ST. LUKE’S CLERGY STAFF:
THE GARDEN CLERGY STAFF:
Kent Millard, Linda McCoy, Brian Durand, Marsha Hutchinson, Marion Miller, Stan Abell, Adolf Hansen
Linda McCoy, Stan Abell
ST. LUKE’S STAFF:
Anne Adams, Associate Director of Children’s Ministries; Kathy Alexander, Administrative Team Assistant; Jason Barnes, Director of AV/Media; Dawn Bick, Interim Assistant of Children’s Ministries; Betty Brandt, Director of Spiritual Life Center; Brad Cherry, Facilities; Jessica Cloud, Later@St. Luke’s Youth Coordinator; Terri Coe, Director of Adult Ministries; Lori Crantford, Director of Communications, Marketing & Development; Brian Durand, Director of Youth & College Ministries; Jan Emmons, Finance; Andy Engle, Youth Intern; Sylvia Forbes, Membership & Care; Brenda Freije, Student Pastor; Bryce Fuhrmann, Associate Director of Youth Ministries; Bertie Gilster, Front Office; Adolf Hansen, Theologian in Residence; Janelle Hatfield, Childcare Coordinator; Kathleen Headington, Associate Director of Youth Ministries; Martha Heinrich, IT Manager; Carol Helmus, Special Event/Wedding Coordinator; Sharon Holyoak, Oasis Bookstore Manager; Molly Huntemann, Youth Intern; Julia Johnson, Executive Director of Ministries; Faina Kleyner, Finance; Beth Lammers, Building Scheduler; 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; 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, Development & Celebration Team; Jessica Pollock, Young Singles Coordinator; 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; Alison Strawmyer, Weekday Ministries; 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 STAFF:
Troye Kinnett, Director, The Good Earth Band; Richard Ramsey, Creative Director; Steve Whipkey, Director, Oak Hill Band; Judy Tolley, Administrative Team Leader
is a publication of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 W. 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46260 Telephone: 317-846-3404 Fax: 317-844-1034 Web: http://www.stlukesumc.com Communion EDITORIAL/ PRODUCTION STAFF:
Editorial: Lori Crantford Design: Sarah Nevin Contributing writers: Betty Brandt, Suzi Collins, Dan Gangler, Don and Marilyn Griffith, Adolf Hansen, Carol Helmus, Sharon Holyoak, Griffy Housemeyer, Tony Hunley, Marsha Hutchinson, Jim Julien, Tara Lineweaver, Marion Miller, Kay Walla, David and Angie Whittaker. Circulation manager: Sylvia Forbes. NEXT COMMUNION DEADLINE:
celebrations & concerns CONDOLENCES TO:
Cindy O’Connor on the death of her mother Burnie Garrett Charley Myers on the death of his mother Eileen Myers Steve Pearson on the death of his mother Maleada Pearson Schock Ellen Kingston on the death of her father Richard Henkel Sherry Clark on the death of her father Ron Toler Jill Mazurek on the death of her father Larry Ryser
June 1, 2008 for the July/August issue.
IN THIS ISSUE: 4 5 6 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 25 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Tribute Stephen Ministry Grief Ministries Community Minstries Go Fish! Series Food Pantry Later@St. Luke’s The Garden The Call to Ministry Imagine Indiana UMM Spiritual Life Center Youth Ministries World Missions Music Ministries Childrens’ Ministries / Special Event Facilities Update Oasis UMW / New Staff Welcome New Members Strawberries & Jazz T.I.M.E.
staff
Ed Stevens on the death of his daughter Danielle Wasson Friends and family of Kathy Mattern Alice Luce on the death of her brother John William Miller Sharon Wagner, Gretchen Wagner and Emily Hodson on the death of husband and father Gerry Wagner Tujuianna Lockhart on the death of her mother Wanda Wilburn Risa Stockton on the death of her mother Ila Rooker Dorothy Craig, Marla Relford and Caryn Craig on the death of husband and father Maurice Craig Rose Castetter on the death of her husband Bob Castetter Jeff Bostic and Mike Bostic on the death of their grandmother June Bostic Melinda Cravens on the death of her husband Robert Cravens
Carolyn Scanlan on the death of her brother Donald Scanlan Alison Strawmyer on the death of her aunt Linda Snyder Rick & Janet Barb on the death of their sister-in-law Elizabeth Lempke Albert Nunery and family on the death of Grace Nunery Marty Copher on the death of her husband David Copher Susan Miller on the death of her father Bob Olson Dawn Bick on the death of her aunt Vindy Lawson Friends and family of Ginny Kuehn Van Cones and Anita Cohee on the death of wife and mother Eloise Cones Karen Rice, Elizabeth Pilnik, Molly Hull and William Rice on the death of husband and father Ray Rice Annette Moore on the death of her mother Velma Lee Moore
from the desk CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Laura Sutton & Nick Parks, Michelle Sutton and Rick Sutton on the birth of son and grandson Nicholas Aaron Joshua & Jessica Mason and Bob Mink on the birth of son and grandson Elliott David Dan & Amber Chesterfield and Betty Brandt on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Olivia Elizabeth Ed & Susan Simcox on the birth of daughter Katherine Rose Penny Hood and Gary Ayres on the birth of granddaughter and great-niece Madelyn Barb Ferris Jeffrey & Tracy Owens and Bob Mink on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Winnifred Ann
Michelle Robinson & Stephen Birrer on their wedding of March Sarah Gamber & Brian Smith on their wedding of April Jackie Zuerner & Chad Pittman on their wedding of April Laura Dumser & Andy Michel on their wedding of April Christine Caroll & Christopher Lintvedt on their wedding of April Christine Knowles & Ryan Ermel on their wedding of April
Friends: The General Conference of the United Methodist Church meets once every four years with about , delegates representing the million United Methodists from around the world. It will meet this year from April to May in Fort Worth, Texas; I will be attending as a reserve delegate from the South Indiana Conference. Newscope is a weekly news publication for United Methodist leaders around the world, and the editor asked me to write an article about my hopes for General Conference . Here is what I wrote: "I am very excited and hopeful about the General Conference . . . Our bishops and general agencies for the first time in recent memory have come together and articulated specific visions for our denomination that excite and inspire me to support and follow their leadership. They have articulated two compassionate visions which will bring life and hope to millions of people, and two leadership visions which will bring new life to countless people and congregations around the world.
“The two compassionate visions are:
1. To envision a world which is HIV/AIDS-free, malaria-free, and tuberculosis-free through the Global Health Initiative. Six million people die each year from these devastating diseases, and the UMC is in a position to partner with the UN Foundation, The Gates Foundation and other global organizations to work together toward the elimination of these diseases in much the same way that Rotary International partnered with these organizations to make the world % polio free over the past years.
2. To envision a world that is hunger- and poverty-free through the Poverty Initiative. Hunger experts maintain that we now have the capacity and knowledge to make the world hunger-free by if we make the commitment to do so.
“The two leadership visions are:
1. To envision a UM denomination in which all clergy and lay leaders are passionate, compassionate, visionary and Christ-like leaders in their local congregations, communities and conferences.
2. To envision new communities of faith that are birthed by local congregations and conferences and that bring new people to experience the unconditional love of God that comes to us through Jesus Christ. cont’d on page 7 3
tribute THIS PAST MARCH, THE ST. LUKE’S FAMILY LOST TWO VERY DEAR MEMBERS:
Wanda Wilburn may have worked on the custodial staff at St. Luke’s to clean and shine our premises, but it was her sparkling personality that brightened every room she entered. Wanda’s laugh, wide smile and complete willingness to just be herself are sorely missed. Wanda was born in Indianapolis on May 20, 1958. She attended Wood High School and was employed 25 years at several IPS locations, before her employment at St. Luke’s. She is survived by her daughter Tujuianna Lockhart (who is also on staff at St. Luke’s); her son Rathert Wilburn, Jr.; longtime companion Kenneth McNary; sisters Ramona Johnson and Priscilla Bell; brother, Lamonte Cook; stepbrothers John Henry, Robert Williams, and Henry Shelton; stepsister Ann James; godson Riheem Brown, six grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Wanda passed away on March 10, 2008.
Grace Nunery
It was 1967 when decided to learn to communicate with the deaf because a deaf family in their Goshen, Indiana community had taken a liking to Rev. Al Nunery after he performed a funeral for them, and they stopped by to see him. The way Grace told the story in the July/August 2005 issue of the Communion, “I opened the door,” Grace recalls, “and there they were. They wrote a note that said ‘We came to see Rev. Nunery.’ I gestured for them to come in and sit down, and we began a conversation through note passing. I had made a cake for when Al got back home later that night, so I wrote down ‘Do you want a piece of cake?’ Writing notes back and forth is a very slow process,” Grace continues. “If I had known sign language I could have simply signed ‘Cake you want?’ It was very tedious.” That first encounter was the seed that bloomed into the Indiana Deaf Family Camp and the Indiana Deaf Camp Foundation, her life’s work. The Foundation still has office space at St. Luke’s, and receives some support from the St. Luke’s Endowment Fund. Grace received the 1990 Indiana Jefferson Award for distinguished public service. She received numerous other awards for distinguished public volunteer service including the 1999 Mayor Goldsmith Volunteer Partnership Award, Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, and the 1971 Goshen Outstanding Woman of the Year Award. Grace was born December 11, 1918 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated as valedictorian of her college class at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati in 1939. She was the beloved wife of Rev. C. Albert Nunery (a former St. Luke’s associate pastor), and mother of Ruth (Mike) Allford, David (Debbie) Nunery, William (Mathieu) Nunery, and Dorothy (Timothy) Juergensen. She cherished her family and was blessed to have 18 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. In 1983, Grace founded the Indiana Deaf Family Camp, a not-for-profit community camping experience for all deaf children and their families, regardless of ability to pay. She captured the hearts and changed the lives of many deaf people during her years of service. It was her desire to show God’s grace and love always, and she will be remembered by many as “our Amazing Grace.” Grace passed away at the age of 89 on March 25, 2008.
