Last Summer I spent 2 weeks in Tanzania, a country the size of Texas in East Africa. I was there with 20 other MN musicians who met with 35 Tanzanian musicians to put on 4 concerts throughout one of the dioceses there. There are so many things I could write about from that trip-- believe me, the choir is tired of the stories. However, one story came to mind that seems a bit different for a time of Lent.

One town we stayed in is at the outskirts of the district and diocese where we were staying. It was about 2 hour drive from the Lutheran Centre where we were staying in the city of Iringa. In fact, this was the last stop before we went on safari--not far from the gates of Ruaha National Park. Being so close to the park, there were lions that came through the town some nights and would occasionally eat unprotected livestock. Luckily the incidents involving people were few, but it does happen.
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The town is very remote, but it does see travelers and gains income from tourists, but there isn't as much income as the needed, so many take the 5:00 AM bus back to Iringa. The road is so dusty that we Americans wore bandannas to cover our mouths. The road is extremely bumpy that some of us get woozy on our way there. However, people packed onto this commuter bus which went from town to town picking up people to take them to work every day.

Welcome to the Journey of Lent. On Ash Wednesday you were invited to remember the frailty of life, receiving an ashen cross on your forehead as you heard the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

The Gospel of Mark is arguably the first story of Jesus life shared in written form. Many thought Jesus would return soon, as we heard in our Gospel reading on Sunday – as Jesus announced, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.” Many presumed that meant Jesus would return again creating the kingdom they pictured in their mind. Jesus did come again in power. Is there any greater power than to defeat death itself? And this is not just an end of life occurrence; it is moment by moment, through all of our struggles, pains, and losses that we have the gift of the resurrection.

This is the Good News we are called to share with others, just as it was shared with us. On Wednesdays we will study how the Marks of Discipleship were lived out in one of the early churches as we read 2nd Corinthians. As church we are called to care and encourage one another, offer forgiveness and peace, extend mercy and grace, live generous and thankful lives. Imagine what the world would be like if we lived in the way. That is the mission we have been given.

St. Luke’s was born here in Bloomington on February 23, 1923. In three years we will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary. We have the privilege to build on the mission that was passed down from those before us and pass it on to those who will follow.
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Generosity and Thanksgiving are Marks of Discipleship and key components for our Capital Campaign, 100% for 100 years. The goal is having 100% of our members participate. Our guiding verse is Colossians 2:6-7 ​

During this season of Lent we are asking you to prayerfully consider making your mark for the next 100 years. St. Luke’s is a mission post where we welcome others to grow in this community of faith which is busy making Christ known to the world.

Welcome – Our building is in need of some repairs and we would like to do some enhancements to our sanctuary.

Grow – Reaching out online by strengthening our web presence and doing outreach in the neighborhood.
Making Christ Known - Sharing a tithe with our local, national, and international partner organizations.

You will be invited to participate in the Capital Campaign by making a three-year pledge, a one-time contribution, and/or a legacy gift. Mark your calendars for our celebration on Sunday, April 19.

Much more will be shared in the weeks ahead.
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Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor