This week we will gather at a Table, a Cross, and an Empty Tomb. We do all this in remembrance of Jesus – who did all of this for you.
Imagine being one of the disciples seated at the table when Jesus announces that “One of you will betray me?” How would you respond? Imagine being one of the disciples at the table when he takes the bread and announces, “This is my body given for you.” Then he takes the cup of wine and announces, “This is my blood shed for you? We hear these words every time we take communion. This coming Maundy Thursday, I invite you to think about this again, for the first time. Imagine being one of the disciples in the garden as he announces, “Keep Awake.” Can you? Imagine being one of the disciples who watches Judas kiss Jesus and then be arrested. Would you follow? Imagine being Simon of Cyrene on the side of the road watching Jesus collapse at the “weight” of carrying in the cross. Then a soldier tells you to pick up the cross. Would you carry it? Imagine being one of the people watching the Jesus hang on the cross and hear him cry out, “Father forgive them, they know not what you do.” Will you do likewise? Imagine being one the woman going to the tomb to find the stone rolled away, a young man sitting where Jesus laid and tell you, “He has Risen.” Would you tell anyone? We don’t need to imagine any of this. We are invited to do this in remembrance of Jesus… Maundy Thursday Worship – March 28, 7:00 PM Good Friday Worship – March 29, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM Carrying the Cross with the Seven Last Words of Christ – March 29, 5:45 PM Easter Sunday – March 31, 8:00, 9:15, and 10:45 AM
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What a magnificent event to invite friends and neighbors. There will be a light meal, games, art activities, and a chance to get a picture with an Easter Bunny! Have you ever wondered what eggs have to do with Easter? Why do we dye and hunt for Easter eggs every year? What is the connection between Easter eggs and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Many of us might think Easter eggs and Easter egg hunts are a commercialized form of the Easter celebration, but the roots are deeply embedded in the practices of early Christians in eastern cultures. There is religious significance behind the Easter traditions that we still practice today. Although eggs were a symbol of fertility and rebirth in pagan cultures, early Christians used Easter eggs to symbolize parts of the Easter story. Easter eggs represent the empty tomb from which Jesus resurrected. In early Orthodox churches, Easter eggs were blessed by the priests and given to members on the day before Easter known as Holy Saturday. During worship, Easter eggs are handed out to symbolize Jesus’ resurrection. The hard shell represents the sealed tomb, The cracking of the egg represents Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. While it might seem like a strange tradition to hand out Easter eggs in worship, early Christians abstained from eating eggs and meat during Lent. The fast was a form of sacrifice to prepare for Easter. Therefore, Easter was the first time Christians could eat eggs. Christians of Mesopotamia began the custom of dyeing Easter eggs. Originally, Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross. Over time, this tradition spread throughout eastern Orthodox churches and eventually made its way to Catholic and Protestant churches in Europe. Early Christian missionaries dyed the eggs assorted colors to represent various aspects of the Easter story. They used yellow to represent the resurrection, blue to represent love, and red to represent the blood of Christ. Sometimes, the missionaries would paint biblical scenes on the eggs and hide them. The children would find the Easter eggs and tell the story associated with the paintings. Therefore, early Easter egg hunts helped children learn about the significance of Easter. One of the earliest Easter egg hunts that most resembles the modern Easter egg hunt can be traced to Martin Luther. During this time, men would hide eggs for women and children to find. The joy the women and children experienced as they found eggs mirrored the joy the women felt when they found Jesus’ tomb empty and realized He had risen. And then there is the Easter Bunny. Writings from the 17th century in Germany describe the “Oschter Haws” (Easter hare) for the first time. According to folklore, the Easter hare would lay colorful eggs in the nests (baskets) of well-behaved children. German immigrants brought this tradition of the Easter Bunny to the United States in the 18th century. We hope our Easter Egg Extravaganza will bring the same happiness and joy Jesus’ followers experienced when they heard the Good News of His resurrection. St. Luke’s Baptism Orientation
