Dear church,
This Sunday we observe St. Luke’s Day, and we have so much to celebrate as a congregation bearing the name of this evangelist, physician, artist, and storyteller of God’s love!
It promises to be a particularly joyful morning… numerous reminders named below that our congregation is a living community of faith.
35th Annual Niles-Park Ridge CROP Hunger Walk
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: Registration at 1:15 pm; step off at 2:00 pm; finish by about 3:30 pm
Cost: Free to walk. You can register when you arrive or sign up ahead of time using the St. Luke’s link below.
Start Site: Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland Ave., Park Ridge
Route: The three-mile route, starting and finishing at Park Ridge Community Church, with a rest stop at Redeemer Church along the way. There is no rain plan unless the host church calls for one.
Celebrate St. Luke’s Day!
Sunday, October 18th
It’s our name day and we’re celebrating!
Join us for a special morning celebrating St. Luke, our congregation’s namesake. Come for worship, learning, fun, and fellowship and invite a friend or neighbor to join you!
Dear church,
I’ve been spending a few days at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Wisconsin, making space for some rest and renewal, while also working with my prayer partner on a revision of the prayer book we have been shaping together. These beautiful fall days have been nourishing.
Walgreens will administer a Fall Flu Clinic at St. Luke’s Sunday, Octobeer 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will offer vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, RSV, and tetanus vaccines.
Date: Monday, October 26
Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
Starting Location: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge (please park at St. Luke’s)
Route: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church to First UMC, then to Community Church and back to St. Luke’s
Questions: Pastor Scott Himel (shimel@parkridgeumc.org)
On October 25, 2026, we will hear about the Christians of the Holy Land, and be hosting a nice display of olive wood religious handicrafts from Bethlehem available for donations. The olivewood carvings include Nativity sets, crosses, Christmas ornaments, candle holders, angels and others. They are carved by Christian families from Bethlehem who rely on their crafts for their daily bread.
Dear church,
We hold some of our confirmands, Gerry, and Vicar Hannah in prayer as they head to LOMC for retreat, a time to deepen relationships and enjoy God’s good creation together.
On Sunday, we’ll celebrate another part of that good creation with our St. Francis Day Pet Blessing, giving thanks for the animals who bring joy, companionship, and love into our lives.
And during Lifelong Learning, I hope you’ll join Julie Rooney and Tonya Halfpenny for an important conversation about youth mental health, a timely opportunity to learn together and consider how we can better support the children and teens in our families and community.
See you in worship,
Pastor Kyle
Blood Drive honoring Joel Kwasigroch, a former St. Luke’s member. This drive is proudly supported by Joel’s family.
We’re turning Sunday 9/27, 12–5 PM into the most legendary day of the year!
Blood Drive + Bone Marrow Registry Drive! DOUBLE the hero energy, ONE epic event!
Donate blood. Join the registry. Save lives like the absolute legend you are.
Dear church,
This weekend brings two meaningful opportunities to engage with the wider church and the work we share together.
On Saturday at 3:00 p.m., the Rev. Erik Christensen will be installed as Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. I have the honor of serving as Director of Liturgy for the installation service, helping to shape the celebration.
Then on Sunday, we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin to St. Luke’s. President Erwin serves as president of United Lutheran Seminary and previously served as Bishop of the Southwest California Synod. He will preach at both worship services and lead our Lifelong Learning forum.