Cathedral Church Of St Luke — Local services in Orlando

My background: I'm black, and was raised Episcopalian. I tried other denominations as an adult, but really loved the tradition, structure and attitude of the Episcopal church, so I stayed in this denomination. I'm also a moderate liberal.

Friendliness = 5/5. 1) My first visit was on June 12, 2016 for the 10:15am service. I was late and accidentally entered the bookstore instead of the sanctuary. The bookstore volunteer immediately offered to walk me to where service was being held. 2) People walked around greeting each other instead of just staying in their seats during The Peace. 3) The ushers ensured that approaching the alter for Communion was a breeze. The elderly/disabled received Communion in the pews. 4) A church leader approached me after service and asked if they could pay for my lunch (they were having a church fundraiser....proceeds would fund their upcoming mission trip). 5) I attended the free 12pm church tour. My tour guide, Tyler, was very knowledgeable and took me behind the scenes. 6) A churchgoer saw me walking outside after service and stopped in their car to see if I needed a ride home. I was only exploring the area and had my own car, but I appreciated her concern.

Music = 4/5. I love their traditional hymns and organs! I hope they sing other kinds of hymns too. I also appreciated the singsong rendition of some parts of service (like the Lord's Prayer).

Sermon = 4/5. The sermon on June 12 was powerful (that Jesus died for us knowing that we're sinners, and that we should reach out and take steps to find grace within ourselves and others). Specific Bible verses were used as well.

Pews = 4/5. They were wooden, but very comfortable. I also really appreciated that Bibles were in the pews (instead of just the Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal). Not all churches have Bibles in their pews. I do hope though that they add the African American Hymnal to the pews.

Parking/location = 5/5. 1) An usher immediately gave me a rebate pass to use for the Regions parking lot when I entered the church, without my asking. Either a lucky guess to where I parked, or most people park in that lot. 2) For a downtown church, it was actually very peaceful and not cramped at all.

LGBTQ support = 5/5. My first time at this church was the same day as the Pulse nightclub shooting. They not only prayed for those injured and the 50 people who died in the incident (including the shooter) during the Prayers of the People, they also asked people to donate blood and food to those affected. The church also announced that Deacon Nancy Oliver was absent because she was at the Orlando Regional Medical Center and the Hampton Inn counseling those affected by the shooting. They posted their stance against violence and their support for the LGBTQ community on their Facebook and website since the shooting. They're also holding a funeral for one of the victims, and leading a processional to the citywide vigil at Lake Eola.

Diversity = 4/5. The area's population is mostly Caucasian, but there were also black and Hispanic people in the congregation. There might've been other ethnicities as well. I also saw people of all ages.

That's my spiel. I hope you do your research and consider attending...

Love this church! It's the people--they are friendly and involved, not just in the church, but in the community. The preaching is great, the Sunday school and childcare is warm and inviting. The Dean's Hour at 9 am between the two Sunday-morning services has wonderful, in-depth teaching or guest speakers and, once a month, a breakfast in support of the youth group. With the many ministries here, you will find plenty of opportunity to be connected. One close to my heart is the healing ministry—St. Luke the Physician is the church's namesake—with healing prayer offered during Sunday services, a prayer chain, and a healing service. This historic church is also home to a cozy, well-stocked bookstore and a library. Services: The 10:15 Sunday service is something special--especially on holidays--with incense, candles and choir, everything you would expect from a cathedral church. Be forewarned, during the summer the choir goes on break--the service is still beautiful and the music is good, but you won’t get the experience of a full choir in the high-ceiling Gothic space. A quieter service is held Sundays at 8 am using the traditional language of Rite One. For an intimate and informal service with the same great preaching, try the 6 pm service on Sunday evening. Weekday services are held at noon (really 12:05 pm), great for a centering lunch hour if you are in the downtown area. Parking: Plenty of parking is available for Sunday services in the lot on the south side of the church or in the Regions Bank garage. If parking in the garage, take a ticket. The usher will give you a voucher for free parking to use with your ticket to exit. During the week, the lot next to the church is leased to an outside company. If you visit other than on a Sunday, choose a spot along the wall marked as reserved for...

I've been a member since 1997. This is a safe place where anyone can come to worship, seek healing, or minister to others. The congregation is very diverse, so there is a network of friends for anyone, regardless of background. The church is very engaged with the community and there are opportunities for anyone with the heart to serve others. The clergy work tirelessly to serve the congregation, and they make themselves available for those in need. The music is unbelievable. The mammoth pipe organ sometimes shakes the rafters.There is so much talent in the music program which has opportunities to serve from...