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Dear friends: My favorite singer is, and has been for a long time, Harry Connick Jr. I could recount all the reasons why, but I won’t bore you. It suffices it to say, I actually met him once, but was so star struck – I couldn’t speak. His new CD is a tribute to his beloved New Orleans and one of the tracks I listen to repeatedly is “All These People.” The song describes how Harry went to the convention center right after Katrina. There he meets a stranger who shows him around and as they share the devastation and death, these two unlikely strangers become brothers. Two of the lines which stick with my soul are the words describing these two men praying over the dead bodies of two strangers… I grabbed hands with my brother. Last week, we began the journey of Lent with the powerful reminder that we are connected in our common humanity. We are mere mortals, you and I, living in dust. Sounds dismal, but what a gift to recognize we are not alone. We are connected to one another, those we know and strangers we have never met. This week we will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. During worship, as we come to the Holy table to receive the symbols of the love and grace of Jesus Christ, we also physically draw closer to one another. Jesus taught us to love God and love others. Shouldn’t it make us pause and think… Maybe Lent is not just about individual self examination, but maybe it’s also inextricably tied to recognizing as we draw closer to God, we are called to draw closer to others. Christ for me, Christ for the world. “This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Grace and Peace, |
Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
Did You Know?
Upcoming Events
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Small Groups
Support Groups
We Can Help
NexGen
Positions Available
Lenten Devotions
Sunday, March 4
Sermon Series: "Unlikely Heroes "
Sermon: "Mordecai the Middleman" – Esther 3:1-6
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, March 5 Relevant - A Young Adult Service
Young adults are invited to meet Mondays at 7:45 p.m. for the Relevant worship service, in The Attic in Building C. This Monday we are starting a new Lent series. Join us for praise songs and a sermon from a special guest. 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 Contribution Statements for 2006 Taxes
If you are looking for your Contribution Statement for 2006 from St. Luke's, look no further than your email. In mid-January St. Luke's emailed Contribution Statements to anyone who had an email address on record. Please check your email for the statement before contacting St. Luke's about missing statements. If you did not have an email address on file then a paper copy was mailed to you.
St. Luke's Resource Directory
If you would like to advertise your business in the St. Luke’s Resource Directory contact Kelly Smith for details at ksmith@st.lukes.org or call Matt at 407-876-4991, ext. 315. Please plan to purchase advertising space before the March 5 deadline.
Pick Up a Printed Lenten Devotional!
Pick up a free weekly Lenten Devotional, with reflections and prayers to enrich your experience of Lent, in the information racks around campus or to receive a daily Lenten devotional by email please email Dduncan@st.lukes.org.
Time Capsule Contents on Display
Please visit the library in Building A to see the contents of the time capsule which was opened in December. These items were placed in the capsule by the members of the congregation 25 years ago. See an exciting piece of St. Luke’s history, read Pastor Jim Harnish’s sermon for the day and letters from congregation members.
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).
First Saturday Singles Dance March 3
Everyone is invited to a dance with the St. Luke’s Singles Sat., Mar. 3, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. in the Gym, Building C. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. $8.00 per person includes soft drinks and refreshments.
Hear About Cuba Mission Sunday, March 4
On Sun., March 4 come hear stories from our recent Cuban Caravan and learn about our brothers and sisters in our partner church in Melones. We will have Cuban coffee and pastries. The meeting will be in Rm. C-200 at 11:00 a.m.
El 4 de Marzo estaremos compartiendo con todos ustedes el maravilloso sentimiento que llenó los corazones que la Caravana a Cuba tuvo en su reciente viaje. Vengan y disfrutemos de las historias que nuestros hermanos y hermanas desean compartir con nosotros. Estaremos también compartiendo café cubano con repostería deliciosa. La reunión será en C-200 a las 11:00 a.m.
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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, Monday
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.
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.
Men’s Study Group 7 PM Wednesdays
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. Call Jeanne Gall, 407-876-4991, ext. 236 for information.
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. 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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Shepherd’s Hope Celebrates Decade
Feb. 14th marked the 10th Anniversary of Shepherd’s Hope Health Center. The number of volunteer hours in 2006 at all of the Shepherd’s Hope Health Centers was 25,970, valued at $1.3 million. At Westside Health Center, sponsored by St. Luke’s, there are 136 volunteers who give an average of 36 hours a year (one evening a month) making 1,968 patient visits possible. This was the most patient visits of any of the health centers. If you are interested in joining this unique ministry, please call 407-876-6699, ext. 3.
Prom Princess Outreach Project
The Sunday H.S. class is still collecting clean, lovingly worn prom dresses for distribution in March. Deadline for donations is Sun., March 4.
