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Dear St. Luke’s Saints, So have you been enjoying the “Primetime Preaches” worship series? I sure have! (And not just because it gives me an excuse to watch more TV under the guise of sermon research.) This past week we used “American Idol” as our jumping off point to consider what it is that we idolize in America. It started me thinking about all the AI second place finishers, and even some of the first place winners, like Fantasia, and wondering what happened to them after their several months of fame were over. The thing about idols is that their luster wears off after a while, and what was so exhilarating and attractive about them passes away. Here in America we idolize a lot of things: people, wealth, cars, boats, houses, clothes, and so much more. While we would argue that we don’t literally “bow down” to these false gods, if we check where our time, money, attention, and even worry are spent, we would be hard pressed to deny that these things are god-like in the way they captivate us. Back in the first century, Jesus had some pretty solid advice for his listeners about Israeli idols. It’s still good advice today for American idols. As Lent begins this week, we turn our attention away from idols to heroes. These are some of the people whose unexpected response to God’s call have immortalized them for way more than 15 minutes of fame. They are not American idols, but faithful, if unlikely heroes. This Sunday we begin with Rahab, who (and there’s no nice way to say this) was a prostitute in Jericho. You may have to do a little explaining to the kids if they join you in worship. She ended up being the ancestress of a king. I hope you will be with us to hear her story. With faith, hope, love (and thankfully, no Simon Cowell) Bill |
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Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
Lenten Devotions
Did You Know?
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Small Groups
Support Groups
We Can Help
NexGen
Positions Available
Today, Wednesday, Feburary 21
Ash Wednesday Service
7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams will lead the service.
Sunday, February 25
Sermon Series: "Unlikely Heroes "
Sermon: "Red-Light Rahab " – Joshua 2:1-21
Traditional: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Dr. William S. Barnes preaching in the Sanctuary
Contemporary: 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams preaching in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium
Monday, February 26 Relevant - A Young Adult Worship Service
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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Anyone may join St. Luke’s groups and church activities. Membership is not required. Please invite people to come and get in touch with the contact person for more information.
St. Luke’s Resource Directory
RESOURCE DIRECTORY IN FINAL STAGE
If you would like to advertise your business in the St. Luke’s Resource Directory please contact Kelly Smith at 407-876-4991 x.223 or ksmith@st.lukes.org. We will finalize all advertisements by March 5, 2007
Daily Lenten Devotionals by Email!
Sign up on the patio or by the gym in Bldg. C following worship or by contacting Dede at dduncan@st.lukes.org if you would like to receive daily St. Luke’s Lenten devotionals by email. Weekly compilations of the Daily Lenten Devotions are included in the Weekly Update beginning with this week's edition. Click here to read them.
St. Luke’s Scholarships Due By March 1
St. Luke’s UMC offers yearly scholarships to those needing financial assistance for education. Please pick up an application at the church office, visit www.st.lukes.org/events/news.asp, or call Kathy Barrett at 407-352-8553 (Thurs., March 1 is the deadline to submit an application).
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Ash Wednesday Service Wed., Feb. 21
Please join us for an Ash Wednesday service Wed., February 21 at 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Before You Wed Course March 6, 13
Register now for the Before You Wed marriage preparation course Thurs., March 6 and 13 in the Special Events Dining Rm., Bldg. C. This course meets the Florida requirement for a four-hour marriage preparation course, and qualifies Florida couples for a marriage license discount. Led by Dr. Joanne MacPherson and Peter MacPherson, licensed mental health counselors. Cost: $175. To register or for details call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
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Seeker Groups Get Your Feet Wet
Soul House Study 11:00 AM Sundays
Calling all couples 20’s to 40’s, Soul House is looking for you! Meet at 11:00 a.m. Sundays in the Attic in Building C. Coffee, snacks & social time at 10:30 a.m. Join the God is Closer Than You Think study. Call Amanda Knight, 407-748-7993 or Frank Lavra, 407-580-6863 for details.
