Sharing the Light: How You Can Help Christmas Shine at St. Luke’s

Dear St. Lukers,  


It’s almost that time.  This Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Advent where a little Elf helps us remember the gift of Joy this Advent Season. By the way, I have heard that our Elves have shown up with great joy spreading cheer and giving gifts for our Circles Families during their holiday store and celebration.  Thank you to all who donated and volunteered.  You made the hope, peace, love, and joy of Advent come alive for families in East Winter Garden.   


Now, I was left a little note from some of my staff elves wanting to remind you that we are in need of some elves to come join us on Christmas Preeve (December 23) and Christmas Eve (December 24) as we prepare to welcome the Christ child and all our neighbors and congregation to come and adore him.  So, they sent me this little story…. 


’Twas the night before Christmas Eve, and all through St. Luke’s,

The candles were polished, the music had cues.

The choir was ready, the bells were in tune,

The sermons were prayed over—coming real soon.

 

The poinsettias stood proud, the altar was set,

Programs were printed (yes, even the last-minute ones, yet).

Eight services awaited over two holy days,

Each one a doorway for hope, love, and grace. 


But here’s where the story still needs you—

Not in the pews, but in the welcome, too.

We need friendly faces, warm smiles at the door,

Ushers and greeters...

Reminders:


  • The church campus will be closed from December 25 - January 2 in observance of Christmas and New Year's Day. The front office will reopen on Monday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m.


  • On December 28, we will have one combined worship service in the Sanctuary and live on YouTube at 10:00 a.m. Regular worship times and venues resume on Sunday, January 4.
 

St. Luke's Week in Review

Sounds of the Season 2025

Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the more than 2,000 people who came out to support this amazing production.


We extend a huge THANK YOU to the phenomenal cast and crew of over 200 dedicated individuals who brought this heart-filled concert to life. You kicked off our holiday season with hope, peace, love, and joy that truly filled hearts beyond overflowing.


Until we meet again next year to celebrate all the Sounds of the Season...


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

Jingle Jam with St. Luke's CDC!

Our Child Development Center kicked off a new tradition this year with its first-ever (and now annual!) Jingle Jam last week, and it was a joyful success! Nearly 250 children and families filled Founder's Hall for an evening of Christmas fun, complete with crafts, music, and dancing with Mr. Richard, festive photo ops, and a sweet ending of cookies, milk, and a story with Santa.


Families also showed incredible generosity through their toy donations. All collected toys will be shared with Circles and Hope CommUnity Center, supporting children and families in need this Christmas season.


A heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff and Parent Advisory Committee for helping create a magical night. They already can't wait to do it again next year!


Click here to see more photos of the fun!

Holiday Fun Had by All

The Circles Holiday Party & Toy Shop earlier this week was an incredible success! Thank you for the more than 1,100 toys and gift cards donated, and to the 60+ volunteers whose time and holiday cheer made this event possible.


The evening was filled with love and joy as children got to make gifts for their parents and enjoy food, games, and activities! Families learned about how they could become involved with Circles and participated in the Holiday Toy Shop. The night ended with sharing cookies and hot chocolate together!


The Circles Holiday Party & Toy Shop is a meaningful way to engage and support Poverty Solutions Group and Circles West Orange, but it doesn't have to end there! Visit st.lukes.org/circles to learn about the many other ways to get involved with these community partners!


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

Finding Community through Art

Meet Robyn Gleason, who moved to Florida from California in 2018 in search of professional opportunities as a performer. Friends told her, “Even if performing doesn’t happen, you will find your community here,” and she says that has become especially true at St. Luke’s.


She was thrilled to audition and join the cast of Encore Performing Arts, and soon after that, she was cast in HymnSong, a concert held at St. Luke's in partnership with Encore. She had to leave shortly after rehearsals began to be with her dad, who was dying from stage 4 cancer. “Cancer brought my family closer to God,” she says. Months earlier, she had attended church with her dad, who gently asked, “Robyn, why aren’t you singing at church?” She later realized, “Because I had been going to the wrong church.”


After HymnSong ended, she began attending services at St. Luke’s and joined the Sanctuary Choir—finding the community her friends promised. “Finding community through art brings me the most joy of all," she shares.



Want to get involved in St. Luke’s Traditional Music Ministries? Contact Bradley Roberts at broberts@st.lukes.org.

 

Upcoming Events

 
 

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: A REEL Christmas

  • "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - As we near the Sunday of Joy, join St. Luke’s pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa as they reflect on Joseph’s often-overlooked story in Matthew 1 and the surprising path to joy it reveals. This episode invites listeners to release perfection, trust God’s work, and discover true joy in Emmanuel—God with us in the midst of real, messy life.


  • Have your kids wear their pj's and join us on December 21 for a Happy Birthday Party for Jesus! We’ll celebrate with games, snacks, crafts, and lots of Christmas fun during the 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. services in regular classes. Please bring a friend!


  • Explore what our Child Development Center offers at our Open House on January 14. Tour our classrooms, meet our team, learn about our play-based program, and ask questions before registration opens. Come see how your child can thrive at St. Luke’s! Click here for more information, including registration dates.


  • You don’t have to walk the journey of grief alone. Join us for a GriefShare Open House on January 11. Meet our facilitators, connect with others who understand, and learn about our upcoming GriefShare sessions. Please register by clicking here.
 

Save the Dates

Soccer Registration for ages Pre-K through 5th grade - Now Open!

Register HERE


Coping with Caregiving - January 11

Learn more HERE


Combined Worship with Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale - January 18

See more details HERE


Discover St. Luke's Class - January 25

See details and sign up HERE


On-Campus Blood Drive & Blood Pressure Screenings - January 25

Learn more and make an appointment HERE


GriefShare Loss of Spouse/Partner - January 25

Register HERE


The Men of Motown - February 6-8

Tickets available HERE


High School Youth Ski Retreat - February 13-16

Grades 11/12 Registration | Grades 9/10 Registration


Women's Retreat: Recovering from Purity Culture - February 28

See pricing and register HERE


HymnSong - February 28 & March 1

Purchase tickets HERE

Give to St. Luke's Ministries

Facebook  Instagram  X  YouTube  LinkedIn

Click here to subscribe to St. Luke's newsletters