Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven

Blessed.

“Blessed are kickoff returns, interceptions, and blocked punts. Blessed are wings, pizza, chips, and salsa!” Those may sound like the beatitudes of football season. Whether you’re a diehard fan or dread this time of year, you know the season is underway: televisions filled with hours of football, weekends organized around games, and people wearing their loyalties for everyone to see.

Sports can bring people together in remarkable ways. Football, baseball, basketball, and hockey (along with many others) have greatly contributed to our communities and country. At their best, they offer a picture of people with different backgrounds working toward one common goal. Each person brings something the team needs. Success requires individuals to give of themselves for the sake of others.

Sports have also helped challenge barriers to inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. The movie 42, which tells the story of Jackie Robinson, reminds us that what happens on a playing field can help change what happens beyond it. Robinson’s courage exposed prejudice and challenged a nation to imagine a different future.

Sometimes, a team helps us see possibilities our society has struggled to embrace.

Unfortunately, we can't rely on sports to bring us together in every part of life. And as we approach the midterm election...

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St. Luke's In Review

Getting Informed Before Election Day

A huge thank you to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office for presenting at our Know Before You Vote event. Attendees learned about the importance of the General Election, how to find their precinct, how to request a vote-by-mail ballot, and all the details needed to make a plan to vote.

And a special shout-out to everyone who registered to vote for the first time!

Want to keep learning? Find helpful voting and election information at voteorangefl.gov, and join us for our next Lunch & Learn on October 18: What’s On Your Ballot. We’ll take a closer look at ballot measures and share trusted tools to help voters make informed decisions. We’d love to see you there - RSVP and learn more at st.lukes.org/civics.

A Great Afternoon with 50 North

Last week, our 50 North Ministry came together to enjoy time with friends and have a meaningful conversation with Dr. Josh Stanley, St. Luke’s Director of Community Mental Health & Well-being, about caring for our emotional well-being through the changing seasons of life.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Dr. Stanley for sharing his time and wisdom. We’re grateful for opportunities like this to connect, learn, and support one another!

Visit st.lukes.org/50north to stay up-to-date on 50 North events, and RSVP for our next one coming up on October 8, where we'll be talking about the ABCD's of Medicare.

The Power of Showing Up

For 39 years, St. Luke’s has been showing up at Coalition for the Homeless, one meal at a time. Every month, more than 75 people come together to donate, prepare, cook, and serve dinner for 350+ of our neighbors who are struggling. Led by St. Luker Beth Ely, this ministry is about more than providing a meal. It’s about showing up, sharing a little kindness, and making sure our neighbors feel cared for and treated with love and dignity.

Thank you to everyone who continues to make this ministry possible. Want to join us? Visit st.lukes.org/cfh to learn how.

Bringing Birthday Joy to Our Neighbors

Last week, a group of St. Lukers spent the evening at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission celebrating birthdays with the residents. A few times each year, our Missions team helps host these special celebrations.

The team cooked a taco dinner, brought cake and ice cream, and delivered 50 birthday bags filled with treats and special notes from our kids who took part in Love in Action earlier this month. Thank you to everyone who helped make the night special and shared in the celebration with our neighbors!

For more ways to serve locally with St. Luke's Missions, visit st.lukes.org/hunger.

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current Sermon Series: Sacred Civics

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"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - What does it mean to live as a citizen of God’s kingdom in our world today? In this episode of our new sermon series, Sacred Civics, Pastor Melissa explores Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, considering what they reveal about God’s kingdom, marginalized people, community, and how we live out our faith in the world around us.

Get ready for Medicare 2027! Join Roger and Gina Masterson of Masterful Solutions on October 8 to learn about the ABCD's of Medicare, including Part D, enrollment timelines, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time, already have Medicare, or helping a loved one, you’ll gain practical information to help you navigate the new choices with confidence. Click here to sign up.

Pull up a chair for Pints & Parables: Theology on Tap! Join us October 8 and/or 20 for a relaxed evening of good conversation and great company. We’ll dive into life, faith, and big questions together over a pint (or your drink of choice). Everyone’s welcome! Click here for times and locations.

Find encouragement, practical resources, and a safe space to share with others who understand the challenges and blessings of caring for a loved one in need. All caregivers are welcome and invited to join Coping with Caregiving, an online support group, at the next meeting on October 11. Click here to register.

Take a proactive step toward healthier skin at our Dermatology Information Session on October 25! Join St. Luker and dermatologist Dr. Allison Arthur for a friendly, informative conversation about knowing your skin, spotting potential warning signs, and learning about the latest prevention and treatment options. Click here to register.