St. Paul's Lutheran Church

On this Veterans Day, our words of appreciation and gratitude to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families can never suffice for the sacrifices they have made for God and country. The devotion today is based on the scripture text from St. Paul’s letter to Titus. Titus 3:1-7 ... "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Has there been a time in your life when you have felt moved by God to a new way of being? This same invitation to conversion is echoed in Titus. Wherever we encounter grace, through the Spirit or the loving-kindness of God our Savior, we can be moved towards what is good. May the peace of Christ be with you always. +Vicar Ellen Lichtfuss

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints." During the month of November, the scripture readings help us to prepare our hearts and our minds for the coming of Jesus Christ into our midst, for his Advent.... How can we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming, the second coming, of Christ, who has ushered in a new kingdom, a new way of living and being here on earth? Jesus and Saint Paul urge us to stay awake and alert to the needs of others. To love others, our neighbors, the stranger, even our enemies, as well as ourselves. Trust in God and in His grace provided each of us through Jesus Christ. Encourage one another in the faith through prayer, kindness, patience, compassion. Jesus Christ is our light and our salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen!

We are still collecting 15 oz. cans of green beans to donate to: New Hope Ministries for their Thanksgiving Food Drive to feed those who are experiencing food insecurity. So far we have collected 73 cans. Our minimum goal is 100 cans by Nov 1st! ... Please bring your donation of canned green beans this Sunday. Let's see if we can exceed our goal and collect closer to 200!!! Thank you for your generosity.

Correction of email address for soup orders: [email protected] You'll need the "s" after paul !