Words From The Warden

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to St. Luke's Episcopal Church! I warmly invite you to join us for the next four weeks of Coffee: Grounds for Discussion, where we will gather to discuss our 2026 Stewardship plan and the upcoming Capital Campaign. Each week, we will reflect on our journey—considering who we have been as a church, who we are today, and where the Holy Spirit is calling us in the future. During these sessions, you’ll hear speakers share their personal St. Luke’s stories and learn about various giving options, including planned giving, the tax benefits of charitable contributions, stock donations, and other impactful ways to support our church. Please attend.

As your senior warden, one of my primary responsibilities is overseeing our building and grounds. This year, that role has been especially active. In 2025 alone, St. Luke’s has invested more than $130,000 in the repair and upkeep of both the church and parish house. This substantial commitment highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining our historic buildings, so they remain presentable, functional, and safe for everyone who enters.

Our efforts have included submitting a grant focused on enhancing safety and security, with plans for upgrades to doors, windows, locks, cameras, and other critical improvements. Significant work has already been completed, such as replacing the front steps and handrail, repairing the church fascia and cornices, and restoring the cheek walls.

Looking ahead, we have identified the replacement of the parish house windows as a priority, since some are currently supported by plexiglass. Several large church windows also need attention, as their individual panes are deteriorating, with some already allowing water intrusion. Another vital project is the “re-leathering” of the organ stops—a major capital expenditure, though not a structural one. The major repairs and daily maintenance of St. Luke’s is often unglamorous but essential, and we are especially grateful for the dedication shown by Bill Wilken and Keith Myers in these endeavors.

The physical condition of our buildings is more than an aesthetic concern; it is a visible indicator of St. Luke’s health and vitality. The activities hosted within these walls are deeply meaningful to both our congregation and the wider community. Whether it’s memories of church school in the parish house, Advent wreath-making in the Undercroft, or lively pancake breakfasts with Steve Layman and Geoff Wilson, our spaces have played a central role over the years.

Events such as the Low Country Shrimp Boil, Wednesday Lenten soup suppers, Coffee:Grounds for Discussion, and the Halloween Costume Exchange are all possible because of the welcoming spaces we maintain. The renovated Parish House now provides excellent meeting and office space, and the Granville Recreation Department has become part of our community by occupying the second story. How we utilize our facilities is visible to all, reinforcing our church’s viability through this visibility.

Even more important than how and what we do with our buildings is understanding why we have these spaces and continue to invest in them. Quite simply, these places help us build community—both within St. Luke’s and extending well beyond our walls. A recent Friday night AA meeting in our Undercroft provided a powerful example, as attendees shared moving stories and expressed heartfelt gratitude. The strength of community fostered in our meeting spaces is truly remarkable, and it is a privilege for St. Luke’s to support such gatherings.

This sense of purpose is at the heart of why contributing time and resources to the ministries and maintenance of our beautiful church spaces is so rewarding. By caring for these buildings, we continue to nurture a thriving community—because we can, and because it matters.

Peace,
Henry