About St. Luke’s
Our ministry is refuge, renewal and reaching-out to all of God’s people
A Word of Welcome to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
If hospitality is the spiritual gift of making space for others please receive this as our sincere desire to do just that for you, we would like you to believe there is space for you within this church community.
If you are a first time visitor to St. Luke’s you are invited to make use of this website as a tool to acquaint you with the array of programs and ministry opportunities that comprise our ministry. If this church has historically been your home, then please make use of it as a resource to review where the Spirit might be leading you in new and creative opportunities.
St. Luke’s is a community church with a deep sense of commitment to the neighborhood in which we live. Active in mission projects that range from local to international we are blessed with a congregation that believes the footprint we are to leave behind is one that is to be crafted in Christ like love. Our joy is expressed in worship of the God who loves us and who blesses our relationships with one another.
Within this church “Belonging precedes believing” is a commonly heard mantra. The Gospel convicts us that everyone needs a church, everyone. The critical issue is not that one must hold a confession exactly like the person next to you but that in joining with a faith community we find a hospitality that simply allows the Holy Spirit to bless us and lead us in the adventure of faith.
May God bless you in your personal faith journey. We invite you to consider making St. Luke’s a part of your story, there is space for you here.
God’s blessings,
Pastor Thomas L. Kidd
History
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church , a member church of the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was originally organized in 1956. We built our first building on this site in 1957. We dedicated our new sanctuary in June 2004.
Our history betrays consistent priorities in areas of outreach and service to the community, mission to the world, meaningful and varied worship and music experiences, pastoral care and children and youth programs.
We annually host Congregations for the Homeless and Sophia’s Way. In 2006 we hosted Tent City IV and found it to be an experience of tremendous growth both spiritually and emotionally. We continually seek God’s guidance and discernment in all that we do in bringing the Good News to all.
While St. Luke’s roots are found among those Lutherans who primarily relocated from the Midwest , significant program emphasis is now to reach out to the high percentage of unchurched in our neighborhood.
Purpose Statement – “Why We Exist”
We are created and chosen by God, forgiven by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and blessed with the promise of a redeemed life. We are commissioned by the Holy Spirit and charged to minister to all people.
Vision Statement – “What We Want to Be”
Our house shall be a refuge, our people a comfort, and our calling the offering of physical, emotional and spiritual sanctuary to our congregation and our world in need; we are a light reflecting grace back into the world.
Mission Statement – “What We Do”
Motivated to build up God’s Kingdom on earth, we are committed: to worship, to participate in the sacraments, to teach and serve in ministry; all because we are bound together by Christ’s love.
Core Values Statement :
Refuge (Connect with God & others)
• Community in fellowship
• Inclusivity for all people
• Hospitality of compassion and caring
Renewal (Grow toward spiritual maturity)
• Word and Sacrament to experience God’s grace
• Prayer to nurture our relationship with God
• Scriptural insight to God’s promise for all people
• Leadership committed to making disciples
Reach-Out (Serve the world in Jesus name)
• Advocate for universal rights to safety, health, education and work
• Commit to serve people in our community and in the world
• Act to share God’s message and resources in creative ways
Our Symbol
The story of the road to Emmaus is a story about coming home. It is a story of healing and renewal. It is a story of excitement for sharing good news. It is, in fact, our story at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church .
Two parallel spirals, in the centerpiece of the cross and the corners of the altar, symbolically reflect the journey. Like the two disciples, anxious about the events of Easter, we are called on this journey into sanctuary and renewal. Then, as we break bread with our Lord we are sent out refreshed for the journey and to tell the story again and again. The bright red part of the spirals remind us of the words “did not our hearts burn within us” (Luke 24:32) as we are encouraged by the healing and blessing of Jesus. The triangles in the design are a partial reminder of the octagon shape of the new worship space, which is also the shape of renewal.
Pictures and descriptions of our sanctuary furnishings and Witness Windows [photos]
St. Luke’s Commitment to End Homelessness
St. Luke’s as a congregation and with the Church Council of Greater Seattle, with other congregations and with nonprofit partners such as the Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness, commit to doing our part to end homelessness in King County over the next 10 years. [more]
