Why do I share a tithe and offering with St. Luke’s?
As a pastor, I will never ask anything of a member that I’m not willing to do myself. I serve, worship, invite others, participate in community, continue to learn and teach others, and give a tithe plus share additional offerings to the church – Simply What Every Christian Should Do. My calendar for the upcoming weeks includes: Service – Joining St. Luke’s to pack meals this Friday, 4:30 PM at the Chanhassen Feed My Starving Children. Contact Craig Brandt at [email protected], if you would like to volunteer or click here to sign up. Worship – Sunday at 8:30 and 10 AM. Beyond attending, I look forward to serving communion. Evangelism – Inviting others to join St. Luke’s packing meals this Friday. Community – Enjoying Wednesday Night Live Dinner at St. Luke’s, 5:30 PM. Suggested Donation: Free for children through Kindergarten. $3/for others. Max $10/family. Stewardship – Turning in my completed 2023 Pledge and starting my next year’s increase this week. This includes identifying a ministry or activity to participate in each Core Value. Discipleship – Learning from and teaching the Confirmation Students on Wednesday Night. Opportunities for all ages from 6-7 PM. The question is why do I do this? Yes, I’m a pastor, but I would do this even if I wasn’t. My family finds that serving others, praising God, creating goodwill, having church friendships, being generous, and sharing faith together and with others, makes all the difference in life. I encourage you click here to look at the ELCA, 10 Stewardship Principles. It speaks to how to live a generous life – giving a tithe and your life as an offering. So I invite you to share Why do you share a tithe and offering with St. Luke’s? Look forward to hearing your story in the comments. Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob
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Raise a children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. - Proverbs 22:6
Love the Lord with all your mind. The members of St. Luke’s Faith Formation Team believe that faith is formed and re-formed throughout a person’s life. Below are the Milestone Ministries from baptism through adulthood. The goal is that every year a child will come to the font to remember their baptism as they grow in faith through a variety of opportunities specific to their stage of development. This is by no means all inclusive, just some identified steps along their journey of faith. Each is biblical with an objective and resources. Although each milestone is directed at an age or grade, children younger or older, and even adults are welcome to participate. Come and enjoy… AGES B - Baptism Milestone (January 7): Beginning Point of Nurturing a Faith Life (Acts 2:38-39) Objective – Parent feels equipped and comfortable in raising their child in the faith. Current Resources and Opportunities – Splash 0-12 months, Nursery, Parent begins to pray for and read First Bible to their child. 1 – Babies First Christmas (December 3) : A child will lead them. (Isaiah 11:6) Objective – Family begins traditions, telling the story, singing carols, celebrating Jesus' birth. Current Resources and Opportunities – Splash 13-24 months, Nursery, Prayground, Parent prays for and reads First Bible to their child. 2 – Worship and Home Faith Chest (Beginning of Lent): Church & Home (Deut. 6:4-9) Objective – Family has developed a routine with children at home, child looks forward to prayers and Bible Stories. Current Resources and Opportunities – Splash 25-36 months, Nursery, Prayground, Parent prays for and reads First Bible to their child. 3 – Entering Children’s Church Milestone (September): First Steps for a Young Child (Proverbs 22:6) Objective – Child starts to attend Children’s Church during worship with a parent. Current Resources and Opportunities – Splash 25-36 months, Prayground, Children’s Church, Wednesday Night Preschoolers and Parent, Vacation Bible School (VBS), St. Luke’s Pre-School, Parent prays with and reads Pre-School Bible to their child. 4 – Care of Creation Milestone (April): Love God and all creation (Genesis 1:26-30) Objective – Child learns about God's creation and our responsibility to care for it. Current Resources and Opportunities – Earth Day Event, Prayground, Children’s Church, Wednesday Night Preschoolers and Parent, St. Luke’s Pre-School, Parent prays with and reads Pre-School Bible to their child. Grades K – Blessing of the Backpacks Milestone (August): A Milestone for All Ages (Proverbs 18:15) Objective – Child receives a gift to remind them God is with them wherever they go including school. Current Resources and Opportunities – Backpack is blessed, Children’s Church, Wednesday Night Children’s Ministry, VBS and Parent prays with and reads Spark Bible with their child. 