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Lesson for This Weekend — Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” We cannot keep the Law of God perfectly. We are sinners. For us to be saved, Jesus had to fulfill the Law perfectly in our place. Although the threat of the Law is abolished, the Law is upheld. For in Christ we now desire to fulfill the Law, to live out a godly Christian life in thanksgiving to God for His gracious work of salvation.

This Week at St. Luke’s Sunday, February 9

7:00-Prayers (Prayer Room) 8:00-Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30-Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 10:45-Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) 4:00-Confirmation 9th (Downstairs) 6:00-Confirmation 6-8th (Various)

Monday, February 10

CULVER”S NIGHT 3:30-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:30-Cub Scouts (FLC, Boardroom & Kitchen) 6:30-Boy Scouts (Small Gym) 6:30-Girl Scouts (School Classrooms)

Tuesday, February 11

1:00-Senior Bible Study (Library) 3:00-Alden Worship (Alden’s) 3:30-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:00-Adult Bells (Balcony) 6:30-Ladies Night Out (Noodles) 6:30-Girl Scout Service Unit Meeting (FLC & Boardroom) 7:00-Choir (Balcony) 7:00-Crossways (Library) 8:00-Men’s Basketball (FLC)

Wednesday, February 12

6:00-Praise Team Practice (Sanctuary) 6:00-God & Family/Scouts (Boardroom)

Thursday, February 13

9:30-Moms in Prayer (Prayer Room) NOON-OWLS Luncheon (Grandma’s Table) 3:30-Piano Lessons (Sanctuary) 6:00-Stephen Ministry (Classroom Downstairs) 6:00-Private Soccer Rental (FLC) 7:00-School Board (Library) 7:00-Troop 12 Committee Meeting (Small Gym)

Friday, February 14

6:00-PreK-4th Grade Dance (FLC, Kitchen & Small Gym) 7:00-Prayer Initiative (Sanctuary) 7:30-5-8th Grade Dane (FLC, Kitchen & Small Gym)

Saturday, February 15

Scout Weekend 5:30-Worship Service (Sanctuary) 6:00-PADS (FLC, Kitchen, Small Gym)

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of

the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Welcome to Worship! Members and Visitors—Please complete the worship attendance cards in the pews and

place them in the offering plates. If you are visiting with us, we welcome you!

We hope to meet you at Fellowship time (Sunday, 9-9:25 am).

Regular Worship Services Saturdays, 5:30 PM

Sundays, 8:00 & 10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study

Sunday 9:30 AM A staffed nursery is provided

for children 3 and under during the Sunday morning worship

services and Bible Study hour.

St. Luke’s Vision Powered by the Holy Spirit we: Trust God! Live an Extreme Faith! Are Bold in God’s Word! Bring People Home to Christ! Fully Commit to the Body of Christ! Pray and Worship with Enthusiasm! Expect Results!

JANUARY 2014 Member Directory Available NOW

The latest update of Keeping Connected, your St. Luke’s member directory is now available at the board by the Narthex desk. Also included in the directory is the updated Staff and Leadership members page. Pick one up and stay connected to your St. Luke’s family!

February 8 & 9, 2014

Altar flowers are given this weekend by Bernadette O. Schmidt in loving memory

of her beloved husband, Vincent A. Schmidt, on his 90th birthday.

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They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship…” Acts 3:42

1. Men’s Class—Blessed is the Man—(Church Library) Rediscover the adventure in life and strengthen your Biblical knowledge—all through the study of the Psalms. We continue with the final volume of this series which offers a combination of weekly personal study with a group discussion. It’s a great time to get in the Word! Real Men. Real Stories. Real Savior.

2. Study of the Gospel of Luke is led by Ben Harding in the FLC. Luke’s carefully written Gospel, compiled from both oral and written accounts, points to God’s gracious salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. The peace that Christ has brought to the world enables us to break out in a liturgy of praise. Luke speaks to us about God’s plan for bringing salvation to both Jew and Gentile; believers’ unceasing joy upon hearing the Good News; the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and in our own; and the enduring value and importance of prayer.

