Far More
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us.”
Ephesians 3:20
We can easily begin to think about God in terms of what is probable instead of what is possible.
We look at our circumstances, our limitations, our communities, even ourselves, and decide what we think can happen. We curb our prayers. We limit our hopes. We play it safe with our lives.
But God is not limited by what seems probable.
God is the God of possibility.
And He has already given us far more than we could ever imagine. Jesus gave His whole self for you. He died for you, rose from the dead for you, and freely gives you forgiveness, eternal life, and the promise of resurrection. There is no probation period. No fine print. No earning your way in.
In Christ, you already have far more than you could imagine.
And when we remember that, we are freed to live differently.
We are freed to pray bigger, trusting God with the things that seem impossible in our lives, our relationships, our communities, and our world.
We are freed to hope bigger, trusting the promises of the God who has already given us His Son and who promises daily bread, forgiveness, and resurrection.
And we are freed to live bigger, generously forgiving, lavishly loving, caring for those in need, serving our neighbors, and trusting that our lives are held by a God whose means are greater than our own.
It is said that we should live within our means.
By no means. We are blessed to live within God's means.
This fall at St. James, we will take three challenges together:
Pray Bigger.
Ask boldly. Pray for healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and transformation in your own life. Pray boldly for St. James. Pray that God would open doors for us to serve our neighborhoods with the peace and joy of Christ. Pray that the people of Chicago would know Jesus.
Hope Bigger.
Don't measure your hope by what you think is possible. Hope in the God who gave His Son for your salvation. Trust His promises and look with confidence toward what He can do through you and through St. James. Hope for new ministries, new opportunities to serve, and even new places where the Gospel can take root.
Live Bigger.
Forgive your enemies. Lavish people with love and kindness. Assume the best of others. Give generously. Serve sacrificially. Wake up each day remembering that suffering is not the end, death does not have the final word, and Christ has already secured your future.
This fall, we will celebrate what God has done, give thanks for what He is doing, and look forward with faith to what He will do next.
Far more than we could ask or imagine.
To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Far More Celebrations:
September 13 - Block Party
St. James Lutheran 2026 Block Party (Free)
St. James Lutheran School and Church
September 20 - Prayer Walk
Far More: Prayer Walk
Come walk through our newly renewed sanctuary and pray over the people, ministries, and moments that will fill this space in the years to come.
As we move through the church, we’ll pause to pray, reflect, and give thanks for what God has already done, while asking Him to do far more than we could ask or imagine.
A renewed sanctuary is more than a beautiful space. It is a place where Christ is proclaimed, lives are changed, prayers are offered, and the Gospel goes out.
Come see what God has renewed. Come pray for what God will do next.
Begins Sunday, September 20.
Open door hours throughout the week.
St. James Lutheran Church
September 27 - Ministry & Fellowship Fair
Far More: Ministry & Fellowship Fair
God has given St. James far more than a building. He has given us a community, a calling, and countless opportunities to serve, grow, connect, and share Christ with one another.
Come discover the many ways you can be part of what God is doing at St. James at our Ministry & Fellowship Fair.
Meet the people behind our ministries, learn about opportunities to serve, find a place to connect, and discover how your gifts and passions can be part of something far more.
There is more to church than Sunday morning. There is a place for you here.
Sunday, September 27
Following worship
St. James Lutheran Church Courtyard
October 4 - Commitment Sunday
Far More: Commitment Sunday
What might God do through us if we trusted Him with far more?
Commitment Sunday is an opportunity to prayerfully consider how God is calling each of us to give of our time, talents, and resources in the year ahead.
This isn’t simply about making a financial commitment. It’s about responding to what God has given us and joining together in the work He is already doing at St. James.
Together, we’ll look ahead with faith, gratitude, and expectation, trusting that God is able to do far more than we could ask or imagine.
Come ready to pray. Come ready to hope. Come ready to commit.
Sunday, October 4
Commitment Sunday during the 8:30 and 11 am Services
St. James Lutheran Church
