Dear St. Lukers,

On October 3, 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune opened what would one day become Bethune-Cookman University with $1.50, faith in God, five little girls, and Dr. Bethune’s own son, Albert. In 1936, Dr. Bethune became the highest-ranking African American woman in government when she was named Director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration and was a part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unofficial cabinet. She served as Vice President of the NAACP beginning in 1940, and was later appointed by President Truman as the only woman of color at the founding conference of the United Nations. Her list of accolades, accomplishments, and firsts goes on and on. She was a woman who the Holy Spirit stirred in her the holy discontent about the inequities of education of African American women, injustice, and lack of racial, gender, and economic equity. She was empowered by her God-given, Spirit-empowered DNA, and her life, in a way, is still transforming lives.

For decades, Bethune-Cookman University has partnered with the United Methodist Church of Florida, and over at least the last 30+ years has had a relationship with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. We have St. Lukers who are alums, who have served on the Board of Trustees, given to scholarship funds, and have found ways to be supporters of this leading HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

We are thrilled to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. weekend by hosting the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale on Sunday night for a live concert at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary...

Reminder: The church campus is closed on January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and will re-open on Tuesday, January 17 at 9:00 a.m.

St. Luke's Staff Update

St. Luke's is excited to welcome Heidi Estep as the Associate Director of Children's Ministries! Heidi comes to us with over 17 years of experience, previously serving as a preschool director and an elementary school teacher. In every setting, she strives to find innovative ways to see our community thrive. Heidi just finished her first marathon this month, loves spending time with her family, and all things Disney. Help us welcome Heidi to the staff when you see her on campus working with our children!

Thank you to all who gave a special Advent Offering in December. Your generosity and gifts totaled up to $55,030 for the FLUM Children's Home and ZOE Empowers! Way to go, St. Lukers!

Watch the video above for a special message from the Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale, and join St. Luke's in welcoming them to campus for a special concert this Sunday (January 15) at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary!

Click the button below for more details and to give a special gift to support the Chorale:

Save the Date - Registration for St. Luke's Child Development Center's 2023-2024 school year opens soon:

• Registration for Alumni Families opens on February 2

• Registration for the community opens on February 15

For all required forms and additional information click the button below: