Sunday Morning Services
8:15 am and 10:45 am
8:15 am and 10:45 am
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Donations needed:
- Toothbrushes & covers *toddler and adult sizes
- Small combs
- Small flashlights with batteries
- School supplies- Rulers, notebooks, pencils, pens, sharpeners, glue sticks, individual Scotch tape, pencil top erasers, scissors(age appropriate) highlighters, soft pencil cases
- Small solar calculators
- Coloring supplies - books, crayons, markers, colored pencils, colored gel pens
- Small toys- cars/trucks, balls, dolls, puzzles, travel size games, handheld size plastic/rubber people or animal figures i.e "Little People" type,etc.
- Monetary donations towards S&H fees or WOW items
$5 - soccer ball with pump
$6 - pocket size multi tool
$7 - 8 or 10 inch baby doll
$10 - S&H per box
All donations are welcome no matter the amount, EVERY penny helps. Please give any monetary donations to Terri in a sealed envelope with your name and intended purpose written on it. Check out the display in the Narthex for more information. Donations accepted Oct. 1 - Nov. 10. Text or call Sarah Bernhardt with any questions (231) 903-535.
October 2025
How does religion work? For many, religion works by earning God’s favor by living a good and obedient life. When we earn God’s favor, we are blessed with all sorts of benefits. Our lives will go along better. We will enjoy days of prosperity and success. There should be money in the bank. Our marriage should be strong. Our existence will be happy and peaceful. Such a prosperous and healthy life would indicate that the face of God truly does shine upon us. We may even be received into heaven.
This normal way of doing religion is what Dr. Luther called the theology of glory. The theology of glory places our hope and confidence in our works. To put it another way, the answers to our problem with God are located within us.
The cross puts an end to the theology of glory. The cross Jesus bore for us reveals that we don’t have the answer. We are the problem. That is why Jesus had to suffer and die in our place.
This is what Dr. Luther called the theology of the cross. In contrast to the works righteousness of the theology of glory, the theology of the cross will have us place our hope and confidence outside of ourselves. If we are to be made right with God, we must look to Jesus. His resurrection reveals that his sacrifice has reconciled us with his heavenly Father.
Because our trust is placed outside of ourselves, the theology of the cross attacks how we believe religion is supposed to work. We expect that there is something we must do. When we do our part, the blessings should follow. It is what makes sense. It is what allows us to take credit for our good standing before God. That is why it is not easy to get rid of the theologian of glory that lurks in all of us.
But the theology of glory will not get us the righteousness we need. Because it places its attention on us and our works, it cannot save. That is why the cross needs to be the center of our theology. The cross knocks out any works and efforts on our part. It declares Christ established our forgiveness and salvation by his sacrifice. Because he has risen again, nothing else needs to be added. Therefore, it is by faith, apart from works, that we are made right with God. Jesus alone saves. That is the theology of the cross.
God’s peace be with you!
Pastor Nelson
| OFFICIAL ACTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Baptisms | 0 | |
| Confirmations | 0 | |
| Weddings | 0 | |
| Funerals | 1 | Rusty Streblow (9/12/25) |
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The leaves are turning, 40 degree mornings makes the air crisp… it’s Autumn! (my favorite season)
October is a season of change — in the weather, in our routines, and in the life of the Church. It is also a time of remembrance and renewal, especially as we prepare to celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st.
Over 500 years ago, God used a man named Martin Luther to call the Church back to the truth of the Gospel: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This truth, anchored in Scripture alone, remains the foundation of our Lutheran confession today.
But the Reformation is not just a historical event. It is a daily reality. The Latin phrase ecclesia semper reformanda est — “the Church must always be reformed” — reminds us that we are always in need of renewal, always returning to God’s Word, always being shaped by the cross of Christ. The old Adam in us constantly is at war with Christ. We need the peace that only comes from Christ through the Word and sacraments.
As the world around us shifts, as culture changes, and as we face challenges in our personal lives and in the Church, let us not drift from the firm foundation of God’s promises. Let this October be a time to recommit ourselves to the Word. To open our Bibles. To examine our hearts. To remember our Baptism, where we were made new, to come together at the rail to receive communion, and to rejoice in the freedom we have as forgiven children of God.
Here are some meaningful ways to live out the Reformation this month:
In Christ,
Russell Baumann ~ Family Life Director
The leaves are turning, 40 degree mornings makes the air crisp… it’s Autumn! (my favorite season)
October is a season of change — in the weather, in our routines, and in the life of the Church. It is also a time of remembrance and renewal, especially as we prepare to celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st.
Over 500 years ago, God used a man named Martin Luther to call the Church back to the truth of the Gospel: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This truth, anchored in Scripture alone, remains the foundation of our Lutheran confession today.
But the Reformation is not just a historical event. It is a daily reality. The Latin phrase ecclesia semper reformanda est — “the Church must always be reformed” — reminds us that we are always in need of renewal, always returning to God’s Word, always being shaped by the cross of Christ. The old Adam in us constantly is at war with Christ. We need the peace that only comes from Christ through the Word and sacraments.
As the world around us shifts, as culture changes, and as we face challenges in our personal lives and in the Church, let us not drift from the firm foundation of God’s promises. Let this October be a time to recommit ourselves to the Word. To open our Bibles. To examine our hearts. To remember our Baptism, where we were made new, to come together at the rail to receive communion, and to rejoice in the freedom we have as forgiven children of God.
Here are some meaningful ways to live out the Reformation this month:
- Read through Romans or Galatians – books that Luther studied rigorously.
- Teach your children or grandchildren about the Reformation – tell the story, sing “A Mighty Fortress,” and talk about what it means to live by faith.
- Invite a friend to worship – October is a great time to welcome someone new to hear the Gospel. Ask them to join us in worship, Sunday School, or Midweek.
- Pray for the Church – locally and globally – that she may remain faithful to God’s Word.
In Christ,
Russell Baumann ~ Family Life Director
Good Shepherd Preschool
The school year is off to a great start! The kids are setting into the routines of the classroom, making new friends, and excited to be learning, reading, playing, and dancing their way through the first month of preschool.Thank you for the donations of paper products, PlayDoh, crayons, and glue. Our cupboards are full and well stocked for the school year. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated!
Marilee Bailey ~ Good Shepherd Preschool
Director and Teacher
231-894-8471
Youth and Communications Coordinator
There’s a lot happening with our youth and families, and we’d love for you to be part of it!Youth Nights - We’re excited to host events almost every Sunday night this year! Each gathering is a time for fun, faith, and fellowship. Students are encouraged to come and bring a friend! Let’s grow together in Christ.
Sunday School at the Youth House - Sunday mornings are off to a great start! We’ve kicked off our Bible studies, giving our youth the chance to dig deeper into God’s Word.
Ministry Leaders - Each week we’ve been highlighting a ministry leader in a slide show at the start of our service. This has been a wonderful way for the congregation to connect with the names and faces behind the many ministries that make our church thrive.
Sharing Jesus with joy, serving with purpose.
Amber Mayville
Midweek and Ignite has started!
Let's Dive into The Rest of the StoryWe're excited to journey through the Old Testament together this year at Midweek! Kids PK to 5th grade are welcome! Each Wednesday, we'll be exploring the Old Testament. During the month of October we will be learning about Noah, Abraham and the patriarchs.
Mark your calendars for memory work! Midweek follows Montaguegue's school schedule, so please note these important dates:
October 1st- Romans 3:22-23
October 8th- No Midweek
October 15th- Romans 3:22-24
October 29th- John 3:14
Please pray this month that the Holy Spirit reveals to the kids our need for Jesus as we learn about God’s redemption in the Old Testament.
Amber, Allison, Chelsea, Emilie and Maggie
Church Calendar ~ Three Months at a Glance
Please take a moment to check out the calendars on the bulletin board in the hallway by the little kitchen!They have all of the church activities for the next (3) months, not just youth.
Until we get our new website up & running you will find all activities there and on facebook.
Please keep Amber Mayville up to date if you need something added or changed. Amber’s cell #231-670-9331... email:
2025 Christmas Cantata
Cantata practice begins on Tuesday, October 7th, at 6:30 pm, in the sanctuary. Cantata Sunday is December 14th!Quilters News
Quilters are having our silent auction to raise funds to purchase batting for the mission quilts. Bidding will start on Sunday, October 12th, and run until the Church Brat/Potluck Dinner on November 1st.Servant Keeper Update
Our transition to Servant Keeper is moving forward, though we are currently at a bit of a standstill while final email changes are made to Google Workspace. Once that is completed, the process should pick up momentum. In the meantime, please make sure your email address and phone number are up to date. This will ensure you are included in all communication as we move forward. We are also excited to share that a text messaging component will be available soon, providing another way to stay connected.Grieving with Hope
You don’t get over it - you just get through it You don’t get by it, because you can’t get around it. It doesn’t get better, it just gets different. Everyday grief puts on a new face. Grieving with Hope reminder... Next Meeting ~ Monday, October 6th, at 10:00 amLewis Farm Family Event
Sunday, October 12th, after 2nd service. Meet at the church. $15/person. Payment due by October 5th! Sign up today!Pray Muskegon
A 24/7 Prayer Shield Over Our CountySt. James Lutheran prayer day is the 15th of each month.
