Faith That Bears Fruit: A Note from Pastor Jad

Grace and Peace Beloved St. Lukers,


It is hard to believe that July is half over. Didn’t we just celebrate our nation's independence yesterday? Whether you’ve been traveling and exploring this amazing world or staying close by this summer, we hope it has been a fruitful season for you. This Sunday marks the final week of our sermon series, “Be Fruitful,” where we’ve been exploring the Fruit of the Spirit and how these qualities shape our lives and our world. Pastor Jenn will close the series with a powerful message on Gentleness and Self-Control—two fruits that might just be the hardest (and most needed!) in our world today.


Juliette, a fellow St. Luker, has been living out this theme in a sweet way—literally! At Cake Camp (that’s right...CAKE! CAMP!) this summer, her final project was a beautiful cake that she decided to decorate with the words: Be Fruitful.

Her creativity reminds us that faith can be expressed in so many ways and that the seeds of the Spirit grow in all ages. And I wonder how the Fruit of the Spirit is manifesting in your life and faith? How are your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and the random people you encounter seeing the Fruit of the Spirit in and through you?


Looking ahead...

 

St. Luke's Week in Review

Going to Serve, Leaving Changed

“It’s not about what I did here in this community…it’s what this community did for me.” – Ben M.


A group of St. Luke’s middle school students and leaders spent a week in Savannah, GA earlier this month, living out their faith through service, connection, and compassion. Whether they were preparing meals, painting homes, or listening to stories of redemption, they learned that serving others starts with knowing their own belovedness.


Every task looked different, but the heart behind each one was the same: to see and honor the image of God in everyone they met. They didn’t just do good—they became a reflection of God’s love in action.


Click here to see more photos from the trip

Sweet Summer Fun!

Our first three Kids Connect events were full of good music, friends, and vibes all around! We played group games, sang our favorite VBS songs at the top of our lungs, cooled down with popsicles, got creative with coloring, and just enjoyed being together.


Don’t worry - you have one more chance to join us! On July 22 we’ll be at Dr. Phillips Park/Splash Pad at 10:00 a.m., invite your fellow parents and bring the family for a fun time with St. Luke’s KIDS!

Upcoming Events

 
 

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Be Fruitful

  • "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - This week, we close out our “Be Fruitful” series with a powerful conversation on gentleness and self-control—fruits of the Spirit that grow not by striving, but by surrender. Through real stories and honest reflections, we explore how these traits reflect a life shaped by grace, humility, and trust in God.


  • Cool off with friends at our last Kids Connect event on Tuesday, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Dr. Phillips Park/Splash Pad! Let's make some splashing memories together! For more information, click HERE.


  • Treat yourself to a fun night out with friends and join 50 North for a special screening of Queen Bees—a heartwarming comedy about friendship, love, and a little mischief on July 25 at 6:00 p.m.! RSVP by clicking HERE.



  • Make an impact in a kid's life by volunteering with our Children's Ministry! Opportunities are available for those ages 13+ to work with kids as young as 18 months all the way up to 5th grade. Schedules are flexible and you'll be joining a great team. Email Lana Stevens to get plugged in!

St. Luke’s is excited to welcome the New Generation Singers, a touring youth choir of high school and college students, as they lead worship during our combined service on Sunday, July 27, and stay to join us for our U.S. Hunger Meal Packing Event.


Have a spare room or couch for one night? Help us show warm St. Luke's hospitality by hosting these students for a quick overnight stay on Saturday, July 26!


What's involved:

  • Provide a place to sleep (host pairs or small groups; students each will bring their own sleeping bag and pillow)
  • Offer a simple dinner that evening
  • Pick up at church after their rehearsal on July 26, and return to church by 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27


If you can host or help, please contact Carolyn Dannen at 407-719-7858 or CarolynDannen@mac.com, and thank you for being part of their experience!

 

Save the Dates

Coalition for the Homeless: Food Prep and Serving - July 18 and 19

Sign up to help HERE


U.S. Hunger 30k Meal Packing Event & Missions Fair - July 27

Register to volunteer and learn more HERE


GriefShare Open House - July 27

Learn more and RSVP HERE


Children/Youth Basketball Registration - Early Bird registration until July 31

Sign up your K-8th grader HERE


Adopt a Bible Buddy - August 10

Learn more about these cuddly friends for 1st-5th graders HERE


Pints & Parables - August 14

RSVP for the next gathering and learn more HERE


Loss of a Spouse - August 17

Register HERE


Men's Ministry Breakfast - August 21

RSVP HERE


Cancer Education Series Event on Lung Cancer - August 24

Learn more and RSVP HERE


Fall GriefShare Cycle - Weekly classes starting August 26 and 28

Learn more and register HERE (online and in-person options)

Give to St. Luke's Ministries

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