Passing on the Faith

I’ll never forget walking into a darkened sanctuary with hundreds of candles lit around the chancel and being taught the rhythm of evening prayer, week after week, with my small group of confirmation peers by Pastor Todd…”Let my prayer rise before you as incense…” The mystery of it all enchanted me.

I’ll never forget jumping up and down with Shari and singing silly songs, whose words of promise are still written on my heart…”Jesus loves me…”

I’ll never forget 80+ year old Ms. Lois who patiently sat with us and did those Sunday School workbook pages…the rote reminders were surely formative.

Introducing…WOW: The Wonders of Worship!

I’ve been dreaming about this project since I began interviewing with the call committee here at St. Luke’s but thanks to a partnership grant and support from the Nourishing Vocation with Children at St. Olaf College project, it is coming to fruition!!

A Message from ELCA Vice President Imran Siddiqu

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.

Encounters with 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.

Heart Warmed

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***

Created to Be

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…

Rainbows in the Midst of Storms

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.