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What to Expect During Worship - a Helpful Guide
What to expect in Worship at St. Luke’s UMC?
First of all…. WELCOME!! We are SO glad you are here!
We hope you have already felt a sense of welcome by visiting our welcome booths outside our worship venues. Or maybe you have been checking out our new website, have already learned a little about us and are joining us in worship for the first time. Thank you for spending your Sunday with us! We hope today is an uplifting, inspirational, and moving start to your week.
Coming into a new space can feel daunting for some and we want you to feel at home. We hope today you enjoy a worship experience that lives into our core values of Christ-centered love through acceptance, hospitality, and community. Here are some helpful tips to let you know what to expect today in worship.
“CHURCHY” LOCATION WORDS…You want me to go where???
Sanctuary: This is the main auditorium for Traditional Worship on our campus. It also serves as a concert space from time to time throughout the year.
Founder’s Hall: This the main auditorium for Contemporary Worship on our campus as well as our Theatre Ministry productions.
Building C: This building is located adjacent to Founder’s Hall and has a large welcome space where donuts and coffee are located on Sundays, as well as many of our offices for staff and clergy.
Narthex: Fancy word for the lobby area of each worship venue where you will be greeted by our ushers. This is also the donut and coffee location for Traditional Worship and where you can find the nearest restrooms for the Sanctuary.
Chancel: Fancy word for the stage or platform area where worship leadership happens.
Communion/prayer rails: In each worship venue there are prayer kneeling rails that we use to serve Communion and are used during the Prayers of the People if you would like to kneel there in prayer (more on that below).
“CHURCHY” WORDS AND WORSHIP SERVICE TRADITIONS
Sometimes words used in worship can feel like some sort of secret handshake. To eliminate the feeling of not being “in the know” here is some info to help you understand some of the traditions we have within our services and hopefully make you feel more prepared for what a typical worship service is or can be here at St. Luke’s:
Traditional Worship: This worship service features music leadership from a choir and instrumentalists that could be a piano, organ, hand bells, a full orchestra, or all of the above! Music selections from the choir vary in style, but traditional hymns are used for congregational singing more than praise songs. This service is in the Sanctuary.
Contemporary Worship: This worship service features music leadership from a praise team of singers along with a worship band of drums, guitars, and keyboard. Music selections vary in style, but praise songs, or more contemporary versions of hymns, are used in this service. This service is in the auditorium called Founder’s Hall.
Prelude or Gathering Song: This is usually the first piece of music you hear in worship, either from an instrumental group or ensemble. This piece usually sets the tone for the service and the message from our pastor that will come later in the service.
Call to Worship: This is a moment where we all collectively speak words that center us all in the themes for the day, and puts us in the same heart and mindset for the rest of the service. It usually starts with a leader saying a phrase followed by everyone saying a responsive phrase. All of this will be on the screens so you can join in!
Passing the Peace: Turn and greet one another! Shake hands, give a smile, say hello…simply connect with people who are worshipping along with you! We love the community we have and continue to build here. For new guests, this may feel overwhelming. Our intent is never to make you feel uncomfortable. We will never point you out as a new guest. If you choose to opt out for any reason of discomfort, that is ok. Our suggestion would be to remain seated or have a posture and moment of prayer by bowing your head for a time with just you and God if being extroverted in a new place is not your thing. This is true for many of our regular St. Lukers as well. You are not alone in the choice to opt out of a holy hug or handshake!
Congregational Prayer: This is a time of prayer where we all join our voices to pray aloud. This prayer is centered on the themes of the service and will be on screens so we can join our voices together.
Hymns/Praise Songs: There will be songs within the service where we all can lift our voices together in praise and worship. There is something powerful about the room filling with song. If the song is unfamiliar to you, that’s ok. Feel free to enjoy the music around you and when you feel comfortable, join in!
Tithes and Offerings: Giving our resources to support our ministries and ministries in our community and around the world is a part of what we call our spiritual disciplines. It is something we do with joy and thanksgiving but also to live into our core value of supporting and serving our community. There is no expectation for our new guests to participate unless that is already your tradition or spiritual discipline in any church setting. We hope you will come back and fall in love with the work we do to be light in the world, and you will become inspired to be part of the support.
Doxology: This is a musical moment that happens in Traditional Worship as a word of thanksgiving for the gifts received. We usually stand and sing this together. The words are on the screens if you would like to join in.
Scripture Readings: There will be a scripture reading that our service music and message are based on each week. After this is read aloud, the reader usually finishes by saying, “This is the Word of God for the People of God and we say…” followed by a response from everyone of “Thanks be to God.”
