paper, or tablets are especially desired. Donations for shipping are also welcome. For more info or to donate, please contact Mrs. Linda Hoffmann before Sept. 24.

FALL SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASSES begin this Sunday, Sept. 14! Two teenage/adult classes are offered.

1. “Spiritual Images in the Chronicles of Narnia.” Location:  Christian Life Center.

Leader:  Pr. Eric Skovgaard.

2. “Revelation: A Testament of Hope.”

Location: Music Center.

Leader: Pr. Larry Myers.

ABOUT the EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST

Theme: The Forgiveness of Sins

– highlighting the Scriptures for the week –

 

oseph's brothers feared his retaliation. (Genesis)  Though they meant to harm him, God had taken their evil and turned it into good; Joseph would not repay evil with evil, but overcome evil with good.  There is no limit to the forgiveness in God's heart.  (Matthew)  While Peter sought to set limits on forgiveness, the love of God in Christ is boundless; it calls for all to forgive those who trespass against them as they have been forgiven.  So, too, it is within the church:  While there may be differing pieties, there are no struggles between those who do all things to the Lord's glory.  (Romans)  Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

October 2007

September 2007

 

Theme: God’s Abundant Salvation

HOSPITALIZED:  Marion Lexow (Franciscan Woods).