Love Boldly: Offering the Real Jesus 

Grace and Peace beloved St. Lukers,


In these past few weeks, we have been overwhelmed by news of violence, hatred, and division in our nation and world. With multiple school shootings, the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, bomb threats to eight historically black colleges - including our own Bethune-Cookman University - and now two men, a black college student named Trey Reed, and a white homeless man named Cory Zukatis, found dead hanging from trees, it seems our reality is that trauma and fear, in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty, feel overwhelming to all of us. AND as disciples of Jesus, called to be change makers, we remember that the church is called to be a place of healing, hope, and prayer. We want to offer a place where people can come and find space with one another and place their prayers before God. 


Starting this Sunday, the Prayer Chapel in Building C (just off the Rotunda) will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You are invited to stop by for a moment of quiet reflection. There will be a guided liturgy and prayers to support you, as well as candles to light as a sign of hope, healing, and peace. This is a sacred space to lay down your burdens, lift your prayers, and rest in God’s presence.


This week we also find ourselves halfway through our sermon series, Love Boldly, where we are leaning into Jesus’ command: “Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:34–35)



In a world that often confuses love with sentiment or self-interest... 

Join us in welcoming Elizabeth Vasquez, who serves on staff as our Senior Director of Grow and Connect Ministries, as our guest preacher on September 21!


She will be sharing a message in both worship spaces (9:30/10:00 a.m.) as we celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month, which kicked off on September 15. We will also be featuring bilingual liturgy, hymns (in Traditional), and coritos (in Contemporary) during worship, plus some special guava pastries, so you won't want to miss it!

 

St. Luke's Week in Review

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!

Our Sounds of the Season Community Choir kicked off rehearsals this week—yes, in September! The 100+ member choir dove into the creative vision for this year’s concert, and you won’t want to miss this amazing group as they ring in the season this December. Keep an eye out for ticket information coming soon!


Click here to see more photos of the fun

Thank U, Lifesavers!

On behalf of St. Luke’s Care Office and the team at OneBlood, we share our heartfelt thanks—you helped us exceed our Blood Drive goal on Sunday! Together we collected 14 pints of blood, enough to help save 42 lives. Our local hospitals rely on every pint, and your generosity truly matters.


Special thanks to our amazing volunteer nurses who also identified several high blood pressure readings, reminding us all to keep a close eye on our health—hypertension can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and more.


Next Blood Drive: Sunday, January 25, 2026


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

Food, Fun, and Faith

Earlier this month, our Young Professionals Group (25–35) gathered for a night of great food, laughter, and faith-filled connection.


Looking to build community and grow in your faith? This group is for you! Learn more about their regular gatherings and upcoming events at st.lukes.org/youngadults.

St. Lukers, U Did It—BIG Time!

We set a goal of 250 Buckets of Hope and you overflowed with generosity...bringing in 301 buckets PLUS enough donations to create 52 additional buckets! That’s over 350 Buckets of Hope ready to help families clean up, rebuild, and feel God’s love after a storm.


Thank you to everyone who shopped, donated, packed, stacked, and stored—this is what being the church in action looks like. And because we love a little fun...keep watching our social media pages to see which pastor gets BUCKETED!

 

Upcoming Events

 
 

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Love Boldly

  • "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - This week on the podcast, Pastor Jenn reflects on Jesus’ call to “love one another” (John 15) and the Acts 2 vision of a church rooted in teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity. Discover how sacrificial love—expressed through bold action and care for others—can reshape today’s church and witness to Christ.


  • Join us on September 26 at 6:00 p.m. for a fun-filled Family Talent Show! From music and dance to comedy and hidden skills, families and individuals of all ages are invited to share their gifts on stage. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of creativity and community! Sign up to share your talents!


  • Discover how nutrition impacts heart health with Parish Nurse Lisa Crump at Let's Get Cooking: Healthy Heart on September 28. Enjoy a heart-healthy lunch while gaining practical tips to prevent or manage heart disease through better food choices. This class is open to all (registration required, cost is $25/person)! Reserve your spot now by clicking here!


  • Looking for connection and encouragement as you raise little ones? Faithful Families is an 8-week journey of fun gatherings, meaningful conversations, and practical ideas to bring faith into everyday life. Come as you are, meet other parents, and leave encouraged with simple ways to nurture a faith-filled home. Begins on September 28. Find out more here.


  • Our Children's Ministry is excited to offer programming and care for kids age 6 weeks through 5th grade every Sunday morning (even on first Sundays) starting October 5! This change will provide a consistent, steady place for kids to grow in faith, build friendships, and connect with leaders while parents attend worship. If you have questions, email Lana Stevens by clicking here.

Save the Dates

Stephen Minister Training - September 30 (online) | October 7 (in person)

Discover more HERE


Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Day - October 4

Register to participate HERE


Blessing of the Animals - October 5

Learn more HERE


Pints & Parables - October 9

Sign up HERE


The Next Chapter: Retirement Banquet - October 10

Please RSVP HERE


Coping with Caregiving - October 12

More Information HERE


Men's Ministry Breakfast - October 16

Sign up HERE


Cancer Education Series (Breast Cancer) - October 19

Find out more HERE


Fall Family Fun Night - October 22

Learn more and register HERE

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