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Each month, the Missions team highlights a different Missions partner. In January we held a Blood Drive (with 27 units collected), and for February our Missions partner is Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage (aka EGO) in Haiti.
A little recent history about Haiti: In 2018, a political, social and economic crisis was created in response to rising fuel costs when Venezuela ceased shipments of oil to Haiti. It is a crisis that has grown and continues today. In 2021 their president was assassinated and eventually a federation of gangs took control of the country. Commercial airports have shut down, all but one hospital have closed and foreign citizens were evacuated from the country. Since then, the citizens of Haiti have suffered with outbreaks of cholera, acute hunger and growing threats to their lives from gang violence and lack of medical facilities, medications and health care professionals. The current transitional government was scheduled to expire on February 7, 2026, but the Transitional Presidential Council voted to remove the Prime Minister on January 23, and elections are expected to be postponed until August. The situation is troubled and ever-changing. St. Luke’s has been supporting Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage since 2017. In the past, we have “sold” building blocks to help fund new dormitories at the orphanage or to help pay expenses and staff wages. In 2025 we raised almost $2400 for EGO. In Haiti, education is not free. All families must pay to have their children educated. In 2018 there were a total of 73 children attending the Ebenezer Glenn school (56 kids from the orphanage and 17 from the surrounding community), in June 2019 there were 372 children enrolled in the school, and today they have over 600 kids enrolled – most of whom are children from surrounding communities. The good news is that Ebenezer Glenn is mostly self-sufficient. They have both traditional and hydroponic gardens, raise their own animals and crops for food, raise Talapia in a pool, make their own shampoo, soap and sundries (crafts which they teach to the children), and run on solar power, including a solar cook stove. In addition to the 4 on-site managing staff, they have 89 employees that help run and maintain the campus and school. EGO has managed to secure needed supplies through Missionary Flights International. Due to the high cost of shipping and customs fees for these items, they ask for continued financial support. The funds we raise this February may be used for shipping costs, but they may also be used to pay staff salaries or buy supplies. So, instead of building blocks, this year we will sell paper airplanes to symbolize EGO’s need for supplies and shipping expenses. We will hang the airplanes from the ceiling of the Narthex or you can take your airplane home with you. We will also have an airplane flying contest – details about which will follow at a later date. Thank you for your continued support of Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage and the endeavors of St. Luke’s Missions team. Blessings, Bev Brosam Missions Representative
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by Danielle Garbina
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – Prayer of St. Francis I wanted to share a quick story about how a simple conversation with my sister back in November turned into something that has truly changed our lives. My sister, Justine, moved back into town this past April, and we were both looking for a way to stay busy and try something new. I remembered attending the worship where we blessed the quilts and I was blown away by all the quilts draped over the pews. I told Justine that we should check out the quilting group, but I warned her, “I don’t know much about it, I have never been before. I had so many questions—did we need machines? Do they just make quilts? How much does it cost? I chatted with Pastor Rob during a Wednesday Church Night and found out it was free and he encouraged me to go. I texted Justine that we should just go check it out. She responded by saying, “Woohoo! I have a few friends joining us!” On Thursday, November 20th, five of us showed up. The normal sewing group was taken by surprise to see a whole squad of newbies walk in at once, but they welcomed us with open arms. Since that day, the momentum hasn’t stopped. The five of us “newbies” have been trading photos of our creations, sharing tutorials, and cheering each other on. We are now officially “all-in.” The newbies are dusting off our machines and learning how to use them! I started a GroupMe to keep us organized. We are making spaces in our homes for sewing. We are loving pushing our creativity. We actually get sad when we have to miss a sewing night! Kelsey, one of the newbies, said in our group chat, “I’m so glad we found these amazing quilting women who are happy to pass on their knowledge!” — and I couldn't agree more. From the five newbies, we want to give a huge thank you to: Diane... Diane... and Diane —yes, there are three of them! —along with Tammy and Nancy. Thank you for your incredible patience, your kindness, and most importantly, your faith in us. You aren't just teaching us how to sew; you’re teaching us what community not only looks like but feels like. I found a verse that reminds me of this sewing group at St. Luke's: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together... but encourage one another.