LONGING FOR MORE Longing for a King Time after time our human leaders act selfishly or make poor decisions, and the citizens of their country suffer because of these actions. But Christians have the perfect ruler, the King Jesus Christ. We long for His return, when He will rule in righteousness and perfection. And as we wait, we know that even now He shepherds His people to bring them into His glorious kingdom.

CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS The church office is closed today. It will close at noon on Wednesday, December 31st and will be closed on Thursday, January 1st, 2026.

BIBLE STUDIES resume January 5th! Join us as classes begin again and grow in faith, deepen your understanding of God’s Word, and connect with others in a welcoming, encouraging community.

SAXOPHONE CONCERT | Sunday, January 4th | 2p | Sanctuary | The M120 Project Saxophone Quartet will be presenting a multimedia concert featuring the music and films of Studio Ghibli arranged for saxophone quartet. The members are performers and educators in the area and includes a regular musician and St. Luke’s AV tech, Alex Garcia. Join us for an afternoon of music to help ring in the New Year!

DIGGING DEEPER | Sundays, starting January 4th at 9:30a | MR 1 & 2 | Join Steve L and Pete K as we dig into today’s scripture readings. Where is the message of Jesus in these readings? How do they all fit together? How does it apply to our lives this afternoon, and tomorrow? Let’s all let the Lord awaken our hearts to the awesome and amazing God He is! Visit sllcs.org/Sunday to see this week’s scripture readings.

NEW SESSION BEGINS: GRIEFSHARE | Starting Wednesday, January 7th | 1-3p & 6:30-8:30p | A supportive, caring group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Join others who understand and find hope, comfort, and practical help. Visit griefshare.org to register.

PICKLEBALL | Thursdays, starting January 8th | 6:30-9p | Founders’ Hall | Join us for pickleball, fellowship, and Christian community. All skill levels welcome—training provided. Games begin with prayer and include a short devotion.

ACTS OF HOPE | Thursday, January 15th | 6:30p-9:30p | Spill Wine Bar | Music. Food. Community. Change lives. Join us for a night of fun that fuels HOPE. Every dollar helps! sllcs.org/acts-of-hope

BE! FELLOWSHIP HIKE | Saturday, January 17th | 9a | Orlando Wetlands Park | You’re invited to a morning of fellowship, fun, and time spent enjoying God’s beautiful creation! Questions? Contact Aime at (407) 467-4775.

MEN’S RETREAT 2026 | January 16th-17th, 2026 | Cost: $40 | Held on St. Luke’s campus | Take a break, recharge, and connect with other men in faith and fellowship. REGISTER NOW and bring a friend!

EXPLORATIONS: NEW MEMBER’S CLASS | Starting Wednesday, January 21st | 6:30p | Cafe | Explore life and faith from a Lutheran perspective in a relaxed, welcoming class. Open to those new to church or current members seeking a refresher. Sign up today!

KINDERGARTEN MILESTONE | Wednesdays, starting January 21st | Youth Room | Blessing Event: Sunday, February 8th | In these sessions, parents learn to lead effective devotions with their 5-year-old, teach their child to serve as Jesus served, practice money management and giving, and speak a blessing while presenting a towel and basin. Register today!

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UPDATE We are excited to share the news that Mr. Dallas Lusk has accepted the Call to be St. Luke’s Lutheran School Superintendent starting in the summer of 2026. Thank you for your prayers as the Lord’s guidance has been evident throughout this process. St. Luke’s is truly blessed. Read Dallas’s acceptance letter HERE 

LHM FLOAT AT ROSE PARADE | Thursday, January 1st | Watch for the Lutheran Hour Ministries’ float in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade. This year marks the 75th time LHM has been a part of the parade. Read MORE

APPLICATIONS OPEN 2026-27 Exciting news! Preschool & Kindergarten applications for the 2026-2027 school open on January 7th at 9a. Get ready to apply for your little one in our nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Mark your calendar and apply early at stlukeslutheranschool.org/admissions. Applications close on January 30th. 

ESTATE PLANNING MINISTRY 2026 The NEW YEAR is here! Is your estate plan in order? Do you need to refresh your will? St. Luke’s offers a free ministry that helps you get your estate affairs in order. Contact Stewardship at: 407-365-3408 or dtaylor@sllcs.org

WOMEN’S RETREAT 2026: LORD, LEAD ME Ladies, save the date and share with a friend! We are planning a refreshing weekend of spiritual growth and fellowship for you at The Shores Daytona Beach | 6p Friday, February 20th – 12p Sunday, February 22nd, 2026.  We hope you can join us! Scholarships available. Learn more and register HERE

JOIN A LWML GROUP | First Monday of the Month at 9:30a, MR 1 & 2 | First Tuesday of the Month at 2p, Haven Fellowship Hall | Come join an LWML group at St. Luke’s! Together we can make a Mite-y difference as we grow in faith and fellowship.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Thank you to everyone who purchased wreaths to honor our Veterans at St. Luke’s Cemetery. If you plan to purchase a wreath for next year, any wreaths bought this month will be matched by WAA through December 31st. Purchase wreaths at wreathsacrossamerica.org/FLSLLC

PRAYERS

HEALING PRAYERS:

  • Rev. Robert Brigham, Rev. Richard Holland, Rev. Brian Roberts, Gail Schmitz, George V., Earl W., Rev. Paul Wittenberg

SYMPATHY PRAYERS:

  • Family and friends of Gloria K. at her death.
  • Doris P. and family at the death of her husband Frank.

SPECIAL PRAYERS:

  • Blessings on the upcoming marriage of Rachel V. and Andrew W.
  • For those who have lost children.
  • Harry & Eva R. on their 70th wedding anniversary.

ALTAR FLOWERS:

In Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Harry & Eva R.

MEMORIALS:

Adopt-a-Student Scholarship Fund

  • In Memory of Connie G. given by: Paul G., Melinda M.
  • In Memory of Darrell S. given by: Philip R., Donald S., Alan & Jill S.

Comfort Dog Ministry

  • In Memory of Connie G. given by The Gatlin Family Trust

Acts of Hope

  • In Honor of Tom M. birthday given by Anne N.

Believe in Opportunity Fund

  • In Memory of Connie G. given by Karen & Michael M.

      OFFERINGS         

        Week 23                 Weekly              Year-To-Date

Budget                     120,000           1,516,500

Actual                       81,791            1,375,818