Introducing an Expanded Advent Season
The season of Advent is about far more than just a countdown to Christmas, a countdown to the baby Jesus in the manger.
From Stranger to Family: Sylvia’s Journey of Faith
Sylvia’s spiritual journey began in an unexpected place. Growing up in China, she wasn’t raised in a Christian home, and she didn’t find her faith until later in life. After moving to the United States, Sylvia was seeking more than just a church service—she longed for a place to grow in faith and community, a place where she and her family could find belonging.
Beyond the Backpacks: Katie Knapowski’s Call to Serve
Like so many who find their way to St. Luke’s, Katie Knapowski and her husband Greg were searching for a place where warmth, acceptance, and opportunities for growth were abundant. As a busy mother and professional, Katie wanted to get more involved but struggled to find something that fit her hectic schedule while also offering deeper meaning.
Speak the Truth
In a time when deceptive and hateful speech has become increasingly normalized, our ELCA bishops have offered a powerful call to action. In their recent statement, they remind us of the importance of truth and the role we play as followers of Christ to be vigilant in guarding it.
I encourage you to take time to read their full letter, and to join us in this intentional commitment to speak truth, resist falsehood, and amplify voices of justice.
You can read the full letter from the Conference of Bishops here.
He Came for His Kids, but Stayed for Himself: Tim McCurry’s Story
Dr. Timothy McCurry, or simply “Tim,” as most of us know him, first connected with St. Luke’s when Tim’s oldest child was ready to begin confirmation classes. Tim and his wife, Debbie, were searching for a church that offered more support for their children’s faith formation. It was a friend’s invitation and recommendation that first led them through the doors at Prospect and Cedar.
Striving for Justice and Peace
For many years, St. Luke’s has been committed to serving our neighbors both near and far, guided by our belief that we are called to act in faith for the well-being of all of God’s children. A quick look at the list of organizations we have supported and partnered with domestically and internationally is quite astounding. As part of my service on the board of RefugeeOne, I recently found out that St. Luke’s has been one of the most generous congregational supporters of their work of all the congregations in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. And I know we’ve had an impact on many others as well.
Passing on the Faith
I’ll never forget walking into a darkened sanctuary with hundreds of candles lit around the chancel and being taught the rhythm of evening prayer, week after week, with my small group of confirmation peers by Pastor Todd…”Let my prayer rise before you as incense…” The mystery of it all enchanted me.
I’ll never forget jumping up and down with Shari and singing silly songs, whose words of promise are still written on my heart…”Jesus loves me…”
I’ll never forget 80+ year old Ms. Lois who patiently sat with us and did those Sunday School workbook pages…the rote reminders were surely formative.
Introducing…WOW: The Wonders of Worship!
I’ve been dreaming about this project since I began interviewing with the call committee here at St. Luke’s but thanks to a partnership grant and support from the Nourishing Vocation with Children at St. Olaf College project, it is coming to fruition!!
Being the Light of God: Heather O’Reilly’s Story
When asked what she looks for in a church home, Heather O’Reilly will tell you that she wanted a place where the congregation lives out the gospel, creating a vibrant culture and a place where every person can connect and help shape the ministry.
A Message from ELCA Vice President Imran Siddiqu
This past week the ELCA has found itself front and center in the news, due to things in the partisan political arena. Unfortunately, this also resulted in quite a bit of nastiness, as those who don’t like the ELCA took it as opportunity to drag our names in the mud. However, this is also an opportunity for us. An opportunity to share what being an ELCA Lutheran means. Why we love our Church. Why our theology of God’s grace secured by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection naturally leads to love and affirmation of all people. Why our theology that none of us can do anything to earn God’s favor creates a radical equality of all children of the living God.