Calling all Ladies
Calling all LadiesYou are invited to join HIS 2 (Hearts in Study-Hands in Service) All ladies are invited and welcome to join this once a month Bible Study and serve the Lord. [...]
Prayer List
Prayer ListOur Primary Prayer focus for this week is on Christ’s people on earth: For the Holy Spirit to be at work enriching faith through our Barnabas Ministry. Giving us hearts that are growing in the joy of giving generously to the mission of STL. For children to be raised in the nurture and encouragement of the Gospel. For new individuals to become members of the STL Prayer Chain. [...]
September 24, 2023 Bulletin
September 24, 2023 BulletinOnly let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. [...]
Poverty
PovertyI am not sure if my frustration is more with myself, the programs, or people in general.  The issue is the poverty I see all around.  And no, I am not talking about finances. [...]
My Beautiful View
My Beautiful ViewI spent last night at Weber’s Inn of Ann Arbor.  No – Monica did not ask for a “little space” or a “little time for me to be away.”  Retirement is going very well.  We (at least, I – I probably should not be proclaiming an assumption here … though we often complete each other’s sentences at home, I try to limit how often I do it in public) are enjoying our extra time together.  We are finding a pleasant balance of time together and apart.  We even enjoy going grocery shopping together – though we do not do it every time.  In other words, my view of retirement at this time is “beautiful”. [...]
September 17, 2023 Bulletin
September 17, 2023 BulletinIn the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [...]
September 10, 2023 Bulletin
September 10, 2023 BulletinTo God on high be glory And peace to all the earth; Goodwill from God in heaven Proclaimed at Jesus’ birth! We praise and bless You, Father; Your holy name, we sing Our thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’nly King. [...]
Lost between C + E
Lost between C + EI am finally giving in – whatever that means.  My laptop, which has been warning me for over a year, now completely refuses to type the fourth letter in the alphabet!  This makes typing something like this – along with virtually everything else – nearly impossible.  Talk about frustrating!  The three options I have come to are a) an over-reliance upon spell-check (which, unfortunately will not help every time), b) copy the letter from a previous document to be pasted in place whenever necessary, or c) insert an “x” every time I should be using that letter between C + E.  A fourth option, which I could not include in the previous sentence for obvious reasons, is to consistently use vocabulary options that will not require the use of that certain letter. [...]
Calling all Singers
Calling all SingersThe Kapelle starts the 2023-2024 singing season on Sunday, September 17, with rehearsal beginning at 8:30am. The Kapelle rehearses on the first, third and fifth Sunday (when there is a fifth Sunday). Singing in the choir is a wonderful experience meeting with friends, making new friends and learning beautiful music. But more importantly, the Kapelle’s mission is to edify the church through worship in song. Hope to see all current members returning, and, looking forward to welcoming new members. See you on September 17. [...]
Gail Burkholder Obituary
Gail Burkholder ObituaryThis is the visitation & funeral information for Gail Burkholder, Debbie Closurdo’s mother [...]
Losers
LosersIt is difficult for me to use the term “losers” these days without thinking of our Detroit Tigers.  While I have not taken the time to actually look up the statistics, I believe their main problem this year has been losing streaks.  How many times have they gone into a funk and then lost 5 or more games in a row! [...]
September 3, 2023 Bulletin
September 3, 2023 BulletinLord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [...]
Growing Faith Ministries Fall 2023
Growing Faith Ministries Fall 2023Through FHL @ STL you will experience: Spiritual growth – faith development in an environment that eliminates embarrassment, welcomes inquiry, and connects to daily life. Personal encouragement – hope that grows through shared stories, prayer, and the light of Jesus Christ piercing through the darkness of sin in our world. Supportive community – the love of Christ knocking down barriers, developing real friendships that go beyond Sunday morning, and filling lives with joy and freedom, peace and purpose. [...]
August 27th, 2023 Bulletin
August 27th, 2023 BulletinGod has promised forgiveness of sins to those who repent and turn to him. Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [...]
FUNDRAISER Buffalo Wild Wings – to support our MCREST week
FUNDRAISER Buffalo Wild Wings – to support our MCREST weekOn September 18th, present the ticket, available on a table in the west entrance, physically or digitally to your server and Buffalo Wild Wings® will donate 20% of your total bill back to your organization (not valid on web or third-party delivery orders). [...]
Well, Well
Well, WellWell, well, all is well … now!  However, things were not so well one week ago today.  How suddenly and quickly things can change … and how important it is for us to be flexible and patient … and trusting that our Lord will provide – even when things are not lining up as we had hoped. [...]
