12.03.2023 WHO WE ARE
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is an open community of Christians helping people find and give hope through Jesus Christ - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, or socioeconomic background. No matter who you are, where you are from, who you love or what you look like, we want you to know that God loves you and YOU BELONG HERE.
PRAYER
Submit your anonymous prayer request at stlukesumc.com/prayer or on the online prayer wall at stlukesumc.com/prayerwall.
GIVE
Your gifts are transforming our church, our community, and the world! There are four ways to give today at St. Luke’s. • Scan the QR code or go to: stlukesumc.com/give • Send checks to: 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 • Drop checks/cash in the baskets during service
COMMUNION AT ST. LUKE’S
Today we will celebrate Holy Communion in worship. In the United Methodist Church, we practice an “open table,” where all are welcome. You do not have to be a member of this or any church to participate. All who desire to be forgiven and receive God’s grace are invited. You will be guided to come to the front by an usher where you will receive a piece of bread and cup, and then you can return to your pew by the opposite aisle. (For contemporary: Feel free to kneel for prayer at the edge of the platform before returning to your seat) Once you consume the elements you can leave your cup in the holder in the back of the pew in front of you. All bread is gluten free, and we use grape juice in place of wine. If you need the elements brought to you, please lift a hand and an usher will bring them to you. Parents of 3rd/4th graders: please sit in the back of your worship space. You will meet your child at the back of the Sanctuary/Chapel once your row has been dismissed to receive communion together.
DONUTS & COFFEE NORTH INDY - GREAT HALL (FOR TODAY ONLY) Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a delicious donut, and take the time to connect with those around you. CONNECTION CENTERS OUTSIDE THE WORSHIP SPACES Stop by the Connection Centers to get your questions answered, sign up for groups, serving opportunities, and events, and learn about ways to connect here. RESTLESS CHILD AREAS AREA LEFT OF THE SANCTUARY & CENTRAL PASSAGE NURSING PARENT AREA • E126 Enjoy our live services in these spaces if you’d like to nurse in private and/or if your child needs a break during worship. CAREERS AT ST. LUKE’S St. Luke’s values the committed people who are part of our staff. Their dedication to the ministry of this faith community is key to the life of the church. Open positions and associated job descriptions and applications are available at stlukesumc.com/careers. CONNECTIONS GIFT STORE NORTH INDY • OPEN SUNDAYS • 9AM – NOON Connections is dressed for holidays with additional hours for shopping. The store will be open on Wednesdays 10:30am-1:00pm during December. There will be evening hours on December 14th 4PM-8PM. TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICES NORTH INDY, 3RD MONDAYS OF MONTH AT 5:30PM, N103 A Taize service invites you into a time of contemplation using simple chanting, prayers, scripture, and 10 minutes of silence. Register online. stlukesumc.com/events
TODAY AT ST. LUKE’S GUIDED MEDITATIONS NORTH INDY • 9-9:30AM - PRAYER CHAPEL Seeking a chance to slow down and center? Join us for 15 minutes of guided meditation in the Prayer Chapel on the south side of Robertson Chapel. Enter through Door 2 or Robertson Chapel. CONTEMPLATION & COMMUNION NORTH INDY • 9:30AM – NOON – PRAYER CHAPEL The Prayer Chapel is open to anyone seeking a moment of peace, reflection, and spiritual connection on Sunday mornings. Holy Communion is available on the altar. Enter through door #2.
EAST ART GALLERY DECEMBER : MILITARY MINISTRY The members of the Studio Three Art Ministries and others are creating an Advent Calendar that will feature a new work of art each day from December 1st through Christmas Day. If you check in periodically, you’ll see twenty five empty frames fill up as we count down the days until Christmas. We’re so grateful to this talented group of artists for sharing their gifts with us in the gallery this year! CHARGE CONFERENCE DECEMBER 3 FROM 12:15-2PM - NORTH INDY Chaired by our District Superintendent, Dr. Aleze Fulbright. This all church meeting is where we approve administrative committee members for service beginning in 2024 and have time to celebrate ministries in 2023. This is open to all who would like to attend but we ask that you pre-register for lunch. stlukesumc.com/chargeconference
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STAY IN TOUCH Sign up to receive weekly emails and/or the St. Luke’s monthly newsletter, subscriptions and preferences at stlukesumc.com/subscribe. Scan this QR Code and let us know you’re here! To make sure we have all of your current contact information, go to stlukesumc.com/myaccount to: • Update communication preferences • View the online church directory • Submit a prayer request • View giving information
CONNECT STORY HOUR AND CRAFTS DECEMBER 7 (MORNING 10AM OR EVENING 6:30PM) - MIDTOWN CAMPUS Join our Kids Ministry for a community story hour with themed stories, sensory activities, art activities, and more! This is a great event to invite your friends and neighbors to! Register online at stlukesumc.com/kids STARTING POINT DECEMBER 10 - FOLLOWING ALL SERVICES If you’re new or newer to St. Luke’s join us immediately after service for Starting Point, a 30-minute orientation to St. Luke’s. You’ll meet others who are new and leave with next steps to help you find your place here. This is a great way to become familiar with who we are and how we live out our faith. No registration is needed! We can’t wait to meet you!
SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP DECEMBER 10 AT 12:30 - NORTH INDY
We are never meant to walk life’s journey alone. Joys and challenges often come to us in unanticipated ways and we want to walk alongside you through all of the ups, downs, and in-betweens. This group is for parents and caretakers of kids, youth, and adults with special needs. Register online: stlukesumc.com/specialneeds
PASTOR ERIC BURTON-KRIEGER CELEBRATION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 FROM 12:15-2PM - GREAT HALL The Burton-Kriegers are starting a new adventure in Atlanta. We will miss them and are so thankful for the years of ministry we have shared together. Join us for a light lunch, time together, and lots of great memories of our time with the Burton-Kriegers. RSVP at stlukesumc.com/pastoreric JOY SWING JAZZ CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 12 AT 7PM - ROBERTSON CHAPEL Come celebrate the season at the JoySwing Christmas Classics Concert, a jazzy musical tribute to Jesus. The JoySwing Jazz Orchestra will provide a lively setting for praising the coming of the savior. The concert is offered free of charge but a free-will offering in support of a St. Luke’s charitable partner will be taken. The concert is presented as an in-person event and will be live streamed. No registration is needed. YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 12 FROM 7-9PM Join the YA Ministry at Books & Brews at their 9402 Uptown Dr Suite 1400, Indianapolis location on December 12 for a cookie decorating, gift exchange, game night! All 20’s and 30’s are invited for this connection event. To participate in the gift exchange, please bring a $10 gift. THE LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE DECEMBER 19 AT 7PM - ROBERTSON CHAPEL Join us for a contemplative service on Tuesday, December 19th. This service is designed to provide hope and healing for those who find Advent and Christmas difficult, lonely, or are in a season of grief. ALL YOUTH OVERNIGHTER DECEMBER 22 AT 7PM - DECEMBER 23 AT 8AM Our yearly overnighter is back! This is for all students in grades 5-12. The theme of this year’s overnighter is “All of the Days.” So every hour we will be celebrating a different holiday—both big and small! One hour may be Christmas then Thanksgiving, and then maybe National Pancake Day. Some activities combine ages but most of the night High School and Middle School students will be in their own spaces. Students will connect with their peers, while also experiencing “The Whole Youth Ministry” together. Register online: stlukesumc.com/students
CULTIVATE & CONTRIBUTE DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP DECEMBER 5 AT 6PM - NORTH INDY A support group for caregivers of those affected by memory loss. All are welcome to gather to find loving support, share resources, and encouragement along their journey. Individuals attending the Caregivers Support Group may care for loved ones in any capacity (whether at home, in care facility, or from a distance). Register at stlukesumc.com/events
CHANGE THE WORLD ANGEL TREE DECEMBER 16 Every year, we come together to be angels for others by sponsoring and supporting hundreds of children and their families with Christmas gifts and household items. Donated gifts are collected by St. Luke’s volunteers. Participating families in need come to St. Luke’s to shop for their family at our special holiday store on December 16. There are three ways you can be an angel: You can sponsor a child by purchasing gifts (Return gifts to the church by 12/10). You can volunteer to help sort and setup gifts (12/10 & 12/15) for the store or shop with families at the Angel Tree store (12/16). You can give a donation to support our Angel Tree mission. For more information and to sign up visit: stlukesumc.com/christmas
ORDER OF WORSHIP Prelude | Wesleyan Ringers Introit | For Unto Us a Child Is Born - Chancel Choir Call to Worship | Rev. Rob Fuquay Leader: We gather for worship feeling the pain and perplexities of our world asking with the seers of old, “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” All:
As the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you so that my wonders may be multiplied.” Leader: So the worries of our world may yet be opportunity experience the wonders of God? All:
Yes! For our God is always at work, and God’s work is to perform signs and wonders.
Leader: Then let us observe, and may what we observe lead us to praise, and may what we praise cause us to worship. All: Amen! Opening Hymn | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #211 (vs1,2,6,7) Bringing in the Light | Kanata Johnson Welcome | Rev. Rob Fuquay Advent Candle Liturgy - The Livesay Family Prayer | Rev. Jen Gibbs Dismissal of Children Announcements Call for Offering | Rev. Jen Gibbs Offertory | Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain Doxology Scripture Reading | Isaiah 11:1-9 Message | Rev. Rob Fuquay Communion I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light #206 Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence #626 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus #196 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming #216 Benediction | Rev. Rob Fuquay Postlude