DECEMBER 14, 2014 NOVEMBER 23, 2014
WORSHIP What's up with worship?
Traditional Worship Prelude “Christmas Carillon” The Handbell Choir
Gathering for Worship Choral Introit
Sermon Series “Come Home for Christmas” There is a saying…"all roads lead home at Christmas." Often in this fast paced, always changing life we either don't make it home for Christmas or our definition of "home" is constantly in flux. But there are some traditions about Christmas that remind us of what home can be. Whether it's movies we used to watch, candles, lights or maybe a fireplace, each of us have memories that remind us of Christmas. These memories remind us of something deeper in our lives – a time of peace, hope, joy, or love. This Advent season as we prepare for Christ why not join us in worship and prepare to bring home to your heart these gifts from God? Make room for Christ to come home again in your heart, your family, your life.
Join us!
Traditional Worship
Sundays at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Today's Message: Dr. William S. Barnes
Contemporary Worship
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium Today's Message: The Rev. Jad Denmark re·define: Contemporary·Family·Worship Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium Today's Message: The Rev. Jad Denmark
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” (8:00) School of the Arts Grades 1 & 2 Ballet “Go Tell It On the Mountain” (9:30) The Sanctuary Choir “Overture from the Nutcracker” (11:00) School of the Arts Kindergarten Ballet “Born on Christmas Day” (11:00) School of the Arts Grades 6-12 Lyrical
*Call to Worship *Hymn
”Angels from the Realms of Glory”......................#220
Opening Prayer Passing the Peace and Welcome Lighting of the Advent Candle Congregational Choral Response Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-7 Sermon: "Bring Joy Home for Christmas" Series: Come Home for Christmas
Offering and Offertory
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” (8:00) Ken Clifton, piano “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir with Julie Ohrberg, soloist
*Doxology and Prayer of Dedication.....94 The Sacrament of Holy Communion Music During Communion “A Baby Changes Everything” (8:00/9:30/11:00) Julie Ohrberg, soloist “Candlelight Carol” (9:30/11:00) The Sanctuary Choir
*Hymn
”Sing We Now of Christmas”................................#237
*Benediction
“The Lord Bless and Keep You”
*Postlude
*Please stand in praise to God if you are able
WORSHIP ON DECEMBER 28: There will be one worship time on Sunday, December 28 for both Contemporary and Traditional Worship Services. Please join us at 10:00 a.m. in the Coleman Memorial Gymnasium or in the Sanctuary.
For sermon videos and worship schedules visit st.lukes.org/worship.
UNEWS CHRISTMAS PREEVE/EVE WORSHIP Tuesday, December 23 - Christmas Preeve Worship (These services are intended for church members allowing room for visitors on Christmas Eve.) 6:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Candlelight Service with Contemporary Praise Team 8:15 p.m. Candlelight Service with the Sanctuary Choir Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship 3:45 p.m. Children's Participation Nativity Pageant We invite all children and their families to participate in this very special telling of the Christmas story. Children are asked to come dressed in costumes as shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, wisemen, and farm animals as we travel back to Bethlehem. A limited number of costumes are provided in the Narthex prior to the pageant. We will also be blessed to hear the voices of our WeeSingers and K-1 Chorale. 5:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with the Children's Choirs 6:15 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Service with the Contemporary Praise Team 8:45 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with the Sanctuary Choir 11:15 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion and 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. The 5:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. worship services are the most well-attended, so please plan accordingly. There will be childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers on December 23 during all Christmas Preeve worship services and on December 24 for the 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. services.
2015 Operating Budget Pledges Please pick up a pledge card in the church office or online at st.lukes.org/ stewardship and turn in your card no later than December 21. Place it in the offering plate on Sundays, drop it by the church office, mail it in or email it to Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes.org. Consider setting up online giving by visiting st.lukes.org/give to ensure your giving continues even when you cannot be with us in worship. Thank you for all that you do to support the ministries of St. Luke’s vision which God has placed before us. You and your gifts are appreciated.
End of Year Contributions Please keep in mind that the church office will be closed the week of December 29 - January 2 as a way to help with our budget deficit. Because of this, please ensure that your end of the year donation is received as a gift in 2014. According to IRS regulations all gifts to be counted as 2014 donations must be received by the church no later than December 31. Since our offices will be closed the week of December 29 the last opportunity to physically receive your donations will be Sunday, December 28. You can also give online at st.lukes.org/give or by mailing your contribution to the church. Mailed contributions MUST BE POST MARKED BY DECEMBER 31. We hope that this information is helpful. Should you have any questions please contact Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes. org. Your support of St. Luke’s and its ministries is much appreciated! Thank you!
