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Dear Friends: Can you sense the excitement and busyness around here? We are in full swing gearing up for Holy Week.. The staff is filling in details, preparing for all the worship services, laity is involved finding their place. We ready ourselves for the power of Jesus’ walk to the cross – true. But we also prepare our church for the influx of people who will be entering our doors. Sometimes I hear church people talk about “ChrEasters” (those who come to church for Christmas and Easter only –)and how frustrating these people are: “They take my pew.” “They make me loose my parking place.” “They make us have to work harder and add more services.” Now wait - Isn’t that what REACHING is all about? How different would St. Luke’s look on Easter if those that are coming for the first time ever, or the first time in a long time – saw room being made for them because our members were out of the seats and in the parking lots, or at the maps greeting, or standing as a host at the coffee table, or handing out bulletins? What would they think about St. Luke’s if they realized the members were so willing to make room for OTHERS they would choose to serve those guests during the morning services and worship at 5:30 p.m.? (Where we will even have a special thank you for our workers!) What would it say about the DNA of a church if visitors watched members gladly, give up a seat in the sanctuary or gym just for them? How would it build God’s Kingdom if the disciples of St. Luke’s actually shared the story of Resurrection through their personal servanthood - bearing the likeness of Jesus kneeling with basin and towel, for those who may be hearing the Story for the first time in a long time? It’s just a thought. We need servant ministers for the coming week , true. But as the Minister of Relational Evangelism, I would also argue we need people who are so in love with the Resurrection power of Jesus they can’t wait to find ways be Servant Ministers to others. Because that’s sharing the good news in a way that makes people take notice. This Holy Week, will you let the power of Easter help you Rise to the service of another? Jenn |
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, April 1
Sermon Series: "Unlikely Heroes"
Sermon: "The Confident Centurion " – Matthew 21:1-11
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, April 2 Holy Monday Service of Contemplation
This interactive service takes place in the Fellowship Hall at 7:30 p.m. and includes walking the prayer labyrinth, different settings for prayer and contemplation and a brief service of song and word.
Monday, April 2 No Relevant - A Young Adult Service
There will be no Relevant on Holy Monday. Young adults are encouraged to attend the Holy Monday Service of Contemplation. Visit the Relevant Life website at www.therelevantlife.org for more information.
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New Welcome/Information Stations!
Come visit the new Service Stations (information booths) at the north and south entrances in Building C. Information, handouts, and directions are available at the Service Stations. These centers replace the information table usually on the patio on Sundays. First Time Visitors, please come over and pick up your welcome bag at these centers! If you are a church family member, please help us welcome everyone to St. Luke’s with God’s love, hope and healing.
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.
Pray for Northern Ireland Peace Process
Northern Ireland has been divided by centuries of historical, religious and political conflicts. The citizens of Northern Ireland just voted for members to a Northern Ireland National Assembly. The Protestant and Catholic political parties have a deadline of March 26, 2007 to form a power sharing government. Please pray for the peace process in Northern Ireland as they face the deadline for power sharing, and for our mission partners in Belfast at Springfield Road Methodist Church and Forthspring Intercommunity Group, who are working to bring understanding, reconciliation and peace between the Protestant and Catholic people in West Belfast.
Holy Communion in the Chapel Sundays
Receive Holy Communion in the Chapel Sun., April 1 in the Prayer Chapel, Building C after morning worship services. Communion will also be served during the morning contemporary worship services on Sunday, April 1. Connect with Christ and gain strength for your faith journey during this season of reflection, repentance and renewal.
Order SHARE Packages Sun., April 1 on the Patio
SHARE packages can be ordered on the patio Sunday, April 1. For more information or to place an order by phone contact Dave Risher at 407-765-1607
Resource Directory Deadline April 13
Fri. April 13 is the final deadline to buy advertising space for your business in the St. Luke’s Resource Directory. Contact Matt Raspallo at 407-876-4991, ext. 315 or Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes.org.
Pick Up a Printed Lenten Devotional!
Pick up a free weekly Lenten Devotional in the information racks to enrich your experience of Lent.
One Dollar a Day ($40) Lenten Offering
Give up $1 a day to help your neighbors in need. Please plan to turn in your offering by Sunday, April 1.
Gym Will Be Closed March 28-April 9
The Coleman Memorial Gym will close Wednesday evening, March 28 for Holy Week set up and reopen on Tuesday, April 10. We are closed Mon.
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 Rd. (SR 535), Winter Garden. Enjoy a 2-hour carnival with Easter egg hunt, face painting, and bounce house inflatables. Refreshments provided. Parental supervision is required.
HopeSpring Outdoor Easter April 8
On Sun., April 8, HopeSpring will hold its first annual Outdoor Easter Celebration and butterfly release at 8:00 a.m. in Freedom Park (next to Thornebrooke Elementary School in Ocoee). This casual event is for the whole family. Gather in the school following the 45-minute service for a light breakfast including bagels, muffins, coffee, juice, and treats for the kids. There will be no nursery or children’s classes during this event.