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 to study For Such a Time as This. Deborah Collins, 407-493-2757.
Young Moms Bible Study Thursday
Join the Young Moms Bible Study for Max Lucado’s In the Grip of Grace, going on now at 9:30 a.m., Thursday in Room B-205, Building B. Call Amanda Knight (407-748-7993) for details.
Companions in Christ 6:45 PM
Join this 9-week interactive small group for a study beginning tonight at 6:45 p.m. with David and Marca Stephens, facilitators. In the Office Conference Rm., Bldg. C. 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Explorer Groups Wade in Deeper
Three Connections Studies Sundays
Join the Connections class at 9:30, 11:00 a.m., or 6:45 p.m., Sundays in the Special Events Dining Room in Building C. A new Lenten study On the Road Again – A Faith Journey by James W. Moore begins Sun., Feb. 25. Call Scott & Joan Ziegler at 407-876-2445, sjziegler@cfl.rr.com or Bob and Leah Bergstrom at 407-654-8647, bobleahbergstrom@yahoo.com for details.
Tuesday 10:00 AM Really Bad Girls!
Join the study, Really Bad Girls of the Bible, on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Room B-206 (7 weeks). Call Carolyn Hildreth (352-242-9939).
Ambassador Women’s Bible Study
Join a new study Twelve Extraordinary Women with the Ambassadors on Wednesdays beginning Feb. 21 at 10:00 a.m. in Room C-200, Bldg. C. Call Carolyn Dannen, 407-876-8427 for details.
New Men’s Study Group Wed., Feb. 21
Walking with Christ, a new small group Bible study for men 35 to 50 meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Special Events Dining Room off the Rotunda in Building C beginning Wed., Feb. 21. No experience needed, just a willing spirit and a desire to join other men in studying God’s word. Call Jeanne Gall, 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Disciple Groups Immerse Your Spirit
9:30 AM Women’s Wednesday Study
Join the Wednesday Morning Bible Study in Rm. C-210, Bldg. C, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Join a new Lenten study On the Road Again – A Faith Journey by James W. Moore beginning Wed., Feb. 21. Call Joyce Clegg, 407-656-0964 for more details.
New Directions Class 9:30 Sundays
Join the New Directions class for a study Invitation to Genesis Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room C-205/207, Building C. Call Bobby Cox, facilitator at 407-295-0719 for more information.
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West Orange Daily Bread Tues-Thurs.
West Orange Daily Bread serves the noon meals at the Christian Service Center Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Volunteers need to be at the center by 10:00 a.m. For details or to sign up call Dede Duncan 407-876-4991, ext. 296.
Singles Service Project Sat., Feb. 24
Join other singles Sat., Feb. 24 in Fellowship Hall at 8:30 a.m. to help prepare the S.H.A.R.E. food packages for distribution.
Health & Safety Fair Sat., March 31
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Servant Ministers are needed to act as hosts, guides, to set up and clean up for this collaborative ministry event held at Ebenezer UMC in Holden Heights. The fair will present health and safety information and services offered through Orange County and other non-profit agencies for the benefit of those in the neighboring community. For details or to sign up to help call Carol at 407-876-4991, ext. 262
Counseling Center Assistance Needed
Work for the Counseling Center 2 to 3 hours a week; assist with computer forms, flyers, etc. for Dr. Joanne MacPherson. Set your own hours. For details or to volunteer call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Part-Time Library Servant Minister Wanted
Friendly help wanted in the library, 3-4 hrs week, flexible hours. Computer skills and library knowledge useful. Call Joline Krolicki, 407-876-4991, ext. 264.
Share the Care Needs Recliners
The Share the Care facility here at St. Luke’s in Building A is looking for new or slightly used recliners for their clients. Contact Share the Care at 407-876-9194 for additional information.
St. Luke’s Prayer Ministry Needs YOU!!
The Prayer Ministry group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel, Building C to pray for the world, our community and our church family. To participate in the Prayer Ministry or for details call Carol Crowley, 407-876-491, ext. 262.
