Legacy of Leadership: Calling Us Into the Present | | |
Dear St. Lukers,
Legacy of Leadership. This is the campaign we are kicking off that will help fund key capital projects, launch a wellness and mental-health nonprofit, support leadership and advocacy training, improve campus safety, care for the environment, and create new revenue to support transformative ministry. That’s it in a nutshell.
It’s about stewarding the legacy of those who, nearly 50 years ago, took a leap of faith to create a Wesleyan-centered, outward-focused community—one committed to reaching people who were disconnected, had drifted away from the institutional church, or had no church background at all. Last Sunday in worship, Jad and Melissa shared a clip of Rev. Jim Harnish, founding pastor of St. Luke’s, sharing that the original mission statement had a bullet point that called us to become a “model of ethical behavior in a world of increasing scarcity.” Those words hit me when I heard them. How many people do you know, including yourself, who are looking for such a community?
Our current state of affairs has many people moving toward, if not at, the very brink of scarcity. With the government shut down...
| | St. Luke's Week in Review | | Gourd-geous Memories Thanks to U! | | |
After several years away, the St. Luke’s Pumpkin Patch made its much-anticipated return — and it was everything we hoped for and more! Families, friends, and neighbors came together to celebrate fall, snap photos, enjoy special events, and of course, pick the perfect pumpkin!
The pumpkins themselves come from Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, a cooperative project with the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, which provides seasonal employment for over 700 Native Americans. This partnership has a positive and lasting impact on a region with 42% unemployment.
Each pumpkin purchased helps support two communities: the Navajo Nation, through this meaningful partnership, and the St. Luke’s Child Development Center, which shares in the Patch profits. These funds will go toward enhancing our CDC classrooms and help make a St. Luke’s education accessible to more families in our community.
One parent shared, “We came for a pumpkin and left with memories. The joy, the kindness, and the sense of belonging — this is what makes St. Luke’s special.” Another said, “It’s amazing to see so many people smiling and connecting. My kids didn’t want to leave!”
Thank you to every volunteer, staff member, and family who made this year’s Patch such a joy. We can’t wait to do it again next fall!
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Over the past nine weeks, students in kindergarten through 8th grade gathered on our campus to learn and grow, both on and off the court!
Through drills, games, and team time, players developed their basketball skills while also exploring St. Luke’s core values of community, hospitality, acceptance, discipleship, and service. It was an incredible season with St. Luke's Sports filled with energy, encouragement, and faith. Thank you to all the coaches and staff who made it one to remember.
| | Holiday Marketplace This Weekend! | | |
A huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers making the 44th Annual Holiday Marketplace possible this weekend!
Our United Women in Faith are working tirelessly to bring you a festive weekend full of one-of-a-kind gifts, tasty treats, and holiday fun—all to support local and global missions. From handcrafted treasures to horse & carriage rides and photos with Santa, there’s something for everyone!
Come join us this Saturday, November 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gym to shop, celebrate, and show support for these amazing volunteers and the impactful work they do for our community.
See more details at st.lukes.org/marketplace, and we can’t wait to see you there!
| | Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead | | Current sermon series: Lead Courageously | |
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"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - This week, Pastor Jad reflects on Colossians 3:12–17 and what it means to “clothe ourselves with love.” He explores how compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience help shape a Christ-centered community filled with peace. Pastor Jad also reminds us that gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a daily posture that guides how we live, serve, and love.
- Find support and encouragement as you care for a loved one with our Coping with Caregiving Support Group. We offer a safe space to share challenges, blessings, and practical ideas with others on a similar journey. Take a break from your routine on November 9 from 3:00–4:00 p.m., and connect with our Care Ministry team for helpful resources and honest conversation. Sign up HERE for this online session.
- Sip, relax, and dive into great conversation at Pints & Parables on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. for a laid-back night of talking life, faith, and big questions. Come share your thoughts, hear new perspectives, and enjoy the community. Everyone’s welcome! Please let us know you will join us by clicking HERE.
- Build hope with Habitat for Humanity! Volunteer on November 15 where, instead of building houses that day, we will be helping set up for their Rock the House fundraising event. Join us as we work together to set up tables, tents, and more to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. For more information click HERE.
- Explore how racial equity, poverty, and hunger are connected at the Racial Wealth Gap Simulation on November 16 at 12:30 p.m. This engaging simulation highlights how past federal policies shaped structural inequalities—especially in areas like housing and education—and how those decisions still impact communities of color today. Sign up HERE to join us for this impactful event!
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