St. Luke’s is excited to hear St. Luker Georgia MacKenzie’s St. Luke’s Story:

“We moved to Orlando in 1989, when my husband was hired at Disney. I didn’t know anyone down here, and was a stay-at-home mom with our first daughter, Betsy (then a 6-month-old). I was very homesick, and visited family more than I was in Orlando! Shortly after having our second daughter, Lily, my mom said, “You need to find a church where you can worship, find some nice people, and make some friends!” I looked around town, and in spring of 1992 I found St. Luke’s.

I happened to come on a Sunday where the dancers, banner carriers, and choir all processed in; I was so impressed! The then new pastor, Bill Barnes, gave a sermon on loneliness, and to stop feeling sorry for yourself, get out there and get involved. I felt like I was the only one in church that day, and that he was talking directly to me!

I looked in the bulletin and saw there were some classes offered – with FREE childcare – so of course I signed up! Not long after, I applied for an open position with childcare. I was hired, and could bring our girls to work with me. Eventually I made new friends, and over time stopped traveling home as much. I worked on the Wednesday night childcare team, and the room they used then was the first room you came into in Building B. I could hear the choir rehearsing upstairs, and always thought, “Someday, I want to sing with them!”

In 1995, I finally got up the nerve to try the choir, and I loved it. I went back the next week, and can still remember Brian McCormick saying, “Oh Georgia, I’m so happy you came back, we really need you.” I don’t remember ever feeling so welcome or wanted anywhere. I later found out he would say that to every new person so they would feel welcome. I soon started saying it, too, because it’s so true.

Through the years I have branched out with different groups at St. Luke’s, and have volunteered for many different activities. I have friends that have become family, whom I love, and know will always be there for me (as I would be for them). My children have grown up there, and I’m always home when I’m there. So get involved, volunteer for something, and join the family!”

Georgia MacKenzie

Member since 1992