MINISTRY GUIDE DECEMBER 6, 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 is the second Sunday of Advent and we continue our 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 Dr. David Stephens, Minister of Care Flower Dedication: The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Alice Williams in honor of her mother, Marie Williams' birthday. The flowers in the narthex are given by the Malick Family in memory of Burns Ruggles’ birthday.
Contemporary Worship
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium The Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams, Lead Pastor 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 returned TODAY for on-time delivery.
Prelude Gathering Choral Introit
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” (8:00) Anne Smith, soloist “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (9:30/11:00) The Youth Ensemble
*Call to Worship *Hymn
”Lift Up Your Heads”..............................................#213
*Opening Prayer *Passing the Peace and Welcome Witness in Music “Midnight Noel” (8:00/9:30) Anne Smith, soloist “Sing a Song of Peace” (11:00) The Youth Ensemble
Prayer of the People; The Lord's Prayer Offering and Offertory “Ding Dong Merrily on High” (8:00/9:30) Anne Smith, soloist “Who Would Send a Baby” (9:30/11:00) The Youth Ensemble
*Doxology and Prayer of Dedication...#94 Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:2-6 Sermon: "Refine" Lighting of the Advent Candle *Hymn
”Angels From the Realms of Glory”......................#220
Reception of New Members *Benediction “The Lord Bless and Keep You”
*Postlude
*Please stand in praise to God if you are able.
BAPTISM CLASS: There will be a preparation for baptism class TODAY at 4:30 p.m. in the Special Events Dining Room of Building C. HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: If you are seeking hope, healing, and wholeness join us TODAY at 10:30 a.m. and at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel of Building C. NEW MEMBERS: Please join us in welcoming the following new St. Luke’s members: Kim Amellin Amelia Dixon and Joshua Melendez Greg and Kathy Amundson Pamela Hampton Jim and Lisa Morrison Joe and Cyndy Angelastro Brittany Hoback Valerie Reko Susan Barbour Theresa Kania Scott and Roxanne Schledwitz Linda Carter Jan Kerr David Russell and Linda Sibley Karen DePriest Chris Kopec Alicia Spruill Mary Dill Eugene Augustine and Peter and Karilyn Staples Kathy and Mark Fite Kathleen Maniscalco Jeff and Erica Swearingen Betty Marchon Marie Williams
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. Share sermon videos by visiting 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.
2016 Stewardship and Commitment Update • 25% of the pledges received are from NEW pledgers! • Nearly 30% of the pledges received are INCREASES from 2015! If you did not receive a stewardship packet, they are available in the Connection Card Baskets, information racks in the Narthex of the Sanctuary and Welcome Hall of Building C, or at st.lukes.org/ stewardship. Please return your 2016 commitment card 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 R.S.V.P. FOR FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: "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/girls of all skill levels from kindergarten - grade 7. The season runs January 23 - 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, 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 to volunteer. 2016 MINISTRY RETREAT: This is a time for all church leaders (elected leaders, cluster, care, and grow group leaders, mission leaders, sports coaches, and music/worship leaders) to come together to be inspired and empowered by God’s calling on their leadership. The retreat will be Friday, January 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be dinner on Friday and continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. To R.S.V.P. for this retreat email Laura Turner at lturner@st.lukes.org. 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 SUNDAY LUNCH: Join us TODAY at Applebee’s at 6324 International Drive (by Wet-n-Wild) at 12:30 p.m. SENIOR LUNCHEON AND PROGRAM: Join us on Friday, December 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and celebrate Christmas with our lively musical entertainment! For reservations, please 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. Open Arms: This affirming group is open to all LGBTQ persons and allies. Come to our meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Attic of Building C. Bring your favorite snack and beverage to share. Contact openarms.cluster@st.lukes.org for information. 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 December 19 for a special night ride through Oakland. Meet at 5:00 p.m. at the home of Greg and Jackie Gill. We will have a party after the ride. Any level bikers age 12+ are welcome. Email friendsonwheels.cluster@st.lukes.org for ride details and exact location to meet. 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. Motorcycle: Do you enjoy motorcycles? Do you like to ride? Join this newly formed cluster group of diverse riders that include touring, cruising, and sport bikes. Join us on our upcoming rides: December 12 to Grams Kitchen in Deland and December 27 to The Mason Jar in Umatilla. Departure times to be determined. For more information about these rides email motorcycle.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: 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: Due to holiday schedules there will be no THRIVE dinners in December. Dinners will resume on January 6. Reservations can be made online at www.st.lukes.org/thrive. 