Faithfulness, Freedom, and the Fruits of the Spirit: A Note from Pastor Jenn | | |
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Dear St. Lukers,
Thanks to Pastors Melissa and Jad for doing a beautiful job leading worship these past two weeks while I was gone. Their challenges and thoughts on the fruits of patience, kindness, and goodness gave us much to grow on! While away, John and I spent time touring museums and historic sites in New York, D.C., and then spent the 4th of July in Philly. This was a first visit to Philly for both of us, and with all that was happening in our nation and world, it was moving to visit The National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and to see where our founding documents were created, argued over, and eventually signed.
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I sat in silence reading those famous words of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Whatever one might understand as the religion of the founding fathers, most being Deists, it is remarkable how this idea of equality connects to the deepest meanings of the Creation story in Genesis 1, where all people were made in the image of God, equal in the eyes of the Creator. This is what Paul meant when he said...
| | St. Luke's Week in Review | | St. Luke's Youth: Building Bridges, Not Walls | | |
After three years, three cities, and countless life-changing moments, our Youth Ministry students have wrapped an unforgettable journey of faith, justice, and reconciliation in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
What started with a Civil Rights Pilgrimage through Alabama and Georgia, continued with advocacy in Washington, D.C., and culminated in Belfast—where they learned from local peacemakers, walked roads once divided by conflict, and asked what it means to live as people of peace.
"This trip was never about sightseeing. It’s about soul-seeing—training our hearts to recognize God’s image in people across lines of difference. It’s about preparing these students not just to talk about love and justice, but to live it."
Read more from the team about how this journey helped shape bold, faithful leaders by clicking here.
| | Balancing Ministry and Music with Joy | | |
Meet Heidi Estep, St. Luke's Associate Director of Children’s Ministry, whose choir journey began with a simple step—joining the Christmas Community Choir in 2023. What started as curiosity quickly became a deeply renewing experience. Through music and worship, Heidi rediscovered a part of her spirit she didn’t know was missing.
Inspired by the joy of singing, she soon joined the Sanctuary Choir, finding balance between her ministry with children and a new rhythm of spiritual growth. Choir became a place of peace, connection, and worship—a sacred extension of her faith journey.
“The warmth of the choir, the shared passion for music, and the deep sense of worship make it a refreshing and meaningful part of my week.”
Want to get involved in St. Luke’s Traditional Music Ministries? Contact Bradley Roberts at broberts@st.lukes.org to get started.
| | Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead | | Current sermon series: Be Fruitful | |
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"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - This week, we explore how the fruit of faithfulness is more than belief—it’s a consistent, trustworthy presence rooted in God’s reliability. From family influences to small group support, this conversation reveals how the Spirit cultivates faithfulness in everyday acts of kindness, perseverance, and community.
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Engaging, enlightening, enjoyable! The next Men's Ministry Breakfast will be held on July 17 at 6:30 a.m. in Founder's Hall, and we would love to see you there. Click HERE to let us know you're coming, and invite a friend to attend with you!
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Gather your crew for Hoops & Scoops on July 23 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Gym—an all-ages night of basketball fun and sweet treats to celebrate summer! Click HERE to learn more and register.
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Help stock pantries of Title 1 schools around Central Florida by donating nonperishable food items. Click HERE for a list of requested items, and bring your donations to campus on July 27 to Building C.
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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.
We’re looking for St. Luke’s families to help with:
- Housing for 72 students (host in pairs or small groups; students each will bring their own sleeping bag and pillow)
- Dinner on Saturday night for the student(s) you host
- Transportation: Pick up at church after their rehearsal on Saturday, 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 showing hospitality and supporting these young people!
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