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 From the 5 newbies, thank you for being such an encouraging part of our lives! My message to the congregation... I hope my story inspires you to try something new or perhaps pick up an old hobby you once loved. Maybe it's a nudge to reach out to a friend or loved one and get involved in something that brings you joy, sparks your creativity, and brings a sense of purpose to your life. During worship those in attendance tried to put a hand on every quilt and joined in the blessing: Almighty God it is your will to bring comfort and help to the distressed. Bless these quilts wherever they may be used, that they may provide warmth and security to those who have experienced tragedy, those who have no other shelter, and those who are bringing a new child of God into the world. May all who receive these quilts experience the covering of your love and forgiveness. May they encounter your grace and peace. May they learn of the joy of life in Christ. Amen. Quilt Sewing Group – Days and time Contact: Every Thursday night, 6:30PM - 8:30 PM. During the winter months, the second and fourth Saturday from 9:30AM - 11:30AM. Contact Tammy at [email protected] for more information. Quilt Tying Group – Days and time Contact: First and third Saturday of the month, switching to Wednesdays in the summer. Contact Janet at 952-884-9475 for more information. Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 11:15 AM
“Let’s trust the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, worship together, spurring each other on, especially as we see the promises fulfilled as we faithfully follow Jesus.” – Hebrews 10:23-25 MSG paraphrased. What a year it has been! What a year it will be! I cannot help but feel grateful about the past year and excited for the year ahead with all that St. Luke’s was, is, and will be as we faithfully follow Jesus. As a member of the congregation I ask you to do 3 Things: 1. Read the Annual Report. If you have an email, it will be sent on Thursday. I encourage you to read it to prepare for the meeting. 2. Attend the Annual Meeting. Be a part of the decision-making process. We invite you to come in person or join online. A Zoom Link will be on our website – stlukesbloomington.org. The meeting will begin when we have a quorum. Agenda includes (Not in this order): President’s and Pastor’s Reports Treasurer’s Report which includes: The 2025 Financial Statement The 2026 Budget Proposal. (This requires a congregational vote.) St. Luke’s finances strong, but precarious. Personnel Committee Update. We are fully staffed. Come welcome Andrea Griner, Director of Children and Family Ministry and Heidi Heitzman, Office Support. St. Luke’s Foundation Meeting Elections: Ballots will be available at the Annual Meeting and online. This includes (These require a congregational vote):
Additionally, recognizing with gratitude the Council Members who have completed their terms. 3. Pray. This is the greatest resource. Pray for St. Luke’s. Pray for those who accept the responsibility of leadership. Pray for our members. Pray for our community. Pray for all of God’s creation. Last, but not least, annual meetings are more than numbers and budgets; they are a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of St. Luke’s. It is a chance to reflect on the past year, recognizing the ways in which God has been at work within and throughout our community. Please share in the comments: What were our achievements and milestones the past year? What are you looking forward to or have questions about for the Annual Meeting? Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob Dear Beloved,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:16 The Gospel of John is God’s love letter to the world. It is a total of 21 chapters totaling 879 verses. We will take 19 weeks to read it. You will hear most of the story by attending the 27 preaching dates between January 4 through Sunday, May 10; this includes Sundays, Lent Wednesdays, and Holy Week. Yes, I’m writing this on January 13, however if you’ve attended worship, you are not behind, because there are only 9 weeks where you will need to read additional verses outside of worship – which doesn’t begin until after Sunday, February 1st. There is a reading plan available at the Welcome Desk and will be posted on our website: https://www.stlukesbloomington.org/---adult-study.html Bible Study Options:
The first Reflection Question is, “How much have you allowed Jesus to “dwell” with you? Are you keeping Jesus at your door, invited into your living room, or given him keys to your home? Why?
I hope you will open and read God’s letter to you, Dearly Beloved. To Sign up for a small group or if you have questions Contact: [email protected] / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 So many new beginnings in the days, month, and year ahead. How will you continue to grow in your faith and life? How will you participate in the life of St. Luke’s?
