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Together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services.
It’s time for VEAP’s March Food and Fund Drive From March 1-April 6, VEAP’s goal is to raise $300,000 and collect 75,000 lbs of food. Winter is often a season of endurance, but for many families across the Twin Cities, this winter has been defined by fear and uncertainty – a time when cold weather, rising food costs, and reduced funding to food assistance programs have stretched families to the brink. Food insecurity remains at an historic high and VEAP demands continue to grow. VEAP is receiving 30% LESS food from food bank partners compared to 1 year ago due to cuts in the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and they anticipate increased need with expected cuts to SNAP and Medicare. Every dollar and every pound of donated food counts! Over the next 5 weeks, St. Luke’s will be collecting items for VEAP’s Express/Emergency Packs. Express Packs are provided to participants who may not have an appointment and are in need of immediate assistance. VEAP distributes 50 Express Packs of shelf-stable items every day – this is an increase from 35-40 per day last year! We request that you bring one of the following items each week: March 8 – Canned Protein* March 15 – Canned Fruit* March 22 – Canned Vegetables* (No Green Beans) March 29 – Rice (brown or white) April 5 – Pasta (No Mac & Cheese) *Each Express Pack contains 2 of each of the canned items Donations can be made to VEAP through the weekly offering – just indicate VEAP on the envelope. If you have any questions, please contact someone on the Missions Team or Becky Olson. You can also read more about VEAP’s Mission and ways they support our community at www.veap.org Blessings, Bev Brosam Missions
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by Pastor Paul Werger
I don’t suppose there is a greater source of joy and comfort in life that to know you are baptized into Jesus Christ and “belong to the people of God.” To be perfectly candid, sacrifice, self-denial, and self-giving have been the methods by which Christ has built His church and created the people of God. You and I enjoy the blessings and benefits of our faith simply because others have been willing to pay the price to share the Gospel. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in the [hundred and three] year history of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. It was the commitment of life and resources, the faithfulness through many stormy periods of existence and the devoted loyalty of those early pioneers of our community that created a House of Worship and made it possible for God to have his people in this place. Now the burden of responsibility rests squarely on our shoulders. At this hour when the needs of God’s people at St. Luke’s are everywhere in evidence, each of us must look within himself [or herself] to see if there is the love and faith to pay the price of belonging to God’s people. At this period…as we see Christ’s sacrifice for us and as we reflect on the [103] year history of this congregation, these words of the poet express all our desires and feelings: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all.” Pastor Paul Werger, writing to the congregation on its 45th anniversary, on the threshold of the final building phase. From the Fields Were Ripe, 75th Anniversary history book. (p.8) Words that still speak to us today as we celebrate 103 years and counting... Happy Anniversary St. Luke’s! – February 23, 1923. What are your favorite memories of St. Luke’s? What are your dreams for the future of St. Luke’s? Please post in the comments… [updated for this year] A Lenten Devotional by the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network.
