Community Classifieds

St. Paul Ann Arbor offers another in its well-loved Bach Vespers series, presenting the beloved cantatas, passions, and oratorios of Johann Sebastian Bach in their original context—the beautiful Vespers liturgy. Professional soloists (Claudia Boonenberg, Jennifer Goltz, Brian White, and Benton DeGroot) and orchestra join Ann Arbor community singers, the St. Paul Bach Choir, St. Paul Brass Ensemble, and The Boychoir of Ann Arbor in what has become a wonderful Ann Arbor tradition. The cantata for the November 15th performance is BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben. Join us for this opportunity to experience this exquisite repertoire in the manner it was presented in Bach’s day!

This free event is open to everyone in the community, so invite your friends and come join us for a wonderful evening! For more information visit: www.stpaulannarbor.org/news-and-events/bach-vespers/

For the past decade, we’ve shared an incredible journey of hope, love, and compassionate care for moms and babies in our community—and we want to celebrate this special milestone with you! Enjoy a light breakfast, hear inspiring stories from our patients, staff, and Board members, and connect with those who have been part of The Luke Clinic’s story. Register for free today at thelukeclinic.org.

When: November 14, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livonia, MI

Upcoming event at the Michigan Christian Study Center: “Hope is Not a Fantasy: Tenacious Christian Hope in the Stories of C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien.”

Whereas the fiction of other 20th century novelists who experienced war is typically dark and lacking in hope, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who fought in WWI, created hopeful fantasies. In this session, literary scholar Louis Markos will discuss the events in the lives of Lewis and Tolkien that shaped them into the creators of Narnia and Middle-earth, consider their defense of escapism, and locate the Christian virtue of hope in The Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Speaker: Dr. Louis Markos, Professor of Humanities, Houston Christian University
When: Friday, November 13, 6:00pm (reception begins at 5:30pm)
Where: Michigan Christian Study Center, 611 E. William, Ann Arbor

Event information is available here.

Attendance is free, but please register here so that we can plan accordingly.

We would like to invite the women of your congregation to join us for the 2027 Refresh Women’s Retreat at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Brighton on Saturday, January 23, 2027.

We are excited to welcome Gina Kell Spehn as our keynote speaker. Gina is a New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Rain, which was adapted into a Hallmark Original movie. She is an inspirational Christian speaker and co-founder and president of New Day Foundation for Families, a Michigan nonprofit supporting cancer patients and their families.

Gina will share a message of Hope in the Waiting. We all experience seasons of waiting—for answers, healing, direction, change, or prayers to be answered. Gina will encourage us to trust that God is at work even in those difficult seasons, strengthening our faith, growing our character, and preparing us for what is ahead.

Early Bird Tickets are $45 through November 15.
Beginning November 16, tickets are $50.

More information and tickets can be found at www.sotlchurch.com/refresh.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a Christian at the University of Michigan, or what sort of Christian influence exists there? Our next public event is a virtual event entitled Faith in the Academy? Faithful Christian Presence at the University of Michigan. It features:

• Jenni Ashcroft, Associate Head Coach, UM Track and Field
• Christian Casper, Teaching Professor in Technical Communication, School of Engineering
• Marie Ting, Assistant Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity

This panel session will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 7:00-8:00pm EST, and will explore how God is at work at one of the world’s great universities through the faithful daily work of Christ-followers. You can register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you before the event.

The LWML Ann Arbor Zone is hosting its annual Fall Rally on Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5758 W. M-36 in Pinckney, MI 48169. Speakers will be Kaye Wolff and Cynthia Smith-Byer on programs for the deaf at Emmanuel Lutheran School, Dearborn. Suggested donation is $10 and ingathering items for their school store (small toys, craft kits, games, Legos, etc.). RSVP to Barb Yek at 734.395.8455.

The 40 Days for Life Campaign is a prayer vigil conducted both spring and fall outside the Ann Arbor Planned Parenthood clinic at 3100 Professional Drive. Kick off the Fall Campaign on Sunday, September 20th from 2PM to 3:30PM outside of Planned Parenthood with Keynote Speaker Dr. Mary Healy, a biblical scholar, international speaker, and professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. The fall, 7AM to 7PM, prayer vigil begins September 23rd and ends November 1st. It is a quiet witness of presence and prayer in which one to three people signup to spend an hour standing on the sidewalk near the clinic parking lot entrance.

