MINISTRY GUIDE NOVEMBER 29, 2015 OUR PURPOSE
“Building the Kingdom by Building Disciples”
OUR CORE VALUES
At our center is the love of Jesus Christ. We value Christ Centered: Acceptance • Hospitality • Community • Discipleship • Service
WORSHIP Worship
Today's Worship Today (Sunday November 29) is the first Sunday of Advent and we begin a new sermon series entitled "God's Force Awakens." Advent is all about waiting for the Incarnation, the coming of Christ, who reveals Himself as a baby to embody God’s love for us. Each year we are reminded not only of what God did for us, but also of what God desires of us. In this most important season for Christians, how can we incarnate God’s love for us and for the world? What would that look like? Incarnate means to represent an idea or quality in a clear and obvious way. The power of the incarnation renews us, refines us, calls for us to rejoice and then invites us to be a part of a revolution that changes the entire world with the power of God. Join us in worship and see how "God's Force Awakens" in our lives.
Traditional Worship
Sundays at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Today's Message: The Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams
Contemporary Worship
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium Today's Message:The Rev. Jad Denmark View worship schedule at st.lukes.org/schedule.
Order Christmas Poinsettias Honor a family member or loved one this Advent season by purchasing poinsettias in their memory that will adorn our campus on Christmas Eve. Order forms are in the information racks in the Sanctuary Narthex, Building C and in the church office. Cost is $15 for poinsettias. All orders must be completed by December 6 for on time delivery.
Prelude Gathering Choral Introit
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” (8:00) Robert Carver, soloist “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir
*Call to Worship *Hymn
”Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”......................#196
*Opening Prayer *Passing the Peace and Welcome Witness in Music “Jesu Bambino” Robert Carver, soloist
Prayer of the People; The Lord's Prayer Offering and Offertory “I Wonder As I Wander” (8:00) Robert Carver, soloist “'Tis a Wonderful Thing” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir
*Doxology and Prayer of Dedication...#94 Lighting of the Advent Candle Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Sermon: "Renew" Collect and Covenant Reading *Hymn
”Hail to the Lord's Annointed”..............................#203
*Benediction
“The Lord Bless and Keep You”
*Postlude
Share Your Musical Gifts YOUTH ENSEMBLE: Singers (grades 6-12) lead traditional worship at 11:00 a.m. once a month. Rehearse Wednesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Building B Room 209. Contact John Mason at jmason@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *243. CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Grades K-5 meet Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Building B Room 209. Contact John Mason at jmason@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *243. WEESINGERS: Rehearsals for preschool children ages 3-5 are Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Building A Room 118. For information contact Lily MacKenzie at lmackenzie@st.lukes. org.
*Please stand in praise to God if you are able.
BAPTISM CLASS: There will be a preparation for baptism class on Sunday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the Special Events Dining Room of Building C. HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: Join us on Sunday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. and at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel of Building C.
For sermon videos visit st.lukes.org/worship.
COMMIT Christmas Preeve and Christmas Eve Worship Christmas Preeve, Wednesday, December 23 in the Sanctuary (These services are intended for church members and allow room for visitors on Christmas Eve.) 6:00 p.m. New Interactive Worship Service with the Children’s Choir (Designed for Families) 7:15 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Sanctuary Choir 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Contemporary Praise Team Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 in the Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Children’s Nativity Pageant 5:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Contemporary Praise Team 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Contemporary Praise Team 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Sanctuary Choir 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with the Sanctuary Choir 11:15 p.m. Candlelight Communion with the Mixed Ensemble Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Services will celebrate Christ's birth with music and a message. All services will be in the Sanctuary. Most of these worship services will fill to capacity at least 30 minutes before start time. Please arrive no later than 45 minutes before service start time for the best chance of being seated at the service of your choice. There will be childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers on December 23 for the 6:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Christmas Preeve worship services and on December 24 for the 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. services. No reservations required.
