Celebrating Charter Sunday on February 26, 2023
God so loved the Town of Bloomington (Oxboro), Minnesota that the Spirit moved seven (a nice biblical number) men to sign a Certificate of Incorporation on February 18, 1923. Remember women could not hold leadership positions at that time. We’ve come a long way since then. I’m excited to see where the Spirit will lead us in the next 100 years.
“God is love”
1st John 4:8
God’s love is for all – each person, every community, the nations, and all creation for eternity. The church should never deviate from this mission. If fact, if it does, I argue it is no longer church.
The local church is the Body of Christ at work in the world. Remember Jesus’ commission to the disciples:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
This seems quite daunting. However Jesus before his ascension followed up with this charge and promise:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Jesus, Acts 1:8
And what is the power of the Holy Spirit?
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22b-23a
Notice what the first fruit of the Spirit is? Love!
The love of God made known by the salvation in Jesus and to welcome others to know this love through the power of the Holy Spirit – so much better than chocolates, flowers, and cards
.
St. Luke’s members you are invited sign our Next Century Ceremonial Charter. And what we are saying to the world is – “Be My Valentine!”
God so loved the Town of Bloomington (Oxboro), Minnesota that the Spirit moved seven (a nice biblical number) men to sign a Certificate of Incorporation on February 18, 1923. Remember women could not hold leadership positions at that time. We’ve come a long way since then. I’m excited to see where the Spirit will lead us in the next 100 years.
“God is love”
1st John 4:8
God’s love is for all – each person, every community, the nations, and all creation for eternity. The church should never deviate from this mission. If fact, if it does, I argue it is no longer church.
The local church is the Body of Christ at work in the world. Remember Jesus’ commission to the disciples:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
This seems quite daunting. However Jesus before his ascension followed up with this charge and promise:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Jesus, Acts 1:8
And what is the power of the Holy Spirit?
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22b-23a
Notice what the first fruit of the Spirit is? Love!
The love of God made known by the salvation in Jesus and to welcome others to know this love through the power of the Holy Spirit – so much better than chocolates, flowers, and cards
.
St. Luke’s members you are invited sign our Next Century Ceremonial Charter. And what we are saying to the world is – “Be My Valentine!”