St. Luke's Weekly Update October 7, 2009

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In this Week's Update:

HopeSpring Update

Worship This Week

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Small Groups, Classes & Sign-ups

Upward Daily Devotional

A Note from Pastor Bill Bill Barnes

Dear Family in Faith,

We've heard it a whole lot in the past year. Even non-religious people have been saying, "I feel just like Job." They may never have read the Bible, but they all know a little something about the guy whose life was beset with devastating tragedy and loss, even though he was apparently living an exemplary righteous life when things came crashing down.

We often refer to "the patience of Job," which implies that the man for whom the Biblical book is named was able to rise above all the pain and loss in his life in order to wait out the bad times until the good times returned. I am not sure where that idea came from, but even a cursory reading of the story of Job makes it clear that Job wasn't a guy who simply accepted everything that had happened to him; in fact, just the opposite was true. He had some hard questions he wanted God to answer. When three of his friends come alongside him initially to comfort him, but then to lecture him, he rejects their theological explanations for his plight, and demands to hear from God.

For the next four weeks our messages on the Central Campus will look at the story of Job under the theme, "Re-Think Life." This is especially apropos given the shaking of our financial and economic foundations and what that has meant for our faith. Here are the topics for the series:

"Re-Thinking Life When Your Bubble Bursts" (Security)
"Re-Thinking Life When God Seems Gone" (Spirituality)
"Re-Thinking Life When There's No Going Back." (Regret & Depression)
"Re-Thinking Life When the Worst is Over and the Best is Yet to Come" (Death and Eternal Life)

We begin this week with a look at how quickly Job's world came crashing down. Read Job 1:1-2:13. For added perspective join my Exegesis Bible Study of this text on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

This Sunday at HopeSpring we will begin to really learn about our community and neighborhood by taking a look at the demographics of our area. We will hear about the "new realities" our neighbors are facing and begin to ask questions and dialogue about our ministry to the community. Our conversations will be based on Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 9:19-22.

With faith, love, and the impatience of hope,

Bill
Follow me @ twitter: wmsbarnes

HopeSpring Logo

Sunday 11:00 a.m. at HopeSpring (Fellowship time at 10:30)
Join us this week as we begin a learning time to understand who are neighbors are in this new place of ministry. We will begin with a time of gathering and focus on the scripture, Luke 5:1-11. Jenn will lead us through the story of Jesus teaching Peter and the fishermen about the call of "catching people". This will be followed by time at our tables working as learning communities. Our dialogue will focus on the demographic statistics of our target area, scripture, and the current reality our neighbors are facing as they come to worship and connect with us. Frank Lavra, Lynette Fields and Dave Jans will help us learn not only about our neighbors, but about ourselves in the process. We will finish with focus on our Core Values of being externally focused and let our time of Communion be a time of commissioning for the week. Children will begin at 11:00 a.m. in their Age Level groups for our exciting Live BIG lessons. Join us at 10:15 a.m. for Fellowship Time in the Gathering Space.

Upcoming Worship

Sunday, October 11 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Series: "ReThink Life"
Sermon: "ReThink Life: When Your Bubble Bursts"
Scripture: Job 1:1; 2:1-13
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

POWERHOUSE Intergenerational Worship for Children and Families: 10:50 a.m. Rev. Beth Farabee-Puckett leading in the Gymnasium

HopeSpring Sunday Gathering

Topic: "Understanding Our Community: The Big Picture"
St. Luke's at HopeSpring: 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams leading at the HopeSpring Campus

View the Upcoming Worship Schedule or Listen to past sermons on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Worship

Upcoming Events

You can see more Upcoming News & Events on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Events

Two Learning Communities happening this Thursday - October 8th

	Event Date & Time: 10/8/2009 6:30:00 PM
	“More Ready Than You Realize:” From 6:30-7:30 in Room B-202 led by Pastor Jenn. Witness and evangelism can seem intimidating, but what if it were as simple as learning to be intentional in our relationships and friendships? Participants will be looking at some new understanding of spiritual friendships to help each of us embrace our call to be witness in our community. “Why I’m a United Methodist at St. Luke’s:” From 7:30-8:30 in Room C200-202 led by Pastor Beth. Find out what makes St. Luke’s unique and what shapes the ministry of our congregation along with what it means to be United Methodist.
	More Information about this Event

Pumpkin Patch

	Pumpkins are arriving September 30th and October 14th! We need your help to unload the pumpkins beginning at 4:00 p.m. on those days. NexGen Ministries is also looking for for people to work shifts. Visit the link below to find open shifts on the calendar and then contact Jenna Hunnicutt at jhunnicutt@st.lukes.org or at 407-876-4991 ext. 258. Helping unload or working a shift earns you "NexGen Dollars" that you can use towards trips, retreats and mission opportunities.
	More Information about this Event