Prayers of the People: this is a time of prayer led from a single voice that lifts our collective concerns and cares for the world around us. It is also a time of personal prayer in silence to lift our individual burdens and concerns. It is usually concluded with everyone praying the Lord’s Prayer. Words for that are always on the screen if you would like to join your voice in that prayer. Some people choose to come to the kneeling rails to pray. Many remain in their seats. This is completely up to you and your comfort level or need.
Communion: we usually observe Communion on the first Sunday of every month. This is a time where we gather around the Table to observe and remember the sacrifice of Jesus. It is a special time here at St. Luke’s because our table is OPEN TO ALL. It is not our table…it is Christ’s table. All are welcome and beloved. Therefore, all are welcome to partake in this portion of the service. One of our pastors will explain how this works and our ushers will lead you through the process if you would like to participate. As we said, all are welcome but it is not required. If you do not feel comfortable on your first visit, that is ok! Just sit and spend some time meditating on what the day has been for you, enjoy the music, and ponder the message of the day. Communion is about spending time with God, whether that is at the table or in your seat.
Benediction: this is at the conclusion of the service. It is a word of blessing over everyone and a challenge that sends us forth into the world to live out the message we have just experienced, until we return again for another inspiring day of worship. Each service has a song that we all sing after the benediction. Words will be on the screen when you feel comfortable to join in.
TO STAND OR SIT….THAT IS THE QUESTION!
There are moments in the service where we are invited to STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE to participate in different portions of the service: Call to Worship, Congregational Prayer, Hymns or Praise Songs, Doxology, Benediction. All of the above are OPTIONAL. If you are unable or are uncomfortable standing, remain seated. You should never feel an obligation to stand on ceremony or just because. However you choose to spend your day of worship with us, we want you to feel welcomed and loved. God sees you and loves you both standing and sitting!
We believe in the value of individual worship and corporate worship. Individual worship is your one-on-one powerful time with God. Corporate worship is also powerful in the sense that we all collect our individual worship as a whole congregation to glorify and honor God.
We hope this information is helpful to make you feel at home here with us today. Whatever we can do to eliminate barriers to you experiencing an inspirational worship service is our aim with this little set of guidelines and helpful hints and explanations.
We hope you will consider coming to join us again. If you have questions about how to connect more or learn more about us, we encourage you to explore our website if you have not already. Or, you can always reach out to the church through the connection card that was provided during worship or using the QR code on the screens.
Enjoy the service and have a wonderful week! We look forward to seeing you again soon!
What are the social media platforms I can follow to keep up with St. Luke's Kids happenings?
How much are your counseling fees? Do you accept insurance?
Insurance
There are many different ways to pay for counseling services: self-pay or using your insurance. While there are some differences depending on your employer, in general we are able to accept Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue (BCBS), United Health Group. If we are not in network with your insurance, it may be possible for you to see us as an out-of-network provider and be reimbursed by submitting what is called a “superbill” to your insurance company.
Self-Pay
In addition, many of our clients choose a self-pay option, which means they pay out-of-pocket after each session. The standard self-pay rate for individual counseling is $130.
Sliding Scale
The Community Counseling Center is committed to ensuring counseling services are accessible to as many as possible. If your insurance does not cover counseling and you cannot afford the self-pay rate, please contact our office to inquire about sliding scale rates based on your household income.
What is Sleep in Heavenly Peace and who gets the beds?
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national nonprofit that builds and provides beds for children ages 3-17, who are without a bed. There are opportunities to volunteer and provide new bedding or financial support. Families or organizations (schools/nonprofits) can apply for beds. More information is available at https://shpbeds.org/ . The Orlando West Chapter has built and delivered more than 3,000 beds locally to ensure that No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.®
What is the bed delivery team and how do I get involved?
There is a team of St. Luke’s volunteers who deliver beds on Tuesdays and the last Saturday of each month. You can sign up for one time or more often to join us as we deliver and assemble beds for local children. To get involved, email serve@st.lukes.org.
When are the bed builds?
Sleep in Heavenly Peace hosts bed builds throughout the area a few times each month with opportunities to volunteer. St. Luke’s hosts a bed build in the fall and spring right on campus. We need 200 volunteers each time.
Who can participate in the Bed Build? Do I need to have experience?
The Bed builds are family friendly. No experience needed. You will be trained at the event and able to select your role, helping with other various duties, including cutting, measuring, sanding, staining, etc. All tools are provided. You can volunteer with your children; children under age 12 must be supervised at all times during the build.