Commitment Sunday Last Sunday during worship, we pledged to give all we can to build the Kingdom with our gifts and resources. If you were not able to to participate in worship or did not receive a stewardship packet, brochures are available in the information racks in the Narthex of the Sanctuary as well as in the Welcome Hall of Building C. Please return cards to the church office in Building C Attn: Kelly Smith.
Giving to St. Luke's Use this QR code to give from your mobile device or make your contribution at st.lukes.org. Choose "Give" at the top of the page to create your "My St. Luke's" account. Once you have logged in click the green "Next" button to make your onetime or recurring gift. Gifts can also be placed in the offering plate during worship.
Financial Update Financial information through the end of October can be viewed at st.lukes.org/stewardship. You should have received your giving statement through September either by e-mail or through the mail. Please be sure to review it for accuracy. YTD through October 2015 Contributions & Support receipts: $2,812,859 Expenses: $2,721,277 Total over(under): $91,582
UPCOMING EVENTS CHRISTMAS CONCERT TICKETS ONLINE: Join us on Saturday, December 5 at 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. or Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. for this year's Christmas Concert. Tickets are on sale at st.lukes.org/christmasconcert as well as on Sundays in the Rotunda of Building C. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12, and children 3 or under are free if they will sit on a parent's lap. All tickets are numbered seats. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for a different date/time. GLOBAL FAIR TRADE MARKET: St. Luke’s and Ten Thousand Villages present the annual Global Fair Trade Market Sunday, December 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shop for unique holiday gifts in the Welcome Hall of Building C. CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT: "The Santa Clause" will be the feature film at Christmas Movie Night on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. Join us on the lawn behind Building C for free hotdogs, popcorn, and hot chocolate under the stars. Dinner is from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:15 p.m. Bring your blankets and chairs and warm up by the fire. Toast some marshmallows and stack your s’mores with friends and family. R.S.V.P. at st.lukes.org/movienight. If you can come early and help prepare food, email Chris Smith, Director of Family Ministries, at csmith@st.lukes.org for details. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at stlukesorlando. To subscribe to the Weekly Update and to St. Luke’s devotions email social@st.lukes.org.
CONNECT NEW TO ST. LUKE'S? Visit the Connection Point in the Rotunda of Building C to pick up a First Time Guest Welcome Packet. Contact 407.876.4991 ext.*262 or connect@st.lukes.org with questions. BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: Teams are open to boys and girls of all skill levels from kindergarten - grade 7. The season runs January 23 through March 12. The registration fee of $99 includes a ball, jersey, and medal. ($20 discount if you are using a uniform from a previous season.) Visit st.lukes.org/sports for information and registration. Coaches are needed for the upcoming season. Visit the table in the Welcome Hall of Building C or contact Chris Smith, Director of Recreation and Family Ministries, at csmith@st.lukes.org for more information and to volunteer to be a coach. HEARTS TO HANDS KNITTING/CROCHET CLASS: Free beginner classes on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in Building C Room 200. Email connect@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *262. SENIOR LUNCHEON: Join us on Friday, December 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall for an early Christmas luncheon. To R.S.V.P. call 407.295.4348 by Tuesday, December 15. CLUSTER GROUPS: Visit st.lukes.org/clustergroups, email connect@st.lukes.org, or call 407.876.4991 ext.*262 for details about these intentional social groups that connect based on location, interest, or life stage. Young Adults: Join us on Friday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. for a Christmas party at the home of Heidi and Rob Stange. This group is for all young adults (20s – 30s). Email connect@st.lukes.org for more details. Open Arms: This affirming group is open to all LGBTQ persons and allies. Come to our Christmas celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at the home of Mike Bukowski. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate for St. Luke’s Christmas Shop. Email openarms.cluster@st.lukes.org for full details. West Orange Connection: Celebrate the season by attending the 5:00 p.m. Christmas concert on Saturday, December 5 followed by a potluck at the home of Gary and Liberty Goetsch. Each person should purchase their own tickets. R.S.V.P. to westorange.cluster@st.lukes.org by December 1 to receive additional details. Mom Connection (formerly Moms United): This accepting group of mothers support each other through their children’s journeys. Meet in the Attic of Building C on Wednesday, December 9 or Wednesday, December 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. to celebrate the season and each other! Moms pick best day to attend. Email mom.cluster@st.lukes.org for information or call 410.430.4136. Register for childcare for regular meetings at st.lukes.org/childcare. Military Potluck Party: Join the Military and Friends Cluster Group along with the Military Support Ministry for a potluck Christmas party in Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. Active/ retired military, spouses, family members, friends and community members are welcome. Bring your favorite dish to share. Email military.cluster@st.lukes.org to R.S.V.P. and to receive more information. Friends on Wheels: Join this bicycle group on a special December night ride on the West Orange Trail. (Date TBD) Any level bikers age 12+ are welcome. Email friendsonwheels.cluster@st.lukes.org for details. Travel: Join us on Monday, December 14 as we celebrate the season in the magical town of Celebration! Enjoy decorated streets, houses, carolers, Florida “snow”, and each other. Meet at St. Luke’s at 6:30 p.m. to travel together or you can meet us there. R.S.V.P. to travel.cluster@st.lukes.org by Thursday, December 10. Bowling: Meet on the first and second Mondays in December at 7:00 p.m. at Winter Garden Bowl. Join us for a fun Christmas celebration on Monday, December 14 at the bowling alley as we spread Christmas cheer and bowl one game together. For information contact bowling.cluster@st.lukes.org. Sand Lake Hills: Residents and neighbors email connect@st.lukes.org if you are interested in joining. SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: Have you had a difficult year due to divorce or separation, illness, job loss or death of a loved one? Join Pastor David Stephens on Wednesday, December 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Special Events Dining Room of Building C for a “Christmas Blues Gathering” and find “comfort and joy” by connecting with others. Email care@st.lukes.org to R.S.V.P. or call 407.876.4991 ext. *262. GRIEF SUPPORT: No class on December 2. The last class meets Wednesday, December 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Building C Special Events Dining Room. Email care@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *262. CARRYING A BURDEN: Trained Stephen Ministers provide a listening ear. Mark the Connection Card to be paired confidentially with a Stephen Minister. Call 407.876.4991 ext. *262 or email care@st.lukes.org. COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER: Receive counseling in areas such as stress management, depression, anger, domestic violence, and grief. Call 407.876.4991 ext. *250 to schedule an appointment. EXERCISE CLASSES: All classes meet in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium. Circuit and Cardio Training (for adults all levels) meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $5/class or $30/month. First class is free! Classes for ages 50 and over include Low Impact Aerobics on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and Strength For Life on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $2/class. WEDNESDAYS JUST GOT EASIER: Each Wednesday in Building C, St. Luke's offers a delicious dinner specially prepared by area restaurants. Dinner is $8.00 per adult (13 years old or older) and $5.00 per child (12 years old or younger). Enjoy dinner before you join your THRIVE activity for the evening. R.S.V.P. by Sunday at midnight at st.lukes.org/thrive or by calling 407.876.4991 ext. *223. The last Wednesday night dinner for 2015 will be on December 9. Dinner will resume on January 6.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/connect.
