Happy 100th Anniversary! A Celebration weekend to remember…

What a joy, to God be the glory! People came from Canada and Hawaii.

The Anniversary Team and all the ministry teams did an amazing job representing St. Luke’s.

How fun to have a flash mob of current and former members kick off the night with singing.

Robert Benedict, grandson of Charter Members Oscar and Hulda Anderson, walked us through the history of St. Luke’s; a history that continues to be written.

The 100th Anniversary Video funded by the St. Luke’s Foundation encapsulated the 100 years of ministry that was started by just eight families. Currently we have 261 households – imagine what we can do…

The mayor and bishop spoke words of thanks, praise, and hope for our future.
Tawny Homesley and Pastor Mark Halvorson shared staff reflections.

The food on Saturday and Sunday morning was fabulous, as was the serving staff along with the baristas.

And then at Sunday worship…

Two commissioned musical pieces were debuted:

The Bells of Praise, “Illumina – Word of God. Light Our Way.” by Cathy Moklebust with former Bells of Praise Director Tawny speaking the words.

The Festival Choir sung, “Be the Light!” composed and conducted by former Music Leader, John Helgen.

Pastor Bud Eskritt gave the sermon and was surprised by the congregation to be appointed Pastor Emeritus. He said it was one of the most remarkable experiences he has had as a pastor.

Others joined him in their reflections of the day…

“I’m still basking in the afterglow of one of the most memorable and inspirational weekends of my life. Thank you, thank you!” Blessings, Mark Bergherr
 
“I am still riding a high from this weekend! To spend the weekend with so many people who've had such a profound impact on my life was truly a gift. And you know it was good when you have so few pictures because you were just too busy taking it all in. My cup runneth over.
'We are called out of the darkness. Light had shined bright in the darkness. Jesus said 'I am the light of the world.' Let your light shine before all.' –(John Helgen’s song lyrics)” – Mollee Erickson
 
“Such an exciting time and event!” – Laurie Blanchard

“Grateful for this community of faith and for all the ways they’ve cared for and loved my family and me” – Jana Cinnamon

“Great to see so many friends and share in the music for worship this morning at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington as they celebrated 100 years of ministry. Kudos to the singers of St. Luke’s, choir director Bernie Asher, and accompanist Lori Murray in the performances of my newest choral anthem “Be the Light!” which was commissioned by St. Luke’s for today’s celebration. Here’s to the next hundred!” – John Helgen

If you missed any of it, the Saturday Night Program of Celebration and Praise, along with both the 8:30 and 10 AM worship were recorded. You can find them here.

We are also collecting pictures of the weekend. Please share your pictures to our Google Photo Album or send to [email protected] or tag @stlukesbloomington to your online posts. An album will be created on our website with these pictures.

May the weekend not only be a memory…
…let us build off of it into the next 100 years. To God be the glory!!

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