Weekly Update - September 5, 2024

Grace and Peace Beloved St. Lukers,



I hope this message finds you well, and that this week you’ve found opportunities to reveal the Kingdom of God to others. Last week, I had the joy of joining my wife, Shelly, as we witnessed our dear friend Joshua take a huge step in doing just that. We went to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new business, which is working to make affordable housing a reality. The mayor was there, along with key community leaders, including the head of structural engineering at UCF and local council members. It was, without a doubt, a Kingdom celebration.

Joshua’s story is particularly moving because, for a portion of his childhood, he experienced homelessness alongside his mother and siblings. He is a man of deep faith, filled with an infectious spirit of gratitude and joy, and he is unwavering in his commitment to his values—values that center on everyone having a safe, warm place to live, and caring for the least among us.

There’s a quote I heard once from...

News U Can Use

St. Luke's is excited to welcome a special guest to campus this month: Rev. Dr. Gary Mason! Pick one (or a few) of the following opportunities to hear him speak:

• On Sunday, September 15, join Rev. Dr. Gary Mason in worship as our guest preacher in both worship spaces, and then stay for a panel discussion with his colleagues from Israel and Palestine to help us gain a deeper understanding of the current conflict in Gaza. The special panel discussion and brunch will be in the Youth Center starting at 11:00 a.m.

• On Monday, September 16, The Rev. Dr. Gary Mason will be leading a lecture on the Dangers of Religious Nationalism at 7:00 p.m. in Founder’s Hall.

• And then on Thursday, September 19, he will be the guest speaker at the Men's Ministry Breakfast in Founder's Hall at 6:30 a.m. Come for a morning of meaningful connection, engaging conversation, and hot breakfast as Rev. Dr. Gary Mason guides us in a powerful discussion on how Christian men can become bridge builders and peacemakers in today's world.

It’s time to deck the halls and jingle the bells of Christmas!

We are seeking additional singers for the Youth Choir (1st-8th graders) as well as Dancers (age 16+) to join this joyful celebration!

Click here to learn more and register today!

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Take the Next Step

Worship

Click the buttons below for worship times, links to online worship and past worship videos, and the Ministry Guide:

Grow

Click the button below for new studies, opportunities, and events for all ages like:

• Children's Choir & WeeSingers Fall 2024 Season – Register now!
• Senior (50+) Exercise Group - Beginning September 10
• For the Life of the World study with Pastor Melissa - Starts September 11
• The Book of Daniel study with Candler's Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio - Starts September 12
• Wrestling with Doubt book study with Pastor Jad - Starts September 18
• Monthly Men's Breakfast - September 19, featuring Rev. Dr. Gary Mason
• Leadership Retreat - October 11 and 12

View or listen weekly at st.lukes.org/podcast!

Care

Click the button below for a variety of support groups, volunteer opportunities, and resources like:

• Caring Kitchen
• Need a Stephen Minister? Mark your Connection Card or contact the Care Office to be confidentially matched today.
• Take care of your mind, body, and spirit with fitness classes and groups at St. Luke's like Tai Chi and Pickleball - Learn more here!
• Coping with Caregiving: Caregivers Support Group - September 8
• Blood Drive and Blood Pressure Screenings - September 29

Serve

Click the button below for opportunities to serve our community like

• Habitat For Humanity Workday - September 21
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Day - September 28