Your Week with St. Luke's

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we're talking about patience—the kind that comes from the Holy Spirit, not just biting your tongue!  Liz and Pastor Jenn are joined by special guests Brenda Cheves and John Stiles Williams as they share real stories from classrooms, parenting, and life about what it means to practice “cheerful, hopeful endurance.” It's honest, funny, and full of wisdom you won't want to miss.    This episode is part 3 of the Be Fruitful series. Catch previous episodes and find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Liz and Pastor Jenn are joined by two more St. Lukers: Brittany Vega and Josh Stanley, and together they explore how peace—often misunderstood as the absence of conflict—is actually found in surrender, perspective, and trust in God's presence. Drawing from Galatians 5 and reflections on nature, rowing, and spiritual practices, we talk about the kind of peace that comes from stepping back and seeing life through God's eyes. Through worship, silence, and the rhythms of ordinary time, we learn how to make space for the Spirit to cultivate peace in us.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we begin our Be Fruitful series by exploring the first two expressions of the fruit of the Spirit: love and joy. St. Luke's staff member Liz Vasquez and Pastor Jenn host a thoughtful conversation with special guests Alice Williams and Dennis Barber about how these expressions grow within us as part of a Spirit-shaped life—not as a checklist, but as a reflection of God's presence. Together, they reflect on how love and joy can be cultivated like a garden in our hearts, becoming visible through our everyday actions and relationships. Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. Looking for ways to discuss love & joy with your family or with kids? Find resources at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this special Pentecost episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, St. Luke's staff member Liz Vasquez hosts a lively and insightful conversation with Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa about the significance of Pentecost—the day the Church was born through the movement of the Holy Spirit. The group explores the original Pentecost in Acts 2, and reflects on how Pentecost invites today's church to break down walls, embrace diversity, care for community needs, and live Spirit-led lives every day—not just on holy days.   Find questions for reflection and group discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this final episode of our Eastertide series, Pastor Jad explores Ephesians 5:6–14 and what it means to reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives. From ancient context to personal transformation, this reflection invites us to discern what is pleasing to God, live as children of light, and embody the love, truth, and sacrifice of Jesus in a world longing for healing and hope.   Find questions for reflection and group discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this week's episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad explores what it means to "Be Alive" as a resurrection people by reflecting on Proverbs 8 and the personified voice of Woman Wisdom. We delve into the poetic, joyful, and creative nature of God's creation, where wisdom is not just instruction but invitation—calling us to delight, play, and recreate. Discover how resurrection life is not only about belief but about living creatively and joyfully every day. Find questions for discussion and personal reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad Denmark explores what it means to be truly renewed in the season of Eastertide. Rooted in Ephesians 4, this episode invites listeners to shed old patterns and embrace a new life shaped by compassion, kindness, and the Spirit of Christ. Discover how resurrection becomes more than a moment—it becomes your everyday way of being. Find questions for reflection and discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast.

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad Denmark explores what it means to live as a resurrection people by focusing on John 4:13–15, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Emphasizing the contrast between static traditions and the dynamic, life-giving “living water” Jesus offers, the message highlights Jesus' radical breaking of social and religious barriers by engaging a Samaritan woman—a marginalized figure in her time. The woman's gradual openness to Jesus, despite her initial misunderstanding, reflects a journey from exclusion toward transformation. Pastor Jad invites listeners to reflect on how Jesus calls us to be refreshed not only physically, but spiritually and socially, challenging old assumptions with a gospel that reaches everyone. Ultimately, the episode underscores how resurrection life means living with openness to new realities shaped by grace, compassion, and inclusion.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad continues the Eastertide series, Resurrection to Be Alive, exploring what it means to live as a resurrection people every day. Focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:13–19, he unpacks Paul's message about being a new creation in Christ, shaped not by human standards but by divine love and transformation. Pastor Jad also offers background on the letter's history and how it reflects Paul's deeply personal call to ministry amid conflict. Listeners are invited to reflect on how Christ's resurrection revives and reshapes our lives and relationships today. Click here for reflection and discussion questions!

