WE HAVE LOST TRACK OF THE FOLLOWING ST. LUKE'S MEMBERS

Did you know that once you become a member of St. Luke's, The United Methodist Church requires that we maintain your name on our roll as a member until a new church requests a transfer of your membership or you request that your membership be withdrawn? Until one of those options is chosen, we must continue to be in contact with you through the regular mailings of the church. If after 2 years we have not heard from you we may assume that you wish to have your name(s) removed.

As you can imagine with a church membership roll with upwards of 5000 people, it's difficult to keep these records up to date. And we rely on you to keep us informed of any changes in your personal information. (Including changes not only in your contact information but any changes in your family dynamics too.) Regrettably, our church office does not always receive information regarding relocations or transfers to other churches.

Since we are emphasizing the importance of "Family Matters" this month, we want to recognize that we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of "lost members" and that these church families/individuals are important to us. If you can provide a current address and/or phone number for any of these folks, please call Linda Shankle, Membership Secretary, in the church office at 407-876-4991 ext. 222.

Thank you for keeping us informed of your contact information.

Download the Fall 2010 Construction Manual

Upcoming Worship

Sunday, August 22
Sermon Series: "Family Matters"
Sermon: "Families Serve to Make Things Matters"
Scripture: Exodus 35:10-36:9
Traditional Worship: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship: Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Gymnasium at 9:30 & in the Attic at 5:30

POWERHOUSE Intergenerational Worship for Children and Families: PowerHouse will return September 12th.

View the Upcoming Worship Schedule or Listen to past sermons on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Worship

Upcoming Events

You can see more Upcoming News & Events on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Events

Kingdom Building Now Serving: Volunteer Opportunities

You can see more Volunteer Opportunites on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/NowServing

Disciple Building Growth Groups, Classes & Sign-Ups

You can see more Growth Groups, Classes & Sign-ups on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/SmallGroups

Praying the game, not playing the game

Please pray for our St. Luke's Sports Soccer program through the season.

August 18 - Day 19 late registrations to arrive before the deadline
August 19 - Day 20 Coaches and co-coaches to volunteer
August 20 - Day 21 Practice times to work out
August 21 - Day 22 Coaches as they contact their players
August 22 - Day 23 Good, even teams to be drafted Coaches and parents to begin good relationships
August 23 - Day 24 Team parents to volunteer
August 24 - Day 25 Ministry team to continue to organize the league
August 25 - Day 26 Uniforms to arrive on time

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Read: So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the LORD. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the LORD their offerings of gold-brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the LORD. All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the LORD. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project.

All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest's chestpiece. They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. Exodus 35:20-28

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Think About: One of the most gloomy words in the English language is "obligation." It even sounds heavy when you say it. It ushers up reminders of things we "have to" do for a variety of reasons none of which connect with joy or excitement. Let's just be honest, obligations are bummers and although we all have them in life, God doesn't want giving to be one of them!

You probably noticed the words "willing" or "willingly" highlighted throughout the Exodus passage which described how the Israelites gave in response to God's command. Now go back and read the passage again replacing the word "willing" with "obligated." It changes the whole tenor of the story doesn't? The mood changes from a light-hearted, purpose filled time of sharing gifts and talents to a dark, fear filled time of resentment. The Israelites were working together to build the Tabernacle, the holy dwelling place of God, and today we continue that work, building God's Kingdom on earth of mercy, justice and love.

When we as St. Lukers embrace a spirit of willingness when it comes to giving our time, talent and treasure, this family of faith becomes more of what God has called it to be everyday. A place where despite any uncertainty in life we can claim a spirit of generosity, joy and hope because of the abundance of God's love in us and for us.

Pray this Prayer: God, mold my spirit into more of a reflection of you. Forgive me when I hold back the gifts you have called me to share and give me the wisdom and courage to use your resources well. Amen.

Written by the St. Luke's Writing Team

You are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the spiritual practices at the Devotional Blog. We are on this journey together and your words may help another along the way.

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© 2010 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere
4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando FL, 32819
407-876-4991 • Fax: 407-876-6495 • www.St.Lukes.org