Greetings family!
We are rapidly coming upon one of my favorite Sundays of the year! Next Sunday, February 6, we will be led in worship by Bethune-Cookman University’s illustrious Concert Chorale. We’ve seen various iterations of this group over the years as they have performed at St. Luke’s and all over the world. From Cuba, to Israel, to former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama’s annual Christmas Concert, this group of student vocalists and instrumentalists have upheld the legacy of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) choral programs. Just last night they performed at the new Stienmetz Hall in the Sacred Music of Duke Ellington, and the world premiere of his famous work, “Black, Brown and Beige.” I couldn’t be more excited that they will be with us next week to help kick off Black History Month at St. Luke’s.
I’m surprised that I have made it this far without mentioning that I am a proud alumnus of Bethune-Cookman University. It just so happens that serving as a chapel assistant in my junior year at BCU lead to the opportunity to serve as a summer intern at St. Luke’s. It still blows me away that this all led to me joining St. Luke’s clergy team years later. With all of this in mind, I am deeply honored to be delivering a sermon alongside these talented students.
St. Luke’s and BCU are interconnected in so many ways. Several long-time St. Lukers are alumni or have served in various elected positions for the University. We also share a connection of Wesleyan heritage, with BCU being one of 10 United Methodist-affiliated HBCUs. It’s only right that we would come together joining our voices and hearts in worship of God and celebrating the many legacies that have brought us this far along the way. So, please make sure you are in the Sanctuary or watching live on Facebook at 9:15 a.m. on February 6 for this combined service. You can also give a special offering to BCU’s Concert Chorale at any point by visiting st.lukes.org/give and selecting “Bethune-Cookman Chorale” from the dropdown menu.
This week, Pastor Jad will continue to move us through Mark as we look at chapter 3 and meet the Storyteller Jesus. We will participate in Communion this Sunday, so if you are watching online please make sure you have your Communion elements ready for worship. Also, don’t forget to take part in our weekly rhythm of discipleship starting with church-wide Bible study Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom, continuing with our weekly podcast and life together groups, and concluding with Sunday worship. You can find more information about these opportunities and more on the Ministry Guide page (click here).
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy