Dear Storytellers,
School’s OUT! Congratulations! We kicked off the summer with a splash and some sparkle.
We haven’t just ended any old school year, it’s been a year where teachers, students and parents have learned how to use new skills, leaned into community and truly trusted in their Higher power. We applaud all of our administrators, teachers, students, parents and our own Child Development Center for a challenging year! You deserve a break and congratulations on persevering.
School ending for the summer always makes me feel like it’s the end of the year. It’s a time to reflect on what we have learned, but not just from a year of the school calendar but this entire year of pandemic living and relating revolution. Moving back toward our new normal we thought we would ask you the lessons you learned over 2020-2021. Your answers from the survey fell easily into three categories: Put faith in God at the center of everything; Lean into community; Don’t be afraid of new things.
For the next three weeks we will focus on those three things using 2 Corinthians. We will hear from St. Lukers sharing what they have learned in their unique situations. This week as we learn what it means to put faith and God in the center of our lives, we will find our center at the Table of Christ and invite you, if you are worshiping online, to make sure you have your communion elements ready for worship.
Our summer worship schedule starts this Sunday, June 6:
- On-campus worship at 9:15 a.m.: Traditional in the Sanctuary/Contemporary in Founder’s Hall
- Childcare for toddlers (6 months+) and Preschoolers
- Worship Enrichment for children K-5th grade
- Drop off children up to 10 minutes before the service or worship with your children until they are dismissed for Worship Enrichment
- Worship on Facebook Live: Contemporary at 9:15 a.m. and Traditional at 11:00 a.m.
Next week is the fifth-year commemoration of the Pulse tragedy here in our City Beautiful. There are many conversations and events happening around our city and we wanted to share some we are connected with for you to attend or share with others to help create safe spaces for all people in communities of faith.
- Monday, June 7: One Orlando Alliance’s “An Evening of Reflection and Promise” from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center
This evening will acknowledge the religious trauma carried by our LGBTQ+ community and create space to dream of a better future. All faiths will hear from a panel of LGBTQ+ persons sharing their personal experiences. The event will include music and remarks from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and local leaders.
- Wednesday, June 9: Overcoming Barriers Community Conversation at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s in Founder’s Hall and on Zoom presented in partnership with the onePULSE Foundation
Dr. Earl Mowatt, VP of Education at the onePULSE Foundation will share research conducted with Central Florida Faith Leaders and LGBTQ+ community members followed by conversation with pastors who have overcome the barriers and built a transformative friendship: The Rev. Terri Steed Pierce of Joy Metropolitan Community Church and Dr. Joel Hunter, Founder and Chairman of Community Resource Network. Pastor Jenn will facilitate a Q&A time with the audience.
- Saturday, June 12: Pulse Memorial Annual Prayer and Solidarity Vigil with Clergy and Leaders from JOY MCC from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
You are welcome to join your St. Luke’s clergy as we stand in solidarity with others who come to the Pulse Memorial during the time of the shooting and offer a peaceful presence of prayer and support.
- Saturday, June 12: National Ringing of 49 Bells and St. Luke’s Online Pulse Remembrance Vigil at 12:00 p.m. on Facebook LIVE
Join us for a powerful service of remembrance created by St. Luke’s DEI Committee and hear remembrances and hope through stories and song.
We hope you will join us in worship and at the many opportunities to gather together this summer because St. Luke’s is just not the same without U.
Jenn.