Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore

The congregations of Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore thank all who donated at the “God’s Work, Our Hands” food drive on Sept. 7. It was a very successful food drive with food covering the narthex, and more people from the community participating than last year. Two trips were made to LW Redeemer Lutheran Church on Sept. 8 to pick up all the donations.

The congregations will welcome new members this Sunday, Sept. 21, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost. Rev. Murray D. Finck, will preside over the holy Communion service that gathers at 13564 St. Andrews Drive at 10:30 a.m.

All singers are welcome to join the choir each Sunday for choir practice at 9:15 a.m.

Rhoda Finck is this month’s lesson reader, and Kathy Strople will be the prayer leader for service this month. Fellowship will continue after service in the Fellowship Hall with coffee, tea, cookies and snacks.

The midweek Bible study on the women of the Bible continues on Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the Fellowship Hall at noon. The group has moved on to the women in the New Testament Bible, beginning with Elizabeth and Mary, the mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus. All are always welcome to join. A study guide will be distributed.

All residents are welcome to join the study and bring a lunch and a Bible. There are drinks available and usually some baked goods for a small dessert. Rev. Finck leads the discussion every week. This is a great way to meet members and friends and to share an understanding of faith and the Holy Scriptures.

The gospel lesson for the week of Sunday, Sept. 21 comes from Luke 16:1-13 Jesus recites the story of a dishonest worker who ends up being praised by his master for his thinking outside the box. The worker thought he was going to be dismissed and reworked what various people owed his master; this way the people the worker helped would in turn help him if he was in need.

Jesus does not want his followers to act this shrewdly. He wants people to be aware of their goals and work toward them. If a person’s focus is on a comfortable life with lots of friends and people who admire them, Jesus is the goal for their life. Those who are focused on using their talents to bring themselves and others to God, they are focused on Jesus and everlasting life. Jesus reminds all that there is a difference between serving God and serving money and society.