1 – First Communion (Weekend before Maundy Thursday): Do this in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19) Objective – Child attends a First Communion Class with a parent/godparent, and begins to take communion during worship. Current Resources and Opportunities – Children’s Church, Wednesday Night Children’s Ministry, VBS and Parent prays with and reads Spark Bible with their child. 2 – Bibles (September 14. Celebrate the 18th): As they grow in years, place in their hands the Holy Scriptures (Baptism Promise) Objective – Child begins reading the Spark Bible. Current Resources and Opportunities – Children’s Church, Wednesday Night Children’s Ministry, VBS and Parent prays with and child reads Spark Bible to their parent. 3rd - 5th Grades, DAYS AWAY Objective – Child participates in worship. Invited to be an Acolyte a Lector communion assistant, etc. Current Resources and Opportunities – Wed. Night Upper Elementary Ministry, VBS, Child prays with and reads the Deep Blue Bible to his or her parent. 3 – Worship Day Away (November): Worship the Lord with gladness (Ps.100:2) 4 – 10 Commandments: What does this mean? (Exodus 20:2-17 and Deut. 5:6-21) 5 – Lord’s Prayer: Lord teach us to pray... (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4) 6th – 8th Grades - RETREATS Objective – Students preparing to claim their faith. Current Resources and Opportunities – Wed. Night Confirmation, Leaders for VBS, Student prays with and reads the Spark Study Bible with his or her parent. 6 – Start of Confirmation/Apostles’ Creed Milestone: Walking by Faith (John14:15-18) 7 – Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit: Present your bodies…holy and acceptable. (Rm 12:1-2) 8 – Peer Ministry Retreat: Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12) 9th – 12th Grade - TRIPS Objective - Students live out their faith as adult members. Current Resources and Opportunities – Leadership for Wed Night children’s and confirmation programing, VBS, Student prays with and reads their Confirmation Bible with parent. 8 – Mission Trip Milestone (8th-12th) (Summer): You will be my witness…to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) There is a 5-Year Rotation: Camp Barnabus, Pine Ridge Reservation, New York City VBS, Appalachia Habitat, Care for the Earth during a Boundary Water Canoe Trip. 9 – Peer Leader Milestone (8th-12th) (May): An Education of the Heart (Philippians 4:7) 10 – First Job & Money Milestone (10th-12th) (April): Where your treasure is...(Matthew 6:21) 11 – Post High School Planning – (11th-12th) (November) but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15) 12 – High School Graduation Milestone (June): Equipped for the Journey (Micah 6:8) Sailing Trip! Post High School – (Care Packages) The Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9) Objective – Young Adult continues to worship here at St. Luke’s or wherever God leads them. Continues to be active in a small group or forms a new one depending on where they are living. Current Resources and Opportunities – Adult Leadership at St. Luke’s. Summer Bible Camp Staff. Adult Ministry – And when they are old, they will not stray. (Proverbs 22:6b) Objective - Hope is that all adult members are in Bible Study. Current Resources and Opportunities –Join Wednesday Night Live Adult Study, Women’s Bible Study, form a small group, or find a community group such as Bible Study Fellowship (Current members participating are Julie Schroeder, Heather and Tony Kambeitz) Look for future blogs about… October 16 – Stewardship "Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Jesus (Mark 12:30-31) This Sunday, September 25 – EVANGELISM Why is Evangelism such a scary word? Evangelism is defined as “Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Evangelism is done simply through participation and invitation, by the Holy Spirit. We make the process a bigger deal than it is, missing out on sharing the Biggest Deal everyone should know. Read the Great Commission again, for the first time. “16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ – Matthew 28:16-20 Let’s break this down… Vs. 16 – Eleven disciples went to Galilee. Eleven, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus is dead. The remaining eleven have followed instructions given to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, by an angel and then Jesus himself. (read Matthew 28:1-10). Here is one of the most important passages about Women sharing faith. The disciples would not have known without their witness. Vs. 17 – they worshipped him; but some doubted. If you think you have to have your faith all figured out to invite others to know Jesus, note that the instruction is for everyone, those who worshipped Jesus and those who doubted. Vs. 18 – All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Thankfully it is Jesus who takes