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 Director of Children’s Ministries; Betty Brandt, Director of Spiritual Life Center; Brad Cherry, Facilities; 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 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; Winnie Sibotshiwe, Facilities; Mark Squire, Director of Music Ministries; Alison Strawmyer, Weekday Ministries; William Taylor, Facilities; Jayne Moynahan Thorne, Director of Outreach Ministries; Cheryl West, Director of New Song; Adra Wheeler, Director of Hospitality & Volunteers; Wanda Wilburn, Facilities; 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: Maria Blake, Betty Brandt, Deb Brandt Buehler, Gustanna Moss Chaney, Terri Coe, Mike Coppes, Carol Helmus, Sharon Holyoak, Marsha Hutchinson, Pam Knowles, Marion Miller, Jessica Pollock, Rich Potterf. Circulation manager: Sylvia Forbes. NEXT COMMUNION DEADLINE:
Feb. 1, 2008 for the March/April issue.
IN THIS ISSUE: 4 12 13 14 16 17 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 28
Sierra Leone Green Ministry Spiritual Life Center Parker Palmer Adult Education Inclusiveness Ministries Worship First Person Singles Ministries Pancakes & Jazz / Later Music Ministries / Facilities Welcome New Staff New Members / Oasis T.I.M.E. in the New Year
celebrations & concerns CONDOLENCES TO:
Ed Robertson on the death of his brother Raymond Robertson Will Craighead on the death of his grandmother Ella Mae Hopper Brian McLaughlin and Cindy Shebek on the death of wife and mother Gaye McLaughlin Friends & family of Genira Stephens-Hotopp Carol Meeks on the death of her father Alva Sommers Friends & family of Joe Leonard Lynsey Watson on the death of her grandmother Wahneeta Watson Sally Ohmart on the death of her mother Ruth Welton Carol Roth on the death of her mother Mary Alice Lytle Linda Clevenger and Beth Jahns on the death of father and grandfather Leland Loman Michael Lester on the death of his father Dr. Vern Lester Ken Ryder on the death of his mother Anne Ryder Janice Brown on the death of her mother Irene Secor Skip Hallam on the death of his mother Thelma Hallam Dan McMenamin & family on the death of his father Hugh Joseph McMenamin Christopher Bright on the death of his brother Jeff Bright
staff
Emily Turner on the death of her father Richard McIntyre
Pam Worrell-Carlisle on the death of her mother Hazel Worrell Stanley Hillis on the death of his mother Elizabeth Hillis Tuthill Barbara, Holly and Sarah Beckerman on the death of husband and father Mark Beckerman Lisa Tehan on the death of David Russell Andrew & Heather Hubbard and Greg & Kelly Cheslyn on the loss of daughter and granddaughter Samantha Hubbard Friends & family of Chris Howard Nan Schulte on the death of her mother Betty Ann Schulte Marion Miller on the death of her cousin Henry Jackson Cathy Crafton on the death of her father Jack Peck Perla Alvarez on the death of her mother Perla Font Becky, Charlie, Bobby and Teddy Browning on the death of father and grandfather Francis Kroeger Al Bolin on the death of his sister Margie Rickley Gary Chambers on the death of his father Charles Chambers Donna Hadsell on the death of her mother Fredonia Bowman Bathtel Linda Hogan on the death of her mother Mable Swalls Beverly Rothenberger on the death of her father
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Craig & Tracy Conley and Gale & Penny Conley on the birth of son and grandson Everett Douglas Eric & Kristen Morgan and Beth Bomberger on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Olivia Ann Anthony & Christina Rose on the birth of their son Brandon Jacob CJ & Tonya Simmons and Judy Simmons on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Tatianna Emmaline Michael & Erica Marchetti and Dave & Pat Johnston on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Eliana Marie David & Erica Bolin and Jeff & Nancy Balogh on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Brooklyn Grace Angus & Lesley Essenhigh and Phyllis Bishop on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Elspeth Rose Alison Chase & Kathy Phillips, Larry & Carol Franks, Carleton Franks and Frieda Ellingwood on the birth of daughter, granddaughter and greatgranddaughter Finley Carolanne Ryan & Staci Hendrickson and Dennis & Wanda Thompson on the birth of daughter and granddaughter Kennedy Reese Matt & Sarah Edwards and Joe & Sue Gustin on the birth of son and grandson Jackson David
Katie Pentecost & Lewis Langley III on their wedding of November Amy Hebert & John Quincy Dickinson Evans on their wedding of November Stephanie Hillis & Nick Sakes on their wedding of November Jessica Moon & Jeffrey Day on their wedding of November Kyletta Messersmith & David Anderson on their wedding of November
from the desk Friends: Twenty-five years ago the United Methodists of Indiana decided to focus our energies on United Methodist Mission work in Sierra Leone and Liberia. During this time we built dozens of schools as well as several clinics and hospitals, and educated thousands of young Africans and provided medical care for thousands more. However, there was a terrible civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone for several years, and all of our mission work there had to cease. The war has been over for a few years now, and schools and hospitals are re-opening and beginning to serve the people of that area who have been through terrible trauma and tragedy in their lives. During the first quarter of we are focusing our loving attention and energy on rebuilding schools and resupplying hospitals in Sierra Leone. Through the wonderful commitment and dedication of Dr. Don and Marilyn Griffith, about people from St. Luke's and other congregations will be on work projects in Sierra Leone during January and part of February taking medical supplies, school supplies, their individual gifts and talents and an abundance of hope for our brothers and sisters there. In this issue of the Communion you will see how we are emphasizing the people and needs of Sierra Leone through cultural exhibits, speakers and the showing of the movie Blood Diamonds, which is the tragic story of the destructive power of greed in getting diamonds out of Sierra Leone. We are also encouraging everyone to read the book A Long Way Gone, by a boy soldier who survived and has recounted his tragic story. During the war in Sierra Leone, we had a personal experience with a refugee through the work of our son, Kendall. Kendall was involved in a pro bono asylum project, helping people persecuted in their home countries gain political asylum in the United States. One of Kendall's clients was an -yearold boy who had lost his parents to the diamond mines and later watched the rebels execute his older brother in their living room because the siblings had housed UN peacekeepers in their home. The rebels loaded him and others into a truck and took them to a camp where they were stripped naked and tortured for two days. On the third day, he escaped the camp during an air raid and walked without clothes for a week until crossing the border into a refugee camp. The rebels, however, continued to attack the refugees in the camps, and a few months later he was in hiding again. cont’d on page 5
Beth-Allison Lazaros & Daniel Oblon on their wedding of December
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world missions
Be Like the Moon by Lori Crantford ABOVE: Don Griffith meets with Taiama teachers who will build laboratory tables and stools to repair and furnish heavily damaged science labs.
MIDDLE:
Happy to be in school.
Marilyn Griffith addresses a group in a church near Kissy.
RIGHT:
“We must strive to be like the moon.” An old man in Kabati repeated this sentence often to people who walked past his house on their way to the river to fetch water, to hunt, to tap palm wine; and to their farms. I remember asking my grandmother what the old man meant. She explained that the adage served to remind people to always be on their best behavior and to be good to others. She said that people complain when there is too much sun and it gets unbearably hot, and also when it rains too much or when it is cold. But, she said, no one grumbles when the moon shines. Everyone becomes happy and appreciates the moon in their own special way. Children watch their shadows and play in its light, people gather at the square to tell stories and dance through the night. A lot of happy things happen when the moon shines. These are some of the reasons why we should want to be like the moon. ——Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone—Memoirs of a Boy Soldier During this Lenten season, the people of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church will have their chance to be like the moon to the people of Sierra Leone, Africa. As we prepare to focus on our Together In Ministry Everyday In theme of “Our Health, Our World, Our People,” we will have a unique opportunity to shine God’s love on the people whose lives were ripped apart by a brutal civil war, but who still live with dignity, and hope, and great faith.
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From the Desk, cont’d from page 3
Over a year later, he escaped to the United States. However, he needed documentation to prove to the immigration officials that he was who he claimed to be. Kendall discovered that the boy had gone to a Methodist School, so he called and asked if I knew how to get in touch with a Methodist School in Sierra Leone. I told him that it just so happened that Rev. Joe Wagner from Indiana was in charge of our work in Sierra Leone and might be able to help him.
