St. Luke's Weekly Update March 24, 2010

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In this Week's Update:

Worship & Holy Week

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Small Groups, Classes & Sign-ups

Lenten Daily Devotional

A Note from Pastor Bill Bill Barnes

Dear St. Luke's Saints:

With this week's signing of the health care reform legislation by the President came some honest questions about the future of Shepherd's Hope, our St. Luke's inspired network of free clinics for the low-income uninsured in Central Florida. Having already provided 100,000 patient visits since the doors of the first clinic opened in 1997, Shepherd's Hope does not expect to see any decline in the number of children and adults needing compassionate care any time soon. In fact, provisions of the legislation mandating the purchase of health insurance don't even become law until 2014.

Coincidentally (or providentially) the following letter was shared with me. It comes from a family member of someone who received care from Shepherd's Hope:

Hi,
My name is ******** and I am the sister of *****- a patient you have been kindly and generously providing services to.

I told Maureen that I would be writing you to express our family's sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary clinic. As a family, we have been helping Maureen out as best we can but our financial resources are unfortunately quite limited at the moment and we are spread out all over the country. To know that she has been able to secure free medical care to address all of the medical issues she has been dealing with has brought us a tremendous sense of relief. You cannot know how grateful we are for your compassion and generosity.

Please extend our family's heartfelt gratitude to all of your staff. You are the unsung heroes of the uninsured and we will be forever grateful.

Best Blessings,
*********
Worcester, MA

Recently, Glenn Beck told his Fox TV viewing audience, "I beg you, look for the words social justice or economic justice on your church website. If you find it, run as fast as you can." Christian leaders across denominational lines have pointed out to Mr. Beck that the ministry of Jesus has always been a ministry of social justice. It is an imperative of the Gospel that in His name we seek to make positive changes in the lives of all of God's people, especially the disadvantaged and those who suffer. Providing volunteer based, free health care to our neighbors is a work of social justice, and it has economic impact for both the larger community and for the low income families that must sometimes make difficult choices between basic necessities and costly health insurance.

This week our "Six Days of Service" opportunities accomplish similar works of mercy, justice, and love. It's not too late to sign up to join other St. Lukers in ministry. I will be working at the Pineloch Carnival on Thursday, the same elementary school where I tutor every Wednesday.

This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Sunday. You will want to read again the story of the last week of the life of Jesus and to participate in the special worship services that help us to recall the amazing and world-transforming events that transpired. Get all of the information here: www.st.lukes.org/Lent

In other news, the Rev. Matt White and his family arrive this week to continue the work of planting a new United Methodist congregation in West Orange County. Matt's relationship for financial support and accountability will be with the East Central District of The United Methodist Church, not St. Luke's. However, we will be enthusiastically assisting him as a colleague in ministry as he builds on the foundation we sought to establish with our HopeSpring ministry.

For those of you interested in more details about the end of this chapter of St. Luke's sponsored church planting and the beginning of a new chapter with Matt, please follow this link to some Frequently Asked Questions.

Looking forward to a glorious and meaningful week with our Lord,

Bill
Follow me @ twitter: wmsbarnes

Upcoming in Worship & Holy Week

Sunday, March 28 - Sixth Sunday of Lent
Sermon Series: "There's an APP for That! (Amazing, Powerful Practice)"
Sermon: "Confession & Forgiveness"
Scripture: Luke 19:29-40; Psalm 32; Luke 23:1-49
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

Monday, March 26
Have you ever wondered how to walk a Labyrinth? - 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Thursday, April 1 - Holy Thursday
Sermon Series: "There's an APP for That! (Amazing, Powerful Practice)"
Sermon: "Sacramental Living"
Scripture: Exodus 12:1-4. 11-14; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Noon Worship: 12:00 noon in the Prayer Chapel, Building C
Blended Worship: 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Friday, April 2 - Good Friday
Sermon Series: "There's an APP for That! (Amazing, Powerful Practice)"
Sermon: "Sacrificial Giving"
Scripture: John 18:1-19:42
Traditional Worship: 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship: 7:30 p.m. in the Gymnasium

