
Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return
- Genesis 3:19
Although Ash Wednesday is not Biblical, it has been linked to a few stories. Moses repented and fasted 40 days in response to the people making the Golden Calf. Following his baptism, Jesus prayed and fasted 40 days in the wilderness while being tempted by the devil. Lent is a journey of remembrance.
How will you journey? Worship? Abstinence? Service?
There are many ways to mark this 40-day journey. Join us for worship on Wednesdays and Holy Week. Prayerfully consider the discipline of abstinence. Service others by helping lead worship or giving a donation to VEAP.
Worship
Join us tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, March 2 for Worship in-person or online, 11 AM and 7 PM. There will be the imposition of ashes before and during worship.
Drive Thru at 10-10:40 AM and 6-6:40 PM, front circle outside Door C. Take home worship kits are also available for the Wednesday Lent Worships.
In the weeks following, lunch will be available following the 11 AM worship. For the 7 PM worship, come for Dinner at 5:30 PM and join in Wednesday Night Live activities, there is something for all ages.
Abstinence
Just as Moses and Jesus fasted, following a discipline of abstinence can be a wonderful reminder, whether that be food or a particular activity. Some people have turned Lent into fasting from something that has taken their attention away from God such as social media, gossiping, binge-watching TV, etc. Note there is grace offered during the journey. Lent is 40 days not counting Sundays that Theologian Martin Luther called, “Little Easters.” You can indulge on Sunday, giving thanks to God for the gift of salvation in Jesus. You can continue to abstain, but there is no extra credit.
Service – in Worship
Instead of giving something up, consider taking something on. We are grateful for those who help lead worship from assisting in worship, singing, reading scripture, being an usher, sound engineer, video tech, or camera operator. No experience is necessary, just the willingness to learn and grow. Sign up at the office 952-881-5801 office@stlukesbloomington.org or on our Ministry Scheduler. Questions, contact the office.
Service – to the Neighbor. VEAP’s March Food and Fund Drive: Feb. 28 – Apr. 10
Help VEAP raise $200,000 and 100,000 lbs of food!
St. Luke’s has joined VEAP in the annual Minnesota FoodShare Campaign, the largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state. This spring drive brings together various community organizations, businesses, and faith communities to help stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide, including VEAP.
VEAP has experienced an unprecedented level of support in ensuring we have basic food staples in our pantry, but there are many items we cannot easily procure. St. Luke’s will be lifting up an item each week. Please see the calendar below. All gifts are welcome including financial contributions. Every $30 donated allows them to feed an individual for an entire month. VEAP makes giving easy: Simply text “veap” to 56651 to make a gift. You can also give online through St. Luke’s Simply Giving. If giving by check put VEAP in the memo. If giving by cash, please indicate church envelope. (Please do not mail cash).
Suggested Weekly Donations:
March 6 – Baking Essentials = Flour, sugar, cooking oil, etc.
March 13 – Paper Products and Laundry Detergent = Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
March 20 – Personal Care Items = Shampoo, toothpaste, shaving crème, soap, etc.
March 27 – Whole Grain Cereal = Shredded Wheat, Kashi, Bran, Chex, etc.
April 3 – Gluten-free products = Whole grains, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, nut flours and butters, rice crackers, cornmeal, GF Snacks, etc.
April 10 – Birthday Party Items for young visitors = cake mixes, frosting, candles, etc. (no gifts).