Reformation Sunday
Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am

Sunday Is Coming newsletter for Oct. 26, 2017

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture readings
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36

Sermon 
"The Truth Will Make You Free"
Text: John 8:31-36
Today we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Thanks be to God! As we celebrate, however, we do not celebrate Martin Luther or Lutheranism. Luther would have wished for no such celebration. Instead, we celebrate the promise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Luther’s time, Christians were locked out of a true understanding of the gospel as free, unmerited grace that flows from the cross of Christ. By what are we bound today? What locked doors have we found ourselves trapped behind? Whatever the question, the answer remains the same: Jesus Christ. In him we find the door to the Kingdom standing wide open, with Christ himself calling us once more into the truth, the Word, that sets us free.

In our prayers we remember the Navajo Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, Arizona.

Between services, at 9:45am

Children and youth

Learn all about Martin Luther and the Reformation at  the Reformation Festival in the gym. There will be games, activities and treats, plus a special visit with Martin and Katie Luther at 10am. Everyone is welcome, from preschoolers to adults.

Adult Education

Music and the Reformation, Carl Schalk
Seminar Room
How did Luther see the role of hymnody in worship? How many hymns did Luther "write"? Did he write both words and music? How did they function?

Living Faithfully: Serving in Harmony, James Brooks, Diane Carioscio and other Grace members
In the sanctuary
Hear about the trials and joys of building a church community on Chicago’s west side.

The Grace Church Library is open and staffed on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for books related to Adult Ed topics as well as many other subjects. The library is also open for self-service during the week.