Service Cancellation
This Sunday, February 1

 
I’m really sad to share that we will be canceling in-person services this Sunday, February 1. I was so looking forward to our joint service and shared meal with Iglesia El Buen Pastor, and it’s a real disappointment not to be together in that way. I’m grateful for their grace, and I already look forward to our next time of worship and celebration together.
 
The decision comes down to safety. The St. Luke’s parking lot is still covered in ice in many places, and as you know, another winter weather event is predicted for this weekend. We simply don’t want anyone risking injury trying to get here.
 
That said, we won’t let the day pass without gathering. We will meet online at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning for a brief time of prayer, spiritual practice, and reflection. It will be simple, grounding, and gentle—a chance to stay connected and centered, even as plans change. We would love to see you there. (Look for Zoom link in Friday’s ENews.)
 
Thank you for your understanding, your flexibility, and the care you show one another. Stay safe, stay warm, and I can’t wait to worship in-person again soon!

Greg

An Invitation to Confirmation, Reception,
and Reaffirmation – February 15

On Sunday, February 15, we will welcome Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple to St. Luke’s to lead us in a service of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Faith. These moments are not about having all the answers or reaching some spiritual finish line. They are about pausing—intentionally—to name where you are in your faith right now and to claim that journey within the support of the Church.
 
Confirmation is a way of saying yes to the promises first spoken over us in Baptism—not a declaration of certainty, but a choice to keep walking the path of discipleship with intention. It is about realizing the wide open green field of the Episcopal church is where you want to explore and grow in your spiritual journey.
 
Reception honors those who come to the Episcopal Church already shaped by faith in another tradition and now feel called to root themselves here. It is recognizing that in this season of your life, the Episcopal Church is your spiritual home.
 
Reaffirmation offers a holy pause—a chance to renew baptismal promises after transition, disruption, loss, deep change, or a renewed commitment to follow Jesus. None of these assume faith has been static. They assume it has been lived.
 
If you are feeling drawn to Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church, or Reaffirmation of Faith—or if you’re simply curious and want to learn more—I would love to talk with you. Curiosity is more than enough to begin the conversation.

Greg

Two important upcoming Sundays:

  • February 8: Parish Annual Meeting, 9 a.m. in Johnson Hall
  • February 15: Bishop’s Visit with Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple, both services
    • Adult Forum that day: St. Luke’s Pride and Diversity Ministry will offer a presentation for Black History Month

St. Luke’s Hikers
Saturday, February 14, Blackwood Farm Park

Due to the very real chance of more serious winter weather this coming weekend, we have rescheduled the next St. Luke’s hike for February 14. So, join your friends from St. Luke’s at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, (snow/ice/rain date February 21 ) as we hike a trail at the historic Blackwood Farm Park, 4215 NC 86 (just north of the intersection of Old NC 10 and New Hope Church Rd. on NC 86). Blackwood Farm Park | Orange County, NC.  If you are able to join in, please let Karen Gray or Bill Gutknecht know.

We’re going to Belize!

If you want to join the Belize mission team (February 20 – March 1, 2026), please sign up with the link in our ENews or see Wendy Cook. St. Luke’s or non-St. Luke’s people may join the team. We already have non-refundable rooms reserved and a good flight schedule, so come join us! The school has many construction needs, such as building a fence and siding, deck and railing repairs, and painting. They also want assistance in the classrooms, library, and computer lab. This will not be a medical trip. The trip cost of $1625 is due to St. Luke’s by February and includes all meals, double-occupancy (air-conditioned!) lodging, incidental charges, and transportation once in Belize.

Chili Luncheon

St. Luke’s is having an “all-you-can-eat” Chili luncheon fundraiser Saturday, February 14, at 12 p.m. Several of our parishioners have graciously agreed to provide chili for the occasion. Each parishioner is cooking their own chili recipe, so come taste and enjoy each recipe!  Salad, bread, crackers, fruit, dessert, soft drinks, and iced tea will be available to enhance your lunch. Cost is $10.00 per person: you can pay by cash, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. All proceeds will benefit the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.

