SPECIAL SUNDAY CELEBRATION

The words above are how we highlighted St. Luke's May 1 worship service and Harvest luncheon to our invited guests. Truly, that was the case!

Despite the veritable chill in the air from the storms all around, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm that filled St. Luke's parish family and the warmth of God's loving Spirit that was completely present. Our parish family welcomed 17 visitors at the 10:00am worship service; 15 of those neighbors stayed for a beautifully prepared lunch.

So how does one adequately describe the Harvest experience and its culmination on May 1?

Multiple parishioners' comments such as these provide an example:
"Our worship and music were so beautiful on Sunday that they were my moments closest to Christ last week."
"Our guests were delightful and so appreciative; and they stayed and talked for a long time after lunch!"
"We have experienced a 'culture change' in our parish; we have embraced an outward focus for our prayers and actions."
"I am so proud of how we all came together for this activity - how much love and commitment was shown."

Thinking back on this four month initiative, two selections from scripture are the most salient in my mind about the Harvest. One is captured in 1 Corinthians 1, verses 10-18, and specifically verses 17 & 18. We are commissioned and called to preach the gospel - not with wisdom and eloquence, relying on our own talents, but with complete focus on the power of the love of the cross of Christ. To do this, we must think and act from our hearts, not our heads.

The other is from Matthew 11: 28-30, specifically verse 30. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." There was a lot of work in Harvest. What blessings for us all to experience the joy and lightness of every plan, preparation, meeting, call, prayer, note, list, agreement, discussion, step, hour and minute of Harvest, with Almighty God on the other side of the yoke!

From the Harvest Leader team, THANK YOU for all your support. Isn't it exciting to anticipate how God will continue to work through all the efforts of each of us for His purpose?!

Anne Lucas
Harvest Coordinator