July 26, 2026: THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST | Saint Luke Chicago

Welcome to Saint Luke Whether you are visiting for the first time, or are a longtime member, we are blessed to have you with us. Please visit our website for access to the bulletin 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 As a Reconciling in Christ Congregation, we welcome all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions based on our belief in a radically inclusive Jesus who loved all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, economic, social status, or physical abilities. Saint Luke Ministries strives to be a place “Where all are welcomed, period.” INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY Our long liturgical season of growth has begun. On the altar, the pale green shoot - so thin and pale against the bold green background- is but a promise of the lush growth this season will eventually produce. Each week this sapling will grow, its colors mirroring the greens of the season. As the strips extend across the altar, they will form a cross that will ultimately enfold the entire space with every color of the growing season. We, the baptized congregation, are like these diverse strips: together we form the Body of Christ—one body composed of many diverse members. Throughout the summer, slowly, almost imperceptibly, the cross on the altar frontal will grow. Each week a new color is added to its leading edge. And now, in a parallel to nature's season of growth the pale yellow green of spring's seedling gives rise to the rich greens of maturing leaves. As with a living organism, growth is noticeable only over time. As the Sundays pass, the change in the cross becomes evident, mirroring our faith as it grows and matures in the nurturing environment of the Body of Christ. The process spans spring and summer and continues into the autumn. In the language of the church it is called "ordinary time." In this season there are no great celebrations of God's mighty acts. It is, instead, a quiet time for us both to reflect on God's goodness to us and to grow in our faith. Prayer requests may be shared via stlukechicago.org/prayer A Summer Slump? Instead, a Summer SURGE! Summer Surge 2026 is a giving effort to broaden and deepen our mission impact. Gifts received in support of general operating costs are the greatest gifts of all! Please consider sharing an extra gift on top of your regular offering to offset the often lower number of Sunday worship service attendees. Online gifts can be shared online at stlukechicago.org/give. Brian T. Johnson, Presiding Minister Terry Duchow, Assisting Minister Don Mead, Organist Maia Surace, Soloist THIS WEEK AT SAINT LUKE MINISTRIES Online Bible Class Weekly Thursdays at 12:00 - Click on “Bible Class” or enter the following URL into your browser: https://bit.ly/479gZrk. In-person Bible Class is on a hiatus for summer break. We will let you know when it resumes. Thanks for joining us on Sunday mornings. MONDAY - FRIDAY Summer Camp TUESDAYS Little Rays Two's WEDNESDAY Little Rays Two's Administrative Staff Meeting THURSDAY Online Bible Class 12:00 pm (https://bit.ly/39AbHrQ) SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Worship (online and in-person) 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship 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