Friends -

This has been the summer of unexpected blessings. As I shared on Sunday morning, I returned late Saturday night from the youth pilgrimage to Costa Rica energized by the experience but exhausted as well. I also returned to news of an unexpected and abundant blessing for our Parish.

You might have noticed the “Parish Wish List” in the weekly eNews. Most of the items were “modest" and several have been fulfilled for which we are all grateful. One item however was a “dream” item, a hundred-thousand-dollar piano for the Nave. Kate explained to me that a high quality piano would elevate our already wonderful music program to a new level. At the time I suggested we include the piano in a future Capital Campaign.

My timeline, however, did not match that of the Holy Spirit. On Sunday afternoon I learned that Caroline and Brian Tringali, long time members of St Luke’s, have generously offered a $50,000 Matching Gift in honor of St Luke’s 100th Anniversary so we can acquire a piano now, allowing it to become part of the Centennial Celebration Festivities in 2029.

As a result of this pledge, Kate has identified several amazing, high caliber concert pianos in the Mid-Atlantic region. Any one of them would be an incredible addition to the music ministry of St. Luke’s and worthy to stand alongside the custom built pipe organ we already have in our Nave. Kate and her husband, Stefan (also a professional musician), have played each of these instruments and have found a few to be among the best they have ever played. A piano of this caliber will attract world class pianists to perform or record in St Luke’s for generations to come. It will also bring people into St Luke’s to simply hear the piano. It is my hope that if they come for the piano then we can get them to stay for our community rooted in Christ.

So, with this letter, I am inviting you to join the effort to make this melodic dream a reality. Every gift, regardless of size, will be matched 1:1 up to the $50,000 pledge. It is our hope that all members of our parish will participate, from the children in the choir and the Christmas Pageant to those who have warmed our pews for many more years than I have been alive.

Any money raised over the amount needed to purchase the piano will be placed into a fund to support the St Luke’s Music Ministry into the future, with 10% of your gift set aside for our Outreach Program to support our local community, per Vestry guidance for all fundraisers.

If you would like to commit to giving a gift toward this piano, please email Sue Bentley (our Parish Administrator) at church@saintlukeschurch.net If you would like more information, please contact Kate Weber Petrova at KateWP@saintlukeschurch.net

Blessings -

Nick