If you would like more information from a fellow LC-MS congregation member please contact Neil Skov at [email protected] or 734-971-7763 or head to https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/annarbor

Tuesdays | 6-8 PM
Meets at 2350 Washtenaw Ave. Ste. 6B Ann Arbor MI
Cost: $200 (includes participant manual; scholarships available)
RSVP no later than Oct. 5

This Workshop invites you to
Name the hurt
Process the emotions
Reauthor the story

You see, grief changes the way we see ourselves, relationships, and the future we thought we would have.

As a small, carefully guided group created to help people understand what grief is doing within them, they can process difficult emotions and find a compassionate way to live with what has changed.

Grounded in spiritual wisdom, trauma-aware care, and evidence-informed approaches to healing, this program creates a safe and supportive environment where participants can be witnessed without pressure, connect with others, and begin to gently reauthor life after loss. Head to https://www.johnrathjecounseling.com/therapy-groups for more information.

As former Editor-in-Chief of World magazine and current Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today, Marvin Olasky has both shaped and communicated Christian perspectives on American society and politics for over four decades. What is not widely known, however, is that Dr. Olasky is a University of Michigan alum who converted from atheism to Christianity while earning his doctorate in Ann Arbor. In this interactive event, Marvin will recount his spiritual journey from doubt to faith, reflect on his long career in academia, journalism and politics, and discuss how Christians can live faithfully amid turbulent and confusing times.

When: Friday, September 18, 6:00pm (reception begins at 5:30pm)

Where: Michigan Christian Study Center, 611 E. William, Ann Arbor

Attendance is free, and please register here.

Angela Post, a member at Emmaus, is looking for a dog lover to spend a few nights with her dog, Lilly at the end of October. Angela, who lives in Ann Arbor, is seeking care Wednesday, October 28 – Saturday, October 31 and is happy to pay. Please contact her by phone (734-904-3623) or email ([email protected]).

CHECK OUT THE FLIER

Join the Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL) for a weekend of spiritual growth, fellowship, relaxation and recreation.

Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler is the 10th Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

The Bakers welcome you to come to our Food Forest on Saturday, August 1st starting at 8am but going all day long to dig up dozens of raspberry and thornless blackberries plants that you can then take home and immediately transplant into your yard/garden! Please bring your own 5-gallon sized buckets to place your transplants into with a little bit of water during your drive back home. It will also be helpful if you bring your own gardening gloves. Our address is 8483 Moon Rd Saline, MI 48176 and our gate code is 5722. Our numbers are 805-286-1747 and 734-255-7518. Please let us know if you will be coming!

Jim Sukach was called to heaven on Saturday, July 4th, and is now awaiting the resurrection with Jesus. Our St. Luke church family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and memorial service (see details below), and are encouraged to remember the Sukach family in our prayers.

Visitation:
Friday, July 10th
From 4:00-8:00 pm
2400 Carpenter Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Memorial:
Saturday, July 11th
11:00 a.m.
St. Luke Lutheran Church
4205 Washtenaw Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor (LCMS) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Office Administrator. The position is 32-hours per week and is responsible for administrative support and day-to-day operations of the church. The position is onsite and reports to the Pastor. More details about Peace can be found on its website: www.peaceaa.net. To obtain a job description and submit an application, please email Jim Saalfeld, Congregational President, at [email protected]. Deadline to apply is July 24, 2026.

Meet & Greet A Missionary! Mark Your Calendar!
On Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. you are invited to hear a presentation by Rev. Dr. Ross Shaver, who serves as an LCMS missionary in the Dominican Republic. Please join us in the West Wing at St. Luke Ann Arbor (4205 Washtenaw Ave.) as we welcome Rev. Shaver. Coffee and pastries will be served and a free will offering taken to support the Shaver family as they “serve the Lord with gladness” while continuing to adapt to a new language and culture. Above all, please pray for our LCMS missionaries in every part of the world, as they share Christ’s love with everyone they meet. You can learn more about Rev. Shaver here.

We have in international student seeking a bicycle as a means of transportation this summer. If you have a bike that could work for a 5’7″ student, please reach out to Norma Polk.