We currently have 22 people signed up to pray for Muskegon County communities, schools, governmental leaders, law enforcement, etc. Each month the group receives a guided prayer list to help with the prayers for the day. The goal of “Pray Muskegon” is to have every day of the month covered by prayer for our County. Prayer does wonderful things! If you would like to be involved in the prayer group here at St. James, contact Ruth Ann Francis at 231-740-7270.
Allen Lull Leadership Seminar
Sunday, October 19th, from 11:45 am-1:45 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch provided. Sign up on the bulletin board so we know how many to set up for!Trunk or Treat at Faith Lutheran
Saturday, October 25th, from 5:00-6:00 pm All participants need to arrive at Faith Lutheran by 4:30 pm. Sign up on the bulletin board if you would like provide a trunk!Fall Women’s Retreat
October 24, 25, & 26, on the Betsie River!We have gathered to prepare, plan and we are excited for our upcoming Retreat. There are 3 openings available if you would like to join us. Please Call Ellen Grimm to sign up.
We will be doing a Bible Study reflecting on Resting in God’s Word. The women will grow closer through God’s Word and through the experiences shared. There will be a study, crafts, campfires, meals shared, walks, and lots of laughter.
The friendships made with our Church Family are indeed a blessing from Christ. I look forward to sharing this weekend with women from St. James.
Please join us, Ellen Grimm ~ 730-1726
Trail Life - USA MI-8945
When asked what you should know about Trail Life USA, the top of the list is the program’s commitment to Christ-centered, boy-focused adventure, character, and leadership development. Trail Life partners with local churches to provide a safe, structured environment where boys can grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. From the kindergarten age through high school, all activities and programs are designed to reinforce biblical values, encourage servant leadership, and foster strong relationships between boys, their families, and the church community. By becoming involved with our Trail Life Troop, you can be an active participant in shaping the next generation of godly men our world so desperately needs. Whether it’s time, treasure, or talents, we appreciate your partnership in this worthy goal.Walk Worthy (Col. 1:10)!
Frank Morningstar, Josh Huls, Sam Bender, Chris Hasenbank, Matt Gunia
Annual Medicare Seminar with Greg Borgeson
St. James Lutheran Youth House, Thursday, October 30th, at 10:00 amIt’s that time again. Greg Borgeson will be joining us to bring us up to date on next year’s Medicare changes.
If you have HAP Medicare advantage plan there will be no changes. If you have a Priority Health advantage plan the changes will be minor. If you have a BCBS advantage plan there are many changes coming. If you are a Howmet retiree and they are buying you out of your plan you really need to be here to find out what’s available.
Any questions, call Ruth Ann Francis at 740-7270.
White Lake Giving Tree
The White Lake Giving Tree provides gifts and a Christmas meal to people in need who LIVE IN the Whitehall and Montaguegue School Districts. There are (2) applications available on our bulletin board. For more applications or if you have questions, contact Steve at (231)855-1617... before November 1, 2025.Coming Soon...
Church Fall Dinner/PotluckJoin us on Saturday, November 1st, at 5:00 pm for a Brats & Sauerkraut Dinner & Potluck!
This is for our church family... the brats & sauerkraut will be provided.
We ask that you please sign up the number attending in your family and also check if you are bringing a side or dessert to pass.
We need:
- a set up crew
- a take down crew
- a decorating crew
- dishwashers (silverware only)
Online Service Directions!
How to watch our services online step by step: on Facebook Live on Sundays at 8:00 am- In the top search bar... Go to https://www.facebook.com/stjamesmontague/videos
(You do not need to have a Facebook account page to access this) - Close the popup box asking to login to your Facebook account.
- Scroll down through the Facebook page until you come across the most recent videos
- Click on the Live video of the church service.