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Travel the Yellow Brick Road with Stephen Ministry by Suzi Collins
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Wizard of Oz at the end of the yellow brick road could solve all of life’s problems? Well, we Stephen Ministers have nearly perfected L. Frank Baum’s original premise that there is a happier place somewhere over the rainbow. When you lack courage like the Cowardly Lion, we will listen and encourage you to find strength within. If too many tears have rusted you in place, ala the Tin Woodsman, we have an oilcan guaranteed to free your heart and let you see the possibilities of a new beginning. In addition, we have never met a Scarecrow that couldn’t be restored. Just like the Wizard of Oz, we listen with our hearts and minds, but we have zipped lips, never divulging any words whispered in our ears. We promise to be beside you as you travel your own yellow brick road. We Stephen Ministers are here to serve our wonderful congregation at St. Luke’s, and we invite you to consider becoming part of Stephen Ministry. If you have love overflowing, we want you to share your knowledge and life experience with us as a fellow Stephen Minister. We will feed you, teach you, make you laugh, make you cry and let you share your faith, hope and possibilities with others who perhaps are treading the same yellow bricks you have traveled. Ruby slippers are optional, but a sense of humor is mandatory. Please contact Mary Katherine Schnitz, Director of Care Ministries, schnitzm@stlukesumc.com or 8463404 x365, to apply for next fall’s class and begin a life-changing journey to over the rainbow and beyond.
Stephen Ministers on staircase BOTTOM: Dorothy and crew on stairs, and by day she’s known as that sweet Mary Katherine, but by night she becomes the wickedest witch of the Midwest... poor Gary! TOP:
caring ministries 5
Building Community in Difficult Places by Rev. Marsha Hutchinson
“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” :-
Important community building can often happen during the most unexpected of times, even during the painful period of learning to live without a beloved husband, fiancé, or
out-of-towners, homemakers, school counselors, and the list goes on. The weekly group is primarily women, but men do participate. Each man or woman has a uniqueness that adds to the group wisdom while also contributing to the empathy of shared pain. Every Sunday afternoon for two hours, the Parlor at St. Luke’s becomes a place of respite from a work week that can feel isolating, despite a multitude of co-workers. This is a community that is safe, accepting and understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies the journey that follows a traumatic loss of a life partner. Almost everything changes… family gatherings, personal identity, leisure activities, holidays, retirement dreams, finances, security, social life and so on. The present and the future can become a period of chaos.
ABOVE:
Rev. Marsha Hutchinson shares scripture and opening prayer with a new HUGS small group.
other significant relationships. If you would ask the people who are part of the on-going HUGS (Healing Under Grief Support) group, they would not hesitate to express the important connections and bonds that have formed between participants who did not know one another until tragic circumstances joined them together in the common denominator of grief. This St. Luke’s HUGS group is like a beautiful bouquet: a variety of teachers, nurses, business leaders, Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians, “unchurched” folks, caregivers,
grief ministries 6
The Sunday HUGS support group members (ages -something to -something) have spent the past months talking, listening, learning, laughing and finding relief in shared tears as they courageously talk about life and loss, one week at a time. These people would characterize their group as “the club that nobody wants to join, and now, couldn’t do without.” They now look forward to spending time together. There is a bond that forms when any hard work is done in a community setting, and
there is no harder work than grief work. It is a time that is mentally, physically and spiritually draining, but the work must be done, and there is no better way than in community with others who provide unconditional support… with those who just “get it.” When friends or family members of the group have their own losses, this open community takes the initiative to invite new people to attend for mutual support, and newcomers are embraced with open arms of understanding. As is often reflected within this group and other grief groups, the world wants the mourning period from any type of loss to be far shorter than is usually possible. People often say that we need to move on, but that kind of advice is frustrating. However, when the frustrations of navigating through the turbulent waters are shared with others who understand, there is comfort. Through working in groups such as HUGS, we can easily see that even in grief, God’s people learn that by being together, especially in our times of loss, there is potential to open doors to a new spiritual and personal journey. When people find “church” to be built on a solid foundation of “loving neighbor as yourself,” they can build relationships that are lifegiving and life-changing, even in the darkest of days.
Iron can sharpen iron. In the same way, people can help each other. :
FROM THE DESK, cont’d from page 3
“For the first time in recent memory our leaders are encouraging us to envision a new future, to dream big dreams and then to trust God to help us work out the details. I have discovered that when we have the faith and courage to envision a new and hopeful future, God brings about the miracles that it takes to turn a vision into reality. The challenge facing the General Conference delegates is to move from the old church politics of the past to a new vision for the future, and to move from caucus and conflict to compassion and cooperation for the sake of suffering people all around the world." By the time you read this the General Conference will be over and we will know if these visions become the driving force of our church or not, but I will be joining many
others in praying and working to help the United Methodist Church to focus forward and use its considerable influence in renewing the church for the sake of the transformation of the world. Whether the General Conference decides to embrace these visions or not, I know that St. Luke's United Methodist Church will continue to follow God's guidance in helping to free people all over the world from devastating diseases, hunger and poverty and developing a new generation of creative and visionary lay and clergy leaders. Grace and Peace,
Kent Millard 7
T.I.M.E. (Together in Ministry Everyday) Creating Community 90 in 90 Cycle by Lori Crantford
Got a Pew Pal? No? Get one!
2. The pupils of our eyes expand in order to let in
Over the span of the last several 90 Minutes in 90 Days, we have placed emphasis on connecting with service organizations in our community—local, global and inside the walls of our very own St. Luke’s community. As hundreds of you have participated, some really great work has been accomplished, and lasting volunteer relationships have been built. This time, however, we will be narrowing the focus down to Creating Community among the “strangers in our midst.” Did it ever occur to you that the people you don’t know don’t know you either? That you are someone else’s “stranger?” Who knew?!? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to really get to know more people in your church family? Do you have strangers in your own family? Sure, some family members are stranger than others... but you know what we mean. In general, you are acquainted with most members of your family. But that is likely not the case with your church family. Through the Creating Community focus, we are encouraging individual members and attenders of St. Luke’s —as well as ministry groups, Bible studies, book groups, social circles, etc.—to take our emphasis on outreach to the community, switch it up a bit and reach out to the “strangers” worshipping right where you are. We’re inviting you to make Pew Pals: to make friends with those who warm the pews with us on Sunday morning whom we might never have known before.
the light so that we might see better. When we allow ourselves to be Pew Pals, we are expanding ourselves in order to let more people and opportunities into our lives, and when we do that, don’t we see life better? During this TIME cycle (June 1–August 24), consider ways you can Create Community by making a few new Pew Pals... connecting with others in the congregation whom you haven’t met and making sure that those coming into our church feel extremely welcomed. Here are some ways we plan to do this:
1. Launch a pilot program with several members hosting events such as dinners or cookouts for others in the congregation to meet new people within the church and/or inviting others to connect too.
2. Encourage all ministry areas to invite members and newcomers to experience their programming and community.
3. Offer a “summer reading list” of six books such as our One Church, One Book offering during this cycle (see the article on the next page).
4. Host an all-church picnic on Sunday, August 24 at Oakhill Mansion as we celebrate newly-developed friendships and the ministering we have done within our congregation and outside of it.
Think of it this way:
1. When we are pupils (or “Pew Pals”) of God’s love, we become more loving and open, which allows for personal and spiritual growth; and
Information about all these opportunities will be published in a Connections Expo directory available on June 1. A list of the hosted events for members to sign up will also be available at a “Creating Community” fair on June 1. Don’t miss it. Meanwhile, look for Pew Pal coming to a seat near you!
creating community 8
together in ministry everyday ST. LUKE’S UMC
Summer 2008 Reading List Since summer vacations are right around the corner, the church leadership and lay leadership of TIME/90x90 have put together a summer reading list. The reading list is simply a compilation of books we might suggest for your reading pleasure. The selections range from page-turning novels to books that are based on the personal experiences of the writers and how their faith journeys have been affected, and a couple of books that will challenge you to think about your faith and world view. So—here we go… HAPPY READING!!!
The Greatest Salesman in the World The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew— Three Women Searching for Understanding by Ranya Idliby After the tragic events of 9/11 three women come to together, willing and open to challenge their understanding of each other and what is potentially always a frightening and divisive topic: their religious heritage and beliefs. Join their conversation.
by Og Mandino Would we remember a promise decades earlier, and then carry through with the vow? Would we trust in our faith enough to “give it all away?” Though an older book, the message of this classic is no less relevant today. A read that will ultimately challenge each reader to consider their core beliefs, and what really matters in life.
Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crisis, and a Revolution of Hope
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time
by Brian McClaren A book that challenges the reader to think about and evaluate the comfort zone of your faith and understanding of religious building blocks. Unconventional questions that we’ve all asked—if not out loud, then silently in the recesses of our own mind—are illuminated, and hopefully light is shed for the reader on the often—complicated questions we all struggle with on our faith journeys.
by Greg Mortenson The effect of personal relationships and free will choices and how these affect our future and world view. A book about all the communities in our lives and how we can really make a difference—not always easy, but with faith, hope, and love more than possible!
The Reason for God in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller Thirteen questions that everyone struggles with as we experience our individual and corporate faith pilgrimages.
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult A novel about the often perplexing intersection of personal choice and religious rules/beliefs of a faith community. The questions and dilemmas experienced by these fictional characters are not unique or impossible in the real world. With personal choice comes consequence—for everyone. 9
Construction Ministries by Tara Lineweaver
Construction Ministries, now beginning its third year as a St. Luke's Community Ministry program, is dedicated to aiding individuals in the Indianapolis community. Although we help in a number of ways, one of our primary objectives is to build wheelchair ramps at the homes of individuals who are in need. Prefabrication work is completed during the week at Second Presbyterian church, a partner in this mission, and ramps are assembled and installed at people’s homes nearly every Saturday from March to November. Last year, we built and assembled wheelchair ramps for special-need situations here in the Indianapolis area. And, we were especially productive during the last few months of the season because we had enough volunteers to work at two different locations on several Saturdays. As the saying goes, “When you give generously and help others in need, what you receive in return is as rewarding as the blessings you are giving.” Many of our volunteers experienced those feelings as they witnessed special situations and provided assistance towards improving them. Here are just a few of the people's lives we touched last year. Wendy is a young single mother of two who is confined to her wheelchair as a result of terminal breast cancer. We modified her existing ramp so she could more easily be taken to the hospital, which now occurs quite frequently. Wendy has an unbelievably positive attitude and concentrates on how thankful she is for her many blessings. She counts the ramp we built and the volunteers who offered their time to make it a reality amongst those blessings. Last October, we removed an existing decayed ramp and built a new one for Alma Scott. Alma's sons and daughter were so appreciative that all of them helped us build for three Saturdays. Then, they prepared a hot chili lunch followed by a cake. What a family! Our volunteers who participated in that build will not forget it soon. 10
community ministries Our last ramp of last year was for an elderly African American gentleman named Marvin Garner who was paralyzed years ago by a bullet. He was shot during a robbery while he was making payroll at his company. He lives alone in a modest home, but he has a heart full of gratitude and praise for the way in which our organization has helped him. During a recent phone call, Marvin could not stop praising and thanking us enough. He says that he is determined to join our organization and to use his skills and abilities next year to help us help others. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear this type of commitment and attitude is, "With God, all things are possible." In these, and in the many other instances we encountered over the last two years, we have seen people who have such burdens to bear in life and who have so few resources, but who are responding by finding ways to help others. Our work together this year has not only helped others directly but has also had a "Pay It Forward" effect. We cannot count the lives we may have touched indirectly with our ministry. Currently, St. Luke’s Construction Ministries sends between four and eight volunteers each week to build ramps. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a substantial difference in the lives of others by contributing a few days a year without the need to travel far from home; no prior construction experience is necessary.
LEFT: Amber,
a ramp recipient, expresses her joy
TOP: Thank
If you are interested in joining our efforts, please contact: Dave Boyer at tbucket2@sbcglobal.net or - or Kathy Minx at ka.minx@att.net or -.
you note you cake ABOVE RIGHT: (Left to right) James Sullivan, Patricia Sullivan, on their new ramp, with Barry Reed and Jim Semester (St. Luke's); Larry Speer and Al Erickson (2nd Presbyterian) ABOVE LEFT: Thank
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national focus Got Evangelism? by Lori Crantford
When the United Methodist Publishing House conducted research on how the word “evangelism” is perceived, they discovered that the infamous “E-word” is often avoided like the proverbial hot potato. Reasons cited were “negative connotations” (the threatening televangelist type), “unclear meaning,” “scary” (as in that knock on the door that no one wants, asking if one has been “saved” or not— seems responding “I got saved at the office” never really works . . . unless you work where I work), and “fundamentalist associations.” So: how to revamp the concept of bringing folks into the church without scaring them half to death first? I mean, that’s a marketing approach that might work for some, but it’s not really the United Methodist way. We prefer death by hugging. Those wily folks at the UM Publishing House, more specifically at Abingdon Press, decided to develop a series of resources based on the successful practices already in place at several UMC congregations across the country, that would equip other congregations to effectively engage the members of their community who are not currently attending church to attend church. No scaring involved. And, they furthermore decided to engage one Dr. Kent Millard to be the overall editor of the series, and to have St. Luke’s create the first of several programs under this series.
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Thus, beginning this fall, The Go Fish! Series will be available to congregations nationwide. This series encourages and equips congregations, making them ready to do God's fishing. The ultimate goal is to transform communities—moving from fear to faith, from complacency to compassion, and from greed to generosity. The outstanding Together In Ministry Everyday (T.I.M.E.) program developed by passionate, visionary lay and staff at St. Luke’s will be the debut of the Go Fish! Series. “The St. Luke’s T.I.M.E. concept of helping congregations learn how to share the love of Christ with persons in need in our communities through outreach ministries is the perfect way to launch this series,” said Paul Franklyn, Executive Director of New Business Development at Abingdon Press. “We are excited about this project and pleased to have the talents of Dr. Kent Millard, Lori Crantford and Mike Jensen working on the inaugural products of the Go Fish! Series. We know it will be an inspiring and effective tool in reaching people and bringing them to a closer relationship with Christ.” Kent and I will be developing a Handbook and Workbook for the series, as well as compiling a Weekly Devotional. Mike Jensen, videographer for The Garden, will be completing a companion DVD. Local graphic artist and Garden member Linda Newell designed the covers (shown here) for these materials. (The Go Fish! Series name and logo were designed by and are the property of Abingdon Press.)
While this is all very exciting, in the end it is a testament to the many hours of work done by persons of this congregation —including T.I.M.E. leaders Nanci Patterson, Scott Semester, Margaret Wood, Jennifer Todd, Terri Coe, Jayne Thorne, Marion Miller, and Brent Wright, as well as many hardworking volunteers including Donna Scheid, Lori Schick, Gary Chambers, Bill Eckert, Tom Haller and Roger Frick—on the T.I.M.E. program, and to the people of St. Luke’s who so enthusiastically embraced it. This church has been and continues to be transformed by God in order to transform the world into a more compassionate, inclusive, just and Christlike world. And that, my friends, is what the E-word is all about!
March UMW
Food Collection Report With great joy and thankfulness we are happy to report that through your generosity nearly 600 bags of food was divided between four food pantries: Vida Nueva, Fletcher Place, First Baptist and Brightwood. In addition we received a very generous donation from Tony Snider, Vice President of N.K. Hurst Company Indianapolis, Indiana, of 1344 cans of bean soup.
TOP:
LeAlice Briggs and her husband from First Baptist accepting the N.K. Hurst soup donation BOTTOM:
This March collection surpassed our last fall’s collection due to the generosity of Trader Joe’s in providing sacks. The sacks greatly contributed to the success of our food drive.
Jim Fields loading the cans of soup to take to First Baptist and Fletcher place
Thank you also to our delivery drivers Wendy McNarney, Sue and Jim Fields, Jayne Thorne, Jeff and Rachel Backer, and Lisa Harrell (Lamb). Many hundred souls were fed because you cared.
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worship WHEN THERE IS A CRISIS, to whom and how do you pray? How do you pray for forgiveness? How do you think prayer has influenced America’s social justice movements?
Later@St. Luke’s, a contemporary, interracial, intercultural worship service at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, is launching a new initiative. In cooperation with WFYI, for six Sundays in April, May and June, attendees will gather for dinner and discussion
Later Kid’s Club
of the themes presented in James Moore’s thought provoking book and documentary, Prayer in America. Upcoming dates for the series are May 4 & 18, and June 8 & 22. Dinner and discussion is at 4:30PM in Fellowship Hall, followed by a spirited worship service at 6PM in Robertson Chapel. Rev. Marion Miller is the pastor. All are welcome to attend regardless of religious denomination. Please RSVP for dinner to mariawblake@yahoo.com.