11:15 AM-Noon, Sunday, March 17 Gather at the Font in the Sanctuary St. Luke’s “First” Communion Class and Training 11:15 AM-1 PM, Sunday, March 17 Gather in Fellowship Hall This Sunday as a congregation we will celebrate Holy Communion during worship. Following worship there will be a Baptism Class and a First Communion Class. Baptism and Communion are the only two sacraments in the Lutheran Faith. A Sacrament is something we do, which is commanded by God and we receive God’s grace. Baptism and Holy Communion are the two rites which fit both those categories. Baptism Class is for those interested in being baptized or affirming their baptism. First Communion is for those who want to learn about communion, followed by a training for those who would like to take communion for the first time. We Baptize because it’s what Jesus has commanded us to do! “Go therefore and baptize…” In Baptism, God has chosen us, and we believe that through the waters of Baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which grants us faith in Jesus Christ. This gift is eternal and provides forgiveness of sins and a new birth as a child of God. Join us whether you are an adult seeking Baptism or interested in affirming your baptism, or have a child you wish to have baptized. In the Scriptures it is clear that entire households were baptized—including children—so, we welcome and encourage parents to have their children baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As they grow in years, it is our privilege as parents to help our children learn what it means to have been “marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Be not afraid! You are not alone in this. The church also takes great joy in helping you raise your child in the faith. (See our Milestone Ministries.) HOLY COMMUNION With wafers (gluten-free available) and wine (dark) or grape juice (light). St. Luke’s celebrates communion the 1st and 3rd Sundays during worship along with other special worships throughout the year. Receiving communion is Jesus inviting us to the table and providing us with all that we need to live in this world and the next. We believe that Christ is present in the meal. When Jesus held up the bread and wine, He said, “This is my body . . . This is my blood.” Communion of the most intimate acts of discipleship. I imagine the curiosity of the disciples as Jesus took bread and wine and said to them, “This is my body, take and eat. This is my blood, take and drink.” Following the meal. It is always a privilege to announce, “The body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.” Such a beautiful and meaningful expression of our faith sadly turns into controversy. It’s as if we didn’t even hear the Post Communion Blessing, that these earthly elements, blessed and received, fill us with Jesus’ strength and grace, as we bicker over the particulars:
Here at St. Luke’s, we invite all children four years of age and older, along with adults to attend the First Communion Class and Training. Faith Formation is a lifelong journey, so no one ever ages out of it. All are welcome. It would be fun to hear your comments on these: What does it mean to you to receive communion? What questions do you have about communion? That is the eternal question. During St. Luke’s third Wednesday of Lent Worship, we will be looking at The Apostle Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15 that shares Paul’s views on immortality and imperishability. The conversation deepens in Mark Chapter 12, when Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders concerning life after death,
I thought it would be fun to look at two reputable studies concerning the question, first a Gallup International Association (GSI) and the other from Pew Research. After reading these, it would be fun to hear your comments of “What will heaven be like?” From Gallup Research: “Two thirds of respondents around the world claim they are religious. Slightly more people believe in God and there is a life after death. A majority also agree that there is a heaven and hell (although respondents are more confident in the “Good place” than the “Bad one”). Whether religious or not most people seem to believe that there is some mighty power beyond our understanding – a God. Below are a few of the highlights from the special poll conducted by Gallup (GIA) in 2016: 61 countries covering over two thirds of the global population (and more than 90% of those countries which are free to conduct and publish opinion research). Two thirds (62%) of respondents around the world say they are religious, with one in four saying that they are not religious. Atheists account for 10%. The rest are not sure. God and Afterlife More people believe that there is a God. While 62% self-identify as religious, 72% say that there is a God. Just under one in seven (16%) however do not believe that any God exists. 