 Friday, November 8th from Noon-7 PM
Saturday, November 9th 9 AM – 3 PM Help make our congregational community event a success. There is something for everyone and you won't want to miss it! Bring the whole family and all your friends together for a fun filled day of holiday wonder!
o Olive wood items from the Holy Land o Arts & crafts, dried flowers, diamond art o Charcuterie boards o Ornaments, German stars & handmade gift boxes o Quilts, rugs, table runners & hot pads o Hand knit hats, mittens and scarves, crocheted items o Photography & other framed paintings o Collectables & gnomes o Jewelry & Clothing, purses & bags o Cards & holiday wrap, decorations o Stocking stuffers to fit every budget o Food, candy & much more
For questions, please contact Deb Krieg at [email protected] for more information.
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 This Sunday we will remember those who have gone before. Those who have entered into the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” (Hebrews 12). We give thanks for their lives. We share this belief each and every week when we pray the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in…the communion of saints.” The communion of saints includes all who have placed their hope in Jesus Christ. In my study, I was surprised to learn that the “communion of saints” includes the living. From the blog, “What is the Significance of All Saints Day?” Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. October 26, 2021 (nationalshrine.org) “The Sermon on the Mount – specifically, the Beatitudes, are the “Basic Attitudes of Christ.” This passage is quite fitting for All Saints because all the saints experienced joy in the midst of sorrow or suffering. Jesus says in the Beatitudes that those who are poor, in mourning, or who are persecuted are blessed. When we do our best to live out the beatitudes, we contribute to building up the kingdom of God here on earth. On All Saints, we pray in a special way to the saints that they continue to help and guide us along our path of life. One of my favorite quotations from Saint Teresa of Calcutta is that ‘holiness is not the luxury of a few people, but a simple duty for you and me.’ We are all called to become saints, and we can accomplish that by striving to follow God’s commands and be united within God’s love. To be holy, to be a saint, means allowing God ‘to live Jesus’ life in us’ as Mother Teresa taught.” Please join us this Sunday, November 3 at either or both worship times – 8:30 and 10 AM, when we will lift up those for whom we will celebrate their life and resurrection, from All Saints 2023 to All Saints 2024, here at St. Luke’s; both members and nonmembers alike. We will say their name, show a picture, light a candle, and toll a bell for each one. As we do so prayerfully reflect upon your own life. Are you living out the “Attitudes of Christ” allowing the life of Jesus to live within you. Let us remember those who have died along with ongoing prayers and blessings for their family and friends:   You are invited to announce, “Here I stand.” Just as Martin Luther did, so many years ago. We do likewise every Sunday when we stand to say the Apostles’ Creed answering the questions…
Do you believe in God the Father? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? This Sunday at the 8:30 AM Worship, we will hear one of our students say the Apostles’ Creed. Yes, only one student, although there are three others in the same grade. In the past the Affirmation of Baptism, or better known as Confirmation was more based on grade instead of personal belief. As a former youth minister, I was responsible for making sure students completed the “requirements” for confirmation. This included, regular worship, a number of service commitments, a year learning about the Bible study and a year learning about the Small Catechism, lots of students went through the motions without any intention of doing what they promised: Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism… …to live among God’s faithful people? (Community) …to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper? (Discipleship and Worship) …to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed? (Evangelism) …to serve all people, following the example of Jesus? (Service) …to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? (Stewardship) What students are asked to do is “Simply What Every Christian Should Do.” That is why Reformation, Affirmations of Baptism, and Giving Sunday are celebrated together. How will you live out the Core Values in the year ahead? We have the opportunity to make the same promise this year with the 2025 Commitment Card. The response from many members is an appreciation for a holistic understanding of stewardship, inviting people to make a commitment to live out our Core Values, as found in the parenthesis above. It is only by each of us doing what we are able to fulfill our mission, St. Luke’s is a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world. Yes, this requires a financial commitment which is includes two areas:
There is good news and bad news for the second one: Good News – The Mortgage Fund has an end date in 2031. May of 2031 will be the last full payment and June of 2031 with have the last payment of $2,800. Bad News – This commitment has no wiggle room. We pay almost $168,000 every year for our mortgage; thus, the only area we have any flexibility is in the Operating Budget. I appreciated what Pastor Steve Olson said in his sermon on Sunday. This is a time when we listen to God when making our commitments. How will you live out your life of faith? May you honor God, not giving from your leftovers, but making a joyful dedication of what you have received, our time, talent, and treasure. When you do so, you are trusting God’s promise as shared by the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11) For surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Here I stand! Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob We are called to serve and we can serve by giving--
Every 2 seconds someone in America needs blood. Our very own, Nancy Hudson is one who feels blessed because of the donations. She writes: "The human adult body has between 8-12 pints of blood. On one day during my recent hospitalization, I received 6 pints. I don’t remember that day, but I remember weeks of receiving two pints a day every other day. Praise God the blood was always there, or I wouldn’t be here. I have two artificial knees and two artificial heart valves, but blood can not be created in a lab. If you are able, please donate and make it a habit of every 54 days. You will not be sorry and the 3 lives that are saved from every pint will be grateful and so will their families." 84% of blood donations are given at blood drives Patients receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders, those undergoing transplant surgery, mothers suffering from birthing complications and premature babies are all examples of patients who need blood In just an hours time, YOU can help save up to three lives with a blood donation St Luke’s Blood Drive Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall to sign up online for an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). or alternatively to sign up for an appointment or for further information, contact Larry Nelson 612 599 5240 [email protected] Leviticus 17:11 The life of the flesh is in the blood The history of blood transfusions is an interesting study of myths, traditions and science. The idea of transferring blood to a sick person to restore their health is quite old and was present in ancient myths, including those of Odysseus and Medea. Ancient peoples were certain of the importance of blood but they knew none of its biology. Blood was hidden, visible only in a wound or during childbirth or menstruation. Some ancient Greeks considered blood to the be the same as the soul or spirit. Observant Jews and Muslims followed dietary laws that forbid the consumption of blood and special preparation of meat was required. These measures also had added health benefits helping to prevent the spoilage of meat. As Christians we connect blood with spiritual life through communion. Today we know red blood cells carry life giving oxygen to the cells of our body and white blood cells defend us from invasion by foreign pathogens. Platelets help form clots that can prevent bleeding. Blood is constantly being produced by stem cells in our bone marrow. Our network of veins, arteries, and capillaries is about 60 thousand miles long. Blood plasma is a combination of salt and water similar in concentration to water in the sea. The possibility of successful blood transfusions required significant scientific advances. In 1628 British physician William Harvey discovered the circulation of blood, exploring the relationship between arteries, veins and capillaries. In 1658 microscopist Jan Swammerdam observed and described red blood cells. Soon afterward people became interested in the possibility of blood transfusions. The first recorded successful blood transfusion was performed in England in 1665 by Physician Richard Lower keeping a dog alive by transfusing blood from another dog. In 1667 successful transfusions were reported from sheep to humans but successive efforts were not successful. It wasn’t until 1818 that the first successful human to human blood transfusion was performed by British obstetrician James Blundell to a patient for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. The blood donor was the husband of the donor. It was fortuitous that this choice was successful (he might have been a universal donor). Successive transfusions were not as successful, however, since not all blood from donors was compatible to the patient. In 1901, Austrian physician Karl Landsteiner discovered the first human blood groups. Soon after all four blood groups were identified and the interactions between them determined whether a transfusion would be safe. in 1907 Ludwig Hekoen proposed that blood transfusion would be more successful if the blood of the donor and patient were cross matched to exclude incompatible mixtures. This was followed shortly by the first blood transfusion using blood typing and cross matching. It was soon discovered that blood group O is a universal donor. In 1916 the first blood transfusion was performed with stored and refrigerated blood. Another significant discovery occurred in 1937 when the Rh factor explained blood incompatibilities between certain mothers and fetuses, at that time a leading cause of stillbirths. Today blood can be stored and separated into red cells, platelets and plasma. Plasma can be further processed to treat many health conditions including hepatitis, chickenpox, protein deficiency and hemophilia. Truly, blood donation is the gift of life!  October is upon us, and so is the unofficial ‘eating season” that kicks off with Halloween, and sort of ends with a wrapped box of chocolates in a heart shaped box in the middle of February. Or it could end with a basket of candy delivered by the Easter Bunny.
