As part of our efforts to revitalize St. Luke’s, the vestry, wardens, and I invited you to join us for a learning session a few weeks back. A handful of themes emerged from the conversations we had there and we want to share them with you.

 

But before I get to the details you must know that what’s below is just a little preview. We’re going to share more details and get your input on Wednesday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom (the link is below). We’ll talk about what we heard from the learning session, get into the actions we’re already starting on, share the budget scenarios we’re considering, and open the floor for your input.

 

With all that said, here’s a little preview. From the Learning Session, we heard four main themes (which are reinforced by what we’ve heard from other conversations and feedback) about what we need to focus on:

 

Connecting all these themes is our sense that God is calling us into a new way of approaching our life and work. Rather than choosing between plans and then implementing them, we believe God is inviting us (both vestry and congregation) to recast our work as a process or cycle of innovation. As we continue moving into a future that lacks the certainty and predictability we remember from the past, we can’t just pull out an old familiar tool or program and expect it to solve the new problems we’re facing. God is inviting us (or, as we’ve said before, kicking us in the pants) to start exploring and developing new tools, programs, and relationships. The best way to do that, near as we can tell, is to shift to a new understanding of our work: a (hopefully-rapid) cycle of trying new things, discarding what isn’t working, and investing in what is.

 

There is so much more to say about all of this. I wish I could just type it all up right now or call you each on the phone to fill you in because I’m really, really excited about it and I can’t wait to get moving on it. I hope you’re excited too, because doing this well—revitalizing our community—means getting everybody invested and involved. Please plan to join us at 7 on November 30 (the link is below). If that date doesn’t work for you, let me know and we’ll find another time to get you up to speed and get your input.

 

Thank you so much for the love, attention, and energy you have invested in this beloved community of faith. I love that God is leading us in a new direction and that, by some stroke of grace, we are following along. Thanks be to God!

 

Yours in Christ,

Justin

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Topic: Learning Session Report & Conversation

Time: Nov 30, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time

Meeting ID: 811 3553 5083

Passcode: 1884

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Or dial by phone: 312 626 6799

We need your voice! If you'd like to sing, please meet in the worship space Sunday mornings at 8:45 to rehearse the hymns and service music. We're also planning monthly rehearsals for more involved pieces; watch this space for more information

The St. Luke's Handbell choir practices weekly on Wednesday night from 7:30 to 8:30 PM downstairs in the St. Luke's church building. Anyone interested in having fun while making a joyful noise is welcome. For more information, contact Harold Solbrig / harold@solbrigs.us / 507-319-2628

The time we spend together in conversation and fellowship is as important to the life of our community as our worship. We need your help to make it happen! We particularly need coffee hour hosts: People who are willing to provide some treats, make the coffee, and get things cleaned up afterward. Take it on as a solo exercise or pair up with friends. Either way, your help is needed and appreciated. If you have questions about any of it, from setup to coffee making to clean up, Harold Solbrig is the one to talk to (harold@solbrigs.us / 507-319-2628)

The state of Wisconsin has challenged the state of Minnesota to a friendly competition. We’re seeing which campus ministry can get more individual donors during the week surrounding the big Minnesota vs. Wisconsin football game. If we lose, Bishop Loya and chaplains Steve Mullaney and Gretchen Roeck will need to wear Wisconsin shirts and sing their fight song.

We can’t let that happen! Not on our watch!

You can donate – online at: givemn.org/organization/University-Episcopal-Center or make a check out to St. Luke's, note "UEC" in the memo, drop it in the plate or at the office, and we'll get it to where it needs to be. The work of campus ministry is vitally important to this diocese. University Episcopal Community supports students at six universities and community colleges–as well as those on a break from school or trying to get back. Last year, over 100 students took part in the many offerings of UEC – from worship gatherings to small groups to community meals and living in the intentional community at 417 House.

Supporting UEC is one of the best ways we have of supporting our high school grads. We work with Steve and Gretchen to get our young people connected to opportunities that meet them where they’re at–whether their next step is in the Twin Cities or around the world.

You can learn more about UEC at: universityepiscopalcommunity.org

The selected locations are Friday, November 18th, Andy's Liquor Crossroads and Hobby Lobby, Saturday, November 19th and Monday, November 21st, HyVee Crossroads.

If there are questions, comments or need for additional slots, please feel free to contact Martha Mangan at any time: mart188@charter.net or 507-261-3286.

Please check out Calvary's weekly newsletter, The Visitor, published on Wednesdays. Current and archived editions are available here. In addition to a variety of worship services, Calvary regularly has other public events that are sure to be of interest to folks like us.

If you've got something to include in next week's Lifelines, get in touch with Karen (507-288-2469, gouldk@stlukesepiscopal.org). The deadline is Wednesday at noon.