October 16 at 7:00 p.m. Spirit Matters is a faith sharing group. Our topic for October is ‘Community and our Deep Connectedness.’ Meetings include reflecting on scripture and other readings. Come be with us for a time of spiritual rest and refreshment. Your spirit matters! All are welcome.
Despite my retirement from professional chaplaincy, I remain on the email list for ELCA chaplains and persons serving in specialized ministry. In the most recent issue of the chaplains’ newsletter, the director for specialized ministry reflected on his week away at a friend’s lakeside home in upstate New York. Remembering the recently assigned Gospel texts in which Jesus is portrayed by Matthew as taking time away, the director encouraged his readers to consider the importance of self-care, days off, and scheduled vacations for being renewed and prepared to offer competent and effective pastoral care.
To make his point, he reminded us that the Creator took a day off and incorporated a weekly sabbath in the plan for creation, adding the striking observation, “It’s one of the 10 Commandments, for Pete’s sake.”
The Adopt-a-Book Sale on September 17 a d 24 in the Atrium. Come and browse the pre-selected items from our wishlist, and donate to your church library. You may also honor or memorialize a special person or event. Here’s how the Adopt-a-Book sale works:
In the wake of the trial and sentencing of the person who killed many in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in the shadow of too many antisemitic acts of hate every day we need to remember these words from Paul: the Jews are given “the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises, the patriarchs and prophets” (Romans 9:4-5). And in our lesson for this coming Sunday Paul flatly states that the Jews are God’s people, the recipients of these inestimable gifts and working of God which “are irrevocable.”
I have been viewing the materials for the ELCA study on civic engagement with much excitement and anticipation. With the help of the Global Links Team we will be engaging in this study during the Adult Forum this Fall and sharing our insights with the ELCA as it completes a Social Statement on this topic and brings it to the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Watch for details and materials on this in the near future.
Celebrating 10 Years “God’s work. Our hands.” on September 10
Join with over 8,700 congregations engaging in “God’s work. Our hands.” day of service. Across the country, thousands of members will engage in service activities to make a positive change in our communities, build and deepen relationships, and share God’s love.
8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Worship
9:oo a.m. Education; Fellowship.
Following worship:
Tied Blanket Challenge & Kindness Kits.
Email the office for more information.
Do you have unwanted books cluttering up your house? Bring them to St. Luke’s for the Book Drive! Books will be collected on Sundays beginning August 6.