Sunday, April 4 - Easter
Sermon Series: "There's an APP for That! (Amazing, Powerful Practice)"
Sermon: "Worship"
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; John 20:1-18
Traditional Worship: 7:30, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:15 a.m. Dr. William S. Barnes preaching in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship: 9:30, 11:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Gymnasium

No PowerHouse on Easter Sunday

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

Gym Closed March 27 - April 6

	Event Date & Time: 3/27/2010
	The gymnasium will be closed from Saturday, March 27th until April 6th for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter worship. The gym will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, April 6th.
	More Information about this Event

Have You Ever Wondered How to Walk a Labyrinth?

	Event Date & Time: 3/29/2010 5:30:00 PM
	Please join us Monday, March 29 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall and find out! Try a journey of self-reflection while walking the prayer labyrinth. All are invited to this free, guided meditation with Viviana Collazo, yoga and meditation teacher as part of Holy Week at St. Luke's. Labyrinths have long been considered a form of spiritual journey and a powerful tool for personal and spiritual transformation. We hope your walk through the labyrinth will help you emerge with a sense of communion, peace and renewal. Contact Sue Powers, 407-876-4991, ext. 234 or spowers@st.lukes.org for more information.
	More Information about this Event

St. Luke's Campus Closed April 5th

	Event Date & Time: 4/5/2010
	The St. Luke's Campuses will be closed on Monday, April 5th for the day after Easter. All events on the campus this day are canceled. The campus will reopen on Tuesday, April 6th with normal business hours.
	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

Kitchen clean up and organization

	Support: Events Ministry Team: Special Events Helper
	Description: Please come and help organize and clean the kitchen. So many people use this area and it needs some TLC from time to time. We will be done by 12:00 noon. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Campus Landscaping

	Support: Trustees: Landscaping
	Description: On 3/26 and 3/27 we will be spreading mulch around the campus at St. Luke's. This event happens in the Spring to assist with making our campus look inviting and welcoming as we prepare for our visitors on Palm Sunday and Easter. All ages welcome (parent must attend with children elementary age or younger). If you have tools please bring with you... View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Habitat for Humanity - Laying Sod

	Deploy: Missions: Habitat for Humanity
	Description: For Six Days of Service on Saturday, March 27 we will be laying sod. We can use many people elementary age and up. The dedication for this house is planned for April 18. For directions and more information please go to www.st.lukes.org/habitat. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

SHARE-March 27

	Deploy: Missions: SHARE
	Description: SHARE is a nation-wide, non-profit organization which offers savings on high-quality food. SHARE stands for Self-Help and Resource Exchange. The food package includes meat/poultry, fruit, vegetables, and staple items. Volunteers are needed from 8:30AM- 12 Noon to help sort and carry food. View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Campus Landscaping

	Support: Trustees: Landscaping
	Description: On 3/26 and 3/27 we will be spreading mulch around the campus at St. Luke's. This event happens in the Spring to assist with making our campus look inviting and welcoming as we prepare for our visitors on Palm Sunday and Easter. All ages welcome (parent must attend with children elementary age or younger). If you have tools please bring with you, i... View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Holy Thursday

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Holy Thursday Communion Service View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Good Friday- Sanctuary

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Good Friday Service in Sanctuary View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Good Friday - Gym

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Good Friday service in the Coleman Gymnasium View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher -Easter Sunday CW 9:30

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for 9:30 Contemporary Easter Service View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher -Easter Sunday CW 11:00

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for 11:00 Contemporary Service in the Gym View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher -Easter Sunday CW 5:30 PM

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Easter Contemporary Worship 5:30 service View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Easter Traditional 7:30 AM

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Easter 7:30 Traditional Service in Sanctuary View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Easter Traditional 8:45 AM

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for Traditional 8:45 AM service View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Easter Traditional 10:00 AM