Financial Update as of November 2014 Did you know that the church staff has underspent the budget by $82,334 through November? OCTOBER NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER $3,554,353 $4,095,293 $3,223,244 Year To Date Income: $3,808,272 $4,199,748 $3,450,117 Year To Date Expenses: ($104,455) ($226,873) Over/(Under): ($253,919)
Giving to St. Luke's Use this QR code to give directly from your mobile device or make your contribution online at st.lukes.org. Choose "Give" at the top of the page to create your new "My St. Luke's" account. Once you have logged in click the green "Next" button to make your one-time or recurring gift. You can also place your gifts in the offering plate during worship.
CONNECT BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING: Registration is now open for the 2015 basketball and cheerleading season through St. Luke's Sports. Teams are open to boys and girls of all skill levels from kindergarten - 7th grade. St. Luke's Sports promotes fun and fellowship. The season begins January 19 and runs through March 14. There are no evaluations/tryouts. Registration closes on December 31 so register TODAY at www.st.lukes. org/sports! Cost is $99 and players who are able to use last year's basketball or cheerleading uniform will receive a $20 discount. Coaches are needed! There will be a coaches meeting on Monday, January 12. MANY THANKS FROM THE MILITARY SUPPORT TEAM: The Military Support Team would like to thank everyone who donated items for the Christmas Packages sent to the deployed military. We mailed 53 boxes on November 21. Those boxes should bring some smiles! CLUSTER GROUPS: Contact Jad Denmark at 407.876.4991 ext. *229 or jdenmark@st.lukes.org. KEENE’S POINTE: We invite you and your family to our 2nd annual Christmas Cookie Exchange on Sunday, December 21 at the Wellington residence. We will be sharing our sweet treats and friendship from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please bring three dozen cookies or treats to share, as well as a container to take home the leftovers! R.S.V.P. to keenespointe.cluster@st.lukes.org by Wednesday, December 17 for directions. Save the date for an educational Wine Tasting Event at Tim's Wine in downtown Windermere. This wonderful evening is for adults only, and will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Email keenespointe.cluster@st.lukes.org for more information. OPEN ARMS LGBTQA: This inspiring and affirming group is open to all LGBTQ persons and straight allies. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Attic of Building C. Contact openarms.cluster@ st.lukes.org for more information. CLASSIC CARS: All car enthusiasts are invited to join this social group. Email classiccars.cluster@st.lukes. org for future meeting information. YOUNG ADULTS (20s and 30s): This group meets for lunch on the first and third Sunday of each month. For more information email youngadults@st.lukes.org. BOWLING: Join this Cluster Group on the first and third Monday nights of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Kings Bowl, 8255 International Drive. For more information contact bowling.cluster@st.lukes.org. FRIENDS ON WHEELS: Ride with the new Friends on Wheels Cluster Group (see st.lukes.org/clustergroups for details). The first outing of Friends on Wheels will be January 10, 2015. The group will meet at 9:00 a.m. to ride the West Orange Trail ending with social time and refreshments in downtown Winter Garden. For additional information and/or to add your name to our list, email friendsonwheels.cluster@st.lukes.org. ANTI-BULLYING MAGIC SHOW: Join Children and Family Ministries at Orlando Repertory Theatre (The Rep) for an amazing Anti-Bullying Magic Show on January 17 at 5:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at st.lukes.org/ children and click on “Events.” SENIOR LUNCH AND PROGRAM: The Senior Lunch and Program will not be held in December due to the many church events and everyone’s busy schedules during the holidays. See you in 2015. ZUMBA DANCE CLASS: Join certified Zumba instructor, Becca Jo Cross, on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Building A Room 202 for this fun, high-energy dance class! This class is currently offered free with donations accepted. Students (middle school through adult) should wear workout clothes and gym shoes. For more information, call the School of the Arts at 407.876.5226. There will be no class for the remainder of December. EVENING EXERCISE: Join Chris Smith, certified personal training and group exercise instructor for circuit type training and cardio exercise. All are welcome and modified techniques can be made for all exercise levels. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Coleman Gymnasium. Cost is $5 per class or $30 a month. First class is free! ARE YOU AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE?: Stephen Ministers are caring members of the congregation who have been trained to be there for you. They are not counselors, therapists, or problem solvers, they are simply a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen. Call Dr. David Stephens at 407.876.4991 ext. *233 or Carol Crowley at 407.876.4991 ext. *262 to learn more and to be matched confidentially with a Stephen Minister. COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER: Receive counseling in areas such as stress management, depression, anger, domestic violence, and grief. Call 407.876.4991 ext. *250 for an appointment. ST. LUKE'S NEWS AND DEVOTIONS: View the Weekly Update and devotions at www.st.lukes.org/news and sign up to receive them via email. Get the latest info on Facebook at facebook.com/stlukesorlando and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/stlukesorlando. NEW TO ST. LUKE'S? Visit the Connection Point station in the Rotunday of Building C to pick up a First Time Guest Welcome Packet. Let us help you get connected. Contact the Connect and Care office at 407.876.4991 ext.*262 or email Carol Crowley at ccrowley@st.lukes.org.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/connect.