Does it ever really end? We seem to live from one eating experience to the next – Halloween; Thanksgiving; Christmas; Valentine’s Day; Easter; Memorial Day and 4th of July cookouts. We commemorate birthdays, weddings, first dates, friendship, and funerals all with food. Hey guys, “I’ve got the grill fired up”, or “the coals are ready”, or “it’s a perfect night to roast marshmallows and hot dogs over the fire”, or “I’m not really hungry, but I just have to have something sweet”, are all common phrases in the lexicon of our lives. The list is endless. It shows in our grocery bill. It shows in my closet (does anyone one else have multiple sizes of thin clothes as opposed to current clothes?) It shows in our love for cooking and the rich heritage of family recipes and church cookbooks. I think it is well established that we like to eat. Offer food, and they will come. At St. Luke’s, we don’t just like to feed ourselves, but we like to feed others. Others who may not be able to feed themselves. We have such a love for others, and what better way to show that we love someone than to feed them? (Jesus had a better way, but we work with the tools we are given.) Did you know that eating is mentioned over 1200 times in the Bible? Eating is so fundamental; it is part of our tradition through the holy sacrament of Communion. At St. Luke’s we help those with food insecurity through our monetary and physical gifts (both with items and in terms of volunteering). We give to: VEAP, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, Oasis, Fisher House, Feed My Starving Children and the Sandwich Project. I’m sure there are other projects that I have missed, but I believe this illustrates our passion for feeding those who are hungry. Our October Mission is the Sandwich Project. St. Luke’s held its first sandwich making event in the spring of 2016 when we partnered with the community to make over 1100 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project MN. That same year, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, “The Sandwich Man” Alan Law joined us at St. Luke’s, and we made 100 sandwiches that were delivered that evening by the Love One Another organization. On Wednesday, October 16th, we will be making 400 sandwiches for the Groveland Food Shelf. That evening we will also be holding our Fall Festival and Cookout. Please join us at 5:30PM in the Fellowship Hall to make sandwiches, followed by a celebration of our wonderful St. Luke’s family by (of course) sharing a meal together. With a grateful heart, Bev Brosam Missions  As people of faith, from “In the beginning…” God calls us to care for God’s creation and God’s people. Thank you, St. Luke’s, for the number of ways we do so throughout the year and throughout our history.
Fun Challenge followed by a greater challenge. Fun: Please follow the comment link below trying to name as many of the missions as a congregation St. Luke’s support and has supported. Bonus question, which one speaks most to you. Your comments will be shared as a part of next week’s blog. Greater Challenge: One of the missions St. Luke’s supports is Lutheran Disaster Response (This can count of one of your answers.) Join me in making an additional gift toward the relief effort of… The situation: In late September, Hurricane Helene hit the coast of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, dropping heavy rains on the southeastern United States and leaving millions of people without power. As the storm has moved inland, it has caused dangerous flooding and landslides, as well as downed trees and power lines. Our response: Lutheran Disaster Response collaborates with its partners to provide immediate relief, such as water, food, clothing, gift cards, tarps, and other needs. Since many hurricanes also require a long-term response, Lutheran Disaster Response provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, attention to unmet needs, and emotional and spiritual care. What you can do: Pray Please pray for the safety of communities impacted by hurricanes, including people in their paths and any emergency services personnel who are responding. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to rescue survivors. Give Your gifts will support disaster-impacted communities. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to those affected by hurricanes and related disasters, such as mudslides, severe storms and flooding. These gifts also empower us to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts to “Hurricane Response" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes, until the response is complete. To give by phone, call 800-638-3522. Checks or money orders can be mailed to: Lutheran Disaster Response P.O. Box 1809 Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 Share Spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors…to give to Lutheran Disaster Response to make an even greater impact as it serves our neighbors on the long road to recovery. Connect To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:
Thank you for your generous support to Lutheran Disaster Response and all the Missions St. Luke’s supports. I also look forward to reading your comments answering the Fun Challenge: Name as many of the missions as a congregation St. Luke’s support and has supported. Bonus question, which one speaks most to you. Your comments will be shared as a part of next week’s blog. “I will show you a more excellent way…For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” – The Apostle Paul (1st Corinthians 12:31, 13:12-13)
