From Senior Pastor Saïd Ailabouni
In November, we take time to give thanks at church, not only on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the month. On Sunday, November 1, we thank God for all of the saints, especially loved ones who passed away over the last year. A wonderful worship service is planned for that day. During the 10:00 a.m. Forum, we will give an update on the many new ministries and initiatives of “Growing in Grace” at Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange. Celebrate what God has been doing in our midst and participate by giving your feedback.
Sunday, November 8 is “Commitment Sunday.” We show our gratitude to God by making a commitment to offer our time, talents and treasure from the resources we have been given. During worship on that day, we show our thankfulness for God’s grace and generosity by presenting our Time and Talent sheets and “pledge cards” with our offering. A pledge is a statement of intent. It can be altered easily should unforeseen circumstances arise. Making a written commitment will help the congregation council plan a budget based on projected income. Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider how to express your faith in action. Ask God to guide your decision-making.
On Sunday, November 22, our guest preacher and Forum speaker will be the Director of ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Relief. Grace Lutheran Church is one of the top contributors to world hunger projects. The offerings received in the envelopes designated for Thanksgiving this year will all go to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Thank you for your generosity.
In November, we also make a significant contribution to support a large number of needy families in Chicago through the ministries of Bethel Lutheran Church at Christmas time. Young Families of Grace (YFG) will take a leadership role in this yearly project!
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land will also take place in November. My wife and I will be leading a group of our members and members of several other congregations on a deeply meaningful trip to the Holy Land. Pastor Meghan Aelabouni from Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village and Pastor Gabi Aelabouni from Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield are co-leading the group. Bible stories will come to life as we cruise the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, visit Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and then meet fellow Christians who live there. I will try to conquer the technological divide by sending you pictures and emails that you can view on a special online journal at http://gracelutheran-lg.typepad.com/holy_land_journal/. We will leave on Sunday, November 8 and return on Saturday, November 21. Visit our church’s blog and website for updates.
I feel so privileged to share with you the mission we have of sharing the love of God in Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness.
In Christ,
Pastor Saïd Ailabouni
s.ailabouni@gracelutheran-lg.org
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