I hope and pray that each of you is having a relaxing and joyous summer! Here at St. Luke’s we are busy planning and preparing for the upcoming school year. One of our favorite things to do is to develop a theme for the new year. I’m pleased to share with you that the theme for 2018-2019 is “You are not alone…you’re connected!” based on John 16:32b-33: “Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We all feel alone at times, particularly young people. Students sometimes feel they don’t have any friends or no one likes them or cares about them. Adults sometimes feel isolated as well – we feel that no one understands our problems or what we are experiencing. But the comforting truth is that we are never alone because we are connected to Christ – Jesus is always with us. He is our Savior and friend – He listens and loves us and in Him we have peace. Jesus also connects us with family, friends, and a community that provide love and support and that we can serve and care for out of thanks and praise for what God has done for us.

I pray that the remainder of your summer is full of fun! Never forget that no matter where you travel you have a home here at St. Luke’s where you are never alone and always connected to your brothers and sisters in Christ.