St. Luke Anglican Church (St Luke Anglican Church كنيسة القديس لوقا الأنجليكانية)

St. Luke Anglican Church

St. Luke Anglican Church, located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, has a rich history that reflects the growth and diversity of the Anglican community in the region. Established in 1997, the church began as a modest worship center, catering to the spiritual needs of expatriates and locals alike. Recognizing the growing demand for a larger space to accommodate its expanding congregation, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah graciously provided land in 2010 for the construction of a more expansive complex. This new facility was designed to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a community hub, fostering fellowship and outreach programs. (stlukerak.org)

The church's mission is to "bear the light of Christ through Word & Sacrament," emphasizing the importance of worship, community engagement, and outreach. This mission is evident in their various programs and services aimed at building a strong, inclusive community. The church offers a range of services, including traditional Anglican liturgies, Bible studies, and fellowship events. These activities are designed to cater to the spiritual and social needs of its diverse congregation. The church also places a strong emphasis on outreach, engaging in various projects to assist those in need within the local community. (stlukerak.org)

A notable aspect of St. Luke Anglican Church is its commitment to linguistic and cultural inclusivity. In 2017, the church introduced an Urdu-language Anglican congregation, recognizing the significant number of Nepali, Punjabi, and Pakistani residents in the area. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among these groups, offering services and fellowship opportunities that cater to their cultural and linguistic preferences. The church's Urdu-language services have grown steadily, with baptisms and communal meals, such as vegetable biryani dinners, becoming cherished traditions. (anglicannews.org)

The leadership of St. Luke Anglican Church has been pivotal in its growth and community engagement. The Revd Kent Middleton has been serving the Anglican community in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah since 2018. Ordained as a deacon in 2015 by the Archbishop in Wales, he served at Christ Church, Roath Park, in Cardiff, before being ordained as a priest in 2016 by Bishop Michael Lewis of Cyprus and the Gulf. Following his ordination, Revd Kent served for two years at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Nicosia, Cyprus. Between 2023 and 2024, alongside parish ministry, he also served as chaplain for The Mission to Seafarers in the UAE. His leadership has been instrumental in the church's expansion and its outreach initiatives. (stlukerak.org)

For those interested in visiting or learning more about St. Luke Anglican Church, the church is located in Al Jazeera Al Hamra Industrial, Ras Al Khaimah. The church's official website, www.stlukerak.org, provides detailed information about service times, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. The church welcomes visitors and new members, offering a warm and inclusive environment for worship and community engagement.

In summary, St. Luke Anglican Church stands as a testament to the vibrant and growing Anglican community in Ras Al Khaimah. Through its commitment to worship, community, and outreach, the church continues to serve as a beacon of faith and fellowship in the region.