GROW CONFIRMATION MEETING TODAY: There will be two parent/student meetings for all those interested in going through the confirmation process. Confirmation is open to any youth in the 7th through 12th grade. The first meeting is TODAY at 12:15 p.m. and the second meeting will be Sunday, January 11 at 12:15 p.m. Both meeting will be held in Attic of Building C. For more information please contact Andrew Miller at amiller@st.lukes.org or Pastor Jad Denmark at jdenmark@st.lukes.org. NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER OR THRIVE: There will be no Wednesday night dinner or THRIVE activities on December 17, 24, and 31. THRIVE returns Wednesday, January 7. Sign up for dinner, groups, and activities at st.lukes.org/thrive. Reserve childcare at www.st.lukes.org/childcare. SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Childcare: There will be childcare on Sunday, December 28 for the 10:00 a.m. worship service. **Children in first through fourth grade will worship with their families on Sunday, December 28. Classes will resume on January 4.** Children: Children preschool through fourth grade will be learning and experiencing Advent. Stop by the Welcome Window in Building B on Sunday mornings for room assignments. Special Needs: Children with special needs can learn in an environment designed with them in mind. We will offer a one-on-one Special Needs Sunday Programming class from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. If you feel your child is in need of a specialized situation please contact Jayne Andrews at jandrews@st.lukes.org. **Youth will worship with their families on Sunday, December 21 and 28 and on January 4. Classes will resume on January 11.** • 5th and 6th Grade (MERGE): A collaborative ministry between Children's and Youth Ministries designed specifically for 5th and 6th graders where activities connect scripture with everyday life. Meet in the Attic of Building C from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For information contact Laura Turner at lturner@st.lukes.org. • 7th and 8th Grade: Grow deeper in the Bible with your fellow students. Meet in Building C Room 205-207 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Email Andrew Miller at amiller@st.lukes.org for more information. • 9th through 12th Grade: Build a stronger faith connection. Meet in Building C Room 204-206 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Contact Andrew Miller at amiller@st.lukes.org with questions. YOUTH GROUP ON SUNDAYS: **Youth Group will not meet on Sunday, December 21 and 28 or on January 4.** Students in grades 6-12 meet from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Attic of Building C for dinner, activities, Bible study, music and worship. Anyone interested in joining the Youth Praise Team meet in the Attic of Building C at 4:00 p.m. ADVENT STUDIES: Join a study following our advent sermon series “Come Home for Christmas” on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Building C Room 207. On Tuesdays “Journey to Bethlehem” at 9:30 a.m. in the Special Events Dining Room. SABBATH REVISITED: A new Bible Study, "Making Sense of the Bible” by Adam Hamilton will start Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Building C Room 205-207. This book invites us into an honest conversation about the Bible and addresses often misunderstood biblical themes. Hard copies are available for $17.00 or electronic copies can be downloaded. Led by Susan Barbour. Register at www.st.lukes.org/grow. COVENANT: Living the Covenant begins on Wednesday, January 7 in Building C Room 200 at 7:00 p.m. This eight-week class explores what it means to live in partnership with the God of Creation. Strengthen your relationship with God through study, discussion and fellowship. Led by Steve and Melody McIntosh. Book cost is $20. EXEGESIS: Dig deeper into the sermon series and scriptures for the week with Pastor Bill. Bring your Bible and meet on Thursdays in Building B Room 209 (the choir room) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This group will not meet on Thursday, December 18, 25, or January 1. Class resumes on January 8. MORNING EDITION: Study “Revival” by Adam Hamilton Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. in the Building C Office Conference Room. WATCH IT LIVE: The 8th annual Bethlehem Prayer Service will be streamed live on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m. from the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. Watch the service at nationalcathedral. org/events/ChristmasBethlehem2014.html. WEDNESDAY THRIVE: Elementary children can participate in fun afterschool classes starting at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays followed by Children’s choir. Then from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. families can participate together in spiritual formation rotations. Families will learn about and design worship elements. All Wednesday classes will be held in Building A Room 201. To register for one evening or all evening sessions go to www. st.lukes.org/children. Thrive resumes Wednesday, January 7.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/grow.