Gleaners Community Food Bank is hosting their annual Hunger Free Summer 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Freedom River in Brighton, Michigan. Sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Brighton/HungerFreeSummerKRun

Daughters On Mission invites you to their 4th Annual Picnic Potluck and Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, May 30 from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. at the home of Jane Ross. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 27 and you will receive driving directions. You are asked to bring sides or desserts to this fun fellowship event. Main dish provided.

We will be electing a group Co-Chair and Secretary to serve on the Steering Team. The election ballot is available by contacting [email protected].

Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) is excited to announce our 21st Annual Golf Outing on Friday, June 19, 2026, at a NEW location at Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor, MI.

Join us for fun, fellowship, and fundraising for children who have learning needs. Your registration and participation in the outing and event games supports kids who learn differently and helps them stay in their Christian schools.

Register here

Arrive early to give yourself time to check-in and have coffee and breakfast. 8:00am check in opens. 9:00am scramble start.

**Sponsorships, donations, and gifts are still being taken for the outing. Please email Nicole LeGalley at [email protected] to create your special package. All sponsorships and donations given go right back to benefiting children who learn differently and helping them achieve success.**

The Lutheran Choralaires, a Men’s Chorus under the direction of noted Detroit area composer and arranger Terry Herald, present their annual Spring Concert entitled “2000 Years Saved — 250 Years Free,” celebrating both our Risen Lord Jesus Christ as well as the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1947 The Lutheran Choralaires have praised Jesus in song; witnessing to the masses in Metro Detroit, throughout Michigan and beyond. The concert will be held on Saturday May 16th 4:00pm, at Saint John Lutheran Church (16339 East 14 Mile Road Fraser, Michigan 48026). Free will donations will be taken at the door. For further information contact Choralaire President Paul Kienman ([email protected]), E-mail [email protected], or visit www.lutheranchoralaires.org.

Event link: https://www.lutheranchoralaires.org/spring

Christian young professional seeking other roommates/housing in Ann Arbor. Hoping to move in starting in August 2026. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any leads or offers!

St. Luke is looking to hire a part-time administrative assistant to work in our office during the week. This person will regularly work with a wide variety of individuals and needs, some of which are sensitive in nature. Accordingly, strong interpersonal and communication skills, tact, attention to detail, time-management skills, and a love for people are key qualifications in this position. To view the job description, click here.

Interested applicants are asked to email their cover letter and resume to the St. Luke church office at [email protected]. Interviews will be conducted with those candidates who appear to be the best suited for the position.

Have you ever wondered if there was just “ONE THING(s)” that could add a special spark to your marriage?? Could it be flowers?(thoughtful, but try again), a steak dinner?(yummy, but not quite there yet), a new car??(Wow, a super idea, but no spark). So, what’s left, you may ask. . .
Here’s your chance to get the answer to your question and hear what that mysterious “ONE THING(s)” could actually be! And you’ll be sure to find out at our:

MARRIED PEOPLE SPRING EVENT
St. Luke Lutheran Church
4205 Washtenaw Road, Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
St. Luke is happy to help with your babysitting costs. Simply check the Babysitting Reimbursement Request available on the Registration form when you sign up.

All married couples – any ages, any number of years married, friends, family, co-workers – are invited to join the festivities! The cost for this evening of fun is $15.00 per couple. Please click here to Register and sign up for tickets. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie at [email protected]

Family Life Services invites you to a night of meaning and pleasure dedicated to securing the futures of our organization and the next generation of our community. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and fellowship while joining us to reach our goal of raising 175,000 dollars towards our ministry; protecting Washtenaw county’s mothers and babies from abortion.

With determination and deep gratitude, we invite you and your distinguished guests to join us for an evening of common purpose on Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 PM. Join us at Weber’s Hotel and Restaurant in Ann Arbor for this very meaningful night.

Tickets and table sponsorships are available for purchase on our campaign page and registration is open! Join us in saving lives, one woman at a time.

None of our work would be possible without the blessing of God and the generous support of people like you. We’re so grateful for your continued support and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for a fun night of Euchre on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the lower level of St. Luke. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the play starts at 6 pm. Tickets are $10/per person and must be purchased in advance. The deadline to register is March 18th. You will draw a new partner with each round, so you can come on your own; no partner is necessary!

