January 16, 2025

If you are able to help, please sign up using the links above. Training will be provided! Contact Amy Steenson with any questions.

Pastor Trudy's Message

Preaching Text: Luke 4:14-30 

Jesus picks a fight with the hometown crowd!  Remember our work to allow each Gospel writer to tell the story about Jesus they wish to tell? It gets harder this week when Luke tells the story of Jesus rejecting the hometown crowd. In most Bibles, it still says that Jesus is rejected, but when we read the text we find a lot of love and praise for Jesus. Jesus turns on them. In this case love and praise will hold Jesus back from going to do the hard work of proclamation. He needs to get about the work God has called Him to do. Have you ever needed to leave something behind in order to follow God’s lead?

God our Guide, You call us beyond other’s expectations of us and into the unique work You have for us to do. Inspire us by Jesus’ witness to boldly move into Your call for us. In His name we pray, Amen.

WONDERING...

Real questions from real people to learn more about faith.

What if we can’t tell if something is good or bad?

Please Note: The chapel will be closed during worship through February 2 for First Communion classes. Please plan to sit in the sanctuary. Thank you!

• Help us embody Jesus’ message of liberation and justice in our communities.
• Teach us to be good stewards of the earth, and inspire us to advocate for sustainable practices that benefit creation.
• May dignity and compassion guide our interactions and decisions.
• We lift up those who are burdened by physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions.
• For those dealing with new medical diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Help us turn to you for hope and strength, and help us create a world where all can experience the fullness of life that Jesus’ proclaims.
• Help us to keep striving to better the world for future generations.
• For those affected by the fires in California.
• For Carolyn Laboda

Trusting in your mercy and grace, we lift up all of our prayers to you. Amen.

Click HERE to read more about the ELCA emergency reponse to the wildfires in California.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church is an ELCA church in West Chicago that is vibrant in many ways, especially in their ministry to recent immigrants from Latin America. You may remember hearing about food distributions GLC supported at St. Andrew during the pandemic. St. Andrew is facing financial challenges and reached out for help and support. Your council voted to direct some of that 10% (4%-just over $10,000) from our first quarter (Sept 1- Nov 30) directly to St. Andrew. We have also put together a team to offer other support to make sure this essential ministry to our neighbors in West Chicago continues. Let council know if you have question! Contact Kraig Mickelsen.

Results of Last Week's Poll:

Would you rather...

If you’re looking to be baptized or have your child baptized, please plan on attending a baptism information class on Sunday, February 2 immediately following the 10:30AM worship service in the Chapel. Contact Michelle Lata with questions or to RSVP.

Thursdays beginning January 23 at 9:30AM and 7PM in the Chapel

Sometimes it is important to go back to the basics…this is what we will do on four Thursday mornings and evenings during the season of Epiphany! Contact Pastor Trudy for more information.

January 23 - Basics of the Bible

January 30 - Basics of Prayer

February 6 - Basics of Lutherans

February 13 - Ask PT Anything!

Come learn more about mission trip opportunities at Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) in eastern Kentucky. Previous attendees will share their experiences and answer any questions about how you can serve. Contact Michelle Lata for more information. Both meetings will be in Room 213.

Adult Mission Trip Meeting - Sunday, January 19 at 11:30AM

HS Youth Mission Trip Meeting - Sunday, February 2 at 11:30AM

Every Sunday at 6PM, a driver is needed to pick up approximately 12 boxes from Trader Joe’s in Batavia and deliver to Hesed House in Aurora. Click HERE for more info and to sign up.

Click HERE to see pictures from the last week!

To see all weekly and special events please check our calendar.