10% are not sure. Most respondents around the world (57%) think that there is a life after death. One in four (23%) do not believe that anything happens when we die. 15% cannot say. Heaven and Hell 59% believe in heaven, with one in four denying its existence. Fewer people (yet still a majority, 53%) believe in hell. From a Pew Research Study – Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults say they believe in heaven. (The survey did not immediately offer a definition of heaven, though subsequent questions explored what respondents think heaven is like.) A majority of all Christian subgroups say they believe in heaven. Belief is much less common among religiously unaffiliated Americans (37%). This unaffiliated group includes those who describe their religion as “nothing in particular” half of whom believe in heaven – as well as agnostics (26% of whom believe in heaven) and atheists (3%). “I love that 3% percent of those who deny in the existence of God still believe in heaven.” - Rob Roughly a quarter of all U.S. adults (26%) say that they do not believe in heaven or hell, including 7% who say they do believe in some kind of afterlife and 17% who do not believe in any afterlife at all. Respondents who believe in neither heaven nor hell but do still believe in an afterlife were given the opportunity to describe their idea of this afterlife in the form of an open-ended question that asked: “In your own words, what do you think the afterlife is like?” Within this group, about one-in-five people (21%) express belief in an afterlife where one’s spirit, consciousness or energy lives on after their physical body has passed away, or in a continued existence in an alternate dimension or reality. One respondent describes their view as “a resting place for our spirits and energy. I don’t think it’s like the traditional view of heaven but I’m also not sure that death is the end.” And another says, “I believe that life continues and after my current life is done, I will go on in some other form. It won’t be me, as in my traits and personality, but something of me will carry on.” An additional 17% of respondents who believe in neither heaven nor hell (but do believe in some kind of afterlife) express a belief in people enduring a cyclical existence or becoming enlightened after death. As one individual puts it, “Maybe something like nirvana or enlightenment? I like to imagine that the living world we inhabit is like a cradle for the soul. We spend our lifetime (or maybe many lifetimes) learning and growing, and then in the afterlife we retain all those memories from our life(/lives), and the lessons we’ve learned, and that we exist for some greater purpose that living prepares us for.” Among many other responses, some people believe that people’s energy rejoins the universe in some form, while others feel that people simply enter a period of peace without suffering. And many people in this group (42% of everyone who says they believe in an afterlife but not in heaven or hell) did not offer a response. In addition to asking about general belief in heaven and hell, the survey asked about specific characteristics of these two destinations to determine what Americans think they are like. In the case of heaven, respondents were presented with nine prospective traits, and asked whether heaven is “definitely like this,” “probably like this,” “probably not like this” or “definitely not like this.” Of the items listed, U.S. adults are most likely to say that in heaven, people are definitely or probably free from suffering, with roughly seven-in-ten members of the general public holding this view. This perspective is nearly unanimous among the 73% of Americans who express belief in heaven. Majorities of Americans also express confidence in the ideas that in heaven, people are reunited with deceased loved ones (65% of all U.S. adults say this), can meet God (62%) and have perfectly healthy bodies (60%). Roughly half of all U.S. adults (48%) believe that people in heaven are reunited with pets or animals that they knew on Earth, while more than four-in-ten say that people in heaven can see what is happening on Earth (44%) and can become angels (43%). Smaller shares believe that people in heaven are able to have relationships with people who are still living on Earth (25%), or that they can choose whether they want to stop existing (15%). This is just a small part of each of the studies. I would encourage you to look at each of them in their entirety: Gallup (GSI) and Pew Research And now it is your turn. What do you think heaven will be like? It is important that we take time to look back so that we can move forward. The road we travel today may be different, but God, Jesus, and Spirit are the same. The Season of Lent is a time of Discipleship, to be renewed, refreshed, and recommit to picking up our cross and follow Jesus. That has been happening here for 101 years…