What therapeutic approaches do the counselors use?
Our therapists are trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques. This allows us to customize the approach to best fit your needs and preferences. While each counselor may specialize in different approaches, some of the common approaches include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
This approach helps you understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may hold you back.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
We use ACT to help you live a rich and meaningful life by embracing difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them.
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Person-Centered Therapy:
We create a warm, supportive space that allows you to be the expert in your own life. While you lead the way, we help you explore feelings and identify your own solutions based on your strengths.
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy:
Instead of focusing on problems or the past, we focus on what works in the here-and-now and build on the success you’ve already had. This is a practical, time-limited approach that helps small steps lead to big results.
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Systemic Therapy:
By looking at your relationships as a living system, we help you better understand patterns — both those that are helpful and unhelpful — and how to influence them. This allows you to create healthier and more supportive dynamics in your relationships.
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Mindfulness Techniques:
We incorporate mindfulness to help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce stress.
What services does the counseling center offer?
The Community Counseling Center provides a full range of mental health counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Offered by licensed mental health professionals, each session is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.
Individual Counseling
Our one-on-one sessions provide a private space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We can help you navigate a wide range of concerns. Some of the most common include:
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Anxiety and Depression:
Learn to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
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Grief and Loss
Find a path to healing after the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change.
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Life Transitions:
Get support with major shifts like career changes, divorce, or retirement.
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Self-Esteem and Identity:
Build a stronger sense of self and discover your authentic identity.
Couples Counseling & Relationship Counseling
Healthy relationships require intentional work. We help couples and partners improve communication, resolve conflict, and deepen their connection with each other. Our work can support you…
- Navigate disagreements and build trust.
- Strengthen communication skills.
- Address infidelity and other relational hurts.
- Reconnect intimately.
- Build a shared vision for your future.
We are also pleased to offer pre-marriage counseling for those seeking to proactively build a strong foundation of communication and conflict resolutions skills combined with identify hopes and wishes for a fulfilling life together.
Child & Adolescent Counseling
Childhood and the teenage years can be a difficult time to navigate. Our counselors are experienced in working with children and adolescents to help them express themselves, manage big emotions, and build healthy relationships with others. We create a safe and engaging space for kids and teens to work on:
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Emotional Regulation:
Identify and manage difficult emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety.
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Behavioral Challenges:
Address issues at school or home.
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Social Skills:
Develop confidence, form friendships, and strengthen relationships.
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Family Issues:
Navigate changes like divorce, family conflict, or big family changes like moving or losing a family pet.
Is there a cost to take Disciple 1?
There is a $15 charge for the workbook, payable via Realm. You can pick up the workbook from the church office in Building C.
What is All-In Sunday?
The first Sunday of every month is “All-In Sunday”, where families are encouraged to worship all together, children included! There is childcare available during All-In Sundays for children up to Kindergarten age.
Does St. Luke’s provide care for young children during worship services and events?
During Sunday church services, care and discipleship are offered for infants to Kindergarten on the first floor of Building B.
During Wednesday Night Programming, care is provided for infants to Kindergarten in Building A, room 110.
How can I volunteer with the Kids Ministry?
There are many ways to get involved with St. Luke’s KIDS—from serving on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights, to helping at seasonal events like VBS and theater productions. Volunteers can assist in classrooms, lead small groups, or support with check-in and hospitality. They can help guide kids in sports leagues, provide snacks and supplies, or help with any of the behind-the-scenes work. Contact Lana Stevens at lstevens@st.lukes.org to see how you can get involved.
Do you offer accommodations for children with special needs?
Yes! We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every child. We recognize that each child has unique needs, so we take an individualized approach. After speaking with the parent or guardian, we work together to understand the child’s learning style, behavior, and any specific needs. Our goal is to thoughtfully integrate those needs into the classroom setting to ensure a positive and successful experience for everyone.
Do I need to register my child before attending Sunday programming?
No pre-registration is required! Families are welcome to arrive and register on-site. Our friendly volunteers will be available to guide you through the process and help your child get settled into the appropriate group. Elementary-aged children can be checked in upstairs in Building C, above the Rotunda. Babies through Kindergarteners will check in just inside the entrance of Building B.
Where is the Children’s ministry held?
Children’s Ministry is held primarily in Building B (for babies through Kindergarten) and Building C (for 1st through 5th grade), Childcare for special events is held in Building A. Sport Leagues occur on the church campus on the front fields and in the gym.
