Called to Love Boldly

Dear St. Lukers,


It’s been quite a month of focusing on being Change Makers. Many of you have been following along with our devotions and lectures through our Change Maker app. We are so grateful to Harris D’Ambrosi for creating this custom interactive tool for us to help encourage our spiritual growth. It’s a great way to interact daily with challenges, devotions, the podcast, and even being in prayer together as a community. Since it’s helped so many of us, Harris has graciously helped to add to its content for the next series called Love Boldly. You can register and be part of this amazing interactive tool that can be used right on your phone, tablet, or computer. I promise, it’s worth taking the time! Livetherhythm.app.


Over the next three months, we will be diving into our new denominational vision statement created by our Council of Bishops and Conference Table. This vision statement explains how United Methodists around the world, in our nation, and in our state will live out the mission of our church to “make disciples for the transformation of the world.”

Those three brightly colored, bolded phrases are the actions of people who claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s what disciples DO...

 

St. Luke's Week in Review

Safety, Community, and Great Conversation

Last week, our 50 North Ministry gathered for an insightful Senior Safety seminar led by Elvie Almand from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Nearly 50 participants came together to learn practical tips on everything from cybersecurity and fraud prevention to personal safety and even keeping those doorstep packages secure. The room buzzed with questions, conversation, and plenty of time to connect with one another.


We’re keeping the momentum going—join us this month as the Orange County Public Library shares a meaningful presentation on Mental Mindfulness on September 19 at 6:00 p.m. You won’t want to miss it, RSVP at st.lukes.org/50north.

When the Heart Sings, God Listens

Meet Al Aki, a member of St. Luke’s Sanctuary Choir, who is always inviting others to join and sing. “If you ever find yourself singing to God, that’s what we’re all about—God hears our heart sing,” he says.


For Al, music is a lifeline. A former ASL teacher, he sometimes signs slower songs as he sings, deepening both tone and worship. Music carries him through the week and becomes a gift he shares with others who need encouragement.


He was drawn to St. Luke’s openness and welcome—teaching Tai Chi as a way to serve God in healthier bodies, celebrating the church’s full embrace of the LGBTQ+ community, and treasuring the Memorial Garden where his daughter Missy rests.


Choir has become a steady rhythm of grace, offering connection, healing, and joy.

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

 

Upcoming Events

 
 

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: Love Boldly

  • "Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - In this week's episode, Pastor Jad kicks off our Love Boldly series, exploring Romans 12:9–21 and John Wesley’s three rules. Discover what it means to practice bold, transformative love that overcomes evil with good.


  • Don't miss this month's Men’s Breakfast on September 18 featuring special guest Tony Battie—retired NBA player, 5th overall draft pick in the 1997 draft, and 15-year veteran of the league. Beyond his accomplishments on the court, Tony is a faithful disciple of Jesus who walks humbly with God. Don’t miss this inspiring morning of fellowship, food, and faith. Click here to RSVP!


  • Learn from experts, connect with others, and gain tools for hope and healing at the next session of our Cancer Education Series on September 21. This free series, in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, is designed to provide valuable information, support, and resources for all those affected by cancer. Learn more and register by clicking here.


  • 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!

Save the Dates

Coping with Caregiving - September 14

Click HERE to register for this online support group


50 North's Mental Mindfulness - September 19

Register to join us HERE


Coalition for the Homeless - September 19 (prep) | September 20 (serve)

Sign up HERE


United Women in Faith Presents The Great Exchange - September 20

Learn more HERE


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

Discover more HERE


Faithful Families - weekly discussion group starting September 28

See more information and register HERE


Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Day - October 4

Register to participate HERE


Blessing of the Animals - October 5

See details HERE

Give to St. Luke's Ministries

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