NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . 1 Kings17:8–16; Galatians 5:25–6:10; Matthew 6:24–34.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . The ten lepers cried out from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”(Luke 17:11–19). Their condition cut them off from God and others. So also do the works of the flesh cut us off from God and others. “Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:16–24). Thus we cry out with the lepers, “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy,” eagerly seeking His good gifts. Jesus said to the lepers, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. So too, we walk by faith and not by sight, being confident of Jesus’ help before we see any evidence of it, trusting that Jesus’ cleansing words of forgiveness will restore us to wholeness in the resurrection. Let us be as the one leper who returned to the true High Priest to give Him thanks and glory. For Jesus bore our infirmities in His sacrifice at Calvary. His words are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh (Prov. 4:10–23).

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Luke 17:18–19 Jesus said, “Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Faith and thanksgiving go together. How could they not? Our Lord gave Himself for us and we trust Him and His every Word. Once we have this faith, we want to say thank you—it’s only natural. And thus our stewardship is only a natural part of the Christian faith: we thank the Lord with our gifts, which enable the Church to reach more people with the Good News of Christ.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by The Andresen Family to the glory of God on the occasion of Savana’s birthday.

OCTOBER BI-MONTHLY MISSION . . . is Sunday, October 6. October’s bi-monthly offering has been designated for CID Campus Ministries (given to one campus ministry per year on a rotation). This year’s offering will be given University Lutheran Church the campus ministry at the University of Illinois. Checks may be made out to Immanuel Lutheran Church. An envelope will be placed in your member mailbox next week for your convenience. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL . . . is Sunday, September 8. The opening begins at 10:20 am in the Sanctuary. Music will be in the choir loft. And then classes in the Sunday School classrooms. The focus of study this year is the Old Testament.

HELP-A-CHILD FUND . . . The jug to collect milk money for Northward will be set out since school is about to start. The Board of Mission and Evangelism has been in contact with the school about where the funds are needed most. So, the funds collected in the milk money jug will go toward the “Help-A-Child Fund” this year. Thank you for your ongoing support.

A BIG THANK YOU. . . To all who helped deliver Peace Meals for the month of August.  We couldn’t do it without you volunteers!  It doesn’t take much time out of your day and you meet some nice people – some of which see few people outside of those who deliver their lunch!