Say Hello to Caroline Hurst.

You will hear more from her this spring, but for now, here’s why what we did Saturday matters. Caroline, a junior at UGA, writes, “Of all my experiences with the church, my favorite week of the year was our youth summer mission trip to Mountain TOP. Mountain TOP, Tennessee Outreach Project, is a non-profit organization in Grundy County, Tennessee that works to alleviate poverty and to meet the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of all people encountered. I participated in Saint Luke’s summer youth mission trip to Mountain TOP every summer for six years, and the past two years, I spent my summer there on summer staff. Additionally, I volunteer with Adults in Ministry, Friends Weekend, and serve on the Board of Directors. This summer, I am so excited to be returning to the mountain as a Youth Summer Ministry Director.”

The Tartan Trot changes the world and changes the lives. You are part of something God works miracles through all year long.

Last Saturday, we welcomed over 1000 people thorugh the doors. Our exceptional hospitality continues to be noted, thorugh many comments and follow-up emails sent by race participants. I am proud of you all and thankful to serve with a congregation who values young people and supports them in so many ways.

Thank you so much to the 120 or so of you who made the Tartan Trot possible. Special thanks to our current Race Director TJ McGoldrick for his leadership and management of this event. Because of this race, God changes our lives and lives around the world. It is God’s love in action.

Join us Feb. 26 for our last Wednesday night FEAST of the season, which will include a pancake dinner and Ash Wednesday service in the chapel. Dinner at 5:45 pm; service at 6:45 pm. Childcare provided.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since our Special Connections program started ramping up – and even less since it’s been “official”. Everyone involved has been exhilarated by the new relationships and possibilities this ministry brings. Special Connections truly benefits both our volunteer buddies just as much as the kids and youth with whom we have partnered. We’ve learned a lot along the way and we continue to strive for “better”. In that spirit, we want to sit down and talk about how things are going for both buddies and the families they assist. That’s why we’re meeting on Sunday morning, March 1, from 9:15 to 10:15 in the House to House room located at the top of the stairs from the main lobby. This meeting is for everyone! 

• We want to hear from parents of the kids and youth we’ve been assisting to see how we can improve or enhance our program – either in general or for their particular child.
• We want to hear from kids and youth who have served as buddies to hear about their experience and how we can make it better.
• We want more people to hear about this amazing relationship-based ministry!

 Thanks to the House to House class for partnering with Special Connections in this important “check-up”. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

People of all ages are invited to experience Lent on Sunday, March 1 from 5:00 until 6:30 with Messy Church, a different way of doing church through hands-on creativity and play, a celebration of worship, and a meal shared by all. For meal planning purposes, let us know if you plan to attend! Meal is free. No RSVP required, but helpful!

FAQs

Q.    Is it called Messy Church because it’s all crafts?

A.    Not exactly. While art activities are included, there are also games and building and designing and tasting and praying and  experimenting with all sorts of materials – all with a Christ- centered purpose. As we get our hands into the stuff of the earth and play together, we encourage the God-spark in each of us to come to life.

Q.    Is Messy Church just for kids?

A.    No! Messy Church is a transformative way for both young and old   to grow together in Christ. Research shows that the best way for faith to “stick” during adulthood happens in church communities where children and adults worship and learn together. Everyone is valued in Messy Church.

Q.    Is Messy Church just for our church family?

A.    Not at all. In fact, Messy Church is a great event for friend-    bringing! Messy Church is designed to be accessible to all, so that   we may experience our messy faith journeys together.

Q.    Is Messy Church something we dreamed up?

A.    No. Messy Church started in 2004, in an ordinary smallish        Anglican Church in Hampshire, England. Today there are Me

FAQs

Q.    Is it called Messy Church because it’s all crafts?

A.    Not at all. While art activities are included, there are also games and building and designing and tasting and praying and experimenting with all sorts of materials – all to help us experience a specific story found in Scripture. As we get our hands into the stuff of the earth and play together, we encourage the God-spark in each of us to come to life.

Q.    Is Messy Church just for kids?

A.    Absolutely not. Messy Church is for “families”- and that means people of all generations – regardless of whether they come with parents, children, or spouses. Messy Church is a transformative way for both young and old to grow together in Christ. Research shows that the best way for faith to “stick” during adulthood happens in church communities where children and adults worship and learn together. Everyone is valued in Messy Church.

Q.        What story will we explore on March 1?

A.        Our first Messy Church will immerse us into Holy Week. Although Lent is for 40 days, Holy Week goes by quickly for most. This experience will allow us to ponder, question, and imagine Christ’s final days with his disciples.

Q.    Is Messy Church just for our church family?

A.    No. In fact, Messy Church is intended to welcome and engage both regular church attenders and those for whom church is not part of their normal routine. It is designed to be accessible to all, so that we may experience our messy faith journeys together.

Q.    Is Messy Church something we dreamed up?

A.    No. Messy Church started in 2004, in an ordinary smallish Anglican Church in Hampshire, England. Today there are Messy Church in over 20 countries in Christian churches of all denominations. Our Lent edition of Messy Church is the first time we’ve tried it, so come and tell us what you think!

At Saint Luke’s we believe that active worship experiences help build a foundation of faith in people of all ages. That’s why we are so excited about a new program called Young Worship Leaders, which allows children and their families to serve in various leadership roles at our 10:30 worship service. Here’s how to lead:

• To serve as a Baptism Assistant (K-8^th), Musician/Singer (4^th-12th), Scripture Reader (4^th-12th), Benediction Helper (2^nd-5^th), Usher (6^th-12th) or Usher with Parent (2^nd-5^th), please email [email protected]. She will give your name to the appropriate worship planner, who will reach out to you for scheduling.
• To serve as a Candle Lighter (2^nd-8^th), Crucifer (2^nd-8^th), Prayer Leader (K-8^th), Church Bell Ringer (6^th-12th), or Communion Bread & Chalice Bearer (K-5^th with parent), please click here to schedule the dates you’d like to help lead.

Thank you for using your gifts and time to help glorify God!