You’ve heard of “Christmas in July?” Get ready for “Easter in September!” This week we hear the story of Jesus raising a widow’s dead son from the dead in the village of Nain. He tells her what at first seems sort of rude: “Don’t cry!” What a thing to tell a weeping mother! But Jesus speaks as one who can actually do something about death. We can’t. But He can! He’ll die as we die, but He’ll rise on Easter to be the One who can raise a widow’s son and us from the dead. I don’t think we want to die. Death isn’t something we want to think about. But as disciples of Jesus, we ought to treat death with contempt. Kick it in the teeth! “Death, if Jesus’ grave was empty then mine will be too.” Jesus triumphs over death for you. He rips away death’s sting. You are going to rise from the dead and live forever with Him. That’s just the way it is now that He has risen from the dead. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Even in September! It’s the 16th Sunday after Trinity this week.

Let there be light!
Thanks to the Board of Property for getting our new lights installed in the parking lot and around the building. It’s a huge difference. These long lasting LED lights are bright and will last for years. It’s really looking nice around our building and grounds!

New Lights!

Spirit Wear Orders Are In
If you ordered school Spirit Wear, those orders are in! You can pick them up Sunday or call to make arrangements to get your order. Thanks for supporting our school!

Sunday Bible Studies: 
Take time to grow in God’s Word!
Sundays:
Bible Study – 9:00-9:30 AM in the Narthex. Reading the Epistle of James
Learning the Faith (all ages) – 9:45-10:30 AM in the Gym.
Tuesdays – Bible Study at 10:30 AM in the Narthex. (Gospel According to St. Matthew)

STREAMING:

Our Sunday service is available to watch live and recorded here:

We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.

Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.

The simplest way to watch online (not live) is probably through our church’s website HERE.

Color A Stained Glass Window
Our church stained glass windows are turning into coloring sheets! Download the latest window
HERE.

LCMS DISASTER RELIEF:
It’s certainly been a whirlwind of natural disasters lately from fires to storms all around our country and the world. LCMS Disaster Relief is on the front lines in many places to help those who have been displaced or are in need. If you’d like to help out, you can make an offering directly to LCMS Disaster Relief RIGHT HERE. Click the “Give” button or select a particular area to give.

As disciples of Jesus, let’s face death head on! When death confronts us, throw the resurrection of Jesus at it. You were made alive in the waters of Holy Baptism. Now, death can’t hurt you. It’s just a sleep and rest until the Last Day and everlasting life! Come celebrate “Easter in September” this week. See you in the Divine Service or watch online!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow

Royal Oak Field Trip