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In a few weeks St. Luke’s will welcome another child to the waters of Baptism. There are three major parts to baptism – Washing of the Water, Blessing of the Holy Spirit, and Welcome into the Family of God. The parents, sponsors, and congregation all make a commitment to help this child grow in faith. We need to remember that those gathered in worship are speaking on behalf of the whole Church and our promise to that child, is really a promise to all children. We live out our commitment to that child by welcoming all children as Jesus instructed…
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:37 And calling to him a child, Jesus put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:2-6 And they were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. – Mark 10:13-16/Luke 18:15-17 Even before baptism I am proud that St. Luke’s welcomes children into worship. At a funeral a guest was excited to have her child participate in the Children’s Prayground. She told me it was the first time her daughter enjoyed an entire worship without fussing. The woman took a picture of it and said she was sharing the idea with her church. Children’s Time and Children’s Church are a way to help children learn the topic of the message when appropriate. Andrea Griner, Director of Children and Family Ministry does a wonderful job. She is quick to add, there is a wonderful group of parents and older students who make Children’s Church a success. Thank you to all the members who share not only the Gospel, but their very lives. Our Summer Sunday Worship Readings will come from children and youth programming. St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School, Snowball Mountain. That teaches resilience, courage, and spiritual strength in fun ways. - June 15-18. Sign up HERE! Camp Wapo’s theme, Revealed. God is revealed in the Bible, Community, Light, and Revelation. Youth Camp - July 12-17; Children’s Seed’s Camp - July 17-19, and there is Grandparent/Kid Camp - June 28-July 2. Spots are still available. Use St. Luke’s Registration Code: hpps://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt And for our high school youth caring for God’s creation, including one another during a Boundary Waters Trip, August 8-15. Follow Links for INFO and for REGISTER. So thank you to St. Luke’s for fulfilling your baptism promises as we support the children and youth of our congregation and their friends. “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” - Jesus
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Good morning.
The Minneapolis Area Synod includes 134 member churches in and around Minneapolis and extending just beyond Hennepin County. On May 1st and 2nd more than 350 voting members and 80 ministry partner representatives gathered at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey to worship and conduct Synod business. Brad Bostrom and I, both first time attendees, arrived with a sense of curiosity and a feeling of gratitude for the opportunity to represent this Congregation. The Assembly theme, “Unwavering,” comes from Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for the one who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The Assembly reflected on the unwavering faith of God and the call for Christians to gather and provoke one another to love and good deeds. In her report to the Assembly, Bishop Jen Nagel said, “One of the messages I get often from people inside and outside of the church, often with tears in their eyes, is this: we are heartened that the church is being the church.” Bishop Jen reflected on the impact of Operation Metro Surge across the state, but particularly in the Minneapolis Area Synod, and invited the Assembly to consider ways to sustain the focus on neighboring and community. BTW, I was spell-bound by our bishop’s captivating and inspirational oratorical style. Don’t miss the chance to hear her speak or preach. The Synod’s Immigration Task Force provided an update on their work over the last year, including stories of impact from congregations who received support from the Welcome Fund – a fund established to support congregations accompanying immigrants. Business conducted included the election of leaders to the Synod Council (just like this church body, the Synod is governed by a Council of elected leaders) and the adoption of resolutions on Artificial Intelligence to guide the practices of both synod staff and synod council, and preparing a model policy for MAS congregations desiring to adopt their own AI policies … and a resolution to assist the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action by launching a fundraising campaign, seeking to raise at least $1 million for specific programs dedicated to 30 greenhouse gas reduction and other efforts to address Earth’s climate crisis. That’s a mouthful, I know. You can read the resolutions in detail on the Synod website. We also approved the Synod’s 2026 budget and the 2027 forecast. You may be interested in knowing that the Synod’s operating budget of $2.6M is funded by “Mission Support” from MAS churches and that roughly 50% of that amount, or $1.3M, goes to support our ministry partners locally and nationally. On another note, I was heartened to learn that the ELCA is working for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel. The initiative is named Sumud, which is Arabic for perseverance or steadfastness. As Lutherans, we believe bearing witness to the plight of our Palestinian brothers and sisters does not come at the expense of our love for our Jewish brothers and sisters as we are all children of God. To learn more, see elca.org/samud. Lastly, don’t hesitate to volunteer to attend a synod assembly in the future. Brad and I both enjoyed meeting and mingling with other voting members and ministers and left confident in our Synod’s leadership and uplifted by the Assembly’s theme of “unwavering … and the call for Christians to gather and provoke one another to love and good deeds.” Thank you. Welcome to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota. I’m so glad that you are reading this Blog post. If you are, it would be wonderful for you to give a shout out in the Comments below.
