Hey Church Family,

Welcome to another week filled with blessings and opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship! As we gather together, united in spirit and purpose, we're excited to share the latest news and updates with you. From upcoming events to meaningful reflections, our weekly announcements serve as a beacon of guidance and connection in our journey of faith. Join us as we embark on this enriching adventure together!

In faith and community,

Your Social Media Team

St. Luke Christian Church

www.stlukecchsv.org

Speaker: Pastor T.C. Johnson

Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024

Topic: "Life's Common Denominator "

Scripture: Luke 16: 19-23

From the desk of Pastor T.C. Johnson

All humans must have oxygen, food, and water to live, therefore, oxygen, food, and water are common to, and necessary for the human species survival. In life however, not all things are common, some people are rich others are poor, some are healthy others have health challenges… When people are grouped together according to a specific trait or characteristic that each person has, that trait or characteristic becomes the common denominator. In the message the common denominator is death.  The lesson teaches that all of us regardless of what we have or where we are on the social scale, each of us must answer deaths call.

In the story a man who is extremely wealthy is put in contrast to Lazarus, a man who is extremely poor.  The text implies that there is an expectation that the rich man will assist poor Lazarus, and maybe it is the rich man’s responsibility.  Instead, the rich man neglects Lazarus and nothing suggest that he acknowledges the need sitting at the gate of his estate. In fact, the rich man’s dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the rich man’s table, crumbs that Lazarus desire have. The name Lazarus means, God is my help.  The dogs licking the poor man’s sores is an indictment against the rich man because God uses the dogs to help when the rich man fails to do so.  But the script gets flipped by a common denominator, death.

Notice that in life the rich man could not see Lazarus but in the torment of hell he opens his eyes only to see Lazarus in the paradise of Abraham’s bosom.  In life, the rich man didn’t know what it was to be in need and didn’t care enough to help Lazarus who live his entire life in dire need. In hell the rich man was in torment, but he failed to respond when Lazarus was being tormented by seeing food but never being offered the rich man’s crumbs. In the torment of hell, the rich man asked for the relief by the amount of water that could be held by a wet figure of the difference between he and Lazarus. One day death will bring each of us to the same place, the question is, have you lived before God in a way that gains you a place in the peace of God by responding the needs laid before you?                                                                   

Be Blessed!

Pastor T.C. Johnson

Women's Day 2024 is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2024. We're excited to welcome Evangelist Beverly Crawford as our guest Preacher & Psalmist during out 9:30am service. The theme for this year is "B.L.E.S.S.E.D. Beautiful, Leader, Endure, Strong, Servant, Equipped, Destined - Women of God" taken from Proverbs 31:25-26. Join us for this wonderful service to celebrate the women of St. Luke. 

Bible Study – October 16 , 2024

Adult Class #1 Looking at God, Again for the First Time

Adult Class #2 Boldness to Stand Courageously

Adult Class #3 Serving Others: Barak

Teens: What’s Important? Talk about Marriage

Middle School: Christlike Obedience

4th-5th Grade: Honoring God at Home

2nd-3rd Grade: Don’t Kill, Steal or Lie

PreK-1st: Solomon Pleases God

Nursery/Toddlers: Offerings for the Temple

Meal - Wings

The Young Adults and Young Professionals Life Group will be hosting at Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, October 12, 2024 during the Homecoming game for Alabama A&M University as the Bulldogs take on Bethune Cookman Wildcats. They are looking for volunteers to assist the men of St. Luke with setup, cooking and break-down of the setup. Feel free to stop by and cheer on the Bulldogs with us.

The St. Luke Women’s Ministry will be hosting “High Tea” on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6:30pm. The event will be held on in the Clifford Chunn Multi-Purpose Building and is open to ages 13 . To RSVP, please scan the QR code to register by Sunday, October 13, 2024. The ladies are asked wear their vintage inspired hats, fascinators or any other formal headwear. Come join the women of St. Luke as they kick off Women’s week with this wonderful event!

The 21st Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run in support of Breast Cancer fund is scheduled for Saturday October 19th 2024 beginning at 8:30am. The St. Luke Women's Ministry has a team and would love for you to join. Registration is $30 but will increase to $50 after October 11th. If you would like to join the team please scan the QR code on the flyer and follow the instructions to be added. We look forward to walking in faith and running for hope with you.

The St. Luke Medical Ministry will be hosting a community vaccine campaign during the Alabama A&M University vs. Southern University & A&M College football game on November 2, 2024 from 10:00am-2:00pm. This booth will be setup at the St. Luke tailgate location and is open to everyone. Please review the flyer for additional information.

We kindly request that you remember and include in your prayers those individuals who are part of our SLCC family. Life can sometimes present us with unexpected challenges and it is during these times that our thoughts and prayers can provide comfort and strength. So, please take a moment to send positive thoughts and pray for our SLCC family members.

Happy Anniversary October Couples

Happy Birthday October Babies!

1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Key Facts:

• Early Detection Increases Survival Rates: When breast cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%.
• Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too: While rare, men should also be aware and consult a doctor if they notice any changes.
• Self-Exams Matter: Regular self-exams help you notice any changes in your breasts early.
• Annual Mammograms: Women over 40 should schedule annual mammograms. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about starting earlier.

Why Get Tested?

• Protect Your Future: Early detection leads to simpler treatment options and better outcomes.
• For Your Family: Early detection allows you to be there for your loved ones.
• Know Your Body: Screening helps you stay informed about your health.

Take Action Today!

• Schedule your mammogram.
• Encourage friends and family to get tested.
• Pray for those affected by breast cancer.

Together, We Can Save Lives.

The food pantry hours have changed to Monday - Wednesday from 9:30am - 2:00pm to serve our community. Donations to the pantry are always appreciated so if you would like to donate, feel free to bring those donations during pantry hours and one of our volunteers will be happy to receive them.

Hello, Family! We're thrilled to share with you the Children's Church calendar for the rest of this wonderful year. We can't wait to embrace your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with open arms! It's all about Friendship, Faith, Fellowship, and Fun at our Children's Church, taking place during the 9:30am service.

Calling all St. Luke business owners! Join the St. Luke Business Network to showcase your talents to our community. Submit your business info, headshot and services to socialmedia@stlukecchsv.org (see examples below). Let's connect and uplift each other.

Love Zone Group - Offering temporary housing solutions through corporate leasing

Listed below are the list of deacons assigned for each week of the month. These deacons are assigned to assist with any needs of the congregation and are on standby from Saturday (ahead of their week) until the following Sunday. If you are in need of any assistance, please contact the deacon lead for that week and they can assist you.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events! Also, check out our NEW flickr page to see photos of previous events and church services! 

If you have any inquiries or wish to have your announcement featured in next week's newsletter, please feel free to reach out to us at socialmedia@stlukecchsv.org