St. Luke's United Methodist Church

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4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32819
407.876.4991
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A Note from Steve Schneeberger-February 20, 2020

Posted on February 20, 2020 at 5:19 pm in .

Dear St. Lukers,

Over 26 years ago my bride-to-be, Carol, and I went through the involved process of selecting items to go on our wedding gift registry. Many items were chosen. However, our formal china topped the list. It was a big deal. Carol meticulously led me through a process of choosing plates, goblets, and silverware. We chose together. I became vested in the final outcome. We had our china pattern!

Months later we were in the same store where we selected our china pattern. Carol wanted to check on it. I wasn’t sure why. Do china patterns leave or wander off? She lifted a plate and exclaimed, “It is still here.” I responded, “That’s not our china pattern.” After a short debate, she revealed that she had gone shopping with her mom some weeks after we shopped together and chose another pattern (for which we weren’t registered). Confusion ensued. Who will she choose? Her mom or me? I mean, what will she choose, the china pattern we were registered for or the “other” one? I really wish I could say I was neutral on this. I was not. I had become invested in my choice with her months earlier. Not going with our agreed upon choice would have done damage to a marriage not yet complete.

I have learned some things since then. My opinions can change. And, a last-minute adjustment to a plan is not detrimental. 

This past month we hosted five focus groups around launching a series of new adult spiritual formation opportunities on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. We heard diverse opinions and these new classes are just some of the ideas that came out of these groups:

• A Couples Study (for people in their 20s and 30s): We are looking for two couples in their 50s or 60s to lead this group initially using curriculum around relationship building as young couples begin to establish themselves.
• Exploring the Sermon: This group will be open to all ages and will take a deeper dive into the sermon topic.
• “After Partnership” Classes: We are looking for eight people to lead a 5-week series at either 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. on Sundays to help onboard new members in a spiritual formation class for the purpose of establishing relationships with others.
• Sanctuary Choir Class: Starting in March, the full choir will be singing at 11:00 a.m. two Sundays per month. This class will meet on the days the choir isn’t scheduled to sing at 11:00 a.m.

If any of these classes sound interesting to you as a participant or a facilitator, please click here to let me know you’re interested. By the way, Carol and I went with our original choice for the china pattern 26 years ago. Carol complains every time we use them. And, frankly, I wish we would have gone with something else, too. Sometimes the next idea is the better idea. Please send me yours!

In addition to the planned classes above, we’re excited to offer new adult spiritual formation studies for Lent. Katie and Chris Brown will be leading “One Faithful Promise” at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays starting March 1 in Building B Room 203, and Pastor Bill Barnes will be leading a study on the Passion Play on Wednesdays beginning March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes Learning Center Distance Learning Classroom.

This Sunday, February 23, visit the Grow Ministries team in the circle drive between worship services to learn more about these classes and additional programs at Dive In! We will be in our Hawaiian shirts inviting you to participate in:

– Vacation Bible School

– Summer Camps

– Youth Mission Trips and Programming

– Flag Football

– Adult Spiritual Formation Groups

– And More!

We hope you’ll stop by and “Dive In” to all the new ways to grow as a disciple this spring!

See You Sunday,

Steve Schneeberger, Executive Director of Grow Ministries

P.S. Sunday evening (February 23), we hope you’ll help us celebrate the leadership of long-time St. Luke’s staff member, Lynette Fields, as she transitions to her new role as Executive Director of St. Luke’s partner non-profit Poverty Solutions Group. The celebration starts at 6:00 p.m. in Founder’s Hall. Click here for more details.

Click here to read the full Weekly Update


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