During the announcements last Sunday I gave a short sketch of the role of the congregational president. I explained that, in collaboration with the rest of the Executive Committee, I was responsible for setting the agenda for the Council Meeting. It is during these meetings where we conduct the business of the church.
But what is the business of the church, your church, St Luke’s? One job is to set the annual budget, a balanced budget, which the congregation votes on at the annual meeting. During the year we look to see if we are living within our budget. Sometimes something out of our control affects the budget and we might need to make adjustments. As we all know, there are continual needs regarding our facilities that need to be addressed. Thankfully we have not recently needed to search for staff replacements.
The role of the council, however, is far greater than budget issues. The council has elected representatives from the different areas of our church life: Missions, Stewardship, Community Life, Worship & Music, Property, and Faith Formation. Council members share themes from their areas with other council members. We also hear from parishioners via Listening Post and other conversations. This gives the council a perspective of how our entire church is working towards our mission, and what we can do to augment our efforts and help us live out the Great Commission.
Our February council meeting was the first for this council, the council you elected at our January Annual Meeting. It was the first time we had all been together and as part of our introductions we all shared stories of our relationship with St Luke’s. As I shared last Sunday, my wife Marilyn and I began our relationship with St Luke's in 1973 shortly after we were married. After visiting a few other Bloomington Lutheran Churches, one Sunday morning found us at St Luke's. We were warmly welcomed by a couple who had been long time members. We found the worship service fulfilling, including an inspiring sermon. Continued visits were as fulfilling and we joined the church shortly afterwards. As we continued our time here we became more involved in other aspects of life at St Luke's beyond worship: the youth program, missions, Bible Studies, stewardship, music, service, and more.
But what is the business of the church, your church, St Luke’s? One job is to set the annual budget, a balanced budget, which the congregation votes on at the annual meeting. During the year we look to see if we are living within our budget. Sometimes something out of our control affects the budget and we might need to make adjustments. As we all know, there are continual needs regarding our facilities that need to be addressed. Thankfully we have not recently needed to search for staff replacements.
The role of the council, however, is far greater than budget issues. The council has elected representatives from the different areas of our church life: Missions, Stewardship, Community Life, Worship & Music, Property, and Faith Formation. Council members share themes from their areas with other council members. We also hear from parishioners via Listening Post and other conversations. This gives the council a perspective of how our entire church is working towards our mission, and what we can do to augment our efforts and help us live out the Great Commission.
Our February council meeting was the first for this council, the council you elected at our January Annual Meeting. It was the first time we had all been together and as part of our introductions we all shared stories of our relationship with St Luke’s. As I shared last Sunday, my wife Marilyn and I began our relationship with St Luke's in 1973 shortly after we were married. After visiting a few other Bloomington Lutheran Churches, one Sunday morning found us at St Luke's. We were warmly welcomed by a couple who had been long time members. We found the worship service fulfilling, including an inspiring sermon. Continued visits were as fulfilling and we joined the church shortly afterwards. As we continued our time here we became more involved in other aspects of life at St Luke's beyond worship: the youth program, missions, Bible Studies, stewardship, music, service, and more.
As I look back and try to reflect on my life at St Luke's I find that that initial fulfilling worship experience has grown throughout the years. For me, worship is still at the heart of it, but there are so many ways for us to live out our calling as Christians.
The “Why Church” pamphlet shows how St Luke's enables us to live out our Core Values: “Simply What Every Christian Should Do”: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, Discipleship. For me I think the pamphlet could be called, “Why This Church? Why St Luke’s?”
Larry Nelson, Council President
The “Why Church” pamphlet shows how St Luke's enables us to live out our Core Values: “Simply What Every Christian Should Do”: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Stewardship, Discipleship. For me I think the pamphlet could be called, “Why This Church? Why St Luke’s?”
Larry Nelson, Council President