Welcome to the Journey of Lent. On Ash Wednesday you were invited to remember the frailty of life, receiving an ashen cross on your forehead as you heard the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

The Gospel of Mark is arguably the first story of Jesus life shared in written form. Many thought Jesus would return soon, as we heard in our Gospel reading on Sunday – as Jesus announced, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.” Many presumed that meant Jesus would return again creating the kingdom they pictured in their mind. Jesus did come again in power. Is there any greater power than to defeat death itself? And this is not just an end of life occurrence; it is moment by moment, through all of our struggles, pains, and losses that we have the gift of the resurrection.

This is the Good News we are called to share with others, just as it was shared with us. On Wednesdays we will study how the Marks of Discipleship were lived out in one of the early churches as we read 2nd Corinthians. As church we are called to care and encourage one another, offer forgiveness and peace, extend mercy and grace, live generous and thankful lives. Imagine what the world would be like if we lived in the way. That is the mission we have been given.

St. Luke’s was born here in Bloomington on February 23, 1923. In three years we will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary. We have the privilege to build on the mission that was passed down from those before us and pass it on to those who will follow.
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Generosity and Thanksgiving are Marks of Discipleship and key components for our Capital Campaign, 100% for 100 years. The goal is having 100% of our members participate. Our guiding verse is Colossians 2:6-7 ​

During this season of Lent we are asking you to prayerfully consider making your mark for the next 100 years. St. Luke’s is a mission post where we welcome others to grow in this community of faith which is busy making Christ known to the world.

Welcome – Our building is in need of some repairs and we would like to do some enhancements to our sanctuary.

Grow – Reaching out online by strengthening our web presence and doing outreach in the neighborhood.
Making Christ Known - Sharing a tithe with our local, national, and international partner organizations.

You will be invited to participate in the Capital Campaign by making a three-year pledge, a one-time contribution, and/or a legacy gift. Mark your calendars for our celebration on Sunday, April 19.

Much more will be shared in the weeks ahead.
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Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor

​During the announcements last Sunday I gave a short sketch of the role of the congregational president. I explained that, in collaboration with the rest of the Executive Committee, I was responsible for setting the agenda for the Council Meeting. It is during these meetings where we conduct the business of the church.

But what is the business of the church, your church, St Luke’s? One job is to set the annual budget, a balanced budget, which the congregation votes on at the annual meeting. During the year we look to see if we are living within our budget. Sometimes something out of our control affects the budget and we might need to make adjustments. As we all know, there are continual needs regarding our facilities that need to be addressed. Thankfully we have not recently needed to search for staff replacements.

The role of the council, however, is far greater than budget issues. The council has elected representatives from the different areas of our church life: Missions, Stewardship, Community Life, Worship & Music, Property, and Faith Formation. Council members share themes from their areas with other council members. We also hear from parishioners via Listening Post and other conversations. This gives the council a perspective of how our entire church is working towards our mission, and what we can do to augment our efforts and help us live out the Great Commission.

​Our February council meeting was the first for this council, the council you elected at our January Annual Meeting. It was the first time we had all been together and as part of our introductions we all shared stories of our relationship with St Luke’s. As I shared last Sunday, my wife Marilyn and I began our relationship with St Luke's in 1973 shortly after we were married. After visiting a few other Bloomington Lutheran Churches, one Sunday morning found us at St Luke's. We were warmly welcomed by a couple who had been long time members. We found the worship service fulfilling, including an inspiring sermon. Continued visits were as fulfilling and we joined the church shortly afterwards. As we continued our time here we became more involved in other aspects of life at St Luke's beyond worship: the youth program, missions, Bible Studies, stewardship, music, service, and more.

​As I look back and try to reflect on my life at St Luke's I find that that initial fulfilling worship experience has grown throughout the years. For me, worship is still at the heart of it, but there are so many ways for us to live out our calling as Christians.

​The “Why Church” pamphlet shows how St Luke's enables us to live out our Core Values: “Simply What Every Christian Should Do”: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, Discipleship. For me I think the pamphlet could be called, “Why This Church? Why St Luke’s?”

​Larry Nelson, Council President

As a church, we seek to meet the needs of an incredibly large span of ages and experiences. We don’t always do it right. Sometimes we let our personal preferences come before someone else’s need. Sometimes we have a hard time hearing or understanding another’s experience, and struggle to find common ground. But, we keep working because we are a community, and we are followers of Jesus, who calls us to serve. 

One effort that we will be making this Lenten season to meet a currently unmet need is to offer a short Wednesday evening worship at 6:00 PM. The 7:00 PM Holden Evening Prayer that many of us love doesn’t work for most families of young children, who need an earlier, more active experience. While this service will be designed to meet the needs of younger generations, all are welcome to worship together. It could be an opportunity to worship in a different way, and to experience God through the joy of young children and their unique way of looking at the world. And it could be an opportunity to answer the question “Why Church?” in a way you never thought you would. 

~Deacon Stephanie Luedtke


*Common understanding is that there are six generations living today. However, the youngest generation, Gen Z (age 22 and under) will eventually be split into two, when characteristics of the youngest are better understood. Additionally, studies show that, including their families, individuals come in contact with only one to two other generations on a regular basis. ​

Growing up in the church I was involved in music ensembles. Between church and high school I think I was in 6 ensembles at the same time. It's pretty obvious that to me church and music went hand in hand.

Music is personal

Now, as a director, whenever I ask people whether or not they liked presenting or listening to a particular song during worship, I will get very different answers. The same song will get loves, hates, and 'mehs.' For example, a few weeks ago the choir presented "Borning Cry." This hymn isn't on my list of favorites. I won't be asking anyone to sing it at my funeral and I did not select it for when my children were baptized. However, many people reading this are thinking, "I LOVE that song!" while others don't even recall it. Alternatively, "Unexpected and Mysterious" ELW #258 is one of my favorites and many (including many choir members) dread seeing this come up in rotation.