November 2023
Dear Friends:
Sunday, November 26th is Commitment Sunday, Augustana’s annual opportunity to participate in the stewardship ministry of this community.
As we wade into Advent, we join with generations of Christians in waiting, expecting, preparing, and hoping. Grounded in God’s promises, these Advent themes infuse our community as we proclaim Christ by what we say and what we do. We wait, expect, prepare, and hope by giving back to God – a worshipful response to the generosity that God has first shown to us.
We serve others and witness to God’s love by welcoming a migrant family into the building, feeding migrants still in police stations, preparing a community breakfast, and hosting a Love Fridge.
We stand with neighbors who are hurting by working with them on projects like the upcoming Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence. At the Vigil, we will give a grant from the Keith Cooper Fund to a survivor.
Our new Cantor Michael Caraher brings tremendous ability that complements Augustana’s tradition of blending a welcoming worshipping community with thoughtful, liturgical worship. This autumn, we celebrated the ordination of Kyle Duff, multiple baptisms, and new member affirmations, building up the body of Christ.
We are formed for Christian life by opportunities like the Summer Scripture Study on Paul’s letter to the Romans, the current Psalms study and the upcoming Advent series on John the Baptist, the weekly prayer group, and the ongoing education and action agenda of our Green Team.
We build the future of the church through our campus ministry, including weekly vespers and dinner together, and the Sunday School for our children and youth.
All of these are expressions of God’s mission, a mission that we pursue together, to bring people to the hope, peace, and love found in Jesus Christ.
Follow this link to find the online pledge form and make your commitment for 2024. Pray about the commitment you will make and consider it carefully.
During our worship service on November 26th, the whole congregation will be invited forward to place our commitments before the altar. Everyone will receive a paper form in the bulletin on that Sunday to bring forward. Even though many give online and we no longer pass plates during services, making an offering to God is still an important act of worship that we will do together on that day.
Thank you for your generous commitment to God’s mission at Augustana. Life is richer, truer, and freer as we follow Jesus together, proclaiming the good news of abundant life that Christ offers for all. Yours in Christ,
Nancy Goede, Parish Pastor, and Matthew Stuhlmuller, Campus Pastor
Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park 
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