The People For nearly ten years, the moon did not shine on the people of Sierra Leone. A Reuters news report dated November , , said that the U.N. Human Development Index, in its report on the most desirable countries to live in, finds that all countries falling into its "low human development" category are in sub-Saharan Africa, with Sierra Leone last. (The UN HDI based this assessment blending figures for life expectancy, educational levels and real per capita income.) In of these countries, two children in five will not reach the age of , said the compilers at the U.N. Development Program. Sierra Leone is riddled with diseases such as malaria and typhoid. Most homes in the area are concrete with metal sheet roofs. Running water and electricity are not available. Few have stable jobs, and a large percentage of the children are malnourished. The health situation is very poor—few can afford the services of a hospital or doctor. Forty percent of children under the age of five years in Sierra Leone suffer from kwashiorkor, a form of malnutrition caused by too little protein. Ten years of civil war (-, fueled by political strife, drug trafficking, arms trade and conflict over control of the country’s diamond industry) left homes and families destroyed, electric and sewage systems shattered, a very weak economy, and the death of tens of thousands and the displacement of over two million Sierra Leoneans. [From the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church Web site.]
Joe was able to get documentation from the Methodist School in Sierra Leone to show that the young man was who he said he was and he was eventually given the right to stay in this country and begin a new life. When the Judge granted him the right to stay here he asked him what he was going to do with his freedom in this country. The young man replied, "I am going to become an attorney like Kendall and save peoples’ lives." Kendall and this young man have continued as friends for the past six years. I thank God for the way our mission work has saved lives in the past, is saving lives in the present and will save lives in the future. And I thank you for giving your loving energy and financial support to serve the children of God in Sierra Leone. Grace and Peace,
Kent Millard
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These kids know that of all the things that were taken away from them, the only thing they can have that can’t be taken is their education
The deplorable health conditions which exist in Sierra Leone are not unique in subSaharan Africa. What compounds that country’s terrible problems are the devastating effects of civil war. Not only are the people of Sierra Leone fighting malaria, starvation, HIV/AIDS and typhoid, the children of that country have suffered untold horrors. Many watched as their parents were killed by rebel soldiers, only to be taken and turned into soldiers themselves, either by the rebel or government armies. Like Ishmael Beah, the author of A Long Way Gone, many of them were rescued by UNICEF and were or are being successfully rehabilitated. It is a country and a people in need. Their health is our health. Their world is our world. Their people are our people. There is good news, however. The moon is beginning to shine again. But help is needed to turn a sliver into a full shining circle of hope.
The Project Traveling to Sierra Leone is about as close to being a rock star as Don Griffith is ever 6
going to get. As Methodists travel about the country in Operation Classroom vans, they hear shouts from the locals of “Thank you Methodists!” or chants of “UMC! UMC!” They don’t let it go to their heads though. There is work to be done, and no time to pat yourself on the back. Or wish you’d packed your white Elvis jumpsuit. There’s good reason for the popularity of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. For years now, help has been coming to Sierra Leone and Liberia through Operation Classroom and various UMCs around the country. This January and February, two teams representing churches ( denominations) and states will be traveling to Sierra Leone on a St. Luke’s/ Operation Classroom trip. These trips will be spearheaded by Don and Marilyn Griffith. Don is a retired Methodist minister who, like many ministers, seems to have trouble retiring. He is, among other things, the former director of St. Luke’s World Missions and former assistant to the Bishop; Marilyn is a retired therapist. Both Griffiths are members of St. Luke’s and accomplished world travelers, having been to enough
world missions countries to make any airline seriously reconsider its frequent flier point system. But mission is their true passion. The Griffiths have gone on work trips to Chile, Honduras, Jamaica, Zimbabwe and Haiti. They have been to Africa six times. And as far as they are concerned, they’ve only just begun. “When I was working for the Bishop’s office,” Don says, “I went on a fact-finding mission to Liberia and Sierra Leone and felt a real call to do this work. For me this is a pivotal time—there is unbelievable destruction, pain and suffering in Sierra Leone. It is a place where nothing works. There is no electricity, no public water. However, the United Methodist Church and other churches have done amazing things. A very little in Sierra Leone can be leveraged into huge results.” Marilyn agrees. “When I looked at how I wanted to be involved in missions, after being in Sierra Leone in God spoke to us both. We felt it was the right place and time. I feel
equally as connected to Haiti,” she continues, “but Sierra Leone is so low. Operation Classroom provides channels to get things done. Secondary education is a focus of Operation Classroom because it’s lacking there—so many students were either soldiers or affected by the war. Don and I knew we needed to be there.” And so they’re going back, and they’re taking a whole heap of help with them. I’d like to invite us all to think of them as the Moonshine Teams, but I haven’t cleared this with the Griffiths yet. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t like that name.
