What a wonderful Ash Wednesday Worship we had on February 26, 2020. I added the year because it seems like it has been that long since we have gathered together in person for worship. I have not changed my digital calendar and continue to receive reminders for worship and other church events that were planned prior to the “Stay at Home” directive from Governor Walz. I thought about deleting them at first, but these notices have become a way for me to be mindful that we will gather in person again; we just don’t know when.
As I write this, I was supposed to be at St. Luke’s heading to the last Wednesday Lunch following the 11 AM Worship. This year we returned to our midday Lent worship and lunch. It was well received by a dedicated group. A special thanks to Paul Klein and Terry DeShepper who had lunch waiting for us in Fellowship Hall. This will return.
Much thanks to all who have made online worship possible. Sean Johnson, Choir and Bell Director has added Video Director to his job description. Sean has been working tirelessly recording, editing, and producing the online worship. Deacon Stephanie Luedtke coordinated members on short notice to help lead worship and read. The choir included members from the Choir and Jubilee. These people had originally signed on to do one Sunday and when word came that we would be sheltered in place, every one of them agreed to return the next day and the Tuesday following to provide worship through April 26. And then there are the musicians Lori Murray, Greg Anderson, and Jesse Myers who played a month worth of worship in a few days. Note that the messages and prayers are added a few days prior to worship so they speak to what is happening closer to the viewing.
As I write this, I was supposed to be at St. Luke’s heading to the last Wednesday Lunch following the 11 AM Worship. This year we returned to our midday Lent worship and lunch. It was well received by a dedicated group. A special thanks to Paul Klein and Terry DeShepper who had lunch waiting for us in Fellowship Hall. This will return.
Much thanks to all who have made online worship possible. Sean Johnson, Choir and Bell Director has added Video Director to his job description. Sean has been working tirelessly recording, editing, and producing the online worship. Deacon Stephanie Luedtke coordinated members on short notice to help lead worship and read. The choir included members from the Choir and Jubilee. These people had originally signed on to do one Sunday and when word came that we would be sheltered in place, every one of them agreed to return the next day and the Tuesday following to provide worship through April 26. And then there are the musicians Lori Murray, Greg Anderson, and Jesse Myers who played a month worth of worship in a few days. Note that the messages and prayers are added a few days prior to worship so they speak to what is happening closer to the viewing.
So as we move into Holy Week, we will still be physically separated, yet joined together in worship as we participate online. I’m one who is now using the term “Physical Distancing” because this is the time we definitely need social connections. So join us for all of our Holy Week worship opportunities as announced in the E-News. If you are reading this Thursday, April 2, and have not turned in your 3-5 second video for our virtual Palm Sunday Parade, there is still time. See Sean Johnson’s announcement.
This is also a wonderful time to share the St. Luke’s worship with your family and friends who do not normally attend worship. There is no need to go into a church, they can watch in the comfort of their home. Not sure how to invite them? At the very least you can ask them to critique it – most people like to share their opinion. In doing so they will hear the Good News. That they are loved by God. And through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, they are offered hope that does not disappoint. Be ready to share why you attend and the difference it makes in your life.
That is what I want to end with, the difference faith makes in the world. Thank you to all the members who are reaching out to other members. As I go through our membership I am grateful that most members have a connection. Yet there are others in need of contact. This is was one of the goals for the Capital Campaign, 100% participation. That is only possible if 100% feel connected. We have a crew of over 20 who have offered to reach out to the members not connected. We could use more. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” (2nd Corinthians 4:15). May your live in the grace given to you by God, including sharing it with others, whether 6 feet away, on the phone, through a text, online, and in your prayers. Know that you are in mine.
Blessings,
Rob
This is also a wonderful time to share the St. Luke’s worship with your family and friends who do not normally attend worship. There is no need to go into a church, they can watch in the comfort of their home. Not sure how to invite them? At the very least you can ask them to critique it – most people like to share their opinion. In doing so they will hear the Good News. That they are loved by God. And through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, they are offered hope that does not disappoint. Be ready to share why you attend and the difference it makes in your life.
That is what I want to end with, the difference faith makes in the world. Thank you to all the members who are reaching out to other members. As I go through our membership I am grateful that most members have a connection. Yet there are others in need of contact. This is was one of the goals for the Capital Campaign, 100% participation. That is only possible if 100% feel connected. We have a crew of over 20 who have offered to reach out to the members not connected. We could use more. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” (2nd Corinthians 4:15). May your live in the grace given to you by God, including sharing it with others, whether 6 feet away, on the phone, through a text, online, and in your prayers. Know that you are in mine.
Blessings,
Rob