3. Sunday School Lessons for Parents is led by Bob Toepper in the 7th & 8th grade homeroom just below the main entrance to the church. It is designed for parents of Sunday School children. We will study the Sunday School lesson the children will be studying on that day. But anyone who wishes to better acquaint themselves with Bible stories is also welcome.

4. Essentials of Parenting: Be Prepared is led by Jan Hoffman in the Boardroom. It presents practical plans for dealing with dangers including internet porn, alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, and premarital sex. You’ll see how to resist the impulse to overprotect your child—and gain insights to help you prepare him or her for the world of today and tomorrow. This is a 12 week course that will give you advice from some of the top Christian parenting experts.

Choose a study and begin today to strengthen your faith and knowledge!!

Adult Bible Studies

Sunday Mornings, 9:30—10:30 AM

Calling All Kids! Join us for Sunday School!

Sundays - 9:30 to 10:30 am Classes for all children and youth from Pre-School through High School

We will meet in the small gym for singing and opening prayer, then children go to class with their teacher. There will be lesson topics in the newsletter each week so parents can know what their children are learning. The High School Class will meet in the 7-8th Grade Classroom at 9:30am.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn.

Moms in Prayer Thursdays at 9:30, Prayer Room Questions? Contact Stephanie Murray at stephaniemurray@stlcschool.com

Come experience God’s peace and hope when you pray alongside other moms.

2/9 Lesson / Scripture Key Verse Bible Point K-High School

Jesus Is Baptized. Matthew 3: 13-17

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Jesus is God’s Son.

2013 Year-End Contribution Statements Your year-end offering statements are available at the information desk in the Narthex. Please pick up your statement this weekend! If you have any questions on your statement, please contact Connie in the church office at 630-892-9309, x-115.

MOPS Canceled MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers), which was to begin meeting the 2nd Friday of each month, has been canceled until further notice.

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Chancel Meeting Rescheduled That means you still have time to consider serving with us! The Chancel Guild is a traditional ministry working behind the scenes to assure the readiness, function and appropriateness of the altar, candles, paraments, and associated vessels, beyond the communion rail in the sanctuary. We consider it an honor to serve our Lord by preparing His table for the serving of Holy Communion. In this preparation are many details and duties. We would love to have your help in carrying out these duties. And yes, we even have men on our team! Please join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, February 18, 7 pm, in the School Lunchroom downstairs. Any questions, please contact Connie at connie.pittman@stlcfamily.org.

God Sightings Leadership Council, in an attempt to open our eyes to God's presence in our lives, will have cards and a drop box on Narthex desk starting this weekend. These cards will say "I saw God working in my life this week.....". Please use these cards to share a brief story about how God showed himself to you. These stories will be published in the newsletter each week. Please feel free to put your name down too. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Steinwart at steinwart@aol.com or call 630-892-5250.

LCFS Auxiliary—South Fox Valley Zone The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 18, at St. Luke’s. Registration is at 11:30 am with a pot luck following at Noon. Our mitten tree was a huge success! Many thanks to everyone for their help!

OWLS Luncheon The OWLS February luncheon will be Thursday, February 13. We will meet at NOON at Grandma’s Table, 1700 S. Douglas Rd., Montgomery. We will have the private room which is accessed through a separate entrance at the back of the building. Do not arrive early as the room will not be available before noon! Please be sure to sign up on the OWLS board so that we can provide the restaurant with the number of attendees. We will order from the menu. OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) is fellowship for all people aged 60 + or younger if you want to join us! ! If you have any questions, call Barbara Murray at 630-892-0292.

Ladies’ Night Out Ladies’ Night Out is Tuesday, February 11, at Noodles on Rt. 34, in front of the Walmart in Oswego. We will meet at the restaurant at 6:30, or you can call for a ride. Any questions, contact Pat Freeman at 630-859-2874, or Nancy McNeilly at 630-896-2348.

Valentine’s Available It’s the last weekend to get those cards for Valentine’s Day! Check out the bottom shelf of the LWML Card display in the Gathering Area. Cards are just .50 and sales help support LWML’s missions.

Next Discover Discipleship and Information Class All those who are interested in discovering what the Bible says and basic teachings of the Lutheran church should plan to attend this information class. The class will meet on Saturday, March 8, 2014, from 8 am to 3 pm. A continental breakfast and light lunch is provided. This class is required for those who are seeking to become members of St. Luke’s. After completion of the class there will be an opportunity to be received into St. Luke’s membership on Palm Sunday, April 13, during the 10:45 service. Those planning to attend are asked to sign up on the participants list located in the binder at the information desk. Contact Chris at the church office (630) 892-9309 x-111, or Debby Springborn at 630-362-6952. ***Breaking News on Membership Classes*** If you are not able to attend an all-day Saturday class, there will be an evening class which will meet in May, once a week for 3 weeks. Watch for details!

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STEADFAST LOVE!

63 Fernwood Road Montgomery, IL 60538 Church 630-892-9309 School 630-892-0310

Reverend Peter Hoffman, Senior Pastor Mrs. Robi Flach, Principal

stlcfamily.org churchoffice@stlcfamily.org

Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Fred Treftz Acolytes & Cross Bearers 5:30 Sam Just & Nathan Zinzer 8:00 Nick Moran, Doug Treftz & Joel Scott 10:45 Payton Kiger & Mackenzie Murray Chancel 5:30 Brenda Kardatzke 8:00 Connie Pittman 10:45 Angie Daniels Children’s Message 5:30 Steve Steinwart 8:00 Sue Fitzsimons Fellowship Paul & Carol Steinwart Finance Assistants Irene Pappa & Eleanor Kothera Friendly Callers Fred & Jo Tansey Greeters 5:30 Cliff & Marilyn Bogda 8:00 Al & Betty Matson & Joann Fiene 10:45 Paul & Carol Steinwart Kiosk Attendant Christine Benda Nursery 8:00 Shirley White 9:30 Shelley Izzo 10:45 Julia Kothera Organist/Pianist 5:30 Beth Omar 8:00 Beth Omar Readers 5:30 Steve McGraw 8:00 Heather Claxton 10:45 Del Gerth Sound & Video 5:30 Austin Albright 8:00 Chris Etheredge Ushers 5:30 Bruce Twedt & Brett Granholm 8:00 Daryl Sharp, Steve Fitzsimons & Del Gerth 10:45 John Odeal & Kelly Biebel Worship Assistants Fred Treftz / Chuck Granholm

Servants for The Weekend of February 15 & 16

Planning Ahead Feb 16-Family Life Board Meeting Feb 16-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Feb 17-No School Feb 17-GO Team Meeting Feb 18-LCFS Auxiliary Meeting Feb 18-1st Communion Class Feb 18-PALS Meeting Feb 20-School Marketing Team Feb 22-Market Day Feb 23-Confirmation JR High Guide Meeting Feb 23-JR High Youth Group Feb 25-1st Communion Class Feb 27-Leadership Meeting March 1-LWML March 1-Skate Night March 2-7/8th Grade Breakfast Fundraiser March 2-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th

DVDs are available! All services are recorded. If you would like a copy, please contact Paula at 630-892-9309 x-116, or leave a note on the credenza in the Narthex.

To Reach the Church During Services If you have an emergency during a scheduled worship service, and need to reach someone at the church, please call (630) 892-9309 ext. 140, and the ushers will take your call.

Newsletter Deadline Any new or updated articles and inserts for the weekly newsletter are due to the Church Office by 3:00 pm on the Wednesday before article is to run. Submit via email to connie.pittman@stlcamily.org or mailbox #82. Any questions, contact Connie Pittman at 630-892-9309, x-115.

Panera Bread Pick Up February 14 Mary Mueller

Truly-Wed Game CANCELED Due to lack of participation, the Truly Wed Game scheduled for February 15 has been canceled.

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2013-2014 Budget & Income (#s reported are as of 2/2/14)

Monthly Need $91,305

Weekly Need $21,070

Current Month’s To Date Contributions $11,509

Current Month’s To Date Income Received from School $13,200

Current Month To Date Total $24,709

Previous Month’s Total $65,514

Current Accounts Payable $140,036

JANUARY Tithe $4,051

Worship Attendance

Regular Worship February 1 & 2 298

Communed 196

Adult Bible Study 29

Sunday School Pre-K thru High School 24

Sunday School Teachers & Support n/a

Confirmation 6-8th n/a

Confirmation 9th n/a

Join The Go Team Do you think you could do more?

