Good Shepherd Sunday

Dear church,

This Sunday, May 10, St. Luke’s will celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday by welcoming Mark Stutrud, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, as our guest preacher.

Each year, LSSI gives powerful witness to the shepherding love of God through ministries of care, healing, and accompaniment across our state. Last year alone, LSSI served more than 62,000 people, about 1 in every 203 Illinoisans. As the largest private provider of foster care in Illinois, LSSI walks alongside children, families, and neighbors in some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Last year, 88% of those served by LSSI had an annual income below $25,000.

Mark and Terri Gens, Senior Director of Development, will be with us during worship and afterward to share more about LSSI’s work, answer questions about their services, and help us understand how potential Medicaid and SNAP cuts could affect the people LSSI serves. Terri will also be bringing the LSSI sheep!

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

When in Our Music God is Glorified

Dear church,

There are some hymns that seem especially made for a particular Sunday and this week When in Our Music God Is Glorified feels like exactly that kind of gift. As we prepare to give thanks for Anne Krentz Organ and her 25 years of music ministry at St. Luke’s, this hymn helps name something true. At its best, music in the church does not draw attention to itself, but lifts our hearts to God.

Over the years, Anne has helped us experience exactly that. Through her musical leadership, she has helped shape the faith of this congregation and deepen our worship, not simply with beautiful music, but with music that helps the whole congregation sing a more profound Alleluia!

I hope you will join us this Sunday as we gather to worship and to give thanks for Anne’s ministry among us. Come ready to sing, to pray, to celebrate, and to thank God for someone who has, for so many years, helped St. Luke’s lift its voice in praise.

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

The Walk to Emmaus

Dear church,

The Walk to Emmaus is one of my favorite Bible stories because it feels so deeply human. Two grieving disciples walk the road weighed down by disappointment, and Jesus comes alongside them before they even know it is him, opening the scriptures, sharing the meal, and turning their sorrow toward hope. It is a beautiful reminder that the risen Christ still meets us on ordinary roads and makes himself known in word, companionship, and the breaking of the bread.

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle

Creation Covenant Redemption

Dear church,

During the Easter season, many congregations are accustomed to hearing readings from Acts in place of the Old Testament. But more recent liturgical reflection has encouraged the church not to lose the rich witness of the Hebrew Scriptures during these weeks. Because the theology of resurrection is deeply rooted in God’s work of creation, covenant, and redemption, hearing these readings in Easter helps deepen the church’s proclamation of new life. These Old Testament readings are chosen to stand alongside the Gospel, not as predictions to be “fulfilled,” but as scriptures that can shed light on the risen Christ and the living hope of Easter. Listen in!

See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle