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Good Neighbors is a 501c3 charity focused on changing lives through Purposeful Relationships and Positive Experiences. Their work centers around the belief that: It is possible to make a lasting difference through serving others - a belief that they have seen become a reality, time and time again, through their ministry. Located in Eastern Kentucky, an area rich in natural resources, natural beauty, unique culture, and musical talent. It is also an area in which extreme poverty exists along with a high rate of people receiving government assistance. Good Neighbors help the people who are the working poor and are not receiving government assistance. There is another story, however, untold by the statistics and overlooked by government programs... and this is where our "Good Samaritan" story begins: Good Neighbors help working-poor families who have been "Mugged by Life" – whose resources are enough to provide for their family on a daily basis, but not enough to repair a home that is falling apart around them. Good Neighbors relies on people sharing their time to tend to the homes and those who live in them. It is funded through tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. Funding does not come from government grants, nor do the mission trip fees cover all the expenses necessary to repair families homes. In a nutshell, Good Neighbors are funded by good neighbors - and it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference! St. Luke’s students experienced this firsthand. The twelve participants were divided into 3 teams of 4, each with an adult and three students. Each crew was directed by a Good Neighbor Staff member who served as the Site Project Coordinator. Pictured below are the crews. The work was important, but also were the relationships built between the homeowner, the Good Neighbor Staff, the local community, one another, and God. As one student said during our closing worship, “This was the most important thing I did all summer.” Thank you St. Luke’s for helping these students and adult leaders live out our mission, “St. Luke’s is a Welcoming and Growing Community of Faith, busy Making Christ Known to the World.” Look forward to having you hear the students’ stories in a celebration worship later in the year. Ongoing prayers and blessings…  
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 The simple answer to that question and using the common response to “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?”, is “PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE”. While indeed that is true (more on that later), how singers from St. Luke’s choir came to represent the choir and the congregation on the famous Carnegie Hall stage is quite a story. Well over a year ago, St. Luke’s Choir received an invitation from Dr. Jennaya Robison, director of the National Lutheran Choir, and Manhattan Concert Productions to participate in a Church and Community Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June of 2025. Intrigued, more information was gathered and presented to the choir at their first gathering of the year in early September 2024. The response was quite unexpected, and it was clear we had well over the minimum number of interested singers to move forward with this incredible opportunity. Between October 2024 and June 2025, those singers committed to participating spent their own money and time in preparing and planning for the trip and the concert. Most of their work was spent learning the 7 pieces of music (which each singer bought out of their own pocket) to be sung at Carnegie Hall. Hours were spent on their own using Practice Tracks provided by the concert production folks to learn their parts inside and out. Nine group rehearsals were held here at St. Luke’s and Elk River Lutheran Church (a choir also participating in the concert). Needless to say, the practice, practice, practice got the choir to where they needed to be before leaving for New York City. Once in New York, the singers had plenty of time to sightsee but there was more work to be done. Dr. Jennaya Robison led three rehearsals with over 180 singers at the hotel where participating choirs stayed plus a dress rehearsal with instrumentalists (brass ensemble and organ) at Carnegie Hall. All the efforts came together on the evening of June 24th with a concert that included the church and community choirs, a youth choir, Mozart’s Requiem and a Louisiana wind ensemble. The concert was well received and all who participated were moved by the experience. This fall there will be a congregational event where all will get a chance to experience the concert on our sanctuary’s big screen. Look for more information to come out on this as we get closer to the fall. The simple answer to that question and using the common response to “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?”, is “PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE”. While indeed that is true (more on that later), how singers from St. Luke’s choir came to represent the choir and the congregation on the famous Carnegie Hall stage is quite a story. Well over a year ago, St. Luke’s Choir received an invitation from Dr. Jennaya Robison, director of the National Lutheran Choir, and Manhattan