This poem written for St. Luke’s 50th Anniversary is found on pages 137-138, in “The Fields Were Ripe.” A History of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. As you read it, what can we learn to move forward today? The People of St. Luke’s by Marv Koch Five people met one Sunday morn in Brown’s new Oxboro store, And then Judd Thomas’s “Front Porch” was church for some weeks more. A committee formed to build a church in nineteen twenty-four And God provided them the way, St. Luke’s great name it bore. By prayer and hope and faith and love and labors of their hands. They built the church through sacrifice near where our church now stands. When times grew hard and money short, they struggled bravely on For Christ and for His Kingdom here and souls that must be won. The 40’s brought us some relief but war struck home here too. And robbed us of two of our sons who fought for me and you. A parsonage was built for us, an organ we did buy It served us more than twenty years, my how the time does fly. The population boom was on, the schools soon overflowed The basement of our church, we loaned to help to ease the load. A parish education wing became a vital need We realized that dream quite soon for God does surely lead. A nave so new and different then was planned as we did grow For the old church burst at the seams three hours in a row. A fellowship and meeting hall was built as we had planned. Two full-time pastors served so well this ever-growing band. Burden bearers and strugglers groups add depth to Christian life. Whole families can participate – children and man and wife. Our God is surely present here, we know He leads the way For people live the faith they claim. Praise Jesus Christ today! The poem tells the history of the church, but more importantly, it tells about the people of St. Luke’s “…by prayer and hope and faith and love and labors of their hands, they build the church… It is the people who make up any church, the people whose faith, love, and labor build the church and carry on the work of God’s kingdom on earth.” These people had a common bond of membership in St. Luke’s. Under the guidance and leadership of ordained clergy, the people of St. Luke’s have become ministers of the word of God equipped to do His work in His Kingdom. We know that… “…there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. – 1st. Corinthians 12:4-7 What jumped out to me is that this all started by 5 people. There were good times, bad times, struggles and celebrations, but through it all the people knew that “Our God is surely present here, we know He leads the way, for people live the faith they claim. We live in a society that does not join or commit, but as people of faith we know a God who joined us, walking the earth as Jesus. We have a God who commits to us be with us always through the Holy Spirit. We are doing three things currently to be church in this time and place. First, we are inviting members to opt in for the new directory. Contact the office if you would like to be included. Thank you to those who have already opted in or let us know that you would not like to be in it. This will be a protected document available to those who participate. We will print copies for those who like one. This is an invitation to participate. You have the option of whether or not to be in it. You have the option to have your picture in it or not. It will be online once we have made 100% contact with all our members. Second, thank you to all who support St. Luke’s in time, talent, and treasure. First, those who pledge and give. Second, those who give, but do not pledge. Third, those who do not give a recorded gift. To make a budget it is helpful to know what money is planned to be given. If you have made a pledge, please confirm the amount. If you have not made a pledge, prayerfully consider doing so. We will adjust the budget accordingly. If you do not make a recorded gift. Third, we are living out the mission… St. Luke’s is a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world. We will have more than a dozen people attending our “Get to Know St. Luke’s” lunch this coming Sunday. There is still room for you. Please gather in Fellowship Hall following the 10 AM worship. Looking back to look move forward, let us follow the lead of those who came before us as written on page 138 of the 75th Anniversary book, “…the people of St. Luke’s have become ministers of the word of God equipped to do His work in His Kingdom.” Praise Jesus Christ Today! St. Luke's is one of the runner up award winners of the national Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) 2024 Cool Congregations Challenge. The contest is sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change. The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest recognizing “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. This contest accepts applications from religious congregations around the United States who are doing work to address global warming