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Sign Up for Sports & Exercise
Free 50+ Fitness Class (your age doesn’t matter) Mon./Wed./Fri., 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the gym, entry level cardio, strength & endurance. Strength & Flexibility 50+ Class Tues./Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Anyone may join the sports and exercise programs at St. Luke’s. Call Carol, 407-876-4991, ext. 262 for details.
St. Luke’s UMW Craft Groups
Please call Pam Thomas at 321-297-7319 for information about St. Luke’s craft groups. These groups make crafts to be sold at the fall Bazaar.
75¢ Movie Night w/the Singles Feb. 20
All are welcome to join the Singles for 75¢ Movie Night Tues., Feb. 20 at the Colonial Promenade 6 Movie Theater, 4672 E. Colonial Dr. at 6:30 p.m. to buy tickets. Call Linda Miller (407-620-7038).
Psychomotor Exercise Meets Tuesdays
Meet Tuesdays through April 3, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Room C-201/C203. The body is used for mobility and to satisfy physical needs. Rarely do we use it as an instrument to monitor our emotions. The body is a storehouse of information, memories and emotions that often go unnoticed or are repressed. Through psychomotor exercises, participants will use their bodies as an instrument to help understand their psyche. Facilitator: Mike Manchester. Call 407-876-4991, ext 250 for details or to sign up.
Free Movement Class 8:00 a.m., Wed.
Positive Moves: A combination of Yoga and Pilates, Tai Chi and Reflexology. Come de-stress after the holidays and learn how to take care of your body. Connie Gleason is a registered yoga teacher and a certified Pilates mat instructor. Connie incorporates wellness with life. Bring your yoga mat and join us on Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. in the Attic, upstairs in Building C. FREE!
STEP Parenting Teens Feb. 21-April 4
STEP Parenting for Teens: Wednesdays, Feb. 21 - April 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rm. B-201, led by Cindy Fabico. Course emphasizes principles of choice, responsibility, consistency, positive reinforcement and consequences. Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) materials are used. $40 (couples), $25 (single person) to cover workbook and materials. Buy books before class and read Chapter 1. For details and books call or stop by the Counseling Ctr., 407-876-4991, ext 250 in Bldg. A.
Singles Thursday Night, 7 PM, Feb. 22
St. Luke’s Singles will meet at 7:00 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 22 for an Open Forum in Room 200/202, Building C. The series How to Find a Loving Relationship continues at 7:30 p.m. in Rm. C-201 Call the Singles Office, 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Upward Night/Orl. Magic Game Feb. 23
Join St. Luke’s Upward Basketball league for an exciting game at the Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons on Fri., Feb. 23, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are just $20 ($25 face value). Call to reserve and pick up tickets, 407-876-4991, ext. 262 or 251.
Pick Up SHARE Packages Sat., Feb. 24
Pick up SHARE packages in Fellowship Hall Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Order money-saving groceries for March at the SHARE table on the patio Sun., March 4 & 11. David Risher, 407-299-0010.
Indian Cooking 101 6:30 PM, Feb. 27
Learn to create tasty Indian food such as samosas, nann, raitia, tandoori chicken and lamb vindallo at 6:30 p.m., Tues., Feb. 27 in Building C Kitchen. $15.00. Bring a friend and sign up now to reserve your spot, classes fill up fast! Call the Culinary Hotline 407-876-4991, ext. 305 or email Chef Liz at Lkublalsingh@st.lukes.org for reservations.
Relationships Workshop Wed., Feb. 28
Relationships: Effective Communication, Parenting, and the Gift of Sex in a Marriage: Feb. 28 (not 21st), 7:00-8:00 p.m., Rm. B-201. Facilitator: Peter MacPherson. Call 407-876-4991, ext 250.
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Grief Support Group 6:15 PM Tuesdays
A Grief Support group meets Tuesdays through Feb. 13 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in Rm. B-203, Building B, led by Carol Campbell Norris. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250 for more 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. A-102. Based on 12-Step program. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Divorce Recovery Meets Wednesdays
Divorce Recovery Workshop meets Wednesdays through Easter at 7:00 p.m., Rm. B-206, 2nd floor, Bldg. B. David Stephens, facilitator. To register or for details call 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Suicide Bereavement Group Thurs.