India Wilson and Jessica Cloud
LEFT:
by Rev. Marion Miller
Later@St. Luke’s is a congregation that is about embracing community. In other words, when it comes to outreach we focus beyond the four walls. Just recently we adopted approximately 20-plus children and youth from the Brookside Community Center’s program. They have been attending and participating in our Later Kid’s Club program since Palm Sunday. Later Kid’s Club consists of a variety of activities where the children are engaged immediately following our “meet and greet” time. The Club then becomes a multicultural group of children in various forms of music (choir), liturgical dance and arts and crafts. Also, a spiritual component that reflects the Sunday’s sermon for the evening’s worship experience is the overall theme for the children as well. To help coordinate these efforts are program directors from Brookside Community Center who works along with Jessica Cloud, Later’s Youth Coordinator. Jessica was recently sent to us by St. Luke’s Children Ministry primarily to help coordinate our Later Kid’s Club. She
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has a passion for mentoring both children and youth. Currently she is a junior at the University of Indianapolis, where she is majoring in youth ministry. In addition to her responsibilities at Later, she is employed by the YMCA. There she is involved with their before- and afterschool programs for youth, working primarily with elementary students. She has been a member at St. Luke’s for about six months. She is a member of the chancel choir, youth ministry, and she teaches 1st and 2nd grade Sunday school classes. We are excited about where God is leading this congregation as it relates to our future involving children within the worship experience. A youth choir is under development, and the Fox Hill Dance Studio is developing students who are a part of the liturgical dance ministry. The Later worship team is intentional about including children in worship when it comes to singing, dancing, or reading scripture. We are so excited to be providing this level of commitment and support to such a diverse group of young people. To God be the glory for what God is doing at Later@St. Luke’s.
10% More Light & Warmth at Joy’s House by Jim Julien It was a cold, wintry morning, and still dark outside, when The Garden’s Mike Jensen and Joleen House brought their video camera, lights and expertise to help warm and brighten the dayroom of Joy’s House in Broad Ripple, back when was just beginning to dawn. The two early birds were shown around the facility by Joanna, guest relations assistant. The three were planning to get equipment set up and in place before guests (clients) began arriving for their day’s activities. Joy’s House has been established to host people who either can’t stay home anymore (many are living with early stages of various diseases) and adults who are simply getting older and looking for safety, community and care throughout the day. The organization was created from one woman’s dream (Tina McIntosh) who is never hesitant to share that Joy’s House has been a spiritual journey for her. Since the first year of opening its doors, the center has provided hundreds of families with adult day services. Mike and Joleen’s purpose, as members of The Garden’s Tech Team, was to photograph and record folks arriving at Joy’s House early in the morning, then to document some of the many activities the guests were to be involved in throughout the day.
The % Team, which resulted, was started in , and is being led in by Beth Fried. Twelve times a year, The Garden contributes between - to an organization; those amounts represent % of contributions collected each month at the Beef & Boards and Oak Hill sites. “We share our love for all people,” says Beth, “by reaching out to those in need.”
And what is The Garden’s tie to Joy’s House? According to Linda McCoy, The Garden’s lead pastor and founder, it’s one of the programs chosen each month by The Garden’s % Team. And that team originally came about from a discussion among The Garden’s Leadership Team. Two Gardeners, John and Carolyn Mutz, had know of such a ministry in another church, and suggested that The Garden consider doing something itself along the lines of a % Giving Ministry.
After the project grew, the video portion of the gift (which Mike and Joleen were shooting at Joy’s House) was developed when it became clear that the two found meaning in meeting the representatives and recipients associated with these organizations. It was soon determined that having a professionally-produced video (given free of charge to each organization) helped each group spread and broadcast its story, which helped engender additional funding and fill volunteer slots.
Linda McCoy says, “After a great deal of conversation, we chose to demonstrate the philosophy that God is a God of abundance--not scarcity. Although The Garden struggles each year to meet all its expenses, the unanimous decision was that we wanted to share 10% of what we received with the other nonprofit organizations which could respond to the needs of the community in targeted and direct ways.”
Overall, the % Program donated , to other organizations last year. All recipients and details are available on The Garden’s website at www.thegardenonline.org.
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the call to ministry Taking the Next Step by Dr. Adolf Hansen
There are a number of steps on the road to ordination in the United Methodist Church. And they take years to accomplish. The first one is a time of INQUIRY. It often takes months—sometimes even years. It is a time during which a person discerns his or her call to ministry, both individually and by participation in a Ministry Inquiry Group. The second step leads to a DECLARED CANDIDATE status. It takes place through a process that begins with an interview and recommendation by members of our StaffParish Relations Committee, and ends with an approval by our Charge Conference. The third step involves a process of becoming a CERTIFIED CANDIDATE. It starts with an interview by the Indianapolis West District Committee on Ordained Ministry and continues for several months, during which the candidate fulfills a number of requirements that include items such as written answers to questions, documentation of service in a local congregation, psychological tests, legal and financial declarations, and letters of reference. There are three individuals from St. Luke’s who have completed these three steps: Sharon Baker, Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs and Jill Moffett. Some of you have known one, two, or all three of them through their involvement in and through the life of our congregation. I have had the privilege of serving as their mentor through these processes during the past four years. The “next step” for each of the candidates is the act of COMMISSIONING. This begins with a recommendation from the District
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Committee and continues for several months, during which time the candidate formulates and submits a substantial number of written documents that include several statements of belief and practice, a sermon, multiple letters of reference, documentation of satisfactory service in a local church, etc. This is followed by intensive and thorough interviews with members of the South Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry during the year in which a candidate is completing his or her three-year theological education. After a three-year period of “residence in ministry”—a time when the candidate is appointed to serve in a United Methodist congregation—the final step is the act of ORDINATION. On the evening of June , , these three members of St. Luke’s will be commissioned by Bishop Michael Coyner at a service of worship at the annual meeting of the South Indiana Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. This is a gathering of all clergy, together with an equal number of lay persons, from all the United Methodist churches in the southern half of the state. For the service of commissioning and ordination, all members of St. Luke’s are invited to attend. Each of the candidates will be graduating from seminary with a Master of Divinity this year.
Sharon Baker
will be completing her studies at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She also holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and has served several years as an attorney. In addition, while in
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Sharon Baker, Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs, Jill Moffett
seminary, she served as a pastor at Central Avenue UMC in Indianapolis, and was very instrumental in assisting that congregation to merge with Lockerbie Square UMC to become Lockerbie Central UMC. She currently serves as a pastor at the New Market-Waverly UMC in New Market.
Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs will be graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (on the campus of Northwestern University) in Evanston, Illinois—the institution from which Carver McGriff received his MDiv degree and at which I served as a vice president and a member of the faculty for years prior to coming to St. Luke’s. Jenifer is also close to completing a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development at the University of Illinois. Prior to entering seminary she was an elementary education teacher as well as a curriculum researcher and a professional development coach. She has served as a pastor at Salem UMC in Barrington, Illinois for the three years she has been in seminary. Last August she married Jeremiah Gibbs who is completing his first year as a PhD student in Theology and Ethics.
Jill Moffett
will be receiving her seminary degree from Candler School of Theology (on the campus of Emory University) in Atlanta, Georgia. During her time in seminary she served as a chaplain at Emory University Hospital, as a staff member at the Metro Atlanta
Project at Northside UMC, and as a pastor at Brookhaven UMC in Atlanta. In August of this year she will be getting married to Corey Howard, who is also receiving his MDiv degree.
In the past two years, five other persons from St. Luke’s have been commissioned: Brian Durand and Marsha Hutchinson in June , and Stan Abell, Kevin Raidy, and Brent Wright in June . They will be eligible to be ordained in (Brian and Marsha), in (Stan, Kevin, and Brent), and in (Sharon, Jenifer, and Jill). At the same time, there will likely be others from St. Luke’s who will be commissioned in , , and , as well as the years following. The process of developing outstanding leaders for the United Methodist Church in Indiana continues in and through St. Luke’s. It’s a very important process and I am not the only one who has the privilege of assisting candidates on their journey. Many of you do as well, whether it’s through your influence as a clergy or lay staff member, or whether it’s through your service as a lay volunteer. We are a team committed to finding, encouraging, advising, and supporting candidates for ministry—some called to be clergy and some called to be laity, but all called to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world—all to the glory of God!
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The following article is reprinted by permission from the March 2008 issue of Hoosier United Methodists Together
Imagine Indiana Places Focus of New Conference on Congregations: A SUMMARY by Daniel R. Gangler The new conference plans to bring ministry resources closer to congregations. INDIANAPOLIS—The Imagine Indiana
Design Team recently completed its report to the North Indiana and South Indiana Annual Conferences for their approval in creating a new Indiana Conference uniting the existing conferences. Both sessions will consider the -page report later this spring. Each of the state’s , United Methodist congregations is equally represented by clergy and lay members during the two conference sessions. According to the design team plan, the goal of the new conference is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The Imagine Indiana Design Team believes that stronger congregations, better stewardship of God’s resources, and a united voice for Christ working in and through the United Methodist Church across Indiana are the expected results of this new plan for a new Indiana Conference. The plan calls for the focus of the new Indiana Conference to be on congregations, their pastors and members. The -member design team believes the new conference will be more conducive to responding to the needs of congregations than the two existing conferences. The new conference plans to bring ministry resources closer to congregations, the place where people are welcomed into Christian faith and nurtured spiritually, to strengthen congregations.
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Support for congregations The new conference will support congregations in a variety of ways. These include ministry clusters and clergy covenant groups. Each congregation will be part of a ministry cluster composed of four to nine congregations. In clusters, congregations will support each other and work together to minister to the needs of their communities. For example, the newly formed New Albany cluster will sponsor a communitywide Vacation Bible School this summer. Other cluster activities will include combined worship services during holy seasons. Clusters also will work together to support community centers and youth programs. Another way to strengthen congregations, according to the plan, is through clergy covenant groups. All pastors will be a part of self-selected covenant groups. Through these groups, pastors will support each other in their ministries. Several pastors already depend upon a covenant group for their emotional, intellectual and spiritual support. This support has been reflected in more vital congregations.