by reducing their carbon footprint. There were 125 applicants for six entry categories. St Luke's won an Energy Saver award for cutting energy use 56% switching to LED lighting, upgrading to efficient gas stacking boilers & building automation and installing solar. We have been awarded a $500 runners-up award. The following Energy Update describes the many energy initiatives we have undertaken at St Luke’s. Energy Update Since 2020 St Lukes has undertaken significant energy saving initiatives including installation of solar panels, a new 96% efficient boiler system, a new building automation system and additional conversion to LED lighting. These changes have resulted in significant energy cost reductions as well as significant reduction of greenhouse gas production. Outside temperature variations and changing building use patterns over the years also affect energy use. The new boiler system consists of 4 interacting heating modules. As temperatures drop outside, additional modules are only engaged when more heat is needed thereby making the system very efficient. The new building automation system provides both electric and gas savings due to more efficient electric motors and better temperature control. During 2018, before the updates, our electric usage was 147,139 kWh and natural gas usage for heating was 14,509 therms. During 2023, the electric use was 68,240 kWh and gas was 8,017 therms, a 54% reduction in electric use and 45% reduction in gas use. Our energy use reduction resulted in a carbon emission reduction of over 129,000 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere. The solar panels generated approximately 75,000 kWh of electricity during the past year resulting in over a $5,000 reduction in energy charges. In addition, the PV credit from the solar panels was over $2,400 and the Saver Switch credit from the air conditioners was $1,530, further reducing our electric bill. Also, the Demand Charge on the electric bill is approximately $200 less due to St Luke's using less electricity during the year. The total cost savings of these initiatives was approximately $12,000 for electricity costs and $4,000 for natural gas costs. For comparison, the electric bill for 2018 was $17,775 and the bill for 2023 was $5,834, a savings of almost $12,000. Other energy efficient upgrades in 2023 included the installation of the new roofing in the the education wing which allowed for the installation of R30 installation to that roof section. The conversion to LED lighting in the education wing and the sanctuary will also provide future energy savings. Much thanks to all who helped make this happen including Larry Nelson, Marc Dunham, Mark Hagelin, Jean Lingen, Kevin Schulz, David Carpenter, and others. If you are interested in helping on the Energy Committee, please contact Larry Nelson. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19 This truth is also found in the Book of Ecclesiastes… “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.” Ecclesiastes 3:20 One of my seminary professors James Limburg shared the following on enterthebible.org “Ecclesiastes offers honest reflections on the human quest for meaning, on the realities of life on this earth and under God. This understanding comes after the author is unable to find meaning in life. We may attempt to find meaning by living only for one’s work (workaholism), or to accumulate more and more knowledge (intellectualism), or to find more and more exotic, pleasure-producing thrills (hedonism), or purchase more and more psessions (materialism), however none of these or other trivial pursuits will ultimately not be satisfying. The book is also in touch with reality, recognizing that earthly existence is marked by problems of injustice, evildoing, and chance accidents. There are many questions that we have about God, about what God is doing, and about death. We will have to learn to live with these questions. In the meantime, the book counsels us to enjoy one another’s company and to enjoy the day-by-day good gifts that God gives us.” This is how I understand Lent. It is a season of discipleship, a period to be renewed in faith, living in God's creation while waiting on God's salvation. Lent is the forty-day season (excluding Sundays) of penitence and preparation for the Three Days of Holy Week and Easter. Although it was originally only a two-day period of preparation, Lent became a three-week preparatory period in the middle of the fourth century. It became six-weeks by the end of the fifth century. This excludes Sundays, which are considered little Easters. Thus, Lent begins not on Sunday, but on Ash Wednesday. This is where we get forty days. The practice of forty days of Lent recall Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness after his Baptism (Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:1-2) as well as Moses’ forty-day fast