Dear St. Lukers,

As you know, I’ve been looking through our history books. It’s because Dr. Ebby Arnold said something in our first lesson about the Gospel of Luke that struck me: “We tell our history to shape our future.” That is the work Luke does throughout his gospel as he tells the story of Jesus and links it both to the Old Testament prophets, and in setting up the story of Acts, shaping readers in the future. In many ways being a church named after this gospel is so much more than the good news found on the surface. It’s about what Jesus offers to the marginalized, the poor, the gentiles, as well as the people of Israel. It’s also about how, like the writer who was always connecting the past to the “present” moment with Jesus, to point us to the future. St. Luke’s has kept the threads of its DNA running through our ministry in ways we may not have realized. We saw that in those early postcards that restated the core values we still claim today. We saw it in the way the strategic vision, written before Pastor Jim Harnish left, was the path that Pastor Bill Barnes built on, which led us to the strategic vision work of missions today.

I was reading through our history books again this week and came across article after article of events offered to the congregation and community around "wholeness." Whether it was health fairs, speakers about retirement, or fitness, St. Luke’s has always wanted people to be whole and live into their passions. This is exactly why we are hosting an exciting event featuring Marc Middleton, CEO and Founder of Growing Bolder, on Friday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Founder's Hall. Watch the video below from Pastor Jeremy and one of our hosts for the evening, St. Luker Andrea Batchelor, then make sure you RSVP for this free event (click here)!

Just last week I received a notice from the Florida Conference for those looking to retire in the next 10 years! And I will admit, I didn’t realize that at 51 I would start to receive mail from AARP. But that’s the season many of us in our congregation and certainly in our community find ourselves in...

Reminder: St. Luke’s will be having our Annual Charge Conference on Sunday, October 2 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in Founder's Hall, and the District Superintendent will be here to lead the meeting. During this time we will also be gifting the HUB property in East Winter Garden to Poverty Solutions Group. Everyone is welcome.

St. Luke's Staff Update

St. Luke's is thrilled to announce that Saniye Kazan is the new Director of Mission Engagement, following Amy Winslow’s retirement in mid-August. We are excited about what Saniye will bring to our Missions team – her deep involvements in children, youth, young adults, and worship ministries, coupled with her three-year experience as a Missions’ intern; the way she lives out her passion for social justice; her commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community with dignity. Please, lift her and the Missions team in your prayers as they embark on a new rhythm and chapter.

Do you love to sing?

Join the Choir for our upcoming Christmas Concert (performances on December 10-11)! Email Josh O'Dell for details and to get involved.

Volunteer with St. Luke's Tech Team!

No experience necessary, all are welcome. To get involved email tech@st.lukes.org, or visit the tech booth after worship on Sundays!

A Message from St. Luke's Community Counseling Center

The Top Benefits of Counseling:

- Opportunity for Self-Exploration and Self-Discovery

- Provides Support and Validation

- Assists in Change of Self-Defeating Habits

- Enhancement of Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance

- Guidance in Finding Purpose and Problem Solving

- Better Expression and Management of Emotions

Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our counselors (in-person and virtual sessions available).