Tel: 540-951-1000
Tel: 540-951-1000
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Blacksburg
Welcome!
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Blacksburg
Welcome!
In mid-October, I joined my fellow rostered clergy colleagues at the Virginia Synod Gathering of the Ministerium in Virginia Beach. Our keynote speaker was theologian Dr. Deanna Thompson, Professor at St Olaf College. Deanna led us in several insightful sessions over the course of three days, centered on this theme: “The Body of Christ has always been a Virtual Body.”
Deanna’s area of scholarship focuses on the use of digital technologies within faith communities, and their impact on participants in this ever-changing first-world culture where the practice of religion has become less of a priority in mainstream society. Deanna shared her own personal journey and battle with cancer: she is a brave survivor who speaks candidly about her challenges, and how they have influenced and affected her faith, particularly as a “PK,” a Pastor’s Kid who rejected technology, until she experienced the healing wishes sent to her by thousands of people over the virtual network, CaringBridge.org.
Deanna posed several intriguing questions to my rostered colleagues and I, as we reflect on our own use of technology during the pandemic and post-pandemic years. It was interesting to hear that while many of the Virginia Synod congregations now include some form of online or live-streamed worship, many continue to struggle to afford the equipment, gain access to dependable high-speed internet service, identify volunteers to edit and post the links or recordings, or convince their members that digital worship is indeed viable worship.
I appreciated Deanna’s wisdom: ever since Christ’s ascension into heaven, Christians have worshiped our Lord Jesus ‘virtually.’ We trust Jesus’ promise that he is always with us, beside us, and alive in our hearts through our baptism, yet we can’t see him; we can’t touch him; we can’t hear his voice or feel his loving embrace. Christ invites us to his holy supper every time we gather for worship, and we recite his own words to remind us that he is present, “Do this, in remembrance of me.”
Yet ultimately, we depend on God’s gift of faith to believe that Jesus is in our midst, 24/7. Jesus is indeed ‘virtual’ in terms of his physical presence, yet his boundless, unconditional love for us is real and tangible: we can feel Christ's love when we gather in worship; when we serve our neighbors in need; and when we pray.
In this season of gratitude, let’s give thanks for the constant, undying, eternal presence, love and mercy given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whom we place all our trust, all our hope, and all our love.
Peace to all here, Rev. Monica Weber, Pastor
About Us
Calendar
Reconciling in Christ
Reconciling in Christ
Please check our online church calendar regularly to find out about upcoming events, activities, fellowship and worship services in Blacksburg.
Reconciling in Christ
Reconciling in Christ
Reconciling in Christ
As an RIC congregation, we provide a safe church and worship space for LGBTQIA+ folks and families in the Blacksburg area, and a place where ALL can grow in faith and in community. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Worship
Reconciling in Christ
The Well Campus Ministry
We worship on Sundays at 10 am. You may also view our worship services at your convenience on our YouTube channel, or call (540) 951-1000 and press # to hear a recorded Gospel & Sermon.
The Well Campus Ministry
The Well Campus Ministry
The Well Campus Ministry
We are a student-led campus ministry in Blacksburg that meets weekly for dinner, Bible study, and worship. We serve God in all that we do AND we enjoy discussing tough questions that come up living on a college campus.
Faith Formation
The Well Campus Ministry
Community Outreach
We offer faith formation classes for all ages - from middle school to high school, adults and seniors. Confirmation classes are also held regularly. Find out about all of the classes and opportunities our church offers for you!
Community Outreach
The Well Campus Ministry
Community Outreach
Our congregation strives to live out their faith and extend Christian compassion through many community outreach programs which both increase awareness of human need and respond to that need in tangible ways. Volunteers are always needed for our church outreach in the Blacksburg area!
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Affiliations