Get Euchred? Bring cash! It will cost you $1.00 and earn you a fun necklace to wear for the evening. Feeling confidant? Go alone, and you will get a fancy necklace for the evening, showing off your skills.

Cash prize for 1st & 2nd place.
Proceeds will go to the St. Luke Maintenance Fund

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Church Interpreter Training Academy is offering 2 or 3 day ASL workshops for only $10 and $20 at Emmaus Lutheran in Dearborn from March 13-15.

Choose from 3 tracks ‘Signing Workshop’ , ‘Deaf Workshop’, and ‘Signs for Kids’.
All levels of ASL are taught. All ages welcome.

Registration forms are on the CITA website citahands.weebly.com – with more information there as well.

The classes are for anyone: People who want to learn sign, Deaf people who want to learn more about Jesus, and kids who would like a fun day learning signs.

Register early as classes are expected to fill up fast.

Hi, my name is Alison Doerr, and I am a nursing student at Concordia University, Ann Arbor. I am a part of The American Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program and organize blood drives on campus. I am reaching out to spread the word about our upcoming blood drive on Friday, March 20th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I’ve attached the link to sign up below! Everyone is welcome, and we would greatly appreciate your help to hit our goal of collecting 30+ units!

I want to reassure you that donating is a necessity, and we, as a community, can help save lives! Here are some important facts to understand the value of donating blood:

• Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. Yes, every 2 seconds!
• One donation can save up to 3 lives.
• It takes about an hour to give the gift of life. The actual blood donation time is only about 7-10 minutes.
• A single-car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

Sign up to donate here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=concordia

Questions:

Email: [email protected]

We are in need of volunteers for a Third Day concert in Toledo on April 2! The volunteers will get in for free and get to enjoy the show. They would be handing out packets to anyone interested in sponsoring a child during intermission and after the show. This can also count towards community service hours if needed. Please let me know if you are interested in this opportunity and would like to sign up a group!

Time: Thursday, April 2nd · 5:30pm EDT

Location: Huntington Center (500 Jefferson Avenue Toledo, OH 43604)

Task: Handing out packets for World Vision

Age Requirement: 18+ (14-17 w/ adult- 1 adult per 5 students)

HOW TO SIGN UP:

Contact Aubrey at 931-981-9718 OR click the link below to register!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/third-day-world-vision-volunteers-toledo-oh-tickets-1981776305277?aff=aubrey

The Hope Clinic is hiring in Ypsilanti! Medical, dental, food, behavioral health, and administrative teams all have vacancies right now including full time, part time, weekend, and evening positions. If you’re looking to join a mission-driven team serving your neighbors in Jesus’ Name, find job descriptions and more at https://thehopeclinic.org/jobs.

Women’s Day Retreat – SISTER STRONG: Women Building Connections

This exciting one day event features national Christian speaker and best selling author Robyn Dykstra. Robyn is a great storyteller and is FUNNY! Plan to attend this wonderful event with the sisterhood of our congregation and community. Registration is open. Consider a VIP ticket, which brings some special privileges. Breakfast and lunch are included. NOTE: Breakfast will be available starting at 8:30am. Gluten-free options available!

The Lutheran Legal League, a Registered Service Organization of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, exists to serve congregations, church workers, and members by connecting them with attorneys who are themselves active, worshiping Lutherans. These attorneys understand our shared confession, our polity, and the unique pastoral and congregational realities that arise when legal questions touch the life of the Church.

Over the years, the Lord has quietly used this ministry to bring help and peace in moments of uncertainty and strain, when legal concerns became intertwined with pastoral, emotional, and spiritual burdens. This work is not accomplished by programs or structures, but through the faithful use of the gifts God has placed within His people.

Membership is free and simply requires that an attorney be licensed, actively worshiping in an LCMS congregation, and recommended by their pastor. There is no obligation to take on matters, no referral fees, and no expectation beyond a willingness to be a resource when needs arise. The Lutheran Legal League is not a law firm and not a referral service. It exists solely as a ministry of connection and service within Christ’s Church.

When legal questions arise, often unexpectedly, it is a quiet blessing to be able to walk alongside fellow believers who share both professional skill and a common faith.

