A Message from Pastor Jenn - November 14, 2024

Watch the video message below from Pastor Jenn for a worship update, information about Sunday's Praise & Worship night, and a special invitation to share St. Luke's hospitality with Circles West Orange families this season.

We hope to see you in worship as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday together as one congregation, because it's not St. Luke's without U!

Worship Reminder: On Sunday, November 17 we will have one combined service in the Sanctuary (and live online) at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Confirmation Sunday with our youth Confirmands. We hope U join us on campus or online as we gather as one church family.

St. Luke's Week in Review

Honk! Jr. - An Unforgettable Experience

Thank you to everyone who helped bring Honk! Jr. to life! From our amazing teaching artists, volunteers, and staff, to our talented cast and their dedicated parents—your hard work and support made for a wonderful experience!

One parent shared, “This experience has helped our child grow as a performer and deepened their love for theatre. The sense of community and encouragement from the entire team meant so much to them—and to us as a family.”

And to the 500+ folks who came to cheer on our flock - thank you for showing up and showing OUT for these young performers. Your energy and encouragement meant the world to them, and we can't wait to see what they do next.

Finding Community in a Life Together Group

Life Together Groups are welcoming spaces where everyone can find acceptance, learn God’s story, and share their journeys in a supportive, faith-centered community.

Parenting Together is where parents can have meaningful fellowship and discussion, sharing practical ways to pass on faith and wisdom to their children. Here's what St. Luker Kelly Gray said about her experience:

"Parenting Together is not just a group where we talk about Bible stories; it’s a place for real connections and gaining advice on how to teach our kids about the Bible and relate it to our lives. These parents have become more than the people I see at church on a weekly basis, they have become my friends, and it's all thanks to this group that we belong in. We welcome all parents, of any age, so we can get to know you and your children. Come laugh with us, talk about the Bible, and share your experiences.”

Whether you're a parent looking for support, or someone seeking a group to journey with, St. Luke’s Life Together Groups offer community and growth for everyone. Learn more and jump in today at st.lukes.org/adults.

Hundreds of Happy Holiday Shoppers!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support our United Women in Faith at their annual Holiday Marketplace last weekend! Over $27,000 was raised, and it will all be used to support missions and charities locally, across our state, the nation, and around the world.

A special thank you goes out to the many volunteers who make this event possible year after year. Your passion, creativity, and hard work create a beautiful experience for everyone involved, and we are blessed by your continued stewardship.

If you missed the Marketplace, don’t worry! Blessed Treasures Gift Shop reopens on Monday, November 18, so come get your holiday shopping done at great prices, all for a great cause. For shop hours and more visit blessedtreasures.org.

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Purpose-Full

• "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - In this week's episode, Pastor Melissa dives into Luke 14 to explore how Jesus' meals teach us about humility, generosity, and radical inclusivity. Jesus calls us to take the lowest seat, embrace those who can’t repay us, and extend our tables to everyone, especially the overlooked.

• Get into the spirit and share St. Luke's hospitality with Circles West Orange families by volunteering at their Holiday Party & Toy Shop on December 17 - Click HERE to sign up

• Help us FILL the Toy Shop at the Circles Holiday Party with toys, where the families will pick out their children’s gifts themselves! Take a tag (or two) from the Wish Trees in worship starting November 17, and bring your new, unwrapped gift donations to campus by December 8 (our goal is 300 gifts) - Click HERE to learn more

• Audition to join us and Encore Performing Arts for HymnSong, coming February 15-16! This will be an unforgettable experience celebrating the history and beauty of the hymn, and we'd love for you to be a part of it - Learn more and submit an audition video by November 30 HERE

Save the Dates

• Giving Tuesday - December 3

Learn how U can share a special gift with St. Luke's HERE

• Coping with Caregiving - December 8

RSVP HERE

• Annual Christmas Concert: Sounds of the Season - December 12-15

Purchase tickets HERE

• Blue Christmas Worship Service - December 18

Learn more HERE

Give to St. Luke's Ministries

We invite each St. Luker to commit their time and financial contributions to the ongoing work of the church, both within our campus and throughout the community. Thank you for your passion, love, and generosity, which empower us to live out our mission.

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