A Note from Pastor Jad - October 17, 2024

Grace and Peace Beloved St. Lukers, 

We are halfway through our "Beyond the Box" sermon series, and we’ve heard powerful testimonies and feedback about how these ancient words of wisdom from Proverbs AND our guidelines have challenged and supported us in our journey of life and faith. This Sunday, Pastor Jenn will be bringing a word from Proverbs 4:23-27 and Proverbs 26:16-23 as we think about what it means to be forward-thinking people of faith. It is going to be a powerful morning of worship with WeeSingers and baptism. I hope to see you there. 

We also want to invite you to a Mental Health Listening Post on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Our strategic vision recognizes the mental health crisis, and this listening post will be a chance for you to share your perspective on the next steps we as a congregation can take in addressing this important issue within our community. I hope you will join us. 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Jad

Help Us Respond!

We met our collection goal thanks to your generosity, and delivered much-needed supplies to the community supported by Bronson UMC earlier this week.

But we still need your help, St. Lukers! This week we are collecting items like baby formula, diapers, cases of water, nonperishable foods, bug spray, and more for communities in Hillsborough County that were impacted by the recent storms. Donations can be dropped off in Building C through October 23 - see the full list of needed items at st.lukes.org/disaster.

St. Luke's Week in Review

A Powerful Morning of Worship

Last week in Traditional worship, we had a beautiful service celebrating World Communion Sunday with music from both the Sanctuary and Children's Choirs. And in both worship spaces our kindergarteners received their first storybook Bible to help guide them on their faith journey. It was a powerful Sunday!

Save the Date for Confirmation Sunday

This year we have 17 youth confirmands going through Confirmation! Last week they had a transformative time together on a retreat at Warren Willis Camp discovering more about their faith and church.

Save the date to join us on November 17 for Confirmation Sunday, where we'll celebrate these students as they take the next step in partnering with St. Luke's as full members!

A Blessing of Handmade Creations

St. Luke’s Hearts to Hands ministry blesses the many beautiful items made, such as baby hats and blankets, prayer shawls, pillowcases, teddy bear/dolls, and more, once a month before they are transported to Winnie Palmer and Arnold Palmer Hospitals. A lot of love and prayers are knitted into their creations for the person who receives them, and as of September, the group has made over 1,000 items! 

The ministry gathers weekly on Wednesdays to knit/crochet, talk, teach, pray for each other, and share in fellowship from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Building C. Do you want to learn how to knit or crochet? Hearts to Hands can teach you! All ages and skill levels are welcome. If you can’t make the meetings, you may still contribute from the comfort of your home. For more information on patterns or general questions about the ministry, email care@st.lukes.org.

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Beyond the Box

• "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - In this week’s episode, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa dive into Proverbs 4 & 26, unpacking powerful lessons on focus, self-awareness, and accountability. This insightful conversation explores how easily we can be derailed by life's "sideshows" and how humility and growth can keep us grounded.

• Help guide the faith of the next generation as a member of our Children's Ministry Volunteer Team - Email Lana Stevens, Director of Children's Ministry, to get plugged in.

• Donate gift cards and/or certificates to be sold at the 43rd annual Holiday Marketplace! Your generous donations are what make the Giving Tree Shop one of the many exciting shops to visit at the event - See more details about how to donate HERE

• Show love, support, and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community by joining St. Luke's at Come Out with Pride on October 19 - Sign up to walk in the parade with us HERE, or stop by our booth at the Marketplace!

Save the Dates

• GriefShare Surviving the Holidays - November 3

Sign up to attend HERE

• United Women in Faith's Holiday Marketplace - November 9 & 10

Learn more HERE

• Monthly Men's Ministry Breakfast - November 14

RSVP 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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