Journal Writing II - Deepening our Growth and Creativity

	Event Date & Time: 10/8/2009 7:00:00 PM
	A second seminar "Journal Writing II – Deepening our Growth & Creativity" meets from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on October 8, 15 & 22 at the same location. In this workshop, journal writing will be used to deepen our self-awareness through explorations of memories, events and feelings. Ways of studying our life experiences in order to gain insight and further develop our creative capacities will be looked at. Anyone is welcome to join this workshop, but it is particularly suitable for those who have attended our Journal Writing I, or who have had significant journal writing experience on their own or in other settings. Please contact the Counseling Center, 407-876-4991 ext. 250 to register for this workshop.
	More Information about this Event

Campus Closures October 16th

	Event Date & Time: 10/16/2009
	please be advised that our campuses will be closed on October 16. This is one of the 5 extra closure dates (no pay for the staff) in an effort to assist our budget gap. We will reopen on Saturday, October 17 for normal activities.
	More Information about this Event

Donations Needed for Team Jamaica 2010

	Event Date & Time: 10/18/2009
	Team Jamaica 2010 is looking for over-the-counter medications and supplies for their medical/dental/optical/education mission experience to Jamaica in early 2010. Please consider donating over-the-counter medications and medical/dental supplies for the Mission Experience by selecting a few of the items needed and drop them off in the Grocery Cart in the Building C Rotunda between October 4th and 18th, 2009. To see a list of supplies needed, please click the link below.
	More Information about this Event

Kingdom Building Now Serving: Volunteer Opportunities

You can see more Volunteer Opportunites on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/NowServing

IHN - Information sessions

	Deploy: Missions: Interfaith Hospitality Network
	Description: We are holding information sessions on the next IHN mission at St. Lukes on October 11th at 11:00 a.m. AND on October 14th at 7:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Building C room C208-210. If you need assistance or would like additional information, please call Melinda Lis at 407-513-4726 or email melindalis@earlthlink.net. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

SHARE Thanksgiving Packages on order now!

	Deploy: Missions: SHARE
	Description: SHARE Thanksgiving in West Orange - This year’s goal is to provide Thanksgiving packages for 250 families in need through a collaboration with SHARE and West Orange Daily Bread. For only $27.50, you can order a Thanksgiving package (12-14 lb turkey, pumpkin pie, broccoli, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, and fresh fruit) that will feed a fa... View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Dominican Republic Mission Team Meeting

	Deploy: Missions: Dominican Republic Mission Trips
	Description: DR Mission Experience Coming Up RETHINK the Holidays this season, by participating on a mission experience to the Dominican Republic. Dates are Sunday, Dec. 27th through Sat. Jan. 2nd. Experience the love of children from Duverge, DR by participating in Bible school as well as some light construction work. Anyone interested, please contact Caroly... View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Coalition Cooks

	Deploy: Missions: Coalition for the Homeless
	Description: The next mission to Coalition for the Homeless is on Saturday, October 17th. Cooking crew meets at church at 12 noon get post assignments and car pool to the Center. If you are close to Center and wish to meet the group there, you can do so. The Center is located at 639 West Central Blvd. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Coalition - serving crew

	Deploy: Missions: Coalition for the Homeless
	Description: The next mission to Coalition for the Homeless is on Saturday, October 17th. The serving crew meets at church at 5:00PM and car pool to the Center. If you are close to Center and wish to meet the group there, you can do so. The Center is located at 639 West Central Blvd. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Kingdom Building Small Groups, Classes & Sign-Ups

You can see more Small Groups, Classes & Sign-ups on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/SmallGroups

Dinner 10-15-2009

	Support: Culinary Services: Thursday Night Dinners
	Description: Chicken and Beef Burritos, Dessert View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Dominican Republic Misson Team

	Deploy: Missions: Dominican Republic Mission Trips
	Description: DR Mission Experience Coming Up RETHINK the Holidays this season, by participating on a mission experience to the Dominican Republic. Dates are Sunday, Dec. 27th through Sat. Jan. 2nd. Experience the love of children from Duverge, DR by participating in Bible school as well as some light construction work. Anyone interested, please contact Caroly... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

	Guide: Spiritual Formation: Small Group Ministry
	Description: Church-wide growth group View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

	Guide: Spiritual Formation: Small Group Ministry
	Description: Church-wide growth group study View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

	Guide: Spiritual Formation: Small Group Ministry
	Description: Church-wide growth group study View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Upward Daily Devotional

Pray the Game - Throughout the Upward soccer season, please pray for the season, the players, the coaches, families and volunteers. Each day there is an item to pray about:

Day 56, Wednesday, October 7 - Pre-K thru 2nd grade coaches to continue to inspire the children
Day 57, Thursday, October 8 - 6th grade coaches to continue to inspire the children
Day 58, Friday, October 9 - A positive spirit on the field on Saturday
Day 59, Saturday, October 10 - Second game day - Those sharing devotions today
Day 60, Sunday, October 11 - Pre K and K grade boys and girls Team Parents
Day 61, Monday, October 12 - The witness of players at school
Day 62, Tuesday, October 13 - Parents who are not involved with their child's league
Day 63, Wednesday, October 14 - 1st-4th grade boys and girls Team Parents
Day 64, Thursday, October 15 - 4th-8th grade boys and girls Team Parents

Upper Room Devotional

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© 2009 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 • www.HopeSpringFL.org