The world has plenty of skepticism, despair, and hate, as followers of Jesus we are called to a greater good. Again, from Paul… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) Biblical Transformation is a changed heart. I believe that is what is missing in our world today – hearts full of faith, hope, and love. How do you fill your heart with faith, hope, and love? It is easier said than done and is an ongoing process. First and foremost, it is not something you do by yourself. Jesus told us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ (Matthew 18:20) It is important for you to be in the presence of other followers of Jesus. Second, living a life of hope. We are not talking about rose-colored glasses mentality but looking for and seeing God at work in the world. As the Prophet Jeremiah declared, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Third, Love. Read the verses between of what is not, and what is love, 1 Corinthians 13:1-11. Love never ends (vs. 13) for God is love. (1st John 4:8). St. Luke’s offers a number of opportunities to live in faith, hope, and love… Tomorrow we kick-off Wednesday Night Live. Where two or more are gathered – Enjoy a meal together from 5:30-6 PM. Suggested donation $3/person. $10/family. Children 5 and under are free. Plans for your welfare…a future with hope – Ministry opportunities for all ages. Pre-Schoolers and Parents, Elementary Age, Peer Ministry for Junior and Senior High students, and Adult Bible Study. As you gather with others, learning more about God’s Word, your life will be transformed. Experience the love of Christian community. I used the 1st Corinthians reading as the devotion for St. Luke’s Care Team on Monday morning. This is a group that goes to St. Luke’s home bound members, those who…” now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” Face to face conversations are what help you be fully known. That is what it means to be church as we reach out, welcome, worship, serve, and grow together in Faith, Hope, and Love – making Christ known to one another and in doing so, the world. How does St. Luke’s help you live in Faith, Hope, and Love? Share it in the comments…  Mark your calendars! A dream team of enthusiastic church members and friends of the congregation are busy planning a festive indoor Holiday Market and Fine Arts Festival November 8th & 9th, 2024.
Vendors – Space available! We currently have a few spaces available for interested individuals/groups who would like to join us and sell their treasures. Please use this link to register your interest. Calling all Foodies – we are seeking food vendors of all persuasions to sell their yummy creations. Some examples are honey, maple syrup, candies, baked goods, preserved items. For those interested the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has online information. Simply google Minnesota Cottage Food Law Guidance or click here for more information. Help us spread the word by sharing this information with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in November! For questions, please contact Deb Krieg 712-799-3686 or [email protected] for more information. School has started, and we are getting back in the swing of things at church with Rally Sunday on Sept 15th to kick off the school year, and WNL starting on Sept 25th. We invite you to join us!
Rally Sunday is such a fun Sunday here at church. We will hear lots of beautiful music from the Choir and Jubilee. The children will be receiving a new bible or a bookmark. Pastor Rob will be back from his Sabbatical. And we are having an ice cream social in-between worship. What a better way to celebrate all these amazing things by enjoying some ice cream together. I still have my bibles that I received growing up from my home church in Edina. These are such a special thing to receive as a child and it’s something that you can keep using even as you get older and older. One of the bibles I received has my name engraved on the front cover. I hope the bibles we pass out to the children have the same impact that my bibles throughout the years had on me. We are lucky to have Barb Roberts who writes each child’s name in calligraphy in their bibles. Children at St. Luke’s will receive 6 bibles as they grow in years: baptism bible, preschool bible, Spark bible, Deep Blue Kids Bible, and Spark Study Bible. Once they are in high school, they will get to pick out an adult bible as well. WNL is a great time to share a meal together, and to grow together in Christ, while having fun of course! I look forward to fall starting every year because it’s my favorite season. I also feel like fall brings back a lot of routines and structure. Even if I am past my school age years, I keep getting that feeling when fall comes around. Routines keep us more balanced and more focused throughout the day. When I look around at these events, I just feel so amazed that church brought all these wonderful people together. We hope that you can join us for all the exciting upcoming activities and events to kick off the new year together. Sunday, September 8th
God trusted us to care for creation and all that is in it. The missions and property team invite you to by God’s hands this annual event. Opportunities after each worship will include: Mission – Love your neighbor Blessing Bags for Oasis. Quilt Squares for Bridging, Bundles of Love, and St. Joseph’s Property – Care for that which has been entrusted to us. Make it a Blue Jean Sunday! Bring work gloves! There will be a list of building items provided and we thank you for your continued service to our community. Participating during God’s Work, Our Hands is a wonderful way to thank the Yard Care Group that celebrates it every Tuesday.They meet at 9:00 AM. There is room for you as they move to fall clean up. shoveling/snow blowing in the winter. Signups will be available. |