Welcome to the Season of Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday and going through Easter morning. February 18 – April 5, 2026. Lent is a time for reflection and renewal as we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem. Many people give something up as a Lenten Discipline, other people take something on. As a community we do so by joining for worship on Wednesdays (February 18 – March 25. 11 AM Service of the Word and 7 PM – Evening Worship) followed by Holy Week with Maundy Thursday (April 2, 7 PM), Good Friday (April 3, 11 AM and 7 PM), and Easter Morning (April 5, 8:30 and 10 AM). For a daily discipline you’re invited to use Beauty for Ashes, an ELCA daily devotional. You can download it HERE or copy and paste: https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-content/uploads/Beauty_for_Ashes_Lenten_Resource.pdf I would love to hear what your Lenten Discipline will be, please share it as a Comment below. Hope to hear several of you choose Beauty for Ashes, along with attending St. Luke’s Lent and Holy Week worships. Enjoy the journey as you walk with Jesus. Beauty for Ashes Introduction: Homeless and Justice Network of the ELCA is a coalition of ministries called to serve with those on the margins who are struggling with poverty, homelessness and justice issues. This unique network is a ministry with, rather than for, those experiencing poverty, homelessness and injustice. We in the network believe that all God’s children deserve an opportunity to gather and be the church together, inside or outside the church walls. The HJN gathers pastors and leaders of these ministries to connect, refuel, bring new ideas to the table, share stories that ignite passion, and equip each other as leaders from within so that, as we stand on the margins with Jesus, all are included. Thank you to the remarkable leaders who contributed these beautiful and thoughtful devotions for us to enjoy during this Lenten season. We also thank artist Jibril Bey for sharing these beautiful, evocative pieces. This daily devotional book can be read by individuals or groups and follows the eight principles of the Homeless and Justice Network: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. - Community is vital to all that we do. Jesus stood on the margins so that all could be included, and so do we. God loves all people, no matter what. We respect the dignity and value of all people, without condition. We minister with — not to or for — one another. 6. 7. A church is the people, not the building. Everyone has something to offer, and we need every person if we are to be whole. 8. We see lives transformed and are transformed ourselves. Each devotion has everything you need: a verse from the Bible (some are Lenten Scripture whereas others have different themes), a personal reflection from the contributor, a thoughtful quotation, a meditative question and a closing prayer. It’s set up so that anyone can experience or lead others through a meaningful time of reflection and conversation. So … Let’s go! Take a 40-day deep breath together and focus on what’s going on in our hearts and in our communities. From these stories, let us see hope in brokenness and in our hearts receive beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61:3). —Rebeca Malmgren ELCA Coordinator for Economic Diversity, blessed to care for the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network download it HERE or copy and paste: https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-content/uploads/Beauty_for_Ashes_Lenten_Resource.pdf Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Genesis 3:19/Ecclesiastes 3:20 From Dust to Resurrection: Our Lenten Journey These are the sobering words we hear on Ash Wednesday as the sign of the cross is marked on our foreheads or on our hands. They echo God’s words to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:19 and the reflections of the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:20 on the shared fate of all living things. While these words remind us of our mortality, they are not the final word for us as Christians. Living in the Promise As humans, we exist in a finite world full of hardship and sickness. But as followers of Christ, we live in the promise of the eternal. We hold onto the truth of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” This is why, even in the face of death, we celebrate. At funerals, we announce, “Let us celebrate the life and resurrection of our beloved.” Through our baptism, we were buried with Christ so that we might also be raised with Him to live a new life. We are marked with the cross of Christ forever—not just on Ash Wednesday, but every single day. Join Us for Ash Wednesday Worship February 18 at 11 AM and 7 PM. Ash Wednesday is the kickoff to Lent—a 40-day journey (not counting Sundays!) where we join Jesus on His walk to the cross. We call Sundays “mini-Easters” because, even in this season of reflection, we know the journey really begins at the empty tomb. Join us for the Season of Lent From February 25 through March 25, our Wednesday worship services will focus on Jesus’ “I Am” statements. By remembering who Jesus is, we better understand who we are in Him. · 11:00 AM | Service of the Word - St. Luke’s Preschool students join us to share a few songs at the start of worship. Please stay after the service for a light lunch in the Fellowship Hall. · 7:00 PM | Evening Worship - A contemplative evening service to end your day with song, in prayer, in the Word, and reflection. We look forward to being on the journey together. For more than fifteen hundred years, Christians have used these words to mark Ash Wednesday. Come and hear them again for the first time: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Each month, the Missions team highlights a different Missions partner. In January we held a Blood Drive (with 27 units collected), and for February our Missions partner is Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage (aka EGO) in Haiti.