Suicide Bereavement Support meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Room C-205/207. Anne Dumont, facilitator. Learn how to cope with feelings after losing a friend or family member through suicide. Separate meetings for adults & children. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Overeaters Anonymous Group Fri.
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.
Chronic Illness/Cancer Support Group
A Chronic Illness/Cancer Support Group will meet Mon., Feb. 26 in Room A-115, Building A at 7:00 p.m. for a program on Self-defense for the Handicapped - Learn Simple Self-Defense, presented by Barbie Roberts, 5th Degree black belt in Karate. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 262.
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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., Rm. A-102, Bldg. A. You do not need to be a St. Luke’s member to receive help.
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NexGen Ministries
For more NexGen information call 407-876-4991, ext. 258.
Middle School Students & Parents!
Join NexGen's a new program Sunday nights Sun., Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in The Attic. Catalyst will be a great opportunity for fellowship, kingdom building, worship, teaching, small groups, and games of course.
Join the Middle School program Wednesdays, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
High School Telos
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Visit NexGen Ministries at www.theatticonline.org or call 407-876-4991, ext. 258 for details.
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Paid Childcare Provider Positions
Part-time childcare providers are needed to work in the nursery Sundays and midweek mornings. Call Jayne Andrews, Director of Children’s Ministries at 407-876-4991, ext. 237 for details.
Introduction
Who are your heroes? And why are they your heroes?
Do they possess extraordinary powers? Have they made a significant difference in your life? Are they truly admirable in the way that they live?
Perhaps a television performer or sports star is one of your heroes. What would you think if your television performer-hero was arrested one day for drunken driving or your sports star-hero was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs?
Maybe your heroes would never do something that bad, but their marriages are a little shaky or you’ve seen them lose their tempers and treat people unkindly?
Would they still be your heroes?
For the next seven weeks, you will get to know seven people whom you would never expect to be heroic. In fact, some of them you probably wouldn’t want to associate with if all you knew about them was where they came from.
Would you befriend a prostitute? Or a stubborn old man who gets all his neighbors in trouble? Or a man who conspires with his enemies to steal his neighbors’ money? Or an unemployed construction worker who seems to have trouble with authority figures?
All of these people are heroes. Every one of them made the right choices at the right time and changed their worlds.
Today we celebrate them as heroes of the faith — unlikely heroes, but heroes nonetheless.
Especially that unemployed construction worker.
He was a carpenter, from the wrong side of the tracks.
And he not only saved his world but us as well.
As part of our journey through this season of Lent, we will be offering you via the St. Luke’s Web site daily devotionals designed to prepare your heart for the sermons you will hear during the weekly worship experience. Each morning, you will be able to log on to www.st.lukes.org and learn more about these unlikely heroes and what their experience means to you as a believer. You may also request to have the devotionals sent to you every day through your e-mail. Send your e-mail address to dduncan@st.lukes.org with Lent Devotions as the subject, and look forward to receiving them on a daily basis.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday and every Sunday after that, you will be introduced to a new unlikely hero who will be a key player in the following Sunday’s message. We will also make each week’s devotionals available each Sunday in printed form. You can pick them up in the Narthex or outside the gymnasium doors if you prefer not using the computer.
Join us as we learn what it takes to be a hero in God’s Kingdom and how we too can change the world.
Devotions
RAHAB: A Woman of Courage
By Mike Jones
Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1-27
As Joshua’s army prepared to conquer the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to scout out Jericho, to find the weaknesses of that city, to plan the attack. While in Jericho, the spies hid in the house of a prostitute, Rahab. Rahab had already heard of God, and knew that God would deliver Jericho and the Promised Land to Joshua and the Israelites. The King of Jericho sent his men to Rahab’s house, hoping to capture the spies. Rahab hid the Israelites on her roof. After the king’s men left, Rahab lowered the spies through her window down the city wall so they could escape. Before leaving, the spies promised that since Rahab had helped them, Joshua’s army would not harm her or her family. Joshua’s army conquered Jericho, but before destroying the town, Rahab and her family were taken from Jericho. Jericho was burned, but Rahab survived.