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad reflects on what it means to "Be Alive" during Eastertide, drawing from Philippians 4:4–9. He highlights Paul's deep love for the Philippian church and the important role of women in its leadership. The message centers on rejoicing and seeking peace—not as passive emotions, but as active choices rooted in God's nearness. Pastor Jad encourages listeners to notice goodness both within and beyond the church, reminding us that God's truth can be found in many places. Ultimately, it's a call to live with intention, gentleness, and trust in the steady presence of God's peace. Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we reflect on the deep vulnerability of Jesus in the garden and the quiet strength that carries him through betrayal, denial, and suffering. From angelic presence in Gethsemane to the harrowing journey through Good Friday, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa explore the paradox of power through surrender, the challenge of love in the face of violence, and the haunting silence of Holy Saturday. With a little help from Harry Potter, memories from classes, and a deep dive into John's Gospel, we wrestle with truth, resilience, and the cost of real leadership.   Click here to view a full schedule of Holy Week services.    Find discussion questions here.

In this episode of  Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn and Jad reflect on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his final teachings in John's Gospel. Together, they explore how faith invites us to hold sorrow and joy, suffering and peace, death and new life—all at once.   Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent   Join us for Holy Week! View worship schedules at st.lukes.org/lent. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa discuss John 15:1-17, where Jesus calls us to remain in Him, like branches connected to the vine. True discipleship isn't just about doing—it's about abiding, growing, and bearing fruit. Listen now and stay rooted in faith!   Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent   Lent is better together! Join a small group and journey together during the season. Find a full list at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa dive into John 14 and what it means to be resilient in faith. As we continue our Lenten journey, we're reminded to stay centered in Christ, even in uncertain times. Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent Lent is better together! Join a small group and journey together during the season. Find a full list at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In times of chaos, Jesus calls us to serve. In this week's episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa explore John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes his disciples' feet, showing that true leadership is rooted in humility and love. Serving others isn't just an action—it's a way to stay grounded in faith. Listen now and reflect on how you can embody Christ's love through service! Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent Lent is better together! Join a small group and journey together during the season. Find a full list at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa explore obedience through Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet as seen in John 12:1-11. Her act of costly devotion foreshadows Jesus' death and invites us to see worship as an act of faith, even in uncertainty. Tune in for insights on discipleship, humility, and the power of worship in community!  Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent. Lent is better together! Join a small group and journey together during the season. Find a full list at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this bonus episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa explore John 11:45-54. After Lazarus' resurrection, fear drives religious leaders to plot against Jesus. How does fear shape our response to change? And how can we find stability in faith, even in uncertainty? Tune in as we reflect on Jesus' retreat—not as avoidance, but as preparation for what's ahead.    Download a free copy of our Lenten Guide at st.lukes.org/lent   Lent is better together! Join a small group and journey together during the season. Find a full list at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jen and Melissa introduce our Lenten series, "Bewildered." Lent is a season of reflection, trust, and transformation—where faith isn't about having all the answers but learning to navigate the wilderness with God. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we'll explore how disorientation can lead to deeper faith. Tune in as we embrace the journey together!   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.   Join a new group during Lent! Visit st.lukes.org/lent for a full list. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, guest speaker Brett Opalinski, a United Methodist pastor and professor, reflects on the commitment of being a witness for Christ. He explains that discipleship goes beyond belief—it's about embodying Jesus' love and teachings in everyday life. Brett challenges listeners to consider how their lives can reflect God's love and grace, showing that being a witness is not just about words but actions.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Brett Opalinski, Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies at Candler School of Theology, explores the promise of service as part of our Belong series. Discover how service, rooted in Wesleyan tradition and modeled by Jesus, calls us to humbly serve others, build relationships, and reflect God's love through acts of compassion and justice. Listen now and be inspired to take your next step in serving with love and purpose! Find questions for reflection and discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, special guest Brett Opalinski dives into the powerful promise of generosity within the United Methodist Church. Using compelling stories, Brett invites us to reflect on the true meaning of generosity. It's not just about money, but about offering our time, love, and resources in response to God's abundant grace. If you're looking to deepen your discipleship and discover the joy in living a generous life, this episode is for you!   Find questions for discussion and deeper reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, the Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski from the Candler School of Theology leads us in reflecting on presence—what it means to truly show up for God, our community, and one another. Through thought-provoking insights, he highlights the power of presence as a means of grace, a way to encounter God, and a practice that forms and transforms us over time.   Find questions for discussion and deeper reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we kick off our new series called Belong, where we'll explore the vows United Methodists take to support the church with prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This week, we're joined by Brett Opalinski, United Methodist Pastor and Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies at the Candler School of Theology, for a discussion on prayers. Drawing on examples from early Christianity and personal experiences, he illustrates how prayer can ground our lives and transform our relationship with God. He'll guide us through some practical suggestions and show us how prayer can be a transformative practice that connects individuals to God and strengthens the church community.    Find questions for discussion and deeper reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, pastors Jenn & Melissa explore the theme of "Be Bold" as part of the ongoing "Be" series. They'll discuss how boldness requires preparation and readiness, drawing inspiration from Jesus' ministry. The key scripture is from Luke 4:14-21, where Jesus, in the synagogue, proclaims his mission by reading from Isaiah. This mission includes bringing good news to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and equity for all—marking the start of his ministry with a bold and transformative declaration.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn and Melissa dive into the story of the wedding in Cana as told in John 2:1-11, where Jesus performs his first miracle. From turning water into wine to celebrating abundance, this episode explores powerful lessons about calling, readiness, and how God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