LEFT:
Ready to learn in Sierra Leone. RIGHT:
The Taiama library is barren with only 40 chairs. St. Lukes hopes to help the school fulfill its dream of a library doubled in size with a computer lab and an electrical system.
A Medical/Construction team will be working at the Kissy Hospital in Freetown from January -. There are eight medical personnel (among them: an ob/gyn surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a head nurse from Clarian who specializes in pre- and post-natal and women’s health issues, an ICU nurse, a medical technologist) and eight non-medical
SIERRA LEONE CHURCH-WIDE ACTIVITIES SUNDAY, JAN. 13
Walk to Sierra Leone begins
SUNDAY, JAN. 27
Transitions Sunday School class begins book study of A Long Way Gone—Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
SUNDAY, FEB. 3
Kick-off of “Our Health, Our World, Our People” with Bishop Michael Coyner, preaching
SUNDAY, FEB. 10
Sierra Leone Cultural Exchange
SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Sierra Leone Mission Project team members and video presentation
FRIDAY, FEB. 22
Movie Night—“Blood Diamonds”
SUNDAY, MAR. 2
Sneakers Sunday
SUNDAY, MAR. 9
Hunger Banquet with keynote speaker Jim Morris, retired Executive Director of World Hunger with the United Nations
SUNDAY, MAR. 16
Palm Sunday. Hear about Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone, and his life journey as a boy soldier in Sierra Leone
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world missions
personnel including a chaplain, an electrical engineer trained to work on medical equipment, and a computer software specialist).
primary and preventative health care services comprising general medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, nutrition, malaria and TB treatment and HIV testing and care.
Kissy Hospital, officially known as the UMC Health and Maternity Center, lies in an impoverished neighborhood on the eastern side of Freetown, Sierra Leone. For the poor in the neighborhood, Kissy is the only free hospital in the area. Even those who can afford to go to another hospital go to Kissy because it is known for quality healthcare.
There are some very sobering facts but at the same time some really good things happening at Kissy. Some quick glimpses, courtesy of www.gbgm-umc.org:
The residents of Kissy live in extreme poverty, creating a challenging health situation that includes endemic levels of malaria and malnutrition. Often arriving at Kissy near death, the patients usually cannot pay for the lifesaving treatment they need. As a charitable mission hospital, the staff at Kissy Center welcomes and provides healthcare to all who seek it, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Kissy was founded in by the Swedish UMC. During the s and early s, the clinic had no running water and was woefully understaffed. Today it has turned into a bed hospital with more than people on staff, including four doctors, nurses and midwives. It provides a range of 8
• % of patients who have their blood tested at Kissy have malaria (although, due to the Nothing But Nets program and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, intake in the unit has recently been down %!). • out of women in Sierra Leone die from childbirth or pregnancy, one of the highest maternal morbidity rates in the world. • No women have died in childbirth at Kissy for more than three years. • babies were delivered at Kissy in . • women attend Kissy’s prenatal classes each week. Each class ends with a nurse teaching a song-and-dance routine to the mothers to help them remember how to prepare food for their new babies. • women and children benefited from Kissy’s Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission program for HIV-positive pregnant women.
ALL:
Glimpses of Sierra Leone.
