FROM THE PASTOR
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.
Our faith calls us to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. Another vital way we live this out is through our long-standing partnership with Bread for the World. This Christian organization, founded in 1974, is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty by shaping U.S. policies. Bread for the World equips people of faith to speak up and make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people—both here at home and globally.
Currently, Bread for the World is calling on us to advocate for the upcoming farm bill, a critical piece of legislation that will shape nutrition programs, international aid, and small-scale farming. The decisions made through this bill will affect food security, sustainability, and the well-being of many, both in the U.S. and globally. As a congregation committed to justice, we have an opportunity to lift our voices in support of policies that reflect our Christian values of love and care for all people.
Through efforts like letter-writing campaigns and raising awareness, we can ensure that the farm bill aligns with our values, especially in advocating for SNAP benefits, supporting sustainable agriculture, or championing international food aid.
We invite you to join us in these efforts. Together, we can ensure that God’s love and care are reflected in our nation’s policies. Let’s continue to embrace our calling to be agents of hope and change, both locally and globally.
God’s peace,
Pastor Kyle
