Living God's Story in Community | | |
Dear St. Lukers,
What a powerful turnout for the Civics for Change Makers Lunch and Learn this past Sunday. Nearly 100 people gathered, with many more expressing a desire to learn what concrete steps they can take to engage faithfully in the issues shaping our city, state, and nation. Chris Card, Bonita Thomas, and Saniye Kazan led the conversation with wisdom and compassion, and there is much more to come. If you would like to receive information about future education and advocacy opportunities, please email Saniye at skazan@st.lukes.org.
As I write this, Pastor Melissa and our Missions directors, Saniye and Amy, are attending the national DART conference here in Orlando, with a particular focus on immigration. DART—Direct Action and Research Training Center—has, for decades, gathered faith leaders across denominations and traditions to equip local communities to advocate for justice and address their most pressing needs. Florida’s United Methodist episcopal leader, Bishop Tom Berlin, preached alongside leaders from other faith traditions, reflecting on sacred texts “from the margins” and reminding us of the biblical call to stand with the least of these.
I wonder how many of us have heard the words from the book of Ruth read at weddings or sacred gatherings: “Don’t urge me to abandon you…Wherever you go, I will go…Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
What we may not always remember is the deeper story...
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As we prepare to celebrate Pastor Jenn’s incredible legacy at St. Luke’s, we’re inviting you to help us create a meaningful farewell gift for her. Jenn has helped write so many chapters of our story – now it’s our turn to write one for her.
We’re collecting notes, memories, and messages of gratitude from the congregation and will compile them into a bound book for Jenn to take with her on her new adventure to the conference.
You’re welcome to email your message to ThanksJenn@st.lukes.org or drop-off/mail a handwritten note at the church office (Attn: Rachel Romoser).
Please send your message by March 8.
| | Hearts to Hands: 2025 Year in Review | |
With 2026 underway, we want to celebrate the meaningful impact our Hearts to Hands Ministry made throughout 2025, sharing the love of Jesus through handmade gifts that brought comfort and hope across our community.
Last year, this ministry expanded its outreach by donating baby hats to First Life Pregnancy Center and the Central Florida Diaper Bank, creating hand-knit rainbow lanyards for an Emmaus retreat, beginning a new partnership with Orlando Health Cancer Center, and providing blankets for baptisms, Care Ministries, Orlando Health Rehab, Brookdale Assisted Living, and the Rotary Club.
With an increased focus on blankets and larger items, Hearts to Hands contributed more than 7,300 hours of volunteer service in 2025. Average attendance also grew to 12–15 people per meeting, with 10 new members joining the ministry!
Hearts to Hands meets every Wednesday from 3:30–5:00 p.m. in the Barnes Learning Center, Room 210. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and free instruction and yarn are provided.
For information on how to get plugged in, email care@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. 262.
| Saving Lives One Pint at a Time! | |
On behalf of the St. Luke’s Care Office and the OneBlood team, thank U for your generous donations at our recent Blood Drive! We collected 18 pints, helping approximately 54 patients in our community. Special thanks to our volunteer nurses for their time and care, including providing education about hypertension.
With flu season and recent winter storms causing the cancellation of thousands of blood drives nationwide, your donations are more critical than ever. If you missed our drive, you can still give by booking an appointment with OneBlood online by clicking here.
Join us at our next campus Blood Drive on Sunday, May 17. Secure your spot now at st.lukes.org/blood-drive.
| | Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead | | Current Sermon Series | Love University: HOMEROOM | |
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"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - What does it really mean to live faith together? Pastor Melissa and Pastor Jad reflect on Acts 2:42–47 as part of the Love University series, exploring the early church’s rhythms of teaching, prayer, shared meals, generosity, and connection. They remind us that faith is shaped in community—through shared tables, grace-filled disagreement, and showing up for one another as we live the gospel together.
- Explore our welcoming classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and learn more about our play-based, faith-centered approach to early learning at our Child Development Center Open House on February 4. More information can be found HERE.
- Sip, relax, and dive into great conversation at Pints & Parables! Join us on February 12 for a laid-back night of talking life, faith, and big questions—all over your favorite drink. Everyone’s welcome! Learn more by clicking here.
- Come listen, reflect, and be renewed by songs that have carried faith across generations at our HymnSong concert, February 28 and March 1. Through powerful hymns, this experience explores how sacred music shapes our lives, carries our stories, and connects us to God and one another. Purchase tickets here.
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