​By 1927 the congregation had built and moved into its first building.  The basement was the setting for the Sunday school classes where individual classes were separated by green burlap draperies - a visual barrier but no sound barrier.  Under these conditions, one can imagine how noisy it must have become by the 1950s when the Sunday school had grown to over 300 students.By 1949 a second Sunday school hour was added, and in 1950s, a third hour.  For a time, classes for the older students were held in the parsonage. By 1958 the new (and our current) education wing was built - a short term fix, however, as the Bloomington community was growing so fast, some Sunday school classes had to meet in the basement of the old church!

"For the following five years after organizing, St Luke's did not have a permanent home, but we had worship services in different places as they were available.One was a small clement block building which had been used as a butcher shop; then we met in a feed store on Lyndale and 94th, and after that, in the Bloomington Township Hall, which was located where the fire hall is now.  It was so different from excavating nowadays when it's just a matter of a few hours and it's ready for footings.  In those days all we had for excavating was a little scoop that held about 1/3 of a yard and was pulled by a team of horses.  One man would drive the horses and another man would hold onto the handles of the scoop,hoping to get it filled without being pitched over onto the whiffle trees.  It took several days to dig the church basement."       
 -Excerpt from a speech by charter member, Al Drangstveit, March 29, 1968, 
St Luke's 45th anniversary
​

​Mary Jean and I have been members of St Luke's for about 44 years.  In our first 5 years we were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters who were all baptized and confirmed at St. Luke's. Having 3 young daughters, we remember how great it was to have a well- staffed nursery so we could worship.  We have many memories of the girls going to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, choir, choir trips, church camp, ski trips and Appalachian trips. We have been active in many committees, programs and activities and both have served on the Church Council.   St Luke's is not only a place of worship, but it is our faith community that we know will always be there no matter what's happening elsewhere.
 
St Luke's has been here making Christ known for almost 100 years!  This is an impressive history but it doesn't end now.  We need to set the frame work for us to continue for another 100 years.  This takes all of us contributing time, talent and money.
That's what our 100% for 100 years is all about.  If we all do our part, our goals can be reached.
 
Giving is never easy, but it is necessary for our congregation to continue making Christ known in our community.  In the past Mary Jean and I have been giving a weekly amount to the operating account and an annual stock gift to the capital account. If you are fortunate enough to have stocks that have significant gains, this is a great way to give to the Church rather than the government.  Since we're of the age where we have to take IRA distributions, we will utilize those funds as well, to be directed to the Church rather than the government.
 
We are truly glad that we joined St Luke's 44 years ago. We made a commitment then, and over the years we have made many good friends and experienced wonderful opportunities with them. This is our home!  St. Luke's has had its ups and downs and it's challenges, but we have weathered them all.  If we all stick together we can overcome anything that comes our way.  We are a faith community that we're confident will prevail for the next 100 years!!
 
Mick and Mary Jean Thorsland

​Ephesians 5:1-3, 20   Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved Children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God and giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
For forty years I have been a part of St. Luke's Community of Faith It has been a highlight of my faith journey and I thank God every day for St. Luke's and all who have been a part of my life story & spiritual growth. Prior to joining I already had good friends here and I immediately became involved in its ministry all of which contributed to my spiritual growth. In the last twenty years, however, the focus has been on Card Ministry and Care Team which has been a special blessing and very rewarding.
 
In its 97 years St Luke's has been faithful in making Christ known, touched thousands of lives and assisted many believers in their faith journey. Now we must plan for another 100 years of ministry--desperately needed in today's world. As a tither I have been richly blessed for making that decision (with my husband) 65 years ago. Stewardship sermons are preached every year and we need to hear them and continue to be be reminded of how generous our God is. I like a favorite pastor's slogan, "Give until it feels good". It is always a privilege to thank God with giving and praying is always helpful and also a privilege.
 
Enjoy each day, it is a special gift from God.
Agape', Margaret Dahl

​I have always been part of a faith community. I often wonder how people who are not part of a faith community get through life. It's such a blessing and comfort to know that I have a faith community to support me and pray for me in good times and bad. 
 
St. Luke's is the faith community I've been a part of for the majority of my life.  Worshipping together is something that Mom and I are able to share most weeks. At St. Luke's we have many friends in common, some of whom have been members longer than we have.  
 
St. Luke's has given me a variety of opportunities to share my gifts and blessings within the church community and with our neighbors, (e.g., Council, Foundation, Confirmation Mentor, God's Work-Our Hands, VEAP, Oasis). I am also grateful and blessed for the opportunities I have had over the years to share my musical gifts in worship. 
 
St. Luke's has also given me opportunities to experience unique "micro" communities, such as a sailing trip with Pastor Rob, or the trip to Holden Village that Mom and I took several years ago with Pastor Karen. 
 
My hope for future generations is that they can experience God's grace and unconditional love in a faith community such as St. Luke's. Each of us needs to discern our role in how to make this happen so St. Luke's can continue well into its future. 
 
Blessings,
Trudy Dahl

​My name is Phyllis Kilmer and I've been a member at St. Lukes about 42 years. My children, Chad and Stephanie, were 2 & 4 yrs old when we joined.   I'm very thankful my children were able to grow up in a loving, vibrant church family, actively involved in all that was offered to them as they grew. I feel so loved when I step into our building and surround myself with all of you; or, lately, as I drive into the parking lot for Drive-In church.
 
My story today is about future giving.
Giving can be done in many different ways; our offerings, our time/ talents and planned LEGACY giving.    I hadn't really thought about LEGACY giving much until 2018 when my former husband died unexpectedly and my kids had to deal with all the funeral details etc. in the midst of going through the grieving process.
 
Not wanting Stephanie and Chad to go through that trauma again, I soon after made an appointment with an attorney to set up my estate plan. We decided a trust would be best and in setting up that trust I made a Charitable Bequest (LEGACY) that designates a percentage of my estate go to St. Lukes. I did this joyfully now while alive because I have been richly blessed by God and this church community and I'm very thankful for all the opportunities my children and I had while growing closer to the Lord in his house.   There are also other ways to leave LEGACY gifts to SLLC too, such as stocks, bonds or real estate.
 
While our Capital Appeal Drive is going on I will also be making an IRA Charitable Rollover that allows my RMD to be transferred tax-free directly from my IRA account to St. Luke's for the next 3 years.   This, too, could be done as a LEGACY gift after I'm gone but I'm using it for the Capital Appeal now.  
 
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms.
 
Blessed beyond measure,
Phyllis Kilmer

​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

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."                     Colossians 2:6-7

I wrote for this blog on September 15, that we would be re-starting our previously suspended capital appeal in conjunction with our fall stewardship appeal, both with the theme, "100% for 100 Years" and both a part of our stewardship.

What is stewardship? It is All that we do, with ALL that we have, ALL the time. In stewardship, we completely reorient our lives toward God who calls us and loves us through Jesus Christ. It is all that we do after we say, "I believe."

While financial goals have been set for both the annual and the capital appeals, a more important emphasis is 100% participation of all members in recognition of God naming us stewards of everything on earth, and that is a place of high esteem and honor. Our giving is a response to God's blessings.

Over the next five weeks, you will hear and see more information on this important appeal in a variety of ways - newsletters, worship, mailings - that will tell the story of St. Luke's ministry over the past 97 years and our hopes & dreams for the next 100 years. You will hear the message from the pulpit, read stories and view videos from fellow members who believe in the ministry of this church and why it is important to them. The appeal will culminate on Celebration Sunday, November 1, 2020.

You will be asked to prayerfully consider your response to support of our ministry and financial goals.


Barb Roberts - Stewardship