GROW ADVENT CALENDAR AND GUIDE: Pick up your "God's Force Awakens" Advent Guide and Advent Calendar at the entrance to either worship venue. These resources offer daily activities, weekly devotions, and all the opportunities to Worship, Connect, Grow, Serve, and Commit in preparation for the incarnation. Details are also available at st.lukes.org/advent. CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES: Visit st.lukes.org/children for information on all programs available and to read the Winter Chalkboard Newsletter. Sunday Morning Children’s God-O-Sea: Children (birth-4th grade) dive into a new adventure of the Deep Blue curriculum each week. For the month of December, children will be learning about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. Children in elementary school will worship with their families on December 27. Stop by the Welcome Window on the first floor in Building B for more details. THRIVE Wednesday Children's Program: The afterschool portion of this programming (from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) will resume January 6. On December 2 or December 9, enjoy extra time with families or sign up to attend "A Night in Bethlehem," a family growth opportunity for Advent (see details below). Regular evening programming where children follow the sermon series with age-appropriate activities resumes on January 6 at 6:15 p.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium in Building C. A Night in Bethlehem: Come as a family and experience what it would have been like on that wondrous night. Visit the Market place, taste the bread in the bakery, smell the herbs in the herb shop, and make an advent keepsake in the carpenter tent. There is room at the Inn for everyone. Come either December 2 or December 9 at 6:45 p.m. in Building A Room 201. Register at st.lukes.org/children. YOUTH MINISTRIES: Email youth@st.lukes.org for additional information. Youth Morning Sunday School: Enjoy quality time with your family this Thanksgiving! There will be no Middle School or High School Sunday School TODAY. Join us on December 6 upstairs in Building C as 5th & 6th grade (MERGE) and 7th & 8th grade students reform their ideas about Biblical ancestors in large and small group sessions. 9th through 12th grade students are currently following the sermon series. Check in at the Welcome Table on the 2nd floor of Building C at 9:30 a.m. Youth Groups: No High School Youth Group TONIGHT! All Middle School and High School Students are invited for a special 2-week Missions Series on December 2 and December 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Youth will have an opportunity to learn about serving here at St. Luke’s and with our partners in the community and around the world! GROW GROUPS (CLASSES) FOR ADULTS: View classes at st.lukes.org/adults or contact Amy Winslow, Director of Adult Ministries, at awinslow@st.lukes.org for information on Bible studies and classes. Morning Edition: Join this weekly grow group of women as they continue their study, Max Lucado’s Just Like Jesus from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in Building C Room 200. For more information, email grow@ st.lukes.org. Why This Jubilee?: This Advent eCourse (online course) is available to all! Author James Howell explores the birth of Jesus in 24 reflections on Christmas songs and carols. Class is $19.00 and includes audio recordings, video reflections, daily readings and a place for group discussion. To receive a link to register, go to st.lukes.org/adults. Thursday Morning Bible Study for Moms: Join this class as they study Leslie Weatherhead’s The Will of God starting Thursday, December 3 at 9:15 a.m. In Building C Room 204. Register at st.lukes.org/adults. Disciple I Fast Track: Are you looking for a Bible study to nurture and deepen your spiritual life? Pastor Jenn’s 12-week New Testament Disciple I study combines daily personal Bible study with dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. Meeting time is 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, starting Wednesday, January 6. SUNDAY GROW GROUPS (CLASSES): For additional details or questions, contact Amy Winslow, Director of Adult Ministries, at awinslow@st.lukes.org or visit st.lukes.org/adults. Connections: Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this class is a wonderful way to “get connected” more closely with God and others. Meeting time is Sundays, 9:30 a.m. in the Special Events Dining Room, Building C. - just stop in. (all ages, couples & singles) Pathways: Join this group at 9:30 a.m. in Building C Room 200 and connect faith with daily life. All ages, couples and singles are welcome. New Directions: A great group of primarily “empty nesters” committed to both study and service. Meeting time is 9:30 a.m. in Building C Room 208. Soul Mates: Couples in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s discuss the keys to a loving and sacred relationship. Marriage and children are not a requirement. Meet Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Building C Room 208. THE JOURNEYS OF PAUL ON LAND AND SEA: This 11 day pilgrimage to Greece, several of its islands, and Ephesus, Turkey is set for May 14-24, 2016. Dr. Bill Barnes, Director of the St. Luke's Center for Christian Leadership, will be leading the tour on his fourth trip to this area of the Mediterranean associated with the missionary work of the Apostle Paul. Brochures are available in the literature racks across campus, or go directly to www.EO.travel/mytrip and enter Tour PA1, Date (05/14/16), Code B, and ID# 04783.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/grow.