What does it mean to be loved? In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa guide us through the well known passage of Jesus' baptism in Luke 3 and talk about how it ties to Isaiah 43.  Find questions for reflection and discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast. Looking for a small group to share your thoughts? Visit st.lukes.org/adults. 

Start your year with "Your Week with St. Luke's" as we dive into what it means to be guided by God's light and love. In this week's episode, St. Luke's Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa explore the story of the Magi, their journey of transformation, and how being rooted in Christ reshapes our lives. Join us as we reflect on the light that leads us, the call to be fully present as God's children, and the power of Epiphany to awaken new paths in the new year.

Check out this special episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, where Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa talk about some of their favorite Christmas Things. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa lead us into the 4th week of advent as we turn to the Shepherds, who were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. This story serves as a reminder that God lifts up the humble and includes the excluded. Their joyful response to the angelic message inspires us to share the Gospel with authenticity, love, and joy because, like them, we too are called to be messengers of hope and transformation.    Find questions for reflection and discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast.    Enjoying these episodes? Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help us reach more people! 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa dive into the third week of Advent turning to Matthew 1:18-25 to look at the story through the eyes of Joseph and his choice to lead with love over fear.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa dive into Mary's story in Luke 1 and explore how her encounter with the angel Gabriel shows us the power of faith, trust, and saying "yes" to God—even when the path is uncertain.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa reflect on gratitude as a transformative spiritual practice. They share stories of how the St. Luke's community is living out their faith through service, advocacy, and discipleship. Tune in for inspiration and a reminder to give thanks this season! 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa kick off Advent with the theme "Fear Not," exploring the angelic messages that changed lives. This week, we reflect on Zechariah's story—how God's unexpected calling disrupted his plans, rekindling hope when all seemed lost. No matter your stage in life, there's no expiration date on God's purpose for you. What new calling might God be birthing in you?    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Melissa explores the theme of “purposeful gratitude” through Luke 17:11-19. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to give thanks. His gratitude becomes an act of faith, showing us how thanksgiving transforms and deepens our connection with God. This Thanksgiving, let's embrace gratitude as a simple, powerful spiritual practice.  Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

How are we using our resources to make room for all? In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Melissa dives into Luke 14 to explore how Jesus' meals teach us about humility, generosity, and radical inclusivity. Jesus calls us to take the lowest seat, embrace those who can't repay us, and extend our tables to everyone, especially the overlooked. Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, we continue our "Purpose-full" series, as St. Luke's Pastor Melissa unpacks Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and lost coin in Luke 15, revealing God's joyful pursuit of all who are lost—whether they know it or not. She challenges us to embrace purposeful joy, celebrating God's grace for everyone, even those we might least expect. Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, St. Luke's Pastor Melissa kicks off a series on living "Purpose-full” lives, reflecting on Luke 12:22-34. She explores Jesus' teachings on overcoming worry, trusting in God's provision, and using our resources to serve others. Instead of hoarding, we're called to be generous, shifting from fear to faith and revealing God's kingdom through purposeful actions.  Find questions for reflection and discussion at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

