Food and Forum is an exciting program combining a pot luck dinner followed by a stimulating program on topics of interest to both Episcopalians and the community at large. We have speakers recognized for their expertise in their chosen field talking on subjects that cover the spectrum from controversial to fun. Food and Forum will be held one Sunday afternoon each month at 5:00 pm in the Parish Hall. We hope to have the program on the last Sunday of the month, but, scheduling of our speakers may alter which Sunday Food and Forum is held. The Adult Education Committee hopes you will participate - we are sure you will have a lot of fun and learn something at the same time.

The program for the Winter and Spring season is given below. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. As each program date approaches more information on that program will be presented.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
"HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND THE APOSTLE BUILD" BY Michele Reilly, director of habitat in martin county

Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has constructed over 250,000 homes for deserving people all over the world and has become a leader in addressing the housing needs of families. Ms. Reilly will explain who builds Habitat houses, who qualifies to live in these houses, and why this opportunity is available. She will tell us about the Habitat program in Martin County and give us a status report on the "Apostle Build" of which St. Luke's is a partner.

OCTOBER 26, 2008
"social injustices" by the Rev. "Chip" Stokes, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach.

Father Stokes will bring to us an awareness of how social injustice is institutionalized, i.e. actions (possibly prejudicial) that we have made a part of our lives to the point that we don't even recognize them and therefore find acceptable. How do we learn about the needs of our community in light of this topic?

Father Stokes began his career in Florida as the Associate Rector for Christian formation at Bethesda-by-the Sea. Having been active in anti-racism education and activities in New Jersey, he now works closely with St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach while he serves as Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Susan Stokes, his wife, is past president of the Episcopal Church Women for the Diocese of Southeast Florida. We are pleased to have Father Chip and Susan back at St. Luke's.

November 30, 2008
"Real life children's ranch" by mark and Darlene Mayers

In Okeechobee county we found "Real Life Childrens Ranch" (a nonprofit corporation approved by the State of Florida) that exists to provide a Christian residential group home that cares for boys and girls who are physically, sexually, or emotionally abused. These young people, ranging in age from 5 years through seventeen years, may be homeless, neglected, or mildly disturbed. The goal of this ranch is "to give children the best care possible in a secure family atmosphere, and to guide them into personal Christian experiences and happy, productive futures." Find out how this organization began, where it is located, what services it provides, and what we can do to help these children.

December 28, 2008
Movie night at St. Luke's - "The Kite Runner"

This movie, taken from Khaled Hosseini's 2003 novel by the same name, is one of the most unforgettable stories of our time and deals with love, honor, guilt, fear, and redemption while giving us a better understanding of life in modern Afghanistan. Palm Beach Post columnist, Hap Erstein, pronounced this movie the "best movie of the year."