Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost- September 28, 2025

This Week at a Glance

Strength in Mercy ...

O God, you declare your power chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Our collect this Sunday

opens with this kind reminder of a God that show’s power not through force but in mercy.

The true strength of God is revealed in compassion, forgiveness, and tenderness. Therefore, we pray to be granted the fullness of [God’s] grace, for grace is what we need to feel God’s fullness. The key to a heavenly life, it seems, depends upon not only our reception of God’s forgiving grace, but also the ability to show grace to others. May we feel the presence of God as we accept the mercy of a God who loves us unconditionally, that we may be seen by the way we love. Amen

Peace,

John+

Youth Faith Formation and More

CLASSES OFF TO A GREAT START!

ALL parents and youth -- Join us Sundays at 9:45am to participate in our Youth Faith Formation offerings and more during the week ...

• Faith Formation -- Our classes began last Sunday and will continue throughout the year! We are using Mini Revolutions, a curriculum from Illustrated Ministry that follows the liturgical calendar and emphasizes inclusive theology, adaptability, and belonging. No preregistration is needed—just come and join us, and the rest will follow.

• Storytime and Lamplighters -- Storytime is open to children ages birth to 4 years and their caregivers. Come for a short story and social connection! Lamplighters is our after school ministry for kids, where they enjoy games, fellowship, and Bible exploration.

• And, dont' forget Rite 13, Fun Fridays, Confirmation, and more ... read all about St. Luke's youth programming in our weekly newsletter The Rhode to Emmaus

• One More Thing -- Worship Bags! A small but mighty team has been working hard to plan and create these bags, which will provide age-appropriate tools to help our youngest parishioners engage with worship. The goal is simple: to nurture children’s sense of belonging in our worshiping community and to support families as they participate in worship together. You can help bring this vision to life by purchasing supplies through our Amazon Wishlist. All items purchased will automatically ship directly to the church. Thank you for supporting this ministry!

FAMILY TABLE

EXCITING NEWS! We have introduced a new program after Lamplighters and Storytime and before Adult Faith Formation called Family Table. It is held every Wednesday at 5:30PM in the dining room. Please join us for a super casual intergenerational dinner open to the entire congregation with a goal of providing fellowship and building community. Our next dinner will be on Wednesday, October 1st--see more below!

St. Luke’s Acolyte Ministry

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

I’m reaching out to invite you to help us reinvigorate an important and cherished ministry at St. Luke’s: the Acolyte Ministry.

Acolytes play a vital role in our worship services. Their presence enhances the beauty and flow of our liturgy, and the experience offers something deeply meaningful in return. Serving as an acolyte draws you into the heart of the service, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective and a deeper connection to the life of the church. Many former and current acolytes carry fond memories of their time in this role – some even ran up to me before services, eager to jump in and help. There was a real sense of camaraderie and joy.

One of the most memorable moments for many is the first time they carry the cross and lead the procession – it’s a powerful and uplifting experience. 

Over the past two decades, we’ve been blessed with years when more than 20 young people served as acolytes annually. However, over time, our numbers have declined. I believe we can rebuild this ministry into something vibrant and thriving once again.

Children aged 10 and up are warmly invited to serve, and we’ve now opened the ministry to adults as well. It would bring great joy to see acolytes once again carrying the cross and flanked by torchbearers at the 10 AM service.

If you or your child are interested in participating, I encourage you to reach out to the church office, to Julie, or to me directly. Let’s bring this ministry back to life – together. 

With gratitude and hope,

Charlie & Julie Cronin

Upcoming Events

Take Action

Our Grapevine of Gratitude

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches… You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. John 15:4-5, 16-17

Gratitude is abundant for the many blessings -- both great and small -- shared within our St. Luke's community. Enjoy more new Highlights from the Vine...

Christ Community Kitchen Lunch on the Hill Loaves and Fishes

Godly Play Angel Choir St. Cecilia Choir

The Amigos!

Altar Guild Pastoral Care Committee

Women of Grace

Everyone is invited to help the grapevine flourish with thankfulness for the good news of Christ that we share and experience at St. Luke’s!

Thank you! The Adult Faith Formation Team

Office Hours in September

Throughout September, office hours will be 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Friday.



NEED A NAMETAG?

Email the Parish Office (admin@stlukeseg.org)

or call the office (884-4116) to submit your information.

We will post your nametag on the wall board asap!

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