A Note from Pastor Bill

Dear St. Luke’s Saints,

I hope you had a wonderful and meaningful Christmas. Our Preeve and Christmas Eve services were well attended, as always, and thanks to all of you who came on the 23rd, there were only a few persons who could not get a seat on the 24th.

As we look to this coming Sunday, the worship team has planned a morning of scripture and carol singing accompanied by explanations of the origins and meanings of the songs. (There will be no 5:30 contemporary service this week.) Our normal worship schedule resumes on January 6th as we begin a new sermon series: “2008: From Good to Great!” Covenant and Baptism renewal services will begin our year, and beginning on January 21 we welcome our sister and brother United Methodists from across the country to the Large Church Initiative Conference. Now that we have made it through the holidays, we are beginning to make final plans for welcoming our guests here. We need you! (See the options for serving listed below.)

It is always a special gift to me to look out at all the candlelight-illuminated faces during the singing of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” and see all of you. I am reminded of the tough and wonderful times we have shared. I see college students who were in confirmation classes years ago. I see high schoolers who were baptized in my arms. I see parents who are now grandparents. I see persons who were strangers to Kim and me 16 years ago who are now like family to us. And every year I look out and see my own family: Kim, Meredith, Kristin, and Sean. It occurs to me that that is precisely what God sees on Christmas Eve: all the family together, snuggled in love, lifting a light to honor their brother Jesus. Thank you for all you mean to me, but more importantly all you mean to the King of Kings.

With faith, hope, and love in 2008,

Bill