NEW! Saint Luke's Guiding Principles During Covid-19
On Sunday, the Session of the church met and unanimously adopted general guidelines, in light of Covid-19, about gatherings and considering the eventual possibilities of return to our building customs.
This policy lays out what we know, what we reasonably expect, and how we will be guided in decision making about returning to in-person activity at Saint Luke's. To read the full letter from Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. David Lower outlining this policy, click
here. Key points:
As Christians, with God we prioritize the health and wellness of all God's people, sharing Jesus' special concern for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.
Our gathering in person will remain suspended, and the building and office will remain closed for non-essential use, through potentially July 31st, 2020.
Summer trips are canceled and Vacation Bible School is postponed
Church pastors and staff will continue to work remotely.
The building will remain closed except for essential activities, like hosting Family Promise.
The Session will monitor and evaluate public health developments on a bi-weekly basis, next on May 8th.
To view the full Guiding Principles document, click here.
As part of our normal worship practice on the first Sunday of the month, and because we know that Jesus met people where they were and he continues to meet us where we are, our church family will celebrate At-Home Virtual Communion this Sunday. C
lick here for more information on how we can share the Lord's Supper together, using whatever elements you may have available.
Vacation Bible School Postponed Until Fall
Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Saint Luke's has long been a family, church and community favorite! That's why we have chosen NOT to de-rail our Rocky Railway VBS train (originally scheduled for June 8-11), but to simply delay its arrival until it's safe for everyone - in accordance with our guiding principles of safety and inclusion - to gather in a way that's closer to what we love so much. Therefore, VBS will be postponed until the Fall, and combined with our Wednesday night FEAST programming, which normally begins in mid-September and runs for about seven weeks. Read more for additional details and refund information.
Summer Youth Trips Canceled
In accordance with the new COVID-19 Guiding Principles, all youth summer trips have been canceled. To read the full letter from Associate Pastor Rev. Phil Brown, click here.
Save the Date: May 17 Baccalaureate
On May 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saint Luke's will offer a virtual Baccalaureate service for our graduating high school seniors. We invite everyone to join us for this special service. More details coming soon.
Send a Message to Saint Luke's High School Seniors
The class of 2020 is graduating high school under extraordinary circumstances next month. To show them our love, we are asking all Saint Luke's members to make a brief (30 seconds or less) video of you sharing your wishes for these wonderful high school seniors ("Class of 2020, my/our hope/prayer for you is....) and send your video to Seminary Intern Erin Rugh by May 1. We will edit the videos together, and share them with the class of 2020 and with the congregation.
Congratulations to all of our high school seniors: Ainsley Brown, Dillen Cameron, Nelson Cummiskey, Oliver Hurst, Davis Keel, Mark Lake, Christian Lee, Megan Murphy, Margaret Seets, Emma Shelton, Casey Singley, Valentina Thelen, Emma Troha, Allie Unold and Connor Watkins!
Graduating this year? We want to celebrate YOU!
Hey high school and college graduates - we want to celebrate you! Please send us a baby picture and a senior/recent picture to distribute in a special edition of Highlights, which will be distributed in May. Also, please include a little blurb about from where you are graduating and what your plans are for what 's next. The deadline is May 1. Please email Erin Murray.
Would you like to help keep our church family connected?
Staying connected to each other has perhaps never been more important. While our Deacons are doing great ministry with their flocks, we know there is more that we, as a church family, can do. We have devised a system to help ensure that our members, particularly those who may need extra encouragement during this time, feel connected as a church family. If you would like to assist in this effort to stay connected, please volunteer on our web site, or contact Shannon Dill, Mary Martin or Cathie Rogers.
Do You Need Assistance?
The Board of Deacons of the church has mobilized care and caregivers for anyone who needs assistance during this time of isolation, like shopping and other errands. Contact Pastor Shannon Dill or Loving Care Committee deacon chair Emily Ritzler for more information.
Don't Miss Our Kids' COVID-19 Page!