When and where do Kids Ministry programs take place?
St. Luke’s KIDS programs are offered during Sunday morning worship services and on Wednesday evenings during the school year. Weekly programming typically happens in Buildings B and C on the church campus.
Special seasonal events, summer programs like VBS and camps, and family engagement opportunities also take place throughout the year. Our soccer and basketball leagues occur in the spring and fall on the church campus on the front fields and in the gym.
What age groups do the Kids & Family Ministry serve?
Children’s Ministry / St. Luke’s KIDS serves children from birth through 5th grade, with dedicated programming and support tailored to each developmental stage, including nursery, preschool, and elementary-aged children.
How can I give stocks or mutual funds?
A gift of stocks and/or mutual funds is the most common way to make an additional gift to the church. These gifts are tax-deductible at the full fair market value subject to some limitations. Also, the gain is not subject to taxation to the donor or the church. Example: a donor paid $2,000 to purchase stock now worth $10,000. If the donor sells the stock, he/she pays capital gains taxes on the $8,000 gain. If the donor gives the stock to the church, neither the donor nor the church pays taxes and the donor receives a $10,000 tax deduction. Contact Andrea Whisnant-Burgis, awhisnant@st.lukes.org or 407-955-4796 for more information about non-cash contributions and always consult your legal, financial and tax advisor about the tax deductibility of your gifts.
If you are 70 ½ or older and planning your IRA withdrawal strategy, you may want to consider making charitable donations to the church through a Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD).
A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA payable to a qualified charity. QCDs can be counted toward satisfying your required minimum distributions (RMDs) for the year, if certain rules are met. In addition to the benefits of giving to charity, a QCD excludes the amount donated from taxable income, which is unlike regular withdrawals from an IRA. Keeping your taxable income lower may reduce the impact to certain tax credits and deductions, including Social Security and Medicare. Also, QCDs don’t require that you itemize, which due to the recent tax law changes, means you may decide to take advantage of the higher standard deduction, but still use a QCD for charitable giving.
Qualified charitable contributions must be made by December 31 each year in order to exclude that amount from taxable income.
What is the St. Luke's Endowment Fund?
A permanent, donor-funded pool whose earnings fuel ministries and special projects beyond the church’s annual operating and building budgets—ensuring St. Luke’s mission endures for generations.
Governance & Investment
Overseen by an Endowment Committee elected by Charge Conference. Gifts may come via wills, insurance, real estate, cash, etc.; principal is preserved and invested with the Florida United Methodist Foundation for long-term growth.
Ways to Give
Cash / checks • Bequests (fixed sum or %) • Stocks / bonds • IRA or retirement-plan designation • Payable-on-death account • Gift annuity • Life-income contract • Trusts • Life-insurance (full or partial) • Personal property • Real estate • Memorial/tribute gifts • Any living gift for immediate tax benefits.
Designated Endowment Funds
- General – Flexible support for needs outside other funds.
- Capital Expenditures – Land, buildings, equipment, software, other long-life assets.
- Education – Classes for all ages, clergy/staff development, St. Luker scholarships.
- Arts – Music, visual arts, written composition.
- Congregational Care – Support groups, disaster relief, job assistance, hardship aid.
- Missions Capital – Capital projects for external mission partners (est. 2008).
- Community Counseling Center – Expands mental-health services; scholarships for care.
- McKeefery Seminary Scholarship – Supports Florida Conference seminarians pursuing ordination.
- Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra – Ensures the future of St. Luke’s choral and orchestral ministry.
Already named St. Luke’s in your estate?
Thank you! Let us know—confidentially or anonymously—so we can honor your intent and express our gratitude.
Give Online? Just select “Endowment Fund,” note specific fund.
Give in Person? Note the fund name in the memo line in the offering plate envelope or Building C lockbox.
Questions / seminars: Contact Scooter Leonard, Executive Director of Administration, 407-876-4991 x223.
How do I modify my recurring gift?
To modify a gift: Once you log in to your Pushpay account (click “Your Account” in the upper right corner of the screen), “Recurring Gifts” is in the upper right corner, gifts set up appear underneath, and the word “Edit” is right next to the gift. After “Edit” is clicked, there’s one more step – clicking a big blue “Edit recurring” button at the bottom. Any part of the set-up can be changed – from the amount, to the frequency, to the fund, etc.
What is a Parish Nurse?
