A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. – John 13:34
At the start of this year, along with my stepmom Liela, who’s deployed overseas, and my siblings, CJ and Gia, in Kentucky and Tennessee, we committed to a 40-day challenge: 40 miles, 40 readings, 40 days. Each day, we walk one mile, read one passage from the book of John, and check in with each other.
For me, this challenge has been a way to stay close to my family, especially my younger siblings, CJ and Gia, who have been without their mom since August. Living in Oklahoma, I can’t always be there for them. It’s tough, and I often feel the distance. I’ve realized that sometimes my relationship with God can feel the same way – distant. But Lent reminds us that even when we feel far off, a little effort can make all the difference.
It’s been really fun to see Liela, even with her busy medical schedule in Kuwait, complete her miles and readings (eight hours ahead of us) and leave us a message of encouragement each and every morning. My siblings and I don’t always hit our miles or readings, of course, and that’s okay. The challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about nurturing our relationships with each other and with God. Thankfully, God isn’t keeping a tally of all the days and miles I’ve missed!
Lent is a season to add intentional effort to our lives. Whether through prayer, fasting, or a new commitment, the goal is to draw us closer to God. As we walk through this time, remember that God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for our hearts. Every prayer, every step, and every moment of intentional effort brings us closer to Him.
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to grow closer to You. Help us to embrace the added efforts of Lent, trusting that You meet us where we are. Strengthen us to stay connected to You and to each other, and may our hearts reflect Your love in all we do. In Jesus’ name. – Amen.
Ashley Carr Soter, Co-Director of Young Adult Ministries
—– Easter Offering —–
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30 – 31
When I was a freshman in high school, my youth group from Lawton, Oklahoma, loaded onto the bus and headed to Oklahoma City. We gathered with other students from around the state to work on homes in the community. We gathered at Skyline Ministries, collected much-needed supplies, and set out to work on the homes of people who needed help. This was my first of many experiences at Skyline, a ministry committed to helping the least of these in
our community.
Skyline has been serving the working poor of Oklahoma City since 1968. At Skyline, families can receive food, clothing, and household supplies. Skyline continues to help families as the price of food and necessities rises. In addition to food and supplies, Skyline has medical resources that bless many in the community. The eye clinic at Skyline provides free exams and, if necessary, low-cost or no-cost glasses.
Skyline is working to bless so many people in our community. Just over 54,000 people have come through their doors this year to shop in the food pantry, find fresh vegetables harvested from the urban garden, receive help with eyeglasses, or shop at the style shop. The number of people coming through their doors has significantly increased in the past two years. St. Luke’s is proud to work alongside the incredible team at Skyline to help feed the hungry, bring sight to those in need, and clothe people who are working hard but need a little help.
God’s love inspires us to be the people who care for the most vulnerable among us. Skyline helps to remind us that many of our neighbors need our love and care. Thankfully, Skyline has been there for 57 years, providing the necessities of life. At this ministry, I began to learn how to care for others. Now, my daughters have loaded into our church vans and volunteered at Skyline. I am grateful that St. Luke’s partnership with Skyline is demonstrating we understand the most important things: to love our God and to love our neighbors.
When you support the Easter Offering you become part of the life-transforming ministry of Skyline Ministries. To learn more about their program please visit okcskyline.org.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
Donation envelopes are available during worship. Gifts may also be made by calling the Finance Office at 232-1371, by texting “STL EASTER” to 73256, or online by using the link below. All donations are tax deductible.
https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=167551&f=5