A little recent history about Haiti: In 2018, a political, social and economic crisis was created in response to rising fuel costs when Venezuela ceased shipments of oil to Haiti. It is a crisis that has grown and continues today. In 2021 their president was assassinated and eventually a federation of gangs took control of the country. Commercial airports have shut down, all but one hospital have closed and foreign citizens were evacuated from the country. Since then, the citizens of Haiti have suffered with outbreaks of cholera, acute hunger and growing threats to their lives from gang violence and lack of medical facilities, medications and health care professionals. The current transitional government was scheduled to expire on February 7, 2026, but the Transitional Presidential Council voted to remove the Prime Minister on January 23, and elections are expected to be postponed until August. The situation is troubled and ever-changing. St. Luke’s has been supporting Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage since 2017. In the past, we have “sold” building blocks to help fund new dormitories at the orphanage or to help pay expenses and staff wages. In 2025 we raised almost $2400 for EGO. In Haiti, education is not free. All families must pay to have their children educated. In 2018 there were a total of 73 children attending the Ebenezer Glenn school (56 kids from the orphanage and 17 from the surrounding community), in June 2019 there were 372 children enrolled in the school, and today they have over 600 kids enrolled – most of whom are children from surrounding communities. The good news is that Ebenezer Glenn is mostly self-sufficient. They have both traditional and hydroponic gardens, raise their own animals and crops for food, raise Talapia in a pool, make their own shampoo, soap and sundries (crafts which they teach to the children), and run on solar power, including a solar cook stove. In addition to the 4 on-site managing staff, they have 89 employees that help run and maintain the campus and school. EGO has managed to secure needed supplies through Missionary Flights International. Due to the high cost of shipping and customs fees for these items, they ask for continued financial support. The funds we raise this February may be used for shipping costs, but they may also be used to pay staff salaries or buy supplies. So, instead of building blocks, this year we will sell paper airplanes to symbolize EGO’s need for supplies and shipping expenses. We will hang the airplanes from the ceiling of the Narthex or you can take your airplane home with you. We will also have an airplane flying contest – details about which will follow at a later date. Thank you for your continued support of Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage and the endeavors of St. Luke’s Missions team. Blessings, Bev Brosam Missions Representative by Danielle Garbina
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – Prayer of St. Francis I wanted to share a quick story about how a simple conversation with my sister back in November turned into something that has truly changed our lives. My sister, Justine, moved back into town this past April, and we were both looking for a way to stay busy and try something new. I remembered attending the worship where we blessed the quilts and I was blown away by all the quilts draped over the pews. I told Justine that we should check out the quilting group, but I warned her, “I don’t know much about it, I have never been before. I had so many questions—did we need machines? Do they just make quilts? How much does it cost? I chatted with Pastor Rob during a Wednesday Church Night and found out it was free and he encouraged me to go. I texted Justine that we should just go check it out. She responded by saying, “Woohoo! I have a few friends joining us!” On Thursday, November 20th, five of us showed up. The normal sewing group was taken by surprise to see a whole squad of newbies walk in at once, but they welcomed us with open arms. Since that day, the momentum hasn’t stopped. The five of us “newbies” have been trading photos of our creations, sharing tutorials, and cheering each other on. We are now officially “all-in.” The newbies are dusting off our machines and learning how to use them! I started a GroupMe to keep us organized. We are making spaces in our homes for sewing. We are loving pushing our creativity. We actually get sad when we have to miss a sewing night! Kelsey, one of the newbies, said in our group chat, “I’m so glad we found these amazing quilting women who are happy to pass on their knowledge!” — and I couldn't agree more. From the five newbies, we want to give a huge thank you to: Diane... Diane... and Diane —yes, there are three of them! —along with Tammy and Nancy. Thank you for your incredible patience, your kindness, and most importantly, your faith in us. You aren't just teaching us how to sew; you’re teaching us what community not only looks like but feels like. I found a verse that reminds me of this sewing group at St. Luke's: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together... but encourage one another.