Spiritual Care Visitor

Pastor's blog

I am pleased to know we already have one St. Luke’s participant registered for the Bishop Anderson House Spiritual Care Visitor Training which begins with a full-day retreat on Saturday, March 25, at St. Luke’s. While the registration deadline is March 13, the time to sign up is now. Information about this ministry opportunity has been sent out to the Park Ridge Ministerial Association which is co-sponsoring this training. In addition, Bishop Anderson House has put the St. Luke’s training on its website, so registration information is out there for the entire metro Chicago community. Participation will be capped at twenty people and we would like to see a strong St. Luke’s cohort. A timely response is important.

Advent-Christmas 2022

Pastor's blog

Stephanie, the homeless evangelist of Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx, died alone on a subway car. During the first week of Advent Janet and I sat in the quiet sanctuary for the memorial service, watching the flickering first candle on the wreath. Around us were many of Stephanie’s companions in her life’s sometimes tortured journey.

Youth Choir Girls

Announcements

From our director of music, Anne, “Youth Choir girls under the Christmas trees? It’s from our annual caroling and hot chocolate pre-Christmas rehearsal. One of the best nights of the year with this group. They are wonderful! See the picture.

Exciting Things in 2023

Pastor's blog

Have you ever made an altar flower delivery or a communion visit for St. Luke’s? Have you ever stopped for a “friendly visit” with someone living in a nursing home? Have you ever dropped in to spend time with a friend or neighbor who is dealing with an on-going health issue or new diagnosis? Have you ever wanted to reach out but felt hesitant and unsure about what to do or say?

Spirit Matters

Announcements

Spirit Matters will be meeting on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Spirit Matters is a faith sharing group. The topic for January will be Forgiveness and Mercy. Meetings include readings from scripture and other sources and reflection around the topic as it relates to one’s life of faith and relationship with God. Come be with us for a time of spiritual rest and refreshment. Your spirit matters! All are welcome. Our gatherings are hybrid as each feels comfortable in-person or via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link on the meeting day, contact the church office.

Good Gifts Fair

Announcements

Join us December 11 and 18 for the Christmas ELCA Good Gifts Fair before and after worship. Learn about the many ways your donation can support life-changing projects such as the purchase of a farm animal, school supplies, vaccinations, health care, micro loans, as well as access to clean water and improved sanitation. Your gift will help break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

Advent Longing

Pastor's blog

As I watched the Sunday School children “singing” “Go Tell It On the Mountain” through sign language I was remembering such moments when my own children and grandchildren participated. I remember sitting in the audience in Hyde Park and craning my neck to see my granddaughter Ruth as she emerged onto the stage with other “Chinese” dancers for her moment in Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” My joyful expectation was met with her radiant smile, the confident movement of her lithe body in the dance, her abandonment to the music. As she made her triumphal exit she craned her own neck to see who was with her and our eyes met. She rewarded me with a smile for the ages.