Do you want to get more involved?

The Go Team is a group of passionate people interested in bringing others to Christ.

Be part of the change!

Plan on attending our next meeting. Monday, February 17 at 6:30-7:30 PM

Questions? Call Christine at 630-779-2672.

Kiosk Bill Binder You now have the opportunity to help your church by paying on specific unpaid invoices! A white binder is located on the Kiosk. In the binder is a list of current accounts payable and several envelopes for each vendor. Please pull an envelope for the vendor you want to help pay. Complete the information on the envelope. Place the envelope, with your check payable to St. Luke’s, in the offering plate.

Wayside for February "I am thankful for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for loving me when I didn't love myself. I'm also grateful to God for putting my family back into my life, especially my children." This was written by Melvin who graduated from the Master's Touch program at Wayside and now works there.

LWML supports the men at Wayside by collecting needed items monthly.. The items for February will be TOILETRIES (razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant). Please put your donations in the LWML box located outside the secretary's office.

Thank you for your support and for your prayers for the men at Wayside. Thank you for the toothpaste and razors you donated in January. The men are always so grateful and so are we.

My family and I would like to extend our belated thanks to all of our St. Luke's friends who sent so many encouraging cards and those who visited George during his three months of illness. Having visitors helped to shorten the otherwise long days. We thank Pastor Hoffman, whose last visit came as the end was near and George was fairly alert. And then there was Ralph Gabrielson, accompanied by Helen, who came faithfully every Thursday to have a short devotion with Communion.

We do appreciate all the love and compassion shown.

Annetta Grever and family

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This year God has opened my heart and helped me to cross the street and help a few homeless people. I was just like the people in the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. For so long, I wasn’t the Good Samaritan, but I was just like the people who would walk on the other side of the road to avoid those in need. Every day on my way to work for the last year, I would pass a woman with a dog, and three men. Each sitting at different street corners. I prayed, asking God to tell me what he wants me to do. I wanted to help, but truly did not know how to help. I confess, I was scared also. I don’t know what I was afraid of, but it was a true feeling. God finally showed me what he wanted me to do. I have to remember, He does things in his time not necessarily when we want the answer. I found the strength (really God working in me) to stop and talk to the woman. I now stop and talk with each of them every day. I try to help them as much as I can by bringing food and buying them a cup of coffee and breakfast. However, each day I make it a point to stop and talk with each of them. I no longer walk on the opposite side of the street. I hope by my sharing God’s love it brings some joy to their day. The 3 men have a place to sleep each night. Unfortunately, the woman with the dog is not allowed to sleep in the homeless shelters because of her dog. I understand this rule. However, those with pets understand the love between a pet and their owner. This dog has been with her for 5 years and she will not give him up. I worry about her every night because she is sleeping outside. Another lady named Debbie (who also has been helping my homeless friend Carol) and I have been working to find help for Carol. Carol has a story, as we all do. All assistance for the homeless turn away those that have a dog or a cat. Please pray for my special friends, especially for my friend Carol. (Irene Pappa)

This story started a few months ago, but came to life last Thursday. I have a co-worker at work, who I got to know fairly well working third shift with him during the strike in Joliet back in 2012. A few months ago I noticed he was a little distraught and tried to talk to him about it but he wasn't quite ready to open up. He did mention to me that at that time he was trying to get back into the Bible, seemed like he might have been having trouble at home. For the next couple of months he continued to be distraught. I would make sure to say hello to him and let him know I was there to talk. Last Thursday I came out of one of the office areas and noticed him out of the corner of my eye. He was on the phone and he didn't look happy. I stopped the direction I was heading and looked back at him, he then got off his phone and came over to where I was. It was then he finally decided to open up and tell me about what his troubles were. He let me know that he is going through a divorce, and it appeared to be an ugly one. He mentioned that when he was getting into the Bible he was looking into what it meant to be a good father and good husband because he had felt he was to blame for the failed marriage. I stood and listened to him for a while. I encouraged him to remain focused on his children especially as he feels the marriage is not reconcilable. I know God has put me in this situation for a reason and I hope that I can help make this difficult time for my friend be just a little easier. (Elias Omar)

God has been so present in my life in so many ways, but this week He has protected my precious children as they traveled during the storms. I see Him in the smiles of the staff at the hospital as they help families and patients when they are dealing with health concerns, struggles, and painful situations. God was with me when my dear friend called to tell me her Mother went to Heaven. He gave me words to help comfort her and the patience to listen when she needed to talk. I feel blessed to know this wonderful family. (Mariann Benda)

I'm sitting at my desk today contemplating "concerns" at work and pretty much having a little pity party Monday, when I look out my window and see a guy riding his bike down the street...in -25 degree wind chill - a nice reminder of how small my "concerns" are...thanks God. (Steve Steinwart)

I was having a particularly crazy day at work last week. I had been gone for 6 days from my office and came in to work on Friday. I don't usually work on Fridays and probably didn't have the best attitude that day. One of my patients that day was an elderly gentleman who needed new hearing aids. While in my testing booth, he read a small poster I had hung many years ago. He commented on it after the testing was done. He pointed to the poster and thanked me for reminding him of God's power. The poster reads:

"Good morning, this is God. I will be handling all of your problems today.

So relax and have a great day". I had really forgotten about this little poster and thanked my patient for pointing it out. It caused a U-Turn in my day. (Lisa Steinwart)

God works through all of us. Tonight, walking out of choir practice, thinking that everyone was already gone, imagine my surprise when I saw a large group of my choir running around with scrapers, getting the snow off of everyone’s cars! They didn’t even know whose cars they were. They just saw the snow and ice on the windshields and went to work- even though it was bitterly cold and a few of them didn’t even have gloves. Tonight, their hands were God’s hands. (Lisa Steinwart)

God Sightings...

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Servants Still Needed!

We are to serve our Lord with gladness! Our church cannot operate without your help! The positions listed still need to be filled by St. Luke’s members:

Please prayerfully consider these needs and how they can be filled with your gifts. If interested or have questions on any position, contact the church office at stlukes11@aol.com, or 630-892-9309, x-111, or x-115.

We need everyone to share in making our church a successful house of God!

Adult Education leaders Sunday School teachers Praise Team drummer

Chancel members Youth leaders

Choir members Coffee Hour volunteers

Friendly Callers & Coordinator—filled! Nursery volunteers

Church Librarian—filled! Share-a-Meal Coordinator– filled!

Funeral Luncheon Coordinators filled! Ushers

Greeters 5:30 Sound Board

St. Luke’s School News and Notes Divine Dollars Need something to give your special someone for Valentine's Day? Why not get them a gift card they will enjoy? Or get gift cards to take them to their favorite restaurant? Come and check our selection of cards on Sundays from 9-9:30 in the FLC.

Campbell's UPC's and Box Tops The first graders are still in the over all lead, but there is plenty of time to catch them. Mrs. Quaid's pre-school class is still in the lead. However, Mrs. Paydon's class is getting close to passing them. If you are unsure what needs to be turned in, turn the whole label in and we will gladly do the rest.

Market Day News First I want to say thank you to all of our school parents and students who have helped out with the Market Day program this year. WE certainly could not do this without you guys!

Our next scheduled pick up is Saturday, February 22 starting at 10:30. Please have your orders in the Market Day box on the wall outside the school office by the late service on Sunday, February 16. Online orders can always be placed until 11 pm on the Wednesday before pick-up. There are a few new products to try this month including Cheeze-It Snack Packs, Dijion Encrusted Pork Chops, and Fudge Dipped Brownie Pops. With a $40 purchase this month, you will receive a sample of the Five Cheese Garlic Toast, and with an online order of $90 you can enter code FEBBONUS to receive a free Cheese Ravioli, so please take advantage of these deals! Be sure to see the Market Day flier for details on the Frequent Buyer Program that starts this month! Thanks again for all your support! As always, if you have any questions or would like us to place your order, call Amie Kiger at 630-906-0637 or Barb Schmalz at 630-892-7306.

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Join Us 4…..

The 7/8 grade talent show!!!

What: talent show presented by 7/8 grade

When: March 7th, 2014

Time: 6pm

Where: St. Luke’s gym

Why: to raise money for the 7/8 grade trip to Washington, D.C.

Who???

YOU!!!!

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