March 3, 2024: The Third Sunday in Lent | Saint Luke Chicago

A warm welcome to all who are gathered in the name of Christ today. Even though we are physically distanced, we remain spiritually connected. Please visit our website for access to the bulletin, hymn text, and more online resources go to stlukechicago.org/church New to Saint Luke? Click on this link to learn more about our North Star: stlukechicago.org/welcome Prayer requests may be shared via stlukechicago.org/prayer About Today's Service The third covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the central one of Israel’s history: the gift of the law to those God freed from slavery. The Ten Commandments are one of the chief parts of Luther’s catechism, a core piece of baptismal instruction. They begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. The Lenten environment at Saint Luke is a pilgrim’s road. With each entry into the sanctuary we re-create our spiritual journey, adjusting our direction to better follow the One whose sacrifice restores our loss. The first change comes in the paradisum. The Christ Figure no longer stands triumphant with a silver universe at its feet. The figure now is bracketed by thorns. Candles and flowers are gone. Symbols of the Passion – dice, thorns, nails, whip and statue of a rooster – are arranged at the base of the figure. Flanking the baptismal font are a bare tree and a large wooden cross – the tree of death and the tree of life. These large symbols move us to recognize that only the cross can make us one with God. We realize that the way of the cross turns our lives in a new direction. On the pulpit is a Tapestry of Remembrance: a woven net is entwined with symbols of the Passion. This physical symbol prompts recall of the events of the final week of our journey as our Lord makes his way to the cross. What symbols do you see? The mission of Saint Luke Ministries includes worship, service, education, and advocacy. Your generous gifts help support these ministries, making it possible to support the local community and the world. Visit our giving page to see the ways you can support these missions. stlukechicago.org/give Laila Beukema, Presiding Minister Robert Kleisch, Assisting Minister Maia Surace, Cantor Don Mead, Organist THIS WEEK at Saint Luke Ministries MONDAY - FRIDAY Extended Care 7:30 - 8:15 a.m., and 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. School in Session 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. MONDAY Coffee Break 1:00 p.m. (https://bit.ly/3Pye5l4) TUESDAY Bookbugs 9:00 a.m. Time for Two 10:30 a.m. Goseikan Kendo 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Fellowship immediately following the service in the Church Lobby Administrative Staff Meeting 12:00 p.m. Honoring the Body discussion 7:00 p.m. via Zoom https://bit.ly/htchicagolent THURSDAY Bookbugs 9:00 a.m. Time for Two 10:30 a.m. Bible Class 12:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/39AbHrQ via Zoom Ministry and Academy Board Joint Meeting 6:30 p.m. Goseikan Kendo Group 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY Bible Class 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. Please visit our website or contact our office ([email protected]) for further information. Saint Luke Church 1500 West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60657-3108 Tel: 773-472-3383 Fax: 773-929-3910 E-Mail: [email protected] A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America