Parish Life at St Luke’s

    A church is more than just a place you go on Sunday...it is a family. The St. Luke's family enjoys working together, learning together, and celebrating the joy of our community, as we strive to do Christ's work in the world.

    Sometimes, when a person joins a church, he or she feels a bit like a stranger at a family gathering...unsure how to "apply for adoption." Consider this your invitation! We don't like to be pushy -- the decision of when and how to get involved with a church is a very personal one, and we want newcomers to feel free to proceed at their own pace. When you are ready to become more involved in the life of the church, rest assured, you will be very welcome.

    Below are some of the opportunities for involvement and learning currently available at St. Luke's. Additional opportunities arise on a fairly regular basis. Meeting times, group coordinators and sign-up opportunities are announced in the Sunday Bulletin or in the Parish Newsletter.

Please Note:  The information below,some of it originally from the old website, has been updated and integrated with that from the current Directory of Parish Ministries and Activities.  Names and phone numbers of contact persons have been edited out.  Contact persons willing to have their given name or net name and email posted here should email Jan and they will be added.

Parish Life

Young Adults’ Group: This group gathers periodically for supper, conversation, and fellowship. Women at the Well: A group whose mission is to provide timely speakers and a monthly forum for St. Luke's women.  This group hopes to encourage fellowship and friendship by nurturing spirituality and exploring faith and women's roles in the Bible and today's society.  The group meets the third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Wednesday Night Supper Program: On selected Wednesday nights throughout the year (see Calendar for dates through December), St. Luker’s will gather at 6 p.m. for a catered supper, time for fellowship with one another, and a participatory program that will involve people of all ages.  All are welcome!  Bulletin Boards: One of the ways we communicate about the life of St. Luke's is through the Bulletin Boards. The boards are arranged according to the ministry groups and items displayed in the Sprague Room have to do with activities and opportunities within St. Luke's; items on the board by the Kramer Room are notices and ads for opportunities within the Triangle community at large. Work is being done to organize this effort and to keep the information timely and up to date. Supper Groups: Groups are formed early each spring consisting of 8-14 people and new members are welcome at any time.  The groups meet once per month for a potluck supper and rotate hosting among the homes of each of the members.  Fifty-five Plus Club: This group was formerly known as the Senior Activities Committee.It arranges for several lunches/brunches throughout the year for fun and fellowship. Memorials Committee: One of the very quiet but very vital ministries at St. Luke's is the Memorials Committee. This committee makes recommendations to the vestry regarding appropriate expenditures of memorial funds, consults with the family and rector on purchases to be recommended, and records gifts in the Memorial Book. Episcopal Church Women (ECW): This is an organization of the women of St. Luke's, and a branch of a national organization for women of the Episcopal Church. Every woman is welcome and encouraged to participate at whatever level she chooses. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. September through May at the church.  This group provides fellowship, friendship, a variety of education and enrichment, and opportunities for leadership for the women of St. Luke's.  In addition, the members contribute to the Thompson's Childrens’ Home, support the St. Luke's Fall Festival (see the Outreach page), organize the United Thank Offering, and have a strong tradition of supporting each other in time of need.  Parish Emergencies: In response to the needs of parishioners such as illnesses, meals are arranged and provided by other members of their church family to help during their recovery.  Receptions and Covered Dish Meals: The organizers of our receptions and covered dish meals invite all to join in the fun, and challenge the men at St. Luke's to join this hardworking ministry that organizes all receptions, dinners, and maintains the kitchen. Tract Rack Keeper: Many folks in the church probably don't even know that a Tract Rack is maintained by the north entrance. It contains a number of pamphlets and information sheets about the Episcopal Church and its activities. Information is updated regularly in keeping with the different church seasons. Even cradle Episcopalians could learn a few things at the Tract Rack. St. Luke’s Library: The Library has grown throughout the years with the addition of new books and donations. We have a wide selection of books for adults and a growing collection of children’s books. There are many Bible commentaries, books for specific times of the year, such as Advent and Lent, and other excellent readings. Please check out books by filling out the card in the back of the book and leaving it in the card box. If you have suggestions for the library collection or would like to help with the Library, please contact the church.  So many books, so little time! Ladies Lunch Group: This group meets informally on the fourth Tuesday of each month at various area restaurants. Details are announced in the bulletin. Men’s Club: The Men's Club at St. Luke's is a growing group that meets the second Wednesday of each month at the church for the 12:10 service. After the service, they adjourn to a nearby restaurant for lunch and to swap stories and talk sports.  Wellness Council: The Wellness Council at St. Luke's has a broad mission.. This group works to promote health, wellness, and stewardship of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. They arrange a variety of activities within the church to support the concept of the integration of mind, body and spirit through education programs and activities.

Study & Learning Opportunities

Adult Forum:  A variety of interesting and informative topics, often in 3 to 4 week series, are presented each Sunday from 9:00 to 9:45 am in the Kramer Room. Wednesday Evening Studies: Book studies and Bible studies are offered in three to six week units on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30.  Vacation Bible School: Our annual summer Vacation Bible School is a wonderful fun and learning opportunity for kids and grownups alike!  More about this on the Children and Youth page. Additional study and prayer groups are often offered during special seasons, such as Lent and Advent.  See the This Month Page for information about such groups currently active.