My Brothers & Sisters

This year, we joyfully celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Luke’s Church - a remarkable milestone in our journey of faith, service, and worship.  Since our founding in 1875, generations of parishioners, clergy, and friends have built a legacy rooted in compassionate ministry and mission, grounded in hope.  Today, we honour all who have shaped our story and invite all our members and family to join us as we look to the future with gratitude and anticipation.

St. Luke, our patron saint, was both a physician and historian.  His life and writings remind us that healing is at the heart of the Christian mission. As a church named after Luke, we embrace a ministry that seeks wholeness -body, mind, spirit and relationships. Our calling is to witness God’s love and compassion for all persons, recognizing that true health is holistic.

As Dr David Hilton, a medical doctor, affirms:

“The most important dimension to health is the spiritual.  Even in the midst of poverty, some people stay well, while among the world’s affluent, many are chronically ill.  Medical science is beginning to affirm that one’s beliefs and feelings are the ultimate tools and power for healing.  Unresolved guilt, anger, resentment, and meaninglessness are found to be the greatest suppressors of the body’s powerful, health-controlling immune system, while loving relationships in community are among its strongest augmenters.”

Over the past 150 years, St. Luke’s has been a beacon of hope in our community, especially for those who benefit from our feeding programme.  Our church has grown in faith and outreach, always guided by the example of Christ’s healing ministry. Today, we continue to live out our calling.

The gospel reading for our Patronal Festival beautifully summarizes Jesus’ ministry and his mandate to the church in a world that is broken and in need of healing. Luke 4:18 and Matthew 4:23 remind us that the gospel addresses the total well-being of people, not just the spiritual, but the physical and relational as well.

As we participate in our anniversary liturgy, let us acknowledge our brokenness and our need for healing.  Let us trust in the power of God to work through human vessels, through prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil - a biblical symbol of healing.

As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to serve, grow, and welcome all.  We invite every member, friend and visitor to join us in our ongoing mission of healing and wholeness. Let us move forward together, inspired by our past and hopeful for the future.

We are honoured to welcome the Rt. Rev. Garth Minott, Bishop of Kingston, as Celebrant and Preacher.  We also extend a warm welcome to all our visitors.  Your presence enriches our celebration.

Shalom.

Patrick+