A Parish Nurse or Faith Community Nurse (FCN) is a nurse with specialized training which focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as well as the promotion of health and the prevention of illness. A Parish nurse focuses on the “whole” person (body, mind, and spirit) working alongside the pastors and Care team to identify and meet the health needs of the congregation.
What can a Parish Nurse do for YOU? Faith Community Nurses work in several different settings including churches, community outreach centers, hospitals, faith-based schools, and more. As your Parish Nurse, I will be focusing on our St. Luke’s congregation and community. The focus of a Parish Nurse is to provide listening, caring, support and resources to individuals and families on health -related issues, all the while bringing God into whatever crossroads they find themselves in during their daily lives.
To help you better understand, I’ve listed a few different ways a Parish Nurse can serve our congregation. Remember, Parish Nurses don’t take the place of your medical team, but rather help ‘fill the gaps’ in care.
- Make hospital or home visits to provide comfort and support during times of illness or health challenges.
- Be a health counselor by providing a listening and empathetic ear, clarity in understanding of a disease process, help with resources and providing spiritual and/or emotional care.
- Coordinate visits from our Care Visitation Team to homes, assisted-living or skilled nursing facilities, or hospitals.
- Provide additional education for a new diagnosis or to clarify any tests that have been ordered by your medical team.
- Serve as an advocate for you or a liaison between the you and your healthcare team when communication is difficult or assistance is needed, or to be available when there is no family support.
- Provide and connect you with community resources.
- Provide guidance when making difficult decisions for you or a family member when dealing with a long-term illness or end of life choices.
- Help integrate healthy practices and fitness within the church.
- Pray with and for you when overwhelmed with life’s challenges or any health concerns.
- Help coordinate meals using our Caring Kitchen meals or organizing a meal train during an illness, birth or death in the family, or other situation.
I am so very honored and blessed to serve as your Parish Nurse. I hope this brings a better understanding of the many ways a Parish Nurse can provide loving and spiritual care for you and your families and walk alongside you in your health journey. Let me know how I can help you.
Lisa Crump, RN, BSN, FCN
407-955-4756 direct line
lcrump@st.lukes.org
Where does Missions serve?
St. Luke’s Missions serves on campus, locally in the Central Florida area and globally. There are ways to get involved with various levels of commitment. Explore our programs to learn more, or subscribe to the Missions Newsletter.
Can I donate to help Missions?
You are able to donate to many of St. Luke’s Mission opportunities as well as participate in donation drives on campus throughout the year. The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to the Missions Newsletter.
How do I get involved with Missions?
Sign up for one of our programs. Some programs are a short term commitment, while others are on-going. We are always seeking St. Lukers to join us in making a difference.
What does a typical Wednesday/Sunday look like regarding schedule/activities?
- Connect time
- Worship and message
- Large group
- Small group
- Bye bye bye
How do I pay for events after I register?
Event registration/payment is handled through our Realm Connect platform. You can use the Realm Connect app, or log in online.
How do I reach the leaders?
You can read about our youth ministry staff online, or come meet them in the Youth Center!
How do I stay up to date on events?
Sign up for remind:
- Parents text @sly-parent to 81010
- Youth text @sly-youth to 81010
We also have a weekly email that goes out every Tuesday. Sign up:
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: St. Luke’s UMC. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Is attendance mandatory every week?
No, youth don’t have to come every week (as much as we would like them to though)!
Can I pick up my child early?
Yes! You can pick up your child before programming ends.
Do I have to stay with my child during youth group?
No, you don’t have to stay. Youth are able to check themselves in and out of the Youth Center.
How can my group or class use Realm?
Who should have a REALM account?
All adults can benefit from connecting with Realm. As a matter of fact, over 500 St. Lukers are already using it!
How can I change my privacy settings?
Realm allows for custom privacy settings. When you select your profile (initials or photo on top left), you can select each element of your information (address, phone, etc.) and decide who may view that information.
I signed up, but some of my information is incorrect. What should I do?
Log in to your Realm account. Select “More” on the bottom right. Then select your initials (or photo if you have added one) on the top left to access your profile. Next, make any changes to your information and be sure to save any changes.
Do I need an app to use Realm?
Yes. The app is called Realm Connect and can be downloaded for free.
How to download the app on your iPhone from the App Store:
- From the home screen of your iPhone, tap App Store icon…
- In the search bar type “Realm Connect”
- Look for the app with the teal icon with a yellow star
- Tap the app to open
- Tap “GET” then tap “INSTALL”
- Enter your Password or use Touch ID when prompted
- The app will download to your iPhone
- Click on the downloaded app to open it and log in
How to download the app on your android from Google Play:
- From the home screen of your android open the Google Play Store
- Open up your application drawer
- Search for the magnifying glass icon at the upper right of your screen
- Type in “Realm Connect”
- Click on the icon of the Realm Connect – For Our Church application
- Press the “Install” button to install the application
- Press “Accept”
I did not receive a Realm invite. How can I get one?