Resource centers Currently, congregations are divided into districts, each led by a superintendent. In this plan, ten district superintendents will assist the bishop in overseeing and resourcing congregations and their pastors in ten districts. In the design team’s plan, five resource centers for congregations will be placed across the state. Each center will house two district superintendents, at least one administrative assistant and a coordinator in congregational ministry. Each center also will be a center for communication.
Conference center Most congregational resources are now provided through two conference centers—the North Indiana Conference Service Center in Marion and the South Indiana Conference Center in Bloomington. The proposed Indiana Conference will have a Conference Center located in Indianapolis. It will include the bishop, his staff and a conference staff. The center brings together administration, finance, human resources, ministry programming, communication and new congregation development. The focus of the Conference Center will be resourcing congregations. A Conference Leadership Team of members will provide oversight and ongoing leadership for the new Conference. Unique to this team is the inclusion of both program and finance. In this plan communication will be coordinated through a single conference source. There will be strong communication ties with news and information among the five resource centers. Communication will provide a unified Web site and e-mail lists, plus teleconferencing to resource congregations. The proposed budget for the new conference is in progress under the lead of Brent Williams, treasurer (NIC) and Jennifer Gallagher, treasurer (SIC). The proposed budget will be reviewed and added to the report before the report is printed. The Design Team provides proposals for both annual conferences to take another step in creating a new Indiana Annual Conference by June . There will be a variety of time lines for implementing decisions related to insurance and pensions, asset management and other functions of the new conference that will be phased in over a period of time.
Upon approval in this year’s two annual conferences, Bishop Coyner will appoint a transition team to begin bringing these plans to reality. Open communication will keep each congregation and each leader apprised of the progress. Hundreds of decisions still need to be made as Hoosier United Methodists continue to shape their future. (in alphabetical order): Frank Beard, Kokomo District Superintendent of the (NIC); James Bushfield, director of connectional ministries (SIC); Jennifer Gallagher, treasurer (SIC); Mark Gough, director of connectional ministries (NIC); Adolf Hansen, consultant; Kayc Mykrantz, lay leader (NIC), Judi Purvis, Vincennes District Superintendent (SIC), Cindy Reynolds, Warsaw District Superintendent (NIC); Brent Williams, treasurer (NIC); and Ike Williams, lay leader (SIC). Indiana Area staff members on the team included, Bishop Mike Coyner, convener; David V. W. Owen, executive assistant to the bishop; and Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication. Also on the team were Beth Ann Cook, prayer co-chair (SIC) and Paula Gast, prayer co-chair (NIC). The complete downloadable Imagine Indiana Design Team Report can be found by logging on to www.inareaumc.org. A printed report will be distributed before the annual conference sessions. Questions about the report can be directed to the Rev. David V.W. Owen at ImagineIndiana@InAreaUMC.org or Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church, W. St., Suite , Indianapolis, IN .
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Celebrating the Ministry of United Methodist Men by Tony Hunley
The year 2008 marks two very important milestones for the ministry of our men here at St. Luke’s. First, It is the centennial of the official launch of men’s ministry in the United Methodist Church and, second, the first anniversary of our chartered unit of United Methodist Men here at St. Luke’s.
An open group of men who attempt to discern and embrace what is at the heart of men. And sometimes, yes that means running around in the woods, rappelling, shooting the breeze around a campfire, but it also entails speaking from our heart and sharing our feelings.
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In both cases, there were men’s organizations prior to these official beginnings, but there’s just something special about celebrating the milestones of the official start. It’s kind of like celebrating wedding anniversaries. One doesn’t discount all the years prior to the wedding date, but they nonetheless celebrate the milestone anniversaries from that date. Just like a couple who has ‘survived’ their first official year of union, we too are feeling merry about our first year. And what a year it has been! As president of this growing organization, I am so proud of everything that has been accomplished. It is an extremely similar pride to that of a father of his children. Now, I’m not saying I’m the dad and all the guys are my kids. As a matter of fact, I’m probably the kid. I am trying to use the analogy, however, to give it some sort of context. Truth be told, I have no idea how to put my feelings of pride, joy and celebration into words when it comes to this organization. One of my biggest quests over this past year has been to act as an ambassador to our church on behalf of the ministry to help people really understand what UMM is about. There are a lot of misconceptions that exist about what Men’s Ministry might be. I’ve taken it on as my job to clear those misconceptions and describe who we really are. Actually though, it’s easy to start with who we aren’t. We are not: • • • •
idle men who sit around and complain about our spouses and kids, a secretive group of guys running around in the woods shooting bows and arrows, all retired men over the age of 75, or a ‘club’ that is closed to new members or ideas.
We are much more than that. Our purpose as stated in our constitution is to be… a creative, supportive fellowship of men who seek to know Jesus Christ, to grow spiritually, and to seek daily his will. Its primary purpose is to declare the centrality of Christ in the lives of men and in all their relationships. To flip the ‘are not’s’ into positives, we are:
•
Active men who serve our church and community, speak what’s on our minds and hearts to each other, and support each other as we strive to be better Christians, fathers, spouses, employees/ employers, sons, friends, citizens, and well, men.
•
An open group of men who attempt to discern and embrace what is at the heart of men. And sometimes, yes that means running around in the woods, rappelling, shooting the breeze around a campfire, but it also entails speaking from our heart and sharing our feelings.
•
Retired men over the age of 75, retired men under the age of 75, working men in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond; fathers of infants, toddlers, children, teenagers and adults; husbands, spouses, boyfriends and confident single men—we are diverse and still celebrating and growing in our diversity.
•
An organization of men seeking to celebrate our masculinity, open to new members and new ideas.
The heart of the ministry of the men of St. Luke’s is, simply put, to engage other Christian men, encourage each other as we seek Christ and to grow in our faith by prayer, Bible/book study, and witnessing through deeds and actions, and support each other in our desire to be enrolled in our lives with our family, with our church and with our community. I hope by now you have seen us put these principles into action. We have sought ways to serve our church. One way that has been observed is our culinary skills. We have, at the request of Dr. Millard and the Worship Planning Team, hosted multiple breakfasts for the church. Even though it is hard work, it’s also been a lot of fun. We have a great time in the kitchen, and believe it or not, a lot of spiritual and personal development occurs over flipping a pancake. Don’t get too excited; we won’t be serving breakfast every Sunday, but do
expect to see more of our infamous breakfast a few times each year. We have also conducted programs that have celebrated and supported our marriages, families and our spiritual development. This past February, we hosted a Marriage Enrichment Weekend for 20 couples. Expect to see an article on that experience in the next issue of Communion as we also announce our co-sponsorship of two more weekends with the Marriage Ministry. In March, we conducted our second Raising a Modern Day Knight group study with 19 dads seeking ideas and support as they continue the challenge of raising their sons as Christian men. We also launched a monthly program for dads as they confront the mystery of raising daughters. We had 21 dads join us in a two-part program to launch this group that is now examining book studies and possible events (i.e. a Father/Daughter Dance) that we can do in the future to celebrate and support the father/daughter relationship. UMM is making a difference. Over this next year, I hope to continue showing our family of St. Luke’s how we are doing so, as well as enrolling more men into our ministry. On June 15 (Father’s Day), we will have an opportunity to build upon what I’ve shared in this article as we celebrate United Methodist Men’s Sunday in worship services. It will be a powerful day that will celebrate how your men of St. Luke’s are actively engaging the church and trying to make in a difference in our lives and yours. I hope you will join us on this very special Sunday. In addition, I invite you to be in conversation with us and find a way to get involved or support your son, father, spouse or friend as he gets involved with the ministry of men at St. Luke’s. There are hundreds of firsts waiting to be discovered.
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And a Little Child Shall Teach Me by Betty Brandt I wonder why holding a sleeping baby doesn’t ever make it to the top of the “Suggestions for Stress Relief” list. I asked myself this as I spent some time every day between March 7 and March 23 (Easter) holding my first grandchild, Olivia Elizabeth. When I sat for hours just holding her and watching her funny newborn baby faces I realized that the normal stress of Holy Week was melting away. These were sacred moments! I was completely in the “NOW!” I was connected to the Divine! I was in prayer! So then I began to wonder: if prayer can be defined as a connection to the Divine by being fully present in the moment, what other moments are prayer for me? The first thing that came to mind is the hour I spend from 9:30-10:30AM every Sunday morning with my fellow “Speaking of Faith” fans. “Speaking of Faith” is a radio show hosted by Krista Tippet on NPR (90.1FM) every Sunday morning at 7AM. Krista converses about religion, meaning, ethics and ideas with a different fascinating guest each week. Then an ever-changing group of us gather at 9:30AM to discuss whatever subject Krista has just offered. We come together to listen to each other, hear ourselves uncover a new thought, play with ideas and love the community we are building. These too are sacred moments! I am again completely in the “NOW!” Baby yoga: Betty and Olivia
No head is bowed, no special words are said, no ritual is performed and yet it is an hour of prayer. I come away refreshed and energized and more fully connected to the spark of God in myself and in each person around the table. Why should I ever deprive myself of these sacred moments? Why should you ever deprive yourself of these sacred moments? Join me in finding a way to be fully present in the “NOW!” Join me on Sunday morning at 9:30AM in the Spiritual Life Center, or volunteer to hold babies so their parents can go to worship, or meditate, or walk a labyrinth, or watch the squirrels play, or listen to the birds sing, or stare at the beauty of a flowering tree, or dig in the dirt. This is prayer! This is a connection to the Divine! Rejoice and be glad!
