Reflection & News from Your Good Neighbor Church
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Sisters and Brothers,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With that in mind for this week’s Devotionals theme we will be using the theme for 10for10 coming this fall, “Breaking Down the Lies We Believe”.
Believe it or not we are not always truthful with ourselves. God proclaims to us that God loves us as we are. As Psalm 139:14 proclaims, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” What God has created is beautiful and awe inspiring. But all too often many of us don’t see this and instead we carry around lies about ourselves in our hearts and minds.
So, each day this week we will be breaking down those lies:
Tuesday, Breaking Down the Lie: “I am not enough”
Wednesday, Breaking Down the Lie: “I have to be strong”
Thursday, Breaking Down the Lie: “I have to be Perfect”
Friday, Breaking Dow the Lie: “I am all alone”
As we go through this week I would like you to carry with you Psalm 139:14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” One way to do this is to start each day repeating this verse to yourself. For no matter, what you face or do God loves you! For no matter, what you face or do we love you!
May God’s love and peace fill your day!
Pastor Tim
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In-Person Worship
We are officially back to four in-person services at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00am. In reevaluating our space and guidelines, we are no longer requiring sign up to attend.
Online worship service has proven to be an essential part of ministry in the past year. So while we welcome some of you in the sanctuary, know that we will continue to offer our pre-recorded worship services each Sunday. Make sure to like and subscribe to receive notifications.
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New Member Classes
Are you or someone you know interested in joining our community here at St. Luke's? We're once again holding new member classes, June 15th and 22nd at 6:30pm, this time as a hybrid with your choice of Zoom or in-person.
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Volunteers Needed!
Vacation Bible School
VBS cannot happen without all of our wonderful volunteers. Pre-school VBS (3 y.o. by June 1st) will meet June 14-16 and Elementary VBS (K-5 current school year) will meet June 21-24. Both groups will meet 9:00-12:00 to help facilitate COVID safety. We hope you join us on our "Quest for God's Great Light!" Click here to sign up
Video & Media Team
Do you love working with cameras or interested in video production? We are in need of volunteer video & media operators to help with our online worship services. Training and equipment will be provided. If your are comfortable behind a camera, email [email protected].
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We're Hiring!
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church is looking for a person to fill our Business Manager position. This position manages our support staff and maintains and manages the business aspects of St. Luke’s including accounting, budgeting, computer network, insurance, vendor relations among other responsibilities, If you are interested please email cover letter and resume to [email protected].
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Part Time Custodial Assistant Position
The Part Time Custodial Assistant is responsible for the general cleaning of the church building itself and hospitality duties on Sunday mornings. It may also include work on the grounds, the cemetery and the parking lot. This position will also assist in room set up/tear down and other duties as assigned.
The position is about 10 hours per week with 6 hours being required on Sunday mornings and the other hours flexible.
A qualified candidate will have the capacity to interact effectively with staff and volunteers and have the ability to use good judgement in any situation that may arise.
This position requires the ability to do one or more of the following throughout the day: stand, walk, push, pull, drive, sit, bend and reach above and below shoulder level. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
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Thank you St. Luke's!
On Wednesday, May 19th,
St. Luke's hosted a COVID vaccine clinic for the community in partnership with Fitchburg Family Pharmacy. The clinic was an amazing success thanks to the awesome volunteers and to the many, many people who came to get vaccinated and who brought their kids! We were able to vaccinate 268 people and it was wonderful to see all of the young people in the 12-15 year old age group (who recently became eligible) come to St. Luke's for their vaccine. We look forward to hosting another clinic on June 9th from 9am-3pm to provide the second doses to those who were vaccinated on the 19th. If you would like to get your first dose of Pfizer at the church on June 9th, please come anytime between 9 and 3pm and we will schedule your second dose at Fitchburg Family Pharmacy when you receive the first dose. Again, thank you to our community and volunteers for making this clinic such a huge success and for helping our community to be protected against COVID.
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Mile by Mile Fundraiser
We are excited to offer Summer Experiences this year! We have the opportunity for you to support these trips financially through “Mile by Mile” Sign up for the mile(s) that you would like to take HERE, then donate the amount that you sign up for.
Example: If you sign up for Mile 2, you would pay $2. If you sign up for Mile 18 and 4, you would pay $22. When you have signed up for your Mile(s) you may mail or bring a check to St. Luke's or you may Pay Online Here. Thank you for your support!
