St. Luke's Weekly Update October 31, 2007

A Note from Pastor Bill

Dear St. Luke’s Saints,

Kim and I had an amazing time in London. The photos below give you a taste of what our Tuesday morning at Buckingham Palace was like when Dr. Gary Mason was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for his work for peace in Northern Ireland.
When we were walking through the Palace, we were surrounded by huge oil paintings of members of the royal family that dated back hundreds of years.

On Sunday, here at home, we pause to remember that “we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” in the faith. They are those who have gone before us to the fullness of eternal life. All Saints Sunday gives us the blessed opportunity to honor them and claim their presence with us at the table of Holy Communion.

Those St. Luke’s members who have died since All Saints 2006 have had a bell placed in their memory on the Tree of Life Bell Banners. The Procession of the Saints brings photographs and flowers to the altar in the sanctuary, and memorial candles are lighted in the contemporary service. It is one of those times of worship that brings tear to our eyes and brings us closer to each other.

And while we are remembering the names of our sisters and brothers, we will also be remembering the innumerable ways in which they have left behind for us water from wells we did not dig and warmth from fires we did not build. In that regard we have inherited the fruits of their labors for the Kingdom. Paul writes about that in his letter to the Ephesians, from which our scripture lesson for Sunday is taken. (Ephesians 1:11-14) John Ortberg’s 7th chapter reminds us that we each have a “turn” at our own legacy every time we make a choice.

One of those choices comes on November 11 when we can say “Yes!” to God by making a financial commitment to our ministry and mission in 2008. You will receive your “Yes! Card” in the mail next week, and the amount of commitments we receive in the weeks to come will determine the ministry budget we establish for the Kingdom work God leads us to do.

Jenn and I will be looking for you among the “great cloud of witnesses” on Sunday.

Bill

What’s New at HopeSpring?

We invite you to join us in the mission field!

As he traveled the countryside expanding his teaching and healing ministry Jesus looked out over the crowd and felt compassion for them because “their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help.” (Mt. 9:36). He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.” (vs.37,38)

St. Luke’s is committed to “sending out more workers” in the field identified as Horizon West through the planting of HopeSpring. We’re looking for men, women and young people who respond to Jesus’ call to be the workers needed to reach out to the growing population of Western Orange County.

We’re seeking “missionaries” from St. Luke’s who will work with us for a month, a quarter, a year or more as we build and grow our ministry base! Interested?

We’re especially in need of Sunday School teachers, nursery helpers, greeters, and hospitality folks who want to be on the ground level of something wonderful!

Give Pastor Gary Shockley a call at 407-876-4991 ext 290.

HopeSpring meets for worship and children’s ministries at 10:00 am every Sunday morning at the Bridgewater Middle School. For directions visit hopespringfl.org.

St. Luke's Trunk or Treat

Come Rain or Come Shine

Plan on Joining Us…St. Luke’s UMC’s Trunk or Treat is STILL ON!!!

We’ve modified the schedule a little and made some adjustments – but we’ll still be here for a night of fantastic fun!

Entertainment in Sanctuary – Food and Story time in Fellowship Hall 5:15 – 6pm

Games, Bounce Houses, Arcade, food and more in Building C 5:45 – 7:30pm

Trunk or Treat Lane with over 50 cars opens at 6:30pm

In case of rain – trick or treating will be in Building C

Bring your friends and have a spooktacular time!!

Upcoming Worship

Sunday, November 4 - All Saints Sunday, Holy Communion
Sermon Series: "It's Your Turn"
Sermon: "Never Lose a Turn "
Traditional Worship: 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 a.m. Dr. William S. Barnes preaching in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship : 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Gymnasium
HopeSpring Worship: 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Gary A. Shockley speaking at the Bridgewater Middle School Campus

Don't forget to TURN YOUR CLOCK BACK ONE HOUR this weekend!

Pictures from London

Dr. Gary Mason was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for his work for peace in Northern Ireland.

Bill and Kim Barnes in London.

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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