Staying connected is all about communication. As a church we communicate in a myriad of ways… The Blog is one of several ways to stay connected as a church family. Worship the best way to stay connected. You cannot always gather for worship in person, that is why we offer Online Worship, live streaming or enjoying a recording. You can find worship on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukesbloomington/, or on youtube https://www.youtube.com/@stlukesbloomington/streams **Much thanks to our Camera, Video, and Sound Techs who make all of it possible inside and outside of our sanctuary. Best way to thank these dedicated teams is to join them. No experience necessary. E-News is another way to stay connected, a weekly email sent out Every Thursday. It includes Upcoming Worship highlights and events and activities for the coming weeks are announced. Last, but not least, Prayers Requests are shared. Many questions the office receives can be found in the E-News. If you are not receiving contact the office: [email protected] / 952-881-5801. Online Directory is only as good as it is updated. Instant Church Directory is a Free App available in the Apple and Google Pay stores. This is available to St. Luke’s Members only. To get connected contact the office: [email protected] / 952-881-5801. Along with the E-News Prayers, I also will pray through the directory. All of this is to help us follow the instructions found in the Letter to the Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Jesus calls each one of us to be a witness to God’s love, through the power of the Holy Spirit, gathered as “The Church, as the Body of Christ” in this place and time - in person or online, however we can connect. Hopefully this blog will provoke you to comment below… Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob It's almost June, and to church workers everywhere, it can mean only one thing…VBS!
This year’s theme is the SNOWBALL MOUNTAIN CHALLEGE. It's filled with activities, challenges, and a tremendous amount of fun! Our week will be filled with worship, singing, puppets, activities, and so very much more!! The team of people giving their time and talent to VBS are tremendous, dedicated and so much fun! If you are looking for something to do this summer, give me a jingle and we’ll welcome you with open arms. If you are unable to help in person, we have a list of things we need in the Narthex. If you haven’t registered your child, please consider this great opportunity. If you forgot to register your child, the link is below. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Blessings, Andrea Griner Click here to register for VBS. “Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs making melody to the Lord, giving thanks to God at all times and for everything in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:19
What a blessing it is to have so many members willing and able to share their gift of music. Many thanks to all who participate and those who lead. Alanna Teragawa – Bells of Praise Director Greg Anderson – Jubilee Director Lori Murray – Choir and Congregational Accompanist Patrick Lair – Choir Director Music Sunday is an annual celebration which serves as a way of giving back and reaching out to the community. Join us on Sunday, May 17th at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. worships. Bells of Praise, St. Luke’s Choir and Jubilee Praise Team will be featured during both worships and culminating with a closing number performed by all 3 groups and the congregation. "As a worship leader I have the satisfaction of knowing that I along with Jubilee are being used by God to reach out, bringing someone a little closer to God. Jubilee adds variety through music to worship at St. Luke’s and I thank Jubilee members for their dedication and support. If you would like to participate with our Jubilee Worship Team, we meet Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the St. Luke’s sanctuary. If you have any questions, I invite you to call the St. Luke’s office at 952-881-5801. See you there" – Greg Anderson "As I conclude my third year as St. Luke's Choir director, I continue to be amazed at the dedication and commitment these singers have to our congregation. They work extremely hard to prepare choir anthems that both enhance the worship experience and, as much as possible, support the readings and the message through song. As a group, we strive to bring joy to all that we do and, more importantly, that we care, love and pray for each other. We would love to have you join this group of singing volunteers. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. (September through May). If interested, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]" - Patrick Lair “The Bells of Praise ministry is unique in that one person (ringer) plays only two notes. In order to play most of our songs, there are 11-13 ringers needed. We continue to learn how two notes are important in one section, but not in another section. We learn different techniques to bring surprise and somber to different scores. It continues to be a joy to work with this family of musicians, where we care for each other, strive to help the listener feel the glory and mystery of our faith, while having a great deal of fun. Our rehearsals at Wednesdays at 5:45-6:45 pm (September through May) and we perform the 4th Sunday of each month. Let me know if you want to give ringing a try next fall.” [email protected] – Alanna Teragawa Although Jubilee continues to lead worship at the10:00 a.m. service throughout the summer, the 8:30 a.m. service is without choir and bells. If you or someone you know might be interested in offering special music (instrumental, solos, duets, trios, etc.) at the 8:30 a.m. service this summer, please let Lori Murray know so that she can coordinate. Lori can be reached at [email protected] HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER! We are living out our Mission Statement…
