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Dear St. Luke’s Family: As I write to you this week I am in the car headed toward my husband’s hometown, Tifton, GA. Thank goodness for laptop computers and a hubby who doesn’t mind driving! Although family reunions this time of year are usually joy-filled, our gathering will most certainly include both smiles and tears. One of Tom’s favorite aunts passed away on Saturday after a long struggle with poor health and her memorial service is this afternoon. Since I just recently joined the family I didn’t know Aunt Jennie well, but from the short interactions we did have and the stories I’ve heard she was a lady who loved life and made the most of it. The topic of our Advent study this week is the “Miracle of Giving” and one of the gifts author, James Moore, says that we can give God during this season is our gratitude. As I ponder what the gift of gratitude might look like, I’m brought back to how people described Jennie, a lover of life who lived it to the fullest. A person who thought of others before herself, cooking meals for those recently home from the hospital or supporting anonymously families in need. What greater gift could we give the giver of life than living each day displaying this type of attitude and these types of actions? There is truly no better way to express our thankfulness to God than to live the life he has given us well. I hope as we continue to journey together this Advent season we will be people who experience the miracle of giving by sharing our love with all those who need it: a family member, a friend, a stranger. In doing this we say, “thanks,” to God for his greatest gift to us: Jesus, who comes wrapped not in ribbons and bows but in swaddling clothes as a baby in a manger. Today as I celebrate the life well-lived of a beloved family member, I remember and give thanks for each of you, my St. Luke’s family! Blessings, |
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Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
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Advent Events
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Support Groups
We Can Help
Small Groups
Sunday, December 17, 2006
3rd Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series: The Miracle of Christmas
Sermon: The Miracle of Giving (Matthew 2:1-12)
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. Beth Farabee-Puckett preaching
Monday, December 18th
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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Click here to send a free Christmas E-card to your friends and loved ones.
View our entire Advent Events on our website.
Son Powered Christmas Celebration
December 13, Wednesday 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Son-Powered Christmas Celebration for all Middle School students. For information log onto www.theatticonline.org.
Telos Christmas Bonfire
December 13, Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Telos Christmas Bonfire for all High School students. For information log onto www.theatticonline.org.
Christmas Café
December 16, Saturday
7:00 p.m.
This concert in a café-style setting is fun for the whole family. Christmas favorites will be performed by members of the Contemporary Worship Praise Team. Coffee and desserts will be served. Admission is $3 per person and space is limited to 300. Tickets can be obtained after worship or by calling 407-876-4991, ext. 221. Childcare for this event is available for children 6 weeks of age through pre-school, with reservations one week in advance through www.st.lukes.org.
Coalition for the Homeless Christmas Dinner
December 16, Saturday St. Luke’s needs 75 volunteers to work and donate food to make this night extra special. Please contact Beth Ely (407-281-0986)
Holiday Gathering
Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Join the Dining Experience and UMW on from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. for a holiday gathering at the home of Sarah Layton. RSVP by December 12th to Nyda Bittmann-Neville, chair at NydaTNB@bellsouth.net or 407-578-7288. Please plan to bring a dessert or appetizer to share.
Church-Wide Nativity Movie at Muvico (Pointe Orlando)
Sunday, December 17 at 2:35 p.m. Church-Wide Nativity Movie at Muvico (Pointe Orlando) See the film The Nativity Story with your St. Luke’s family on Sun., Dec. 17 at 2:35 p.m. at Pointe Orlando’s Muvico Theater! Purchase tickets ($5 per person) after worship or in the church office this week. A limited number of tickets are available, first come, first served.
Salvation Army Christmas Party
Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m.
Help share the spirit of Christmas with those living in the Salvation Army shelter on Colonial Drive. For more information contact Dede Duncan (407-876-4991, ext. 296 or dduncan@st.lukes.org.
Adult Handbells in Concert at the Walt Disney World
December 18, Monday at 7:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Adult Handbells in Concert at the Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Hotel. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 244 for details.
