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In this Week's Update:
Upcoming Worship
Upcoming Events
Devotional
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A Note from Pastor Jenn
Dear St. Luker's,
I've been receiving emails over the last few weeks from many of you excited about what we've been talking about with our Modern Church Family Series. You've been asking how we can better get to know one another, ideas about fellowship activities, small groups, encouraging wearing our name tags again, signing the fellowship pads, and many other ways to "connect" with each other as a Modern Church Family! All I can say is....YEAH and YES!!!
One great way to connect and fellowship with one another as a church family is to attend the Twist the Night Away St. Luke's 50's Sock Hop on Sunday June 10 at 5:30 in the gym. This exciting night of entertainment, games, food and dancing is not only a great way to get us connected as a church family, but also "simply invite" some of your friends who may be looking for a church connection. Tickets are available now after worship and in the church office during the week. The last sock hop was a lot of fun for all ages - so come on out and join the party!!!
Part of the reason behind this particular sermon series is not only to talk about our summer initiatives and Dignity Serves, but to begin to speak into the 4D strategies of Worship, Connect, Grow and Serve that we spoke about in January. Remember, our goal in 5 years is to increase worship, connect the worshipping congregation in cluster groups on a monthly basis for the purpose of fellowship, nurturing and community, and grow a culture of small groups that meet weekly for the purpose of spiritual growth and accountability all to prepare us to use our gifts to serve God in the church and in the community in transformative ways.
This summer our new leadership will be building teams to help us strategize ways to connect our congregation in cluster groups based on interests, life demographics (age, family, etc.), neighborhoods, passions, or any number of ways you would like to be connected with others in our church body. These cluster groups will give you a chance not only to connect with one another for fellowship, communication, encouragement, support and even service, but also a great entry point to invite your friends who may not be comfortable entering into the church through worship. Sometimes it's hard to connect with a church as large as St. Luke's, and joining a small group to study may be a little too much at first, but connecting with a larger group once a month for fun, and around common interests may be a way to feel a part of this large modern church family. If you are interested in being a part of some of the vision teams for this new Connection Ministry, just keep watching the worship guide for details, or contact me via email (jstileswilliams@st.lukes.org) and I will pass your name along this summer as we build our teams.
This Sunday we will conclude our study in Philippians by looking at one of my favorite passages, in chapter 4, verses 4-9 where we are promised that the peace of God will stand sentry over our hearts and minds. We will find ways to practice what we've been learning about moving in close, learning each other's needs and assets, finding ways to connected through dignified interdependence and even match our commitment to the impact of community God created us for. Until then...keep connecting and find those nametags!!!
Grace and Peace -
Jenn
P.S. Don't forget to check "Where in the Holy Land Is Pastor Bill?" via this link: www.st.lukes.org/FindBill. He has sent great updates on our St. Luke's travelers as well as some amazing pictures of what they are seeing and experiencing.
Preview of Worship Guide for May 20, 2012
You can now preview the worship guide for the coming Sunday. You will find a link to it each week in the Upcoming Worship section of the Weekly Update. View the Worship Guide. |
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Upcoming Worship
Sunday, May 20
Sermon Series: "Modern Church Family"
Sermon: "Practice Makes Perfect"
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9
Traditional Worship: Rev. Beth Farabee preaching in the Sanctuary at 8:00 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship: Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams preaching in the Gymnasium at 9:30 a.m. & in the Attic at 5:30 p.m.
Preview this Sunday's Worship Guide
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
| Seniors Luncheon and Program | | | Event Date & Time: 5/18/2012 11:30:00 AM | | Come join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments, lunch and a special program presented by our very own Canine Crusaders! Meet our four-footed goodwill ambassadors and hear about their mission. | | More Information about this Event | | | Military Car Wash | | | Event Date & Time: 5/19/2012 8:00:00 AM | | Bring your dirty car to the parking lot behind the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $5! Proceeds are donated to the Camaraderie Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for counseling services to military veterans and their families. A portion of the processed will also be donated to the young marines, "Orlando Devil Dogs". The car wash will be held from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. | | More Information about this Event | | | Counseling Intern | | | Event Date & Time: 6/1/2012 | | The Community Counseling Center at St. Luke's has an intern from Asbury Theological Seminary who is completing his Master's in Counseling program. He is available to see clients who would like counseling but have no insurance or are in financial need. If you or your friends would like to make an appointment, please call 407-876-4991, ext. 250 to make an appointment. | | More Information about this Event | | | "Twist the Night Away" - A St. Luke's 50's Sock Hop | | | Event Date & Time: 6/10/2012 5:30:00 PM | | St. Luke's UMC presents a church-wide family event in the Coleman Gymnasium featuring the combined choirs and praise teams singing and playing songs of the 1950s. In addition to featured singing there will be games, contests, dancing and audience participation. Food will be available. Wear your best outfit from the 1950s and enter the costume contest.
Tickets for this event are available beginning May 20 following worship and will also be available in the church office during the week. Adult tickets are $5, and children 12 & under are $3. There is a family cap of $15. Tickets for this event are limited so get yours today! | | More Information about this Event | |
Friday, May 18, 2012
Read: So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision, you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for the same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. Philippians 3:15-19 (NIV)
Think About: Airports can be places filled with pedestrian congestion. Some airports are equipped with motorized walkways to move people from one terminal to another. Along the motorized walkways, you may hear a recorded voice directing you to "stand right, walk left" to help you move along. When I am traveling, I am focused on getting to my destination. I am committed to stay on track. I think of the words from Isaiah 30:21: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Paul tells the Philippians to keep focused and stay on the right track.
When traveling, I've lost my way more than I like to admit because I became distracted by something that caused my focus to shift away from my destination. I didn't stick with the plan. If I have to read a map, I'm in big trouble. I now own a device that gives me directions. My cell phone features apps to help me get to destinations, but I'm still capable of misreading or misunderstanding directions and have to adjust my course.
Paul tells us that God clears blurred vision. A friend and I were traveling together. I put our destination into the navigation system. She was uncomfortable along the route. I trusted the system. It worked. Had we taken another route, we would not have arrived at our destination as quickly. God's navigation system is the one that I need to trust. Joshua 1:9 reminds us that God is with us wherever we go. I don't have to be concerned about anything as long as I want everything God has for me. When I'm traveling, there are road signs everywhere. One-way, U-turn, Exit Only, Stop! Signs to help me stay on track. I read the signs and follow their instruction. If I don't, there could be some serious consequences. I obey. I trust the signs. Once in a while, there is a sign that is incorrect or out of date, that can cause a mis-direction. It may cause me to make a U-turn. I rely on the signs to direct me to the correct road to get to my destination goal.
If I want to live like Christ as Paul encourages, I will rely on the Lord to lead me in his ways. I'm on a journey with the Lord, and I want to be fully committed to stay on his track, to reach his destination and his goals for me. I will seek his vision and goals for me. I commit to focus on the course set forth to head for the goals. I don't want to get sidetracked by some other path but if I do, Jesus will provide me with midcourse corrections. He is with me all the time. He sacrificed everything for me. His is the voice saying "this is the way; walk in it." I want to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit to direct my path so that I can stay on track. I will read my Bible to discern the way. I will pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance to keep me on course. Stop! What do I need to stop? U-turn. Is there a crossroad where I should be turning? Exit Only. I think about being the hands and feet of Christ in serving others. I remember words on a t-shirt. "The church has left the building". I'm a part of the church, carrying Christ to others.
Pray this Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in your ways. Help me serve as you desire. Keep me on your track. Amen.
Written by the St. Luke's Writing Team
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© 2012 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
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