LIGHT FOR THIS MOMENT

“Jesus Christ you are the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome.
Stay with us now, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.
Let your light scatter the darkness, and shine within your people here.”
– Holden Evening Prayer

Our experience of darkness is profoundly human and spiritual. You may have experienced this on a camping trip in the wilderness, or in your own home in the middle of a power outage. To kindle a small light in a place like that with a lantern or candle warms our spirit. There is beauty in something so simple and true. It comes as a gift.

Jesus said in Matthew 5 that his followers are now “the light of the world” and to “let your light so shine.”  Our own light is kindled by Christ’s love and grace.
 
And so we’re called to be Light for This Moment.

We bring light in any place where there is despair, loneliness or scarcity—our confidence made possible by Christ’s own generosity and selflessness for us. In some of his final words, Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: “Our relationship to God is a new life in ‘being there for others’... The transcendent is not the infinite, unattainable tasks, but the neighbor within reach in any given situation. God in human form!”

In recent conversations with many who have newly engaged at All Saints there is a yearning and discovery of renewed hope, and grounding in the love and grace of God. Perhaps you have felt this too. Our presence as a faithful community, boldly sharing God’s love and grace for all provides this hope and scatters darkness.

But we won’t stop with this. We will continue to support local and global partners accompanying people and sharing peace and holistic wellbeing in concrete ways. We know the struggles many face. This year we are stepping out to create a Light for This Moment Fund that will allow us to provide hope to children, teens and young adults in our community at Minnetonka’s Relate Counseling Center.

Your decision and commitment to share in our community and expand God’s loving presence is an act of hope and grace. We invite you to share your plan for giving in 2026. Whether you are a long-time member or newer participant at All Saints, pray and consider a response that will bring you joy and excitement for the year ahead. Even if you have not completed an intent card before, we ask you to do so this year so that we can prepare for the coming year thoughtfully together. Your response can be changed if your situation changes.

Complete the card digitally.

Thank you for taking time to reflect and pray about how you can respond with joy to God’s work among us!

As All Saints is blessed, we pass that blessing on by giving away 10% or more of what we receive from you. Last year, half of that went to support the ministry of the ELCA which strengthens congregations and global relief and hunger efforts. The other half went to support local partners who are transforming our neighbors’ lives: ICA, Mental Health Connect and Urban Ventures are among our largest recipients. We also collected over 600 pounds of food for neighbors in need.

Sunday Kids Connection has grown over the last year and this fall. Our renewed kids’ choir has introduced us to the sounds of the next generation and provided them ways to serve and shine their light.

Our neighborhood events like Trunk or Treat, Easter Eggstravaganza and Fall Fest continue to serve our neighborhood and community, providing a safe, welcoming place to gather.  
In January we will celebrate our Preschool’s 60th and Child Care’s 40th Anniversaries as they remain highly rated in our community, serving families across the generations.

“Love that warms the weary soul... set us free and make us whole.” (Holden Evening Prayer). Faith warms and heals our spirits and points us to a renewed, whole life. All Saints encourages everyone to see our spiritual formation as interconnected with every facet of life, including our emotional, social, physical, intellectual and financial wellbeing. We help people make these connections.

We will continue to invest in experiences and events that strengthen and grow connections among members and our neighbors.

• A new $10,000 Light for This Moment Fund supporting mental health for neighbors, expanding our local partnerships
• An intergenerational service trip in July
• New adult studies expanding ways for all of us to develop deeper faith and community
• New Inspired Life speakers exploring faith, life and wellbeing
• Family-friendly community events and ministry that bring all ages together and reinforce the value of our faith community

With new and increasing gifts we can:

• Update our lower-level room for youth
• Update fixtures and furnishings in the Fellowship Hall for better hospitality and engagement in cost-effective ways, matching the new tables and chairs
• Protect our parking lot with its first sealcoat, while cleaning up our dumpster area to better highlight our peace garden space

We are still seeking a half-time pastor for a 3-year term call. While availability of candidates is lengthening the process we are hopeful. New and continued giving will be important to sustain this position long-term.

Have you noticed how familiar faces and a full church create joy and belonging? Set a goal of attending at least twice a month and help build energy in relationships and community for both existing members and new visitors.

In addition, consider finding at least one way to engage in community more deeply—
participate in a ministry, group, special event, or simply stay after worship to connect with others. You’re also encouraged to volunteer on Sundays, for special events, on a team, or with one of our local partners.

Your generous financial investment is always key to our ongoing mission. Your support will allow us to share God’s light, engage our community, upgrade our facility, and staff for the future. By sharing a portion of our financial blessings for our neighbors, we choose to live with hope and find peace and joy in doing so. This helps us develop a positive and healthy relationship with our finances.

With your financial support, we will seek the wellbeing of our community, our ministry and ourselves.