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youth ministries Yesterday, Today, and Forever by Griffy Housemeyer
My first memory of youth group was losing in a ping-pong game. I vividly remember the situation. I was in grade and was playing an grader I barely knew named Matt Howe. I really didn’t know anyone. I tried my hardest to win, but Matt ended up beating me. I remember actually being a bit mad that I had lost and a little annoyed that I had actually come to this “youth group” thing. But what I remember next is the turning point in both that situation and my life. We were invited to sit down on some old yet comfortable couches, take out a Bible, and simply talk. I had never experienced something like this before, and I loved it. Being a part of this community of about seven youth and having the opportunity to learn more about my faith became so special to me. I yearned for Bible Study every week, and I soon found out Matt Howe wasn’t so bad after all. We quickly became good friends and I made sure to finally beat him at ping-pong.
class will take over as seniors, and I have complete confidence in the amazing leaders they will be. Over time, this place, this community has become the center of my life. I have spent so much time here, and experienced so many great things, that I am having trouble imagining my life without it. I have given my whole self to this youth group. I have put my heart into this place, and I know it will hurt to tear it away. Lately, though, I have been remembering a common phrase said at Carmel High School. It’s a phrase they repeat every year to students, starting all the way back to the first day of freshmen year: “You only take with you what you leave behind.” I didn’t understand what it meant at first, and actually found it more confusing than anything, but now I am beginning to grasp what it means. I will be leaving behind all the opportunities and experiences I had here, but as I move on in my life, I will always be able to carry the memories of them in my heart. I believe there is nothing better than a memory. Though some memories may hurt, they represent times for us that meant something, and we can take them with us wherever we go. No one can steal a memory from you, and no one can destroy one. They’re a little gift from God to help us get through hard times and to remind us what is important in our lives.
Before I knew it, I had become a real part of this youth group, participating in and even leading some activities. Thanks to Brian, who urged me to be in groups and committees, I had the chance to meet so many new people and make an impact on the youth program. My high school years have flown by and I now find myself close to graduating. Griffy with an African pal It’s difficult for me to grasp this. I remember always looking up to the older youth who seemed to be so confident in their faith and such great leaders. There were always older youth to be there as mentors. But this year has been different. This year I have been one of those older youth, and I hope and pray that I was able to lead these youth and be a mentor to them as others once were to me. And next year, a new, outstanding
I have so many memories from St. Luke’s, so many blessings to remember. In my time here, I have had the chance to meet some of the most amazing people and make friends that have truly made me a better person. I have been guided by strong mentors who I owe so much to, and have been strengthened in my faith by retreats and workcamps. 23
I will always remember one certain retreat. During the spring of my sophomore year we had a mystery retreat to Indianapolis. When we realized we weren’t going somewhere far away (like Nashville the year before), we honestly were a bit disappointed. This was Indianapolis, the place we all knew already. Yet as the retreat continued and we came together as a group, we all realized that retreats aren’t about the place, but the community. Our group came together as one to experience God and to learn more about our own city. Some of the most memorable worship I have had at St. Luke’s was on that retreat. When the retreat was over, everyone left with the feeling that we had really accomplished something in the world.
know Emily at all before the trip, but once we were in Africa, we became instant friends. Throughout the trip we would speak in an English accent and always had as much fun as possible. That’s what this youth group is about: having fun and enjoying the life God has given us. I find it so fitting that my first memory of youth group is pingpong because of this. Without this youth group I would have missed out on so many of these exciting opportunities and I would not have met people like Emily Bingham, who is now like the older sister I never had. This place has created friendships for me that are deeply rooted in Christ.
You only take with you what you leave behind.
This feeling of accomplishment has become common for me here. Everything we do is structured around the idea of making a change in peoples’ lives through worship, outreach and fellowship. I was blessed to be able to help lead our last two fall kickoffs, which had attendances of over youth. Nothing is better than for that many youth to come together to enjoy life and worship God. Above everything else that I have experienced here, I was most blessed to have the opportunity to go to Kenya this past summer. Some of my fondest and most profound memories are from this trip. My eyes were opened to the hardship people on the other side of the world are going through, but more importantly, they were opened to the amazing fullness of life those people experience. It is a life I believe is closer to the desires of God, and I strive to achieve that life each and every day. There are too many memories from Africa to even choose from, but what really sticks out to me are the relationships I forged while on that trip. I became so close to people I didn’t really even know beforehand and now have friends all the way across the globe. The experiences we all had will always bind us together, no matter where we are. I am extremely blessed to have met all the people on the Africa trip, one of which was Emily Bingham. I didn’t even 24
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past years, it is that Jesus is the center of everything, and as long as a person recognizes that and allows him to be there in their life, they will experience what it truly means to live. In Jesus is all love, all hope, all strength, and all freedom. Though life is an up-and-down ride of joy and sadness, Jesus remains constant forever. We are told that Jesus is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” In my personal life I have seen how no matter what I am going through, the church and the community of friends in Christ that I have is always a constant reminder of God’s unfailing love. There is so much more that St. Luke’s has done for me that will forever stay written on my heart. I probably don’t even realize everything it has taught me and prepared me for. What I do know is that as I go to college, and some day as I move on into my own adult life, I will look back on my years here with utmost happiness. Maybe someday I’ll look back and see everything this place has given me. Until then, I will keep it close and treasured. This youth group has helped shape me through all my yesterdays, it is my rock on which I stand today, and it is my hope and guide and heart forever. To all of you I have come in contact with here, to all my friends, my mentors, my brothers and sisters in Christ, my family, I thank you innumerable times for the love and hope you have given me, and the opportunity to become closer to God and to experience life in Jesus. May God forever bless you.
sierra leone report Finding Hope in Sierra Leone by Don and Marilyn Griffith
Two teams left Indiana in January to work in Freetown and upcountry in Bo and Taiama. Our goal was to bring hope to a poor country racked by poverty and the effects of a brutal -year civil war. Instead, we found hope. As Vickie Newkirk, South Indiana Conference UMW president said, “They (the Sierra Leoneans) live with hope in spite of the devastation and trauma.” They shared their hope with us. Both teams spent the first weeks of their time at Kissy Hospital in Freetown, described by Heather Jones, an occupational therapist from St. Luke’s, as a hopeful place. In spite of poverty and conditions unfamiliar to Western eyes, it is filled with working people who have dreams of providing excellent care. Kadiatu (Kadie Hope, we call her) works with families a month teaching good nutrition using locally available foodstuffs. Steven, a volunteer physical therapist, works many hours a week at Kissy because he sees the good and loving care provided by a staff limited by shortages of supplies. One of the early tasks was to unpack new laboratory equipment to help the hospital move toward a program of
service unique in this city of a million and a half. A new hematocrit (a blood analyzer) now permits the hospital to do tests we in the West take for granted. A new microscope lets staff test for malaria, parasites and typhoid. Harry, the lab director, commented that he can use the scope all day and still go home with his eyes fresh! The medical teams taught use of lab equipment, EKG and ultrasound, which helped the staff provide better care for very sick patients. Surgery procedures, minor and major, were performed, the nurse anesthetist was taught new techniques, and the staff in the labor and delivery unit learned new skills. Sister Janet Bio, head midwife, commented, “What Dr. Linda did with the post-partum hemorrhage, I now do all the time.” One night a tiny baby near death from malnutrition was admitted. His temperature was extremely low and he was dehydrated. Our personnel warmed stones, placed them around his tiny body, searched for a site for an IV on his hands and head. For what seemed hours they struggled to save his life. They also worked with the mother, a malnourished widow with no support. They gave her funds for food, taught her how to feed the baby and became agents of hope. To make life better at the hospital, team members installed electrical systems so that the lab could have safe power for the new instruments hours a day, and the eye hospital could correct problems that kept blowing bulbs in expensive equipment used for eye examinations. Another system was installed that, for the first time in the hospital’s history, provides light in the labor and delivery rooms at night. The second week, the teams went four hours (although, in actuality, it’s more like eight hours) to Bo and Taiama. Bo is a city that was a rebel center and suffered great damage
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Our First, But Not Last, Mission Trip by David and Angie Whittaker
Having never been on a mission trip, yet alone to Africa, my wife and I jumped at the opportunity offered by Don and Marilyn Griffith to travel with an evolving group of strangers—soon to be friends—to Sierra Leone, a distant land that at the time we knew very little about. Unsure as to our exact role upon arrival, we found comfort in Don’s offering to “come and see” Sierra Leone: its people, passion and vibrance coupled with its devastatingly profound need for the basic necessities we all take for granted in America. In the months prior to our departure date, the eclectic team of various professionals hurriedly set out to gather the items necessary for the upcoming trip. The group, consisting of spiritual leaders, businessmen, nurses, therapists, accountants, doctors, technicians and students all departed from Indianapolis on January 12, 2008 with the goal of doing as much as possible with the precious little time we had while in Sierra Leone. After traveling for 48 hours, we arrived in Freetown to witness conditions that no amount of research in pictures nor words can justly describe. I distinctly recall the initial conflict of emotion that brought the group to tears, while at the same time motivating us to work despite our weary state. At that time little did any of us truly know of the profound impact we would have while in Africa, but we were all ready to try. Arriving at the hospital, we were amazed by the number of school children of various ages sponsored by the United Methodist Church running to greet and observe the strangers to their homeland. We quickly found allies and acceptance in the children who were always eager to ask questions, hold your hand, play soccer, or ferry you from location to location. Hindered by the unfortunate realities and constraints of life gained from years of war and the daily struggle to survive, the adults were naturally reserved at first and rightfully hesitant to commit themselves to the ideas and suggestions of American fresh from the airport. As the warm days passed and endless work in the form of medical teaching, clinics and construction projects continued, the concern and resignation initially displayed beautifully gave way to camaraderie, trust and teamwork. Sharing a unified vision, it was amazing to work side by side in conjunction with the Leonese to accomplish numerous goals that did and will continue to have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day operation of the hospital and surrounding community. In just two weeks, our group made significant gains with interpersonal relationships, education and infrastructure. We eagerly anticipate our return to visit with friends, evaluate the ongoing progress, and continue showing these strong people with tremendous need that others care and, as on Sierra Leonean remarked, “In time, things will get better because you are here.”
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FINDING HOPE, cont’d from page 25
during the war. Some of the team worked at Mercy Hospital, teaching while others visited the Indy West School, Taiama Secondary School. The second team also conducted medical clinic team at the Taiama Clinic and saw well over patients in three days. At the school, members visited with the local paramount chief and Sylvanus Williams, the school principal, who thanked St. Luke’s for the funds used to paint and repair a large classroom building for their Jr. High. We provided funds to rebuild a roof that was collapsing. Supplies from Indy West were distributed, and we had the privilege of providing needed tools that had been sent for the Industrial Arts Department. Some women of the group sat in with the sewing instructors who thanked us for the five new sewing machines which now equip the home economics department. One teacher shared, “It was a miracle that your sewing supplies came when they did. We were down to next to nothing.” When handed simple ballpoint pens, students began to cry, “My exams, my exams, now I can take my exams.” Vickie Newkirk commented, “It was like we had given them keys to a new Red Mustang.” Mr. Williams again stated his priority and the priority of the school to expand the library. Students do not have books and if they are
to read, they must go to the library. At present the library only seats forty of the students. As we heard the gratitude expressed, we could not help but recognize we were privileged above all to share in those moments and look forward to the next steps. The gift we can best give Taiama is our planned expansion of the library, which will give the school a desperately needed facility. If funds are available in these inflationary times, we would hope to include a computer lab and the needed power source for it. For Kissy Hospital, the need we can best meet is to remodel the current outpatient building which has over patients moving through each week. In consultation with hospital staff, we propose to improve traffic flow, reconfigure offices, waiting areas, and the nutrition and maternity departments. As the hospital grows, these modifications will help serve a growing patient load and increasing medical staff. Thanks, St. Luke’s for making this possible. PICTURED:
The St. Luke’s team and scenes from Sierra Leone
sierra leone report 27
“Now I Know Why I Came” —HONDURAS MEDICAL BRIGADE 2008 by Kay Walla Listen to the voice of Dr. Bill Whitson, “Now I know why I came. I’ve just saved a child’s eyesight.” This revelation came to Bill during the ninth annual Medical Brigade in Honduras while delivering medical care to people in mountain villages who have no access to such care. A little girl was being examined by one of the doctors present. He discovered that one eye was not moving properly and sent her to “Dr. Bill,” our eye specialist on this trip. Dr. Bill discovered there was a sliver of metal in her eye. He borrowed a tool from his friend and our trip’s oral surgeon, Ron Nellen from Wisconsin, and removed the object from the child’s eye. While packing up to close the clinic, Bill shared those words for the day: “Now I know why I came. I’ve just saved a child’s eyesight.” The Medical Brigade is a collaborative effort of Vida Nueva United Methodist Church in downtown Indianapolis, Metro Ministries for the East and West Districts of the South Conference, and St. Luke’s. In early February a -member team traveled to Honduras and set up clinics in six different mountain villages. In eight days they treated , patients. Two of the sites required a three-hour bus ride and when the bus broke down, one day it was a five-hour trip. On long trips the team sleeps in a school and opens a clinic the next day until mid-afternoon, traveling back to Tegucigalpa before dark. Five people trained in nursing—Marty Williams, Ann Halfman, Carolyn Lew, Terri Sams and Mary Haslinger—served as triage, sending people on to one of our five doctors as needed. Dr. Dick Lautzenheiser, rheumatologist, drained fluid from joints, relieving painful pressures. He has been there before and was sometimes greeted with smiles from returning patients. Dr. Ron Nellen pulled about teeth. Dr. Ed Blackburn, general practitioner, and R.B. Mernitz, general surgeon, saw patients with all kinds of illnesses; they prescribed medicines and treatments. Dr. Bill took with him and distributed almost pairs of glasses, giving people an opportunity to read and see better. Dr. Beth Kline organized the pharmacy and directed the use of the medicines. She also purchases the medicines and helps Robin Andres and David Penalva prepare the shipping container to get the meds there. At some sites we also had Dr. Jorge, a Honduran doctor and David Penalva’s brother-in-law, working with us. Non-medical members of the team stayed busy as well. Some cleaned out ears while others worked in the pharmacy, helped with crowd control, administered tetrazine for parasite control and helped to set up and dismantle the clinic. At the conclusion of each clinic, all medicines must be packed and reloaded on the 28
truck. Mike Frazee always assumed responsibility for collecting money for, then buying and distributing rice and beans. Other team members included Mike Adkins, Tammi Ashley, Tyler Ashley, Ken Berry, Ken Hollis, Jan Lautzenheiser, Terri Sams, my husband Gary Walla, and me. Friendships and goodwill are built in countries where repeated missions take place. Nine years ago Dr. Bill went to Honduras to take a break from his eye-surgery routine. While working on top of a chicken coop he met a Honduran man who obviously had an eye problem. Dr. Whitson could not resist asking if the man would let him examine him. Subsequently he brought the man, Osman, to the states and performed surgery. Imagine the joy on Osman and Bill’s face when they met up again on this trip. The hugs and smiles of cultural interchange were wonderful. Osman is now a part of the ICES Church that hosts our visit. He preached on the Sunday we were there. He and his wife, Suyapa, also a minister, took us to see the church they are building in their mountain village. If you would like to get away, to get a taste of life in Latin America, to go to bed at night knowing you’ve brought medical help to many grateful people, why not consider joining the January Medical Brigade to Honduras? You don’t have to be a medical professional. There are many jobs to be done using other skills. Contact Jan Nichols at nicholsj@stlukesumc.com or - for information. Can’t be gone that long, you say? Can’t afford the trip? How about helping the team collect children’s vitamins and cough drops? The team usually runs out of these about the third day of the trip. Or join the packing and loading teams at Vida Nueva church the first week in December to fill the container with medicine and other supplies to ship in advance to be there ready for the Medical Brigade. Just ask any one who has traveled with this Brigade during the last nine years and they will tell you exactly why they went and what it meant to them.
TOP RIGHT:
New baby and mother
MIDDLE RIGHT: Dr. Whitson and friend administering an eye exam MIDDLE BOTTOM:
Dr. Lautzenheiser in action
Special thanks to World Missions, Powerful Possibilities, United Methodist Women, and the St. Luke’s Endowment Committee for financial contributions for purchase of medicine and the cost of shipping the container, and as always, to the congregation for your support and prayers.
ABOVE TOP:
Honduras team
ABOVE BOTTOM:
Suyapa and Osman
world missions 29
music ministries Missa Gaia (THE EARTH MASS) and Earth Fair
Friday & Saturday, May 16 & 17 7:30PM, St. Luke’s Sanctuary $20 adult, $15 senior (55+) $10 student TICKETS AVAILABLE:
Sundays in the West Passage, Department office, Vocal Arts website.
OR from the Music OR via the Encore
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Celebrating God’s Love for All of Creation The Chancel Choir, Children’s Choirs, collaborative guests, Encore Vocal Arts, along with guest instrumentalists will present two performances of Paul Winter’s “Missa Gaia.” This rhythmic, joyous and contemporary celebration of the Earth is filled with beautiful choruses, global and jazz influences, as well as featuring the voices of wolf, whale and loon! Based on the stirring words of St. Francis “Canticle of Brother Sun” (which we frequently sing as “All Creatures of Our God and King”) the performances are organized as a liturgical mass – including solo selections presented by the 40-voice chamber choir Encore Vocal Arts, and the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir. Both nights, the Green Ministry will host a narthex Earth Fair with informational displays from local environmental organizations.
children’s ministries Preschool and Parents’ Day Out There are still a few openings for the 2008-09 school year for 4 year olds in Preschool and for 10 months (by Sept. 1) to 3 year olds in Parents’ Day Out. Young children learn through developmentally appropriate activities in a warm and loving Christian environment. For more information or to schedule a visit please call Bobbi or Alison at 844-3399.