Concert Productions to participate in a Church and Community Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June of 2025. Intrigued, more information was gathered and presented to the choir at their first gathering of the year in early September 2024. The response was quite unexpected, and it was clear we had well over the minimum number of interested singers to move forward with this incredible opportunity. Between October 2024 and June 2025, those singers committed to participating spent their own money and time in preparing and planning for the trip and the concert. Most of their work was spent learning the 7 pieces of music (which each singer bought out of their own pocket) to be sung at Carnegie Hall. Hours were spent on their own using Practice Tracks provided by the concert production folks to learn their parts inside and out. Nine group rehearsals were held here at St. Luke’s and Elk River Lutheran Church (a choir also participating in the concert). Needless to say, the practice, practice, practice got the choir to where they needed to be before leaving for New York City. Once in New York, the singers had plenty of time to sightsee but there was more work to be done. Dr. Jennaya Robison led three rehearsals with over 180 singers at the hotel where participating choirs stayed plus a dress rehearsal with instrumentalists (brass ensemble and organ) at Carnegie Hall. All the efforts came together on the evening of June 24th with a concert that included the church and community choirs, a youth choir, Mozart’s Requiem and a Louisiana wind ensemble. The concert was well received and all who participated were moved by the experience. This fall there will be a congregational event where all will get a chance to experience the concert on our sanctuary’s big screen. Look for more information to come out on this as we get closer to the fall.  /ˌrevəˈlāSH(ə)n/ noun (From Oxford Languages)
1. a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. The making known of something that was previously secret or unknown. 2. the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world. 3. the last book of the New Testament, recounting a divine revelation of the future to St. John. The Book of Revelation has fascinated, frightened, or has been declared forgettable? What is your take? All questions, comments, suggestions, corrections, and concerns are welcome. Rev. Matthew Flemings book, “The End is the Beginning” about Revelation has the following promotional description: “Dragons, battles, beasts, and plagues--it's no wonder Revelation is often called the scariest book in the Bible. And most of us aren't sure what to make of it.” What do you think of when you think about the book of Revelation? Prophecy, apocalypse, rapture, hidden message or an extravagant story? Revelation rarely shows up in the pulpits of mainline Christian churches. This summer a number of ELCA churches are looking into it. Come join St. Luke’s Worship (in person or online) as we walk through the book. We will be reading a few passages, but you’re invited to read the entire Book. I encourage you to also dive in deeper by getting Matthew Flemings book or using the resources below. Sundays Readings: July 20 – Revelation 1:4-8 [Continue reading 1:9 - 3:22] July 27 – Revelation 4:1-11 [none] August 3 – Revelation 5:1-13 [5:14 – 7:8] August 10 – Revelation 7:9-17 [8:1 – 12:18] August 17 – Revelation 13:1-18 [14:1 – 20:15] August 31 – Revelation 21:1-6 [21:7 – 22:21] (August 24 will be Blessing of the Animals and Backpacks at our 10 AM Outdoor worship – weather permitting. 8:30 AM worship will be in the sanctuary). Online Study: https://enterthebible.org/book/revelation Working Preacher Online Commentary by Pastor Sarah Hinlicky Wilson https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/preaching-series-on-revelation-2025/commentary-on-revelation-14-8-7 Again, all questions, comments, suggestions, corrections, and concerns are welcome. Join in the conversation by sharing your comments… Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. – Rev. 22:20b-21 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:17-19. Camp’s Study Verse This summer St. Luke’s is sending 15 students to Camp Wapo ranging from 1st grade to a junior in college who is on summer staff. The majority are the 8 – 7th grade students. Also over a third are friends invited by St. Luke’s students. I don’t think there is a better way for a child to experience the acceptance, forgiveness, love, and salvation of Jesus. St. Luke’s Campers minus one who didn’t arrive until Tuesday morning (picture 1) The goal for Wapo’s Summer Camp is for every camper to experience New Dimensions of Fun and Growth CONNECT WIDER - Meet new friends and deepen relationships with your community. SEE LONGER– See your camp experience will stretch into weeks and years of growth. GO HIGHER - Discover activities and experiences that will become highlights for your year. GROW DEEPER - Find deeper focus and confidence in your faith and identity. All of those goals are being met, just in the first full day of camp. After a good nights sleep in well equipped cabins including mattresses, air conditioning, and a bathroom in each. 7:45 AM – First Word The campers gather outside the dining hall to hear the morning Bible verse and announcements for the day. It closes with a camp table grace. 