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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.
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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. |
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