If you caught St. Luke’s online 8:30 AM worship, October 4, on Facebook or You Tube, you may have heard my sisters, Lori Brosam, Jan Solmonson, and me singing one of our favorite hymns, “Count Your Blessings”. When I think about it, the song really typifies how my parents lived their lives, and how I aspire to live my own. I was raised in a large family of modest means; my parents never had a savings account until we started one on their 40th wedding anniversary, but it seemed my folks always found a way to share the blessings that they had with others. My parents both worked full-time, but we lived on a farm in West Bloomington where my Mom had a large garden and my Dad raised cattle for the missions. The welcome mat was always out to friends, family, and often to acquaintances who needed somewhere to stay, help getting a job, or a seat at the family dinner table on a holiday.
Like many people, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck for most of my adult life; praying that no catastrophic expense should befall me. While I didn’t have a lot of money to give, I always wanted to give back and help others. I realized that my value was not just in the money I had to share, but that I was a gift; a blessing which I could give to others. I could share my gift of music - I am a member of St. Luke’s Senior Choir, and throughout my lifetime I’ve sung with my siblings at many churches as well as for the residents at the Masonic Home where my parents worked. I have feet to walk and hands to work: I’ve walked and raised funds for cancer; wrapped Christmas presents for residents at Tubman shelter; made banners and signs for church and events; hand crafted greeting cards for nursing homes and St. Luke’s; delivered Meals on Wheels; helped prepare and serve Loaves and Fishes and Oasis for Youth’s July Birthday dinner. I’ve rung Salvation Army bells and organized my coworkers to sort Shoebox gifts.
Most recently, I’ve reached out to friends, relatives and acquaintances who are lonely or suffering from grief or depression; writing a note, lending an ear and offering the gift of friendship. Since the Covid lockdown, I’ve hosted Bingo in my driveway for my neighbors; some of whom are experiencing grief and loneliness.
The point of my message is not to laud or glorify all that I have done, but to make you aware of all that YOU can do - the opportunities are endless. YOU are the gift, and the more you give of yourself, the greater joy YOU will receive.
I am privileged to be a member of SLLC’s Missions team and it’s been a joy to see the generous hearts of the St. Luke’s congregation. We ask and you deliver! Boy do you deliver! During this season of stewardship for both our 2021 Annual Budget and the 100% for 100 Years Anniversary Capital Campaign, please prayerfully consider your opportunity to give generously, whether it be your time, money, prayers, or actions.
Blessings,
Bev Brosam
Like many people, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck for most of my adult life; praying that no catastrophic expense should befall me. While I didn’t have a lot of money to give, I always wanted to give back and help others. I realized that my value was not just in the money I had to share, but that I was a gift; a blessing which I could give to others. I could share my gift of music - I am a member of St. Luke’s Senior Choir, and throughout my lifetime I’ve sung with my siblings at many churches as well as for the residents at the Masonic Home where my parents worked. I have feet to walk and hands to work: I’ve walked and raised funds for cancer; wrapped Christmas presents for residents at Tubman shelter; made banners and signs for church and events; hand crafted greeting cards for nursing homes and St. Luke’s; delivered Meals on Wheels; helped prepare and serve Loaves and Fishes and Oasis for Youth’s July Birthday dinner. I’ve rung Salvation Army bells and organized my coworkers to sort Shoebox gifts.
Most recently, I’ve reached out to friends, relatives and acquaintances who are lonely or suffering from grief or depression; writing a note, lending an ear and offering the gift of friendship. Since the Covid lockdown, I’ve hosted Bingo in my driveway for my neighbors; some of whom are experiencing grief and loneliness.
The point of my message is not to laud or glorify all that I have done, but to make you aware of all that YOU can do - the opportunities are endless. YOU are the gift, and the more you give of yourself, the greater joy YOU will receive.
I am privileged to be a member of SLLC’s Missions team and it’s been a joy to see the generous hearts of the St. Luke’s congregation. We ask and you deliver! Boy do you deliver! During this season of stewardship for both our 2021 Annual Budget and the 100% for 100 Years Anniversary Capital Campaign, please prayerfully consider your opportunity to give generously, whether it be your time, money, prayers, or actions.
Blessings,
Bev Brosam