on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). St. Luke’s like many congregations will have mid-week worship, a wonderful act of discipleship. Join us on Ash Wednesday at 11 AM or 7 PM, February 14. On this Valentine’s Day remember that you are loved and are called to love all people in Jesus’ name. You can grow in that love through Acts of Discipleship, Obedience and Dedication. Obedience: Giving something up. Dedication: Taking something on. The practice of fasting (or “giving something up”) during Lent is not required for Lutherans because it is not commanded in Holy Scripture. Rather, as a matter of Christian freedom, starving oneself of a pleasure of the flesh is a way to remember daily the great sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to pay for the world’s sin. Some give up chocolate, coffee, soda, withholding any simple daily pleasure in rememberance of the Lord' sacrifice. The practice of taking something on also is not required, but it is in following Jesus’ command to love God, neighbor, self and all creation. Some will start or continue the daily Gospel of Mark readings (click here for the link), gather 40 items to donate, write notes of appreciation, start or continue an exercise routine, any daily activity dedicated to the Lord. Remember it is for the 40 days. You can enjoy your pleasure or rest from your dedication on Sundays. Join us for the Lent Wednesdays, February 21, 28, March 6, 12, and 19. 11 AM Worship followed by lunch. 7 PM Worship with Holden Evening Prayer. Prior to this, dinner at 5:30 and educational opportunities from 6-6:55 PM. May this season be a blessing to you as you again experience the depth of Jesus’ obedience and the great love of God, to redeem a world so desperately in need of salvation. For our bodies one day will return to the dust, but our life in Christ is for all eternity. In the comments, please share your Lent Discipline, what you are giving up or taking on? I will be doing the Forty Item Collection for Forty Days. Each day of Lent I will remove one item from my home that I no longer wear or need. At the end of the forty days I will donate them to ARC Value Village. Prayers and Blessings during this season of Lent and always, Rob St. Luke’s RaiseRight – 2023 Annual Report Most people have the desire to be generous to make the world a better place. Many find it difficult to set aside funds to do so. There is a simple and effective way to give, simply by shopping. RaiseRight is easy—and it works. By using gift cards (Actual Cards or download the App for Online Cards) to pay for everyday and not-so-everyday, expenses, each participant can earn over $1,000 each year. No selling. No extra time. No extra money. Participating companies give a percentage of the gift card you purchase to the organization you choose. It is the top fundraiser for St. Luke’s and all of it goes to missions. Here’s the list of the recipients and the amount each received. 2023 St. Luke’s Distribution of RaiseRight funds: $1000 – Feed My Starving Children $1000 – VEAP $500 – Lift Garage $200 – Bundles of Love quilts $100 – Tied quilts $200 – Card Ministry (used Michael’s gift cards from stock for purchases) $3000 Total In addition, it was used for supplies with “God’s work. Our Hands.” – Specifically the Oasis for Youth Blessing Bags. Each Gallon Bag indicates gender and size and contains:
$377.94 Amazon* $ 22.07 Target $ 40.00 Michael’s $440.01 Total, plus some additional funds for other supplies St. Luke’s spent $173.50 in administration costs for the program in 2023 (software fee, shipping expense for bulk orders. Bev tried not to place an order to be shipped to her unless the rebates generated by the order would cover the cost of shipping which was $10.50 per shipment in 2023. As of 2024 January, shipping costs went up to $11.) We currently have a total of $1935 in gift cards in stock: You can even pay online to St. Luke’s: RaiseRight 5 – Amazon, ranging from $25-100 6 – Cub Foods, $25-100 4 – Chipotle, $10-25 3 – Happy Moments, $25 5 – Holiday, $25-100 5 – Home Depot, $25 1 – McDonald’s, $10 2 – Menard’s, $100 4 – Michael’s, $25 2 – Panera, $10 1 – Shake Shack, $25 1 – Starbucks, $10 2 – Subway, $10 1 – Taco Bell, $10 3 – Target, $25 2 – TJ Maxx, $25 2- Total Wine, $25 2 – Walgreens, $25 5 – Walmart, $10-25 6 – Visa, $25-50 * Happy Moments are good at Red Lobster, Ulta, Macy’s, Cracker Barrel and Buffalo Wild Wings Thank you to all who support the Ministries of St. Luke’s. One unique way is to participate in the RaiseRight Mission Support Fundraiser. Much thanks to Bev Brosam who champions this cause and for the members who participate in the program. “Whoever offers blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25 To learn more and participate contact Bev Brosam, she is always willing and ready to help. She can also provide you with St. Luke’s RaiseRight code and help get you set up with the RaiseRight app.
