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.