A Note from Pastor Bill

Dear St. Luke’s Saints:

This coming Sunday we begin a new worship series called “House of Faith.” For the next seven weeks we will consider important aspects of life in “the house of faith” that have meaning for our church home and our family homes.

We start with “Consultation,” developing the idea that the Holy Spirit is a chief consultant in home construction. Sunday is Pentecost, the day when we remember the dramatic events that took place first in an upper room in Jerusalem and then out in the streets. It was the day that the Holy Spirit came accompanied by wind and fire to give birth to a new family: the Church. If you are unfamiliar with the story, read Acts 2:1-21. (Just a little teaser here: some people in the flabbergasted crowds in the streets think the Spirit-filled disciples are literally filled with spirits (i.e. drunk), and in response Peter tells them that is impossible because it is only 9:00 am—too early to be drunk!) They were anything but wasted, since they wasted no time proclaiming Jesus as Lord. By nightfall that day 3000 persons had been welcomed to the family. Now that’s an extreme home makeover that surpasses the makeovers by Ty Pennington!

If you missed worship a couple of weeks ago you may have not heard the announcement that all of your ordained pastors under appointment by the Bishop of the Florida Conference have been returned for another year. Many persons new to United Methodism are surprised to learn that all clergy are assigned to ministry positions on an annual basis by their bishops. The intent is to match the needs of the local church or ministry agency with the skills and calling of the clergy. This is an important component of our “connectional ministry.” All of the pastoral staff members join me in thanking you for the loving support we receive day in and day out in this wonderful family of faith.

Looking ahead: The Children’s Choir musical will be presented in traditional worship in the sanctuary at the 11:00 am hour on May 18th.

For those persons not able to read the weekly Enews online, printed copies are available at the Service Stations each week on Friday.

Looking for you in the house of faith, hope, and love,
Bill