“We believe in the Communion of Saints.”

This Sunday we will remember those who have gone before us; 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 place their hope in Jesus Christ – the living and the dead.

One of my favorite quotations is from Saint Teresa of Calcutta, ‘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 1 at either or both worship times – 8:30 and 10:00 AM, when we will lift up those for whom we will celebrate their life and resurrection, from All Saints 2024 to All Saints 2025, 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.
 
There will also be a candle table in the lobby for you to remember your loved ones.

As we remember those who have died, may we offer ongoing prayers and blessings for their family and friends:
 
Judy Dahlen, Rita Minsaas, Kathryn Nave, Laura Bodger, Gerald Boyle, John McWilliams, Karol Schmidt, Donald Kappers, and Nancy Dagen   
​

Special Emergency Request!
VEAP – Give with thanksgiving…

Isaiah 58:10
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
​
VEAP is experiencing an unprecedented need for pantry items due to ongoing inflationary pressures, the government shutdown and the anticipated loss of funding for SNAP benefits.   VEAP provides a critical service, serving over 250,000 people and distributing almost 5 million pounds of food each year.  VEAP is requesting non-perishable, unexpired items and/or monetary donations. Every dollar donated and every pound of food counts!  
 
Through the month of November, St. Luke’s will be collecting non-perishable food items.   Monetary donations may also be made along with your offering – just designate the funds to VEAP.  If you work for or are retired from a company that offers to match employee donations to 501c3 organizations, we encourage you to make a donation now.  A donation of $30 will feed an individual 3 meals a day for 30 days.

And at the Thanksgiving Eve Worship, Wednesday, November 26 at 7 PM, it is our hope that we can fill the chancel with a special food offering.

Blessings,
Bev Brosam
Missions