JULY—SEPTEMBER 2009
Raining Acts and God In Our Own Backyard Provides Nourishing for Flourishing
Back to Cool Summer Heats Up with a New School Partnership
Water U Wading 4? Dive Into the Ministry Pool!
in this issue | mission | staff
together in ministry everyday ST. LUKE’S CLERGY STAFF:
st. luke’s identity We are an open
community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation.
st. luke’s vision We envision being transformed
by God
and transforming the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive,
Christ-like community.
4 5 7
14
School Supplies
22
World Missions
8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
IN THIS ISSUE: In Our Own Backyard Fox Hill Partnership Stephen Ministry / Who Is My Neighbor? Global Health Green Ministry H.U.G.S. Music Ministries Children’s Ministries School Supplies / Eve Circle United Methodist Women Youth Ministries Endowment Pedal for Peace Spiritual Life Center World Missions McCoy’s Mavericks Later@St. Luke’s / Fellowship Special Event Oasis / Community Support The Garden Concerns & Celebrations Welcome New Members Later on the Lawn
100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 TELEPHONE: 317-846-3404 • FAX: 317-844-1034 • WEB: www.stlukesumc.com
Kent Millard, Linda McCoy, Marsha Hutchinson, Marion Miller, Stan Abell, Adolf Hansen ST. LUKE’S STAFF:
Kathy Alexander, Administrative Team Assistant Jason Barnes, Director of AV/Media Dawn Bick, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry, Elementary Betty Brandt, Director of Spiritual Life Center Kristi Chamberlain, Childcare Coordinator Brad Cherry, Facilities Terri Coe, Director of Adult Ministries Marsha Coyner, Director of Joyful Rhythms Lori Crantford, Director of Communications, Marketing & Development Jan Emmons, Finance Sylvia Forbes, Membership & Care Bertie Gilster, Front Office Mary Hach, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry, Early Childhood Adolf Hansen, Theologian in Residence Kathleen Headington, Associate Director of Youth Ministries Martha Heinrich, IT Manager Carol Helmus, Special Event/Wedding Coordinator Sharon Holyoak, Oasis Bookstore Manager Julia Johnson, Executive Director of Ministries Mike Keller, Director of Wesleyan Ringers Faina Kleyner, Finance Beth Lammers, Building Scheduler Erica Lampe, Benefits/Development Assistant Tujuianna Lockhart, Facilities Bobbi Main-Jackson, Director of Weekday Ministries Charles Manning, Assistant Director of Music Ministries Linda McGlothlin, Adult Ministries Bonnie McMenamin, Music Ministries Assistant Janet Miller, Children’s Ministries Alex Moon, Facilities DeAnna Moran, Adult Ministries Registrar Tim Moore, Taizé Prayer Service Leader Rickie Murphy, Facilities Debra Nethercott, Director of Children’s Music Sarah Nevin, Publications Design Jan Nichols, Coordinator of World Missions Projects Julie O’Connor, Administration & Celebration Team Matt Peyton, Associate Director of Youth Ministries Rich Potterf, Building & Grounds Ministry Mary Katherine Schnitz, Director of Care Ministries Cara Scott, Receptionist Kelly Scott, Facilities Winnie Sibotshiwe, Facilities Mark Squire, Director of Music Ministries Tara-Lynne Sinicki, Director of Children’s Ministries Alison Strawmyer, Assistant Director & Registrar, Weekday Preschool & Parent’s Day Out Program William Taylor, Facilities Jayne Moynahan Thorne, Director of Outreach Ministries Chris Thornsberry, Associate Director of Adult Ministries Cheryl West, Director of New Song Adra Wheeler, Director of Hospitality & Volunteers Rich Wisman, Facilities THE GARDEN CLERGY STAFF:
Linda McCoy, Stan Abell
Editorial: Lori Crantford; Design: Sarah Nevin Bick, Betty Brandt, Gary Chambers, Larry Fletcher, Beth Fried, Don and Marilyn Griffith, Jenny Hawke, Heather Hilbert, Sharon Holyoak, Rev. Marsha Hutchinson, Minnietta Millard, Dr. Marion Miller, Matt Peyton, Brent Scott, Scott Semester, Shelly Sutton, Jayne Thorne, Chris Thornsberry, Tricia Tomson. CIRCULATION MANAGER: Sylvia Forbes. EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION STAFF:
THE GARDEN STAFF:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Dawn
Troye Kinnett, Director, The Good Earth Band Steve Whipkey, Director, Oak Hill Band Judy Tolley, Administrative Team Leader Beth Fried, Communications & Worship Larry Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Operations
NEXT T.I.M.E. DEADLINE:
August 1 for October—December 2009
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from the desk
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Friends: I am so excited about our August to October church-wide emphasis on In Our Own Backyard where we are focusing our attention and ministry to persons and institutions in our geographical area. We have often heard the phrase “charity begins at home.” This will be an opportunity for us to express God's love and compassion for those who live in our own community. Jesus also said “love your neighbor as yourselves,” so we will all be encouraged to love our literal neighbors as much as we love ourselves. This issue of T.I.M.E. will list all of the many exciting and new ways our whole congregation will be involved in ministry in our geographical area through activities planned by various groups in our congregation. This past spring I preached a series of sermons on “Our Spiritual Heritage” in which we learned about our heritage from our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, and Methodist traditions. DVDs of those sermons are available at the church. Many people have asked if I might do a sermon series on Christianity and other world religions. I realized that there are many faith traditions represented in the Indianapolis community— many of our neighbors participate in religions other than Christianity. Consequently I will be preaching a sermon series entitled “Our Neighbor's Faith.” The tentative schedule is:
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Islam”
Sunday evening August 30 the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Second Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's will be providing an evening meal at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation for our Muslim neighbors as they break the Ramadan fast that evening. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Hinduism”
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Buddhism”
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:
Dr. Marion Miller will be preaching at St. Luke's.
Minnietta and I will be attending our 50th high school reunions in South Dakota. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Native American Religion”
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4—WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Christianity”
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Sikhism”
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18:
“Our Neighbor’s Faith: Judaism”
Rabbi Dennis Sasso from Congregation Beth El-Zedeck and I will lead a four-session series of classes on Wednesdays, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11, and 18 on “What Christians Should Know About Jews and What Jews Should Know About Christians.” Folks from any faith traditions are invited to attend.
I suspect that everyone knows or works with someone who has a faith tradition different than Christianity. I think it would be helpful for all of us in this community to learn more about each other's faith. I will be talking about what we can learn from each other’s religious tradition as well as the differences among us. I hope everyone has some time away for personal and spiritual renewal this summer and will be eager to come home and become involved in ministry In Our Own Backyard.
Grace and Peace,
Kent Millard
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t.i.m.e.
together in ministry everyday
In Our Own Backyard T.I.M.E Theme for August-October, 2009 by Gary Chambers • Later@St. Luke’s is going outside on August 9 for Later On The Lawn Gospel Concert, an evening of music, praise, food and fun.
Previous T.I.M.E. themes have focused on such topics as Health, Hunger, Education, and even taken us to Africa. The T.I.M.E. theme for August through October is going to keep us In Our Own Backyard.
• The HUGS Grief Support Ministry is sponsoring a Community Safety Day September 13. Local fire and police department volunteers will provide demonstrations, games and information to promote community relations and safety awareness. Officers there to talk about the cadet program for high school kids looking for some type of career in public safety, and personnel will be on hand to talk about the RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) course for women of all ages.
In Our Own Backyard strives to blur the lines between what is “mine” and what is “yours” until there is only what is “ours”: our children, our neighborhood, our schools, our families, our community. Become inspired and engaged to remove the fences that separate us and get connected to the people who share our backyard. We will be focusing on projects and activities within the boundaries of St. Luke’s self-described “backyard” bounded by 96th Street, Keystone Avenue, Kessler Boulevard and Michigan Road. Our goal is to reach out to more than just St. Luke’s congregation, and become involved with all of our neighbors in this “backyard.”
• The United Methodist Men will hold its first annual Fish Fry on October 1. • Youth will have their Annual Pumpkin Sale October 6-31.
Did you know there are about 103,000 people in approximately 46,000 households In Our Own Backyard? The ethnicity of our surrounding area has changed dramatically in the past eight years and will continue to change in the foreseeable future. In 2008 the population was about 65% Caucasian, 22% African American, 8% Hispanic and 5% other. By 2013 the ethnicity is projected to be 59% Caucasian, 24% African American, 10% Hispanic and 7% other. Our average age is 39.9 years old. (Some of us wish we were a little closer to the average age than we are. :-) )
• In October we will be focusing on Hunger In Our Own Backyard. In cooperation with the UMW Fall Food Drive, the Children’s Music Ministry will coordinate the One Can project to demonstrate that One Person with One Can can make a difference. They will create a “Canstruction” of cans and non-perishable items displayed in creative ways throughout the church to bring fun to the project and emphasize the many ways St. Luke’s can give to our surrounding community. Children’s Ministry will participate in Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard with the Early Childhood Classes collecting canned goods to fill Mother Hubbard’s bare cupboard.
In Our Own Backyard will start on Saturday, August 8 with Servant Day when we will be reaching out to our neighbors with service and friendly invitations to join us. We will gather at St. Luke’s for breakfast at 8AM followed by a prayerful send-off. We will then go into Our Own Backyard and perform service projects from 9AM to about noon. Among participating organizations are Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, Fox Hill Elementary School, St. Vincent’s Group Homes, The Indiana School for the Blind, the Washington Township Trustee’s Office, and Indy Parks. Sign up Sundays begin on July 12. See the July Communion Monthly for more details.
• Planned interdenominational/interfaith activities include our Youth partnering with Second Presbyterian Church for the annual Umoja Interfaith Carnival (a fundraiser for mission activities in Western Kenya) the Interfaith Hunger Initiative, Pedal 4 Peace (see article on page 19) and the annual CROP Walk on October 18. • Other activities planned include the kick off of the Fox Hill School/ St. Luke’s partnership, an “All About Water” Fair by the Green Ministry, the Fall UMW Rummage Sale, and a Washington Township Mystery Trip by Adult Education to explore the history and heritage In Our Own Backyard.
There are several activities planned to invite our neighbors to join us at St. Luke’s: • The Green Ministry and the United Methodist Men will team up on August 8 for a Shred-It Day. They will be providing shredding services for our congregation and those In Our Own Backyard to safely dispose of confidential papers.
As you can see, there is a lot going on In Our Own Backyard. A directory will be handed out in July listing all of the activities and details. We invite you to participate in these fun and interesting opportunities so you can learn more about those who live In Our Own Backyard. n
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t.i.m.e.
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Out Foxing the Challenge by Lori Crantford
“This is a win/win because Fox Hill truly is in our backyard. People can run over for an hour or a day. There are children here who have real educational and personal needs. St. Luke’s can make a big difference, right here in Washington Township.”
From -, my two sons attended Fox Hill Elementary. I kinda attended with them. While they received an excellent education, I also received something of immeasurable value. Back in those days, there was a community of parents around to help all the time. And I mean all the time. One of the volunteer jobs I undertook in kindergarten was the scheduling of the parents who volunteered to work for one or more hours in the classroom, anywhere from once a week to once a month. I used to fill that calendar with volunteers—mornings and afternoons. There was hardly a day when there wasn’t a parent there for two-three hours, or at least going to work an hour late or spending their lunch hour at school, all for the irreplaceable joy of teaching someone how to skip.
—Julie Sommers Neumann, FOX HILL PARENT
How to Have Your Own Smile Party at Fox Hill Volunteers are needed for the following committees:
I cannot begin to count the number of hours I have spent at Fox Hill. I have given dozens of spelling tests, helped with reading, dressed brides for the wedding of Q&U, made dinosaur pillows and dined at dinosaur picnics, done silly dances, organized toilet-paper mummy contests, participated in egg-protector science experiments, run games on Field Day, enjoyed (ok, and endured) wild zoo field trips, gone on nature walks, held nervous hands in caves (“Mrs. Crantford saved my life!”), received more spontaneous hugs than the Gordon Pipers at the 500 Festival Parade, and dressed several times as the official Fox Hill mascot, Phineas. If you would like to know more about my time as a professional fox mascot, you’ll have to wait for my memoirs.