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for 10:00 Traditional Easter Service View and Sign-up for this Opportunity

Usher Easter Traditional 11:15 AM

	Reach: Christmas Preeve Hospitality: Usher Teams
	Description: Usher for 11:15 AM Easter Traditional Service 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

Deploy Leader Learning Community-April Thursday Night Class

	Deploy: Missions: Mission Small Groups
	Description: Through these discussions we will explore the concept of dignified interdependence, get to know others who serve through Deploy ministries, learn more about our work together, and gain new tools for our ministry. Your Deploy Staff would like to lift up the challenge of having EVERY Deploy leader be a part of this discussion in 2010. This is the... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Delicious Bible Stories

	Guide: Children's Ministries: Small Groups
	Description: Delicious Bible Stories – Everyone loves a good story, and everyone loves to eat. Delicious Bible Stories combines the two with fun and exciting results. Families (geared for families with children five and up) are invited to be part of a popular “cooking show” as various guests from the Bible come to share their stories and their delicious reci... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Deploy Leader Learning Community-Sunday Morning-April/May Class

	Deploy: Missions: Mission Small Groups
	Description: Through these discussions we will explore the concept of dignified interdependence, get to know others who serve through Deploy ministries, learn more about our work together, and gain new tools for our ministry. Your Deploy Staff would like to lift up the challenge of having EVERY Deploy leader be a part of this discussion in 2010. This is the... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Budgeting - BUDGETING FOR LIFE CHANGES (4/22)

	Deploy: Resource Advocacy: Resource Advocacy
	Description: This is the 4th FREE workshop in the BUDGETING & PERSONAL MONEY MANAGEMENT series. Topis such as how to budget for Marriage, New house,retirement, unemployment & separation/divorce will be discussed. The workshops are open to both members of St. Luke's and people in the community. You can take advantage of our Thursday evening dinner (starts... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

Budgeting - STICKING TO YOUR BUDGET IN AN EMERGENCY (4/28)

	Deploy: Resource Advocacy: Resource Advocacy
	Description: This is the third FREE workshop in the BUDGETING & PERSONAL MONEY MANAGEMENT series. The workshops are open to both members of St. Luke's and people in the community. You can take advantage of our Thursday evening dinner (starts at 5:30pm) for $5/person or $15/family and head on to the workshop. Notes from previous workshops which you might have mi... View and Sign-up for this Class/Small Group

March 26, 2010

Read: Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:26

Think About: How are the ideas of service to Christ, and following Christ linked in this passage? Is it possible to follow Christ, without serving Christ?

Certainly, it may be possible that there were those who followed Jesus just to see where He would go and what He would do. (Sadducees and Pharisees?) They were "along for the ride."

What if the message here is: "Whoever desires to serve me must go where I go."
If that is the case, where did Jesus go?

We know that he ate and fellowshipped with sinners and tax collectors, met with Roman Centurions, touched the blind, infirm, lepers, the poor. He met with Samaritans! Forgave adultery and spoke with those who where possessed and healed them.

Jesus went to people who were outside of the "acceptable society," those on the margins of society. Not only did he go to those people, but he opened relationships with them, knew them, helped them.

Centuries later, John Wesley, who began the Methodist movement in the mid-1700's, built into his societies the practice of going door to door in the poorest neighborhoods, ministering to and building relationships with those who were marginalized in the society of the time.

Who are those that we, our church, our society, consider to be "undesirable." Drug addicts? Those in poverty? Victims of certain crimes? Consider where we might find Jesus walking today, in Orlando. Where would we have to travel to if we wanted to meet him today? Is that where we should go if we claim to serve Him?

Pray this Prayer: Merciful father, make my heart to be more like your heart. Show me those who you feel compassion for. Give me the strength and courage to follow you into those places where you are. Give me the grace to joyfully serve those who you would go to. Amen.

You are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the spiritual practices at the Lenten Devotional Blog. We are on this journey together and your words may help another along the way.

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© 2010 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