St. Luke's Weekly Update May 28, 2008

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A Note from Pastor Gary (soon to become "Dusty")

Dear friends,

I announced Sunday morning, May 18th, to the HopeSpring campus that I would be taking a renewal leave this June and July. As an ordained pastor I have been eligible to take a leave like this every seven years. In 33 years of ministry this will be my first. I’m thinking it is long overdue!

Several weeks ago I preached about a disciple being someone who is covered in the dust of their rabbi because, in the time of Christ, disciples would walk with and behind their rabbis through the dusty countryside. Whoever was closest to the rabbi got the dustiest.

The purpose of this renewal leave is to get really, really dusty! It is not an opportunity to do intensive study, retooling for ministry or anything like that but to find spiritual, physical and emotional rest and renewal. I’m also looking forward to extended time with family—golfing, vacationing, day trips and such.

During June and July I am not to engage in any ministry activities/responsibilities. Pastor Leah Bergstrom, our HopeSpring Campus Coordinator, is the contact person for anyone needing pastoral care. She will also oversee the Sunday morning events at Bridgewater Middle School. I am so blessed to be in ministry with Leah and I know she will take care of things while I am away. Leah’s office number is 407-876-4991 ext 298. Kelly Smith will handle any logistical and/or administrative concerns regarding HopeSpring. Her number is 407-876-4991 ext 223.

As I said on Sunday morning—I need everyone to continue with their hands on the plow while I am away. It will not be very renewing for me if I come back to an empty school! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be faithful in your attendance, your financial giving and your service to the Kingdom! Most important—keep inviting people to church! I’d love to return to a sea of faces that are largely unfamiliar! Of course, I’ll be delighted to see the familiar faces again too!

I love you all and am so very blessed to be serving alongside you! I already can’t wait to come back and re-join you in the exciting ministry God has called us to!

Please know that I will be remembering you all in my prayers during this time and I encourage you to remember me, and my family, in yours!

Blessings!

Gary (soon to be nicknamed “Dusty”)

P.S. Check out the information below regarding our upcoming worship events. Don’t neglect your opportunities each week to become “dusty” too!

The Cultural Arts are a gift from God in the way they touch our lives, inspire our dreams, and reflect our very soul. The importance of arts in the education of our young people has been proven to change lives not only by the creative exposure they offer but by helping students become better learners. Join St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and our School of the Arts for a weekend celebration of the power of the arts, as we seek to raise awareness of how we in the community can fill in an “essential piece” to assist our public school system cultivate young artists. Opportunities will be offered throughout the weekend to become involved in the School of the Arts Outreach Program which will be supplementing artistic opportunities within our area schools.

Friday, May 30
7:00 School of the Arts Music Recital in Sanctuary
8:00 – 11:00 Amp’d Concert Series for High School students featuring several local high school bands

Saturday, May 31 Kids Art Fest
10:00 – 11:00 Theater Workshops for Preschool-Elementary Age
10:30 – 11:15 Art Creation Stations open
11:00 – 12:00 Dance Showcase and Workshops led by dance groups from Thornebrooke Elementary, Ocoee High School, Valencia Community College, and Dr. Phillips High School
11:45-12:45 Art Creation Stations open
12:00– 1:00 Music showcase
1:00 School of the Arts Music Recital in Sanctuary
7:00 “Around the World in 80 Minutes” concert by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra
8:30 Outreach Showcase and International Café

Sunday, June 1
Morning Celebration of the Arts in Worship featuring School of the Arts Dancers, Musicians, and Artists
8:00, 9:30, 11:00 in Central Campus Sanctuary
9:30 and 5:30 in Central Campus Gymnasium
10:00 at HopeSpring Campus
3:00 School of the Arts Dance Recital

Upcoming Worship

Sunday, June 1 Holy Communion
Sermon: Celebration
Scripture: Psalm 150
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. Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Gymnasium
St. Luke's at HopeSpring Worship: 10:00 a.m. Rev. Leah Bergstrom speaking at the Bridgewater Middle School Campus

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© 2008 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