MINISTRY GUIDE DECEMBER 13, 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 third 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 The Rev. Jad Denmark, Minister of Connection
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.
Prelude Gathering Choral Introit
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” (8:00) Nathan Bettenhausen, soloist “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir
*Call to Worship *Hymn
”It Came upon a Midnight Clear”........................#218
*Opening Prayer *Passing the Peace and Welcome Witness in Music
“Mary Did You Know” (8:00/9:30) Nathan Bettenhausen, soloist “Shine, Advent Candle, Shine” (11:00) The Children's Choir
Prayer of the People; The Lord's Prayer Offering and Offertory “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming” (8:00) Nathan Bettenhausen, soloist “One Small Lamb” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir
*Doxology and Prayer of Dedication...#94 Lighting of the Advent Candle Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Matthew 11:2-6 Sermon: "Rejoice" *Hymn
”O Little Town of Bethlehem”...............................#230
*Benediction
“The Lord Bless and Keep You”
*Postlude
*Please stand in praise to God if you are able.
Share Your Musical Gifts YOUTH ENSEMBLE: Calling all youth to lead carols at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23 for the Christmas Preeve Worship Service. Rehearsal is Wednesday, December 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Building B Room 209 (the Choir Room). Youth Ensemble singers (grades 6-12) regularly 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 November 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 November 2015 Contributions & Support receipts: $3,226,015 Expenses: $3,064,967 Total over(under): $161,048 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. Last class will be December 16. Classes will resume on January 6. Email connect@ st.lukes.org or call 407.876.4991 ext. *262. 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. 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 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. to celebrate the season and each other! Email mom.cluster@st.lukes.org for information or call 410.430.4136. Register for childcare for regular meetings at st.lukes.org/childcare. 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. Email travel.cluster@st.lukes.org for more information. Friends on Wheels: Join this bicycle group on Saturday, 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. Bowling: Join us for a fun Christmas celebration on Monday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Winter Garden Bowl as we spread Christmas cheer and bowl one game together. No bowling on December 21 due to the holidays. 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 ride on Sunday, December 27 to The Mason Jar in Umatilla. Time TBD. For more information email motorcycle.cluster@ st.lukes.org. Sand Lake Hills: Residents and neighbors email connect@st.lukes.org if you are interested in joining. 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., Strength for Life on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a new yoga class on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. No exercise classes from December 21 – January 1. Classes will resume on January 4. Cost is $2/class. WEDNESDAYS DINNER: 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 After School program with an option for Children’s choir starts at 3:00 p.m. in Building A Room 201 will resume with activities that follow the sermon series on January 6. Evening programming with age-appropriate activities following the January "Simplify" sermon series resumes on January 6 at 6:15 p.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium in Building C. YOUTH MINISTRIES: Email youth@st.lukes.org for additional information. Youth Morning Sunday School: Reminder, due to a single service on December 27, all youth are invited to join their families in worship. Youth Group: There is no Wednesday Programming on December 16. After school program, Youth Praise Band, Youth Choir, and Sacred Dancers will all start back on Wednesday, January 6. Middle School Youth Group: Middle school youth will start back on Wednesday January, 6. Enjoy Christmas break with your family. High School Youth Group: Last high school youth group of the year is TONIGHT, Sunday, December 13, in the Attic of Building C from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will start back on Sunday, January 10. Youth Christmas Party: Youth are invited on Sunday, December 20 for a night of games, snacks, worship, and fellowship as we celebrate Christmas together! Meet in the back fields from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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. Simplify. 10 Practices to Unclutter Your Soul: Start the New Year in a small group, 5-week study which goes with our January sermon series. Take steps in 2016 to give "clarity and power to the things that matter most in the world." Two classes offered on Wednesday nights for Young Adults (19-34) and for 35+. Register at st.lukes.org/adults. Financial Peace University: Dave Ramsey's class has been a blessing to so many at St. Luke's. Meet your financial goals for the New Year by taking this class Wednesday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Register at st.lukes.org/adults. 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: "10 Practices to Unclutter Your Soul" starts January 3! "Get connected" more closely with God through a simplified life! Meet Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Building C Special Events Dining Room. 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. Christian Believers: Grow deeper in this 30-week study focused on "Knowing God with Heart and Mind." Sunday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Register at st.lukes.org/adults. 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 contact Amy Winslow at awinslow@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *253. SUNDAY MORNING ONLINE CHECK-IN TEST: We will be testing our online check-in system on December 20 in Children’s Ministries. Please visit a check-in kiosk before going to your child’s Sunday School classroom. This system provides a safer method for dropping off and picking up in the classrooms. 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 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"). Here are ways to get involved:
• East Winter Garden Christmas Shop: If you missed picking up a tag to donate a gift, you may still participate by making an online donation for the East Winter Garden Christmas Shop at st.lukes.org/ give. Volunteer to accept, sort, and organize donated gifts.
• Florida United Methodist Children's Home: Give online anytime or with your dedicated offering envelope during the Christmas Preeve and Christmas Eve services. St. Luke’s is organizing one day serving opportunities at the Children’s Home. E-mail Kellie Brinker if you are interested in serving at the home on a Saturday starting in January.
• 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.
BAGS OF GRACE: Thank you to all who donated to this food drive to alleviate hunger! Over 4000 food items were donated to our annual Bags of Grace ministry. Some of you donated money which was used to buy 40 Bags of Grace through Second Harvest Food Bank at a significantly reduced rate. Altogether those donations add up to 142 complete Bags of Grace. Since those are designed to provide a family of 4 meals for 4 days that adds up to 6,816 meals!! HABITAT HOUSE DEDICATION: Join us for the dedication of Noemi Carbajal’s Habitat home at 493 Bethune Ave., Winter Garden, FL on Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. Local dignitaries will be present for this dedication and we hope you will be able to join us too. Everyone is welcome! JOBS PARTNERSHIP: Jobs Partnership transforms the lives of people who are chronically underemployed by empowering, encouraging and elevating workplace attitudes and abilities. The spring class is now forming and there are many ways to become involved and use your spiritual gifts. There is a one day training session on Sunday, February 7. Regular classes meet on Thursday evenings, for 12 weeks, beginning Tuesday, February 23. Within Our Church 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.