• Tutoring, In-Class Enrichment and Mentoring. These activities, either oneon-one or group based, will help many children be more successful in school. • Event Support and Out-of-Class Enrichment. Many events that used to be funded by the PTO and a larger volunteer base have been lost, like an all-school musical, spelling bee, math/reading night. • Family Support. A needs-based committee to assist when a family’s situation warrants great support (i.e. a home fire). • Advocacy, Grant-Writing and Sponsorship. People with a desire to help raise funds are needed. • Publicity
The point of this very abbreviated list is that I did the vast majority of this stuff with other people’s children—and I had a blast. Sure my kids were around, and it was always great to see them, but just spending time with my own offspring would be like you going to a party and hanging around with just your spouse the whole time. I mean, won’t you get to talk to them at home? Every day? For the rest of your life??
You can come get acquainted with the school and volunteer at Fox Hill on Saturday, August 8 as part of St. Luke’s Servant Day. Also, see the In Our Own Backyard and School Supplies articles for other ways to get involved at Fox Hill. Questions? Contact Julie Sommers Neuman at jsommersneuman@aol.com.
What I got out of these experiences for the rest of my life—and more importantly, what those kids got out of it—was the vital sense of a broader community that cares about them. My children are now entering 9th & 10th grade. At a recent year-end school concert, I was standing in the lobby outside the North Central auditorium waiting for my son. A young man walked by who had been in class with my son early in elementary, but I’d only seen him around a couple times the last few years. I said “Hi, Paul.” He stopped in his tracks, shook his head and replied, “I can’t believe you remember me.” Then he smiled real big. Me and Paul, we had ourselves a little smile party. The St. Luke’s community is about to have the opportunity to experience all this smiley goodness. For the past three years, we have had a wonderful partnership with IPS School 20, so there are many St. Luke’s folks who know the joys of volunteering in an elementary school with children who need more caring adults in their lives. They need this almost as much as they need basic nourishment—it’s that important. The Fox Hill story has changed dramatically since my family first walked through the doors in . At that time, while it
Students learn while having fun.
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together in ministry everyday
had a diverse population, it had a far larger representation of middle to upper-middle class families. Ten years later, it’s a different story. Sixty-two percent of the student body qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program. Due to a large influx of new enrollees, Fox Hill’s enrollment hovers around . When my youngest son graduated in , there were fewer than students in the school.
the Fox Hill case. “This is a win/win because Fox Hill truly is in our backyard. People can run over for an hour or a day. There are children here who have real educational and personal needs. St. Luke’s can make a big difference, right here in Washington Township.” “I hope it brings back the things my kids got to participate in when they were here,” says Wendy, who had three children attend Fox Hill, “and having more positive role models for the kids.” Because Julie and Wendy are sisters, the following thoughts flowed from one to the other: “School becomes almost a village, that old neighborhood that many of us grew up in, where lots of significant adults were around who gave you the message that they cared about you and what you did . . . and that’s how it was when my kids were here . . . because schools with parent/adult presence make a difference.”
The good-news side of the bad news/good news is that a % free and reduced student population qualifies Fox Hill for Title I services, which target struggling learners. Thirty () percent of Fox Hill’s students are English language learners. These students work very hard to master their skills at the same time they are acquiring a second language. Everyone needs help. Kathy Levine is the principal at Fox Hill. Like all principals, it is her job to deal with administrative details, worry about decreased funding, standardized test scores, oversee the teaching staff, interact with parents, and listen to everyone’s concerns while keeping the primary job of educating the children on the front burner. Educating children includes monitoring their reading and math progress, seeing that they arrive at school on time (or at all), ensuring that someone is home to greet the children when they return home in the afternoon, and if they are getting enough to eat.
Sharon, who has taught at Fox Hill since Abraham Lincoln actually came by her classroom to Show & Tell the Emancipation Proclamation, just retired at the end of this school year. She will be staying around Fox Hill this fall, however, to help launch this partnership. Having been in the classroom, Sharon agrees wholeheartedly. “Really—community is HUGE. This is what we do at St. Luke’s. We do community. This is such a wonderful opportunity to come connect with kids; they need us desperately! We don’t have to go to Africa. There’s real need right here.”
It’s a big job, and Kathy is ecstatic about the help that is about to land on her school like an unexpected Christmas gift, but one from your really cool aunt who just always knows exactly what you need and not from your grandma with a taste for itchy yarn and monograms.
You know, I went to Africa. I had to get six shots in one day to go and, yes thank you for asking, they hurt. It was an amazing experience for which I am forever grateful, but if a genie asked me to choose between having gone to Africa and the time I spent working with children at Fox Hill Elementary, that’s a no-brainer. I’d stay right here.
“This whole idea of having people who can read with one child at a time, connecting with kids one on one, it’s wonderfully rewarding,” Kathy says. “The staff is very excited. We want this partnership to evolve in a natural way—take small steps to have the St. Luke’s volunteers become part of the fabric. We want the kids to succeed and we welcome the help. Public education is so important,” Kathy continues. “People need to come into the school and see what it’s like, how well the kids are doing, and then understand how much better they can do when they have the opportunity for one-on-one time with an adult.”
It is my hope that many of you will choose to become part of the fabric of this wonderful school. Working together, we can outfox the challenges facing today’s public schools to raise amazing children who will eventually be the leaders of our community. That’s the beauty of equal opportunity. Everybody gets a chance. This could be yours, and a child’s you have yet to meet. I see a smile party in your future. And if you are asked to dress up as Phineas the mascot, call me. Really. n
St. Luke’s members Sharon Wilkins, Julie Sommers Neuman and Wendy Sommers are three more people who have been patiently waiting their turn behind Kathy to jump in with all the reasons why this partnership is so necessary. When Julie—an active volunteer who has two children currently attending Fox Hill—heard the School 20 partnership was ending and St. Luke’s was looking for a new school, she leapt at the chance to make
ABOVE LEFT: Readin’ and chillin’ with a friend. ABOVE RIGHT: Creativity surrounds students at Fox Hill.
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JULY-SEPTEMBER
caring ministries | first-person perspective
Indy Homeless Connect Serving In Our Own Backyard (a bit ahead of schedule!) by Scott Semester We Christians (and our brothers and sisters of many diverse faith traditions) are transforming the world all the time, and prayer is a vital component of that transformation. Every hour of every day, servants are working tirelessly to make the world a better place—one bowl of soup at a time, one brick at a time, one vaccination at a time, one mosquito net at a time. Though these acts of service are the real, physical manifestation of God’s love, an even deeper impact is made through the prayers shared among the everyday ministers who are showing God’s love, and between those servants and the ones they serve. In August, September and October, our Together In Ministry Everyday (T.I.M.E.) focus will be “In Our Own Backyard,” and we’ll have opportunities to learn about and serve the people in our own neighborhoods and in the area around St. Luke’s. We got a head start on serving “In Our Own Backyard” back in March, when hundreds of people served as volunteers for an event called Indy Homeless Connect, a resource fair for almost 1,000 homeless people in Indianapolis. St. Luke’s members participated as event volunteers and as donors to help underwrite the cost of the event, which took place downtown at the Convention Center.
This year, in addition to the traditional services of job and housing assistance, medical care, haircuts and food service, the event’s organizers established a Spiritual Garden, a quiet space for spiritual support and prayer time. Led by Castleton UMC, Stephen Ministers from churches across central Indiana— including a large group from St. Luke’s— staffed the Spiritual Garden for hours, meeting with our homeless neighbors, talking with them, listening to them, and praying with them. As I helped serve lunch to a few hundred neighbors, I watched across the Convention Center floor and saw my fellow Stephen Minister friends in the Spiritual Garden sharing hugs, smiles, tears and—most important— prayers with our homeless neighbors. At the end of the day, many of us reflected on what an honor it was for us to serve in this way. It was a great joy to share prayer with our brothers and sisters. In fact, as so often happens, we found that the experience was as transformational for us as it was for those whom we were there to serve, especially those In Our Own Backyard. n
TOP: Lois Bledsoe talks and prays with a homeless neighbor at Indy Homeless Connect BOTTOM: Jeanie VanMeter offers spiritual resources to a homeless neighbor
Who Is My Neighbor? by Chris Thornsberry
The world is changing, and because of globalization the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is constantly coming up. We live in a world where boundaries are no longer defined by physical location, but by relationships. Recently I asked myself, “who is my neighbor?” It’s not just the guy who lives across the hall from me or the couple with the baby who live downstairs; it’s everyone around me. It’s everyone I come into contact with every day. Whether it’s the clerk I give my money to at the gas station or one of my co-workers or some random person I run into, each of these people is my neighbor.
our staff at St. Luke’s hang out there. It’s always nice to bump into Stan Abell or Matt Peyton and even friends from the small group that I’m involved in. Sometimes I stick around and chat with people there at the Monon, and sometimes I take off into the community to meet others. Needless to say there is one thing that I have discovered that connects us all not only in Indy, but all over the world. So I’m letting the secret out... we all want community. For some of us it might be a Bible study group, a book study, coffee with friends, weekend parties and cookouts, or it could be a group of friends discussing life together. Whatever it looks like for you, the consistency is that we all need community.
To explore the idea of being neighbors with everyone, I recently decided to start spending my Monday mornings out in the community. I want to meet people, bridge gaps between communities, make new friends, form new relationships with businesses, and most of all: share God’s love and peace with all that I come into contact with. I call Monday mornings Monon Monday’s, ‘cause I start each Monday morning out at the Monon Coffee Shop in Broadripple. You may have heard of it, because many of
I’m writing this article because in the last few months I’ve realized that it’s not just enough to sit behind a desk and develop programs. It’s not enough to show up on Sunday mornings for worship and Sunday School. It’s not enough to casually say hello to people here in the church. I needed more. I needed community. So I have endeavored to reach out instead of waiting for someone to reach in. Here’s what I have found. I have found out
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global health
Neighbor, cont’d from page
that the person walking down the hall on Sunday mornings with their head down really wants you to say hello and ask them how they are doing. I found out that the person sitting next to me in worship really does want someone to talk to. I found out that this community, more than anything, wants to feel loved. The people of Indianapolis want to know that someone actually cares about them and will be there in their time of need. So, let’s take a step back now and very quickly talk about practicality. Here’s what you can do to reach out to your neighbor. On Sunday mornings, take the time to have a conversation with someone you do not know. Sign up for an interesting class that we are offering to meet some new people. Pay for the coffee of the person standing behind you in line in the morning at Starbucks. Ask the person in the cubicle next to you at work how their weekend was or how their week is going. Better yet, find the person all the way across the room that you never see unless you’re going to the copy machine and ask them how they are doing. Point being, realize that your “neighbor boundary” is all the space around you and everyone standing in it. So, be a good . . . no, a great neighbor and take the time to get to know those in your community and around you. You never know who you might meet and become friends with. Need a kick start for this new challenge? Then I’ll see you at the Monon Coffee Shop in Broadripple on Monday mornings between : and . n
together in ministry everyday
In Defense of Creation by Betty Brandt
It was a humbling experience! Rev. Marsha Hutchinson, Jerry Burkman and I joined 35 other United Methodist clergy and lay persons from around the state of Indiana on Saturday, May 9 to send a message to the United Methodist Council of Bishops. We were representing all the United Methodists in the state of Indiana. I realized that morning that I had never spoken for over 200,000 people before. Back in 1986 a message from the Council of Bishops was read from every United Methodist pulpit in the world. The subject was “The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace.” The Bishops are preparing to send out a new message about three interconnected global threats to God’s good creation: • ongoing nuclear danger and realities of violence, • degradation of the environment and global climate change and • pandemic poverty and disease in the struggles of a billion people for subsistence. As members of the Indiana Defense of Creation Task Force, our task on May 9 was to listen to three local experts in the morning and then draw up a recommendation to send to the Bishops in the afternoon. It was a sobering experience to look directly into the face of nuclear armament, global warming, global poverty, global hunger and global population control. Thankfully I had just read the commencement speech Paul Hawken had delivered to the Class of 2009 at the University of Portland on May 3, 2009. In it he said: YOU JOIN A MULTITUDE OF CARING PEOPLE. No one knows how many groups
and organizations are working on the most salient issues of our day: climate change, poverty, deforestation, peace, water, hunger, conservation, human rights and more. This is the largest movement the world has ever seen. Rather than control, it seeks connection. Rather than dominance, it strives to disperse concentrations of power. Like Mercy Corps, it works behind the scenes and gets the job done. Large as it is, no one knows the true size of this movement. It provides hope, support and meaning to billions of people in the world. Its clout resides in ideas, not in force. It is made up of teachers, children, peasants, businesspeople, rappers, organic farmers, nuns, artists, government workers, fisherfolk, engineers, students, incorrigible writers, weeping Muslims, concerned mothers, poets, doctors without borders, grieving Christians, street musicians, the President of the United States of America and as writer David James Duncan would say, the Creator, the One who loves us all in such a huge way.
