GENEROSITY
Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.
from Sundays and Seasons
CALLING A PASTOR
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)
Biography
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.
MEET AND GREET
Come meet Pastor Andrew on Sunday, November 10 immediately following worship service
VOTE ON BANK LOAN
We will be holding a brief congregational meeting November 17, following the vote to call a pastor, to vote on the bank loan for the window repair.
SILENT AUCTION FINAL SUNDAY
The final Sunday for our Silent Auction is this 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.
TAI'S PANTRY
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. The sign up sheets are also open for turkeys. Food boxes will be packed and distributed the Saturday before Thanksgiving (Saturday, November 23).
SNACKS FOR ELHS
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!
COMING IN DECEMBER
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!
The Gathering and St. Luke Guys will meet on Friday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Barbara Little's house.
Commemorations this week:
Thursday November 7
John Christian Frederick Heyer, died 1873; Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, died 1719; Ludwig Nommensen, died 1918; missionaries
Heyer was the first missionary sent out by American Lutherans. After teaching at Gettysburg College and Seminary he was assigned to the Andhra region of India. A worker among the Tamil people on the southeast coast of India, Ziegenbalg was opposed both by local Hindus and by Danish authorities who favored a different missionary style. He was known for caring about the welfare of the whole person. Nommensen was born in northern Germany and was sent to Sumatra as a Lutheran missionary. Working among the Batak people, he translated the scriptures into their language, and honored their native culture.
Heyer was the first missionary sent out by American Lutherans. After teaching at Gettysburg College and Seminary he was assigned to the Andhra region of India. A worker among the Tamil people on the southeast coast of India, Ziegenbalg was opposed both by local Hindus and by Danish authorities who favored a different missionary style. He was known for caring about the welfare of the whole person. Nommensen was born in northern Germany and was sent to Sumatra as a Lutheran missionary. Working among the Batak people, he translated the scriptures into their language, and honored their native culture.
Monday November 11
Martin, Bishop of Tours, died 397
Martin's pagan father enlisted him in the Roman army. Approached by a beggar, Martin cut his cloak in half and gave part to the man, whom he later understood as representing Christ. He asked to leave the army, but was jailed instead. After his release, he became a preacher, and later a bishop.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, died 1855
Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian whose writings also gave rise to the modern philosophy of existentialism. He frequently attacked the complacency of the state church of his day, as well as its desire to be accepted by polite society rather than be a stumbling block.
Martin's pagan father enlisted him in the Roman army. Approached by a beggar, Martin cut his cloak in half and gave part to the man, whom he later understood as representing Christ. He asked to leave the army, but was jailed instead. After his release, he became a preacher, and later a bishop.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, died 1855
Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian whose writings also gave rise to the modern philosophy of existentialism. He frequently attacked the complacency of the state church of his day, as well as its desire to be accepted by polite society rather than be a stumbling block.
Worship This Week
25th Sunday after Pentecost
November 10
Prayer of the Day
O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Amen.
Readings and Psalm
1 Kings 17:8-16
God feeds Elijah and the widow at Zarephath
God feeds Elijah and the widow at Zarephath
Psalm 146
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
Hebrews 9:24-28
The once for all sacrifice of Christ
The once for all sacrifice of Christ
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Mark 12:38-44
A widow’s generosity reveals the hypocrisy of the scribes
A widow’s generosity reveals the hypocrisy of the scribes
