When asked what she looks for in a church home, Heather O’Reilly will tell you that she wanted a place where the congregation lives out the gospel, creating a vibrant culture and a place where every person can connect and help shape the ministry.
This past week the ELCA has found itself front and center in the news, due to things in the partisan political arena. Unfortunately, this also resulted in quite a bit of nastiness, as those who don’t like the ELCA took it as opportunity to drag our names in the mud. However, this is also an opportunity for us. An opportunity to share what being an ELCA Lutheran means. Why we love our Church. Why our theology of God’s grace secured by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection naturally leads to love and affirmation of all people. Why our theology that none of us can do anything to earn God’s favor creates a radical equality of all children of the living God.
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am delighted to lift up an exciting opportunity for spiritual growth at St. Luke’s this Fall. Our beloved Spirit Matters program is returning with a fresh format, introducing the transformative practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. I hope that you will give it a try! Just as there are many different personality types, there are also many ways to connect with God’s Spirit. You might discover a new depth of nourishment, inspiration, or challenge that you never expected or found elsewhere.
My pastor’s heart is beaming. Two of our wonderful high school students stretched themselves to participate in ministries of the larger Lutheran church this summer – and from what they’ve shared with me, they have no regrets. In fact, it transformed their faith in lasting ways. ***heart-warmed***
As family mottos go, Lisa Ramsey embodies the Ramsey credo– Ramsey’s show up. Despite some introvert tendencies, Lisa’s heart compels her to action in caring for those around her. Seeking a church home, she wanted a congregation that was more than just a place to worship; she sought an active place where she and her family could act and effect positive change in the congregation, the community and the world.
FROM THE PASTOR Created to Be When I was in seventh grade, my sister (four years older than I) went to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in St. Louis – “Dancing at the Crossroads.” I was so jealous!!! I was the churchy one – not her! She did bring me back a bible and a…
Clyde Walter feels like he’s had two coming out experiences in his life… the first, when he was 19, coming out as a gay man. The second, when he was 33 years old, coming out as someone who lives with Bipolar 2 […] St. Luke’s was again a community he knew he’d be welcome and embraced as he is.
Last Thursday, June 20th – on the longest day of the year – members of St. Luke’s church, other inclusive congregations and community organizations, and residents gathered to celebrate the inaugural Pride in Park Ridge event. Hundreds of people gathered in the pursuit of affirming that love is greater than hate.
When Alex and his family first came to St. Luke’s, they were looking for a welcoming congregation to raise their children in the Lutheran faith. Having had limited and often excluding experiences with churches growing up, Alex desired a different experience for his family. He found this welcoming community at St. Luke’s, where Pastor Alex LaChapelle’s inviting presence and the warmth of the congregation immediately made them feel at home.
This past Sunday, Pastor Julie Grafe (like grace but with an F), who recently joined the congregation with her husband and two adult children, preached a sermon that reminded us that there are seeds of faith growing, often mysteriously, often mysteriously and inconspicuously, until all of a sudden, they grow like weeds!