So, while progress is being made, much needs to be done. Say you’re the chief of staff at Kissy and you’d like to send an email to a colleague about a patient. Well, that would mean that you need to walk to over to the gas station and wait in line with everyone else to send that email. Say you’d like to type up a report and access a patient’s medical records on the computer. Hah! All records are written out by hand. And that’s just the little stuff. Adequate available healthcare and education are paramount to survival. Thanks to previous donations, a lot of equipment has recently made its way to Kissy, from a duplicator and copiers to baby warmers and an anesthesiology machine. The -member team will be working with the staff at Kissy, each person with a specialized task. In addition, the UMC Board of Global Ministries is sending a person to install a computer satellite system so that email will be possible. Sorry, gas station. Then, everybody goes home . . . except the Griffiths who, along with a team from the UMC Board of Global Ministries (which will be documenting the trip on video to use nationwide in promoting the work being done in Sierra Leone), will be joined by Moonshine Team #, aka
the Medical Educational Mission team. They will be focusing their work in the town of Taiama (pronounced tie-AHmah) at the secondary school there, from January February . Heavily damaged during the war, the secondary School at Taiama, an upcountry village of ,, is the educational home to more than students. As the community strives to provide academic opportunities, it faces an uphill battle: because textbooks are so expensive, students have to share books and must use the library to access course materials. But the library at Taiama is woefully inadequate, both in construction and in content. A building addition to the seat library facility, including lighting and a generator to power lights and computers, will open the world to this campus, its students and community. “There’s shrapnel in the roof of the school,” Don reports. “There’s no light. Where are you going to read in the dark?” And yet in these primitive conditions, the students continue to strive and thrive. “The principal of the school emailed their test scores to us,” says Don with a huge smile, “and they are one of the highest secondary schools in Sierra Leone. The school was taken over by the military 9
world missions during the war, but these kids know that of all the things that were taken away from them, the only thing they can have that can’t be taken is their education.” BELOW:
Don & Marilyn Griffith with one of the new computers for Kissy
RIGHT: Mr. Sylvester Williams, Taiama Secondary School Principal. and some of his grandchildren near one of the damaged buildings on campus
[Oh, and that email from the principal? Yeah, he had to either drive one hour to the nearest town to send it—if that road was passable—or four hours to Freetown where there is a very popular gas station.] The Medical Educational team includes a family practice physician, a pathologist, a medical technician, an ultrasound technician, an occupational therapist and a nurse, along with an architect, and a librarian. This team’s time will be split between continuing work in Kissy as well as Taima and the nearby town of Bo. In addition to continuing education for the Kissy staff, in Taima important work will be continued on the school buildings. A librarian will help organize the books and provide direction. Three women will be teaching sewing classes, to help the locals provide for themselves and their families as well as learning a valuable trade. There is much to be done. “You don’t go to Sierra Leone for fun,” the Griffiths say, stating the obvious in case I don’t get it. “It is a beautiful country, the most beautiful beach I’ve seen,” Don says. “Sure you’d rather to go Puerto Vallarta and play in the sun, but even though it’s beautiful in Sierra Leone, you work. Our going is about children dying. We can make a difference.” In other words, they know they can be like the moon.
Hunger Banquet by Jessica Pollock
In a country confronted with alarming increases in obesity, hunger too often goes unnoticed. Each week 205,330 central Indiana Hoosiers will need food assistance (Gleaners). Eight hundred fifty-four million people in the world do not have enough to eat—this is more than the populations of the USA, Canada, and the European Union combined. Hunger and malnutrition have an incredible affect not only on health, but on the economic development of countries around the world. People suffering from hunger and malnutrition are unable to work and be productive members of society.
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Vitamin deficiencies impair mental development, cause brain damage and blindness in children. Without proper nutrition these children will be incapable of succeeding in school and creating a better life for themselves and their country. While the statistics seem daunting, there is hope. According to the UN World Food Program, “There is enough food in the world today for everyone to have the nourishment necessary for a healthy and productive life.” On March 9 Fuel (Young Singles/Adults) and World Missions will be hosting a Hunger Banquet featuring Jim Morris, the retired Head of the United Nations World Food Program, as our keynote speaker. This will be an educational experience. Participants will be broken
The Plans All of St. Luke’s will have an opportunity to shine in Sierra Leone as well. During Lent in , we focused on the Nothing But Nets campaign, with a goal of raising , to purchase life-saving nets in the fight against malaria. With the help of the children of School and Carmel Middle School, as well as the Indiana Pacers, generous donations and many innovative individual initiatives, over , was eventually raised. Those nets are already having an impact, as earlier stated. During Lent , we will focus on the people of Sierra Leone and, specifically, the two projects at Kissy Hospital and the Taiama Secondary School. A goal of , will again be lifted up to accomplish the following: • Build and furnish an addition to the -seat library • Provide a generator to power computers and lighting in the library • Renovation of damaged classrooms Kissy Hospital • Build a room to house recently donated X-ray machine
• Reconfigure existing room and build efficient facilities to house recently donated blood-chemistry machine and lab equipment • Night lighting for maternity, labor and surgery suites While there is an urgent need for financial support, the mission team also hopes to engage the congregation as active partners in rebuilding hope in Sierra Leone. There are many ways to get educated and involved, see page . For more complete information, see the Winter/Spring Offerings catalog.
down into three groups, 10% (developed world level 1) will receive a multi-course meal, 30% (developed world level 2) will receive beans and rice, and 60% (developing world) will receive only a small portion of rice. Tickets ($10/person) will be sold for this event in the West Passage and church office four weeks prior to the event. Proceeds will go to support the Nutrition Program at UMC General Hospital at Kissy, Freetown, Sierra Leone and to the Feed a Family program in Taiama, Sierra Leone. Keep in mind that children who attend need to have an understanding of what the event is showing and teaching us, and that children may not be sitting with parents. We recommend that the age be eight and older. Childcare will be available. For information, contact Jessica at pollockj@stlukesumc.com, or Jan Nichols at nicholsj@stlukesumc.com, or call 317-846-3404.