I knew that rather than sinking into despair, we could send a hopeful, empowering directive to the Bishops suggesting what they could communicate to the entire Methodist world. On some future Sunday a new “Defense of Creation” statement from the Council of Bishops will be read from every United Methodist pulpit in the world. I am sure I speak for Marsha and Jerry when I say that we were all deeply honored to have represented St. Luke’s and Indiana Methodists as part of this important process. n
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green ministry
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Healing the Earth & Ourselves by Betty Brandt
Sue Underbrink brought her son and grandchildren, Steve Tarr brought his wife and her parents, my son David Chesterfield brought his uncle, his cousin and his step-mother. Pat Deyhle and Marge Butler started digging together and found a new friendship. We all planted trees! Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (“KIBI”) had contacted me in August 2008 about a project called NeighborWoods. This ambitious project intends to enroll 100 companies, organizations and faith communities to each sponsor and plant 100 trees for a total of 10,000 trees in Marion County by 2010. These trees will help transform the tree cover in Indianapolis. KIBI knew that the tree cover in Indianapolis had been greatly reduced over time to 24%, and all the benefits of trees had been reduced too. I knew St. Luke’s would want to serve in this very concrete way, make a difference for generations to come and encourage other faith communities to follow our lead. From February to April 2009 the generous folks of St. Luke’s responded to volunteer chair Jim Mellowitz’s pleas and gave money to sponsor 106 trees ($10,600). Then on April 26, a glorious spring morning, 65 people assembled downtown to plant those trees. We were joined by a group of young people from LaPlaza, Inc. We were young and old, Caucasian and Hispanic, Asian and African American. Many of us had never planted a tree. We learned from KIBI experts the “right” way to plant a tree and off we went with wheelbarrows, shovels and the very valuable pickaxes.
TOP: Wheelbarrows, pick axes and shovels ready to roll. ABOVE LEFT: Are we there yet?
We soon discovered that the hard Indiana clay was enhanced with old tree roots, discarded road debris, huge rocks and even cages left over from trees planted 10 years ago. Cries of, “I need a pick ax,” could be heard constantly. Empty tubs that had once held trees blew around in the brisk wind. The kids from LaPlaza had a great time chasing them down the steep embankment, saving them from polluting the White River. Spirits and energy were high, and within two hours all 106 trees were planted. This motley group of ordinary, unskilled people had transformed the western bank of the White River. We were jubilant! All the trees were blessed. Some were planted in honor or memory of friends and loved ones. INdy Parks will water and cared for the trees to ensure their long life. Next time you are downtown, take a detour west through the IUPUI campus, cross the White River, turn left on White River Parkway. Between 10th and New York Streets you will see 106 sturdy new Sweet Gums and London Planetrees—a healing gift from St. Luke’s to the people of Indianapolis. If you plant a tree in your own yard and you live in Marion County, please go to www.kibi.org and register your tree so that it can be counted in the campaign to plant 100,000 trees in Marion County by 2017. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the harm we have done to God’s creation. Don’t forget that we can take positive steps to set our feet on a different and more life-giving path. We can plant trees! n
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ABOVE RIGHT: New tree, new friends, and a dumptruck.
Life is good.
grief ministries
together in ministry everyday
Hoping... Helping... Healing in Our Own Backyard! H.U.G.S. (Healing Under Grief Support) by Rev. Marsha Hutchinson
“When I lost my husband, I found the St. Luke’s grief support group online. I don’t think I would have survived without my HUGS group. I’m so glad St. Luke’s includes places as far away as Lebanon as part of its own backyard!” —Denise Beck
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. (ROMANS 12:15-16) Every Sunday afternoon, Denise Beck drives from her Lebanon home to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she eagerly joins other men and women who come for a time of grief support that includes group fellowship, open conversations, devotions, prayers, mentoring and meeting new friends who understand what it means to live day-to-day after the loss of a husband, wife, fiancé, or any significant other. As many people often express, sometimes just “being” with others who “get it”can make all the difference. “Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” (JOB 2:13) For the past three years, the St. Luke’s Parlor has become a “home” to the group called HUGS, a variety of people who meet weekly from 2-4PM. These men and women look forward to a “safe haven” of conversation and an opportunity to learn from one another. Each person remembers that first day of walking through that Parlor door as the hardest one, but all members remark that it only takes a few minutes to relate and join in the conversations of those who have been coming for years. It is a place of comfort and empathy that the world does not always provide those who are bereaved. Some of the HUGS group participants are long-time members of St. Luke’s, but their feeling of connection has grown stronger since beginning the group. St. Luke’s member Becky Moody commented, “John and I were somewhat active at church, but the HUGS group has really allowed me to get involved—like helping with special services such as the Longest Night, or funerals, and anywhere I am needed. I feel like I know more about what is going on at St. Luke’s. This group has been very important to helping with my grief.” Denise Randall is another St. Luke’s member who is always willing to volunteer to help with special services or to lead the HUGS group discussions. Denise is often the first to tell new participants, “I’ve been attending since shortly after I lost Greg, and it has made a big difference in my life to be a part of this group.” One of the ways people in our HUGS group honor their loved ones is by creating something new to help other people. Donna Cripe has decided to begin a shawl knitting fellowship on Tuesdays at St. Luke’s. Donna explains, “My husband would get cold during chemo treatments, and he often needed something like a small blanket or shawl for warmth. I think he would believe this to be a good idea.”
TOP ROW: Denise Beck, Denise Randall MIDDLE ROW: John Sullivan, Helen Vriesman
St. Luke’s members Susan Whittleton and Helen Vriesman lift the spirits of many people by creating beautiful, one-of-a kind bereavement cards and notes in remembrance of important anniversary dates. Both Susan and Helen enjoy a sense of giving back because they have that first-hand knowledge of what people are going through. They remember how a card can be a perfect gift, especially after everyone seems to have forgotten. Paul Shankland adds creativity to the group by sharing personal poetry, articles of interest, and theological underpinnings as they relate to grief and loss.
BOTTOM ROW: Donna Cripe, Paul Shankland
The HUGS group would be the first to tell anyone that those Sunday conversations are not all of a serious nature. Laughter can often be heard coming from that Parlor, especially if one of our own, John Sullivan, is leading the discussion. John also volunteers to read scripture in the monthly St. Luke’s Taizé service. When the grief support time is over, this group enjoys going out to a local restaurant and sharing in a simple Sunday meal, some aerobic laughter, and the warmth of these understanding friends who gather weekly for hope, help and healing… “right in our own backyard!” I thank God for the opportunity to lead the HUGS groups and the other grief groups at St. Luke’s. These are the most courageous people I have ever known; they are my heroes. n
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music ministries
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Commitment & Community For St. Luke’s Chancel Choir, the Experience Extends Far Beyond the Song by Jenny Hawke
When Steve Harris was looking for a new church home in Indianapolis five years ago, he had one big priority: the church had to have a good music program. A bank personnel manager by day, by night he is an accomplished saxophonist, playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax for jazz ensembles on a regular basis. That continuing passion for music led him to St. Luke’s. “What attracted me was the obvious commitment of resources St. Luke’s has made to the music ministry,” he said, citing the orchestra, the several vocal ensembles and handbell choirs.
TOP:
Recent new choir member, Jolynne Wilhoit, with her choir mentor, Meggo Barthlow
But something else keeps this musician coming back on Thursdays and Sundays to sing and rehearse with the Chancel Choir, even as he routinely takes breaks from his other music commitments.
BOTTOM: A relaxing summer evening with Chancel Choir friends at the ball field
Bob and Sue Bahr are one of more than a dozen couples who sing in the Chancel Choir. They met in high school—in a choir room, no less—and have spent more than years each singing in church choirs—ensembles focused on singing good music and singing it well. But for the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir, says Bob Bahr, that’s only part of the picture. “This is not just a performance group,” he said.
Commitment to the Message Still, there’s no denying the powerhouse of voices seated in the choir loft facing the congregation. With the singers all donned in cream robes, it may be easy to overlook the fact that the ensemble is possible only through the commitment of individuals, all with various backgrounds and abilities. The age range, probably wider than any other group in the church, runs from to . Some members read music; some do not. Some have trained voices; some have learned what they know about singing in the choir room. Some have been members for years, some a few months.
shortly after she and Dr. Kent Millard arrived at St. Luke’s, and over the years, she has watched the choir grow not only in size—from to plus—but also in heart.
The passion they share, however, creates ties that defy those differences, and even their personal situations. Members have been known to return to rehearsals within a couple of weeks after major surgery. More recently, some choir members who performed in the St. Luke’s/Beth-El Zedeck production of “Fiddler on the Roof” showed up for Sunday services after a late Saturday night show. Even the apprehension surrounding the H1N1 flu virus deterred few, if any, from attending rehearsals.
“I see tears in people’s eyes—both men and women—when they sing. We’re connecting on the soul level—it’s not just about the notes and the words,” she said. “For me, it’s my mission work,” said Sue Bahr, “and it’s what keeps me going—it helps me worship better, too.”
Yet more than a handful of choir members will tell you being a part of the Chancel Choir is about more than just the music. It’s about ministry.
The benefits of contributing to worship spills over into the week for many singers, too. “During the week, I’ll sing part of an anthem or hymn [to myself],” said Mary Van Allen, who joined the choir with her husband, Art, in . “It becomes part of a meditation for me.”
“Music moves people,” said Sue Bahr. “You see it every Sunday in the congregation. Part of what we do as a choir is to reach the people in the congregation who are moved by the music and help them in worship.”
That focus on worship and mission over performance is in large part why Steve Harris sings here. “There’s an inherent humility in all the musicians that keeps them God-centered,” he said.
As an artist and writer, Minnietta Millard appreciates how music brings people in touch with their emotional, creative side. She joined the choir
The choir’s devotion to ministry impressed Craig Stevens the first time he attended St. Luke’s about two years ago. And the second time. And the third, fourth and fifth times.
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together in ministry everyday
A Church within a Church
with current members to learn “the ropes” and to be introduced to the choir family. Eight choir “shepherds”— two for each section—keep in touch with absent singers. Weekly newsletters and e-mails provide a way to share other concerns and feedback to the large musical family.
For its members, the choir is more than just about a commitment to the music; it’s about caring for each other on a personal level as well.
But those aren’t the only ways members provide support for each other.
“It was the choir that kept drawing me back,” he said. “I thought, if it’s that meaningful to hear [the anthem], it must be ten times more meaningful singing it.”
“The choir is our church family,” Mary Van Allen said. That sentiment is held by several members. Many have made friends within the choir; couples take vacations together, and others join forces on Habitat for Humanity builds. “The biggest surprise to me has been the many close friends I’ve made in the choir,” said Steve Claffey, who joined the choir years ago with his wife, Linda. “I consider every member of the bass section my friend.” When interviewing for the director of music ministries position, Mark Squire found this sentiment resonated with his own view of the kind of choir he wanted to lead. BELOW LEFT:
Chancel Choir members making monthly delivery to Fletcher Place Community Center Food Pantry: Carol Tully, Bob Benson and Jim Winner BELOW RIGHT:
Chancel Choir members at Connor Prairie proving that Methodists can host a smash up pot-luck just about anywhere
“There was a clear sense of community among the choir leadership,” he said. “They loved being together, loved making music together.” As the size of the choir has grown, the choir has instituted ways to keep members in touch with each other. Members share prayer requests, concerns and joys at the close of most rehearsals. Two yearly retreats (the last one attended by more than singers) provide time not only to rehearse upcoming repertoire but also time to share devotions and learn more about each other. Regular postrehearsal socials add fun and offer an opportunity to meet other members. A mentor program pairs up new singers
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“A lot of things go on underneath the surface,” said Sue Bahr about the choir’s ministry to each other. Meals are coordinated for a family with a new baby and for singers facing difficult health issues. Singers voluntarily sing at the memorial services of other choir members, even if they had not known them long. Members facing difficult times find they are not alone. When Steve Claffey was diagnosed with cancer in , the outpouring of the choir touched him. He received cards from nearly everyone in the choir, and one member made it a point to send an encouraging note every week he was absent from rehearsals. Mary and Art Van Allen can also attest to the emotional support—even advocacy—provided by members. When Art faced his own health crisis a few years ago, a fellow bass urged him to consult another surgeon for a second opinion and then took it upon himself to call the doctor and made sure that Art got an appointment within a week. “The choir is like a church within a church,” said Craig Stevens. “There’s discipleship practiced in and out of the choir room. The service to others comes first—the music comes second.”