SERVE Within the Community WINTER GARDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN DECEMBER 5: If you enjoy gardening or working with your hands, join us on Saturday, December 5 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. We will be working in the charity plots to plant new produce. Dress for gardening, bring a hat and water bottle. Contact Adam Hartnett at ahartnett@st.lukes.org for more information or to confirm. ADVENT SERVING OPPORTUNITIES: Please email Kellie Brinker at kbrinker@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *239 for any of the following serve opportunities. Need Community Service Hours? Here are some great opportunities! The holiday season offers numerous opportunities to serve and be a beacon of hope to struggling individuals and families in our community, our state and in our world. Sign up to help at st.lukes.org/ advent (scroll down and click on “Opportunities to Serve and Give Back"). Please return all gifts and food donations by December 6. Here are ways to get involved: • Bags of Grace: Provide food for OCPS students over the two week school break. View the food list at st.lukes.org/advent (scroll down and click on “Opportunities to Serve and Give Back") and in the N. Welcome Hall. Volunteer to help accept, sort, count and transport food. • Wish Tree and East Winter Garden Christmas Shop: Pick up Wish Tree tags to donate a gift or donate money at st.lukes.org/give. Volunteer to accept, sort, and organized donated gifts. • Coalition for the Homeless: Prepare a special dinner for the families at Coalition on Saturday, December 19. We need 12 bakers from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the St. Luke’s kitchen in Building C; 15 cooks from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the shelter, and 25 servers from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the shelter. Elementary children may be involved in baking and serving. Cooks must be high school age or older. • Florida United Methodist Children's Home: Give online anytime or with your dedicated offering envelope during the Christmas Preeve and Christmas Eve services. • Zoe Ministries: Volunteer to serve on the newly forming Zoe Core Team, give online anytime, or with your dedicated offering envelope during the Christmas Preeve and Christmas Eve services. • Global Fair Trade Market: Shop on Sunday, December 6 helping artisans from developing countries support their families. Volunteer to help with set up on December 2, December 5 and December 6. Within Our Church CHRISTMAS IS COMING: We need your help with this year's Christmas Concerts! Concerts will take place on Saturday, December 5 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. • Will Call: Will Call volunteers are needed for each concert. Email ksmith@st.lukes.org to sign up. • Ushers and Greeters: Email worship@st.lukes.org to serve as an usher or greeter. GRILL MASTERS WANTED: Bring your grill and/or help grill hot dogs for Christmas Movie Night on Saturday, December 12 at 5:15 p.m.! Popcorn poppers and s'more stackers are also in demand. Share your Christmas spirit with our church and community by serving at this fun festive event. Visit st.lukes.org/ movienight to view volunteer roles and times or email Chris Smith, Director of Family and Recreational Ministries, at csmith@st.lukes.org. STEPHEN MINISTERS: Receive special training in Christian caregiving and be a trustworthy confidant for care receivers. Call 407.876.4991 ext. *262 or email care@st.lukes.org. BUDDY BREAK: Share your Saturday with a child/teen who has a special need. Visit us on Saturday, December 5 in the Attic of Building C from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers ages 14+ welcome. Community service hours and training provided. Contact buddybreak@st.lukes.org or 407.876.6728. SWEETS AND CAROLERS WANTED: The Buddy Break ministry is collecting red and white individually wrapped candy canes and small packages of wrapped cookies for the “Caroling for Kids” hospital visitations. Items may be dropped off to the church office Attn: Kim Paredes. Carolers are also needed for Christmas Eve/Day to share hope and encouragement with patients, families, and caregivers. Visit nathanielshope.org/events-programs/Christmas/ or email buddybreak@st.lukes.org for information. CARE PACKAGES: The Military Support Ministry will assemble care packages for deployed military on December 4 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Meet in the Special Events Dining Room of Building C. Drop off items at the church office in Building C by Thursday, December 3. For a list of items needed visit st.lukes.org/ military or visit the table in the Welcome Hall of Building C TODAY. If you would like a family member to receive a care package call 407.876.4991 ext. *262 or email care@st.lukes.org with their information. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Share God’s love Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Email Janet Chambers, Director of Children's Ministries, at jchambers@st.lukes.org. BEHIND THE SCENES PREP WORK: Support Grow Ministries by sorting, packing, collating, and cutting. Pick your day Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Contact April Outing at aouting@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *295 (Childcare available on Thursday mornings). For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/serve.