Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Open Hearts, Open Doors: Pouring Out God’s Love Together

Hey St. Lukers!

This week in worship, we’re reflecting on what it means to pour it out...to let God’s love flow through us in generous acts of care, welcome, and grace. It’s a perfect moment to live out our St. Luke’s core values of acceptance and hospitality with our community, neighbors, and new friends! There are so many ways this month to do just that:

The Pumpkin Patch is Back!

From October 17–31, our picnic area (behind the Gym) will once again be filled with pumpkins and smiling faces. It’s one of our favorite ways to meet our neighbors and share a little joy. Visit st.lukes.org/pumpkins for details or to volunteer for a shift!

Come Out with Pride – October 18

St. Luke’s will proudly join other affirming UMC churches at Orlando’s Come Out with Pride celebration. We’ll host a booth in the marketplace and walk together in the parade to spread God’s message of unconditional love and belonging. You can sign up to participate here: signup.com/go/tuaJYqe.

Meet-n-Greets Begin October 19

We’re bringing back our monthly Meet-n-Greets for new and new-ish guests right after worship! It’s a quick time to meet staff, ask questions, and take a brief campus tour. If you’re new, stay and say hello! And if you’re someone who loves helping others find their way, we’d love for you to join our Connect Team to welcome guests and extend St. Luke’s warmth. Contact me at evasquez@st.lukes.org to get involved.

Fall Family Fun Night – October 22

Invite your friends and family for an evening of community fun. You’ll enjoy food, lawn games, inflatables, music, and trunk-or-treating! We’re inviting the whole neighborhood, so let’s show up ready to pour out our hospitality and make everyone feel at home. Contact Heidi at hestep@st.lukes.org to help and learn more at st.lukes.org/fallfun.

Each of these opportunities is a way for you to live the rhythm of discipleship—to pour out what God has poured into you. You can explore this week’s theme, “Pour It Out,” on the Live the Rhythm app and find simple ways to practice Learning, Living, Loving, and Leading lives of meaningful service every day.

Let’s come together to serve joyfully and share the spirit of hospitality that makes St. Luke’s who we are.

I hope to see you at some of these events... because it’s not St. Luke’s without U!

Grace and peace,

Liz

St. Luke's Week in Review

The Great Pumpkin Unload

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to help our Child Development Center team unload over 2,000 pumpkins for this year's Pumpkin Patch!

The Patch officially opens tomorrow (Friday) at 12:00 p.m., and we can't wait for all the fall fun ahead. Be sure to stop by with friends and family, snap some photos and tag us on social media, and pick the perfect pumpkin! Click here for more details, operating hours, and volunteer opportunities, and we'll see you there!

POLKADOTS: A Powerful Story

Rehearsals are in full swing for POLKADOTS: The Cool Kids Musical, and our youth cast is doing an incredible job bringing this powerful story to life! With their energy, teamwork, and heart, these young performers are creating a show that’s sure to be unforgettable.

Set in the “Squares Only” town of Rockaway, the show follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot—the first Polkadot to attend an all-Square school—as she faces challenges of bullying and belonging. With courage and the help of an unlikely friend, Lily learns that standing out is what makes her shine. Inspired by the Little Rock Nine, POLKADOTS is a colorful, music-filled celebration of friendship, bravery, and the beauty of our differences.

We can’t wait to open the show next month and share this message of hope and inclusion with our community. Performances are November 14–16, and tickets are available now at st.lukes.org/polkadots.

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Serve Joyfully

View Worship Details

"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - This week on the podcast, Pastor Jenn and Liz Vasquez continue their conversation with Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio as they explore 2 Kings 4:1–7—the story of a widow, a jar of oil, and a God who turns scarcity into abundance. Discover what it means to truly trust God’s provision and see everyday miracles through faith, community, and generosity.

Find your balance and refresh your spirit with Yoga at St. Luke’s! Join us for gentle Yin Yoga, focused on deep stretching and relaxation, or energizing Mixed Levels Flow, combining breath, movement, and mindfulness. All levels are welcome! Come as you are and leave feeling centered and renewed. Check out the class schedule and join us for a session that fits your flow!

Learn more about St. Luke's, meet our pastors, ask questions, and take a campus tour at our Meet-n-Greet, October 19, right after the church service you attend! Just head to the front row where your guide will meet you. We look forward to welcoming you! Discover more by clicking here.

The holidays can be especially hard after losing a loved one. Join us for Surviving the Holidays, a free in-person program on November 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. You'll gain practical tips and heartfelt support to help you navigate the season, learn how to manage emotions, handle traditions, and find hope for the future. All are welcome. We ask that you register in advance to be sure we have enough materials (click here).

Gather on November 2 at 11:15 a.m. for a brief but meaningful Memorial Garden Rededication and Consecration service for the newly-expanded Memorial Garden. Together we’ll give thanks for those who made this sacred space possible and celebrate the lives and hope it represents. Please meet in the Torrance Pavilion, right outside the Sanctuary.