​Members of the COVID Response Team and the Executive Committee met Tuesday evening, November 17th. The main topics of discussion were to review last Sunday’s live, in sanctuary worship and to look forward and discuss on-going plans regarding on-site worship.
The technological glitch that prevented the live streaming from working correctly was disappointing. Otherwise, the consensus was that in-person worship was a success, a good experience but different as the social aspect of worship wasn’t possible.
As COVID cases nationwide and here in Minnesota climb, the church leadership wants to be mindful of people’s concerns and desires. We appreciate those who choose not to worship in-person at this time and understand that others want to get back to worship as we have known.
We will be worshiping live and in-person again this coming Sunday, November 22nd. Plans are in place to continue live, in-sanctuary worship for as long as Minnesota confirmed cases stabilize or decrease. If statewide COVID cases continue to rise this week, we are prepared to suspend in-person worship for a couple of weeks following Thanksgiving. The decision will be made this weekend and will be shared at Sunday morning worship.
Ultimately, we want you to remain safe and well. We are all anxiously waiting for the time when we can comfortably gather together as one community and offer our praise and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior.
Yours in Service,


Paul Klein – President Elect

This summer I had the privilege of going with my family to a lake for the time right around 4th of July. It was fun watching my kids see the Sunnies by the dock and drop their line in to try and catch one. My son still says he caught a "humongous bass" from the dock, but I wasn't there to see it. I was, however, taken aback by the fact that I could only see a small amount of what was going on in the lake.

The same is true with music at St. Luke's. We only see Lori, Greg, and Jesse teamed up with a couple of singers, we don't get to see what else is going on. Please don't try to catch them from the dock!

One of the things that is beneath the surface is that the "Bells of Praise" has been rehearsing again. We have had several rehearsals where we wear masks and social distance from each other. Making music is harder, but it is so fun. We get to hear stories about the kids and grandkids. We hear prayer requests and we catch up. We are hoping to present something for worship soon. 

Also, Jubilee is working on some virtual music for some things coming up. I do not have clearance to discuss it further, but know that it will be fun.

I've been working pretty hard editing that I have been neglecting what used to be the largest part of my job--the St. Luke's Choir. We will see about more virtual choir experiences as the year moves on ahead.

We cannot wait to present music for you. I hope that your Fall has been filled with music, because I know this winter will be!

Sean Johnson, Choir Director

When we use the Narrative Lectionary, we are given a tour through the Hebrew Scriptures, putting God’s story in context and showing a narrative arc throughout. But, as I mentioned in a sermon a few weeks ago, in doing so, we have 39 books, falling into 5 different genres, and covering over three thousand years of human history to cover before January. Sometimes, the timeline gets lost as we rush from one genre and era to another. Our leap from 1 Kings last week to Jonah this week is one that involves a great deal of history and back-story, most of which we aren’t able to cover in a time-sensitive sermon. So, if you’d like to brush up on your Biblical history, and learn the deeply important context of Jonah’s fish story, here’s a fantastic resource: 

https://www.facebook.com/cartoonistbible/videos/368734694558946

Steve Thomason is a pastor and artist whose work, A Cartoonist’s Guide to the Bible (cartoonistbible.com) is a fun and informative resource for Bible study.

Vicar Stephanie Luedke
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​“Rejoice over your past and then press on to celebrate in Christ a century of service to Christ and his church.” Yours in Christ, Paul M. Werger
This Sunday we will celebrate the life and resurrection of those who have died in the past year. Beloved Pastor Paul Werger is one. He served St. Luke’s from December 1, 1961 – June 30, 1978. He died May 11, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19.
His words above were shared at St. Luke’s 75th Anniversary. The message is as appropriate today as it was then.
Over the past month we have heard inspiring St. Luke’s Stories from faithful longtime members and those who recently joined. We heard from some of our older members as well as parents of young children, along with one of our high school students. If you missed them, I encourage you to go to these webpages:
www.stlukesbloomington.org/appeal - Written stories.
www.youtube/stlukesbloomington - Stories shared near the end of the worship video
These stories speak to the how important St. Luke’s is to each of them, their families, the community and the world. St. Luke’s is not preparing for its 100th Anniversary, it is preparing for the 100 years and more beyond. Our mission is ongoing, as we strive to be a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world.
Due to a Covid-19 exposure at church last Sunday, we are unable to gather in person this coming Sunday. We are still able to worship. We will celebrate.
During worship this Sunday, November 1 we will honor those who were part of St. Luke’s Story. We will light a candle and ring a bell. I invite you to participate by lighting a candle at home when we begin to read the names during our online worship.
Next Week, November 8 we will virtually celebrate our 100% for 100 Years 3-Year Capital Campaign. This has been postponed so that the gift bags with supplies to fully participate in the celebration can be picked up next Sunday at church whether or not we able to worship in person. There is also the option to pick them up Saturday, November 7 or have them delivered. We want 100% participation. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can get your name in now. Call the church office (952-881-5801) or go to this webpage: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/85C8HPC
Between now and then, consider the difference St. Luke’s has made in your life. Much thanks to those who have already shared their pledges. If you have not, please prayerfully consider making a pledge for the coming year and an investment into our future with a pledge to the 100% for 100 Years Capital Campaign. We make these pledges in a spirit of thankfulness.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
 
Yes, let us rejoice in the good work St. Luke’s has done, is doing, and will do into its next century, making Christ known to the world. I look forward to the stories yet to be written.
 
Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob
rob@stlukesbloomington.org