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; at 8:00 for infants and toddlers, 9:30 for all children, and 11:00 for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. In December, children are learning about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. Elementary age children 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 9 sign up to attend "A Night in Bethlehem," a family growth opportunity for Advent (details below). Regular evening programming 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: On Wednesday, December 9 at 6:45 p.m. in Building A Room 201, 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. Register at st.lukes.org/children. YOUTH MINISTRIES: Email youth@st.lukes.org for additional information. Youth Morning Sunday School: Join us TODAY 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 Group: High school students are invited to a special mission night on December 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn about serving at St. Luke’s, with community partners, and around the world! Youth Christmas party: Our Annual Christmas Party is here ! It will be a night of games, treats, and fun! See you there Sunday, December 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! Confirmation 2016: Confirmation will be offered in fall of 2016 for 8th grade students. Students in grades 9-12 that have not yet been confirmed are also invited to join. Confirmation will take place mainly on Sunday afternoons, starting in September. Details to come soon. Mark your calendars! WEEKDAY 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 studies and classes. Morning Edition: Join this Wednesday 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. Why This Jubilee?: In this Advent eCourse (online course) Author James Howell explores the birth of Jesus in reflections on Christmas songs and carols. Class is $19.00 and includes audio recordings, video reflections, daily readings and a place for group discussion. Visit st.lukes.org/adults to register. Disciple I Fast Track: Looking for a Bible study to nurture 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. Starting Wednesday, January 6, meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God: This United Methodist Women’s study will be offered Tuesdays starting January 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Wednesday evenings starting January 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Register at st.lukes.org/adults. 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 is a wonderful way to “get connected” more closely with God and others. The Advent study is "Why This Jubilee?" focusing on Christmas songs and carols. Meeting Sundays, 9:30 a.m. in the Special Events Dining Room, Building C. Pathways: Join this group at 9:30 a.m. in Building C Room 200 for a 4-week Advent study: “Advent Conspiracy” – getting back to the reason for the season! 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. MARY RETREATS: These spiritual retreats are for busy women to get away from all that they “DO” and enjoy a weekend away to just “BE.” Get away from it all April 22-24, 2016 or November 11-13, 2016. For information on these retreats, contact Amy Winslow at awinslow@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *253. 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 lead 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 GLOBAL FAIR TRADE MARKET: St. Luke’s and Ten Thousand Villages present the annual Global Fair Trade Market TODAY from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shop for unique holiday gifts in the Welcome Hall of Building C. ADVENT SERVING OPPORTUNITIES: Please visit st.lukes.org/advent, email Kellie Brinker at kbrinker@ st.lukes.org, or call 407.876.4991 ext. *239 for details about 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 TODAY. 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: We still need 15 cooks to prepare a special holiday dinner for the families at Coalition on Saturday, December 19. 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: TODAY from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Welcome Hall of Building C to help artisans from developing countries support their families. Within Our Church 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. You can even serve sitting by one of the fire pits! 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. INSPIRATIONAL WRITERS LEADER: A volunteer is needed to organize and coordinate the writing and sending of cards throughout the year. Cards are sent to shut-ins, stateside and deployed military and new members for six holidays. Volunteer will disperse cards to a team of inspirational writers and ensure cards are completed and sent on time. Cards and postage are provided by the church. If you are interested in taking on this ministry role, email connect@st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *262 for more information. 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. 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. BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING COACHES: Volunteer to coach for the upcoming season by contacting Chris Smith, Director of Family and Recreational Ministries, at csmith@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *290 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). CAMERA OPERATORS NEEDED: Volunteer to record 9:30 a.m. Traditional or Contemporary Worship services. Training provided. Contact Vince Lepore at vlepore@st.lukes.org for more information or to volunteer.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/serve.