Attorneys who are interested may register at https://lutheranlegalleague.org/registration

Men may now register for the 2026 OSL Men’s Retreat, Reading the Psalms Christologically and Devotionally.

The retreat hosted by Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Birmingham, MI, will be held at the Weber Conference Center on the campus of Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mi, Friday March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026. The theme is based on Luke 24:27, “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

We are excited to host Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Pulse of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), Fort Wayne, IN, as our retreat speaker! Rev. Dr. Pulse serves CTSFW as Professor of Exegetical Theology, Director of Placement, and Director of Continuing Education. He has also served as vacancy pastor at Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN, for the past 16 years. Rev. Dr. Pulse has authored many publications and articles, and he is a frequent speaker/presenter at conferences and conventions.

The Weber Conference Center offers modern meeting and sleeping facilities including private restrooms. Meals and coffee/tea service will be provided. A minimal number of single occupancy rooms are available. Cost is $250 for single occupancy, $200 for double occupancy, and $100 Saturday only. A $100 deposit will reserve your spot!

Register online at www.ourshepherd.net, or contact Dr. Mark Nimtz at [email protected].

Anybody know what time it is??

It’s time to get away for an evening of relaxation and spending time alone with your spouse! Just the two of you, away by yourselves with no interruptions . . . until one of you reaches over and opens the Married People Date Night Kit that you’ve picked up at St. Luke Lutheran Church on one of the dates below. Now, along with relaxing and gazing into one another’s eyes, the fun begins! So before your calendar fills up, pick a date for your romantic rendezvous. You’ll be glad you did!

Married People Date Night Kits
St. Luke Lutheran Church
4205 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

Sunday, January 18, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, January 24, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Sunday, January 25, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

And as always, St. Luke is happy to help with babysitting reimbursement! Request a form when picking up your kit.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie [email protected] or Rick [email protected]

The Food Program is getting its glow-up;

so Hope Clinic needs to show up!

It’s Saturday, July 10th at noon.
Doors shut, but lights do not turn off—

in fact, ready-and-waiting volunteers leap into action and begin the epic task of moving EVERYTHING. The food program floor replacement starts NOW.

🥫Every can of beans,

🛍 every sack lunch,

📥 every shelf,

🍳 every appliance,

🍼every box of diapers—

EVERYTHING needs someone to pick it up and move it across the building.

In short?? Help!

We are excited for the upgrade, but every day we are closed is a day where hungry families struggle more than they need to. We need lots of volunteers, AND we need a few volunteers who are flexible, ready to be called in if/when we need extra support.

So here’s what we’re asking:

Haven’t volunteered at Hope before:

fill out an interest form at TheHopeClinic.org/volunteer.
It may take a day or two, but you’ll get a login for our volunteer shift scheduling software (VSP), and you can see what shifts need help + sign up!

Existing Hope volunteers:

If you’re a “plan ahead” type, please consider signing up for a volunteer shift on VSP. The dates we’re focused on are Jan 10-23, and each shift explains what tasks are required (lifting, standing, etc) so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

If you’re a “just tell me when” type, please email our volunteer coordinator Lindy at [email protected]. We’ll build a list of “yikes, we need some extra help” people to be “on call” during whatever span you can offer.

When it comes to Hope Clinic, usually being super direct isn’t our style.

But coming in clutch has always been yours.

Can you help us get this done, and quickly?

Thank you! We can’t wait to share the “after.”

Celebration of Life in loving memory of Quentin and Carol Marino.

St. Luke Lutheran Church

4205 Washtenaw Ave

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Please join us in remembering Quentin and Carol

January 17, 2026

11 am

Luncheon at the church to follow.

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the religious dimensions of America’s origins are being widely discussed and debated. On Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00pm at the Michigan Christian Study Center, historian John Fea will examine the idea of America as a Christian nation, the religious beliefs of the founders, and how those beliefs related to their work as statesmen. The Center is located at 611 E. William St., Ann Arbor. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Lutheran Special Education Ministries is looking for a full-time office administrator at their national office in Ann Arbor, MI. Interested applicants looking for more information or wishing to submit a resume are asked to contact Stacy McGhee at (248) 419-3390 or email at [email protected]

Office Administrator job description

REGISTER HERE

Join us as we each build our own Joy Journal for 2026! Commit to rejoicing, praying, and thanking as intentional daily practices by creating a Gifts of Joy Journal. The Gifts of Joy project supports a year-long faith-filled commitment to journeying with Jesus by incorporating these three devotional practices:

-Write one gratitude for each day of the month

-Write the names of people, events, or concerns you are praying for in the blank spaces of the prayer page.

