Methodism's founder, John Wesley, first celebrated a covenant renewal as a "Watch Night" service in 1755. In its original use, the term "Watch Night" referred to a gathering for prayer that could last well into the night or even overnight. For a number of years, Methodists would hold Watch Night services for covenant renewal—a fresh commitment to God. It eventually became tradition to hold this service on New Year's Eve. Watch Night services on New Year's Eve have also become an important part of African-American worship, Methodist and otherwise, because the Emancipation Proclamation would go into effect at midnight [...]

Happy New Year from the Daily Habit! March 2020 was a month in which we realized that the needs of our St. Luke’s community and the city of Houston were shifting rapidly. St. Luke’s learned to become nimble and innovative very quickly. Many new needs presented themselves as the year went on. We had many new opportunities to minister in new ways in order to bring the Love of Christ to those who needed it most. One need that quickly arose was how to get daily devotional materials into the hands of our friends who were in locked-down assisted [...]

Rev. Michelle Manuel  Scripture: 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. [...]

By Tom Pace, Senior Pastor   9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped,  they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to [...]

Fran Brown, Gene Decker Study Class Isaiah 7:14 (RSV) “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Reflection: I am one of those people who is subject to holiday depression. This was especially true when my three children were young. I wanted them to have beautiful memories of our family celebrations, but I didn’t get the Christmas letter written or the matching pajamas bought for the Christmas card photo. My results at wreath-making or cookie decorating or ornament crafting didn’’t match up [...]

Ann Pierce Arnett, member of the Gene Decker Sunday School Class Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is [...]

Betty Owens Geary, Member Gene Decker Study Class, former Executive Committee Chair John 16:33, CEB “I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” Reflection: Peace seems hard to come by this season.  We are divided as a country.  Our lives have been turned upside down by a pandemic that has taken us all by surprise.  Too many have been ill or have lost loved ones.  Even those of us who have escaped the virus are grieving for other losses—plans [...]

Ann Pierce Arnett This piece was originally written by Ann Pierce Arnett on December 21, 2010. Isaiah 42:16 NRSV I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them. Reflection: Tonight is the winter solstice. The longest night of the year. There is also a lunar eclipse - the first one since 1642 that coincides with the winter solstice. [...]

Meghan and Asher Kazmann, Member, Lay Leadership Committee John 14: 26-27 (NIV) 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Reflection: My family recently experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of my brother-in-law. In the days that immediately followed, I remember waves of [...]

Becky Kidd, member of St. Luke’s since 1979, a founding member of Genesis Class John 13:34-35 (NRSV) I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Reflection: The verse above is one that is well-known and often referenced in our Christian faith. How wonderful that God’s commandment is all about love! It is never too late to remember God’s commandments and to strive every day to live as [...]