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Hello Dear Friends, One of the sheer joys of Christmas from the Pastor’s perspective is the privilege of knowing many of stories behind the precious gifts we bestow on one another. As they say, “it is the thought that counts,” and sometimes the thought hidden inside the gift is the best gift of all. I know a child who gave his own bicycle to me so I could pass it own to a less fortunate child. This child’s mother told him I was looking for a bike, and on the morning his mother brought it to me, to her surprise he had loaded his newest bike in the car. She said to him: “you don’t have to give your new bike – give your old one!” And he replied, “but Mom, I like my old one just fine, and for Christmas, he should have a new one.” The little boy riding that bike on Christmas day was not the only one to discover the joy of Christmas. The thought hidden within the gift was the greatest gift of all. And the miracle of Christmas is that long after that new bicycle grows old and rusty, and the two boys grow up to be men, the thought behind the gift will be as new, and mysterious, and wonderfully beautiful as it was the very moment it was conceived. And who put that thought in that lad’s mind and heart anyway? I wonder. Please come join me this Sunday in worship as we explore the message of Epiphany, the day the wise men gave their gifts to the Holy Christ child. I hope to see you. PS – Happy New Year. David |
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Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Support Groups
We Can Help
Small Groups
Sunday December 31st - Epiphany
Sermon: The Wise Way to Walk – Matthew 2:1-2, 10-12
8:00 (Traditional), 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. (Blended Worship) and 5:30 p.m. (Contemporary) Worship in the Sanctuary
Dr. David Stephens preaching
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Just a Reminder
2006 End of Year Donations
Reminder: all contributions for the 2006 tax reporting year must be received or postmarked by Sat., Dec. 30, 2006. Don’t forget that in 2007 offering envelopes will have a new number, please throw old envelopes away. Call Donna Brisbin, 407-876-4991, ext. 227 for more information.
Holiday Safety at St. Luke’s
Always keep vehicles locked, car alarms on and valuables (cell phones, wallets, purses, gifts) out of sight to avoid car theft and break-ins. For safety concerns while you are on St. Luke’s campus please call 407-468-9310.
Gym Closed until Tues., Jan. 2
All activities in the gym are cancelled or rescheduled elsewhere. The Coleman Memorial Gymnasium will reopen on Tues., Jan. 2, 2007.
Rummage Sale is Coming
St. Luke’s Annual Rummage Sale to support Missions is Sat., Jan. 27. Save household items, furniture, clothes, toys and other goodies for the sale. Drop off items in Fellowship Hall starting Thurs., Jan. 25. Call Dede Duncan, 407-876-4991, ext. 296. If you are available to help sort on Thurs., Jan. 25 or Fri., Jan. 26 or if you can work the sale, please contact Dede Duncan x296.
CDC Registration in February 2007
Registration for the Child Development Center for church members’ families will take place on Feb. 1, 2007. To register your child for the Fall program, membership classes must be completed. A membership verification form must accompany your child’s application. The form is available at the church office. If you have any questions about membership, please call 407-876-4991, ext. 233.
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No childcare available on Sunday morning Dec. 31.
Seeker Groups Get Your Feet Wet
Soul House Study 11:00 AM
No meeting Sunday, Dec. 24 or 31.
Brown Bag Bible Bunch 11:30 AM, Mon.
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
No meeting Sunday, 31.
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., Room C-204. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Ambassador Women’s Bible Study
Start a new study with the Ambassadors, When God Speaks beginning on Jan. 3, Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Room C-200, Building C. Call Carolyn Dannen, 407-876-8427 for information. No meeting Sunday 31.
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 please 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
No meeting Wednesday, January 3.
New Directions Class 9:30 Sundays
No meeting December 31.
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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. The Legal Ministry meets in Room A-102, Building A. For more information contact Doug Murray at dmurray@cfl.rr.com or Dede Duncan at 407 876-4991, ext. 296.
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.
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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 more information.
Overeaters Anon. 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 Thurs.
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 Fri.
Overeaters Anonymous, a free drop-in support group meets Fridays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., upstairs, Room B-201, Building B. Call the Counseling Center at 407-876-4991, ext. 250 for information.
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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St. Luke’s Bowling League Forming
St. Luke’s bowling league is now forming for fun, fellowship and bowling. Cost and location to be determined by those interested. Sign up by contacting Alain Boniec at 407-351-7671 or email to abboniec@aol.com.
Craft Groups Resume in January
The craft groups will resume again in January 2007. Please call Pam Thomas, 321-297-7319 for more information.
Sign Up for Sports & Exercise
The Coleman Memorial Gymnasium is closed until Jan. 2, 2007. Anyone may join an exercise or sports group at any time. Call Carol Crowley at 407-876-4991, ext. 262 for details about St. Luke’s sports and exercise programs.
Seniors’ Lunch, Sun., Jan. 7
St. Luke’s Seniors will meet at 12:30 p.m. for lunch after church at the Village Inn, 6275 Westwood Blvd. Call Dorothy Jefts 407-351-2577 for reservations no later than Fri., Jan 5.
MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) Jan 10
Jan. 10 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.
Seniors’ Meeting & Lunch, Fri., Jan. 19
Meet at 11:30 a.m. Fri., Jan 19 in the Rotunda, Building C for socializing, a short business meeting and lunch. Call Jo DeHart 407-351-2634 for reservations no later than Mon., Jan 15. The speaker will be Mr. Jim Hensen from the Dr. Phillips Foundation.
Set Sail with the Seniors January 21!
Call Pat Rosenberg at 407-239-2825 about joining the Seniors on Jan. 21, 2007 for a 7-day cruise aboard the Mariner of the Seas to Coco Cay, St. Marten and St. Thomas.
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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.
High School Telos Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. High Schoolers! For more information visit NexGen Ministries at www.theatticonline.org or call 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