If you or your family first came to St. Luke’s after 2020, please raise your hand. 2010-2020, 2000-2010; 1990’s, 1980’s, 1970’s, 1960’s, 1950’s, 1940’s, 1930’s earlier?
When I arrived at St. Luke’s in 2015 for a one-year assignment as a part-time Priest in Charge, I was unaware of the long history of this congregation from its founding as St. Stephen’s in the late 1800’s and the construction of its first sanctuary on the other side of Market Street. I didn’t know about the many cycles of growth and decline, leading the church to close and then begin rebuilding here in this location.
I didn’t know about all the faithful members who raised money, worked on this small chapel after a hard day of labor in the mills or about how they subsequently purchased more land and buildings for a growing congregation and ministries, including a huge Sunday School and Victory Outreach which helped those exiting prison. I was unaware of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Charismatic Renewal Movement and the many sermons, books and teaching ministries that came out of St. Luke’s from the Bennetts and Kevin Martin to countless others who were called to ordination, missions or other ministries from
this small church.
After struggling to find which keys worked in which buildings, I let myself into this Chapel for the first time in March 2015. The congregation was no longer using it for regular worship because of its inaccessibility for those with mobility
issues. Since I couldn’t find the light switch, I entered in the dark. I turned to face the altar, and the Spirit brought me to my knees. The sense of God’s presence in this place is palpable. It is the presence of years of prayer and worship.
Here in this place people have come to know the living God and be filled with the Spirit. Here there have been marriages, baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and funerals. In the undercroft prayer meetings, teas and receptions, classes and meetings were held, and for nearly 40 years, the meals ministry cared for those on the margins. This ministry of St. Luke’s continues as the Edible Hope Kitchen, operating off site to feed nearly 150 people five days/week in another church basement.
Today we gather to deconsecrate this building in preparation for the construction of additional housing, affordable childcare and a new St. Luke’s space that will continue our vision of Building Beloved Community here in the center of Ballard. This will be the next stage of growth and renewal in the long history of this congregation. It will be a new beginning as well as a continuation of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirt.
In order to take this next step, we must say farewell to the buildings that have held and sustained us for so many years. Today’s gospel reading is from the Farewell Discourse of Jesus in John chapters 13-17. You may be familiar with the passage because it is often read at funerals, but what Jesus taught and shared with those he loves is not about death but rather about the ongoing union and intimacy between God and believers regardless of the changes and chances of this life.
Jesus is talking, not so much about leaving but rather about homecoming. God is making a home with us, first in the incarnation of Jesus at Bethlehem and now in the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. The key word for this entire speech is the Greek work meno` which means abide, remain or dwell.
God dwells with us and we dwell in God through Christ by the Spirit. The unity that exists in the Trinity draws us in so that “in Him we live and move and have our being.” And the marvelous gift of this indwelling is that all those who find their home in Christ are made one with God and with one another. The sad divisions that plague us in the world are healed by the power of the Spirit. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and we who come to Christ’s table are made one flesh, the very Body of Christ with every member beloved and valued.
Today is not a funeral. Yes, this building is passing, and we are right to express both sadness and gratitude for all that has been. But the Body of Christ is alive. Indeed, Jesus has promised that when he has left us physically, we will be able to do even greater works by the power of the Spirit. The mission of this congregation to “feed people in body, mind and spirit” continues wherever we gather and whenever we are sent forth in the name of Jesus to be salt and light in the world.
The message to God’s people through the book of Hebrews is a call to remember all the ancestors in faith who have gone before. We are God’s people, in part because we tell the stories of how God leads and provides for us throughout history, in times of exodus and exile, joy and sorrow, despair and renewal. As we consider the saints upon whom our foundation is built, we remember their faithfulness and generosity. The hope and expectation that they believed would be fulfilled by God’s promise of life everlasting.
Because of all who have prayed and labored here, we are able to run with perseverance the race that is ahead of us. We have just celebrated the Grand Opening of St. Luke’s Apartments with 84 units of affordable housing for families, young couples starting out, multi-generational households and those who could never expect to live in this wonderful neighborhood because of the high cost of gentrification.
We are delighted to continue our ministry to those most vulnerable through a daily meal and the community of Edible Hope Kitchen that has gathered for decades because of the hard work and commitment of parishioners, volunteers and generous supporters. St. Luke’s past ministries to those who are incarcerated continues with our participation in One Parish, One Prisoner as we prepare to welcome into the community someone just exiting prison this year.
And now, on land that once contained huge trees, animals and a native population of Coast Salish tribes, land that was dedicated for an Episcopal Church in the early 20th century and became a center of renewal and revival in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, we are praying for and working towards our next 100 years to be a place where God’s love dwells and people hear and experience the good news of Jesus.
The Spirit and the Lamb say “Welcome Home.” Welcome to all those who have journeyed far from this place and return for healing, comfort and to remember and be re-membered as the Body of Christ. Welcome home all those who long for a place to belong, who have experienced the pain of exclusion, division and rejection. The arms of Jesus are stretched wide for all on the cross that we may come under the wings of God’s saving grace. Welcome home those who have labored like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal, keeping the home fires burning, tending the buildings and land, praying and working in good times and
through great difficulty. God has prepared for you and all your siblings a welcome feast and a table large enough to accommodate everyone.
And welcome, welcome; welcome children, newcomers, neighbors and friends who will find here food for your soul and the cup of new life.
Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely live
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive
Built of hopes and dreams and visions
Rock of faith and vault of grace
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions
All are welcome, all are welcome
All are welcome in this place
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