Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.

 

from Sundays and Seasons

The congregational council of St. Luke Lutheran Church in McDonough, Georgia recommend to the congregation that the Reverend Andrew Lewis be called as Pastor of this congregation, at a special congregational meeting to be held November 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (immediately following worship service)

Pastor Andrew's father was a military chaplain, and he was raised in a general Protestant background.  Pastor Andrew felt called to the ministry in the 9th grade while on a wilderness youth trip.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion/Religious Studies in 2010 from the University of Georgia; his Master of Divinity degree in 2013 from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University; and his Master of Sacred Theology in Liturgical Studies from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbia, SC in 2015.  Pastor Andrew has served two congregations in Minnesota as an intern pastor and associate pastor/vicar; has served as full time pastor for five years in a Georgia congregation, and most recently has served as interim pastor at another local Lutheran church awaiting call.  In addition, Pastor Andrew currently serves as an Army Reserve Chaplain, completing two years of an eight year commitment.  He is very familiar with our congregation, having been a supply pastor for us approximately a year and a half ago.  

Pastor Andrew is married, with two small children.  He and his family live in Sandy Springs. 

Come meet Pastor Andrew on Sunday, November 10 immediately following worship service

Our silent auction, will be held this Sunday, November 3, and Sunday November 10.  Please check out the items up for bid, and make an offer.  Proceeds support our Family Christmas Craft Fair, to be held the second Saturday in December. 

Thank you to everyone who has and continues to bring in food items for our food pantry.  Please check on the food pantry to be sure it stays stocked up.  Have you seen our chalkboard in the narthex?  It has a list of items needed for that week.  

THE TURKEY RETURNS! 

Our Thanksgiving Food Box Turkey is back in action!  He is stationed at the front office window, and he holds small grocery lists.  Take a list on Sunday, return the groceries on the following Sunday, and watch our food box supplies grow.  Food boxes will be packed and distributed the Saturday before Thanksgiving (Saturday, November 23).  

We will continue to collect snacks for Eagle's Landing High School for a few more weeks.  Please drop off your contributions in the narthex.  The high school students will be very happy to see them! 

Our upcoming ministry projects are the Family Christmas Craft Fair, backpacks for the winter break, and the Jesse Tree.  We will have a family for the Jesse Tree this year.  Watch this newsletter for additional information on these projects as we learn more! 

Many thanks to Judy and Ed Joyner, Wilma and Loren Nace for hosting a great Oktoberfest party!  Thank you to Dave and Judy Barkdoll for bringing the campfire stove!  Everyone had a great time.  If you were not able to attend, please join us next year!