Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Growing Together in God’s Next Chapter

This past Sunday was a beautiful day in the life of St. Luke’s.

As we concluded our Prerequisites series, Pastor Jad reminded us that every person we encounter is a beloved child of God. True service doesn’t begin with what we do, but with how we see others. When we take the time to learn someone’s name, hear their story, and recognize the image of God within them, service becomes an expression of Christ’s love.

Following worship, many of us gathered to celebrate Pastor Jad’s 14 years of faithful ministry at St. Luke’s. We give thanks for Jad’s leadership, his servant’s heart, and the countless ways he has helped shape this church (if you missed it, you may view it here: Pastor Jad's Ministry Celebration). We are equally grateful for Shelly and for their three children, who have faithfully shared him with this congregation over the years. As they begin a new chapter, we send them with our love, prayers, gifts, and deepest gratitude.

Even as we celebrate one season of ministry, God is already writing the next.

This week, we welcome Pastor Jayde to the St. Luke’s family, who officially began her ministry with us yesterday (July 1). Just two weeks ago, she was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, a significant milestone that celebrates God’s call on her life and ministry. She also recently...

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Reminder: The church office will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day, and will re-open on Monday, July 6 at 9:00 a.m.

All are invited to a special reception welcoming Pastor Jayde on Sunday, July 12 in the Welcome Hall following each worship service! You'll have the opportunity to meet her, introduce yourself, and enjoy light refreshments together as we celebrate this exciting new season as a church family. We hope to see U there!

St. Luke's in Review

Grace and Peace, Pastor Jad

It was a meaningful morning in worship last week as we gathered for Pastor Jad's final Sunday at St. Luke's after 14 years of faithful ministry.

During worship, he reminded us that true service begins with seeing every person as a beloved child of God. And then later that afternoon, we gathered to celebrate his ministry and give thanks for the many ways he has faithfully served and shaped this community over the years.

Thank you, Pastor Jad, for your leadership, your servant's heart, and the lasting impact you've made on St. Luke's. We send you, Shelly, and your family into this next chapter with our love, prayers, and gratitude.

Click here to see more photos taken by St. Luker Howard Clifton

A Week of Faith in Action

Last week, a group of our high school students spent time serving families still recovering from Hurricane Helene, offering helping hands, listening ears, and the love of Christ.

They returned home tired, grateful, and inspired by the resilience of the people they met. Thank you for praying for our students and leaders. As the work of rebuilding continues, please keep these families and communities in your prayers, that they would find hope in each new day and know they are deeply loved and not forgotten.

Your Love at Work

St. Luker Ann Eppinger has returned from her week visiting with our ZOE Empowers groups in Rwanda! She led a team of representatives from six Florida UMC Conference churches, and together they learned how these amazing youth are growing through their 3-year empowerment program.

Read her full update by clicking here!

Learn more about ZOE Empowers at zoeempowers.org.

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

New Sermon Series | Love University: INTERDEPENDENT STUDIES

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Savor a great breakfast while strengthening bonds of faith and fellowship at our monthly Men's Breakfast on July 16. Enjoy delicious foods and great conversation! Click here to sign up.

Beat the heat and join us for Canvas and Cookies: Family Art Night on July 22! Enjoy a relaxed indoor evening where families can create something together, share treats, and spend time in fellowship. No art skills needed - just come as you are and have some fun. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Serve our community in a hands-on way on August 2 during Serve Sunday: pack snack bags, assemble hygiene kits, and make sandwiches for local ministries. All ages are welcome, all supplies are provided, and every act of service makes a difference. Click here to learn more.