"for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these."  1 Timothy 6:7-8

It may seem odd that tomorrow morning we will be celebrating both the baptism of Emmett Byrley and the launch of our fall Stewardship campaign - but it shouldn't. When else but at our birth are we able to see so clearly how fully dependent we are on others for our very lives.

Jesus tells the story of a rich man who ignored the needs of the poor, even those who lived right outside his door. As he suffers in the afterlife for his selfishness, the rich man can only think of how to spare his own family from the consequences of their greed.

What would happen if we tried to imagine every person we met as a baptized infant, as an utterly dependent child? What might change if we considered every part of God's creation as a member of our own family?

Stewardship isn't about separating you from your money - it's about connecting you to your family. Come to church tomorrow ready to meet your new brother, Emmett.

In Christ,
Pastor Erik

Mike and Anika Byrley (along with Orla and Emmett) invite everyone to join them after worship tomorrow morning as the celebration of Emmett's baptism continues. There will be light food and refreshments available to tide you over until lunch, so plan now to stick around after worship for a little while.

Still not quite sure what to do tonight? Consider joining our friends at Wicker Park Lutheran Church as they host their Sixth Annual "World's Largest Potluck" this evening from 6:30pm to 10pm.

Aside from the best food imaginable, there will be children's activities and games, an Oreo stacking contest for children and a casserole contest for adults, along with music by the outstanding duo of Tim and Annie Akins... and much more!

On St. Luke's facebook page right now: