St. Luke's Episcopal Church |
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Lifelines: News and updates for you from St. Luke's |
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For the last three weeks, I’ve been walking St. Luke’s grounds and praying for God’s guidance. On my prayer walk the other day, I experienced a flash of insight.
As I was moving along the trees on the eastern edge of our property, I was caught up in the beauty of my surroundings. While navigating under the mulberry trees, I was thinking (somewhat self-importantly), “Isn't this wonderful. . . this prayer stuff is so lovely. . . it’s so good that I’m out here doing this. . .” and right then, as I took the next step, a tree branch stabbed me right on top of my head. It was as if God reached down to poke me: “Hold on there, pal! This is NOT about YOU.”
I chuckled, a little embarrassed at the divine reproach. Five steps later, I came to the corner of our property and prayed the collect I’ve been using:
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; reveal to us your will for our building and our land, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and at the last, by your mercy, obtain eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After a moment of stillness, I left that spot asking God, “What would you have us do?” Not a step later the flash of insight hit me: “This is not for you to decide, Justin. The decision belongs to the whole community.”
I’ve been praying for God to reveal what God would have us do for weeks. But I’ve been approaching it with unstated intention that God reveal it to me. As the rector, I want to provide an answer for us, I want to be able to steer our community onto the path God would have us take. Being poked in the head and then realizing that it’s not actually about me was such a helpful reframing. I am doing this particular prayer and I am seeking God’s guidance, but it’s not about me. This isn’t my decision. It’s ours.
I hope you’re praying for St. Luke’s and for God’s guidance, too. Next time you see me, I’d love to hear what you’ve found in prayer. What insights has God given to you?
Blessings on your journey,
Justin
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Call or text: 612-618-3826
Email: revjustinc@gmail.com
Drop in Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 3:00.
If you'd like a visit, communion, prayer, or just time to talk, please call, text, email, or drop by office hours. I'd love to connect with you!
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Sunday Eucharist: 9:30 a.m.
Please join us for worship on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and plan to stay for coffee hour following worship.
If you can't make it in person, please tune in for the livestream on St. Luke's Facebook page. Download the bulletin to follow along at home. If you can't catch it live, all our worship services are archived there for viewing anytime.
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Birthdays
- David Daugherty III
- Justin Ofori-Atta
- John Horton
- Jim McReynolds
- Gus Braga
- Katie Chapman
- Laurie Bale
- Oscar Klampe
- Susan McReynolds
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Joe Gibilisco
Joe died early on Thursday morning, July 7. We'll pass along service and obituary information when it becomes available.
Have news to share with the congregation? Please get in touch with Rev. Justin (612-618-3826, revjustinc@gmail.com) or Karen (507-288-2469, gouldk@stlukesepiscopal.org).
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Hello friends!
How does a cool and refreshing ice cream treat sound to you on a hot summer day? What about enjoying that while meeting our Episcopal neighbors from Calvary? The Calvary-St. Luke's Collaboration Team invites you to an ice cream social on Sunday, July 24, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Cook Park in Rochester. There will be ice cream, beverages, games, and of course ... awesome fellowship!
See you there!
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Calvary - St. Luke's Collaboration |
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St. Luke's and Calvary Episcopal Churches in Rochester, MN, are beginning works to collaborate. We are seeking input from both congregations and collecting your ideas. What great ideas can you think of to encourage our parishes to work together to serve each other to serve God? You can consider the areas of Worship, Education, Social and Outreach - or another category, too. Imagine the greatness we can do when we all join together.
Please fill out this survey to share your ideas!
**The team would love it if you'd complete the survey by July 31** Thanks!
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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.
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St. Luke's Operation Backpack |
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A Big Thank you to all for your generous donations to Operation Backpack for the 2021-2022 school year! 😊 As the kids have the summer off, St Luke’s is taking a summer break on gathering donations too. Be looking for giving news this coming Fall! Have an enjoyable, lovely summer! |
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Donations to St. Luke’s of new and gently used household items is on hiatus for a few months. If you would like to continue to share your treasures with others in need during this time a good resource is Catholic Charities at 903 West Center Street Suite 220 in Rochester.
Catholic Charities is currently in need of small household items, bedding (twin is needed, but will take full size also), towels, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, glass cookware, baking pans, plates, bowls and cups, glasses and cutlery. Random drop-off is Mondays, please call first if other days work better. Thank you for your generosity, we are reminded of the slogan that was so popular a few years back, WWJD- What Would Jesus Do?
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From the Episcopal Church in Minnesota |
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General Convention is Coming Up!
General Convention begins late next week, so keep an eye out from updates, stories and videos coming from the Bishop and Deputation!
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Bible Study: Luke
We're reading our way through Luke's account of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Join us Wednesdays at 10:30 on Zoom to discover new insights.
Meeting ID: 827 6194 5638
Passcode: 1884
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Book Group
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (novel)
Tuesday, September 27th, 6:30 pm
Discussion through Zoom.
Enjoy the book; then join us for a discussion led by Julie Phyliky.
Watch for a St. Luke's Book Group notice to join the meeting by computer or phone.
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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. |
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St. Luke’s is...
Joyful community
Faithful service
Transformational worship
Growing in relationship with God in Christ.
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