ASH Wednesday
Lent is the season of reflection and preparation for the Resurrection that we know will come Easter Sunday. Traditionally, we have given up something we enjoy for Lent, as a sacrifice to remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. But we are not slaves to a God of punishment, who wants to deny us chocolate for 40 days. We serve with an awesome God, a God actively creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting in the world today. For this Lenten Season, instead of giving up something we enjoy – for a few weeks – perhaps we should use this season of reflection and preparation to give up something that is keeping us from serving with our Awesome God – from now on! Rahab gave up her faith in Jericho’s idols and armies, and found the courage to trust her safety and survival to God. We, too, prepare to serve with an Awesome God!
Ask yourself - What is blocking me from serving fully and freely with our Awesome God?
How would my life be different if I use this Lenten Season to give up that thing blocking me, and dedicate myself to becoming an active part of creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting in the world today?
Thursday, February 22
Rahab told the two spies that she already knew that God would prevail, and would give her land to the people of God. But, how did she know about God, even before the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land? The two spies must have been fearful, terrified that the ruler’s soldiers would find them, that they would fail in their mission. However, when they arrived in Jericho, they found that God was already there, in Rahab, ready to assist and protect them. Whether we go next door to reconcile with our neighbor, or half way around the world in mission to those in need, God is already there, ready to assist us and to protect us. We prepare to serve with an awesome God!
Ask yourself - Have I ever had an experience where, fearful and doubtful, I went anyway, and found God was already there? What neighbor do I need to reconcile with? Where in the world am I called to serve?
Friday, February 23
Why did God chose Rahab to be his servant? How unlikely that Rahab – a prostitute – would be the assistance and protection for God’s plan. Surely God turns his back on such failed people. Spiritual people can’t rely upon the fallen, can we? Surely such flawed people should be the first ones destroyed when God’s army comes. But the spies promised Rahab that she – and her family – would be saved! Joshua sent the two spies back to Jericho – this time to bring Rahab and her family to safety. In Rahab we see once again that it is the least and the unlikely and the flawed that God most often chooses to advance his plan. What hope for us! Even though we are flawed, there is a plan for us to be a part of the creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting in the world today. We prepare to serve with an awesome God!
In the quiet still of the night, when we are truly honest with ourselves, we ask ourselves – what is my reaction to the fallen, flawed, least and unlikely in our society today? Do I see them as part of God’s plan, or as those who should be the first destroyed when God comes?
Who are the least and unlikely in my community? How can I work with them to serve with our awesome God in creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting the world today? And we might ask an even more difficult question – How am I flawed? How do I need to be created, redeemed, sustained or resurrected?
Saturday, February 24
Saved from the destruction of Jericho, Rahab and her family lived in the land of Israel. We imagine that the Rahab found a new way to survive, transformed by her encounter with God, cared for by the community. So great was her courage protecting the spies and furthering God’s plan, Rahab is acclaimed throughout the New Testament – a true hero of the faith. Our transformation, during Lent and in the seasons that follow, may be more subtle. We remain in the same place and the same job. We have to continue to survive, to feed our family. Even when we stay in the same place, once we encounter God, we are never really the same. The Lenten challenge is to become something new in the same place. We may not be called to be a hero of the faith, but in our transformed selves, we are called to find Rahab’s courage to take our place, our job, our talents, and use them to make something new and transformed - to be a part of the creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting in the world today. We prepare to serve with an Awesome God!
Ask yourself – Where am I in the world? Where do I find courage? How can I take where I am - my place, my job, my world - and use it all as part of God’s plan of creating, redeeming, sustaining and resurrecting in the world today?
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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