Send an email to realm@st.lukes.org to request an invite.
Why do I need a Realm account?
Signing up for an account gives you access to your profile in the church’s database. You can verify and change your contact information without having to contact church staff. You can also use REALM to search and sign up for serving opportunities, classes, and more! You can also view your giving statement and pledge information at any time.
How can I Restore Hope for children and families?
How many children and families will be served?
How will my gift help children and families?
What's my carbon footprint?
Want to see how big your Carbon Footprint is?
Calculate your Ecological Carbon Footprint here:
Can I recycle this?
Visit the Recycle More page to learn how to recycle things you can’t just put in the bin.
How do I join the Green Team?
Join the Green Team!
Join the movement to save the Earth! The Creation Care Green Team is a diverse group of St. Lukers aspiring to care for God’s Creation. This team organizes and participates in Creation Care events like Tree planting, Beach cleanups, and Shoreline restorations as well as supports St. Luke’s green initiatives like the Grow It Forward Microfarm, the UWIF Rummage Sale, and going Solar. This is an intersectional ministry! Opportunities to serve in this ministry are vast and there is truly something for everyone. The team needs researchers, event coordinators, volunteers, and advocates. All are welcome and encouraged to join this team and to care for God’s Creation!
Contact Saniye Kazan at skazan@st.lukes.org if you are interested in joining a team of Creation Care activists who work on making our community more sustainable and earth-friendly.
What is Creation Care?
A relationship with God’s creation and a ministry of caring for and healing the earth is integral to being a United Methodist.
We believe that all of creation is God’s and that we are responsible for how we use and abuse it. Our natural world is to be valued and conserved because God has called humanity to be its caretakers (Genesis 1:26-31). Explore the ways we, as United Methodists, care for and love all of creation and are committed to keeping our planet green, clean, and sustainable for all.
To Restore Hope for our neighbors experiencing hunger, homelessness, and poverty, we have to actively be involved in Creation Care. In the words of EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, “The impacts of climate change that we are feeling today, from extreme heat to flooding to severe storms, are expected to get worse, and people least able to prepare and cope are disproportionately exposed.” The most severe harms from climate change fall unfairly upon underserved communities that are least able to prepare for and recover from impacts like heat waves, poor air quality, and flooding. The climate crisis exacerbates issues like the refugee crisis, hunger, disease, poverty, biodiversity loss, deforestation, air pollution, and scarcity of resources.
Our responsibility to repair the damage we’ve done is biblical. As bearers of God’s image, all people have the responsibility of caring for God’s creation. The Book of Discipline calls United Methodists to be caretakers of God’s Creation: (¶ 160 Preamble) All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creations and not solely because they are useful to human beings.
How do I share a prayer request?
Pastors, staff, and the Prayer Team pray for all prayer requests submitted weekly from online Connection Cards, website, and personal prayer requests.
How do I make an appointment with a therapist?
Licensed mental health counselors are available for individual, couples, family, or group counseling various days of the week. The counseling center’s typical office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, although each counselor may have different or expanded hours of availability. Sessions are available in-person or via a secure, easy-to-use telehealth platform.
To learn more about the services offered by the Community Counseling Center, or to arrange for an appointment, fill out our online appointment/contact request form, call us at 407.499.4356 Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or e-mail us directly at counseling@st.lukes.org. A staff member or therapist will get back to you within 2 business days.
Where is the counseling center located?
The Community Counseling Center is located at 4851 S Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819, Suite A111, in Building A, with a private entrance and separate parking.
We know each person has a different experience with the church — some are positive, some are not, and others choose to have no relationship with the church at all. Even though we are located on the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church campus, the counseling center is available to all members of the community. You do not have to pass through any explicitly religious spaces in order to enter our office or meet with our counselors.
How often do groups meet?
Some groups meet once a week and some are once a month. It all depends on the group!
When are children's choir rehearsals?
On Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m., the evening will begin with Children’s Choir rehearsal and then move to programming in The Treehouse.
6:00 – 7:00* – Children’s Choir Rehearsal (Upstairs, Building A Room 201)
7:00- 8:00 p.m. – The Treehouse
*Sign-out at this time can be arranged if needed.
