Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Overflowing with Gratitude on Celebration Sunday

Grace and Peace beloved St. Luke’s Family!

I’m still carrying the joy of last Sunday with me. Confirmation Sunday was nothing short of amazing—a holy, hope-filled morning that reminded us of who we are as a church and who God is calling us to be.

Three of our youth were baptized, and seventeen stood before us and confirmed their baptism, their identity as beloved children of God, and their faith in Jesus Christ. In doing so, they stepped into their roles as full adult members and partners at St. Luke’s. What a beautiful witness to God’s Spirit at work in the next generation.

With our combined service, the sanctuary was overflowing—filled with families, mentors, friends, and St. Lukers of every generation. The energy in the room was electric. The music was powerful, the singing was bold, and the presence of the Spirit was unmistakable. It was one of those Sundays you wish you could bottle up and savor a little longer.

And now, overflowing with gratitude from last week, we turn our hearts toward Celebration Sunday – Praise and Thanksgiving. This is the moment where we gather all the grace, courage, and joy we’ve experienced throughout this series and lift it up in one beautiful offering of praise.

I hope you’ll join us—with hearts full and ready to celebrate the goodness of God, the beauty of this church family, and the hopeful future we are building together.

Let’s gather with praise.

Let’s gather with thanksgiving.

Let’s gather with courage and joy.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jad

Reminder: The church campus is closed from November 24-28 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will re-open for worship on Sunday, November 30, and the front office will re-open on Monday, December 1 at 9:00 a.m.

St. Luke's Week in Review

How Great Thou Art!

What an incredible year for our United Women in Faith and this year’s Holiday Marketplace earlier this month! Thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and the generosity of our community, they were able to bring in over $36,000 in two days, all for local and global missions!

If you missed the Marketplace, stop by Blessed Treasures Gift Shop (located behind the Gym down the gravel road, open all year) to shop for beautiful, handmade items throughout the Christmas season.

To every customer, volunteer, and supporter: thank you, and Merry Christmas from UWIF!

Click here to see more photos taken by St. Luker Mindi French

Setting Up so Habitat can Rock Out

Thank you to the amazing team of St. Lukers who spent their Saturday supporting West Orange Habitat for Humanity by helping set up for Habitat’s annual “Rock the House” fundraising event!

From arranging tables and chairs to preparing the event space, our crew of volunteers knocked out the setup so Habitat could rock out the night. Thank you for your heart to serve and for helping make this event a huge success!

Join us on Saturday, January 31, for our next Habitat Build Day!

Introducing the Confirmation Class of 2025

This incredible group of 17 young people has spent months discovering more about themselves, their faith, and their church—and this past Sunday, they confirmed that discovery in a powerful way! During Confirmation Sunday, each student publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ, becoming St. Luke’s newest Partners in faith and ministry and stepping into the legacy we’ve been talking about.

They stood before a packed Sanctuary filled with families, friends, and St. Lukers to take their membership vows, committing to be part of St. Luke’s mission, vision, and values. These young people are on fire, and we can’t wait to see how God will grow our church through their gifts, service, and callings. These change makers are part of the legacy! Join us in congratulating and celebrating them!

Click here to see more photos taken by St. Luker Howard Clifton

Upcoming Events

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, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa wrap up the series with a conversation on Christ the King Sunday and our month-long journey of gratitude. They reflect on 2 Corinthians 9, how worship recenters us amid competing loyalties, and why generosity flows from trust rather than pressure. Their conversation invites us into a week of praise, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to living as citizens of God’s kingdom.

Share hope, dignity, and nourishment with our community on Giving Tuesday, December 2. All special gifts given on this day will help support the Circles West Orange Holiday Party and will help stock local school food pantries. Click here to learn more about how you can give.

Calling all kids and families! Slip into your coziest PJ's and join us on Friday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. for a festive Christmas Movie Night. Enjoy a hot cocoa bar, cookies, and crafts as we watch The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on the big screen in Founder's Hall. Come share in the fun as we kick off the season with joy and community - RSVP here!

Give the gift of your presence and your presents at the Circles Holiday Party on December 16 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.! There are many opportunities to volunteer at the party, as well as donate toys for the Toy Shop. To learn more about how you can be involved, click here.