SERVE Within Our Community Make a Difference by Volunteering All of these are entry-level service opportunities and open to elementary-age and older. Family Promise - Sunday, December 21 to Sunday, December 28: St. Luke's hosts families who do not have permanent housing. Help these families feel at home for Christmas by volunteering as evening and overnight hosts, helping to set up or tear down, or providing meals. To sign up and view items to donate visit www.carecalendar.org. Use calendar id: 5382 and security code 1111 to logon. Habitat for Humanity: Call the Habitat Information Hotline at 407.876.4991 ext. *344 for construction schedules. St. Luke’s is building two houses in East Winter Garden at 555 and 493 Bethune Ave. Construction takes place on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (lunch provided). On Wednesday, December 17 we will continue exterior painting and/ or soffit installation and on Saturday, December 20 we will finish exterior painting & soffit installation. Make a Difference by Pre-planning Your Giving Compassion Child Sponsorship: We have the sponsorship packages for 14 children. Thirteen of them are between 4 and 5 years of age and one is a 12 year old girl. $38 per month provides them access to education, health care, supplementary nutrition for the whole family, connection with a local church and after school help. For more information, contact Mariam Mengsitie at mmengistie@st.lukes.org. Make a Difference by Cultivating Your Awareness Cost of Poverty Experience (C.O.P.E.): Expect to be transformed on Sunday, January 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This two hour simulation provides a brief glimpse into what it feels like to walk for a month in the shoes of families trying to survive on incomes between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level. C.O.P.E. is an experience for people who, instead of talking about poverty, choose to be part of the solution to end it. This training is appropriate for middle school age and older individuals. Contact Dorothea Lee at 407.876.4991 ext. *347 for more information and to sign up.
Within Our Church NEED HELP IN PRE-DETERMINING YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS?: With the need to trim our 2015 budget, many of the things we currently accomplish by paying individuals will need to be re-evaluated and become volunteer opportunities. THAT MEANS WE NEED YOU! Please help us MAKE WORSHIP HAPPEN by determining where you can plug into the opportunities below. Let us know how you can help by contacting Kelly Smith at ksmith@st.lukes.org or 407.876.4991 ext. *223. CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SETUP/TEAR DOWN TEAMS: Teams of people are needed to be responsible for weekly setup/tear down of the flooring and chairs for Contemporary Worship. Team captains and coordinators are also needed to assist with scheduling teams. Need teams of volunteers to assist with stage and band setup and tear down on a weekly basis. Both of these areas of ministry volunteerism will take approximately 90 minutes for setup and 60 minutes for tear down with teams of 6 to 8 people each week. CONTEMPORARY PRAISE BAND MUSICIANS: Calling all bass and guitar players! Currently if we do not have a volunteer in a needed slot we have to pay an outside musician to make it happen. Has God blessed you with the gifts to continue this great worship ministry with volunteers vs. paid musicians? VIDEO TEAMS: Teams will be responsible for videotaping and editing the 9:30 a.m. services for both worship venues and uploading to the website. As we continue to work on the 4D Vision, which includes full service video and live streaming, we are expanding this ministry and need volunteers onboard! PRODUCTION TEAM ASSISTANTS: Assist with worship by helping with slide presentations during each worship service. This task is very easy but requires concentration and engagement during worship. This volunteer opportunity will require arriving 30 minutes prior to service time. Training will be provided. WORSHIP THEME TEAM: Are you creative with set design? We are seeking teams to help create the look for each sermon series in each worship venue. These teams will work with the Worship Design Team to help create the theme discussed for the series and determine, create and set the needed props to ensure correct communication of the sermon series in a visual manner. CHILD CARE VOLUNTEERS: Did you know that we spend over $40,000 per year on paid child care workers? To help keep this a free support ministry we need more volunteers. This includes Sunday mornings during worship as well as the other weekly hours when child care is offered. If we do not get more volunteers to help us in this area we may have to reduce the hours of availability beyond Sunday worship and also begin to charge participants an hourly rate to offset costs associated with this service. To find out more about volunteering for this ministry, please contact April Outing at aouting@st.lukes.org.
For more information about items or events listed above visit st.lukes.org/serve.