St. Luke’s Campus Closed Monday, April 9
All St. Luke’s facilities will be closed on April 9.
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Seeker Groups Get Your Feet Wet
Soul House Study 11:00 AM Sundays
No meeting April 1 or 8. Calling all couples 20’s to 40’s! Come to Soul House for the study Invitation to the Old Testament, a short version of the Disciple study. Meet at 11:00 a.m. Sundays in the Attic, Bldg. C. 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, meeting 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 Rm., Bldg. C. A Lenten study On the Road Again A Faith Journey meets Sundays and ends on Easter. Contact Scott & Joan Ziegler at 407-876-2445, sjziegler@cfl.rr.com or Bob and Leah Bergstrom at 407-654-8647, bobleahbergstrom@yahoo.com.
Ambassador Women’s Bible Study
Join Twelve Extraordinary Women with the Ambassadors on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Rm. C-200, Bldg. C. Carolyn Dannen (407-876-8427).
Men’s Study Group Wed., 7:00 PM
Walking with Christ, a small group Bible study for men ages 35 to 50 meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., Special Events Dining Rm. off the Rotunda, Building C. 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 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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Bulletin Stuffers Needed March 27-30
Help “stuff” 5,000 Holy Week bulletins in Workroom C anytime Tues., March 27 - Fri., March 30, 9:30 - 3:30 p.m. Contact Sue Powers, 407-876-4991, ext. 234 or spowers@st.lukes.org.
Health & Safety Fair Sat., March 31
Servant ministers are needed to help at this event, 11:00 - 2:00 p.m., Sat., March 31 at Ebenezer UMC. The fair will present health and safety information and services for the community. 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. Call Joline 407-876-4991, ext 264, or jkrolicki@st.lukes.org.
Servant Ministers for Holy Week!
Extra ushers and greeters are needed for worship services Palm Sunday (April 1), Holy Thursday (April 5), Good Friday (April 6) and Easter Sunday (April 8). Coffee volunteers are also needed. Call Karen Brown, 407-876-4991, ext. 221.
For Easter Sunday the following Servant Ministers are needed:
Parking Lot Greeters, 50 Children’s Ministry Helpers – with preschool and infants, Campus Greeters, Good Friday Ushers call 407-876-4991, ext. 221.
Help the UMC for a Few Hours in April
The National Conference for Deacons in the United Methodist Church will be in Orlando in April. They need helping hands to load boxes here at St. Luke’s and deliver them to their event on I-Drive. Contact Dede at 407-876-4991 ext. 296 or dduncan@st.lukes.org if you can help from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Wed., April 18 or Sun., April 22, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Please say if you can drive.
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Youth Praise Choir 11:30 AM Sundays
Grades 6-12 are invited to join the Youth Praise Choir Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Choir Room, Building B.
Sign Up for Sports & Exercise
Gym closes Wednesday Evening, March 28.
There will be no 50+ exercise class from March 29 – April 9. TBW workout will meet in the ATTIC during this time. Total Body Workout: Tues./Thurs., 6:00-7:00 p.m. $35.00 a month. RSVP for lunch ($6) after the 50+ class on Wed., April 25. Anyone may join the sports and exercise programs at St. Luke’s. Call Carol Crowley at 407-876-4991, ext. 262.
St. Luke’s UMW Craft Groups
There will be no crafting or canning during Holy Week, April 2-8. Crafting will resume April 9 at 7:00 p.m., April 10 at 9:00 a.m., and April 11 (mosaics) at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Canning will resume on April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Building C kitchen. No reservations needed. For questions contact Pam at 321-297-7319 or email ontheporch@aol.com. Donate clean (no labels) canning jars or a box of new ones for the canning group! Everything’s “in season” so the canners are busy! Leave jars at the church office “Attn: Pam.”
Frugal Flicks with the Singles Tuesdays
All are welcome to join the Singles for 75¢ Movie Night Tuesdays 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).
Singles Thurs. Night, 6 PM, March 29
All singles are invited to meet at 7:00 p.m., March 29 in Rm. 200/202, Bldg. C. The program will be an evening of line dancing. How to Find a Loving Relationship continues at 7:30 p.m. in Rm. C-201. The singles office, 407-876-4991, ext. 236.
Seniors’ Lunch 12:30 PM Sun., 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.
MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) 2nd Wed.
Mothers of children ages birth - 4 are encouraged to join MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. on April 11 (the 2nd Wed. of each month). Visit MOPS International at www.mops.org. Contact Heather Engelhardt, 407-925-6763 or RHEngelhardt1@cfl.rr.com.
Women’s Spring Retreat April 13-15
Two spots left for the Women’s Spring Retreat! See Beth Moore live in Columbia, SC and dine at Paula Deen’s in Savannah. April 13-15, contact Pam, 321-297-7319 or ontheporch@aol.com ASAP!
Jamaica Medical Mission Team April 15
All are invited to meet at 11:00 a.m. in Rm. C-200, Bldg. 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 St. Luke’s Safety Committee Wed., April 18 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the Safety Committee is to provide an effective and 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. Contact Tweed Swenson with your dinner reservation at 407-876-4991, ext. 228 or 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, second 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. 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!
NexGen’s Middle School program ‘Catalyst’ meets Sunday at 6:30 p.m. upstairs in The Attic. This is a great time for fellowship, kingdom building, worship, teaching, small groups, and games!
Join the Middle School program ‘Son-powered’ on Wednesdays, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Holy Week Schedule
‘Catalyst’ on Sunday, April 1, 6:30-8:15 p.m. in The Attic.
‘Son-powered’, Wednesday, April 4, 3:00-5:30 p.m. in The Attic.
No Catalyst on Easter Sunday April 8.
High School Students
Telos meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Come to A Holy Week Experience Wed., April 4, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in The Attic.
No Sunday Morning Classes or Middle School Catalyst on Sun., April 8. Visit NexGen Ministries at www.theatticonline.org or call 407-876-4991, ext. 258 for more 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 - Donkey Disciples: Humility
By Marie Willner
Matthew 21:1-11
Sunday, March 25, 2007
These two disciples are unlikely heroes. The only thing they did was exactly what they were told to do, a simple, humble task. How difficult is that? Jesus tells them to go and get him transportation and they do it. Think about the last time you were told to do something by your boss or family member and went for it 100%!! No questions; no “are you crazy?” or “is that what you really want me to do?” or “how about this idea? It will surely work better.” Matthew tells us, “The disciples went and did what Jesus had told them to do”.
How would you have responded to Jesus command to go get the donkey and colt he needed for his journey? How do you respond to Jesus’ call upon your life or your time or your resources?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Think about the obedience of these two disciples – heroes or just plain followers with no backbone? One of the qualities necessary to be obedient is humility. Humility says we are not too good to go get these animals and care for them and pick up after them. They do not consider themselves more intelligent, better planners or more knowing of the future than Jesus. Imagine if the two disciples decided between themselves that a camel would be better than a donkey? Besides, donkeys are too hard to control. No, the disciples “carried out Jesus’ orders”.
Where do I rate myself on the humility scale of life? Am I able to put the needs of other ahead of my needs?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Another quality of our “heroes” this week is that of trust. These disciples had spent several years with Jesus so they knew they could trust him. They had followed his orders before when he told them to go out two by two to spread the kingdom news. They had experienced his teaching and viewed his life up close. They knew the trust the blind man placed in Jesus and saw that he was healed. They observed the trust of the disciples who were called by Jesus “come follow me” and gave up everything to do just that.
Who were they to not trust the commands of Jesus? Who are we to not trust the call of Jesus on our lives?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Our hero disciples also display great faith in Christ when they followed his command to go and fetch a donkey and a colt. They had to have faith that Jesus had made the arrangements he said he had made; faith they would not get charged with taking another’s valuable property. They are even given an answer to respond to anyone who might question their activities. “The Master needs them.” These disciples had observed the results of others who were obedient to Christ’s command. When Jesus told the ten men with leprosy “go show yourselves to the priests”, the ten men know the social and religious consequences of such action. They were unclean and to be avoided by all. Yet their faith in Jesus made them obedient and they followed his command and they were healed. Each new encounter with Christ and his healing power increased the disciples’ ability to believe.
Is our faith strong enough to obey in blind obedience? Do we believe that faith can heal us?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Why is such obedience called for in the lives of these disciples? Why is it called for in our lives? Surely, we know ourselves, our abilities and limits. Why be pushed to respond to Jesus’ call for obedience to his kingdom values and goals? From the gospel story we do not find our heroes asking these questions. Their own experience and knowledge of this man Jesus were sufficient for them to respond positively to the commands of Jesus. Like the call to Moses or the prophets in the Old Testament, God calls us, according to our gifts to respond in obedience to his call on our life. These are tough words for us who think we have life all figured out and that we have all the resources needed to carry out the plans for our lives.
How does obedience and humility fit into your lifestyle, your career or your family?
Friday, March 30, 2007
Think about the results of the obedience of the disciples. Christ gets the donkey and colt and rides into Jerusalem in glory. The disciples get to do the “fetching” and “clean up”. Could Christ have accomplished this glorious entry without the faithful, humble and trusting disciples? Most assuredly. He is God. However, God has chosen to have us participate in bringing about his kingdom here on earth. Mt. says “this was done to fulfill that which was spoken through the prophets.” Obedience by our heroes allowed them to participate as co-creators of the Kingdom. We are still called to that involvement in Kingdom work today – Christ is counting on you and me!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The humility, trust and faith lived out by our heroes allowed the disciples to be given a role to play in this magnificent day of triumph for Christ! Because of their role as co-creators in God’s work for the Kingdom, Christ was able to be God; the people were able to see the wonders of this Christ and offer their homage to him. The disciples met Christ’s need for transportation by their obedience. Now Christ can meet the needs of God’s people. What an awesome calling we have as followers of this awesome God!
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