Dear St. Lukers,
As I gathered with the cast of Big Fish during this past opening week, there were many moments of memories from having produced the show for the first time 11 years ago, but also new experiences from this summer being shared. I’ve gotten to know so many of our cast through the years, some literally growing up on the stage. A large percentage of our artists over the years have become a part of our church ministries, and others consider themselves St. Lukers because of their connection to the arts ministry. This week, so many of them came to share their thanks for creating a welcoming and safe place to use their gifts on stage AND experience the acceptance and hospitality of a church and God’s love, which is something many had never experienced before. As they shared what telling the story of Big Fish this summer meant to them, words like joy, community, healing, and cathartic were shared, and some even said they felt at “home.”
Thirteen years ago, St. Lukers asked to “do something” to connect our gifts of the arts to reach people. I was actually looking through old folders and found the genesis of this ministry in the 4D Vision created in 2012. One of the pillars was SPEAK LOVE ALOUD: We will intentionally reach people who feel unwanted, disengaged from a relationship with God or disconnect with the church, in order to grow together as a church reflective of acceptance, hospitality, and love. That was the origin of Theatre at St. Luke’s, but I will say, only God could have produced what it has become today.
Truth is, theater is certainly not the only way we have lived out that vision. St. Lukers have been “doing something” to speak love aloud for about 47 years on this corner. And I believe God is just getting started with us. We live in a time desperate for a whole new generation of CHANGE MAKERS to live love aloud through actions and works of compassion, so more people will think of the church and use the word “home” to define it.
Our Scripture this week is James 2:14-18, where the writer asks the question that defines what it means to be a Wesleyan St. Luker: “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?” This week we will explore what it means to be a Change Maker by just doing something, anything, for the sake of the Kingdom, and for the sake of speaking love aloud. Maybe it’s inviting a neighbor to Big Fish – tickets are going quick. Maybe it’s inviting someone in the row next to you in worship to join you for lunch. Maybe it’s volunteering in one of our Educational IMPACT schools or filling a flood bucket. Not sure? Join us this Sunday after each worship service for a ministry Open House to help you do something to LEARN and grow in a class, or LEAD your life in servant ministry through one of our amazing volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone! Come walk the well-worn path of St. Lukers who do something for the Kingdom, and let’s forge some new paths as God’s Change Makers in the world.
See U Sunday, because it’s not St. Luke’s without U!
Jenn.