Wednesday Church Night kicks off the New Year tomorrow, January 6th. A community meal at 5:30 PM, and then ministry opportunities for all ages starting at 6:00 PM. The Adult Bible Study will be reading through the Gospel of John. Come and enjoy! Church 2026 Budget Hearings and the 2025 Annual Meeting happen in January. Come and learn how the church did financially in 2025 and our plans for 2026. Sunday, January 11th – Budget Hearing at 11:15 AM. Sunday, January 18th – Budget Hearing at 9:30 AM. Sunday, January 25th – Annual Meeting at 11:15 AM. Financial Purpose Personal Finance 4-Week Workshop starts on Monday, January 12th at 7:30 PM. The top six financial New Year Resolutions are… 1. Create a monthly budget and stick to it. 2. Start an emergency fund. 3. Pay off debts or loans. 4. Save more money each month. 5. Invest in stocks, bonds, or retirement funds. 6. Learn more about personal finance. The Financial Purpose Workshop at St. Luke’s will cover 5 out of the top 6. Please sign up ahead of time so we can prepare for all who want to participate. If you are interested, but these 4-Weeks don’t work for you, please let us know that as well. Contact: Diane LaFontaine: [email protected]. 2026 Camp Wapo registration opens Thursday, January 15th. (Website: Lakewapo.org) Although you can go to camp any week and participate in a variety of camp experiences (ex: NEW - Praise Leadership Camp). St. Luke’s chooses 1 week for Youth and 1 week for Seeds. A St. Luke’s Staff Member will be present and rides to and from camp coordinated. Guaranteed Registration for St. Luke’s is until February 10. Look for more info… Wapo Youth (Completed: 4th – 9th Grade) – July 12-17, 2026. $755 Wapo Seeds (Completed: 1st – 3rd Grade) – July 17-19, 2026. $325 Please use St. Luke’s specific registration link: http://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt Summer Staff Positions (May 22-August 14, 2026) full summer and short-term positions. There is no better summer job!Camp Wapo: Contact [email protected] Seeds: [email protected] Ox Lake: [email protected]Wilderness Canoe Base: [email protected]By Phone: 715-268-8434. These are just a few of the opportunities for the New Year. If you have any you would like to highlight, contact the Church Office: [email protected] 952-881-5801. St. Luke is a Welcome and Growing Community of Faith, busy Making Christ Known to the World.
St. Luke’s continues to live out its mission, living out God’s purposes: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship – Simply What Every Church Should Do Thank you to all who faithfully live out these core values – Simple What Every Christian Should Do. I listed off many of our ministries that make Christmas Eve Worship a success in the last blog, but I failed to also thank Bells of Praise. (I appreciated those who correct me. We are better together.) We had 340 people join for our Christmas Eve Worships. This was just one of the many wonderful things that happened in the past year. We will celebrate at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following the 10 AM Worship. Please plan to attend. Thank you to those who have faithfully given their tithes and offerings throughout the year. Thank you to those who are planning to give a year-end gift. As a community, we will end our year with a balanced budget. Thank you! St. Luke’s Budget Meetings. St. Luke’s holds two budget meetings the two Sundays prior to our annual meeting. Sundays, January 11 and 18, 2026. Individual Budgeting Opportunity My prayers turn to those who personally find themselves in a financial valley. Costs have increased considerably this year. It all comes down to: “Spend less than you earn.” or “Earn more than you spend.” Congrats to anyone continuing to read. Few people like to talk about budgets. Often people who hear the first quote above feel ashamed, guilty, or embarrassed. It is the people who resonate with the second quote that feel motivated, determined, and have a sense of pride. Why the difference? The first is focused on what you cannot have while the latter is focused on what you can have – The “Have Nots” and the “Haves”. “I can’t have that.” verses “I can have this!” Do you know what helps transform a person from a “Have not” to a “Have”? Living the promise, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35c Financial Purpose – 4-Weeks to Better Financial Health. January 12, 19, 25, and February 2, 2026 Starring Diane LaFontaine, Council Representative for Stewardship One of the best things Nancy and I ever did was go through a Financial Budgeting Course. It is more than numbers on a page. It looks at your understanding of money, how to decrease debt, build savings, discover the necessary insurance needed for a safety net, and in the end learning how to live a generous life. Financial Purpose is Beyond Budgeting; it creates a Better Approach to Living. 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 70% have little to no savings. But God's wisdom offers a different path. Financial Purpose bridges the gap between biblical principles and practical application. We've created a framework that helps you: · Build confidence in managing money God's way · Create lasting financial stability · Experience the joy of generous living · Find freedom from financial stress This a four-week workshop. It will begin January 12. There is a book to guide our conversations. They will be available at the church the week of January 4. Cost is $18.00. For more information contact Diane: [email protected] And one last reminder – 2025 Budget ends on December 31, 2025 Year-end gifts must be received in the office or postmarked on or before December 31. A gift of stock needs to be in process prior to December 31. Questions contact, Heather Kambeitz, Minister of Finance; [email protected] / 952-881-5801, ext. 106. Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Rob [email protected] / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 “Good News of Great Joy for All People!”
The Angel’s announcement to the Shepherds is for you too! Gathering as a Church Family and welcoming all who join us: Candlelight Worship and Communion at 2:00, 4:00, and 10:00 PM. Completing our Advent Theme: Christ Be Our Light, there is a special gift for all who attend. A remembrance of The Light that Shines in the darkness did not overcome it. Come and See! Thank you to those who are helping make our Christmas Worship Wonderful: The Choir, Jubilee, Altar Guild, Communion Assistants, Ushers, Tech Team, Worship Assistants, Lectors, Treat Team, Dishwashers, Tellers, Welcome Desk Hosts, Greeters and Staff. There are still a few spots for you at 4:00 PM: Video Tech and two Communion Assistants. No Experience Needed. Contact the church office today: 952-881-5801 or [email protected] “Let us go with haste and see this thing that has taken place… Born this day is a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord!” Prayers and Blessings to you and yours, Rob "At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year," attributed to 16th-century poet Thomas Tusser.
