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Celebrating the Miracle of Christmas… Again! It happened again. On Tuesday morning I met God. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised but I was. The Almighty just showed up interrupting my safe predictable life and, get this, had the audacity to do it through, of all people, a homeless man! Can you imagine such a thing? When a friend and I walked into the Chick-Fil-A near Tampa a young man politely opened the door for us. I stepped up to the counter, ordered my breakfast and then sidestepped to let him do the same. He quietly asked for a cup of cold water. I can’t tell you how but I knew I was supposed to buy this guy’s breakfast. I guess I just had this overwhelming sense that it would be the right thing to do. He declined saying it wouldn’t be appropriate. He did, however, ask if he could just sit with us and talk. We shuffled into a nearby booth, introduced ourselves and held out our hands. He said he couldn’t touch us because he was too dirty. When we asked him his name he said to call him “Fred”. Fred didn’t feel worthy enough to be called by his real name. He was a handsome young man, I’d say in his mid-twenties, with sparkling blue eyes and bright white teeth framed by long stringy hair and an unruly beard. He talked about the anxiety attacks he was having, even while we were sitting there, and kept apologizing for being dirty. The emotional battles he was fighting kept him from steady work and out on the streets. We sat and talked for nearly an hour. Not once did Fred ask for money. He repeatedly declined my offer for breakfast. I think he just wanted us to know a little bit about what it was like to be him, to be lost, to be alone, to be afraid. Advent and Christmas remind us how God looked down from heaven and made the conscious choice to be born into this world in the life, hope and faith of the poor, who no one noticed, who no one would ever believe. Yet God decided to do it that way! In Fred I sensed God challenging me to step out of my own comfort zone, my own need to manage and control how God works in my own life. God showed up and reminded me again that he is with us in the most unlikely of places and faces. God reminded me how important it is to be hospitable to everyone. Join us this Advent season as we consider together the Miracles of Christmas. You never know where God might show up! Blessings, |
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Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
Advent Events
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Support Groups
We Can Help
Small Groups
Sunday, December 10, 2006
2nd Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series: The Miracle of Christmas
Sermon: The Miracle of Hospitality (Luke 2:1-7)
8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship: Dr. William S. Barnes preaching
9:30 a.m & 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship: The Rev. Gary Shockley preaching
Monday, December 11th
The Relevant Life, A Young Adult Ministry, Meets 7:45 PM Mondays
Young adults are invited to meet Mondays at 7:45 p.m. for the Relevant worship service, in The Attic in Building C. Visit the Relevant Life website at www.therelevantlife.org.
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View our entire Advent Events on our website.
The Miracle of Christmas Concerts Dec. 9 & 10
There are still complimentary tickets available for all four performances of the combined choirs and orchestra presentation of “The Miracle of Christmas” on December 9 and 10 at 6:00 and 8:00 PM. Please e-mail Teia Hooper at thooper@st.lukes.org if you would like tickets for one of these concerts. Please specify date/time and numbers of tickets requested and a contact phone number for you. You will need to pick them up in the church office by Friday afternoon, December 8.
Bring your Angel Ornament for St. Luke’s Angel Tree
Is your family represented on our Angel Tree? If not, you are invited to help continue the tradition by bringing one non-breakable angel ornament per household to hang on the tree in the Rotunda of Building C. Please be sure that the ornament has your family’s name written on it. Each ornament will become a permanent part of our Advent decorations. Ornaments may be left at the information table on the patio after worship or in the church office during the week. For details contact Sonja Wolfe-Eddy (407-290-1581).
Poinsettia Orders Due
Orders for the poinsettias which will decorate the Sanctuary and Coleman Memorial Gymnasium in memory or honor of loved ones must be received by December 12. Order forms can be found in the brochure racks, at the information tables or in the church office. For more information call Carol Crowley (407-876-4991, ext. 262).
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Gym Closes Thursday, December 14 to January 2
The Coleman Memorial Gymnasium will close at noon on Thursday, December 14 and reopen January 2, 2007.
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Seeker Groups - Get Your Feet Wet
Soul House Study 11:00 AM Sundays
Calling All Couples (ages 20-45)... New couples are always welcome! Join Soul House for the church-wide Advent study The Miracle of Christmas Sundays at 11:00 am in the Attic, Bldg. C. Coffee, snacks & social time at 10:30 am. Call Amanda Knight at 407-748-7993 or Frank Lavra at 407-580-6863 for information.
Brown Bag Bible Bunch 11:30 AM, Monday
Brown Bag Bible Bunch meets Mondays at 11:30 a.m. in Room C-204, Bldg. C. They are studying For Such a Time as This. Please call Deborah Collins at 407-493-2757 for more details.
Explorer Groups - Wade in Deeper
Three Connections Studies Sundays
Join the Connections class for the church wide Advent study The Miracle of Christmas at 9:30, 11:00 a.m., or 6:45 p.m., Sundays in the Special Events Dining Rm., Bldg. C. Call Scott & Joan Ziegler at 407-876-2445, sjziegler@cfl.rr.com or Bob and Leah Bergstrom at 407-654-8647, bobleahbergstrom@yahoo.com.
