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Thank you to all who participated! “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8b What a wonderful weekend of being God's Witnesses at church, in our neighborhood, and throughout the world. Let us do the same during the Block Party on September 26. Thanks for those who already signed up to support it - Additional Opportunities listed below. As a church we are continuing to do Acts of the Apostles: “…having the goodwill of all the people the Lord added to their numbers.” - Acts 2:47 BLOCK PARTY OPPORTUNITIES
Please contact the Office to sign up: 952-881-5801 ext. 103 / [email protected] SUPPLIES REQUESTED
VOLUNTEER LIST
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When did you first learn to clean a toilet? Mine was at church. My family attended a small church on the edge of town. The sanctuary was a converted Hanger on Airport Road. There was a small building attached that had 2 bathrooms, the pastor’s office, and a lobby area that served as the Fellowship Hall, Sunday School, and the Board Room by simply moving tables and chairs around. We also had to set up the folding chairs in the sanctuary most Sunday mornings.
It is there were I experienced the power of what Theologian Martin Luther’s understanding that Every Member was a Minister. Ordinary daily jobs are holy callings. People serve God and love their neighbors through their everyday work, not just inside a church building. Christians are called to share God's word, comfort one another, forgive sins, and show compassion in daily life. Luther did not abolish the office of the pastor. He believed trained and ordained ministers are still needed to preach the Word, baptize and serve Communion. But the pastor was not set apart from other holy work, even cleaning toilets. In this little church everyone pitched in. My mother taught Sunday School. My father was a worship leader helping with the readings and prayers. Both of them helped serve communion. As a family, one Saturday a quarter, we helped clean and set up church for Sunday morning. I remember the pastor being there one of our Saturday mornings. He was in his office working on his sermon when we arrived. My parents asked if we should come back later so we wouldn’t disturb him. He replied, “No, Thank you for coming. Actually, I could use a break, let me help you.” That was the day I learned how to clean a toilet from the pastor. He cleaned the first toilet and then told me it was my turn. I reluctantly took the toilet brush. He squeezed in the toilet bowl cleaner and told me to scrub the toilet. He laughed as I basically stirred the water. He told me, “Use a little mustard.” which confused me more. With his direction and patience, I cleaned my first toilet. Here at St. Luke’s, we have 11 toilets and 4 urinals. There are 528 members (ministers) which comes out to each person cleaning 1 toilet or urinal every 35 days. Thank Jamie, St. Luke’s custodian, for her good work. I thank each person here at St. Luke’s who does holy work whether it’s yard work, cooking, ushering, leading worship, helping at the tech desk, singing, helping with children and youth ministry, knitting, sewing, quilting, caring for one another, welcoming and greeting, hosting, bringing treats, clearing snow, giving blood, serving with Feed My Starving Children, Fisher House, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, Oasis, The Sandwich project, Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage, Lift Garage, VEAP, Altar Guild, playing music, serving communion, making cards, dishwashing, tillering, office support, leading a Bible Study or small group, giving an offering, and more… This Fall we will be walking through the Book of Acts. It is the story of Jesus handing over the ministry to the people. May we continue doing the Acts necessary to help make Christ known to one another, our community, and the entire world. This Sunday, come for worship at 8:30 or 10:00 AM and plan to stay after to participate in God’s Work Our Hands. Together we will be living out Luther’s theology of every member being a minister, doing holy work, that Jesus has handed to us. Labor Day was created to honor the contributions that workers have made to economic well-being of America. President Grover Cleveland first made it a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day is the first Monday in September, falling on the 7th this year.
What is God's perspective on labor, or, as we say today, "work"? God expects us to work for most of the week. In Exodus 20:9 we read God's command that for "six days you shall labor and do all your work." But it’s not just about putting in our time, God encourages us to work with passion and diligence: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10a). Work is important and allows us do the essential things in life – provide for ourselves, family, as well as others in need. In our 24/7 society, it is nice to remember that God understands our need for rest! Sabbath is referred to 111 times in the Old Testament also occurs 67 times in the New Testament. "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work" (Exodus 20:9-10a). God understands we need a day away from work so bad that it is in the Ten Commandments! But true rest, is not found through inactivity, the end of the commandment is paramount. “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8). To honor the Sabbath of the Lord your God, is worship. Worship is more than putting your time in at church. Doing that, you make it work – just like punching a time clock. Worship helps us connect with God and others. Worship helps us understand our purpose in God’s world and prepares us to live it out the rest of the week. Jesus offers this promise, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. God's "work week" is a marvelous schedule that works. It pushes us to work hard at our jobs and other responsibilities throughout the week, and then gives us a day of rest to focus on God. While our society celebrates this one day off a year God commands Sabbath every week! As you prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend, remember to always put God first and keep the Sabbath holy. Have a restful Labor Day weekend, but more importantly may you be blessed by the Sabbath every week. Hope to see you at church. Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob |
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Simply Giving
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St. Luke's Lutheran Church
1701 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431 952-881-5801 | [email protected] |