Bethlehem Lutheran Church River Grove, IL

In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. 

Reformation Sunday - Reformation Sunday is celebrated this Sunday. It commemorates the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation, when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. For Lutherans, this day is not merely about history or human achievement—it is a celebration of God’s work through His Word to restore the Gospel to its rightful place at the center of the Church’s life. Reformation Sunday proclaims the truth that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, for the sake of Christ alone. It rejoices in the freedom the Gospel brings—freedom from the burden of earning salvation and freedom to live in joyful service to God and neighbor.

All Saints Day - Next week. November 1, we will observe All Saints Day. As is tradition we will read the names of all our members who have died in Christ during this past year. In addition we will read the names of other Christians who have died during this last year at the request of any member. If you have a name please fill out the form in the Sunday bulletin or email me with the person’s name, the date of death and their relationship to you. Please do this by October 29.

Time Change - November 1 is time change so remember to turn your clocks back one hour the night of October 31

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and opened the gates of heaven to all who trust in him.

God accepts all who believe in Jesus even though there is no merit or worthiness in us.

So that we might believe in Jesus, God has given us the ministry, which is the preaching of Christ and the

Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through these, God also gives us the forgiveness of sins.

When God brings people to faith, He also produces many good works in our lives. These are done, not to earn

grace, but to do God’s will and please him. We love him because he first loved us.

God has given every man, woman and child a calling in life. Within that calling He directs us, and through

His Word, strengthens us to live for Him.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Bible is free from all error and contradiction in all that it says.

The Word of God brings us to Jesus our Lord.