children’s ministries
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Rotational Sunday School by Dawn Bick
On a Personal Level For members of the Chancel Choir, the decision to join the ranks at the front of the sanctuary every Sunday varies. For some, it was a love of music. For others, it may have been something they could enjoy with their spouses. Some may have seen it as a calling. For some, it was a way to “belong.” But the things that keep them there now, for the most part, add up to much more. “I can’t imagine just sitting in the congregation again,” said Steve Claffey. “For me, Thursday night is better than a vacation. By :, I’m back in balance.” His wife, Linda, also a member of New Song, agrees. “It’s an energizing experience,” she said. And the choir continues to find ways to share that experience with future members. This past year prospective members could get a taste of choir life by singing for just a few months, such as for rehearsing and singing in the December Christmas concert or the Mack Wilberg “Requiem” in March. Twenty singers took advantage of these options, while another joined the Chancel Choir for the year. Tentativeness at joining such a large group is natural, as Craig Stevens can attest to. He wasn’t sure if, even with his years of experience singing in church choirs, that he would fit in. He wondered if the “professional” sound of the choir signified a formality in rehearsal that he’d find uncomfortable. “All of that changed when I first walked into the choir room,” he said. And even though he arrived late to rehearsal on purpose to just “observe,” another member quickly assembled a music folder for him and introduced him to two other basses. He felt at home immediately. He, like many other members, has found the spirit of mission and support a welcome addition to his life. “I find myself sacrificing things to be sure I can make it on Thursday nights and for Sunday services,” he said. “I want to minister to others in that way, and I want to be among these people as much as I can.” “I don’t know what I’d do without the choir,” said Mary Van Allen. “Hopefully, Art and I can sing until we’re .” n
How do you learn best? Can you take information out of a book and remember it, or do you need to have a hands-on experience to learn it? Are you the type that learns from nature, or is a painting in a museum more appealing to you? Do you find having a conversation with someone helps you think through a problem, or do you need to search your soul for the answers? Research shows that most of us do not learn in one single way. Howard Gardener believed that people have multiple intelligences and learn through a variety of ways. St. Luke’s Children’s Ministries is using this theory to develop 11AM Elementary Sunday School this fall. Beginning in September, elementary-aged children attending Sunday School at 11AM will follow a Rotational Model. This means they will be learning the stories of the Bible in a rotational center method as opposed to the single room Sunday School program used at 9:30AM. Children will gather for a worship experience in C123 and will meet their shepherds. Shepherds will take attendance, lead a biblical discussion with their group about the story, and lead them to their center for that week. The younger children may be led to the crafts center and the older children may be led to the drama center. In these centers, children will work on different aspects of the biblical story that is our focus and theme. Our first unit is the story of Joseph. In the crafts center, children may create a multicolored coat and in the drama center, children may act out one of Joseph’s dreams. Then the next Sunday, the children will switch centers. The shepherds will lead the older children to crafts and the younger children will go to drama. Then the next two Sundays will be different centers such as games and cooking or sewing and music. Children will return to C123 after their center activity and will be picked up by their parents in that location. We expect this Rotational Model of Sunday School to meet the needs of our children and parents in many ways. It will be a fun and exciting way to learn Bible stories over a four- to six-week period. Children will find it fun and engaging and want to come to Sunday School. If their attendance is intermittent, they will not feel that they have missed essential pieces of the story as this program re-introduces the theme over several weeks. Parents will be enabled to attend worship and a class since their children will be able to have a different experience at 11AM and not be simply repeating 9:30AM curriculum. The strengths of the congregation will be utilized as volunteers with many skills and talents will be able to teach a twoweek rotation as the different story themes arise. Most importantly, we anticipate this program to deepen the faith memories the children will take away with them on Sunday, which will deepen their relationship with God. If you are interested in participating as a shepherd or if you have a particular talent or hobby you would like to share with St. Luke’s children, please contact me at bickd@stlukesumc.com. We look forward to creating new faith memories for our elementary children in the fall. We are registering all children for fall Sunday School classes. Be sure to fill out your pink form to sign up your children for all of the fun! Fall Sunday School begins September 6. n
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t.i.m.e. 2009 S SUPP CHOOL LIES LIST No. 2 p
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together in ministry everyday
Back to School Supplies Collection Collection Period is July 5 through August 9 by Jayne Moynahan Thorne Again this year St. Luke’s will be collecting school supplies to be distributed to schools and students here and abroad. The 2009 local organizations receiving supplies will be Fox Hill Elementary School, and Outreach, Inc. (for homeless young people). World Missions has chosen Manna from Heaven in Myra, KY, the Tiama School in Sierra Leone, and Tree of Life in Rosebud, South Dakota as their recipients. Instead of focusing on backpacks this year, we would like to concentrate on the supplies listed below. For those of you who would prefer to give a monetary gift, we would greatly appreciate it (check to St. Luke’s with “school supplies” on the memo line) and we will use the funds to purchase specially-requested backpacks and items that teachers need for their specific classrooms. Please place school supplies in the bins at St. Luke’s between July 5 and August 9, 2009. Thanks for your support!
Refueling & Refocusing
with Eve Circle by Heather Hilbert
On April 7, Eve Circle members were fortunate to share the opportunity for serving the community with our own children while visiting Marquette Manor, a local assisted-living facility. Kerri Lemming and Jennifer Armstrong, Missions Coordinators for the year, organized a morning filled with fun for our children and the residents. The children sang, danced and did the “bunny hop” to the residents’ delight. Residents sat with the children while they drew pictures, colored Easter bunnies, and read books. With their vast sticker and stamp expertise, the children created pieces of artwork for the residents to post in their rooms to celebrate Easter season. These keepsakes brought smiles all around, as residents “oohed” and “aahed” over masterpieces and our children learned the joy of giving to others. The children also paraded through the cafeteria wearing bunny tails and ears and handing out Easter eggs and hugs to anyone near. In an effort to “help,” a few children were all too happy to help open the eggs to reveal the treats inside too!
Eve Circle mothers swapped stories about parenting with their wise counterparts, getting advice and encouragement about the difficult job God entrusted to us as moms. Sharing stories of times past, we learned about their lives and families, making connections through the shared joy of children. Eve Circle, the UMW group for mothers with young children, participates in various service projects here at St. Luke’s and around the community. While we gather together for support, fellowship and service, our children are taken care of by wonderful St. Luke’s caregivers. As mothers with young children and babies, this time is precious. It is a time for us to serve someone who is taller than 4’, eats solid food without wearing over half of it, and doesn’t require our best rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” at the drop of a hat. Although we love our children very much, we need time to refuel and refocus. With the opportunity to serve others in a short time while being reassured our children are in good hands, we go out into the community and share the love of Christ with others in need.
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umw
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Girl Power by Shelly Sutton
“Should the air pressure drop in the cabin, an oxygen mask will automatically drop from overhead. Please secure your own mask before assisting others.” Every time we board an airplane, this is part of the instructions given by the flight attendants. I’ve always found it interesting that they have to remind us every time to assist ourselves before we assist others. Putting ourselves first is a challenge for most of us. Our commitments to our families, our communities, church/school events and careers leave little time, though we know we have to have this time to be at our personal best in service to ourselves and to others. On March & , fifty women took time for themselves and gathered in Brown County for St. Luke's UMW Spring Retreat, "Girl Power— Learn, Grow, and Share in God's Love" to explore ways to step into their power and reconnect with their creative and spiritual selves. “It was a wonderful few days of soul searching, renewing my inner strength, calling on God, and remembering that I do not walk this life alone,” said Dawn Bick about the event. The weekend started with a quote from author Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our LIGHT, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” Life Coach Cathy Stopczynski led us through activities to find ways to nurture our light, embrace it, and share it with others. Reflecting on the retreat, Sarah Webb shared, "I was truly empowered during this weekend to accept, forgive, and move on from a very difficult experience that I had held on to for years. It was a triumph of light over darkness indeed."
The group studied the wisdom of Louise Hay, a writer and survivor, and her approach to life with positive thinking. Louise helped us to understand how our lives are impacted by the thoughts and feelings we habitually entertain. The retreat was a fun and life-affirming experience for us all, giving us the impetus to re-center our hearts and minds, refresh our enthusiasm, and reconnect with ourselves, our friends (old and new), and God's love. n Do you want to create new connections at St. Luke's and participate in the many opportunities St. Luke's UMW offers? Contact UMW President Kathy Dalton at kathydalton@iquest.net for more information.
FAR LEFT: A Marquette Manor resident spends time
with an Eve Circle child. TOP: UMW retreat participants
While it could be said we went to serve the Marquette Manor community, it is also true that they served us with their wisdom, encouragement and love. That’s the beauty of serving others. You always receive more in return than you ever thought you could give another. It was a beautiful opportunity to share this lesson with our children. JOEL 1:3 says “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children,
and their children to the next generation.” n Eve Circle welcomes new members and meets on the first and third Tuesday mornings of each month. For more information, please contact Heather Hilbert, Chair, at evecircle@yahoo.com. Information about other UMW circles is in the Communion Monthly and on the St. Luke’s website.
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BOTTOM LEFT: UMW retreat activity BOTTOM RIGHT: Marsha Hutchinson and Rev. Vickie Hadaway serve retreaters Communion
youth ministries
together in ministry everyday
Five Facts About Youth in Church by Dr. Fredrick Youthenheimer
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Youthenheimer and I am a nationally renowned expert on both Youth in the Church and Professional Marshmallow Making. Please, do not let my thick German accent distract you from the important facts I am about to share. Dr. Youthenheimer
My good friend Matt Peyton recently called me up and asked me to write to you all about the St. Luke’s Youth program. I am very impressed with the good work the team is doing and I thought I would share with you some of the ways to get your youth involved.
team at Luke’s Lodge knows it can be intimidating to attend for the first time, so feel free to bring your youth over and introduce them to one of the members of the Youth Ministry team. From there, a team member will help introduce them to other youth who are in the same grade and/or school. Fact number drei. (That’s “three” in German. Sometimes I slip into the mother tongue. Forgive me.) Attending the Youth Kickoff on August 23 will cure small pox. Oh, wait. I’m sorry, did I say “cure?” What I meant to say was that you probably won’t CATCH smallpox at the Youth Kickoff. Instead, you and your youth will be able to come learn about all of the youth-
Now some of you may be saying, “Dr. Youthenheimer, I don’t have a youth, should I continue to read this article?” And to you I have two things to say. First of all, stop talking to this magazine, I cannot hear you and it is my experience that talking to magazines in public is a good way to get yourself thrown in a loony bin. Secondly, yes, you should continue reading because the Youth program is a wonderful place to volunteer. Also, you should keep reading because I said so. And I am a doctor. Now, on to the facts! First of all, did you know that 10 out of 10 youth who attend retreats or mission trips are more likely to come back to other youth events? It’s true! These retreats and trips are a great opportunity for your youth to form friendships while experi-
encing powerful spiritual growth. Youth say over and over that retreats and mission trips were not only the way they first got plugged into the program, but that they have had the greatest impact on their spiritual growth. Second fact. Youth who attend an event for the first time never have to attend that event for the first time ever again. It’s a proven fact based on mathematical models that are too complicated to explain here. What it boils down to is that the
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focused ministries scheduled for the next year. It’s like a big party; or as they say in Germany, a “fiesta.” This fourth fact will probably come as a surprise to many of you. Are you seated? You should probably be seated… Ok, here goes. St. Luke’s is big. Really big. So big that Matt has been known to use his GPS just to get to meetings! Now, what does this mean for your youth? Simple. While the Youth Team would love to have every youth at St. Luke’s come every
endowment
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Twenty Years of Legacy by Tricia Tomson Sunday to the Lodge, they know that it’s more important that youth find a place to plug in where they feel connected, whether that’s in youth ministries or some of the other great offerings at St. Luke’s. What are some of these options? How about worshiping with their families, ushering, singing in the choir, teaching a Sunday school class to children or washing Matt’s or Kathleen’s car? All of these are great ways to contribute to the church.
In , a group of church members recognized the outstanding growth of St. Luke’s and its importance as a cornerstone in the Indianapolis community, so they created the St. Luke’s Endowment Foundation. Their dedication and contributions provided the foundation and was the catalyst for creating a perpetual fund to ensure St. Luke’s sustainability for generations to come. Since its inception, the endowment has grown to currently $. million and provides annual earnings from its investment to support nine programs: the General Fund, The Garden Fund, Carillon Fund, Deaf Camp Fund, Staff/Parish Fund, Christmas Fund, Christian Life Scholarship Fund, Sowers Fund and most recently the Jean Bepko Children’s Resource Fund. On Sunday, May , , we celebrated the anniversary of this visionary fund.
