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Need a little good news? The monthly "St. Luke's Celebrates" newsletter helps St. Lukers connect to one another as we navigate life together.
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Share Your News!
Click here to send in your milestones and photos and you may be featured in an upcoming issue of St. Luke's Celebrates!
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We wish a very Happy Birthday to all our St. Lukers!
Click the link below to view this month's birthday list.
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We appreciate the faithful commitment St. Lukers make to our church ministries. Click the button below to help us celebrate this month's church partnership anniversaries.
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The following people took their Partnership Vows
on Sunday, February 23:
Meredith Renard
Ann & John Walker
Marilyn McDonald & Joe Folger
Jeff Hamner
Sandy McCord
Jen & Tom Emerick
Joy Hotton
Rick & Karen Stowell
Marcelle Kille
Jamie White
Leann & Dan Perkins
Brett Goodsman
Please join us in welcoming these
St. Lukers to the family!
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On February 16, we celebrated the baptism of Tor Reoyo Staples during the 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship service. Tor was born on March 3, 2019. Pictured above is Pastor Jad baptizing Tor with his proud parents; Karilyn and Peter Staples and big brother Finn. It was a happy day for all!
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Ezekiel Arthur Santiago, son of Daniel and Bridget Santiago, was baptized on February 16 at the 11:00 a.m. contemporary worship service. Ezekiel was born on December 9, 2019. Pictured above is the happy family on Baptism Sunday.
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Baptized at the 11:00 a.m. contemporary worship service on February 16 was Noah James Scott, son of Daniel and Rosane Scott. Noah was born on April 6, 2019. Noah is pictured above with his proud parents on Baptism Sunday.
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On Sunday, February 16, we celebrated the baptism of Aspen Presley Crowder, the daughter of Sherman Crowder and Greta Gissy. Aspen was born on December 13, 2019. The family currently resides out of state but traveled to Orlando to baptize their third daughter at St. Luke’s. Both older daughters were also baptized at St. Luke’s, and Greta grew up attending St. Luke’s since she was a baby. It was a very special day for all, and the best part was they were able to share their joy with many relatives and friends who also attended the baptism. Pictured above are Aspen with her proud parents, sisters Meadow and Willow, and extended family members and friends.
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Ron Janssen and Jeannie Davis were married in the Chapel on February 20 with The Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams officiating.
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Jamie and Amie Stutz were married on February 22. Officiating were The Rev. Jad Denmark and The Rev. Chad Huebner of the First Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa. This was the first wedding performed in Founder's Hall. The photos were taken by Connie Marie Photography.
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Family and friends gathered on Saturday, March 7, to celebrate the amazing life of Rev. Ray Gass, who passed away on Sunday, February 16, at the age of 86. Ray was a minister in the United Methodist Church for 43 years, serving churches in Missouri, Colorado, Minnesota, and Florida. He retired from the Florida Conference in 1998 but played an active role in ministry in the communities where he lived after retirement. Ray’s memorial service included his favorite Christmas carols and special tributes from family members and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Debra Thompson; three sons, Steven, Scott, and Dane; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two nieces; and a great-niece.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made in Ray’s honor to St. Luke’s UMC for scholarships for children and teens to the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp. Please indicate funds for the "Ray Gass Camp Scholarship Fund".
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St. Luker Brian Dreibelbis
Mentors Families Living with Diabetes
St. Luker Brian Dreibelbis was recently featured on his local ABC news station, KSTP in Minneapolis. Brian has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 50 years and shares his time and experience to mentor those who are newly diagnosed. Click the button below to watch the segment and be on the lookout for Brian wearing his green "Live Like a St. Luker" wristband on his left wrist like he does every day. If you see Brian and his lovely wife Sherry worshipping with us on Facebook Live this month, be sure to say hi and thank them for the impactful work they do to help new families navigate life with Diabetes.
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ESOL Program Comes to
Restore Hope for Maxey Families
St. Lukers have had a presence at Maxey Elementary School every day since it opened in January! Seventeen St. Lukers made 62 visits to the school and helped fifteen different teachers. Each minute contributed makes a tremendous difference, but there are a few notables this month that need to be recognized.
Barb Reems and ten volunteers have started English as a second language classes for the parents of Maxey students. This grew from a discussion with Maxey staff members and listening sessions with parents. This Restoring Hope Vision initiative, helps parents make a positive impact on housing, employment, and their children's education. Bravo to all of you for helping others help themselves.
Doug Williams and Joan Weninger volunteered ten of the eighteen days since the school opened in January! Joan volunteered 43 hours, and Doug gave 31 hours of their time. Next time you see them, worshipping with us on Facebook Live, say hi and way to go!
Thank you to each Maxey volunteer for being "salt" and sharing the skills with which God has equipped you, so students have a better opportunity to learn and grow.
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Shelby Turner to Pursue Dance Master's Degree in Expressive Art Therapy
Congratulations to St. Luker and St. Luke's Childcare staff member, Shelby Turner for being accepted into Lesley University Masters of Expressive Art Therapy in Dance. Shelby will begin classes this summer.
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Family Promise Volunteer Honored
at 20-Year Celebration
By Jean Collins, Family Promise Co-Leader
St. Luker Rich Bergman signed up to volunteer with Family Promise when St. Luke’s began helping with this ministry in 2007. He has rarely missed a hosting in those 13 years. He takes charge of getting the trailer from the previous host church and then continues to oversee the unloading during set up and the subsequent uploading during the teardown process. Rich is a “no-nonsense/get'er done” guy with a quick and subtle wit. He relates well to all the volunteers, no matter if they are 9 or 69. After grabbing a quick cup of coffee, he dives right into the work, even at the early hours of tear down. When all the work is finished, he will thank everyone involved before delivering the trailer to the next church. Rich is “that guy” that everyone would want on their volunteer team.
Family Promise families will not be traveling to St. Luke's this month as originally planned. For more information on how you can help families through this ministry, please contact Amy Winslow.
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Congratulations to St. Luker Donna Walters who graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University!
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Reflections from the Gilmores in Northern Ireland
Alison Gilmore is one of St. Luke's supported missionaries of the General Board of Global Ministries at the East Belfast Mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the end of this month, the Gilmores’ time serving with Global Ministries comes to an end. We celebrate the Gilmores, as they say farewell to this mission that they have been doing since July 2011. Click the buton below to read more.
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Share Your News!
Click here to send in your milestones and photos and you may be featured in an upcoming issue of St. Luke's Celebrates!
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