Prior to the pandemic, I don’t know how long I’ve heard the sentiment, “I wish I had more time at home.” Often it came from over scheduled families who may not get uniforms washed between games as they chase around from one field to another. Folks welcomed “rain-out” weekends or snow days that provided a break to catch up on laundry, cleaning and organizing, planting or lists we tend to keep on the counter for “when we have time.”
Spirit Matters will be meeting in-person at church in November with an option to join in via Zoom. Please join us at St. Luke’s on Monday, November 15 at 7:00 pm. Our topic will be Lectio Divina or “sacred reading.”
The St. Luke’s Council invites you to celebrate Pastor Johnson’s ministry on Sunday, November 28, following the second service in Henderson Hall. There will be a receiving line and light refreshments served.
My wife and I have been married for 44 years. There are several things that I continue to do over the period of time that really upset her – one of the big things is my refusal to make sure the unused bread bag is tied up after I have grabbed a slice from it. My wife loves fresh bread – and so do I – but because I often forget to tie the bread bag – the bread in the bag dries out and becomes stale.
I think about the “bread issue” that my wife and I have today – because it really ties in to Reformation Sunday – this Sunday at St. Luke’s! Luther found the church that he was a part of in 1517 to be quite stale – the message of Jesus’ love had dried up – and what was being preached from the pulpits throughout Europe was dry, tasteless and bad.
I ask you today – what is holding you back. What is the cloak that might be defining you in ways that are inhibiting your growth in faith?
I invite you to let this Bible story speak to you – if you are hurting, feeling alone, in need of healing – let go of what binds you and find healing and wholeness in the powerful healing power as Bartimaeus found out in this profound story!!!
Spirit Matters will be meeting in-person at church, with an option to join in via Zoom, starting in October. Please join us at St. Luke’s on Monday, October 18 at 7:00 pm.
This fall I was in a corn maze. The stalks up over your head. Hardly able to see between the rows. Have you ever just stopped to listen to the corn talking? The way corn rustles in the wind reminds me of the murmurings of the head, heart and spirit. When I am able to notice these kinds of noises of nature, I find that my body immediately relaxes. As if the wind or the voice of God is calling me to pause, be still, listen and maybe even rest.
World Hunger Campaign – There are many ways to fight hunger. Clinics and community health programs provide health education and medical assistance for people living in poverty; and work to stop epidemics like malaria, water-borne illnesses, HIV, and AIDS. With improving health, they are able to rejoin the workforce and support their family. We have reached 60.25% of our $30,000 goal with only 3 months remaining.
17As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” 21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22When the man heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:17-22
Most of you know that I have been a Park Ridge Police Chaplain for the past five years. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity. During my tenure, I have been responsible for being an “on-call chaplain” when police officers seek to have spiritual support during a “call”. I have also had the privilege to organize the 9/11 Remembrance services during the past several years at the request of the Park Ridge Police Chief, Frank Kaminski.