Finally, we have come to the fifth and final fact. Monkey see, monkey do. Consequently, if monkey doesn’t see his/her parents getting involved in the church, monkey doesn’t get involved in the church. Now, while the research isn’t 100 percent completed, I am most confident that this also applies to youth. If you set the example of making your faith a priority in your life, your youth is likely to follow that lead. Thank you for allowing me to share with you my knowledge of Youth in the Church. We did not have time today to discuss the profession of marshmallow making, but hopefully that will be the subject of a future T.I.M.E. magazine article. Until then, stop by Luke’s Lodge and introduce yourself and your youth to the Youth Ministry team and be sure to tell them Dr. Youthenheimer sent you!
Rev. William Enright, Ph.D.
Each year, the Endowment provides scholarship support to two or three youth members who have demonstrated a passion for their faith and their willingness to help make a difference in the lives of others. This year, the Christian Life Scholarship Fund’s earning investment was able to provide $, in scholarship support to three recipients.
All the best, Dr. Fredrick Youthenheimer
This year’s scholarship recipients were Avery Hollenback, Alex Moon and Rae Winters.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: As we were going to press, it was announced that St. Luke’s new Director of Youth Ministries, Kevin Davis, will join the staff on August 3. Make sure to stop by and welcome him. Don’t bring marshmallows. Or German chocolate cake.]
Avery is planning on attending Indiana State University with a concentration in Special Education. Her desire to show God’s love through her work will enable her to help transform the lives of children for years to come.
ABOVE PHOTOS:
Youth having fun and sharing in fellowship at various activities and retreats
L TO R: Endowment scholarship recipients—Avery Hollenback, Alex Moon, Rae Winters.
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together in ministry everyday
L TO R: Kent Millard, Jim Price, William Enright, Mark Helmus
It is our commitment as the St. Luke’s Endowment Committee to build our Endowment and work with congregation members to help them share their passion for the church. If you are interested in learning more about how you can leverage change and leave your legacy at St. Luke’s, please contact Jim Price, St. Luke‘s Endowment Committee Chair, at jim.price@wfadvisors.com, 208-3726 (o) or 466-0112 (h).
Alex will be attending Ball State University this fall to major in Music Technology. His love for the arts will enable him to help spread God’s word through music for future generations. Rae was accepted into DePauw University where she will study Biology and Pre-Med. She hopes to fulfill her life by serving others and making a difference for those in need. This Fund demonstrates the church’s investment in them and their future as individuals to lead with faith and perseverance to share the word of God and the importance of a Christian community. This year the Endowment Committee welcomed keynote speaker Rev. William Enright, Ph.D. Dr. Enright is the Executive Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and former Senior Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Dr. Enright is an expert on building church endowment support and is renowned for his research and insight into religious giving. His topic for discussion was “Religious Giving During Uncertain Times,” and he discussed the importance of building upon endowment funds to ensure the sustainability of the church’s programs and services. Dr. Enright discussed two significant reasons why endowments are important to congregations. First, endowments allow congregations to live through tough times and survive through those times with vitality. Second, endowments are the catalyst for change that allows congregations to do things in new and different ways. Endowments provide sustainability, which is key to a church’s success. Churches provide people with a house of worship, but are also obligated to reach out into the community. Endowments allow congregations to con-
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tinue programs and create new services to better that community. In addition to leveraging new programs, endowments allow for perpetual funding to help sustain its existence for future generations. By supporting the church with an endowment gift, one is ensuring that St. Luke’s and its programs will be here long after we are gone. For example, St. Luke’s Sowers Fund helps provide a sanctuary of gardens and plant life for people to enjoy for worship or peaceful prayer. Its beauty shows God’s creation among the bricks and mortar that sustain the building in which we worship. The Garden is another example of St. Luke’s endowment at work in the community. The Garden provides a fresh perspective on faith and allows St. Luke’s to offer a place of worship that is innovative, inspiring and authentic. Endowments are transformative and can take congregations in new directions. Dr. Enright also discussed the importance of people giving to their passions. Some of these passions are in the form of faith support. Every year, to percent of charitable gifts go to religious organizations. This shows that people are not just providing support for their churches, but it is also an indication of people giving of themselves. To build faith and community and create stories of God’s work is a passion the congregation members of St. Luke’s share. The luncheon wrapped up with the announcement that Mark Helmus, longtime Chair of the Endowment Committee, will be stepping down from his position, and Jim Price, longtime committee member, will be taking his place. We would like to thank Mark for his leadership, hard work and dedication to St. Luke’s and its Endowment and look forward to his continued support and direction as he remains as a committee member. We would also like to thank Jim Price for taking the lead on ensuring the sustainability of the Endowment, and we look forward to him leading efforts to help us continue its growth. n
endowment | social justice
JULY-SEPTEMBER
THE ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to the following founding members of the St. Luke’s Endowment Foundation.
Dr. & Mrs. Larry L. Heck Mr. & Mrs. Tom Heidenreich Mr. & Mrs. Robert Infanger Dennis & Rebecca Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Joe Kenny Bob & Jean Markley Barbara & Marshall McCuen Mr. & Mrs. J. Duane Melton Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Miller Tom & Suzy Moore John & Beth Morton The Muir Trust Rev & Mrs. Albert Nunery Mrs. Frances Ober Naomi R. Osborn Patricia Porter Steve & Linda Priddy
Ruth & Robert Artman Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bach Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barnes James Bicknell Mr. & Mrs. Ken Brown Bertha Lugar Caldwell
Their passion for the future of St. Luke’s and vision for a vibrant future started 20 years ago, and today we are dedicated to adding to that legacy for generations to come.
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Howard J. Cofield Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Crawford Mr. & Mrs. David Daly Mr. & Mrs. John Danley Everett & Diane Dees Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Dudek Rob & Sandi French Mr. Jim Gorrell Susan & Ken Hall
Mr. & Mrs. John Proffitt Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Rush Mr. & Mrs. Bill Salin Doug Stark Suzanne Stark Marion & Dick Tewksbury Mrs. Mildred Thurston Mr. & Mrs. William Todd Mr. & Mrs. James Townsend Bob & JoAnn Waeltz Mr. & Mrs. John Wallace Alice B. Weest Mr. Stephen E. Williams Mr. & Mrs. K.B. Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Albert Wood Bud & Jo Zehr
Pedal for Peace: An Interview with Maryjane Behforouz by Minnietta Millard
MISSION STATEMENT: "Pedal for Peace is an event that promotes peace and connection
throughout the world by raising funds for organizations that are transforming their towns, cities, and nations into communities of peace." When asked to be interviewed about Pedal for Peace, Maryjane Behforouz, in her humble manner, referred me to the whole planning committee. But it was Maryjane who woke up one night with a dream, which is becoming a reality. Could it be that as the daughter of George and Jane Sweet, and as a part of St. Luke's for as long as she can remember, she was inspired to have the dream? Or could it be that her husband Michael Behforouz, being born in Iran, thus raised her international interest? Very articulately and passionately, Maryjane agreed to answer my questions. MM: Tell us about your middle-of-the-night dream. MB: There is a bike ride called “Follow the
Women” that travels through Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine. Women participate from all over the world who believe peace can happen. I want to do this someday. Prior to “my dream,” I thought about this ride nearly every night before I fell asleep. One night, I woke up in the middle of the night with the idea of a local bike ride called “Pedal
for Peace.” I brought the idea to the Social Justice Committee at the church, and amazingly it was embraced. I'm very interested in the Middle East and the challenges the world faces there. Doing something locally that entices people to participate while raising awareness of the organizations that foster peace in these regions, seemed like the answer. I have young children (Kayla - 10, Stella - 7), and I wanted all of us to get involved in some kind of community activity in the name of peace. My husband, Michael, was born and raised in Iran until the revolution in 1979. His father is Iranian and his mother is American. They lived in Iran as a family for 13 years. When the revolution occurred, they moved to the United States. We frequently discuss as a family the importance of embracing people from all cultures and faith backgrounds. This event is a great way for our family to invest energy in doing just that. MM: Tell us about this event—Pedal for Peace.
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Michael and Maryjane Behforouz
social justice | spiritual life center
together in ministry everyday
MB: It's going to be held on October 17, 2009. We're planning a six-hour team bike relay that's taking place at the Major Taylor Velodrome from 410PM. There is a 30-foot flat apron around the track, and there will
also be stationary bikes for those concerned about their bike-handling skills. We welcome all people, all riders! Thirty teams will be allowed on the track. From the responses we’ve had, we know we'll have 30 teams, so early registrations get preference. A team can be one person who wants to ride for six hours, or 50-100 people who want to split up the times. Each team will raise $1000 for the recipient of the earnings; this year we're sponsoring an organization called Mar Elias Academic Institution. gives me an opportunity to put my energies into something for which I really feel a lot of passion. I’m not sure where my path is leading, but it's certainly evolving.
MM: For those who are new to St. Luke's, what is Mar Elias? MB: Mar Elias Academic Institution is a school in Northern Israel that educates Muslims, Jews, Christians and Druze together in an environment that builds understanding and mutual respect. The students range from kindergarten through what will now be an independent college. There are about 4000 students in the primary and secondary school. The college is a newly accredited independent college, no longer a branch campus of UIndy, as it has been for the last three years. The name will be changing due to its recognition by the Israeli Council of Higher Education. The new name will be the Nazareth Galilee Academic Institution. But for a few more months, we will all continue to know it as the Mar Elias Campus. Many in our community are familiar with the school because of its affiliation with the University of Indianapolis. Around 200 students have received their degrees from UIndy before Mar Elias Campus was given its own independent status. This status is very significant for the school as it hopes to be, and already is, a beacon of hope as a peace center in that region. A future goal is to build a campus on donated land that is about 30 minutes north of their current campus. The new campus will be two hours from Damascus, Beirut, Amman and Jerusalem. It hopes to be at the crossroads of peace in the Middle East. Next year, we plan to sponsor other organizations structured around the idea of education and peace.
MM: If people are interested in Mar Elias as a center for peace, how can
they get involved? MB: Right now they can organize a bike team or help out with planning! Another way is to connect with other people in the Indianapolis area and invite them to join us. If people are willing to travel, they can volunteer at the school. Many Hoosiers have gone over to teach, to paint buildings, or to be in administration. So it depends on the person's interests; there is plenty to do locally as well as in Israel. The college is trying to open its doors in October, so much is needed in the way of funding and help! MM: I'm ready to bike!! (Which would be a surprise to Kent.) How do I
go about signing up? MB: We have a website. It's called www.pedalforpeaceindy.org, and you can either volunteer to help for the day, sign up your team, or sign up as an individual and we'll put you on a community team. MM: You say that each team must raise $1000. What are some suggestions for doing that?
MM: What is your involvement with Mar Elias? MB: An easy way is to get a lot of people on your team. If you have a MB: I'm on the Board of Trustees of the school by some divine intervention. They wanted someone from this area, and I was suggested because of my interest. It has been a wonderful experience because it
team of 20, each team member can ask five people for $10 or ask 10 people for $5. Or a high school student might offer a barbeque and
Confronting Prejudice Yet Again by Betty Brandt
A couple of months ago I met a Pagan—a lovely woman, generous of spirit, intelligent and welcoming. Surprisingly she didn’t stand out in a crowd, no horns or other signs of strangeness. Nor did she have any idea of the impact she would have on my spiritual growth. Before I met Colleen, I had not thought much about the civil rights of Pagans. Once I began thinking about their civil rights, I decided there is more prejudice against Pagans in the United States than there is for other religious minority groups. I certainly became more aware of derogatory jokes about witches and all the condemnation of their beliefs and practices. I needed to face my prejudice so I went to a Pagan Beltaine ritual to experience it for myself. Beltaine is one of the two major Pagan holidays. The other is Samhain. When I
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JULY-SEPTEMBER
with representation from St. Luke’s, Beth-El Zedeck, the Holy Dove Foundation, International Interfaith Initiative (PLC), etc… MM: Recently you were interviewed on C-Span! Tell us how you got
such a prestigious interview.
games and charge each person $5 to come. There are all different kinds of ways, and each team gets to decide how they want to do it.
MB: My story wasn't that compelling (she again laughs), but the videos/pictures shown were. It was a family friend who did the interview. He thought it was something viewers could relate to—that a woman from Indiana was getting involved in an Israeli school when she still had small children at home. He wanted me to tell the story of my most recent trip there, so I supplied him with video and pictures. MM: I saw it, and it was fantastic! We want to congratulate you for
your appearance on this worldwide network on a problem of international interest! Thank you very much! n
MM: Can we bring our families? MB: This year only people 14 and older can ride on the track; however, it will be a family event. Each team will have a tent, food and fellowship, and it will be a very festive environment where the younger kids can cheer on the people participating on the track.