- Explore the rest of the Facebook page and watch other videos. 😊
| October Birthdays | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01 Jacob Buchberger | 10/15 Julie Trevino | ||
| 10/01 Jarrod Moore | 10/15 Maya Justian | ||
| 10/03 Gwen Bower | 10/16 Claire Meacham | ||
| 10/03 Judy Best | 10/16 Joe Goodrich | ||
| 10/04 Eileen Schroeder | 10/16 Maddie Meacham | ||
| 10/04 James Morningstar | 10/17 Betty Ross | ||
| 10/04 Randy Wackernagel | 10/17 Diane Babcock | ||
| 10/05 Phil Albrecht | 10/17 Mila Causie | ||
| 10/06 Karen Neubauer | 10/18 Josha Tryska | ||
| 10/07 Allison Rant | 10/19 Emilie Baumann | ||
| 10/08 Susan Rabe | 10/19 Julie Shafer | ||
| 10/10 Levi Baumann | 10/21 Frank Morningstar | ||
| 10/10 Meera Nordlund | 10/22 Jane Rikkers | ||
| 10/11 Michael Fekken | 10/22 Jason Cooper | ||
| 10/12 Clark Bender | 10/23 Pam Johnston | ||
| 10/12 Marcia Chen | 10/23 Tom Mott | ||
| 10/12 Mary Albrecht | 10/25 Cheryl Lietz | ||
| 10/12 Wade Mills | 10/26 Al Trevino | ||
| 10/13 Kennedy Seymour | 10/28 Piper Huls | ||
| 10/14 Alyssa Lipka | 10/28 Piper Lanning | ||
| 10/14 Jennifer Mulder | 10/31 Liz Hedges | ||
| 10/14 Keith Ramthun | 10/31 Lynn Nichols | ||
St. James Christian Education Programs
Sunday School Pre-K-5th9:30 am, in the Fellowship Hall, led by Amber Lanning
Sunday Jr. Youth Bible Study
9:30 am, in the Youth House, led by Amber Mayville
Sunday Sr. Youth Bible Study
9:30 am, in the Youth House, led by Pastor Nelson
Sunday Adult Bible Study
9:30 am, in the Conference Room, led by Sam Bender
Monday Men’s Bible Study
8:30 am, in the conference room, led by George McLaughlin
Wednesday Pew Sisters Bible Study
9:00 am, in the Conference Room, led by Ruth Ann Francis
Wednesday Confirmation Classes (6th-8th)
6:30 pm, 6th Grade-upstairs, end of hall classroom, led by Courtney Friday
7th Grade-upstairs, Music Library, led by Pastor Gunia
8th Grade-Conference Room, led by Pastor Nelson
Wednesday Midweek & Ignite Classes
6:30 pm led by Amber Mayville, Allison Rant, Chelsea Bender, Emilie Baumann, & Maggie Huls
Wednesday After School Program & Family Dinner
The After School Program begins when school lets out. Family Dinner begins at 5:30 pm, in the Youth House, led by Katie Rice
| SERVING US IN OCTOBER | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | 10:45 | |||
| ELDERS | E. Paul Schroeder | |||
| TRUSTEES | James Morningstar | Joel Best | ||
| USHERS | Greg Neubauer | Henry Friday | ||
| Ron Bailey | Ken VanBergen | |||
| Jack Bailey | Brad VanBergen | |||
| Henry Bailey | Jeff O’Connell | |||
| ALTAR CARE | Sue Streblow | |||
| PRAYER PARTNER | 5th | No one scheduled | ||
| 12th | No one scheduled | No Second | ||
| 19th | Sam Bender | Service Prayer Partner | ||
| 26th | Dan Hardy | |||
| GREETERS | 5th | Terri Zeller | Brad & Erika VanBergen | |
| 12th | J.Gifford/D.Hammersley | Ken & Susan VanBergen | ||
| 19th | Bender Family | Judy Best | ||
| 26th | Jerry & Dianne Gardner | Jeff & Melinda O’Connell | ||
| MULTI-MEDIA | 5th | April Lipka | Friday Family | |
| 12th | Alicia Koski | Jill Squire | ||
| 19th | Jeri Wonders | Marci Bentz | ||
| 26th | Michael Kool | Eric Lindstrom | ||
| COFFEE HOUR | 5th | Pat Ramthun & Jen Mulder | ||
| 12th | Marilee Bailey & Sue McNeil | |||
| 19th | Wendy Kessler & Jen West | |||
| 26th | Grace Kool & Beth Meacham | |||
| NURSERY | The nursery space is available for families to use. The worship service is streamed live on the TV in the nursery! It is not staffed. | |||
| ALTAR FLOWERS | 5th | Dan & Kim Hardy - 48th Anniversary | ||
| 12th | Tom & Karen Mott - 51st Anniversary | |||
| 19th | Kathi Strahl | |||
| 26th | Vern & Cheryl Lietz - 51st Anniversary | |||
If you are unable to fulfill your assigned duty, please make arrangements with someone before or after you on the list. Thanks!