This episode of Your Week with St. Luke's reflects on wisdom from the book of Proverbs and explores themes of justice, community, and faith-driven decision-making. The episode covers passages from Proverbs 27 and 31, emphasizing the importance of relationships, justice for the marginalized, and communal responsibility. It highlights how faith informs one's actions, including voting, without conflating religious identity with political choices. Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa encourage "both/and" thinking, acknowledging multiple perspectives and experiences as valid, rather than an either/or binary mindset, and stress the need for compassion, justice, and mutual respect in a diverse community.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast   Download a copy of our free resource guide to go along with this series at st.lukes.org/adults 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa discuss the themes of focus, self-awareness, and accountability, drawing lessons from Proverbs 4 & 26. In this insightful conversation, the pastors delve into the importance of guarding your heart against distractions and negativity, emphasizing how our focus can easily be derailed by "sideshows" in life. They explore the power of humility, self-awareness, and personal growth, offering practical strategies like using "I statements" to improve communication and owning your actions. The discussion also highlights the balance between accountability and grace within relationships and community, urging listeners to stay focused on their purpose while being open to correction and learning from others.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast   Download a copy of our free resource guide to go along with this series at st.lukes.org/adults 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa look at Wesley's principle of “Do no harm,” urging us to be mindful of the impact of our words which can either heal or hurt. Drawing on the book of Proverbs, they'll emphasize the importance of handling conflict with grace, patience, and love, promoting reconciliation rather than harm.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast   Download a copy of our free resource guide to go along with this series at st.lukes.org/adults 

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa discuss their new sermon series, "Beyond the Box," which explores wisdom literature from the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs. They emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom as a way to live purposefully and intentionally in everyday life, especially in the context of navigating challenging societal moments, like during times of tension and decision-making.   They'll also introduce the practice of "trying-on," a communication guideline encouraging openness to new perspectives, much like trying on new clothes. What would it look like if you engaged in this approach with humility, both in personal relationships and in broader societal contexts?    Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast   Download a copy of our free resource guide to go along with this series at st.lukes.org/adults     

In this final episode of our series on Daniel, Candler's Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio challenges us as he walks us through chapters 5 & 6 of this book.   Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this episode, hear from Candler's Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio as he takes us through the dreams and interpretations of the 2nd & 4th chapters of the Book of Daniel.  Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this second episode of our series on the Book of Daniel, Candler's Dr. Ryan Bonfigllio walks us through the historical context, key themes, and theological takeaways of the 1st chapter, where we meet Daniel and his friends.  Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

What do we value? In this first episode of our new series on the Book of Daniel, Candler's Dr. Ryan Bonfigllio walks us through the historical context, key themes, and theological takeaways of the 3rd chapter, where we meet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.    Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. 

In this last episode of the series, St. Luke's Pastor Jad Denmark, Minister of Congregational Life, walks us through Ephesians 5:16-21 and 6:10-20.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at www.st.lukes.org/podcast.  

In this next lecture of our series, Pastor Jad, St. Luke's Minister of Congregational Life, walks us through Ephesians 4:1-7, 25-5:2, 6-13.    Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.   Connect with a small group for discussion! Find groups at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this lecture, Pastor Jad, St. Luke's Minister of Congregational Life, walks us through Ephesians 2:1-10.    Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.   Connect with a small group for discussion! Find groups at st.lukes.org/adults. 

In this lecture, Pastor Jad, St. Luke's Minister of Congregational Life, kicks off a new series on the book of Ephesians.    Find questions for discussion & reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast.   Connect with a small group for discussion! Find groups at st.lukes.org/adults. 

Learn about the Central Florida Pledge in this special podcast conversation between St. Luke's Lead Pastor Jenn Stiles Williams, Dr. Joel Hunter, and Dr. Lua Hancock. Hear about how the pledge was started and how it's related to Theatre at St. Luke's summer production of The Sound of Music.    For tickets to The Sound of Music, visit https://www.st.lukes.org/soundofmusic   Learn more about the pledge at: https://www.centralfloridapledge.com/

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is tangled up in questions about what the Bible has to say about the people of Israel and the land of Israel. This three-week series, taught by Candler OT professor Ryan Bonfiglio, offers biblical perspectives on this complex topic.    What does the Old Testament law have to say about how Israel is to treat foreigners who live with them in the land of Israel? Explore this topic in this final episode.   Got more questions after listening? Ryan Bonfiglio will be back with answers to your questions about the land of Israel! Email your follow-up questions to yourweek@st.lukes.org.    For more information about adult classes and studies at St. Luke's, visit st.lukes.org/adults.