Pilgrimage Project 6:30 PM Sundays
The Pilgrimage Project class will explore the Christian faith as a journey toward freedom, spiritual growth and Christian community, facilitated by David Lundquist. Class meets Sundays at 6:30 p.m., Rm. C-204. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Ambassador Women’s Bible Study
Join the Ambassador’s new study, All I Want for Christmas, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Rm. C-200, Building C. Call Carolyn Dannen, 407-876-8427.
Disciple Groups - Immerse Your Spirit
9:30 AM Women’s Wednesday Study
The Wed. Morning Bible study of First Corinthians continues until Nov. 29, in Room C-210, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Call Loraine Chance, 407-521-7243.
New Directions Class 9:30 Sundays
New Directions class meets at 9:30 a.m., Sundays, Rm. C-205. Join a study on John Wesley for the 21st Century. LaBron Chance, 407-521-7243.
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Return Wish Tree Gifts & Tags
Please bring all Wish Tree gifts with their tags to the reception desk in Building C. Gifts are given to underprivileged children by Orange County School Social Workers.
Family Assistance for the Holidays
Many families in our community need help over the holidays. If you can make a financial donation or donate gift cards to assist these families, contact Dede Duncan at 407-876-4991 ext. 296.
New St. Luke’s Homeless Ministry Needs Servant Ministers & Supplies
Help with the new homeless ministry starting at St. Luke’s! St. Luke’s will host four families on campus the week of Dec. 31. Lots of servant ministers and supplies are needed! Training will be held on Sun., Dec. 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Rm. C-208. Donate gently used or new linens and blankets (twin size), pillows, bedside lamps, and dishes. Bring items by Dec. 8 to Dede Duncan’s office across from the gym. Call Melinda Lis (406-513-4726) for details on this exciting new ministry.
450 Blankets for the Blanket Brigade
The Blanket Brigade needs your help to collect 450 blankets for distribution on Sat., Dec. 16 at the Coalition for the Homeless. Please drop off blanket donations in the bin located outside of Building C near the reception area. Visit the Senior High Sunday School information table on the patio to learn about their service projects St. Luke’s Prom Princesses & the Blanket Brigade.
Servant Ministers for the Legal Ministry
The Legal Ministry is looking for office help and attorneys. This growing ministry meets Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and offers legal services to people who could not otherwise afford it. Contact Doug Murray at dmurray@cfl.rr.com.
Church Safety Committee Forming
The Human Resource Director is organizing a St. Luke’s Safety Committee and is looking for servant ministers to work as a team to provide an effective, proactive safety program. The committee will review policies, develop a system of ongoing surveillance and inspection of the physical environment to assure it is safely maintained. Safety Committee meetings will be held on a quarterly basis. Members of the committee will be asked to perform monthly safety inspection in a designated area of the church and report their findings at the quarterly meetings. Good observation skills and a servant heart are all that are necessary. To become a Safety Committee Member contact Tweed Swenson at 407-876-4991, ext. 228 or email Tweed at: TSwenson@st.lukes.org.
We Need Smiles & Friendly Greetings!
Greet first time visitors in the parking lot. Outgoing, friendly St. Luke Saints wanted to give a warm welcome to first time visitors, answer questions and give directions. Come 30 minutes prior to the service you attend. Make a small commitment with a large return in Building the Kingdom. Contact Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes.org or 407-876-4991, ext. 223 for more details.
Servant Ministers Needed to Usher, Greet & Staff the Information Booth
Servant Ministers are needed for the Christmas concerts on Sat. and Sun., Dec. 9 and 10, and the Christmas PreEve and Eve services, morning and evening. Use your gifts of hospitality to welcome others! Call the church office at 407-876-4991, ext. 221 to be part of our welcoming team.
Shepherd’s Hope Servant Ministers
Shepherd’s Hope is looking for medical and non-medical servant ministers to volunteer at its Health Centers. Shepherd’s Hope provides medical care to people who can’t afford insurance. Orientation is on Tues., Dec. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Florida Hospital Seventh Day Adventist Church. For details contact Gayle Fitzpatrick at 407-876-6699, ext. 3 or email at volunteer@shepherdshope.org.
Coalition Christmas Dinner Dec. 16
Extra cooks and servers are needed for the Coalition for the Homeless annual Christmas Dinner Sat., Dec. 16. Cooks meet in Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m. and servers meet in Fellowship Hall at 4:00 p.m. Come spread some cheer to those who are less fortunate. Sign up on the Mission Kiosk on the patio, Mission table by the gym or by calling Dede Duncan at 407-876-4991, ext. 296.
Christmas PreEve & Eve Readers
Families and individual servant ministers are wanted to read the scripture and light the Advent candles on Christmas PreEve (Dec. 23) or Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) in worship. Call Beth Farabee-Puckett at 407-876-4991, ext. 229.
Extra Offering Counters Needed
You can help count the offering from PreEve, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Wed. Dec. 27. Contact Donna Brisbin at 407-876-4991, ext. 227 or email dbrisbin@st.lukes.org.