West Orange Daily Bread
December 19-21, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Prepare and serve lunch at West Orange Daily Bread. Please contact Joanie Mills (407-292-7460).
Adult Handbells in Concert at the Walt Disney World
Dec. 21, Thursday at
7:00 & 7:40 p.m.
Adult Handbells in Concert at the Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 244 for details.
Christmas PreEve St. Luke’s Family Candlelight Worship
Dec. 23, Saturday This evening celebration of the birth of Christ held in the Sanctuary offers our church family a chance to experience a candlelight service while opening up more seats for our guests from the community on Christmas Eve. Dr. William S. Barnes will be preaching the same sermon that he will preach on Christmas Eve.
6:00 p.m. With Music by the Contemporary Worship Praise Team
7:15 p.m. With Music by St. Luke’s Sanctuary Choir
Childcare is available at both Christmas PreEve services for children 6 weeks of age through pre-school. Children must be picked up immediately after the service. No reservations needed for these Worship services.
Fourth Sunday of Advent Christmas Eve
December 24th
The Miracle of Christmas
8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
The Rev. Gary Shockley preaching in the Sanctuary
Children’s Participation Nativity Pageant
On December 24th at 4:00 p.m. all children are invited to dress up as their favorite character from the Nativity story and bring their parents for an audience participation nativity pageant like no other. Each child is asked to participate in the pageant at the appropriate time for the character they are portraying. In past years children have come dressed in a variety of ways from angels and shepherds to stable dogs to Mary and Joseph. Music will be provided by the WeeSingers and K-Chorale.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
These Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Services will celebrate Christ’s birth with music from the choirs/groups listed below and a sermon entitled “The Miracle of Amazement” from Dr. William S. Barnes.
5:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Children’s Choirs
6:15 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Youth Praise Choir
7:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Contemporary Worship Praise Team
8:45 & 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Sanctuary Choir
11:15 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Mixed Ensemble
Childcare is available at the 5:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve services for children 6 weeks of age through pre-school. Children must be picked up immediately after the service. No reservations needed for these Worship services.
A Service of Holy Communion
Christmas Day at
12:15 a.m.
The Rev. Beth Farabee-Puckett will lead this quiet Christmas morning service of Holy Communion.
Church Campus Closed
Dec. 25 & 26, Monday & Tuesday Merry Christmas!
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Open a Time Capsule Buried for 25 Years
On Sat., Dec. 16 at 10:00 a.m. join your St. Luke’s family as we dig up a time capsule buried 25 years ago at the first worship service in the original Sanctuary, which is now the Fellowship Hall. Founding Pastor Jim Harnish and his wife Marsha will join our pastors and church family for the celebration. All are welcome!
Church-Wide Nativity Movie December 17
See the film The Nativity Story with your St. Luke’s family on Sun., Dec. 16 at 2:35 p.m. at Pointe Orlando’s Muvico Theater! Purchase tickets ($5 per person) after worship or in the church office this week. A limited number of tickets are available, first come, first served.
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. No class Dec. 24 or 31. On Sun., Jan. 7 a new study Everybody’s Normal Until You Get to Know Them will begin. 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.
Community with Children & The Poor
A new Bible study on children and poverty will begin meeting Sundays at 11:00 a.m., Jan. 7 - Feb. 11 and Wednesdays at 6:30, Jan. 24 - March 7. For details or to sign up contact Gin Jans at gjans@st.lukes.org or call 407-876-4991, ext. 259.
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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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.
Singles Service Project Sat., Dec. 16
All singles are invited to meet in Fellowship Hall at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 16 to help prepare S.H.A.R.E. food packages for distribution.
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.
450 Blankets for the Blanket Brigade
The Blanket Brigade, a Senior High School service project needs your help to collect 450 blankets for distribution on Sat., Dec. 16 at the Coalition for the Homeless. Put blanket donations in the bin outside of Building C near reception.
