About Us
We are a joyful, inclusive community rooted in the Cedar Valley since 1855. St. Luke's is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, part of The Episcopal Church in the United States and the wider Anglican Communion, a global family of churches with deep roots in the Church of England.
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The Episcopal tradition embraces both ancient tradition and present-day faithfulness.
Our spiritual heritage draws on what is often called the "three-legged stool" of Anglican theology:
Scripture as the foundation of faith
Tradition as the lived experience of the Church through time
Reason as the God-given gift to interpret and apply our faith in daily life
This balanced approach invites thoughtful questioning, meaningful worship, and compassionate action. We worship using The Book of Common Prayer, which shapes our shared life through scripture, song, liturgy, and sacrament. ​
At St. Luke's, we follow Jesus in the way of love: through worship, learning, service, and hospitality.
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Above all, we proclaim this truth: God loves you. No exceptions.
Our Vision
At the heart of our community are the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18.​
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This Scripture is not only our inspiration, it is our call.
We believe the Spirit of God calls us to be a community of compassion, justice, and healing. In worship and in daily life, we are committed to love, justice, and belonging.
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We strive to live out Christ's mission by: ​
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Proclaiming good news through worship, welcome, and witness
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Seeking liberation for those burdened by poverty, injustice, or exclusion
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Offering healing and wholeness: spiritually, emotionally, and physically
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Standing in solidarity with the oppressed, the marginalized, and the overlooked.
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Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be a beacon of hope in the Cedar Valley and beyond, where all are welcome, all are valued, and all are invited into God's redeeming love.
Our History
Empower
Growth
Founded in 1855, St. Luke's was the fourth Christian community established in Cedar Falls. From our earliest days, we have been shaped by the social and spiritual life of the community around us. Throughout our history, the people of St. Luke's have answered the call to serve. ​
Over the decades, St. Luke's has been actively engaged in outreach and justice: supporting civil rights, welcoming college and international students, and participating in movements such as Cursillo and Marriage Encounter. We have prioritized creating a safe and inclusive church, caring for the environment, and extending radical hospitality, especially to those on the margins of society.
Ours is a story of resilience, service, and grace: a reflection of the ever-evolving work of the Holy Spirit among us.