It's a proverb encouraging people to enjoy the unique festivities, generosity, and goodwill of the holiday season because it happens annually, urging them to seize the moment and appreciate the special time. For us it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, The Christ-Child, Messiah, Emmanual – “God with us.” Jesus embodies the love of God. A love that welcomes the Shepherds who by this time in history had become outcasts. A love that welcomes the Three Kings, Wisemen, Magi, who traveled a great distance following the star. They interpreted the star as a sign of a new king's birth and believed they were being divinely guided to find him. Here at St. Luke’s, there are six opportunities to celebrate Christmas in the weeks ahead 1. St. Luke’s Preschool Christmas - Thursday, December 18 at 10 AM 2. Lessons and Carols – Sunday, December 21 at 8:30 AM 3. St. Luke’s Children’s Pageant – Sunday, December 21 at 10 AM 4, 5, & 6. Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Worship at 2:00, 4:00, and 10:00 PM. Let us welcome all who come with God’s Love… Making space in the parking lot and in the sanctuary. If you are able, park further away from the main entrance. Door F will be open for the 2:00 and 4:00 PM worships. Making space in the sanctuary. Please do not ask someone to move if the person is sitting in “your” place. That is actually a comment on our Facebook Page, from a long time ago. Thankfully I reached out to the person and they attended again, finding us to be much more welcoming. Making space in your conversation. I encourage you to identify someone you do not know and introduce yourself. I like to call it the 2-minute rule; take the first 2 minutes after worship to welcome someone you do not know. The Community Life Team will have treats available. Make space in your heart. Enjoy Christmas again, for the first time. How will the story speak to you differently this year. You have six opportunities. Make space for loved ones. I still remember the last Christmas's with my parents, my niece, my in-laws. Christmas comes but once a year, and one Christmas might be the last. Prayers and Blessings to you and yours, for a very Merry Christmas… by Mark Roberts
There are many things this time of year that trigger fond Christmas memories for me: the smell of cookies baking; the warm glow of Christmas tree lights illuminating the house; the first few notes of Christmas songs by the likes of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams or the Carpenters. These memory triggers are thanks to a childhood steeped in Christmas traditions such as driving around to see Christmas lights, shopping trips to Southdale with my mom or dad, and the general anticipation of the season as a kid. In addition, there was the annual trek to downtown Minneapolis to walk through Dayton's eighth floor exhibit, and in later years to also watch the Holidazzle parade. Christmas Eve was full of its own rituals, celebrating at my Grandmother’s house with aunts, uncles and cousins with a traditional dinner of Swedish sausage, Swedish meatballs, and rice pudding. After dinner, my parents would bring us to St Luke’s for Christmas Eve service, complete with the candlelight singing of Silent Night. Over the years, many of these traditions have changed or gone away: mall shopping has been replaced with online clicks, Dayton’s became Macy’s and the 8th floor Christmas display came to an end in 2016, and the Hollidazzle parade went dark in 2013. My grandmother died years ago, and the Christmas Eve dinner moved and changed. New traditions have arisen to take their place. But the tradition of Christmas Eve service at St Luke’s has remained an important part of Christmas for me. The congregation has changed and the look of the sanctuary has evolved over the years, but the feeling of an extended family has carried on, and the magic of the Christmas story continues to shine. And Silent Night is still sung by candlelight. Ultimately that is the Christmas message in a nutshell: God’s love for us, packaged in a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager, meant to bring hope and joy to all generations, has carried on for over 2000 years, despite an ever-changing world. It is the ultimate Christmas tradition. Whether this will be your first Christmas Eve at St Luke’s, or your 5th, or 10th or 59th, or too many to count, I invite you to take part in the magic that is the Christmas story and hearing it again side by side with family and friends. With services at 2:00, 4:00 and 10:00pm, and the option to watch online, I hope you find a way to worship with your St Luke’s family. Hello! I am Heidi Heitzman, and I’m excited to join the team in an office support position and be part of this church community. My faith has always been an important part of my life, so it’s a blessing to step into a role where I can support the work God is doing here. My husband, Mike, and I have been married for 24 years, and we have two wonderful kids, our son, Nathan, who’s a senior at the University of Minnesota, and our daughter, Paige, who’s married to Reid, and they recently welcomed a baby boy, Theo, who is now 11 months old. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and doing my part to help things run smoothly each day.  |