Dear St. Lukers,

I must confess when I was asked to write the Weekly Update about why I support St. Luke’s financially as well as with my time, talents, and witness, it was on the end of my tongue to say really, can’t someone else do it? Then a soft tug in my heart reminded me, why not you? And, yes!

I believe giving is all about living out of the overflow. God pours love into our hearts and lives so that we might be channels of blessing to others.

When I was young growing up in Northwest Florida, I spent a lot of time outdoors, and even as a teenager I fell in love with running. In those early days of my life after a day in the hot Florida sun, there was nothing like a great big glass of cold ice tea to refresh and renew me physically, and as a Christian worshiping from week to week I discovered as well, the spiritual renewal that comes from our walk with Christ.

My parents, and my mother in particular, gave me a legacy of generosity. It was not just their support of local ministries and their faith family, but also a belief that we are our neighbor’s keeper, and the way we treat others, especially those less fortunate, is a reflection of the compassion of Christ. My mother would always quote Matthew 10:8 “Freely you have received, freely give”…and she would tell us we could stop being generous with others when God stopped giving to us, but never before then! My mother was a bright and shining example of the kind of gracious spirit and generosity that I have always sought in my faith walk.

Over the years as I have become more and more involved in the different ministries at St. Luke’s and have seen my financial support make a tremendous difference in the lives of others, I only want to do more! And, yes! In particular last year I went on a mission trip to Northwest Florida to help in the hurricane Michael recovery effort.  A team from St. Luke’s was organized and we went to the tent city where hundreds of people were displaced from their homes and struggling to rebuild their lives and community. Most all of them had lost their homes and possessions. It was clear from the exposure to that devastation that we can never do enough or give enough to out give God.

I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful church, over time I have come to have some of my greatest friendships develop at St. Luke’s. I love participating and being engaged with so many wonderful and unique people. I feel love here and the opportunities to give and serve are endless! My husband Bill and I usher together, and we love it; what a great way to meet so many people! I also serve on St. Luke’s Stewardship Committee, the Finance Committee, and I assist in the Finance department each week. Volunteering for the special events and musicals is such fun, because you always meet new people! You know how when you go home you have that wonderful contented feeling…that’s how St. Luke’s feels to me each time I am there!

Finally for my husband and I, giving is a spiritual discipline and we believe it helps us to see the world as God sees it. It is easy to become very cynical and discouraged with the state of our modern age, but when God enters into our world a new perspective is born within our hearts. John 3:16 captures this truth perfectly; “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.”

God holds nothing back in order to bless us with life abundant and eternal and when we respond to the needs of our world in a like manner miraculous things can happen! That’s our prayer and that’s why we give generously through St. Luke’s!

There is always a place for you at St. Luke’s, things are happening all the time! Giving of not only your money, but your time, talents, and witness is so rewarding and challenging, but truly lots of fun!! When I am on campus, I always know God is truly in this place and walking with all who enter here!

And..Yes,

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday,

Mona Shestak

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