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Dear St. Luke's Saints: In Matthew chapter 8 Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith!" Nope. He was talking about an unnamed Roman army officer! This week the request of a Roman centurion for Jesus to heal his servant yields this unexpected response from the Lord. Come join us in worship this week to find out why Jesus said what he did about this "unlikely hero." Whether you choose St. Luke's worship in a contemporary or a traditional style, you will be inspired by the story of a man who claimed and trusted in something that had not yet happened because he believed in the possibility and power he recognized in Jesus. Bill |
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Listed below you’ll find opportunities available for the rest of this week in the following categories:
Upcoming Worship
Did You Know?
Spiritual Growth Groups
Service Opportunities
Small Groups
Support Groups
We Can Help
NexGen
Lenten Devotions
Sunday, March 25
Sermon Series: "Unlikely Heroes"
Sermon: "The Confident Centurion " – Matthew 8:5-13
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 26 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. 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.
Holy Communion in the Chapel Sundays
Holy Communion will be available in the Chapel every Sunday during Lent (March 18, 25, and April 1). Communion will be served after each worship experience in the Prayer Chapel in Building C. During this season of reflection, repentance and renewal this is a wonderful way to connect with Christ and gain strength for your faith journey.
St. Luke’s Resource Directory
If you would like to purchase advertising for your business in the St. Luke’s Resource Directory contact Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes.org or Matt Raspallo at 407-876-4991, ext. 315.
Pick Up a Printed Lenten Devotional!
Pick up a free weekly Lenten Devotional in the information racks with reflections and prayers to enrich your experience of Lent.
$1 a Day Lenten Offering
Share hope with others by setting aside $1 a day for the Lenten Offering. Funds collected go to support both local and international ministries. The goal for this year is $40,000 (1000 individuals/families).
Gym Will Be Closed March 28-April 9
The Coleman Memorial Gym will close on Wed., March 28 for Holy Week set up and reopen on Mon., April 9. Please check for cancelled classes.
Before You Wed Class April 4 & 11
Before You Wed class will meet on April 4 & 11, 4:00-5:30 p.m., at Winter Park United Methodist Church. This course meets the Florida State requirement for the four-hour Marriage Preparation Course that qualifies couples from Florida for a discount on the cost of the marriage license. Led by Dr. Joanne MacPherson and Peter MacPherson, licensed mental health counselors. Cost: $175. To register, call 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
HopeSpring EggStravaganza April 7
On Sat., April 7, come to a free community-wide HopeSpring EggStravaganza, 10:00 - noon at the Winn-Dixie parking lot, 4008 Winter Garden-Vineland Road (SR 535), Winter Garden. Come and enjoy a two-hour carnival with Easter egg hunt, face painting, and bounce house inflatables. Refreshments provided. Parental supervision required. Watch for more news about HopeSpring’s Easter celebration.
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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 to begin a new study on the Old Testament March 18. Come for coffee, snacks & social time at 10:30 a.m. 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 Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room B-205, Bldg. 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 Lenten study On the Road Again – A Faith Journey meets Sundays and ends on Easter (books $7 each). Contact Scott & Joan Ziegler at 407-876-2445, sjziegler@cfl.rr.com or Bob and Leah Bergstrom at 407-654-8647, bobleahbergstrom@yahoo.com.
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, Building B. Call Carolyn Hildreth (352-242-9939).
Ambassador Women’s Bible Study
Join the study Twelve Extraordinary Women with the Ambassadors on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Room C-200, Building C. Call Carolyn Dannen (407-876-8427) for information.
Men’s Study Group Wed., 7:00 PM
Walking with Christ, a new small group Bible study for men ages 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 more information.
Disciple Groups Immerse Your Spirit
9:30 AM Women’s Wednesday Study
Join the Wednesday Morning Bible Study in Room C-210, Building C from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. for a new Lenten study On the Road Again – A Faith Journey by James W. Moore. Call Joyce Clegg (407-656-0964) for more information.
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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Please Do Not Donate Crafts, Clothes or Toys
St. Luke’s can no longer accept crafts, clothing or toy donations in the donation center in Fellowship Hall. There is no space to store these and the room is becoming a fire hazard. The donation center is for collecting food and toiletries for the Homeless Shelter as well as storage for other ministries. Help keep this area safe and organized by taking any other donations to other charities. For a list of charities contact Dede Duncan at 407-876-4991, ext. 296 or dduncan@st.lukes.org.
Three Ways to Respond to Disasters
There are now three places that need our hands and hearts for long-term recovery—Gulf Coast (Katrina), S. Florida (Wilma), and Central Florida (tornadoes). There will be a Disaster Meeting on Mon., March 19 at 7:00 p.m. for any who are interested in going or supporting efforts in these three areas. All sorts of skills are needed. For information call Carolyn at 407-876-4991, ext. 239.
W. O. Daily Bread March 22
West Orange Daily Bread has had a shortage of St. Luke helpers in the last few months. Please help fill the gap by signing up for 2 1/2 hours of giving back once a month by serving the noon meal at the West Orange Christian Service Center. Servant ministers are needed Tues., March 20, Wed., March 21 and Thurs., March 22, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call Joanie Mills at 407 292-5861 or email jmills9334@aol.com. We need you!!
Culinary Cooks & Servers Needed in March
Help prepare lunch Wed., Mar. 21, & 28, 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Contact Chef Liz Kublalsingh at 407-876-4991, ext. 266 or lkublalsingh@st.lukes.org.
Parking Lot Ministry Training March 21
Join the parking lot ministry team for training on Wed., March 21, 7:00 p.m. Friendly faces are needed to help park cars for Holy Week and beyond. See the people in green vests today or contact Joline at Jkrolockie@st.lukes.org.
Singles Service Project Sat., March 24
All Singles are invited to meet Sat., March 24 in Fellowship Hall at 8:30 a.m. to help prepare the S.H.A.R.E. food packages for distribution.
Counseling Center Assistance Needed
The Counseling Center needs servant ministers 2 to 3 hours a week to assist with computer forms and flyers, etc. for Dr. Joanne MacPherson. Set your own hours. For details or to volunteer call the Counseling Center, 407-876-4991, ext. 250.
Health & Safety Fair Sat., March 31
Servant Ministers are needed to act as hosts and guides and set up and clean up for this collaborative ministry event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sat., March 31 at Ebenezer UMC in Holden Heights. There is a special need for Spanish speaking persons to interpret. 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 community. For details or to sign up to help please call Carol Crowley at 407-876-4991, ext. 262.
Serve at the Welcome Desk on Sundays
We need friendly faces who are knowledgeable about St. Luke’s to assist newcomers and lost folks. Sundays, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., or 12:00 - 12:15 p.m. Standing and smiles, or wheelchairs and warm hearts required. Call Joline 407-876-4991, ext 264, or jkrolicki@st.lukes.org.
Servant Ministers for Legal Ministry
Many people need a lawyer’s help and you could be the answer to someone’s prayer. Advocates of Grace (St. Luke’s legal ministry) provides legal assistance to those with low incomes who don’t qualify for other programs. The ministry is looking for attorneys who can volunteer some time to help them. Call Dede Duncan at 407-876-4991 ext. 296 or email Doug Murray at dmurray@cfl.rr.com.
Servant Ministers for Holy Week 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. Please call Karen Brown (407-876-4991, ext. 221) to volunteer.
Habitat for Humanity Servant Ministers
Help build our 6th Habitat house! Many opportunities are available Saturday mornings and during the week, in addition to holding a hammer and providing food. Contact Renee Wolfe-Jones at reneeh4hvols@worldnet.att.net for details.
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. 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. RSVP for lunch ($6) after the 50+ class on March 21: Chicken tortilla soup, chefs salad, dessert & beverage. Anyone may join the sports and exercise programs at St. Luke’s. Call Carol at 407-876-4991, ext. 262.