Legal Ministry Needs Wednesday Volunteers
The Legal Ministry needs volunteers every Wed. evening. No legal experience needed. Call Dede Duncan, 407-876-4991, ext. 296 for details.
Volunteer with the Homeless Ministry
Looking for a good way to get involved? IHN, our new ministry for those without permanent housing, will be here at St. Luke’s the week of March 11. We need volunteers to host four families throughout the week, set up the rooms, tear down the rooms, and cook. Come to a training session Sun., March 4 at 11:00 a.m., Rm. C-204, Bldg. C. Call Melinda Lis at 407-513-4726 or email lis@uiuc.edu to learn more about this ministry or to sign up to volunteer.
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
Holy Week Volunteers Are Needed!
Extra ushers and greeters are needed for worship services on Palm Sunday (April 1), Holy Thursday (April 5), Good Friday (April 6) and Easter Sunday (April 8). Coffee hospitality volunteers are also needed. Call Karen Brown (407-876-4991, ext. 221) to volunteer.
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.
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
Total Body Workout: Tues./Thurs., 6:00-7:00 p.m. $35.00 a month. Basketball: Mon./Wed./Fri., 6:00 a.m., Tues/Thurs, 7:00 a.m. & Sat., 7:00 a.m. Co-ed Volleyball: Thurs., 7:15 p.m. Michael Higgins, 407-277-5002. 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.
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!
Wednesday Night Dinner Feb. 28
Sign up for St. Luke’s Wed. night dinner! Dinner is served 5:30-6:45. Feb. 28: St. Luke’s souper sub & salad bar. $6.00. Youth/Child: $4.00 French bread pizza. Includes beverage and assorted desserts. Make a reservation with the number of adults, youth or children dining. To reserve dinner 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.
STEP Parenting Teens Through April 4
STEP Parenting for Teens: Wednesdays through 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, March 1
Bring a dish to share for the Singles’ pot-luck dinner at 6:00 p.m., March 1 in Rm. 200/202, Bldg. C. At 7:00 p.m. watch “The Devil Wears Prada.” How to Find a Loving Relationship continues at 7:30 p.m., Rm. C-201, Call 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Seniors’ Lunch 12:30 PM, Sun., March 4
St. Luke’s Seniors will meet at 12:30 p.m. for lunch after church at Bill Wong’s, 5668 International Drive. Call Dorothy Jefts, 407-351-2577 for reservations no later than Fri. March 2.
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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 Thursday
Suicide Bereavement Support meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Rm. C-205/207 with Anne Dumont. Learn how to cope with feelings after losing a friend or family member through suicide. Call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
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., 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
The Book of Esther in the Old Testament is like a short story. It gives us a glimpse of the life led by the Israelites during their years of captivity in Babylon. It also introduces us to two compelling characters — Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, who was also her adoptive father. Esther has always been touted as a hero of the faith, but a closer look at Mordecai shows that his contributions were equally heroic.
With each daily meditation this week we will give you a passage from Esther that tells the part of the story referred to in the meditation.
Devotions
Sunday, February 25
In the sixth century BCE, the Babylonian empire attacked the two tribes of Israelites who remained in Jerusalem, destroyed the city, and took the captured Israelites back to Babylon to serve them. Although they were captives, the Israelites lived relatively comfortable lives — as long as they didn’t make waves.
Most Jews kept their Jewish practices to themselves; however, a man named Mordecai stood out among the Jews as a man of conviction. Sometimes, that was a good thing. And sometimes, it got Mordecai in a lot of trouble.
We are blessed to live in a nation where we are free to worship, free to acknowledge our faith, free to live out our commitment to God. Yet, like the Jews in Babylon, we experience social situations where adhering to our faith could result in our being mocked or laughed at — or worse.
Have you ever relaxed your commitment to Christ in a situation where being a Christian was uncomfortable? Do we ever unknowingly ask or expect others to relax their commitment for our comfort?
Monday, February 26 - Esther 1:1-2:11
The king of Babylon, Ahasueras, had many wives but only one queen. One day, his queen, Vashti, refused to come to him when he asked her, and, on the advice of his council, he banished her and called for virgins to be brought to him so he could select a new queen. One of the women brought before him was Esther, Mordecai’s adopted daughter.
Esther was very beautiful, so Mordecai had no doubt she would be selected to become queen. Mordecai warned Esther not to reveal the fact that she was Jewish to the king or anyone in his court.
Does it seem contradictory that this very committed Jew would caution his daughter to keep quiet about her own conviction? What would you do in a similar situation?
Do you remember the stories of the young people at Columbine High School in Colorado who, in the face of death, acknowledged their faith in God and were killed as a result? Was Mordecai correct in the advice he gave to Esther? How is her situation different?
Tuesday, February 27 - Esther 2:12-3:6
Esther did, in fact, please Ahasueras, and he made her queen. Mordecai came to the side of the palace where the king’s harem lived every day to check on Esther. One day, as he was sitting by the king’s gate, Mordecai overheard two guards plotting to kill Ahasueras. He told Queen Esther of the plot, and she told the king, letting the king know that Mordecai was the source of the information. The king then had the two guards hanged but did nothing to thank Mordecai for his loyalty.
The king promoted one of his servants, Haman, to a role of leadership and declared that people should bow to him. One day as Mordecai stood by the king’s gate, Haman came out of the palace. All of the people at the gate, except Mordecai, bowed to him. Mordecai refused.
When asked why he would not bow, Mordecai explained that he was a Jew. Haman became very angry at Mordecai and wanted to kill him, but he had to have a reason to do so. So, he hatched a plot to have Mordecai killed by having all Jews killed.
So, it seemed that Mordecai’s sense of conviction, his determination to stay Jewish among people who were very different, would lead not only to his own destruction but that of his entire people.
Was it time for Mordecai to give in? Was bowing down to Haman such a big deal? How could he be a Jewish hero if there were no more Jews? Are there times when we, standing on the convictions of our faith, may offend others? If that is the case, should we put them aside? Mordecai seems a little arrogant. Are we being arrogant by adhering to our convictions even when we offend others? Where do we draw the line?
Wednesday, February 28 - Esther 3:7-4:3
Haman told the king that a people who was scattered among the Babylonians had their own laws and did not follow the king’s laws. He asked the king for permission to destroy these people.
Ahasueras gave Haman that permission and the wherewithal to order that all Jews be killed. Haman wrote the orders and sealed them with Ahasueras’ signet ring, making the law irreversible. It appeared the Jews were doomed.
Hearing of the fate of his people — and knowing that Haman’s gripe was really with him — Mordecai clothed himself in sackcloth and ashes, the traditional mourning attire for Jews, and went to the king’s gate where he moaned and wailed.
Was Mordecai going too far? He was making a spectacle of himself in a very Jewish way, reinforcing Haman’s complaint. Other Jews living in captivity had made the best of their situation by blending in. Now, Mordecai, by refusing to blend in, had put all their lives in danger.
Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to sacrifice your life for? What about the life of your family and friends?
Thursday, March 1 - Esther 4:3-11
Before long, Queen Esther found out what her adoptive father was doing and immediately sent him a change of clothes, but he refused to wear them. She then sent him a messenger to find out what was going on. Mordecai explained everything to the messenger, gave him a copy of the king’s orders, and asked Esther to intercede on his behalf.
Now, that was a problem. First, if Esther went before the king without being called, she would be killed. It was the law. If the king held out his golden scepter to her, she would be pardoned, but otherwise, going before him was suicide. Second, in appealing for her people, Esther would be identified as a Jew and would then face their fate.
In some ways, Mordecai seems like a stubborn old man, jeopardizing his entire nation by refusing to fit in. Esther is looking at the situation from a purely human perspective. What good will it do the Jews for her to sacrifice herself? Is there a middle ground? Is a compromise available? Why doesn’t Mordecai offer himself as a sacrifice in order to save his people? Wouldn’t that be truly heroic?
Friday, March 2 - Esther 4:12-14
Mordecai saw the situation a different way. “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this,” Mordecai told Esther.
Staying true to his convictions was not foolishness, not from Mordecai’s perspective. Lack of commitment to them would be easier, but he knew if Esther could find the courage she could use her position to fulfill God’s good purposes and save her people.
Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give a future and a hope.” Courage, commitment and conviction are all a part of God’s good plans and purposes. How can we let go of our fear and trust that God will be there for us no matter what?
How are you and God working together to create your future? How are the choices you are making in life affecting the future of others?
Saturday, March 3 - Esther 4:15-10:3
For those of you who didn’t dig through the book of Esther to find out how our drama ends, the finale is how you might expect it to be. Esther stands up for her people. The king realizes that Mordecai is the man who saved his life. To save both Esther and Mordecai, the king establishes a new law that enables the Jews to successfully save themselves. Haman? Well, things don’t work out quite so well for him.
This victory was so significant to the Jews, however, that they established a holiday to celebrate it, and they continue that celebration to this day. And Esther and Mordecai are the heroes of the celebration.
We shouldn’t forget that Mordecai’s commitment was to a God he knew would deliver his people, no matter what. It was Mordecai’s choice to share in the glory of that deliverance.
That’s the blessing we receive when we stand up for our convictions and believe in a God who believes in us. Have you ever experience a sense of sharing in God’s glory? Of being humbled in the knowledge that you have served others, in Jesus’ name, and the others have appropriately thanked God for what you have done?
It is a heroic experience.
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© 2006 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere
4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando FL, 32819
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