8:00 AM – Breakfast (picture 2) Every meal is a picnic, unless it’s raining or on banquet night. Good food. Balanced Meals. Fruit or Vegetables a part of every meal. Bread and Cereal always available as needed. Kitchen Patrol (picture 3) Each cabin is responsible for helping clean up one of the meals. Teaching responsibility and what it means to be part of the team 8:45 AM – Cabin Clean Up A cabin full of kids requires constant organizing and cleaning. There is an incentive with the cleanest cabin receiving the gold painted plunger. 9:35 AM – Morning Chapel (picture 4) This is a wake up worship with songs with motions. A fun skit to highlight the day’s theme. Closing prayer sends campers to… 10:15 AM – Bible Study (picture 5) In cabin groups the counselors lead the campers in Bible Study. Camp provides Bibles for campers who forgot to bring one to camp. The best part is the question time, were there are no limits. The counselors do a fabulous job sharing their faith and wondering with the campers. Resource staff from churches which include pastors, youth directors, and children ministers are invited to join. 11:00 AM – Field Games (pictures 6 & 7) Where else can youth gather with over a hundred others to play a large game in the summer. Fun is had by all who are in the game as well as those who choose to remain on the sidelines. Hydration Break (picture 8) Campers are encouraged to carry a water bottle. There are also a number of hydration stations around camp. The number one remedy for a tired, cranky, or feeling a little sick camper is a glass of water. A good life lesson. Closing Game Prayer Circle (picture 9) After the end of field games the campers and staff circle up and close with a prayer with the last lines being. Thank you Lord for the sun. Thank you Lord for your Son. We love you. 11:50 AM –Lunch Prep and Grace Campers are encouraged to wash up before every meal and gather in prayer. 12:00 PM – Lunch 12:45 PM – Quiet Time A time to rest, read, and get to know your cabinmates a little better. 1:15 PM – Activities Swim Test on the first Day with Cabin Challenges a game or activity between cabins to ease into the afternoon. 2:15 PM – FREE TIME Lots of things to do such as… Art Barn (picture 10) The opportunity to be creative, generous and caring. The most made piece of art is a friendship bracelet that is shared with a friend and sometimes a stranger. Beach Front (pictures 11) A favorite place on a hot summer day. Wapo has a couple of platforms to swim to and dive off - there is a 27’ drop off. Canoes, playaks, and paddleboards are available too. Games (picture 12) 9 Square, basketball, soccer, or any other game you want to play. Canteen Time (picture 13) Canteen is also available with slushies, ice cream sandwiches, candy, chips, and more to enjoy. 4:50 PM – Supper Prep and Grace 5:00 PM – Supper 5:45 PM – Another Cabin Challenge 6:45 PM – Evening Activity This week has Capture the Flag, A Christ Walk, Staff Game Show, and an All-Star Game With all this activity there are bound to be some bumps and bruises (picture 14) Allie Erickson, St. Luke’s College Student is one of the Med Techs. She is studying to become a veterinarian, and in the summer she cares for campers. It’s a good training ground, with the patients not being too different, neither really knows how to describe what they’re feeling. 8:00 PM – Canteen and Free Time 9:00 PM – Cabin Time to get ready… Time to put on some long pants and shirts along with bug spray 9:15 PM – Campfire Worship (picture 15) More Songs, another Skit, and a Staff Speaker. Every night one of the summer camp staff shares their faith story. Lakeside Worship around a campfire is a beautiful thing. (pictures 16) 10:00 PM – Cabin Devotions and off to sleep All of this makes for Happy Campers (picture 17) Life long friends (picture 18) And role models (picture 19) Great counselors “…sharing not only the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but their very lives.” Wapo Memory Verse this summer is a reminder that what campers learn during the week is with them always… God will give you another Advocate, Comforter, Guide, to be with you forever.” - John 14:16
 Picture 19 "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Travelers started their day with fun songs led by Mollee and Leah and then Scout joined Andrea to tell us jokes and teach us in their own unique way about the story and theme of the day. Travelers discovered how God is with them wherever they go at the Bible Station, enjoyed tasty treats at the Snack Station, made their own art projects at the Craft Station and played games at the Recreation Station. They discovered the Green Light Verse each day which will remain with them in their faith long after VBS. Bible Stories and Green Light Verses: Abraham and Sarah Follow God (Genesis 12:1-9) God is with us on the journey. The Israelites Take the Scenic Route (Exodus 13:17-22) God is with us when we go off course. Mary & Elizabeth's Family Reunion (Luke 1:39-46) God is with us when we're joyful. Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 12:1-10) God is with us when we're lonely. Thank you to everyone who donated food and helped before and during VBS! Click here to see pictures from VBS! |