St. Luke’s UMW Craft Groups
Please call Pam Thomas at 321-297-7319 for information about St. Luke’s craft groups.
STEP Parenting Teens Wednesdays, March 21 & 28
STEP Parenting for Teens meets Wednesdays, March 21 and 28, April 4 and 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rm. B-201, Bldg. B. Led by Cindy Fabico. Emphasizes principles of choice, responsibility, consistency, positive reinforcement and consequences. Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) materials are used. $40 (couples), $25 (single person) for workbook and materials. To buy books call 407-876-4991, ext 250 or stop by the Counseling Center, Bldg. A.
Singles Thurs. Night, 6 PM, March 22
All singles are invited to meet at 7:00 p.m., March 22 in Rm. 200/202, Bldg. C. The program for the evening will be Open Forum. How to Find a Loving Relationship continues at 7:30 p.m. in Rm. C-201. The Singles Office, 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Pick Up SHARE Packages Sat., Mar. 24
Pick up SHARE packages in Fellowship Hall Sat., Mar. 24, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Order money-saving April groceries at the SHARE table on the patio Sun., March 25 & April 1. David Risher, 407-299-0010.
Circle of Hope Wed., March 28
Circle of Hope will carpool from church at 10:30 a.m., Wed. March 28 for a boat tour of the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Fran Biggin, 407-876-3718.
Seniors’ Lunch 12:30 PM April 1
The Seniors will meet at 12:30 p.m., Sun., April 1 for lunch at Red Lobster at the Crossroads. Call Dorothy Jefts at 407-351-2577 by Fri., March 30.
24 Hour Prayer Vigil Fri.-Sat., April 6-7!
Select a half hour to pray at church or at home. The Prayer Vigil will begin at 9:00 p.m. (after the Tenebrae Service) on Good Friday/April 6 in the Chapel, Building C until 10:30 p.m. The prayer vigil will then relocate to participant’s homes until resuming in the Chapel at 7:00 a.m. on Holy Saturday/April 7, and concluding at 9:00 p.m., Saturday. Sign up online at www.st.lukes.org or call 407-876-4991, ext 264 for details.
Jamaica Medical Mission Team April 15
All are invited to meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room C-200, Building C on Sun., April 15 to hear about the recent Medical/Dental Mission and our partnership with the Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission.
Safety Committee Meeting April 18
Come to the 1st meeting of the St. Luke’s Safety Committee Wed., April 18 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the Safety Committee is to provide an effective, proactive safety program, review policies and develop an system of inspecting the campus for safe maintenance. Reserve a Wed. night dinner to bring to the meeting in the Conference Room (Bldg C) across from the reception desk. Call or email Tweed Swenson with your dinner reservation at 407-876-4991, ext. 228 or email Tswenson@st.lukes.org.
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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. 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., 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 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.
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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. Please call the Counseling Center at 407-876-4991, ext. 250 for information.
Legal Assistance Available
Advocates of Grace, 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 (please wait in hallway seating), Bldg. A. You don’t need to be a St. Luke’s member to receive assistance.
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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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Positions Available
Shepherd’s Hope Position Open
Westside Shepherd’s Hope Health Center Manager who will be responsible for the evening operations at the health center in Winter Garden. Letters of application should be sent to Gayle Fitzpatrick, Director Operations to operations@shepherdshope.org or call 407-876-6699 for details.
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Lenten Devotion - The Confident Centurion
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The New Testament raises the question of who is worthy of God’s grace and answers it in many different stories. The subject of this story is a gentile – a well trained, well battle experienced Roman soldier who heads up a group of one hundred soldiers in the Roman army, probably under the command of Herod Antipas who was ruling the area around Galilee. The centurion was a career soldier responsible for the discipline of the regiment and was the commander that held the army together. Courage and commitment were key characteristics of such a leadership position. He uses good judgment; patience and persistence to win the day in battle. Are not all of these qualities that we as God’s people need to possess in our own lives?
