St. Luke's Happenings
Reflection & News from Your Good Neighbor Church
Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are a wondrous blend of contradictions. On the one hand, we have been created with a deep need to be in relationship with others, to be in community. We have been created to need community. On the other hand, we have been created with a sense of self in which we each have our own personal experiences and perspectives which do not always match with others, even those we love! So, conflict is natural. With conflict comes its twin: gossip. Put together our needs for community and self-assertion, and hard feelings can emerge. 

In Ephesians 4:22-5:2 Paul recognizes that as a congregation we are a community in Christ. As a community in Christ we are called on to act Christ-like. Paul writes, "So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another." (Vs. 25) We are gathered here at St. Luke’s Lutheran in a community of believers in Jesus Christ. We are in relationship through the various activities of the church. We are also called into relationship with God, for us as Christians, that's where it all starts. Being called into relationship with one another, we are not here by accident but we have been called together by God. This is a holy community brought together by the Spirit for the purpose of growing disciples and calling others to faith in Jesus Christ. We are called by the Holy Spirit and are a holy community, but we are still human and all too often we fall short of God's calling.  

Healthy communities practice grace. So, we are called to look for the best in one another. Paul writes, "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear." (Vs. 29) Paul asserts that real people make real mistakes and that Christians are called to respond with grace and love! 
 
In Jesus, we have a real Savior, for real life. What is it that Christ expects of each of us? God doesn't expect perfection, God does expect us to partner with each other and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance as we reach out to the world with love. As a community of disciples, we are to treat one another and the visitor with honor, grace, and love. I believe God is calling us to change the world as a community of disciples of Jesus Christ by growing together in God's love. With the Spirit’s guidance, we will make this a grace-filled church for all. Join with me in lifting up each other and welcoming any whom God sends to us. In Christ, St. Luke’s has and will continue to change lives as we partner together under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit. Amen.

See you in church.

Pastor Tim
News at St. Luke's
NEW MEMBER CLASS

Are you or someone you know interested in joining St. Luke's? We will be holding an in-person new member class on Sunday, November 7th at 12:30pm after worship. Lunch will be provided


If you are unable to attend in-person, please consider filling out the form anyways. As we will be holding a virtual new member class shortly!

JOY | SERVE | LOVE

The St.Luke’s annual pledge drive is underway. Pledging and giving makes the ministry and outreach of St.Luke’s possible. Watch how St.Luke’s has been bringing LOVE to our community... Here, There, and Everywhere!


Men's Ministry
Pizza & Beer @ Capital Brewing
October 14th | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Join the St. Luke's Men's Ministry for pizza and beer around a fire at Capital Brewing in Middleton. Pizza will be provided, and drinks available for purchase. Come join in fellowship!

NOOMA Series w/ Rob Bell
Starting September 19th | Sundays at 9:00am

Join Shawn Stauske and Rob Gibson as they facilitate NOOMA a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. Sign up by calling or stopping in church office.
Worship with Us

With things constantly changing, stay tuned as we continue to evaluate how we can engage in meaningful worship while caring for our neighbor. Worship continues to take place at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00am every Sunday.

Masks are required for all services.

As always if you're not able to join us in person, we have online worship services available for you each Sunday. Make sure to like and subscribe to receive notifications.
OASIS | Wednesdays @ 6:00pm

In-person Oasis at St. Luke's is Wednesday nights in the St. Luke's Sanctuary at 6:00pm. Otherwise, you can catch the service online at www.stlukes-elca.org/oasis the following week.


SCHEDULE
This Wednesday Online - David Bell
This Wednesday In-Person - Darlene VanBendegom


No matter who you are, or where you come from... You are welcome here.
Children Youth & Family Updates
Early Childhood Sunday Opportunities
Come join us this fall in a way that is comfortable for you and your family. Choose either an Outdoor Sunday School for 3s & 4s at 10:00am or Outdoor Family Sunday School at 9:00am, geared towards birth to 3 years old. You also have an option for Take Home Sunday School bags. For more information on any of these opportunities, please email Steph Kiel.

Sunday School registration now open! 
K-5 Sunday School is off and running for the school year! Our K-4 kids are journeying through each story through the lenses of art, drama, video, science, games, and music – either in-person on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:00, or virtually online. The 5th grade J.O.Y. class is building connections to each other and the Bible stories each week at the 10 a.m. service.

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering with our programming can sign up on the new Children’s Ministry website. Please consider supporting this vital ministry as a volunteer if you are fully COVID vaccinated. Please reach out to Beth Marshall with any questions!
Middle School Youth Group
7:30-8:30pm | St. Luke’s Youth Room
Wednesday, beginning September 15.
All middle school youth are encouraged to come to youth group for a time of games, activities, meaningful conversations, and snack! All are welcome, invite your friends.

 
High School Breakfast Club
Tuesdays at 7:15am | St. Luke’s Friendship Hall
All high school students are welcome and encouraged to come to Friendship Hall for breakfast and conversations each Tuesday morning before school! This is a great way to start the week with encouragement, community and more. We look forward to seeing you there.


Volunteer & Work Opportunities
Share your time & talents
Volunteers Needed!


Camera Operators
Be a part of creating our online video content! We need help Wednesday nights with our new filming routine, and could use some extra hands operating cameras for Oasis and Praise band. Help is needed on Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm rotating based on your availability. If you're able to help, you can sign up here, or email Doug Cassel with any questions.


We're Hiring!

Part Time Custodial Assistant
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.

If interested please contact Drew Hathaway at dhathaway@stlukes-elca.org or 608-831-6084.
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