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.
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. Contact Gayle Fitzpatrick at 407-876-6699, ext. 3 or email at volunteer@shepherdshope.org.
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.
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.
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 today 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 to Dede Duncan’s office across from the gym. Call Melinda Lis (407-513-4726) for details on this exciting new ministry.
Deliver Holiday Flowers to Shut-Ins
Deliver flowers to shut-ins after Christmas; call Carol Crowley at 407-876-4991, ext. 262.
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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.
12 Week NBD Support Classes
Free support classes for family members, partners and friends of individuals with Neurological Brain Disorders (NBDs). A series of 12 weekly, confidential classes structured for caregivers only, to help them to cope and support family/friends with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. These classes will be taught by state certified facilitators who are dealing with family members who have NBDs. Classes meet on Tues., Jan. 9, 2007 through Tues., March 27; 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in Room B-201, Building B at St. Luke’s. Call 407-294-2267 for information and to sign up. Classes are limited to 25 persons.
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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
The Coleman Memorial Gymnasium will close at noon on Thurs., Dec. 14 and reopen Jan. 2, 2007. Call Carol Crowley at 407-876-4991, ext. 262 for details about St. Luke’s sports and exercise programs.
Wednesday Night Dinner Dec. 13
Sign up for St. Luke’s Wednesday night dinner! Dec. 13, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Home-Style Entrée: $6.00, soup du jour, spaghetti w/meat sauce, Caesar salad. Heart Healthy Salad: $5.00, grilled chicken Caesar. Youth/Child: $4.00. Includes beverage, rolls & assorted desserts. Make a reservation choosing the home-style entrée or heart healthy salad option, and the number of adults, youth or children dining, call 407-876-4991, ext. 305, sign up at the Garden of Eatin’ quick link at www.st.lukes.org or email goodeating@st.lukes.org.
Singles Thursday Night, Dec. 14
St. Luke’s Singles will meet Thurs., Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m., Rm. C-200/202, Bldg. C. Enjoy an evening of Domino’s with Dominoes (Pizza & Game Night). Singles Office, 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Sarah Circle Mtg. Thurs., Dec. 14
Sarah Circle women meet Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the Special Events Dining Rm., Bldg. C. All are welcome. Call Margaret Hutson, 407-654-2397.
Before You Wed Class Thurs., Dec. 14
Before You Wed, Dec. 14, 4:00-5:30 PM, at First United Methodist Church downtown. Course meets the Florida State requirement for the 4-hour marriage preparation course, qualifying couples Florida for a marriage license discount. Led by Dr. Joanne MacPherson and Peter MacPherson, licensed mental health counselors. $175. To register call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Circle of Friends Mtg. Thurs., Dec. 14
All women are invited to join the Circle of Friends women’s group meeting on Thurs., Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Susse Mabie’s home. Please call 407-654-8817 for more information.
Seniors’ Meeting & Dinner, Fri., Dec. 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.
Pick Up SHARE Packages Sat., Dec. 16
Pick up December SHARE packages Sat., Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Order January packages at the SHARE table Sun., Dec. 17. Anyone may order these money saving grocery packages. Call David Risher, 407-299-0010.
Singles Drop-in Lunch Sun., Dec. 17
The 40+ Singles will meet for lunch Sun., Dec. 17 at 12:30 p.m. at the Dragon Court Chinese-American Buffet, Apopka-Vineland Rd. No RSVP.
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NexGen Ministries
For more NexGen information call 407-876-4991, ext. 258.
Join the excitement at the Middle School program Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Come to the Son-Powered Christmas Celebration! Wed., Dec. 13, 3:00-5:30 p.m.!
High School Telos Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
High Schoolers! Come to the Telos Christmas Bonfire Wed., Dec. 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 258 or visit NexGen Ministries at www.theatticonline.org for details.
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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