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Altar Flowers
We love to have altar flowers for St. Luke's online and in person worship services. This is a wonderful opportunity to remember a birthday, an anniversary or someone who has died. For online services, please sign up by Monday 12pm and for in person services, please sign up by Wednesday 12pm. Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. In the comment field, write what the occasion is and this will be included in the credits at the end the worship service you choose. Cost is $40 payable to St. Luke's Church online, by mail or drop off at the church office.
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COVID Update
What a joy it is to have returned to four in-person worship services on Sunday mornings! A year ago, this milestone was just a dream. Council and staff continue to monitor CDC and Dane County COVID guidelines and remain committed to our measured re-opening approach. Because
St. Luke’s worship services include children and others who are not able to be vaccinated, we will continue to require masking on Sunday mornings for the near future.
New as of June 2:
Masking optional for fully vaccinated small groups.
Small groups may serve food and drink following CDC guidelines.
Opening the entire church building for visitors and small groups. Our main entrance doors will be unlocked during office hours (M-F 8am -3:30pm).
Small groups are asked to reserve rooms with Julie as they would have done so prior to COVID. Sunday morning coffee hour will remain on hold for now but we encourage you to connect with each other in whatever way you are comfortable – either inside with masks or outside with/without masks.
As always, please decide what is best for you -- returning to in-person worship (no sign-up required) or watching our online service from home. No matter your decision, you remain part of the St. Luke’s community.
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Children Youth and Family Updates |
VBS - Discovery on Adventure Island
Pre-school | June 14-16
K-5 | June 21-24
We are excited to welcome so many children to our “Adventure Island” VBS. Please help support this important tradition with your time and donations. Many opportunities are available from youth crew leaders to adult assistants. Contact Steph or Beth to see how you can support VBS! Links for volunteer registration, financial donations, and participant registration can be found at stlukes-elca.org/VBS. |
Outdoor Family Service and Carnival
**RESCHEDULED**
June 6th at 1:30 p.m.
Please join the Children, Youth and Families Team for another family oriented outdoor service followed by an end of year celebration. We will meet in the back parking lot for a worship service lead by the youth and families team as we did for Easter. Following the service we will have activities, snacks, and balloon animals for the kids at our outdoor tents. Contact Beth Marshall with any questions.
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Confirmation End of the Year Hangout Night
We want to celebrate that year and continue to grow in relationships with others in our class through a night of fun and activities. Please check the schedule for date and time. Please sign up in advance through the confirmation page of the web or app. See you there!
9th Grade: Wednesday, May 26- 6:00-7:30pm
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Middle School Youth Group
We have virtual Youth Group each Wednesday at 7:45pm via Zoom that will include various activities, games, and a time to check in. Zoom link is available on the web and app.
Middle School Campfire!
Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00-8:00pm
All Middle School students are welcome and encouraged to come out to the Wood’s backyard (7829 Noll Valley Rd Verona, WI 53593) for an evening of games, campfire, and fun. Dinner is included. We look forward to an evening of connection and laughter. Please sign up HERE by Monday, June 7.
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6th/7th Grade Camp: “Beloved”
June 27- July 1
Expeditions Unlimited
We will meet at Expeditions Unlimited on Sunday afternoon and enjoy a week of various outdoor activities and working through our theme of “Beloved” through worship, conversation, games and more! Although there may be another group at the camp, we will have our own space and enjoy this week as a St. Luke’s group. The cost is $350. Signup deadline is Sunday, June 6
8th Grade “Journey”
July 11- July 15
Northern Wisconsin
Life is a journey. This journey has ups, downs, twists, turns, and so much more. Throughout the week we will travel northern Wisconsin on our own journey. We will serve, spend time on the water, in the forest, and more. We will spend time thinking and talking through where we see God in our journey of life and faith. The cost is $350 and covers all meals, travel and activities. Signup deadline is Sunday, June 13. You may signup here.
High School Mission Trip
July 18 - July 23
Duluth, MN
We will travel to Minnesota’s scenic north shore to learn and serve. We will partner with local organizations that work to help communities in need and organizations that help better the amazing nature of the north shore. We will serve together, explore together, and learn together. The cost is $400 and includes all meals, travel and lodging. Signup deadline is Sunday, June 13. You may signup here.
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