Message from Greg

Dear Parish Family,

We continue to go through this challenging time of "isolating,” "social distancing" and not being able to gather in worship, small groups, or meetings. For some, it could be a "needed break;" but for most, it is difficult knowing how to navigate this time with all of the questions, doubts, fears, information overload, economic prognostication, and the question "when will life get back to 'normal'?"

In order to facilitate whatever we may be able to do to help you through this time, we wanted to share with you our cell phone numbers, so that our staff might be more easily accessible:

Greg Kronz, Rector: (home) 843-363-2919; (cell) 843-290-7553
Steve Chisholm, Assistant Rector: 843-540-4025
Kathie Phillips, Deacon: 843-338-6144
Sharon Smith, Counselor: 843-684-1244
Denise Gildner, Parish Secretary: 810-969-8181
Nancy Justice, Comptroller: 843-422-3530
Nina Rodman, Organist/Choirmaster: 843-422-0490

And, you can always call the office (843-785-4099) and leave a message on any one of the staff's extensions, as most of us check our messages daily. You can also find our email addresses on the website: www.stlukeshhi.org,  and drop us an email. 

Amidst all of this, we find ourselves in Holy Week. Someone said "I didn't realize all that I would be giving up this Lent;" and, no matter what you gave up, please don't give up seeking the Lord and learning more and more what it means to trust in Him and rest in Him. This may always be a challenge in varying degrees, but now, more than ever, in order to live with love, grace, and wisdom, we need to walk with Him even if we are "walking alone" much of the time these days!

I do want to "catch you up" on our ongoing “happenings” at St. Luke’s. You will continue to receive weekly (and maybe more if necessary) "e-blasts" so that we can continue to touch base with you. We will continue, between Steve and myself, to send out a "Midweek Message" in a video that you will find coming to you, or, on our website.

This week, not only will we be sharing both of those via email, but we will also be live-streaming the "Good Friday Liturgy" this Friday at noon. Nina suggested that Matt Walley sing for that service as well, so the service will begin with Matt singing. The total time will be a little more than a half hour; so, if you can spare the time midday, this would be a wonderful way to reflect on the gift of our Savior as He hung on the cross for us; out of love for us! Also, we are continuing "The Watch" as an annual opportunity during Holy Week. The Watch is a prayer vigil where you spend an hour in prayer at some point between Maundy Thursday evening until Good Friday morning. You can sign-up through our website, through the e-Zine, or through Kathie Phillips (phone number listed above).

And, of course, this Sunday is Easter; and we will be live-streaming our service with the last of my Sermon Series: "Seven Last Words of Jesus" from the cross.
The sermons are available on the website or on YouTube video: either the full worship service, including the sermon; or,  Scripture readings and sermon only. The archives of sermons on the website have all the sermons for the last couple of years, especially if you would like to hear all of the "Seven Last Words" sermons. Also, you can stream from FaceBook the same day  or following day for the service. It is amazing how the Lord has opened a new avenue of ministry for St. Luke's by our messages and streaming, throughout the country and even in other countries!! How the Lord uses "all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes." Please pray that our Lord would bless His people, and bring people to Himself through this new ministry!

I have had people ask me how to pray for those in need: there is a "Prayer list" in the bulletin, which you can access from our e-Zine. Also, others are asking how to drop off a note, a check, or other items. At this point, if it is larger than a letter, please call the office and arrange for someone to bring the package inside, and we will see that it gets to whoever needs to receive it! We will be putting up a lockable "dropbox" in the near future and will let you know where it is located. Please don't put anything in our mailbox; too accessible, and against the postal service laws.

We will be observing the same "rules/laws" as the Governor establishes as "Executive Orders;" but also, just to be safe, we will be keeping social distance for your sake and the sake of the staff. Therefore, with the access we are providing, we have decided that we will no longer have regular office hours beginning this Wednesday at noon until April 30th (for now; unless the date changes by the Governor). We hope and pray that this does not inconvenience anyone; but we feel that it is the safest and most responsible response for now. This is what is safest, healthiest, and wisest for all concerned.

We will try to stay in touch and be responsive as much as possible without inundating you with too much, as most of us have more information coming at us than we can manage.

I continue to pray for you daily, and ask you to pray for me; how to lead and do ministry in this unprecedented time in our lives!

Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter, and may our Lord bless and keep you in His love, in His grace, and in His peace. He is Risen and has our future in His hands!

With love, in Christ,

Greg Kronz