Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Seeing the Neighbor Jesus Sees

Neighbors.

Nothing tests our love of neighbors quite like a turn signal someone apparently considers optional. We can believe in grace, mercy, and patience… until another car slips into the parking spot we’ve been guarding for 10 minutes.

With Gavin and countless high school students heading to homecoming at House of Blues, the bumper-to-bumper traffic proved that plenty of our neighbors had the same destination. Meanwhile, Isiah and our confirmands gathered for their confirmation retreat at Camp Warren Willis, taking another step in discovering what it means to follow Jesus. Between homecoming and confirmation, our family experienced two reminders of how much life happens in community and how much we need one another.

But what happens when our neighbors aren’t headed in the same direction?

This Sunday, Sacred Civics brings us to Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus stretches us by teaching us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” (44). Jesus grounds this command in God’s character, who “…makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (45). As God’s children, we’re called to reflect this love and grace.

Last week, we saw the people Jesus calls blessed in the Beatitudes. Well, this week...

Click here to read the full article

St. Luke's In Review

Giving Hope, One Pint at a Time

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated at our latest blood drive on campus! Because of your generosity, 13 pints of blood were given, with the potential to help approximately 39 patients in our community in the weeks ahead.

We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to give. Every donation is a meaningful way to care for someone who may be going through a difficult moment, even if we never know their name or story.

OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will be back on St. Luke's campus January 24, 2027 and we hope you'll join us. Visit st.lukes.org/blood-drive to make an appointment (encouraged) and learn more!

Thank U for an Incredible Saturday!

Under cloudy skies last weekend, more than 300 St. Lukers and friends came together to build 98 beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, surpassing our goal of 80! That means 98 Central Florida children will now have a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Thank you to all who showed up and showed out to make this beautiful day of impact possible!

Want to keep the momentum going? Join us for a bed delivery (Tuesdays and Saturdays weekly) or donate new bedding from the SHP wish list. Learn more at st.lukes.org/SHP!

Click here to see more photos taken by Mindi French and Saniye Kazan

Where Care Meets Action

Every month, a team of St. Lukers comes together to prepare sandwich bags and breakfast for our neighbors at Matthew’s Hope. This month, they also put together hygiene bags to share. Thank you to everyone who gives their time to make this ministry possible!

If you'd like to get involved with local St. Luke's Missions opportunities like this, a new team is forming to serve lunch at the Christian Service Center on the first Friday of each month. We'd love for you to be a part of it - visit st.lukes.org/hunger for details and to sign up!

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current Sermon Series: Sacred Civics

View Worship Details

"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - In this week’s episode, we continue our Sacred Civics series by turning to one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Join Pastor Melissa's discussion about what this radical command means for those of us trying to follow Jesus in a world filled with division and conflict.

Pick out your perfect pumpkin, snap a few festive photos, and enjoy a little fall fun at the St. Luke's Pumpkin Patch! The Patch is open October 13-31. Click here for times and information.

Walk with us in the Come Out with Pride Parade on October 17! Join St. Luke’s and other affirming UMC congregations as we celebrate God’s inclusive love and share our core values of acceptance and hospitality with the Orlando community. Click here to sign up to participate.

Prepare to vote with confidence! Join St. Luke’s Missions for a What's On Your Ballot Lunch & Learn on October 18, covering voter registration, early voting, mail-in ballots, ballot measures, and what to expect when you head to the polls. Bring your General Election ballot to create a personalized voting plan based on your own values and priorities. Click here to register.

Help someone get where they need to go. Whether you need a ride or have a few hours to give, St. Luke’s Transportation Ministry connects St. Lukers with rides to appointments, errands, and more. Click here to learn more.