Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday 2023

May these celebrations move us in making our pledges for 2024

“Here I stand.” – Martin Luther. With this statement the Reformation began 506 years ago. Let us remember, Luther never wanted to leave the church, he wanted to reform it.

For Luther, Reformation was never about revolution. He never wanted to break away from the Roman Catholic Church. He was a devout Roman Catholic at the time, in full agreement with papal authority and even the veneration of Mary. It was a slow, painful process, filled with anguish and tears that eventually brought Luther to the realization that the Roman Church placed its authority and traditions above Scripture and would not change.  He knew the church was teaching many things not found in God’s Word, such as penance, veneration of the saints, purgatory, and the supremacy of the pope.

As Luther proclaimed, we are saved by faith alone, by grace alone and by scripture alone. The key to reformation theology is found in God's love for all people. By grace alone means that God’s love is freely given.

Martin Luther did not use the exact phrase "priesthood of all believers", he put forward the doctrine that all Christians are "priests" and "spiritual" in the sight of God. We are each called to this ministry.
The church is reformed when anyone stands up for the sake of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful celebration on Sunday as 16 of St. Luke’s 20 new members also stated “Here I Stand.” during their personal introductions in worship. As Josh said in his introduction to the congregation, “I grew up in church. Anytime I miss church I feel a part of me is empty. Since I came here, I feel appreciated. You are all so lovely, I’m staying.”

I believe God sent Josh to St. Luke’s this summer knowing that Jesse, the current drummer at the time, was going to move to Los Angeles. With Josh sharing his talent, Jubilee has not missed a beat. Thanks be to God!

I believe each one of us has been called by God to this time and place for a reason. Let us welcome and keep in prayer those who are joining us in our 100th Year:  

Abby, Eli, and Micah Bryzgornia
Kyle, Samantha and Lily Buchholz
Julie and Tim Casey
Joshua Debicharran
Tori Edwardson
Ken and Sandy Johnson
Ben Lyson
Leonard, Morgan, and Chessa Lange
Colin McAtee
Emily McAtee
Jack and Kaye Spears

All Saints Sunday will be another wonderful celebration knowing that the Light of Christ shines brighter in this world because of those who have gone before us. We celebrate the lives of the following members and friends of St. Luke’s who have joined the Great Cloud of Witness (listed chronologically):

Jack Sartell
Carol Warfield
Joyce Jacobson
Ralph Maciolek
Judye Fawver
Karen Rhedin
Brian C. Zumberg
​Kevin Nagel
Connie L. Hare
Jim Roberts
Theresa Kambeitz
Clarence Winter
Thomas Kobold
Ruth Behrendt

2024 Pledges to be presented this Sunday
You are invited to share your 2024 Pledge this coming Sunday during worship so we can continue to live out our mission into our 101st Year.

St. Luke’s is a welcoming and growing community of faith busy making Christ known to the world.

There are three areas for you to support.

1. Current Ministries = $433,000
This is for the working of the church, supporting staff, ministries, and the building.

2. Building Fund = $168,000.
This is the cost of our annual mortgage. This fund is used to make our monthly payments.
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3. Bridge Fund = $130,000
This is to support two ongoing appeals.
a. 2021 Capital Appeal – The appeal was to take care of a number of building needs, along with a giving a tithe to our mission partners. Due to increased costs primarily for the new roofs (supply chain, labor shortage, and inflation), the final costs exceeded the original estimate. Goal is to balance this account.
b. 100th Anniversary Gift – This is for upgrades in the sanctuary to enhance in person worship, along with live streaming and recorded worship.

This is just a synopsis, the full report is available in the 2024 Stewardship and Bridge Capital Appeal Case Statement sent out to all members. If you need one, contact the office: 952-881-5801 / office@stlukesbloomington.org.

Please prayerfully consider your pledge for our present, past, and future.

Here I stand!

Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob