A Note from Pastor Beth

Dear St. Luke’s Saints,

It’s been a busy week around here on campus with the energy of hundreds of children and servant ministers everywhere celebrating Vacation Bible School. St. Luke’s has been turned into a colorful chemistry “Power Lab” where kids are discovering Jesus’ miraculous power. Each day one of our “mad scientist” professors (usually wearing a blue, curly wig or oversized glasses with blinking lights) shares a Bible point during opening worship. A couple from the week have included, “Jesus gives us the power to be thankful” and “Jesus gives us the power to help others.” Every time the kids hear these phrases throughout the week they are supposed to respond with a loud, “Ah-ha!” It’s fantastic to see how much they’re learning about God and how much fun they’re having in the process.

Observing and interacting with the kids this week has reminded me how important it is to “find the fun” in our relationship with God. Often times as adults there are many things that legitimately weigh us down, but if we don’t occasionally take a step back to laugh a little and play a little, we are missing out on the fullness of life God hopes for us. Another lesson that we can learn from our VBS campers is the power of an “Ah-ha” moment. When is the last time we have given ourselves room in our schedules or in our hearts to have one of those “I’ve never seen it that way before” moments that can be so incredibly powerful and transforming? It’s easy to get so caught up in our responsibilities and routines that we miss the ways God’s grace is reaching out to us in the ordinary and extraordinary.

This Sunday in our 9:30 Contemporary Worship experience we will have an opportunity to celebrate all of the wonderful learning and teaching that has taken place over the past week. We are inviting all the children and their parents who participated in VBS to come and worship with us so let’s be sure to offer our best St. Luke’s hospitality, especially to those who might be here for the first time! In all of our other worship experiences we will focus on the theme of healing and how the power of Jesus offers spiritual wholeness to all in every time, place and season of life. Come and see what “ah-ha” moment God might have waiting for you!

Also, please remember to pray for the Dominican Republic mission team which is leaving this Friday to fulfill our 70 in 07 Water Project commitment. They will begin assembling and distributing some of the 200 water filters purchased with our 70 in 07 funds as well as leading water education. Jesus has given us the power to help others and many will have access to clean water in the coming week who didn’t have it before. Thanks be to God!

With blessings and a belly laugh,
Beth