Monday, March 19, 2007
There are at least six references to centurions in the New Testament, all reflecting positively on the centurions. This centurion is especially remarkable because of his attitude toward his servant. He is kind and compassionate toward the servant and is grieved when his servant is ill. This is the reverse of the normal attitude of masters and slaves in the Roman Empire where slaves did not matter. A slave was seen as a living tool no better than a thing such as a horse or ox or cart and the master held the power of life and death over this tool. Are not kindness, compassion and the desire to help others, especially the powerless, qualities that God calls each of us to reflect.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The story of the centurion is also told in Luke 7:1-10 where the centurion does not come directly to Jesus, but rather used his friends, elder of the Jews, who describe the centurion as a man who loves Israel and had built their synagogue. What kind of gentile is this? He is one who is generous, God fearing and a positive reflection of goodness! In those days, Jews saw most gentiles, especially the occupation forces, as enemies and evil doers who were unclean and to be despised. This centurion, obviously, is different. Can we be surprised that when this man of gentleness and love comes to Jesus this moves Jesus greatly? It is said that love covers a multitude of sins and that the person who cares for others is always near to Jesus. Does not our love and caring for others reflect what God expects from us?
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The centurion calls Jesus “Lord” and notes that he is not worthy to have Jesus enter his house. The humility and sensitivity of the centurion is striking. Time and again, the need for humility is emphasized by Jesus. His parable on the Pharisee and the tax collector drives this message home in Lk. 18:9-14 where Jesus states ”for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles will be exalted.” Do we all not stand in the need of God’s mercy and forgiveness? Are we so brazen as to think that we can earn our own salvation?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The confidence of the centurion in the healing power of Jesus is very evident in the centurion’s dialogue with Jesus. Jesus said he will go and heal the servant. The centurion, reflecting on his own authority with his soldiers, tells Jesus that by saying the word, his servant will be healed. What a statement of faith in Jesus is revealed here! Jesus’ word is enough to bring healing to a man Jesus does not know and has never seen. Jesus’ word of command will be obeyed. Here is the essence of faith and Jesus makes it clear in the gospels that faith is the only passport to the grace of God. What is faith? As the writer of Hebrews states in 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what we do not see.” What is the strength of our faith? Do we really believe that Jesus’ word is sufficient for healing and wholeness?
Friday, March 23, 2007
A shocking vision of the heavenly banquet has been reflected in Jesus’ response to the centurion. Jesus states that many will come from the east and west to take their place in the Messianic banquet. This means all types of people including gentiles as well as Jews will be present. The Jewish leaders must have been horrified. Gentiles enjoying God’s fellowship is bad enough! But Jesus goes further and indicates that many Jews who thought they had an automatic ticket will be left out. Being in God’s presence does not require membership in any nation, but rather having faith in Jesus. As William Barclay reflected, “Jesus Christ is not the possession of any one race of men; Jesus Christ is the possession of every man and every race in whose heart there is faith.” Do we assume that church membership; taking the sacraments; denominational affiliation; or even doing good deeds will give us our ticket to the banquet? In whom or in what is our faith really?
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Jesus tells the centurion to “go”, for his faith has brought about healing. Many people then and now call this is a “miracle”. Jesus’ healing at a distance, and healing with a word a man he has never seen and never touched is a mystery. Yet scientists have been confronted with the reality that power does not always travel by ordinary contacts, routes and channels. Studies in extra-sensory perception and in the therapeutic value of prayer in various medical centers reveal the power of the mind can cut across distance in a way we are just beginning to understand. If we who are frail and mortal can do amazing things, certainly God’s power in us can do even more. As the hymn goes, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” The centurion did – will you?
Stay up-to-date with the Lenten Devotionals by visiting www.st.lukes.org/worship/lent/devotion.asp or get daily emails by emailing Dede Duncan at dduncan@st.lukes.org.
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© 2007 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