the responsibility. As Martin Luther states in his explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed. “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.” Vs. 19 – Go. Make disciples of all nations. As a church we have not done a very good job at this, with 11 AM Sundays being the most segregated hour in our nation. The Apostle Paul is quoted twice in his letters, Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" Ephesians 2:11-22, “[You are] no longer strangers and aliens, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. One way of the best ways to be inclusive is to make sure others are included, at church and in our community. First and foremost, trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. When God sends someone to St. Luke’s, welcome the person. Introduce yourself. Invite them to enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat. Take time to get to know them. Out in community take notice of others. It can begin simply with a smile that might lead to a conversation. Also, when there is a need whether it is yours or theirs, invite or offer participation. You never know where such an encounter will lead. Vs. 20 – Two parts… …teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. What did Jesus command? To love one another, including our enemies. To forgive as I have forgiven you. Evangelism should never be coerced. Even more so, you should never condemn someone for not believing or believing is something other than Jesus. I appreciate Josh Kerby, Author for Journey Quest, words: Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35.) The way we love demonstrates who we are. The way we live is the first word we speak about the Gospel and the transformational power of the cross. How we treat others is the living example of the love God demonstrated to us on the Cross. To be a disciple of Christ means to love others unconditionally, forgiving the inexcusable of the past, showing mercy, and loving unconditionally with eyes focused on Jesus. “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Jesus. Evangelism, you are never going it alone. In fact, it is when you do go it alone you separate yourself out, or worse push people away. Our part is simple, participation and invitation. It is goes back to our theme, “Stewardship is Heart Work.” Evangelism is simply inviting another to participate with us in service, worship, in community, sharing, and learning, or better yet, you participating with them. Question is, “How will God use you to share the Good News of Jesus?” Look for future blogs about… October 2 – Community October 9 – Switching it up, we will talk about Discipleship. October 16 – Stewardship "Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Jesus (Mark 12:30-31) For the 2023 Stewardship Campaign we will be inviting you to give 100% to celebrate our 100 Years of ministry. Stewardship is not simply about money, it’s about your whole life – heart, soul, mind, and strength. Over the next two months we will walk through our Core Values in preparation for completing our holistic pledge card… “Simply What Every Christian/Church Should Do.” A pneumonic for our Core Values: Service, Worship, Evangelism, Community, Discipleship and Stewardship. September 11 – Service “God’s Work, Our Hands!” Come ready to serve on Sunday and sign up for opportunities throughout the year. Many of the leaders for each of St. Luke’s Mission Partners will be available for you to learn more. Outdoor projects will be available as well. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring garden equipment, wheelbarrows, and if you have some perennial plants to share. We will be working between Door E and the playground, along with a couple parking lot islands. Worship at both 8:30 and 10 AM. Service work from 9 AM – Noon. September 18 – Worship We look forward to welcoming back the Choir. Practice begins this Wednesday, September 7. All are welcome. Meet in the sanctuary. We will also celebrate the Bible Milestone. St. Luke’s gives out six different Bibles as children grow in years. More on that next week. September 25 – Evangelism As a part of our 100th Anniversary, year long celebration we are excited to welcome back, Karen Stevensen, former St. Luke’s Pastor to preach. Who will you invite back, or for the first time to join St. Luke’s for worship? What a fabulous September to be a part of St. Luke’s, and October will be even better! Look for future blogs about… October 2 – Community October 9 – Switching it up, we will talk about Discipleship. October 16 – Stewardship Labor Day was created to honor the contributions that workers have made to economic well-being of America. President Grover Cleveland first made it a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day is the first Monday in September, falling on the 5th this year.
What is God's perspective on labor, or, as we say today, "work"? God expects us to work for most of the week. In Exodus 20:9 we read God's command that for "six days you shall labor and do all your work." But it’s not just about putting in our time, God encourages us to work with passion and diligence: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10a). Work is important and allows us do the essential things in life – provide for ourselves, family, as well as others in need. In our 24/7 society, it is nice to remember that God understands our need for rest! Sabbath is referred to 111 times in the Old Testament also occurs 67 times in the New Testament. "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work" (Exodus 20:9-10a). God understands we need a day away from work so bad that it is fourth in the Ten Commandments! But true rest, is not found through inactivity, the end of the commandment is paramount. “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8). To honor the Sabbath of the Lord your God, is worship. Worship is more than putting your time in at church. Doing that, you make it work – just like punching a time clock. Worship helps us connect with God and others. Worship helps us understand our purpose in God’s world and prepares us to live it out the rest of the week. Jesus offers this promise, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. God's "work week" is a marvelous schedule that works. It pushes us to work hard at our jobs and other responsibilities throughout the week, and then gives us a day of rest to focus on God. While our society celebrates this one day off a year God commands Sabbath every week! As you prepare for the upcoming holiday weekend, remember to always put God first and keep the Sabbath holy. Have a restful Labor Day weekend, but more importantly may you be blessed by the Sabbath. Hope to see you at church. Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob What’s for dinner? That is a common question at most homes. The weekly routine of meal planning, shopping, preparing the meal, clean up… and the cycle continues week to week. Exhausting!
What a gift to have an organization that coordinates meals for many in our community. There are no qualifications or age restrictions. Anyone living in Bloomington or Eden Prairie can have meals delivered. Meals On Wheels is a non-profit organization that delivers low-cost, hot, nutritious meals during the noon hour in the cities of Bloomington and Eden Prairie. Clients are elderly, ill or disabled. Meals are delivered by volunteers whose friendly visit plays a vital role in allowing clients to stay independent and in their homes. For more information visit their website: https://bloomingtonmeals.com/ St. Luke’s is on a rotating schedule with deliveries in our Bloomington area. Much thanks to member Ruth Behrendt for her many years of service. We are grateful that Gina Griffith has stepped up to fill Ruth’s shoes. But it takes more than one. Thank you to the many members who deliver meals. There is room for more to join this ministry. An individual who can drive and has an hour of time, this is a great opportunity to serve. Bring a friend along if you wish! Meal pick up is at St. Stephen’s Church between 10:45-11:00 am. Deliver meals to 5-8 individuals in about an hours time. Our dates for September Meals On Wheels: Monday, September 5 - CLOSED Tuesday, September 6 - 2 drivers needed Wednesday, September 7 - 4 drivers needed Thursday, September 8 - 0 Friday, September 9 - 2 drivers needed If you have never delivered before, contact Gina. She has forms she can email to you or you can fill out when you go pick up your delivery route. Thanks so much!! Gina Griffith’s Contact: Phone or Text 952-594-0816 or Email [email protected] On Sunday, August 21, following the 10 AM worship, will be hosting a Get to Know St. Luke’s Luncheon. This is specifically for nonmembers who have been attending St. Luke’s and are interested in learning more. As with all of the St. Luke’s Ministries and Events, “All are Welcome.” If you are interested in attending, please let me know (contact below) by Wednesday, August 17.
Things seem to be getting more and more like the early church. As we heard during our series St. Peter’s Principles, walking through the First Letter of Peter, his community was learning how to be church together in a hostile environment. No matter what the community faced Peter urged the members to be about sharing the hope and love of Jesus with all people, including those who persecuted them. Recently there has been a falling off of people attending any church (down to 49% of United States Citizens polled by Pew Research), with the fasted growing religious affiliation being “Nones” (No religious affiliation). I believe the direction Peter gave his community is the same we need today, keep on loving and trusting in a hope that does not disappoint. Later this month our staff members will gather for our Quarterly Staff Meeting. We will be planning for the year ahead. The question proposed is “Why Church?” Followed by a second set of questions is about: In regard to your ministry position…
I invite you to share your answers to this week’s questions in the comments or feel free to contact me directly. Your partner in sharing the Good News of Jesus, Rob [email protected] / 952-881-5801 ext. 103 or those who do not know, my family splits time between St. Luke’s and the church Nancy grew up at Chapel Hills in Edina. Her church is seeking a new minister and asked me if I would serve as a pastoral reference for their church profile. I was asked to answer the following questions below. In doing so it made me think about my answers for St. Luke’s.