Did you know that our
COVID-19 page changes each week? As we continue this stay-at-home time, remember that we're providing new Bible stories, music videos, family activities and more, including the popular "
Jesus in the Snow" image Miss Catherine Anne showed in Tell Us Our Story last week! New content is generally posted mid-week, and the new lessons and stories are normally tied to the scripture for the upcoming Sunday.
Wednesdays at 3 pm! Zoom Time with Elementary Kids!
Elementary kids are invited to join Catherine Anne Thomas, director of Children's Ministry, every Wednesday for a Zoom call at 3 pm. Parents- check your email for the Zoom invitation link.
Saint Luke's Prayer Connections
One of the best ways we have to be connected together right now is through our prayers! For one another and for those who have named they would like to receive them. Would you like to be added to the Saint Luke's Prayer List, by which you can be guided in prayers for the community and congregation? If so, please email
pastors@slpres.org and
ask to be added to a weekly email distribution list.
Saint Luke's Support for Those in Job Transition
In these difficult economic times, furloughs and layoffs are becoming all too common, and we want to support each other and our neighbors in employment transition. Saint Luke's is so fortunate to have human resources professionals willing to support and network with those who need it.
Jared Elliot (770-262-9601) and
Tracy Coffie (404-273-3003) are each willing to help as they are able. And your pastors are, too! Let's support one another and share the burden of these difficult times.
Hurst Named Mt. TOP Summer Director; Seeking Support
Congratulations to Saint Luke's member Caroline Hurst who will return to Mountain TOP, a Saint Luke's mission partner, this summer in a Director role! Caroline is seeking support both prayerfully and financially as she prepares for her summer on the mountain. To read her full message, click here. To make a donation, click here.
"Pop-up Online Bible Study"
Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Scholar in Residence, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul's letter to the Philippians. During the study, they will engage with scholars from Baylor University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Boston University, and others.
To join this study, please join the Facebook group, "Office Hours Bible Study." Not on Facebook? Enjoy the videos via the YouTubechannel. Videos will be posted after the Facebook livestreams. Questions? Contact Rev. Shannon Dill.
Middle & High School Youth:
We've got stuff for you too!!!
Check out the youth
COVID-19 page for details on things like:
Check out our special Saint Luke's Music Ministry page for activities and suggestions of musical things to do while you're at home.
Our church has its own YouTube channel with videos of our choirs, music from past online worship services and a Music Reading Course you can take at your own pace.
Let us know what hymns and other service music pieces you'd like to sing and hear in upcoming worship services. Submit your suggestions here.
If you've been playing or singing some music of your own, make a recording of your performance and email it to clairmaxwell@slpres.org. We'd enjoy seeing and hearing how music is STILL a part of all our lives!
CAC Seeking Donations
Saint Luke's is holding a special food drive in support of CAC (Community Assistance Center), which is in critical need of
these items.
With the church being closed, please deliver items to church member Bob Schultz, at 1660 Kings Down Cir, Dunwoody GA 30338. Please leave in the driveway, keeping in mind social distancing. For more information, including alternate to physical donations, click here.
Online Wayfarers Bible Study Wednesdays at 10 am
Join us every Wednesday at 10 am for the Wayfarers Bible Study! Join by Zoom
here. PW is 1978.
Weekly Time for Prayer
Thursdays at Noon
In these weighty times, we will gather virtually for a time of prayer every Thursday at noon. Join by Zoom
here or by phone (646-558-8656, meeting id 847 985 1970. PW is 1978). For more info about Zoom, click
here. Feel free to light a candle as we hear scripture and pray together (15-20 minutes).
#SaintLukesConnected
Where you at Saint Luke's? We would love to "see" you! Share a picture during your at-home worship experience with us and use hashtag #SaintLukesConnected on social media!
Send Us Your Joys & Concerns
Send us your joys and concerns by 9 am on Sunday, and we'll incorporate them into our worship service. Email
pastors@slpres.org.
Please Support Saint Luke's
Please support the work God is doing through Saint Luke's during this challenging time by giving
online, via
text, or by mail (1978 Mt Vernon 30338). Thank you for all you so generously give!
Sunday! At-Home Virtual Communion
Hurst Named Mt. TOP Summer Director; Seeking Support