St. Luke’s is a Welcoming and Growing Community of Faith, busy Making Christ Known to the World. That happens in many and various ways within our building. St. Luke’s alone has over 60 ministries and teams, meeting inside and outside of our building – take a look at the “Get to Know St. Luke’s” handbook to learn more; even better share the ones that you are a part of and why in the comments. There is another worshipping community, that meets here – House of Ezra. They gather for worship on Sunday afternoons and Friday nights in the Great Room. St. Luke’s will be the site of their International Conference this summer. Music is heard in the building not just on Sundays. St. Luke’s Bells of Praise and St. Luke’s Choir rehearse on Wednesdays. St. Luke’s Jubilee Team rehearses on Thursdays. The past year Angelica Cantanti Choirs have rehearsed at St. Luke’s as many as six days in a week. Thus, often every day of the week music fills St. Luke’s. You will often hear children’s laughter in the building. St. Luke’s Christian Preschool is over 50 years old. It meets during the school year, in St. Luke’s Education Wing. But you will hear children year-round as the Education Wing is also home to Learning Tree Development Center who welcome infants to 5-year-olds. Both centers are led by Barb Watson, Director of St. Luke’s Preschool and owner of Learning Tree. We are also home to the NorthStar Scrollers, Gambler’s Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, a Book Club, along with us taking our turn hosting the Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition. Most of the organizations pay a room rate, rent or a gift. In 2025 St. Luke’s exceeded the 15% max square footage usage of outside groups. St. Luke’s will be filing a 990-T which is for nonprofits with income-generating activities that are not tied to its exempt purpose – “Unrelated Business Income Tax” (UBIT). St. Luke’s anticipated this situation and has budgeted for this expense. St. Luke’s will continue to live out its mission of being a “Welcoming” community which is a way to fulfill the second part of the Great Commandment, “Love you neighbor.” Camp isn’t just for kids! GIFT - GENERATIONS IN FAITH TOGETHER GRANDPARENT & KID CAMP – Camp Wapo4/28/2026 “I will tell of your greatness, my God and King. I will praise your name forever and ever.
Each generation will praise you and tell the next generation about the great things you do. Your majesty and glory are wonderful. I will tell about your miracles. …I will tell everyone (especially my grandchildren) how great you are. – Psalm 145: 1, 4-5, 6b Grandparents are spiritually influential in the lives of grandchildren and have huge potential to be a vital part of their faith journeys. When parents disengage from church, grandparents become vital spiritual mentors. for their grandchildren. They can pass on faith through intentional prayer, sharing personal stories of faith, modeling Christlike love, and building strong relationships, often finding that these actions leave a lasting impact. At GIFT camp, families of all generations come together to create lasting memories at camp. This unique experience is designed for grandparents and their grandkids, but everyone is welcome – from parents and aunts & uncles to cousins and friends. The camp offers a variety of activities that everyone can enjoy, including swimming, fun at the beach, campfires, crafts, games, and engaging Bible studies for all ages. Whether you’re enjoying time together or in age-specific groups, GIFT is a wonderful opportunity to connect, grow in faith, and have fun. Make an unforgettable summer with your loved ones! GIFT CAMP – All Ages Site: Camp Wapo, Amery, WI. 3-Day Camp – June 28-30. $235.00 + $75.00/person 5-Day Camp – June 28-July 2. $235.00 + $145.00/person *no charge for children 2 years old and younger *$150 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due at registration. Schedule: Check-in 3:00-4:30 Sunday Check-out 12:00pm closing worship on Tuesday & Thursday. ***Once the initial registration is complete you will receive an electronic invoice within 1-2 days to use to complete your deposit and final payments. Links: Registration for June 28 - 30 / 3-day camp opens January 15, 2026 Registration for June 28 - July 2 / 5-day camp opens January 15, 2026 Registration FAQ 2026 Information Packet Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your love to the next generation, Your promises to all who are to come. - Psalms 71:18 For more 2026 St. Luke’s Summer Opportunities: Vacation Bible School:https: //www.stlukesbloomington.org/---vbs.html Children and Youth Camps and Trips: https://www.stlukesbloomington.org/---summer-camps-and-trips.html When did Earth Day begin and when is it celebrated?
Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. This is a trick question. The real Earth Day was given to us on the Sixth Day of Creation… God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for every sort of seed-bearing plant and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, whatever grows out of the ground. For the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and everything that moves and breathes, on the face of Earth – And, yes, Earth itself! God looked over everything, it was so good, so very good! It was evening, it was morning—Day Six. (Genesis 1:28-31, The Message Bible paraphrased) Here at St. Luke’s we celebrate Earth Day – EVERYDAY! From the very beginning when the Education Wing was built the members of St. Luke’s made sure that The Old Oak Tree that had been there much longer would remain. St. Luke’s members continue to care for the old oak tree, pruning and giving it injections so it can remain healthy for years to come. In 2021 St. Luke’s with funding from the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District put in a Rain Garden. The water from the north parking lot drains into the garden, not into the creek. Also in 2021 St. Luke’s added a few roof tops full of solar panels, substantially lowering our electricity usage; not to mention offering a significant savings in our electric bill. In honor of our 100th Anniversary, in 1922 we planted a New Oak Tree. As the sayings go… “One Generation Plants the Tree and another Generation gets the shade.” "The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit," - Nelson Henderson "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in" "The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, the second best time is now" "Planting a tree is an act of love towards the earth and future generations" Last year St. Luke’s adopted Harrison Park, so we can truly say, “Every day is Earth Day!” Take a stroll with a purpose anytime of the year. Sadly trash clean up isn’t seasonal. There is a stand inside Door F with everything you need. We ask that you sign the waiver and document your time. Let us not forget that to care for God’s creation, includes one another. This summer St. Luke’s has invited the Harrison Park Community Gardeners to park in our south lot. So don’t be surprised to see a handful of cars throughout the growing season. This is because of a new Veterans Memorial to honor and recognize veterans of Bloomington. The goal is to have it completed by Veterans Day November 2026. Let us care for God’s creation including one another, on “Earth Day” and EVERYDAY! In this Easter time of year, we are still experiencing the joy and hope of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. All around us are signs of rebirth as humans, grass, flowers, and trees awaken from the long winter months. As the days get longer and warmer, we begin to see neighbors we have not seen since November and marvel at the greenery sprouting from the ground and on tree branches. It is Easter! It is Spring! Alleluia!
What better way to celebrate this time of year and to go forth from the walls of St. Luke’s than to attend a truly community-based event. To that end, we would like to invite you, your family, and your friends to attend the annual SPRING, RING AND SING Concert, Saturday, April 25th, 3:00 p.m. at Community of the Cross Lutheran Church (10701 Bloomington Ferry Rd – Bloomington). This event, started by our own Alanna Teragawa some 4 – 5 years ago, brings together handbell ensembles and vocal choirs from three neighborhood churches – Oak Grove Presbyterian, Community of the Cross Lutheran Church, and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. The concert is FREE and attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food or a cash donation for VEAP. At the concert you will experience each ensemble doing their own piece as well as a combined handbell, vocal choir, and a mass bell and choir pieces. And yes, you might even get a chance to participate and meet new friends from our community (Community of the Cross will be providing refreshments after the concert). Come and support St. Luke’s bell and vocal ensembles but, more importantly, come join in this community gathering filled with inspirational, touching, and uplifting music. SPRING, RING AND SING Saturday, April 25th 3:00 p.m. Community of the Cross Lutheran Church – Paul
As was heard on Easter Morning… 31What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:31-39 Who was it that first met Jesus? Mary Magdelene, a woman who had been possessed by seven demons (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). When the Bible uses the number seven it symbolizes completion in the Jewish tradition, indicating that she was completely overwhelmed, perhaps suffering from physical or psychological illness. Experiencing the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, she was transformed from a state of total affliction to dedicated discipleship. The one you seek will find you. As Mary was searching for the dead body of Jesus. The Risen Jesus called her by name and invited her to share the Good News with the Disciples, who at that moment had separated themselves from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Join St. Luke’s for this 5 Week Message Series: Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love Find Freedom in God’s Love – Sunday, April 12 The fears you are hiding from cannot separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ask the Disciples behind the locked doors. (John 20:19-23) Find Faith in God’s Love – Sunday, April 19 The doubts you may have cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ask the disciple Thomas. (John 20:24-31) Find Purpose in God’s Love, Sunday, April 26 Any uncertainty you have cannot separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ask the disciples who went fishing. (John 21:1-14) Find Reconciliation in God’s Love – Sunday, May 3 Any denial you make cannot separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ask Peter. (John 21:15-20) Find Accountability in God’s Love – Sunday, May 10 Any comparison you make concerning another person cannot separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ask the Beloved Disciple. (John 21:20-25) When in life have you felt separated from God’s Love in Christ Jesus our Lord? It is God’s Will, that nothing can separate you, or anyone else, from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This includes people you desire to be separated from God’s love. God cannot deny God’s self, for God is love. (1st John 4:8) |
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