Embracing Stewardship and Community: A Reflection by Casey Strong - February 13, 2025 | |
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Dear St. Lukers,
I hope that you have begun to explore and reflect on your BE "star words" you were given earlier this year. In worship and online over the last six weeks, our pastors have challenged us to consider these BE words and sayings: Be Guided, Be Loved, Be Ready, Be Bold, Belong, and Be Present.
Each of these reflections of BE has allowed us to focus on who we are as followers of Jesus, how we commune together as a congregation at St. Luke’s, and how we live out our callings together in our communities here in Central Florida. This work is done individually and collectively to show the love of Jesus within ourselves, to each other, and in Central Florida and beyond. And this week, we move our focus to promising our gifts as a part of what it means to belong to a community of faith.
Over the last three years, we as a church have been in the discernment process of the vision of St. Luke’s and how we will serve the Central Florida community as a beacon of love, equity, and justice. Teams have...
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Reminder: The church campus will be closed on February 17 in observance of President's Day, and will re-open on Tuesday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m. | |
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St. Luke's Job Opportunity
St. Luke's is hiring a full-time Hospitality & Connect Coordinator to foster a warm and welcoming experience for all attendees. This role involves recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, overseeing Sunday morning hospitality, and coordinating special events. The coordinator will also facilitate key ministry programs, such as funerals and baptisms, ensuring seamless execution of hospitality and volunteer functions to support members throughout their church journey. Click here to learn more and send your resume, cover letter, and any questions to Scooter Leonard.
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St. Luke's Week in Review | |
Guided by Vision, United in Purpose | |
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Over the weekend, more than 100 leaders from St. Luke’s gathered for an inspiring time of BE-ing, centering our hearts in our discipleship, and preparing to lead boldly into God’s vision for our church and community. Thanks to all of our leaders for your commitment, wisdom, and heart for this journey.
We also want to thank our Lofting Leaders for joining us and sharing their passion for mentorship, resilience, and lifting others up! Together, we are building stronger, purpose-driven leaders who are ready to serve with faith and intention.
We can’t wait to see how God continues to move through us in 2025 and beyond!
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Building Hope with Habitat for Humanity | |
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Huge thanks to our amazing St. Luke’s volunteers who spent their Saturday building hope with West Orange Habitat for Humanity! Your hard work is making homeownership possible for local families.
If you missed this one, our next Habitat workday is March 29 - sign up now at st.lukes.org/habitat!
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Serving with Love, Making an Impact | |
Every time we serve with Coalition for the Homeless, we see the power of love, kindness, and a simple meal. A St. Luker and first-time volunteer, Brian, recently shared his experience:
"A little 3-year-old girl asked me for milk, and after she finished her meal, her mom asked if she could have another. I gladly brought her another cup, along with a cookie for them both. Later, the little girl came back up to me, smiling ear to ear, and said, ‘Thank you, Mr. Brian, I drank two cups of milk tonight!’ Her mom hugged me and thanked all of us from St. Luke’s for serving.
All that evening I thought and prayed about them and so many others—about the impact the St. Luke’s team had on their lives. To let them know they are loved and valued, and that there is hope for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to serving every 3rd Saturday of the month!"
This is why we serve—because everyone deserves dignity, love, and the reminder that they are not alone. Visit st.lukes.org/coalition for details on how U can help bring hope to our neighbors who need it most.
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Purchase your tickets for HymnSong now, and experience this beautiful concert event in St. Luke's Sanctuary this weekend only! Proceeds will support Go Full STEAM - click the button below to reserve your seats: | |
Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead | |
Current sermon series: Belong | |
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"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - In this episode, Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski dives into the powerful promise of generosity within the United Methodist Church. Using compelling stories, he invites us to reflect on the true meaning of generosity. It's not just about money, but about offering our time, love, and resources in response to God's abundant grace.
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Build strength and community with our Senior Exercise Class! This fun, supportive class is for seniors (50+) but welcomes all. Sign up HERE to join on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Gym.
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Join St. Luke's new Women's Ministry for an inspiring evening as we close out Black History Month and kick off Women’s History Month with a special screening of The Six Triple Eight on February 24! RSVP by clicking HERE.
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Discover amazing treasures while you shop for a cause at this year's Rummage Sale on March 1! All proceeds from the sale benefit local and global missions, and is sponsored by St. Luke's United Women in Faith. Learn more and see donation information HERE.
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Give to St. Luke's Ministries | | | | |