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 From the 5 newbies, thank you for being such an encouraging part of our lives! My message to the congregation... I hope my story inspires you to try something new or perhaps pick up an old hobby you once loved. Maybe it's a nudge to reach out to a friend or loved one and get involved in something that brings you joy, sparks your creativity, and brings a sense of purpose to your life. During worship those in attendance tried to put a hand on every quilt and joined in the blessing: Almighty God it is your will to bring comfort and help to the distressed. Bless these quilts wherever they may be used, that they may provide warmth and security to those who have experienced tragedy, those who have no other shelter, and those who are bringing a new child of God into the world. May all who receive these quilts experience the covering of your love and forgiveness. May they encounter your grace and peace. May they learn of the joy of life in Christ. Amen. Quilt Sewing Group – Days and time Contact: Every Thursday night, 6:30PM - 8:30 PM. During the winter months, the second and fourth Saturday from 9:30AM - 11:30AM. Contact Tammy at [email protected] for more information. Quilt Tying Group – Days and time Contact: First and third Saturday of the month, switching to Wednesdays in the summer. Contact Janet at 952-884-9475 for more information. Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 11:15 AM
“Let’s trust the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, worship together, spurring each other on, especially as we see the promises fulfilled as we faithfully follow Jesus.” – Hebrews 10:23-25 MSG paraphrased. What a year it has been! What a year it will be! I cannot help but feel grateful about the past year and excited for the year ahead with all that St. Luke’s was, is, and will be as we faithfully follow Jesus. As a member of the congregation I ask you to do 3 Things: 1. Read the Annual Report. If you have an email, it will be sent on Thursday. I encourage you to read it to prepare for the meeting. 2. Attend the Annual Meeting. Be a part of the decision-making process. We invite you to come in person or join online. A Zoom Link will be on our website – stlukesbloomington.org. The meeting will begin when we have a quorum. Agenda includes (Not in this order): President’s and Pastor’s Reports Treasurer’s Report which includes: The 2025 Financial Statement The 2026 Budget Proposal. (This requires a congregational vote.) St. Luke’s finances strong, but precarious. Personnel Committee Update. We are fully staffed. Come welcome Andrea Griner, Director of Children and Family Ministry and Heidi Heitzman, Office Support. St. Luke’s Foundation Meeting Elections: Ballots will be available at the Annual Meeting and online. This includes (These require a congregational vote):
Additionally, recognizing with gratitude the Council Members who have completed their terms. 3. Pray. This is the greatest resource. Pray for St. Luke’s. Pray for those who accept the responsibility of leadership. Pray for our members. Pray for our community. Pray for all of God’s creation. Last, but not least, annual meetings are more than numbers and budgets; they are a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of St. Luke’s. It is a chance to reflect on the past year, recognizing the ways in which God has been at work within and throughout our community. Please share in the comments: What were our achievements and milestones the past year? What are you looking forward to or have questions about for the Annual Meeting? Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob Dear Beloved,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:16 The Gospel of John is God’s love letter to the world. It is a total of 21 chapters totaling 879 verses. We will take 19 weeks to read it. You will hear most of the story by attending the 27 preaching dates between January 4 through Sunday, May 10; this includes Sundays, Lent Wednesdays, and Holy Week. Yes, I’m writing this on January 13, however if you’ve attended worship, you are not behind, because there are only 9 weeks where you will need to read additional verses outside of worship – which doesn’t begin until after Sunday, February 1st. There is a reading plan available at the Welcome Desk and will be posted on our website: https://www.stlukesbloomington.org/---adult-study.html Bible Study Options:
The first Reflection Question is, “How much have you allowed Jesus to “dwell” with you? Are you keeping Jesus at your door, invited into your living room, or given him keys to your home? Why?
I hope you will open and read God’s letter to you, Dearly Beloved. To Sign up for a small group or if you have questions Contact: [email protected] / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 So many new beginnings in the days, month, and year ahead. How will you continue to grow in your faith and life? How will you participate in the life of St. Luke’s?
