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Join us for worship this Sunday as we celebrate Reformation Sunday!
The Reformation reminds us that, like Martin Luther’s final confession, “we are all beggars,” completely dependent on God’s grace through Jesus Christ. We will see that God chooses the weak and undeserving so that no one can boast in themselves, but only in the Lord. Through grace alone, faith alone, and Christ alone, believers are saved and called to point others not to human heroes, but to Jesus, the only Savior.
This Sunday’s sermon is entitled
“Luther: Called to Boast in Him”
based on 1 Corinthians 1:26–31.
Hope you can join us either in person or online! |
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View the service online on Sundays at 10:15 am on YouTube. |
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Dear Hephatha Church Family,
Have you ever found your prayer life focusing entirely inward—concentrating solely on your own worries, schedules, and needs? While God tenderly cares for every detail of our lives, prayer is also a gift that turns our hearts outward to love and serve our neighbors.
One practical way to cultivate this is through prayerwalking, or simply "praying on site with insight." While the term "prayerwalking" isn't in Scripture, the heart behind it certainly is. In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Prayerwalking is an approachable, active way to put that love into practice by lifting up the needs of the community right around us.
Praying on Site with Insight
When we walk through our neighborhoods, workplaces, or local parks, we aren't walking to earn God's favor or manipulate outcomes. Rather, we walk grounded in the absolute assurance that Christ has already reconciled us to God through His cross and resurrection. Because we are secure in His grace, we are free to pray boldly and unselfishly for others.
As you walk, ask the Lord to help you see what He sees:
- Places: Pray for local schools, businesses, care centers, and homes.
- People: Ask God to grant faith, healing, and peace to the neighbors and workers you pass.
- Events: Lift up community gatherings, school events, or civic needs represented on yard signs and bulletin boards.
If you ever feel at a loss for words, pray Scripture directly over your path, drawing from passages like Psalm 24, Isaiah 40, or Ephesians 3.
Join the 5-Week Prayerwalk Challenge
We invite you to take part in a 5-week prayerwalk challenge! Dedicate 30 to 45 minutes once a week to walk a planned route, pray for what you see, and keep a simple journal of how the Lord guides your intercessions. Over time, you will likely find yourself praying more specifically, more frequently, and with greater joy.
Join us in person on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM from October 21 to November 18. If that time doesn't fit your schedule, you can easily participate on your own time. Copies of Pastor Chris's book,
Pray What You See, are available through the church office to help guide your journey.
May Christ draw our hearts outward as we trust His promises and lift up our community in prayer!
Your Pastor,
Pastor Arthur |
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Retirement or Repositioning
featuring Rev. Dr. Jim Elmore
Sunday, November 8 | 11:30 am
Join us for a meaningful Sunday with Pastor Jim Elmore, who will preach at both services and lead a conversation about retirement—better understood as repositioning for God’s ongoing purpose in your life.
This is a day of wisdom, encouragement,
and renewed vision.
Pastor Jim Elmore recently retired from Trinity Lutheran Church in Anaheim Hills, CA, where he served for forty years. Jim’s great passion in life has been taking people into different locations and situations to allow God to love and serve through them, and to give them new hearts and eyes for people.
RSVP below!
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Advent by Candlelight:
A Thrill of Hope
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Tuesday, December 8 | 7:00 pm
Attention Ladies!
St. Paul’s will be holding their annual Advent by Candlelight event on December 8 in the Sanctuary with dessert following in the gym.
Join us for a time of devotion, music, and great dessert!
Bonnie Hicks will be hosting a few “Hephatha Ladies” tables. All ladies, 4th grade and older, are welcome to attend.
If you have questions, please contact Bonnie Hicks at bhicks@hephatha.net.
RSVP below and watch for more details to come!
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Children’s and
Youth Ministries |
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45Faith
4th and 5th Grade Youth Group
4th and 5th grade youth group, also called 45Faith, will begin in the new year of 2027!
Join us on, most of, the third Sundays of the month from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
- January 24, 2027
- February 21, 2027
- March 21, 2027
- April 18, 2027
- May 16, 2027
- June 13, 2027
Questions? Contact Bonnie Hicks at bhicks@hephatha.net
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Middle School Youth Group
Middle school youth group is for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and will be every Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Questions? Contact Bonnie Hicks at bhicks@hephatha.net
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High School Youth Group
High School youth group is every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
RSVP to get dinner!
Questions or RSVP?
Contact Bonnie Hicks at bhicks@hephatha.net
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Prayer Gatherings
Join with your fellow congregation members in prayer each week for support and encouragement.
We meet in the Sanctuary on Sundays at 8:00 am and on the first Thursdays of the month at 6:30 pm.
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Foundations:
Membership Class
Foundations class is open to those who are long-time members, not-so-long-time members, as well as those who would like to make Hephatha their church home.
This study will highlight some of Lutheranism’s key distinctions that help us see Jesus, the Bible, our calling, and our mission more clearly.
Interested in becoming a church member?
Contact Pastor Andrews to find a time that works for you at aandrews@hephatha.net.
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