-Devotional journaling: find one key word from your daily devotion or a sermon you heard, and record it.

Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9:00 am until noon.

Location: Gathering Place @ the School (495 Earhart Road)

All supplies will be provided. Suggested donation of $5 per person to cover the cost of a joy journal and brunch.

Questions? Contact Lexie Brown

Church Extension Fund, a ministry-based financial institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks qualified candidates for the position of Accounting Manager. The position is responsible for a variety of accounting functions and maintaining the general accounting system for an entity with assets over $250 Million. The individual will also complete financial reporting and is regularly engaged with the banking software system. The position is onsite and reports to the Vice President – Chief Financial Officer. Visit CEF’s website for the full job description and application instructions: https://churchextensionfund.com/news/accounting-manager-sought

Please join Lutheran Hour Ministries at St. Lorenz to praise the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ in preparation to share the Good News to others. Lutheran Hour Rally Preaher Dr. Michael Seigler will be the keynote speaker a the 2:00p rally.

Join us in Ann Arbor on January 11 for a screening of a new documentary on human trafficking. “The Right Track” features interviews with survivors who give first-hand accounts of what human trafficking is all about and what we can do to stop it.

Tricia Grant, one of the featured survivors in the film, will be present in-person for a Q&A session after the screening.

Make a difference and help save lives! Join us alongside former MLI Intern Alison Doerr for Concordia’s upcoming Blood Drive on Thursday, December 4th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Concordia University North Building; 3475 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Help us hit our goal of collecting 30 units! Invite friends and family as well; everyone is welcome! The blood drive will be in the nursing skills lab located on the first floor. Donate at this drive to receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks, while supplies last! There will also be a raffle for gift cards on the day of the drive! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Sign up to donate here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=concordia

A Cozy Christmas
with Blake Flattley & Tanner Olson
December 17th at 6:30 PM
St. Paul Ann Arbor – 420 W. Liberty St, Ann Arbor

As we wait for Christmas to come, we invite you to step into a warm and intimate evening filled with music, hymns, spoken word poetry, and storytelling—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of Advent. Through song and spoken word, Blake Flattley and Tanner Olson will lead us in an exploration of the season—its waiting, wondering, and joy. Together, we’ll celebrate the hope that Advent brings and the peace found in the promise of Christmas. So, dust off your favorite Christmas sweater, grab a friend and join us for A Cozy Christmas! This performance is a free event sponsored by Church Extension Fund. For more info visit: https://www.stpaulannarbor.org/news-and-events/cozy-christmas/

We need help finding a host family for a Japanese exchange student living in Ann Arbor. This 16 year old male student has already arrived from Japan and been placed with a temporary family through Thanksgiving. We are looking for a family willing to host him for the remainder of the school year, ideally within the Pioneer school district, as he has already begun attending classes there. This student enjoys sports and is a member of both the tennis and bowling teams. His temporary host family has shared how much they appreciate his positive and upbeat outlook on life. If you might be able to help this student or have any questions, please reach out to Gillian Miranda at [email protected]

The Lutheran Choralaires, a Men’s Chorus under the direction of noted Detroit area composer and arranger Terry Herald, present their annual Christmas Concert entitled “What Shall We Sing For The Child?” Now entering their 79th season, The Lutheran Choralaires have long celebrated the glorious birth of Jesus; witnessing to the masses in Metro Detroit, throughout Michigan and beyond. The concert will be held on Saturday December 6th 4:00pm, at St. John Lutheran Church (1011 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan 48307); with a repeat performance given on Saturday December 13th 4:00pm, at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church (1345 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48207). Free will donations (suggested $10/Adult, $5/Children) will be taken at the door. For further information contact Choralaire President Paul Kienman ([email protected]), E-mail [email protected], or visit www.lutheranchoralaires.org.

