Gethsemane Lutheran Church - ELCA, St. Louis, MO

09/11/2026

Today we remember.

We remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We remember the families and communities affected by that tragedy.

We remember the courage of first responders and ordinary people who chose service over fear.

And we pray that God continues to guide us in the ways of peace, compassion, and love for our neighbor.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

09/09/2026

This cartoon has hung in the church office for quite some time, and with our upcoming schedule change, it feels especially appropriate!

Beginning September 13, we'll gather for:
Coffee & Donuts at 9:00am
Worship at 10:00am

We are looking forward to having everyone together for one worship service and some extra time for fellowship before worship. We hope you'll join us!

09/07/2026

On this Labor Day, we pause to honor the workers who keep our communities moving and growing. Progress happens when we lift our voices, support one another, and stand together. Jesus walked with the overlooked, challenged injustice, and strengthened the weary. As we celebrate workers on Labor Day, may we carry His example — asking boldly, loving deeply, and working toward a more just world for all.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

What happens when we find ourselves living in a parable and don't yet know how the story ends? This Sunday's message reflects on compassion, faith, homelessness, community, and the courage to follow where God is leading, even when the path forward isn't clear. Read Pastor Cheryl's sermon, The Trouble With Living in a Parable and join the conversation: https://wix.to/Z81u7d0

The trouble with living in a parable is that you don’t know how it ends. For most of this past year, I have wondered if Gethsemane Lutheran Church has been living in a parable. We have had a man live in a tent in an outdoor stairwell on our property. We’ve gotten to know many unhoused neighbors ...

08/19/2026

Warning: You might be offended.

This past Sunday, Pastor Cheryl explored Matthew 15 and the surprising encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. Through this challenging Gospel passage, we reflected on faith, welcome, and God's abundant mercy that reaches beyond the divisions we create. At God's table, there is more than enough for everyone.

Read the full sermon: https://wix.to/pOjTjwx

Today’s Gospel lesson (Matthew 15:1-28) is a story about what is actually offensive. The Pharisees, who—let’s be clear—are not the villains in the story, come to Jesus to complain that his disciples are not washing their hands properly, not observing the religious rituals and customs. Is thi...

08/15/2026

🎒📚 Backpack Blessing | Sunday, August 16

A new school year is just around the corner! We invite all students, teachers, administrators, and school staff to bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing.

Together we'll pray for a year filled with learning, growth, friendship, and God's guidance. Students of all ages, from preschool through college, are welcome!

Each participant will receive a special backpack tag featuring this year's theme:

💛 You and Me? We're Neighbors 💛

A reminder that God calls us to care for one another and that no one walks alone on their journey.

08/11/2026

As a new academic year begins, we invite all students, educators, and school staff to join us for a Backpack Blessing during worship on Sunday, August 16.

This special moment in our service is an opportunity to surround those returning to the classroom with prayer, asking for God's guidance, protection, wisdom, and encouragement throughout the year ahead. Students of all ages, from preschool through college, are encouraged to bring their backpacks to receive a blessing.

Each participant will also receive a special backpack tag inspired by this year's theme, "You and Me? We're Neighbors." The tag serves as a reminder that wherever the school year leads, we are called to care for one another, share God's love, and remember that we never walk alone.