“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Last Wednesday, Mr. Travis Gulke, the Superintendent of Michigan Lutheran Schools, led our Chapel worship and discussed how much he LOVES Oreos cookies and that he calls a day when everything goes well an “Oreo Cookie Day” because the day is as awesome as an Oreo cookie. He also shared how much he dislikes green beans and how grueling it is for him to even look at a green bean. In contrast, he explained he refers to his difficult days as “Green Bean Days”, because they are just so unpleasant and challenging for him.
I think that it is pretty safe to say that the University of Michigan football team experienced a pretty amazing “Oreo” day last Monday as their victory over Washington University earned them the title of the 2024 National College Football Champions!
However, there was an additional portion of Mr. Grulke’s message that was even more compelling as he spoke about our Christian witness. Tying it to our “We Are The Fingerprints of God” theme for this school year, Mr. Grulke discussed that it is really easy to be the “fingerprints of God” when you are having an “Oreo Day”. However, it can be very challenging to be the “fingerprints of God” when you are having a “Green Bean Day” or encounter someone having a “Green Bean Day”. It is during those challenging moments that we need to call upon the Lord for His help to handle things the way that He wants us to handle them and/or show love and mercy to those who are facing “Green Bean Days”.
Scripture tells us in Ephesians 2:8 - 10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
On Sunday, January 21st, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran School families will have the opportunity to work together to be the "Fingerprints of God" to help make it an "Oreo" type day for someone in need of a meal as we assemble bagged lunches for those who frequent the NOAH Project Homeless Warming Shelter. The NOAH Project is based in Central Methodist Church, which is located next to Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. On Monday, January 22nd, Mr. Welte has offered to drive the 300 assembled lunches down to the shelter so that they can be distributed. (Years ago, our 8th graders were allowed to serve the meals. However, NOAH's current COVID protocols restrict this from occurring this year.)
To help with the organization of this event, we will work together to get the job completed and then conclude the event with pizza and fellowship.
Please plan on joining us and showing God's love! Check the newsletter for the link to sign up and let us know you're coming!
Looking forward to serving with others with you!
In Jesus’ Love,
Mrs. Palka