On May 19th, we will light a fire in celebration of Pentecost, reminding us of the fire of the Holy Spirit that rested on the heads of the early believers and continues to light a fire of guidance and passion for each of us.
But more historically, fire is associated with the Easter Vigil service, which continues to grow in importance for our own practice in the Lutheran church. Again…a good opportunity for mystagogical reflection.
Dear church,
A couple of weeks ago I attended our Spirit Matters group for the first time, faithfully led by member Diane Barounis. It was a powerful experience – the space so carefully prepared to make us comfortable in the physical body, so that we might be able to go to another level, sharing as each felt comfortable about our experience with holy mystery – about the ways in which we have experienced and embraced and felt God, but often not able to “think our way to God.” (The Cloud of Unknowing)
Welcome to a place that believes there is still room for interpretation. Beginning Wednesday, May 1, at 10:00 a.m..the in-person Bible Study will be facilitated by Pastor Kyle.
Are you a Thrivent member? Did you know that members may be eligible for thousands of dollars to contribute to special projects here at St. Luke’s?
There are two ways you can make a difference requesting Thrivent funds: Through Thrivent Action Teams Grants and Thrivent Choice Dollars.
Thrivent Action teams are simply a small group who wishes to put on a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Thrivent provides up to $250 in seed money. Then you and your team can get busy bringing your project to life.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join “GO GREEN PARK RIDGE” the last Saturday of this month, April 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at AXEHEAD LAKE for this spring’s Forest & Woodland Clean-up. Please sign-up in the Atrium to register so the organizers will know how many people are participating from St. Luke’s. Wear long pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket, water-proof boots or shoes, work gloves and bring a reusable water bottle. Questions? Contact Carolynn Joesten or Laura Heinrich.
On Sunday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m., St. Luke’s is pleased to host The Schaumburg Choral Artists, a new vocal ensemble providing a unique choral opportunity for advanced adult singers in the Chicago northwest suburbs and outlying communities.
Community BLOOD DRIVE – May 8, 2:30 – 8 PM
SAVE THE DATE!! St. Luke’s is hosting a Community Blood Drive. Please sign up for a time in the atrium during Fellowship Hour (or any time you happen to be at church). Watch for more information. Questions? Please contact Diane Erickson.
Dear church,
Anne and I had the opportunity to attend the Institute of Liturgical Studies this past week as part of our continuing education and we left with so many things to talk about … our minds were stimulated, and our souls refreshed.
In one of the sessions, I was reminded of the context of the foot-washing in John’s Gospel, which we heard on Maundy Thursday.
And so, we enter a moment of mystagogy about that experience … I spoke with a parishioner who chose not to participate in the foot washing.
Let’s see where the framework leads us …
My family was able to join us for Easter Sunday this year and after the service, Clyde and I hosted them for a meal at our house. My sister shared that as I entered the sanctuary in the procession, with a bowl of water and ‘water-flinger’ in my hand (also known as an aspergillum), she saw me begin to sprinkle the congregation with drops of water, however, someone near her was facing forward and did not see me approaching. After being splattered in the face with water, she turned with irritation in her eyes to see who had just drenched her, only to see me passing by with joy!
As I enter the last month of my contracted interim at St. Luke’s, I thought it might a good time to share some of the things I’ve been thinking and feeling in this transition.
How can I help?
I retired from Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care at the end of 2015. I spent the largest part of my professional life there and through most of those years established and managed the Spiritual Care & Healing Arts staff. But there were changes as there always are in health care, and it was time to go.