Event link: https://www.lutheranchoralaires.org/christmas2025

Please mark your calendar for Friday, November 14 th as a time to come together as part of the MOST community, to enjoy “An Evening with Warren and Flick”, a fundraising concert for MOST Ministries. The concert starts at 7:00 pm and will take place at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. There is no charge for admission, but attendees will be asked to make a gift/pledge to support the ongoing work of MOST Ministries.

RSVP HERE

On Monday evening, November 19, the Michigan Christian Study Center will host an event titled “Does Rural America Have a Future? Pathways to Renewal.” Over the last century, there has been a significant re-centering of the U.S. population as cities and suburbs continue to grow and small towns die, and family farms are consolidated into agribusinesses. How do we make sense of the changes that are taking place in rural America economically, culturally, politically, and spiritually?  Is a future flourishing of rural life and culture in America possible, and if so, what role might Christianity play in bringing that about?. If you plan to attend, please RSVP.

Aid in Milan is excited to announce the return of our Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gifter Program for 2025! We would like to thank you for your past participation in this very meaningful program. Here is a chance to again make a difference by “adopting” individuals or families in need in the Milan community by purchasing and donating gifts for them to brighten their holiday.

Important Dates:

• Registration Due: November 21, 2025

• Gifts drop-off at Aid in Milan due: December 5, 2025 (If you are physically unable to drop off gifts, please reach out to us).

Let’s come together to spread the joy of the season and support those in need this year! Together we can bring smiles and joy to others for the holidays and embrace the true spirit of giving and help make a difference in the lives of families who could use a little extra support. Your generous giving makes holiday magic possible!

2025 Aid in Milan Adopt a Family Registration Form

Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 3–4:30 PM

SPAA School Parking Lot. 495 Earhart Rd. Ann Arbor

Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat event, rain or shine! Enjoy decorated trunks, treats, and snacks. Invite neighbors and family for this community event!

We need your help to make this a great event! Consider hosting a trunk!  Please fill out our form! https://forms.gle/WSHtKuYxurhR5Dpi8

Bach Vespers
Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 4:00pm

St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor
420 W. Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Admission: Free

St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor is launching a new Bach Vespers series, presenting the beloved cantatas, passions, and oratorios of Johann Sebastian Bach in their original context—the beautiful Vespers liturgy. Professional soloists and orchestra join Ann Arbor community singers, the St. Paul Bach Choir, St. Paul Brass Ensemble, and The Boychoir of Ann Arbor in what is sure to become a wonderful tradition. The cantata for the November 9th performance is BWV 79, Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild.

Join us for this opportunity to experience this exquisite repertoire in the manner it was presented in Bach’s day! For more info:

https://www.stpaulannarbor.org/news-and-events/bach-vespers/

On Monday evening, October 20, the Michigan Christian Study Center will host an event, Promise or Peril? How Stories Guide Technology and Will Shape Its Future. Are digital technology and AI leading us toward a better world, or are they profound threats to humanity’s future? Our answers to these questions stem from deeper assumptions and narratives about the nature of the world. This interactive event will explore the various stories that shape humanity’s view of technology, and suggest ways that the Christian story might guide us towards more responsible technology. If you plan to attend, please RSVP.

Lutheran Women In Mission (LWML) will meet on Saturday, October 18 at Cross of Christ, South Lyon from 9 a.m. until Noon. The guest speaker is Michelle Austin with The Foster Closet of Oakland County and ingathering donations will go to The Foster Closet per the list provided. There will be a $5 suggested door donation. Cross of Christ is located at 24155 Griswold Rd., South Lyon. RSVP requested to Linda Benson or call 248.437.8810.

On Monday evening, September 15, the Michigan Christian Study Center will host an event, The University and the Pursuit of Truth. In today’s contentious and politicized environment, is it still possible for public universities to foster the rigorous pursuit of truth? If so, how? This interactive session will explore these questions from a variety of institutional perspectives. The evening will begin with introductory remarks by Laurie McCauley, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Michigan. Other speakers include Dan Crane, Richard W. Pogue Professor of Law at the University of Michigan, and Valerie Johnson, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships for the University of Michigan ADVANCE Program. If you plan to attend, please RSVP.