Upward Soccer Spring Season
The Soccer Ministry Team needs more members to coordinate spring Upward Soccer season. The planning team meets monthly for about 1 hour and as needed preseason. Early goals are coach and servant minister recruitment. Your help is needed to make the season happen! Call Patrick 407-876-4991, ext. 251 or email pmanney@st.lukes.org.
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Grief Support Group 6:15 PM Tuesdays
A Grief Support group meets Tuesdays, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in Room B-201, led by Carol Campbell Norris. Call the Community Counseling Center, 407-876-4991, ext. 250 for information.
Overeaters Anonymous Body Image Group
Overeaters Anonymous Body Image, a free support group focused on body image issues, meets every Tuesday, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Rm. B-205. Based on 12-Step program. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Next Divorce Recovery Workshop
For information about the next Divorce Recovery Workshop with Dr. David Stephens, facilitator, call the Singles Office (407-876-4991 ext. 236).
Suicide Bereavement Group Thursday
Suicide Bereavement Support meets the 1st and 3rd Thurs., 6:30-8:00 p.m., C-201/203. Facilitator: Anne Dumont. How to cope with feelings after losing a friend or family member through suicide. Separate meetings for adults and children. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250 for information.
Overeaters Anonymous Group Friday
Overeaters Anonymous, a free drop-in support group meets Fridays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., upstairs, Rm. B-201, Bldg. B. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
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Counseling Help is Available!
The Community Counseling Center provides counseling Monday - Friday. Don’t have counseling insurance? Ask for a sliding fee scale based on your finances. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Legal Assistance Available
St. Luke’s Legal Ministry offers legal assistance to anyone with low income Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in Rm. A-102, Bldg. A. You do not need to be a St. Luke’s member to receive help.
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Sign Up for Sports & Exercise
Anyone may join an exercise or sports group at any time. Free 50+ Fitness Class (age does not matter!) Mon./Wed./Fri., 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the gym, entry level cardio, strength & endurance.
RSVP for lunch ($6) after the 50+ class on the 1st Wed. of each month. Menu Dec. 6: Garden salad, baked tilapia in phyllo, roasted red potatoes, broccoli, pumpkin mousse.
Free Strength & Flexibility Class Tues./Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Please call Carol at 407-876-4991, ext. 262 to find out about the many sports and exercise programs available at St. Luke’s.
Before You Wed Class Thursday, December 7, 14
Before You Wed, Thurs., Dec. 7 and 14, 4:30-
5:30 p.m. at 1st UMC, downtown Orlando. This course meets the Florida requirement for a four-hour marriage preparation course, entitling Florida couples to a discount on their marriage license. Led by Dr. Joanne MacPherson and Peter MacPherson, licensed mental health counselors. $175. To register, call 407-876-4991 ext. 250.
Singles Thursday Night, December 7
St. Luke’s Singles will meet Thurs., Dec. 7 at
6:00 p.m. in Room C-200/202 for a potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share in Room 200/202, Bldg. C. The movie March of the Wooden Soldiers follows dinner at 7:00 p.m. Or try the Rap Session. Singles Office at 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Trailblazers Luncheon Sunday, December 10
Join the Trailblazers for lunch at 12:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 10 at Westerly’s at MetroWest on Hiawassee Road. Call Barbara Lucken (407-363-5635).
MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) 2nd Wednesday
Dec. 13 mothers of children ages birth - 4 are encouraged to join MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Wed. of each month. Visit MOPS International at www.mops.org. Contact Heather Engelhardt, 407-925-6763 or RHEngelhardt1@cfl.rr.com.
Sarah Circle Mtg. Thursday, December 14
Please join Sarah Circle women’s meeting Thurs., Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the Special Events Dining Room in Bldg. C. Visitors are welcome. Contact Margaret Hutson at 407-654-2397 for details.
Circle of Friends Meeting Thursday, December 14
Circle of Friends women’s group will meet Thurs., Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Susse Mabie’s home. Please call 407-654-8817 for information.
Seniors’ Meeting & Dinner, Friday, December 15
All seniors are invited to meet at 11:30 a.m. Fri., Dec. 15 in the Rotunda, Bldg. C for socializing, a short business meeting and lunch. Make reservations with Judy Baus at 407-970-5367 or Jo DeHart at 407-351-2634 by Mon., Dec 11.
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NexGen Ministries
For more NexGen information call 407-876-4991, ext. 258.
Call 407-876-4991, ext. 258 or visit NexGen Ministries at www.theatticonline.org for details. High School Telos Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Join an exciting Middle School program Wednesdays, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Son-Powered Christmas Celebration!
Join the Son-Powered Christmas Celebration, on Wed., Dec. 20 from 3:00-5:30 p.m.!
Telos Christmas Bonfire
Wednesday, December 20,
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Snow Skiing Retreat!
Join the NexGen group… it’s not too late to go on the high school student’s winter retreat to Canaan Valley Ski Resort West Virginia. Deadline Dec. 6. Check out all the details at www.theatticonline.org or call Kat Connolly at 407-876-4991, ext. 258.
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© 2006 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