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“I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” ― Edward Everett Hale God has given you, me, every congregation, and all people something to share. The love of Jesus is made known best through our actions, caring for creation including all people. As the Bible Verse states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35. This is the 10th Anniversary of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) 2025 God’s Work Our Hands Video (https://www.elca.org/our-work/congregations-and-synods/gods-work-our-hands-sunday This year at St. Luke’s we are reminding people that this is not just a day, but a way of life. Along with Service Opportunities there will be a mini ministry fair. There are so many ways to be God’s Hands in the world in service, Worship. Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship – Simply What Every Church/Christian Should Do. Service Projects will include… Following Both Worships:
(There are even more that happen outside of our building)
Children’s Ministry Children’s Church For all of St. Luke’s Ministries browse the website (stlukesbloomington.org) Read the “Get to Know St. Luke’s” Ministry Handbook Thank you to all who share not only the Gospel, but their very lives… There is truly something for everyone. “…Do not refuse something you can do.”
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The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1
In the days and weeks ahead there will be children putting things into backpacks to head off to school and animals being left at home for the day. Lord we ask for your blessing for both and much more… Lord we ask for your blessings for the teachers, para-professionals, administrators, custodians, bus drivers, school nurses and social workers, volunteers, lunch room and hallway monitors, parents and especially the children. Lord we ask for your blessings on not only our pets, but all animals and creation itself; for veterinarians, farmers, forest rangers, and conservationists. Join us Sunday, August 24 as we offer blessings for the start of the school year, for our pets and all creation. 8:30 AM – Worship in the Sanctuary 10 AM Worship outside welcoming our pets to join and receive a blessing Let us extend our blessings to our neighbors by supporting VEAP, the Twin Cities’ largest food pantry, providing access to healthy foods (for both humans and pets), social services, and financial assistance. They also do a collection every year for school supplies. See the list below and prayerfully consider bringing a donation to share. Food Pantries list of most needed items:
School supplies most needed: (Please make sure all items are new.)
Traditional supplies requested:
For more information go to: VEAP.ORG Make a Financial Contribution or Volunteer
If someone new walked into St. Luke’s, What would they feel? What clues would they pick up about our culture? Would they see our Mission and Core Values being lived out?
In the Church Growth world, it is important for a church to regularly do a self-assessment. Does our Mission Statement speak to who we are? “St. Luke’s is a Welcoming and Growing, Community of Faith, busy Making Christ Known to the World.” Do we live out our Core Values: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship? – “Simply What Every Church Should Do.” If you were in church on Sunday, August 3, during the sermon/message those in attendance were asked to grade St. Luke’s on how we are living out our Core Values. The Respondent gave St. Luke’s an overall grade of a “B” (3.06) Below is the composite of the grades of our six core values: Service = A- (3.6) Worship = B+ (3.45) Evangelism = B (2.9) Community = B- (2.67) Stewardship = B (3.02) Discipleship = B- (2.72) What was interesting was that a third of the respondents also did a personal self-assessment. The self-grading was lower than a composite of C+ (2.22) Service = C+ (2.5) Worship = B- (2.7)) Evangelism = C (1.95) Community = C+ (2.35) Stewardship = C (1.95) Discipleship = C (1.95) The takeaway from this grading experience is that as a congregation we feel we are good, but there is room for improvement. Seeing that the individual grading was lower, think of it this way. St. Luke’s is only as strong as the members. So… · Want to see a church that has a deep passion for the mission? Then exude passion. · Want to see our church full during worship? Then attend worship. · Want to see a church that invites people on Sundays? Then invite people on Sundays. · Want to see a church where people feel welcomed? Then welcome · Want to see a church that gives generously? Then give generously. · Want to see a church that is growing in faith? Then make time to grow in your faith. Join us on Sunday, September 7 for God’s Work, Our Hands. All Six Core Values will be represented for ways in which you can grow in each area. St. Luke’s Core Values when we individualize the mnemonic -Simply What Every Christian Should Do.  from Kimberly Bihm, Manager of Fisher House
We currently have a single mother staying at the Fisher House supporting her 26-year-old son who is undergoing a long recovery process. He was airlifted from Germany four months ago, and she has been there for him every day. Without her by his side, he may not have made the progress he has thus far. His Mom is right across the street at the Fisher House so she can be there in a moment's notice if needed. She is at the hospital when the doctors make their rounds, when physical therapy is teaching him how to walk again and when the speech therapist is teaching him how to speak again. His mother has said more than once just how grateful she is for the Fisher House, the staff, and the volunteers. She wouldn’t have been able to afford a hotel for more than a week let alone food. After a long day at the hospital, she is so thankful to come back to a warm, homemade meal made with love by our wonderful volunteers! --- his story was submitted by Fisher House to share with you a glimpse into the services and hope that Fisher House provides to our veterans and their families. I was blessed to meet this young man and his family while we were preparing and serving supper for Fisher House on April 7. His family members travel from the southern United States, alternating so that someone is always there to support him. Without Fisher House, 4-6 months of food and lodging near the MN VA would be cost prohibitive for them, and he would not be able to receive the same rehabilitative care in a state closer to home. His grandmother approached me after seeing our own Kim Gaslin working in the kitchen cutting fruit and vegetables. Kim is blind from a traumatic brain injury from a car accident when she was 19 years old. Seeing Kim working and interacting in the kitchen gave his family so much hope and joy. Thank you for your support of Fisher House and for all who have volunteered to prepare and serve meals 4 times a year. I am looking for someone to take over management of this Mission event. It requires very little time and effort (2-3 hours every 3 months), and we have a great group of volunteers at the ready to help serve this community. Contact me through the office or via a yellow pew card if you are interested. Bev Brosam Missions |