We asked similar questions as a part of our 95th Anniversary and they provided direction and guidance these past five years. With St. Luke’s celebrating its first 100 years of ministry it would be fun to hear your answers so we can continue to be a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world for the next 100 years and beyond... - Describe some areas of strength in this church’s ministry. - Describe some areas for improvement in this church’s ministry. - Describe a significant experience you have had of this church’s ministry. - Anything else you wish to share? Please share in the answers in the comments or feel free to contact me directly. Look forward to hearing from you. Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor [email protected] 952-881-5801 ext. 103 Ahoy sailors! We are so excited to sail this September 23-25 and would like to share some highlights of what you will experience.
The wildlife is amazing. Last year we saw a mother bear with three of her cubs. Many eagles to look at as they sore though the bright blue sky. Skippers teach and lead the sailing crew through the gusty winds taking us to the utmost outer islands such as Devils Island. This island is on the far north west side of the apostles and has the old crystal glass in the light house to guide boats to safety. Quite a sight to be seen. You will determine the route based on weather and winds. We can choose from 22 islands and different routes. You will learn about the history of the islands as we sail. The Skippers and Crew will have some opportunities to hike some of the islands. The islands are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Only four islands are part of Ashland County, Sand, Eagle, York, and Raspberry. The landscape and the fall colors are gorgeous. You may have the opportunity while hiking to observe mushrooms, flowers, withered trees, and find some agates while on the beach. Most of the lighthouses are closed for the season, however, the islands are open. The hiking is a great time to get your land legs back and explore the trails. In the evening on a clear night experience the brilliant stars. It may be a bit chilly for the Northern lights. Bring a pair of binoculars to get a close up of the night sky. For all who hope to go and those interested, please join us on Thursday, August 25th for a get to know one another event. There will be pizza served (cash donations appreciated), and dessert. We will meet at 6:30 PM in the Great Room at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. During the event we will play some games and work out our menu options. This will give you opportunity to arrange car pooling and to hear stories of past sailing trips. If you have specific dietary requirements, this is a time to let us know. We will go over what to bring and what to leave at home. Looking forward to sail through the majestic islands this fall. Cost is $425. If you have questions, please feel free to call Rob Norris Weber at 612-203-9588. Leadership for those who already know their incompetence
Resource as we read through 1st Peter Sunday Message Series: July 24 – August 21, 2022 Authentic leaders are genuinely aware of their incompetence.” It was this statement in the description of this book that encouraged me to read it. This is important for two very good reasons. First, this truth keeps us dependent of god, who alone is truly competent. Second, this awareness makes us want constantly to learn more and grow more. I believe a truly good leader knows that they only know what they know, and are constantly seeking to learn from anyone and everyone. A bad leader is one who thinks he knows everything and believes he knows better than anyone and everyone. “Once you stop learning you start dying” ― Albert Einstein The biblical metaphor of a shepherd, made most powerfully in the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, redefines leadership in a biblical frame, in contrast to the potentates of the ancient Near East or the emperors of the Roman Empire. Reverend Peter A. Lillback’s book, “Saint Peter’s Principles” highlights the juxtaposition in this work of the book on secular leaders entitled “The Peter Principle, by Dr. Laurance Peter. Peter the apostle had his own set of leadership principles, which was recognized by Jesus. Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ – Matthew 16:15-19. Immediately after this announcement, Peter proved his authentic leadership… Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ – Matthew 16:21-23 During these five weeks we will look closely at Peter’s first letter providing an overview of his leadership principles. Each week will include a spiritual exercise and an opportunity to reflect on your leadership principles. For just as Martin Luther’s doctrine of the universal priesthood of all believers which gave laypersons and the clergy equal rights and responsibilities. So too is everyone a leader. Some are more passive and behind the scenes, but a leader just the same as those more active and upfront. Saint Paul’s image of the Body of Christ demonstrates that all parts are needed. Thank you each for your leadership here at St. Luke’s together living out our mission as a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world. Yours in Christ, Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor If interested here is the link to purchase the book through Amazon. Remember to join the St. Luke’s SMILE program with Amazon: "St. Peter's Principles" |
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