Calendar

Friday, January 30
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Connections and Support, Zoom
 
Saturday, January 31
All events cancelled due to weather

Sunday, February 1
All services and events cancelled due to weather

Monday, February 2
3-4:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Choir sectional rehearsals, Music Room
7-10 p.m. Church Campus Cleaning

Tuesday, February 3
9 a.m. Centering Prayer, Nave
10-11:15 a.m. Weekly staff meeting, parish office closed
3-4 p.m. Arts at St. Luke’s Ministry meeting, Kramer Room

Wednesday, February 4
11:30 a.m. Noonday Prayer, Zoom
1-4 p.m. Chrismons Workshop, Kramer Room
6-9 p.m. Nave reserved for 7 p.m. St. Luke’s Choir rehearsal

Thursday, February 5
12:45-2:45 p.m. Nave reserved for 1:15pm Handbell Choir rehearsal
6-8 p.m. Music Room reserved for rehearsal
7-10 p.m. Church Campus Cleaning

Friday, February 6
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Connections and Support, Zoom

Saturday, February 7
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Johnson Hall reserved for community event
9:30-10:30 a.m. Altar Guild setup, Nave
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Parking Lot activity
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Treasurers’ meeting, Kramer Room

___________________________________

Link to the calendar on our website:
 Parish Calendar

St. Luke’s Parish Office Hours:
Mondays-Thursdays 9-3
(closed Tuesdays from 10-11:15)
 
Rector Office Hours:
Mondays-Wednesdays 9-5
Thursdays available by phone
Other times by appointment
_______________________________________________

Worship services are streamed live to YouTube  
and the recordings are available for later viewing.

Wednesdays 11:30: Noonday Prayer and Share click here.
Fridays 11:30: Connections & Support  click here.

Upcoming At St. Luke’s

Chrismon Workshop
Wednesday, Feb 4, 1-4 p.m.
Kramer Room

St. Luke’s Annual Parish Meeting
Sunday, Feb 8, 9 a.m.
Johnson Hall

St. Luke’s Vestry Retreat
Friday, Feb 13, 6:30 p.m., offsite
Saturday, Feb 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Kramer Room

Chili Luncheon Fundraiser
Saturday, Feb 14, 12-2 p.m.
Johnson Hall

Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple’s Visit
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation of Faith
Sunday, Feb 15 at 8 and 10:30 services

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, Feb 17, 5-7 p.m.
Johnson Hall

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, Feb 18
Services at 12 and 5 p.m., Ashes-to-Go 2-4 pm (outside)

St. Luke’s Stitchers
Wednesday, Feb 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Kramer Room

Garden Work Day
Saturday, Feb 21, 8-10 a.m.

Parish Bingo (rescheduled)
Saturday, Feb 21, 2-4 p.m.
Johnson Hall

St. Luke’s Mission Trip to Belize
Feb 21-Mar 1

For recurring meetings/events, see parish calendar at stlukesdurham.or

More About St. Luke’s

Newcomers

If you are a newcomer, welcome! We are glad you are with us today. Please join us to say hello! Stop by the Newcomers table in the Sprague Room where you can learn more about St. Luke’s, request a nametag, and maybe make a new friend.

St. Luke’s Email- What’s in it for you?
Our email list lets you stay up to date on parish news and fellowship events (weekly announcements email), stay aware of difficult times facing your fellow parishioners (weekly e-prayers email), and know when the latest issue of our monthly newsletter, Acts of Faith, is published. But, to paraphrase a saying, you have to be on it to get it! Make sure the parish coordinator has your email address, or subscribe automatically by going to our homepage at stlukesdurham.org, “Connect with us.”

St. Luke’s Calendar

Our parish calendar is up to date on our website at stlukesdurham.org. Weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other special services are scheduled by the clergy. The parish coordinator can help you arrange meetings or other events. Contact her at the church office at 919-286-2273.

Online Church Directory

St. Luke’s parish directory is now exclusively online. To view and update your contact information or photo, or look up contact information for other parishioners, you must activate your account using the email address you placed on file with the parish office. If you are unsure what email you used, or need instructions for activating your account, please contact directory@stlukesdurham.org.

Ways To Give: 

  • Check (drop it in the plate or mail to our Parish Coordinator)
  • Use PayPal with a debit/credit card via St. Luke’s website (no need for a PayPal account)
  • Push payments from your bank or credit union to the Church, just like bill-pay payments for your regular bills  
  • Initiate a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA if you are 70 1/2 or older 

Stewardship At St. Luke’s
In the Episcopal Church, we ask our members to make a pledge, which is an estimate of giving in the coming year.  It represents your commitment to God’s work in this place.  To make a pledge, please email our Parish Coordinator, Kaye Saunders, at parish-coord@stlukesdurham.org.

Submission of Materials for the Newsletter

The deadline for submitting materials for the monthly newsletter is the 20th of each month. Please email your materials to Babs Wise: babswise@gmail.com

Flowers for Worship

If you would like to provide flowers for a Sunday service, please sign up on the flowers calendar on the wall in the south narthex just outside the parish office. The price is $150.