Vacation Church School June 23-27 9-11:15AM: Preschool 9:15AM-Noon: Kindergarten-Grade 5 (age 4 by 9/01/08 thru current Grade 5) STUDENT REGISTRATION: May 4, 11, 18 REGISTRATION FEE: $22 per child
(optional music CD $3)
St. Luke’s County Fair Welcome to VCS 2008 where kids will grow in the “fruits of the spirit:” love, joy, peace, patience and kindness. For more information contact Anne Adams, adamsa@stlukesumc.com or 846-2745 x351.
YOUNG VOICES OF INDIANAPOLIS
Sandi Patty Concert to Benefit Julian Center May 22 More than 100 local children and young adults of Young Voices of Indianapolis (YVI) will sing with special guest and world-renowned soprano, Sandi Patty, on May 22 at 7PM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Young Voices of Indianapolis, a non-profit choral organization for children grades 2-12, uses its talents to support the community beyond music through mission and community service projects. A portion of the concert’s proceeds will benefit the Julian Center, a domestic violence shelter. The choir will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra comprised of local professional musicians. Tickets are $20 for Festival Seating or $40 for Dress Circle Seating. For tickets and other information call 317.926.0425 or visit www.yvindy.com.
special community event 31
facilities Busting Out All Over! by Lori Crantford
As only Ethel Merman could belt it out, “St. Luke’s is busting out all over!” With the long-anticipated (and much-written about in a very Pulitzer Prize winning style) boiler project finally underway, you may notice some changes. Here’s the scoop:
STAGE 1: April 10-July 1 Only the south half of the main office is affected during this stage. • • •
Door #4 (west side by crosswalk into Robertson Chapel) closed to the public W125 (old choir room) closed Outdoor staging area: there will be a mobile office and large steel boxes of equipment. No parking in this area (it is fenced).
MOVES: • • • • • •
Front Desk to Information Booth in the Narthex Kent Millard to Vestry Adolf Hansen to share office with Linda McCoy or other clergy as needed and during this time will be known as the Adolf, the Roving Gnome-in-Residence Julie O’Connor and Julia Johnson to C110 Kathy Alexander to Communication’s area office Finance Office to C112
Stage 2/3/4: July 1 through Labor Day(ish) This will affect all offices in what I see for the first time is referred to as the Coke Machine Hallway (I had no idea that Coca-Cola had endowed our hallway! Cool!). That includes the offices of Chris Thornsberry, Terri Coe, Carol Helmus, the Deaf Camp, Betty Brandt and yours truly. The Parlor will also be affected, as will the Children’s Ministry and The Garden offices. The Preschool area will not be affected.
Stage 5/6: September/October This will affect the north half of the main office – Beth Lammers, Linda McGlothlin, Adra Wheeler, DeAnna Moran, Sylvia Forbes and Martha Heinreich – for four-five days, as well as the Oasis Bookstore for a short period of time.
Thanks again to the congregation for its patience as all this exciting work is done. During this process, if you are in the church building and see someone who looks lost, please try to assist them. It is probably a staff member who can’t find his or her office.
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S U P P O R T I N G T H E M I N I S T R I E S O F S T. L U K E ’ S U M C
Oasis Bookstore & Gift Shop by Sharon Holyoak
The incredible joy of a spring day brings so much grace, revives our spirit and we can't help but pause and praise our creator for it all. Oasis celebrates this season as we awaken our senses to the sights, sounds, scents and beauty that surrounds us. We're introducing an exquisite new line called Petals For The Souls. These framed works of art include beautiful prayers of healing, peace, serenity and commitment, and handmade designs from flowers.
Inspirational Gifts, Jewelry & Books Conveniently located inside St. Luke’s UMC
In keeping with our desire for new mission-based companies, we are now carrying Vida Dulce Imports from Guatemala. They bring us beautifully hand-beaded jewelry and crocheted pieces by Mayan women who lost their income when a local crochet factory was closed. These women weave and embroider designs that reflect their history, ethnic identity, Mayan mythology and family tradition. Proceeds benefit Pueblo a Pueblo, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the Mayans living in the Highlands.
Gift Registry Available
OASIS HOURS: TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
10AM - 4PM SUNDAY 9AM - 1PM
The Signature Fragrance Collection of Petite Glass Candles from Nouvelle brings fresh scents. This product from southern Louisiana is clean-burning and last between 40 to 45 hours. Look for J.W. Stannard Windchimes and other refreshing new garden lines that are patio-perfect.
Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind —Kahil Gibran
This Mother's Day, we bring you two things dear to a mother's heart . . . jewelry and chocolate. Our new chocolate line comes from Good's Candy Shop in Anderson. They make the finest chocolate using the highest ingredients and have been in the candy business since the . You don't want to miss their hand-rolled old fashioned caramels. Our newest jewelry line comes from Clara Beau, a Berkely, California designer. This delightful jewelry is unique, vintage-inspired and whimsical but with a contemporary look. Usually found only in upscale boutiques and art museums, this handmade jewelry can be found right here at Oasis. One of our favorite books this season is called Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, The Hidden Power of Beauty, Blessings, Wisdom and Hurt, also available on CD. 33
Attention all women of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church! Would you enjoy a day of pampering—physically, emotionally and spiritually? Then put Saturday, September 27, 2008 on your calendars and plan to attend the United Methodist Women-sponsored “Day Apart” to be held at the home of Tom and Jenny Godbys, 6969 W. 79th St., Indianapolis. Plans for the day include food, crafts, entertainment, massages, manicures and much, much more. Moms—leave the children with dad or grandpa and join us! You will be glad you did!
Welcome Chris Thornsberry by Carol Helmus
Looking for a Reading Group? If you are an avid reader, or looking for an opportunity to join in fellowship with other women to engage in conversations around books, we’re looking for you! We are forming a new UMW reading group whose goal will be to read selections from the UMW Reading Program. The stated purpose of the Reading Program is to encourage United Methodist Women: • • • • • •
To expand understanding of and participation in God’s mission To increase sensitivity to all human beings— their needs, interests and concerns To encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today To grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life To enhance self-knowledge and to act from that knowledge To strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission
It is anticipated that discussion meetings will be held in the evening or on the weekend, and the group is open to all interested women in the church. If you would like to participate in making the first reading selection, or if you would like to receive notice of the first book and discussion date, e-mail Jennifer Todd at jtoddosu@aol.com. 34
St. Luke’s is delighted to welcome Chris Thornsberry to the staff. He will be serving as the new Associate Director of Adult Ministries. A majority of his time will be dedicated to the Singles Ministries, and the rest of the time to whatever Terri Coe tells him to do (ok…the Adult Ministries team will also be involved). Chris is looking forward to growing the Singles Ministry and serving the dynamic St. Luke’s Congregation. Chris graduated from Campbellsville University with a degree in Christian Education and has a year of seminary training under his belt. He was born and raised in Louisville, KY (home of the Louisville Slugger), so maybe that’s why he developed a passion for baseball that has led to a collection of a million sports card. In addition to his work in Christian Education, he can share coffee making secrets from Starbucks! Chris and his wife Lacy have been married for two years. I’d avoid a game of Trivial Pursuit with this couple as their love of movies includes a DVD collection of 400 titles, and Lacy is an IU grad with a minor in Rock ‘n Roll history (maybe she can answer the burning question— does Madonna really belong in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame?).
Welcome Chris!
staff
WELCOME! new
members
The following persons completed the March Membership classes. The next opportunities to join St. Luke’s are May 10 and June 14. Contact Sylvia Forbes at 846-3404 or forbess@stlukesumc.com to register.
March 2008 Nancy Blondin, Jan Blondin, Amanda Buck, Cecil Duncan, Kirk King, Kate King, Neale Moosey, Jeanne Moosey, Ted Quick, Sarah Quick, Julie Quigley, Lynn Schellhammer, Dale Singleton, Diane Singleton, Greg Snelling, Gretchen Snelling, Stephen Tarr, Alice Tarr, Blake Vaughn, Jackie Vaughn
Y O U ’ R E
I N V I T E D
T O
A
S U M M E R T I M E
F A V O R I T E
Strawberries & Jazz Wednesday, June 25, 6:30–8:30PM, St. Luke’s parking lot Open to the whole church, is a favorite activity for all who attend! Along with strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream and whipped cream, music is provided by saxophonist Gregg Bacon along with his jazz band. Dancing, under the setting summer sun, is up to you!!
Strawberries & Jazz happens rain or shine! Sponsored by St. Luke’s Singles. Open to all.
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singles
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church • West Street • Indianapolis, Indiana
COMMUNION MAY / JUNE 2008
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 1569
Address Service Requested
T.I.M.E. in Our Community • As we all come out of our winter “caves,” greet old neighbors and welcome new ones • Plant a tree or flowers • Write a letter of encouragement and congratulations to a new graduate • Participate in a charity walk/run • Honor the mothers and fathers in your life in May and June. Offer to give the parents of younger children an evening off • Invite a friend, co-worker or neighbor to come to St. Luke’s with you one Sunday