Wednesday Church Night kicks off the New Year tomorrow, January 6th. A community meal at 5:30 PM, and then ministry opportunities for all ages starting at 6:00 PM. The Adult Bible Study will be reading through the Gospel of John. Come and enjoy! Church 2026 Budget Hearings and the 2025 Annual Meeting happen in January. Come and learn how the church did financially in 2025 and our plans for 2026. Sunday, January 11th – Budget Hearing at 11:15 AM. Sunday, January 18th – Budget Hearing at 9:30 AM. Sunday, January 25th – Annual Meeting at 11:15 AM. Financial Purpose Personal Finance 4-Week Workshop starts on Monday, January 12th at 7:30 PM. The top six financial New Year Resolutions are… 1. Create a monthly budget and stick to it. 2. Start an emergency fund. 3. Pay off debts or loans. 4. Save more money each month. 5. Invest in stocks, bonds, or retirement funds. 6. Learn more about personal finance. The Financial Purpose Workshop at St. Luke’s will cover 5 out of the top 6. Please sign up ahead of time so we can prepare for all who want to participate. If you are interested, but these 4-Weeks don’t work for you, please let us know that as well. Contact: Diane LaFontaine: [email protected]. 2026 Camp Wapo registration opens Thursday, January 15th. (Website: Lakewapo.org) Although you can go to camp any week and participate in a variety of camp experiences (ex: NEW - Praise Leadership Camp). St. Luke’s chooses 1 week for Youth and 1 week for Seeds. A St. Luke’s Staff Member will be present and rides to and from camp coordinated. Guaranteed Registration for St. Luke’s is until February 10. Look for more info… Wapo Youth (Completed: 4th – 9th Grade) – July 12-17, 2026. $755 Wapo Seeds (Completed: 1st – 3rd Grade) – July 17-19, 2026. $325 Please use St. Luke’s specific registration link: http://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt Summer Staff Positions (May 22-August 14, 2026) full summer and short-term positions. There is no better summer job!Camp Wapo: Contact [email protected] Seeds: [email protected] Ox Lake: [email protected]Wilderness Canoe Base: [email protected]By Phone: 715-268-8434. These are just a few of the opportunities for the New Year. If you have any you would like to highlight, contact the Church Office: [email protected] 952-881-5801. St. Luke is a Welcome and Growing Community of Faith, busy Making Christ Known to the World.
St. Luke’s continues to live out its mission, living out God’s purposes: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship – Simply What Every Church Should Do Thank you to all who faithfully live out these core values – Simple What Every Christian Should Do. I listed off many of our ministries that make Christmas Eve Worship a success in the last blog, but I failed to also thank Bells of Praise. (I appreciated those who correct me. We are better together.) We had 340 people join for our Christmas Eve Worships. This was just one of the many wonderful things that happened in the past year. We will celebrate at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following the 10 AM Worship. Please plan to attend. Thank you to those who have faithfully given their tithes and offerings throughout the year. Thank you to those who are planning to give a year-end gift. As a community, we will end our year with a balanced budget. Thank you! St. Luke’s Budget Meetings. St. Luke’s holds two budget meetings the two Sundays prior to our annual meeting. Sundays, January 11 and 18, 2026. Individual Budgeting Opportunity My prayers turn to those who personally find themselves in a financial valley. Costs have increased considerably this year. It all comes down to: “Spend less than you earn.” or “Earn more than you spend.” Congrats to anyone continuing to read. Few people like to talk about budgets. Often people who hear the first quote above feel ashamed, guilty, or embarrassed. It is the people who resonate with the second quote that feel motivated, determined, and have a sense of pride. Why the difference? The first is focused on what you cannot have while the latter is focused on what you can have – The “Have Nots” and the “Haves”. “I can’t have that.” verses “I can have this!” Do you know what helps transform a person from a “Have not” to a “Have”? Living the promise, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35c Financial Purpose – 4-Weeks to Better Financial Health. January 12, 19, 25, and February 2, 2026 Starring Diane LaFontaine, Council Representative for Stewardship One of the best things Nancy and I ever did was go through a Financial Budgeting Course. It is more than numbers on a page. It looks at your understanding of money, how to decrease debt, build savings, discover the necessary insurance needed for a safety net, and in the end learning how to live a generous life. Financial Purpose is Beyond Budgeting; it creates a Better Approach to Living. 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 70% have little to no savings. But God's wisdom offers a different path. Financial Purpose bridges the gap between biblical principles and practical application. We've created a framework that helps you: · Build confidence in managing money God's way · Create lasting financial stability · Experience the joy of generous living · Find freedom from financial stress This a four-week workshop. It will begin January 12. There is a book to guide our conversations. They will be available at the church the week of January 4. Cost is $18.00. For more information contact Diane: [email protected] And one last reminder – 2025 Budget ends on December 31, 2025 Year-end gifts must be received in the office or postmarked on or before December 31. A gift of stock needs to be in process prior to December 31. Questions contact, Heather Kambeitz, Minister of Finance; [email protected] / 952-881-5801, ext. 106. Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Rob [email protected] / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 |
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