Our Story
Called to Love. Sent to Serve.
St. Luke United Church of Christ is a community of faith rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are called to worship God, welcome all people, nurture spiritual growth, and serve the world with compassion and justice. As part of the United Church of Christ, we believe that "God is still speaking" and that our faith is always growing and evolving.
What We Stand For
God's Love
God loves all people unconditionally and calls us to share that love with one another.
Scripture
The Bible is our guide, interpreted through reason, tradition, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Inclusion
All people are created in God's image and are welcome at Christ's table.
Justice
We are called to work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
Pastor Miysan T. Crosswhite
Pastor
Pastor Miysan T. Crosswhite leads the St. Luke United Church of Christ with his personal motto of "Empowering God's People to Live Empowered Lives."
Driven by this motto, he loves boldly, preaches passionately, and encourages all to live in the full power and purpose of God.
Pastor's Full BioA Legacy of Faith
A group of courageous individuals branched out from Zion A.M.E Church in Courtland, Virginia, holding first worship services under a brush arbor in Sedley, Virginia — known as Claiborn Gates.
The church was officially established as St. Luke Christian Church on January 8, 1890, with land purchased for $20.00 and the deed granted to trustees Peter Chappell, Stephen Brown, and Thomas Ricks.
Under Rev. Smith Howell, the church joined the Congregational Christian denomination and erected a new building, renaming it St. Luke Congregational Christian Church.
Rev. Eula Marshall-Banks was installed as the church's first female pastor in August 2021.
Rev. Miysan T. Crosswhite elected as current shepherd in March 2026.
Continuing to thrive as a generational, family-oriented institution — celebrating 150+ years of faith, community, and service.