PEDAL FOR PEACE
MM: Have you run into any obstacles?
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
MB: Sure. It's the first year. And certainly biking around the topic of
peace is new. And then if you bring in the fact that Mar Elias is in Israel, you find that people have a lot of strong emotions and passion around the challenges there. Between logistics and finding a date, we've conquered some challenges. As for emotions, it's not about picking sides; it's about building awareness and having compassion and love for all groups, all identities, all faiths, or no faiths. It's more about openness, humanitarianism and goodness. We want to bring peace to our community and the world beyond.
• Registration fee is $20 per participant (includes T-shirt) • All participants must register by September 17, 2009 to be guaranteed participation. Registration will close at that time. • Mail completed forms with a check payable to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (Pedal for Peace in memo line). MAIL TO: Pedal for Peace c/o St. Luke’s UMC 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
MM: What is the monetary goal for this year? MB: We plan to raise at least $30,000. Hopefully much more! (Laughs)
• Waiver must be signed in order to process entry form. MM: Will this be an annual event?
• Questions? Phone (317) 443-2632 or email pedalforpeaceindy@gmail.com
MB: Hopefully. We want to grow big enough to support three organiza-
tions or more each year. There's a whole steering committee involved
arrived two people were building a bonfire (balefire). This and dancing the Maypole are the two cornerstones of the celebration. As the ritual began, we held brightly colored ribbons attached to the top of the Maypole and wove them together, singing and laughing as the circle got tighter and tighter. Then there was a service of candles and explanations with a passing of elements much like our Communion. Finally there was a time of fellowship with yummy treats and warm conversation. I could certainly see elements of ritual the early Christians “borrowed” from the Pagans and we still retain today. This opportunity continues to pop up in my mind and has heightened my awareness. I am full of thanksgiving that I can count a Pagan as a friend in the same way I can count a Hindu, a Sufi and an Episcopalian as my friends. My world is larger. My spiritual journey deepened. Thanks be to God! n
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world missions
together in ministry everyday
St. Luke’s Mission in Sierra Leone by Don and Marilyn Griffith
St. Luke’s Contribution
Last October, The Washington Post told the story of -year-old Fatmata Jalloh who died at the government’s Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, hemorrhaging after the birth of a healthy baby boy. The story is a typical account: quick labor, no transportation, finds a nurse up the street, baby is born, sudden trouble, nurse untrained for emergencies, still no transportation, arrival at the poorly equipped hospital, bathroom stench, virtually no meds or IV’s, short staff, no electricity. The desperate family rushes to the streets to purchase IV’s, plasma and even latex gloves for the staff. Their efforts and the hospital’s are to no avail.
Seventy-four thousand dollars and an 80 KW generator were given by St. Luke’s from last year’s Lenten offering for Sierra Leone. With it, the library at Taiama Secondary School was doubled and furnished. A portion of the team this year was able to witness and participate in the dedication of the new facility.
Kevin Sullivan, the author writes: “Fatmata Jalloh’s body lay on a rusting metal gurney in a damp hospital ward, a scrap of paper with her name and ‘R.I.P.’ taped to her stomach… Dead just minutes, the -year-old’s face was round and serene, with freckles around her closed eyes and her full lips frozen in a sad pucker… Her bare feet stuck out from the colorful cloths in which she had been wrapped by the maternity nurses who had tried to save her life. Her toenails bore the chipped remnants of cheery red polish.”
Thirty-seven thousand dollars of those funds were used to renovate the inefficient outpatient building at Kissy UMC Hospital in Freetown. The project was completed during our January mission. Seven new physician offices, an emergency room, a two-chair dental suite, enlarged pharmacy, new ultrasound office, waiting areas, and new nutrition storage were created. In addition to painting inside and out, new lighting, fans, windows, two air conditioners, a covered walkway, sinks and running water in each room make the facility pleasant, safe, and more efficient for the to persons who come for services each week. Bob Mink’s gift of an KW diesel generator provides dependable electricity for the hospital. A battery inverter system installed last year through St. Luke’s funds lights the maternity and delivery unit, all wards, and building perimeters when the generator is not running.
When I read that story, I wonder which of our teammates from last January could have written it. The same thing happened to Jane Seiyia, Kissy’s administrator’s daughter. Two days after we arrived, she was admitted to the government hospital at Bo, six hours upcountry from Freetown, to have her second child. She too died of postnatal hemorrhage. Such stories are far too familiar in this land with the highest maternal death rate in the world. On average one of eight mothers dies during childbirth.
St. Luke’s is not alone. Carmel UMC hopes to dedicate a second story addition to the UMC elementary school located on the Kissy Campus this fall. The expansion will free space in an existing building to permit the hospital to occupy additional space. Valparaiso UMC was instrumental in the construction of the surgery center and post-op unit, which were completed in . Their team returned in November to renovate Kissy’s water and sanitation system.
A reality check says that things are different at Kissy UMC General Hospital in Freetown. Rather than of mothers dying during childbirth, of mothers died in the last six months at Kissy thanks to midwife Sister Janet Bio and her staff.
The Team Strategy
While the hospital has serious needs, improvements are taking place. Thanks to help through UMCOR Health and the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), the United Methodist Church has helped the Kissy staff upgrade facilities, improve salaries, provide new equipment and training. Your giving to the UMC helps make this possible.
St. Luke’s World Missions, cooperating with Operation Doctor, developed a strategy of addressing health care needs in Sierra Leone. Believing that we can not all be doctors, but we can all be healers, five teams of to traveled to Freetown and upcountry since to learn about medical conditions and to represent Christ and the UMC in a healing mission. Committed persons from many churches conducted clinics upcountry and furnished quantities of medication, shoes, and clothing to patients and the staff who work with them. However, we believe a much-needed contribution we can make is in teaching ministry for a medical and management staff.
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JULY-SEPTEMBER
PHOTOS L TO R:
Drs. Kellie Hughes and Merilyn Palmer are passionate about seeing kids. Their own families have many similarities.
Dr. Dennis Marke, Hospital Medical Director, says that in Sierra Leone, organized continuing education for medical staffs is rarely available. Twelve years of war ending in kept society in a survival mode. Rebuilding, refurnishing and simply gathering food now consumes the population’s energy. We believe the best way to impact a system which is so difficult for mothers and children is to improve the quality of health care. Team members go with the understanding that they are joining Sierra Leonean health care workers to improve their efforts to provide quality care.
The Taiama clinic staff and the Leone team conduct clinic together. 80% of the patients have malaria. Many are malnourished and suffer with typhoid. Frederick Kovoma in Mende and David Griffith in English work with the housekeeping crew on safety and injury prevention. January 2009 Sierra Leone mission team
Each member of the January teams traveled with a mission. Matt Hughes (ST. LUKE’S) and Don Spence (MARION, IN) worked with the hospital financial system. Melissa Clifford (ST. LUKE’S), Angie Whittaker (UCC), Sally Peters (MERIDIAN STREET UMC) and Cathy Wrigley (PLAINFIELD UMC) gave valuable assistance to the newly created physical therapy department. Janet Clawson (KALAMAZOO, MI) delivered, installed and instructed on the Blood Chemistry Analyzer. Dave Teeter (ST. LUKE’S) helped organize and move the pharmacy department. Nurses Helen Vriesman (ST. LUKE’S), Jeanette Jefferis (MERIDIAN STREET UMC), Marchusa Huff (TRINITY EPISCOPAL) and Stacy Kreger (MERIDIAN STREET UMC) held classes and labs for hospital personnel and others. Pediatrician Dr. Kellie Hughes (ST. LUKE’S) and Dr. Patrick Zirnheld (MERIDIAN HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN) worked with Kissy physicians. The team provided clinic for patients in two days upcountry at Taiama. Dr. David Whittaker, anesthesiologist, worked with Kissy’s surgeon and nurse anesthetist. David Griffith (ST. ANDREW’S UMC, OMAHA) taught safety courses and helped Mom—Marilyn Griffith—unload and place two containers of medical equipment sent through Operation Classroom. Bob Mink (ST. LUKE’S) and John MacDonald (DILLSBORO UMC) helped install the generator and repaired every item of broken equipment that time would allow. Don Griffith served as liaison between the church, the hospital staff, and the city.
supplies difficult to obtain in the developing world and by simply being there to say we care. The successes at Kissy can move to rural clinics and villages. We will never end maternal deaths, but with God’s help, we can help them become less frequent. A grant through USAID may be awarded in June to Kissy Hospital to build a modern three-story Mother and Child Center on the hospital grounds. Our prayers are this will happen and construction can begin in . If the grant is approved, we will have more opportunity to assist. Three St. Luke’s medical education teams are in the planning stage for January/February and April . Team members are needed in many disciplines, such as ultrasound technology, medical records, medicine, dentistry, nutrition, nursing, building and equipment maintenance, finance and management training, and other allied health disciplines. For information, send an e-mail to griffithmarilyn@aol.com and include your phone number. A phone interview is a must to begin the process. An
More information and current photos are posted on the Sierra Leone Mission board in the west hall at St. Luke’s.
introductory meeting will be held at on July at St. Luke’s in the missions building.
What Will It Take?
St. Luke’s, for each mother you help to save and for each child who will have a living mother: thank you. n
Maternal and child mortality rarely gets attention from international donors who are more focused on HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB and water-borne illness. However, health is an interrelated system with each part affecting the other. We have an opportunity to join with others to provide better clinic and hospital services by empowering and equipping staff, securing
TO FIND THE ARTICLES:
• A Mother’s Final Look at Life. washingtonpost.com (October , ) • Op-Ed Column—This Mom Didn’t Have to Die. NYTimes.com (May , )
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the garden
together in ministry everyday
McCoy’s Mavericks Check Out Indy by Larry Fletcher
In addition to the positive spiritual activity surrounding St. Luke’s the end of April and first of May with the eight Buddhist monks from the Dalai Lama's monastery in India making a prayer Mandala out of colored sand on the floor at the front of the sanctuary—Dr. Linda McCoy, Lead Pastor and founder of The Garden, offering Sunday services at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and The Mansion at Oak Hill, hosted two days of meetings with select pastors throughout the U.S. who are affectionately known as her “Maverick Group.” Who are these “Mavericks”? What are these “Mavericks” all about? Well, we caught up with Linda and posed those questions.
other people are doing. We all tended to be creative and effective, in areas where there sometimes isn’t a lot of effectiveness in the church, so we began dubbing ourselves the Mavericks. Q: How often and where do you meet? A: We got together monthly for the first year. Then it was six
times a year and now, due to our busy schedules and all our reduced travel budgets, we get together four times a year. We’re going to one another’s churches now… we’re going to one another’s settings. So far we’ve met in Baltimore, Houston and Phoenix. We’ve been to L.A., where the Korean pastor is… we’ve been to San Diego where the Vietnamese pastor is.
QUESTION:
So Linda… who and what are “The Mavericks”? ANSWER:
The Mavericks in Baltimore (L to R) Rob Muckaby BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE Duane Anders DAYTON, OHIO David Simpson BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Ban Dang SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Dottie Escobetio-Frank PHOENIX, ARIZONA Rudy Rasnius HOUSTON, TEXAS Linda McCoy INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
The United Methodist Church has a desire to identify leadership and faith development as critical matters facing pastors of the church in the century. This group was gathered by the General Board of Discipleship in to explore together a program developed by the board called the L3 Leadership Incubator. The L3 program (standing for loving, learning and leading) was designed to examine vision and call, ministry plans and strategy, and other elements of leadership processes.
