St. Luke's monthly Celebrates Newsletter helps St. Lukers

connect to one another as we navigate life together. 

We wish a very Happy Birthday to all our St. Lukers!

Join us in celebrating everyone who has a birthday this month.

We appreciate the faithful commitment St. Lukers make to the church's ministries.

Join us in celebrating everyone who has a church Partnership anniversary this month.

Founding member, Virginia (Ginger) White Jackson, passed away peacefully at home on January 9.

Ginger was involved at St. Luke's for many years leading Disciple Bible Study, Grief Recovery, and singing in the choir. She appreciated being part of the Board of Ordained Ministry for the United Methodist Church.

Ginger's Celebration of Life took place on January 13 at St. Luke's where family members and friends shared beautiful memories of the amazing woman she was. Ginger will be remembered as a wonderful mother, loving wife, and dear friend to many.

Memorial gifts may be made in Ginger's honor to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, the Brain Support Network, or the University of Miami's Brain Endowment Bank.

Please continue to pray for her adult children Tracy, Lee, and Jack, and her extended family members during this time.

St. Luker Phillip John Crowley passed away unexpectedly on January 14 at the age of 54. Phillip is the son of Carol and Bob Crowley.

He was very instrumental in helping St. Luke's Open Arms LGBTQ+ group get up and running several years ago. He enjoyed providing exceptional hospitality at the church as well as in his professional life.

An avid animal lover, Phillip enjoyed caring for the many dogs and cats he had over the years. He enjoyed fashion and accessorized well with hats and blazers. He connected well with all people, especially with his young nieces. They loved spending precious time with their "Funcle."

Phillip's memorial service was held at St. Luke's on January 27. Memorial gifts be made in Phillip’s honor to either the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.

Please continue to pray for Phillip's parents Carol and Bob, and his brothers Tim and David, along with extended family during this difficult time.

St. Luker Mary White passed away on January 25 at the age of 99.

Mary worked as a registered nurse in her professional life prior to retirement. Among the most cherished accolades of Mary’s nursing career were the respect, love, and appreciation of both her patients and working partners. Her professional skill and personal warmth were all fueled by a deep love for her Savior Jesus Christ, and a sincere desire to be of service and support to her family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Wherever Mary went she was recognized as a compassionate and caring human being.

At St. Luke's Mary was part of Sarah Circle and Hearts to Hands, and also volunteered with Share the Care, a special food distribution program.

Mary's funeral service was held on January 29 at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont.

Memorial gifts may be made in honor of Mary to the Edgewood Children's Ranch. This Christian facility deals with troubled children, giving them a place to live, learn, be part of a family, and meet Jesus.

We ask that you please keep the White family in your prayers.

St. Luker Mary Elizabeth Howell passed away on January 28 with her family lovingly by her side after experiencing a stroke. She was 92 years old.

Throughout her life, Mary’s greatest joys were raising her children and grandchildren, hosting parties, shopping, and selecting the perfect gifts for everyone, earning her the nickname “Mary Christmas.” She never met a stranger and loved learning everyone’s life story.

Mary’s celebration of life was held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home on February 2.

Please continue to lift up Mary’s daughter, Debra Posgai, and her extended family in your prayers.

Circles West Orange is celebrating 10 years!

The Circles®️ Campaign is a national, transformational approach to reducing poverty. The Circles model partners volunteers and community leaders with individuals and families wanting to make the journey out of poverty.

Circles West Orange is celebrating 10 years! Six years with St. Luke’s as the lead organization, and four years as a host organization partnering with Poverty Solutions Group. This is a huge achievement and we at St. Luke’s are beyond grateful to all the Circles Leaders, Allies, and volunteers who have made Circles West Orange so successful! To honor this 10-year milestone, we are looking for 10 St. Lukers to be new Circles Allies.

Join us at the Circles Celebration Lunch on Sunday, February 18, to hear stories of how Circle Leaders are doing 3, 5, and 10 years later. To learn more about how you can be a Cohort 10 Ally and to RSVP for the lunch, visit st.lukes.org/circles10.

The February featured Staff Shout Out goes to St. Luke's Creative Producer, Ben Adams!

Special shout out to Ben for working hard in Founder's Hall to get it done. Congratulations!

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