August 20, 2023 Bulletin
August 20, 2023 BulletinGod has promised forgiveness of sins to those who repent and turn to him. Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [...]
August 2023 Congregational Connector
August 2023 Congregational ConnectorJust because the kids go back to school soon doesn’t mean that summer is over. Enjoy what remains of it as we transition into the fall season. Reminder not to forget your St.Thomas family throughout not only summer but throughout the year as well. God is certainly great and continue to enjoy the many blessings He has bestowed on each and every one of us. [...]
Stanley William Jenkins Obituary
Stanley William Jenkins ObituaryStanley William Jenkins, age 79, of Warren, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. He was born Jan 2, 1944 in Linton, Indiana. Mr. Jenkins is the proprietor of Stosh’s Pizza in Center Line. [...]
Port Passing
Port PassingBirth Certificates?  Check.  Identification with Picture?  Check.  Official Photographs?  Check.  Completed Applications?  Check.  Checkbook?  Check.  We had everything we needed as we drove to the Mount Clemens Post Office for our 11:00 a.m. appointment.  The line was short … the process was efficient … all of the people were exceptionally friendly … and there were no surprises or hiccups.  We were back in our van headed home by 11:15, and in something like 10-13 weeks we should be receiving our first-ever passports. [...]
MCREST 2023
MCREST 2023We are fast approaching our MCREST week at the end of September from the 24th to the 30th. We will be responsible for food, laundry products and transportation expenses for approximately 55 women and children.  Please prayerfully consider a monetary donation to our MCREST restricted funds.  If you are able to apply for a Thrivent Team card please consider doing so. [...]
August 13, 2023 Bulletin
August 13, 2023 BulletinAnd Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” [...]
Timing
TimingEver since we moved from our home in Eastpointe to the condo (7 years ago), we have been in regular contact with the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).  In particular, we place unwanted and slightly used items in boxes and bags, go to their website to book a pickup date, and then appropriately place the items on our front porch.  There was a time when they seemed to be coming weekly for up to a dozen boxes each time.  Now the visits are much farther apart and the number of boxes smaller. [...]
August 6, 2023 Bulletin
August 6, 2023 BulletinLet your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [...]
Another Trade Deadline
Another Trade DeadlineThe MLB Trade Deadline each year is somewhere around July 31.  This year it was 6:00 p.m. on August 1 … and, just as happened a few years ago, Justin Verlander was traded to the Houston Astros.  Max Scherzer is now with the Texas Rangers, Jamer Candelario is back with the Chicago Cubs, and Michael Lorenzen will finish the season in Philadelphia.  Edwin Rodriguez used a clause in his contract to nix a trade, preferring to remain a Tiger, at least for the rest of this season. [...]
Help Raise Funds for Our MCREST Week
Help Raise Funds for Our MCREST WeekMonday, August 7th from 6 am – 10 pm. Enjoy a great meal and let your server know that you are from St. Thomas Lutheran and we will earn $$$. Andary’s Grill 23447 Gratiot Ave., Eastpointe [...]
No Excuses
No ExcusesThe week has been very busy, but that really is no excuse.  The truth is, I did not even wake up early enough to get an early start today.  I simply have no excuse for not having this one on time. [...]
July 30, 2023 Bulletin
July 30, 2023 BulletinWe admit and confess our sinfulness. We have turned away from each other in our thinking, speaking, and doing. We have done the evil you forbid and have not done the good you demand. We do repent and are truly sorry for these our sins. Have mercy on us, kind Father, because of the obedience of our brother, Jesus Christ, your Son. Forgive us all that is past, and with the power of the Holy Spirit move us to serve you faithfully. Set our feet upon the new path of life, and build your kingdom here through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [...]
July 23, 2023 Bulletin
July 23, 2023 BulletinWe admit and confess our sinfulness. We have turned away from each other in our thinking, speaking, and doing. We have done the evil you forbid and have not done the good you demand. We do repent and are truly sorry for these our sins. Have mercy on us, kind Father, because of the obedience of our Brother, Jesus Christ, your Son. Forgive us all that is past, and with the power of the Holy Spirit move us to serve you faithfully. Set our feet upon the new path of life, and build your kingdom here through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [...]
Funeral arrangements for Wendy Bridges
Funeral arrangements for Wendy BridgesVisitation is from 2:00pm – 9:00pm with service at 5:00pm [...]

September 2023