NOT PICTURED:
Craig Miller & Vance Ross
The Board invited twelve pastors from across the country to be in the L3 Tyrone Gordon DALLAS, TEXAS National Leadership Group. When Daniel Cherg LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA going through the leadership materials Marvin Moss ATLANTA, GEORGIA that had been created in the beginning, Joe Daniels WASHINGTON, D.C. the group we now refer to as “Mavericks” discovered that, even though we were all in different settings and from very different parts of the country, with different ethnicities, we all had sort of an offbeat way of looking at what the church should be… and wasn’t. And, though we were all United Methodist pastors, and everybody there was doing vital ministry, each of us felt as though we were almost in a vacuum, simply because effective ministry doesn’t happen in a lot of places in the United Methodist Church. A sort of brotherhood/sisterhood kind of thing began to connect for the twelve of us. We are all kind of “off-the-wall,” out doing our own things—things that are different from what most NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
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The group was here in Indy the end of April/first of May. That was the group’s first trip to Indianapolis. The Garden is a very different kind of ministry from most of them, who worship in regular church buildings–––some very nice church buildings. We took them to Beef & Boards on Wednesday night to see the production so they could get an idea of the setting since it’s really only available to us on Sunday mornings. We’re meeting in Dallas next time. Then we’ll be meeting in Washington, D.C., after that. In addition, some of us have been to Dayton where another one of the pastors is also doing multi-site. So we’re making a valiant effort to get to know each person, their respective ministries, and their individual styles. Q: You mentioned The Garden being different from the other
Maverick’s services. In what ways? A: Location is one way. Holding services in secular space is not all that common in our denomination. However, multi-site is a growing phenomenon in the church. Two of the churches represented in the Mavericks group are starting satellite locations. The group in Dayton has a second site that’s in a YMCA (they’ve partnered with the Y since they began multi-site) and has just recently picked up a closed church, and they’re going to start another congregation. So there’ll be four sites there. Three of the other pastors are looking at what their satellite churches might be, and the pastor in Phoenix is talking about how she might work cooperatively with the churches in that community…kind of revitalize what they’re doing. Q: Besides locations, what other things make The Garden
unique to the Maverick group? A: Well, besides location, it’s our style of service…music selection, movie clips, special videos…and, of course, our % Recipient of the Month. Nobody does what we do. Some do a little bit, but they move more toward traditional church than we do, where we move farther away from traditional church to provide an alternative for people. At The Garden we tie everything together, the movie clips with the theme services and with the message being just a part of what’s there…everything really shares the message and carries the message and doing it in a secular setting offers a very different kind of feel to it… not using traditional hymns… not using any of the liturgy… the creeds… all the things that churches use.
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Q: Tell me a little bit about your Maverick partner in Houston. I
A: Initially they said just do what you’re going to do and they’d stay
understand he has quite a success story.
out of our way… go start a little service somewhere and see what will happen. And then, when it turned out that people were drawn to it, they offered to help financially. We were doing marketing before the church ever did marketing… with radio and TV and newspaper. And so they offered us some funding for the second and third year to do the marketing. They helped us with staffing and were a big help when we started the second site at Oak Hill with some initial funding that gave us a real advantage.
A: The Maverick church in Houston has a great ministry… with street people… the homeless… the hungry… prostitutes… former prostitutes…. drug addicts… an incredibly vital congregation. When Rudy Rasnius and his wife went there, there were nine people in attendance. Most people probably assumed they would close, but today they have people worshipping on a Sunday (more on this story can be viewed on (SCDnetwork.ning.com).
Q: What’s the Maverick group’s next step? Q: It sounds like you have a really diverse group of Mavericks. What
brings you together? A: We’re all across the board theologically. We really don’t have
many theological conversations because we’re all in such different places, but we’re pretty open and inclusive when it comes to welcoming all people to the church. So, that is the piece that we share…and another piece that we really share is…I suppose you could call it criticism of the United Methodist Church, which is so rigid in its process and it’s so behind the times and doesn’t really embrace creativity. We all had to do what we do in spite of the system rather than because of it. They don’t empower and embrace a different way of doing things…typically. The system doesn’t…the church doesn’t. And everybody in this group does things differently…outside the box…and we don’t lock-step our way along. In that regard, that’s probably the way in which we are most “maverick.” That’s what links us. Q: It sounds like the “Mavericks” have a real challenge gaining
support of their Conferences or individual churches. Is that the case?
A: A couple of the pastors are doing some really good things. The
guy from Houston writes the blogs online every week. We’ve got a couple of web sites set up …we all did a series of interviews when we were here that are on the School Congregational Development web site (SCDnetwork.ning.com)...and in those interviews we each talked about our particular settings, so that might create some kind of interest. We talked about hosting an event called “Myths, Mavericks and Movements” last fall, but due to hurricane Ike damage in Houston, along with the economic slide, that event was postponed indefinitely. Q: What’s The Garden’s next step? A: We see a “virtual church” to be our next creative step. Gardeners, St. Luke’s members and others can share in the quest for spiritual growth and development via the internet. The Garden’s next step was to share Our Vision: “That people experience God wherever they are.” People will be hearing a lot more about that in the near future.
A: We do have a couple of Maverick folks who are from the General
Board of Discipleship who represent the system in some ways… at least the bureaucracy of the system. There’s interesting dialogue there because they operate almost in a different world than those of us who are in the church. So there are two of the twelve who are in the “system.” It’s always interesting and challenging to find the common ground, and to hear one another. One of our Maverick pastors has been a pastor and a district superintendent at the same time. He’s coming off the district now. And another one of our pastors, the Vietnamese pastor, just left his church to go on the district to become a district superintendent. So, they’re kind of mixing in and out of the system and maybe have a way to impact it a little bit in that way. As far as The Garden’s support system…in I had a vision of a different way of being church, and St. Luke’s leadership and congregation— people strong, seeing need for expansion and new outreach, offered help and support. The volunteers gave us one year, and that was a vital starting point for us. And they continue today in their support role as The Garden now averages close to in attendance each Sunday, making it one of the fifteen largest congregations in attendance in the new Indiana conference.
Q: Anything else we
need to cover? A: I suppose it goes
without saying, but I’ve got to say it… without all our wonderful volunteers The Garden wouldn’t be able to function and grow. I’m continually humbled by their undying support and leadership in every aspect of what we do—from creation of our Sunday experiences, to offering comfort and care to those who are struggling, to playing or singing in the bands, to serving coffee and donuts and greetings Gardeners at our sites, to raising the funds we need to operate (St. Luke’s pays our pastors—THANK YOU VERY MUCH!) and offers us office space, but we pay for all the rest of our personnel and ministry needs. The list of work done by our volunteers goes on and on. n
Q: And what about The Garden’s support from the then South
Indiana Conference?
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later@st. luke’s | fellowship ministries
together in ministry everyday
12 Step Spirited Worship Sermon Series by Dr. Marion Miller
The 12 Step Spirited Worship sermon series is well underway in our evening worship services—Later@St. Luke’s. These praise and worship gatherings will inspire you to grow spiritually while becoming free from addictions and compulsive behaviors that we all have in one form or another. What is the meaning of addiction? Addiction can be as simple as the condition of being enslaved to a hurt or habit, a hang-up or practice. And the practice becomes an addiction when stopping it would cause severe trauma. It is also referred to as compulsive behavior. Addiction is an abnormally strong craving for some thing or activity. It refers to anything that controls us, especially things that are not constructive or helpful. The most reliable sign of an addiction is continued involvement in the addictive activity despite negative, life-damaging consequences.
they seem insurmountable barriers. Finding freedom from addictions is not easy. However, it can be done. It requires a structured strategy or process, with persistence and God’s help. What is the cycle of an addiction? The problem with addictions is that they offer short-term relief (pleasure), but they also create long-term problems (pain). In the Book of James 1:13-15 it says the cycle of temptation goes from DESIRE to ACTION to CONSEQUENCES. Certainly, the cycle of addiction and much more can be obtained from this forward-looking, positive sermon series. These services are designed to change lives, change families and bring hope and joy to all who attend. A Devotional Journal has been prepared to help guide us through each of the 12 steps, along with a List of Addictions from A to Z. This journey of the soul and spirit is just what we need in this complex world. Please come and join us! n
Can one receive freedom from addiction? The Bible tells us that we should not seek to be mastered or enslaved by anything (I Corinthians 6:12; 10:23). Addictions and some habits are so firmly established in our lives that
Net Working by Brent Scott
Stick your head in the Great Hall on any given Monday night between September and April and you will hear the sounds of volleyballs bumped and set. But more importantly, you will hear cheers and laughter from players of all ages and skill levels. For over 30 years St. Luke’s has been home to a lively co-ed volleyball league. I first started playing a little over 20 years ago as a way to meet church members and to get involved after joining the St. Luke’s family. Hav-
ing never played much volleyball outside of the backyard, I was a bit nervous on my first few weeks of play, but quickly realized that this league was much more about fellowship than fierce competitiveness. I have made many new friends over the years, including the group of people currently on my team. Those friendships have grown off the court as well, and our team often gets together for things such as an annual Christmas party. Team captain Judy Aikman has been playing for 32 years with the same group of people. Judy says, “We have so enjoyed this league because of the great people. The attitude is one of camaraderie rather than competitiveness. We love the cross section of people in the league, from the exuberant teens to the first timers.” Yes, you will find all ages represented on these courts—from 16 to 70 and all skill levels ranging from those with many years of experience to those who have never played before. All are equally embraced. If you are looking for a friendly and lively atmosphere to get a little exercise, give this league a try. New players and teams are always welcome and we are looking for more people to join the fun on Monday evenings. Joining is a bargain at $20/person for six months of play. Please contact me if you are interested in joining us in September—Brent Scott, league coordinator, 875-9328 or brentsco@comcast.net. n
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special event
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Senator Lugar to Present Dr. McGriff with Medal The St. Luke’s congregation is invited to attend a special ceremony honoring Dr. Carver McGriff, as well as recognizing the contributions of all war veterans and active-duty military personnel.
remembered after all those years. It was closure for me, the end of a sixty-five year search.”
Last year, Dr. McGriff (former St. Luke’s senior pastor from -) was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French Republic. In a letter from Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the United States, he stated “It is a sign of France’s true and unforgettable gratitude and appreciation for your personal, precious contribution to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of great merit. The French people will never forget your courage and your devotion to the great cause of freedom.”
On this trip, Dr. McGriff also visited Omaha Beach and was greatly impacted and humbled by the experience. “After spending quite a bit of time wandering through the Omaha Beach cemetery and seeing literally dozens of crosses where boys from my unit lie . . .” he says, “I realize I can only seriously accept this medal by genuinely doing so on behalf of all of them.”
Dr. McGriff served in the Army in World War II and was wounded and captured during the fighting in Normandy. He recently returned from a trip to France where he revisited the site of that battle. It was not an easy place to find, and after what he describes as a serious of small miracles that occurred in order for him to return to the small village of Beaucoudray, he writes “After a lifetime of searching for closure to give the experience the kind of reality which comes of standing in the place, putting my foot one more time where I stood before, we were there. As we prepared to leave a small car pulled up and a large, pleasant-faced woman emerged. She informed us she is the mayor of the town and welcomed us warmly. I said to her that I should apologize for all the damage we did there [during the war]. She replied that “if you want to make an omelet you have to break some eggs” and went on to thank me sincerely for all the men of my division who fought there. Many men of both nations died in that street and I was touched by the presence of fresh flowers and that those people
Carver McGriff The entire community is invited to honor the service of all men and women to their country as Senator Richard Lugar presents the Legion of Honor Chevalier Medal to Dr. Carver McGriff representing his service, and recognizing the bravery and commitment of military personnel everywhere. Join us on Sunday, August 9 at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary for a brief ceremony and afterwards for a reception with Dr. McGriff and Senator Lugar.
For those interested in continuing the celebration, there will be a dinner at The Mansion at Oak Hill at :. Cost is /person. Please make your reservation with Erica Lampe at lampee@stlukesumc.com by August . n
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oasis
together in ministry everyday
Inspirational Gifts, Jewelry & Books Conveniently located inside St. Luke’s UMC Gift Registry Available
Getting to Work with by Matt Peyton
Can we all agree that unemployment is the pits?