St. Luke’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award Winners Voted as the best Church in Bloomington for:
These awards show how much our members and neighbors love St. Luke’s – and what’s not to love!? One community with two styles of worship: 8:30 Traditional with hymns and 10 AM Praise Music One community with four music groups: St. Luke’s Choir, Jubilee Praise Team, Bells of Praise, and Children's Choir. One community welcoming many children to VBS: There are St. Luke’s church members, St. Luke’s Preschool Students, Learning Tree Development Children, children from our neighborhood, with many of them inviting their friends. All of them are loved and cared for by amazing Student Leaders and Adults. It is not only “The Best Week of the Summer!” but the best in Bloomington!! – 2024 VBS “Camp Firelight” is June 24-27, 2024 We are living out our mission: We are a welcoming and growing community of Faith, busy making Christ known to the world St. Luke’s 2023 Annual Meeting 2024 Congregational President Leah DeSchepper enjoyed looking back last year as St. Luke’s celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The focus for the year ahead is looking forward into the next century. Please keep the Council in your prayers. Leah DeSchepper, President Mark Bergherr, Past President Kelsy Newby, President Elect Paul Sundet, Treasurer Rani Hayden, Secretary Britt Halaas, Missions Becky Olson, Worship and Music Jane Nechville, Community Life Tim Krieg, Stewardship Kerry Kollodge, Faith Formation Greg Hornicke, Member at Large Nominations were accepted for Property. We will announce the representative when appointed by the Council. In the weeks and months ahead the Council Members will introduce themselves during worship, and be available between to meet you. St. Luke’s Foundation – Members all returning Pat Lair, President Diane Gilmer, Treasurer Helen Schatzlein, Secretary Paul Kopnick, member Jodi Murphy, member 2024 Minneapolis Synod Assembly – St. Luke’s will be represented by: Brenda DeSchepper and Kevin Schulz with Julie Schroeder, alternative if needed. “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:4-6a St. Luke’s Staff – Along with our elected leadership, please hold the staff in your prayers. Greg Anderson, Director of Jubilee Praise Team Candi Brand, Preschool Teacher Susana Castillo, Custodian Tracy Engdahl, Preschool Teaching Assistant Nancee Erickson, Wedding Host Angela Hanson, Director of Children and Youth Choir Emily Hendricks, Director of Children and Family Ministry and Vacation Bible School Heather Kambeitz, Minister of Finance Pat Lair, St. Luke’s Choir Director Lori Murray, Organist and Accompanist Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor Alanna Teragawa, Director of Bells of Praise Cheryl Thiele, Office Support Barb Watson, Preschool Director and let us welcome…Tommy Denesen, St. Luke’s Part-Time Office Support Tommy works for the family business, "Most Wanted Comics". His responsibilities include social media accounts, customer service, editing the website, answering emails, merchandise products within the store, and planning inventory purchases. Over the next few years, he plans to work his way through college as he studies marketing and business. One of the joys of a congregation is to raise up leaders. Tommy started attending St. Luke’s as a child. He was confirmed at St. Luke’s. He is active on the Stewardship Team, one of the Video Techs for worship and participates with his family hosting Pizza Night for Wednesday Night Live Dinners. Tommy graduated from Jefferson High School in 2023. Some notes from his biography on the 2023 St. Luke’s High School Graduate Board: He enjoys writing, reading, a playing the saxophone in his spare time. His Bible Verse is John 11: 25-26: I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Word of Encouragement for younger students: The faith you build in childhood can help to guide you through difficult times during the rest of your life. Also know that you are always loved by somebody, because Jesus always loves you. Sunday, January 28, 2024 – 11:15 AM
“Let’s trust the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word. Let’ 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 Five Things: 1. Read the Annual Report. If you have not done so, please take the time prior to the Annual Meeting. Use this LINK or get a hard copy at church. 2. Attend the Annual Meeting. Be a part of the decision-making process. We invite you to come in person or join online (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 2023 Financial Statement The 2024 Budget Proposal. (This requires a congregational vote.) St. Luke’s finances strong, but precarious. Personnel Committee Update. We are fully staffed. Come welcome Tommy Denesen, 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):
3. Opt-In to the New Church Directory. Thank you to all who have submitted a picture and updated their contact information. This is an in-house/online production. You do not have to include a picture. You also do not have to be in the directory. This is an invitation. As the saying goes, “Know that you are known, as you make yourself known.” If you would like to participate simply email office@stlukesbloomington.org Include your names, contact information you would like to share, and a photo if you so choose. 4. Complete your 2024 Ministry Handbook. This is an annual opportunity to live out the core values of St. Luke’s. We invite you to consider an opportunity in each area: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship. Like the directory, you can use this LINK or pick one up at the church. 5. 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. By attending the meeting you gain valuable insights into the direction of our church and the goals we hope to achieve. By attending the meeting you will strengthen a sense of unity and shared purpose with St. Luke’s. 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 and recognize the ways in which God has been at work within and through our community. What are you looking forward to or have questions about the Annual Meeting. Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob |
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