OASIS HOURS: TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
10AM - 4PM SUNDAY 9AM - 1PM
Summertime Oasis
I mean, I could spout off a bunch of depressing, abstract statistics here to show how serious it is, but I’m not really sure that anyone needs convincing. Meggo Bartholomew certainly doesn’t. She’s unemployed.
by Sharon Holyoak
It's summa, summa, summatime in Oasis . . . think refreshing, relaxing, cool, hot, peaceful, playful. Think Oasis. We want to be your Oasis this summer. July is customer appreciation month. Stop in for a treat while you meet and greet friends. You may find just the perfect book to relax with or create your own summer book club. Or you might become enchanted by our playful sun catchers, made from fine crystal, glass and pewter. Speaking of crystal, look for other new items that sparkle in our home decor. We can't stop recommending a wonderful little yearly devotional called Jesus Calling. Each day is written as if Jesus himself were speaking directly to you... and he is! The Loving Family
She was laid off in the beginning of November from her job as a technical writer for banking software. They did a lot of work with small business loans. To be honest, I don’t completely understand the details, but I do know that she loved it. It was her first time with a full-time writing job, and she worked in the same job, with the same team for the last five years. Until November. In November, she started applying for jobs, making phone calls, sending in resumes. And she got no response. None. No activity
necklace is something we have been searching for and finally found. These beautiful sterling silver pendants are available with one or two parents and up to four children. This summer our featured artist in Oasis is Earlene McNeil Larson. For over 27 years this self-described "crazy South Dakota girl who answers to the name "Earl" has used handmade paper as her main medium, which she makes out of old corduroy pants. From this process she creates enchanting, whimsical, very original, frameable wall art. Be sure to take a little extra time to read the fun quotes and share in the laughter. Some of her newest artwork has just arrived. Another great addition to our walls is the work of Kelly Rae Roberts (see left). Kelly's unique look of layered mixed-media includes acrylics, oils, collage and ink, and her designs are featured in many publications and juried art festivals. Her art expresses honesty and tenderness while remaining lighthearted and colorful, and she hopes that it will strike a chord with others. All proceeds support the ministries of St. Luke’s. This summer, remember this wonderful bookstore and gift shop that’s right in your own backyard! n
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BACK ROW: Bud Sirbu, Chuck Swisher, Denise Reiter, Dennis Harman, Jim Carey SEATED: Terri Donnella, Barb Diehm
JULY-SEPTEMBER
community support | the garden
the Business & Professional Exchange through the Inauguration, she said. “I have no experience with anything like this, I’m not sure anyone in the industry does,” she said. She has a point. I mean, we hear in the news all the time that this is the worst the economy has been since -something, but Meggo wasn’t looking for work back then, and I would guess that puts her in the majority of the unemployed population. This is where BPE comes in. BPE stands for the Business and Professional Exchange. Founded in , BPE is, “a networking organization for employers and those in career transition.” Every Monday morning the group meets in the Fellowship Hall at : to help both those who are looking for a job and those looking for employees. The meeting looks different from week to week depending on the speaker and format, but some things are consistent. First, there are the 30-second introductions. Part instruction, part networking, these introductions give everyone the chance to introduce themselves and the
work they are looking for to the rest of the group. Some weeks everyone listens as everyone introduces themselves. Other weeks, because of the large number of people who now come to the meeting, the groups shuffle around to tables randomly meeting different groups of people. (Meggo referred to this as the speed-dating approach.) Another consistent in the meeting is the positive attitude. “You start your week off with a jolt of energy,” Meggo explained. Former BPE President Bruce Flanagan agreed. “It’s intentionally positive. No one wants to hire someone who’s negative.” And being positive in the face of unemployment isn’t easy. As Bruce sees it, job loss is the second deepest level of mourning outside of the loss of an immediate family member. However, both Bruce and Meggo noted that the group is very good about encouraging one another during meetings.
Bruce also pointed out that these meetings aren’t just for unemployed people. They offer a unique opportunity for business owners and managers to find new employees. “There’s an enormous amount of talent that comes to BPE,” Bruce said. In addition, employers can meet prospective employees face to face at no cost to the company. Compared to the cost and time put into postings on websites like Monster and CareerBuilder, Bruce said that the savings is considerable. Bruce pointed out that BPE is a group trying to put themselves out of business. They view themselves as being successful when their numbers drop, not increase. However, he pointed out that even in a healthy economy, there is still an unemployment rate of four to five percent. As for Meggo, though, she said she’ll continue to attend BPE meetings. “The biggest thing this does for me is to help me to start each week on a positive note.” n
BPE holds its meetings at St. Luke’s every Monday morning at 7:30AM. Anyone is welcome to attend.
The Garden’s Employment Connections:
Gardners Cultivate New Professional Networking Group by Beth Fried Connections may be the key to employment at a time when Indiana’s jobless rate is at ten percent; that’s one percent higher than the national average. Gardeners Terri Donnella and Barb Diehm started The Garden’s Employment Connections. Their mission is to be a networking system for The Garden and St Luke’s UMC and others. Donnella explains, “It came to me when three things happened around the same time. First, some fellow employees at my work were laid off, and I offered them my help with how to apply for unemployment and how COBRA worked. Secondly, Dr. Linda McCoy, Lead Pastor at The Garden, gave a message that really tugged at my heart about helping others and how we often don’t realize that we all have talents that we might be able to share. Thirdly, Barb got laid off and it was like God reached out and said to me, ‘Ok, you can help her with how to file for unemployment, and she’s probably not the only Gardener that could use your help.” Ironically, two weeks later Donnella was also laid off; that is when she and Diehm made an appointment with Dr. McCoy. “Linda was great, she had some additional ideas and referred us to a couple employment experts,” says Diehm. “A loss of a job is a loss of identity,” counsels Dr. McCoy, “My hope is that The Garden’s Employment Connections be so successful in connecting those out of work to meaningful work that it puts itself ‘out of business!’"
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together in ministry everyday
CONDOLENCES TO:
Garden Employment, cont’d from page The vision for The Garden’s Employment Connections is a casual, comfortable, open environment that will provide fellowship, support, networking and many resources for individuals who are looking for work. The group is currently able to provide help with:
Sue Altum on the death of her husband Bob Altum Jo Meyers on the death of her brother John Warvel Richard Ramsey on the death of his sister Terry Ramsey-Clendenon
• Filing for Unemployment • COBRA/Other insurance • 401(k)s • Getting in the right frame of mind • Career Direction • Creating resumes & cover letters • Responding to ads • Networking • Polishing up interviewing techniques However, Donnella and Diehm want to tailor the group to the resources that are needed. Therefore, the GEC will always be changing and growing with its members. n
• The group will have open meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 6PM, and the organizational committee will meet on the alternate Wednesdays.
Friends and family of John McKinley Friends and family of Ted Tobin
Marge Butler on the death of her husband Bob Butler
Leslie Manbeck on the death of her father Lynn Wainscott
Clifton Shoultz II on the death of his father Clifton Shoultz
Sally Cunningham on the death of her father Joseph Cronin
Friends and family of Rose Castetter
Carter Crimm on the death of his mother Patricia Crimm
Susan Backer on the death of her husband Stephen Backer Cynthia Compton on the death of her brother Michael Lawrence Tom Jackson on the death of his mother Dorotha Jackson
• Team members will be available anytime by email or by phone. Anyone in need of employment assistance is welcome to attend.
Jacquelyn Long and Christopher Long on the death of husband and brother Dale Long
• Anyone having a skill to offer those in search of employment is encouraged to email Terri Donnella at terridonn@comcast.net.
Emma Dinkins on the death of her daughter-in-law Jennifer Steingass Suzanne Potts on the death of her grandfather Helmut Richter
Leslie Ekberg on the death of her husband Alfred Ekberg
• The Garden’s Employment Connections has formed a group on the popular networking social media site, linkedin.com, for discussion and to post news articles of interest to its members.
Bob and Garrett Weitholter on the death of mother and grandmother Helen Weitholter
Marty Frank on the death of her mother Lucile Whicker
Diane Stone on the death of her mother Mary Thiel Doris Brewer on the death of her daughter Brenda Brunt Julie Van Rheenen on the death of her father Clyde Moore Donna Hopf on the death of her father James Hopf Marsha Coyner on the death of her mother Martha England Judy Ford on the death of her mother Alice Moore Buddy Hennessey on the death of his brother Patrick Hennessey Robert Pickett on the death of his wife Genevieve Pickett
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concerns & celebrations | new members
JULY-SEPTEMBER
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Pam Hill on the death of her mother Mary Springer Ron Ernst on the death of his father Richard Ernst Susan, Stephanie, Amy and Steven Surgoth on the death of husband and father Steve Surgoth Terry Collins on the death of his mother Rosemary Collins Ken Barr on the death of his mother Gladys Barr
Lorena Traub and Pat Bacon on the death of husband and stepfather Paul Traub Vera Doll on the death of her husband William Baker Brad, Mary and Jimmy Miller on the death of son and brother Henry Miller Phyllis Downey and Jack Downey on the death of husband and father Bill Downey
Verlyn Wilson on the death of her father Vernon Charlson
Kathryn Rott, Nina Babich and Anna Washington on the death of husband and father Clancy Rott
Julie Steck on the death of her stepsister Julia Moses
Dianna Hardy on the death of her father Cecil Palmer
Friends and family of Dorothy Hashman
Brandt Carter and Steve Pearson on the death of mother Mariamelia Brandt
Cherrie Kochel-Binegar on the death of her husband Lester Binegar Donald Vasily on the death of his wife Rose Vasily Cathy Baker on the death of her father Charles Baker Matthew & Mwila Mejia on the loss of their son Lukwesa Matthew Steve Harris and Ann Bredensteiner on the death of grandfather Victor Harris Wanda Duvall, Jeff Duvall and Laura Duvall-Whitson on the death of husband and father Bill Duvall Cynthia Lyon on the death of her father Richard Strong
Earl Woodard on the death of his mother Ann Seals Cheryl Thomas on the death of her mother Mary Louise Adams Jan Emmons on the death of her father Dr. William Schafer Bonnie Rettig on the death of her father Robert Behr
Brad & Shannon Schleppi and Karen & Dean Schleppi on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Orla Grace Angus & Lesley Essenhigh and Phyllis Bishop on the birth of son and grandson Artemis Robert Nigel Jordan & Karli Simmons and Mike & Bobbi Simmons on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Isabella Grace Todd & Kelly Bradford on the birth of daughter Tess Elizabeth Steven & Nicole Simonsen and Darryl & Jeanette Moody on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Sophia Grace Tim & Erin McCoy Swike and Mike & Linda McCoy on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Madeline Grace Josh & Courtney O’Neal Bryant and Doc & Carol O’Neal on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Harper Mckinley Frank & Julie Otte and Tom & Paula Elam on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Sally Gayle
Bryn Bright on the death of her brother Douglas Nedderman
The next opportunities to join St. Luke’s are August 15 & September 12. Contact Sylvia Forbes at 846-3404 or forbess@stlukesumc.com to register.
Andy & Theresa Vasiento and Jerry & Linda Luther on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Callie Marie Adam & Molly Fuller, Bob & Karen Hebert and Tom & Patsy Tucker on the birth of daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter Mary Brooks Quincy & Amy Evans, Bob & Karen Hebert and Tom & Patsy Tucker on the birth of son, grandson and greatgrandson John Quincy Brent & Lisa Weil on the birth of son Julia Thomas Jeff & Rachel Blacker on the birth of daughter Amy Marie Brad & Tracy Stevens on the birth of their daughter Kinsley Mary
Brittany Thomasson & Luke Pittman on their wedding of May Kristin Calhoun & Jordan Heid on their wedding of May Laura Nicholson & Tyler Gay on their wedding of June Jennifer Clark & Darren Browne on their wedding of June Stephanie Benson & Paul Aikins on their wedding of June Lisa Hobbs & Brian Parker on their wedding of June Kathryn Leonard & Daniel Carter on their wedding of June Abbi Harrison & Ryan Achterberg on their wedding of June Morgan Hodge & Brett Perrill on their wedding of June
Andrea Harper & Patrick Hogan on their wedding of March Jennifer Sullivan & Kevin Schmidt on their wedding of May Ashley Costas & Chris Therasse on their wedding of May
Kara Brown & Brad Wells on their wedding of June Jill Collins & Dustin Holtsclaw on their wedding of June Katie Matson & Travis Wilson on their wedding of June
Beverly Bowman & Jeff Sherwood on their wedding of May
Eric & Christy Williams and Rob & Sandy French on the death of daughter and granddaughter Aubrey Christina
WELCOME!
Jake & Amy Nichols on the birth of daughter Emma Joy
new members
The following persons completed the March & May membership classes.
March 2009 (far left) Teena Anderson, Kim Faust, Karen Graham, Chuck Higdon, Roberta Higdon, Angela Larkins, Corey McGarrell, Mandy McGarrell, Amanda Snobarger, David Stark, Janelle Stark, Ben Yonker, Meredith Yonker
May 2009 (far right) Robert Benson, Joe Colter, Jeryl Lee Colter, Todd Dorough, Bevin Dorough, Bob Hawkins, Bonnie Hawkins, Matt Healy, Mary Hogan, Sue Hyland, Ekow Mensah, Victoria Mensah, Virginia Metsker, Chuck Miller, Kathy Miller, Scott Robisch, Jill Robisch, Tonya Simms, Kera Stall
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JULY—SEPTEMBER 2009 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 1569
Address Service Requested St. Luke’s United Methodist Church • West Street • Indianapolis, Indiana
bring a chair bring a blanket bring a friend
Sunday, August 9 5:30PM food • 6PM concert A joyous celebration of music brought to you by Later@St. Luke’s Music provided by Richard Ramsey with the Later band, Later gospel ensemble, Carla Shead, Pamela Westbrook from Nu Traditions & other special guests Adults $5 • Children under 12 free Advance tickets available