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I Can’t Do Without the Trees by Betty Brandt
Eleven of us, clad in winter jackets, hats and gloves, make our way up and down the ravine that leads, deep inside Holiday Park, to the banks of the White River. It is late November and the heavens are spitting at us. Even so, the leafless over-arching trees protect us from the rain. Linda Proffitt from Global Peace Initiatives leads the way (lucky for the rest of us—if I was leading the group, our Peace Walk would be our Lost in Holiday Park Walk). First we walk in silence, meditating on each step, claiming our gratitudes and being glad for handrails. Then we wander the leaf-strewn trails, “jump” a little stream and suddenly arrive at the rushing White River. We are only a couple of football fields from Meridian Street but we are “miles” away from all the busyness of that major Indianapolis artery. I can feel my mind clearing, my soul soaring and my creativity flowing again. I remember the name of an old retreat center off Spring Mill, not Fatima but Alverna. I have been struggling to find the name in my cluttered brain. In an hour I am restored!
I think of all those folks at health clubs working on their machines and I wonder how they feed their souls, get their creativity moving again and find lost words. No machines for me! I can’t do without the tress. No iPod plugged into my ears! I can’t do without the sounds of the birds and the water. No sterile enclosed environment for me! I can’t do without the smells of the season. Researchers are beginning to warn us that in order to be healthy and whole we need many more encounters with nature than our urban patterns provide. Nature is one of the favorite places of so many people to experience the presence of God. Don’t deprive yourself another day. Put on your jacket, hat and gloves. Go out and find the Divine waiting for you in the wonder of God’s creation. You won’t be sorry you made the effort!
Take this, Al Gore, and your little Nobel Peace prize! In December, Betty Brandt received notification that the St. Luke’s Green Ministry will be the featured effort for the State of Indiana in a Sierra Club February 2008 report highlighting ecologically innovative and exciting work in each of the 50 states. Betty says, “So many people have worked hard since this ministry was birthed in November 2006. I am thrilled for all those folks and for the St. Luke’s community that has supported us.” Congratulations!
green ministry 12
Divine Motion by Deb Brandt Buehler
I rush into class out of the cold, autumn rain. It’s been a hectic day and I can’t wait to be present in the moment. Soft music and my fellow classmates greet me. We gather ourselves loosely around the room. “As you take your first deep breath, leave behind the day’s worries,” invites the yoga instructor. I inhale and begin the process of reconnecting with my body. Class begins with slow, deliberate postures engaging muscles in stretching. The instructor invites us to notice ankles, knees, hips and shoulders. I feel my shoulders drop down and away from ears. The centering process continues as the instructor draws my attention to my core. I breathe more deeply. I notice my belly. I am drawn through the language of the instructor and the soft music to become even more presently available to my body’s sensations. I notice my classmates growing into their own quietness too. From poses we have gained further dimension in noticing. Being observers we have opportunities to experience the push-pull sensations created by moving in alternating directions. My body lengthens and expands. The quietness invites further listening. St. Luke’s offers yoga classes of varying degrees. From the slow, meditative postures and practice of Hatha yoga to the combination of mantra, breath, motion and posture that is Kundalini, there is something for every body. “Yoga helps people work through the body to get the mind to rise above its chatter,” suggests instructor Marsha Pappas.
the chatter is access “toBeyond the heart. The heart is the seat of the soul.” Yoga classes at St. Luke’s seek to create a sense of healing through movement. Classes enable participants to show up in the present moment. “Breath connects the mind and body,” says Pappas, “the movement becomes prayer because it shows the individual’s willingness to be present and responsive to the inner voice. Practicing this presence in class enables one to learn to carry the practice out into the world.” An alternative to Yoga classes are the Aikido training opportunities. Morihei Usehiba was a great martial artist and warrior. He was also a man of peace. The practice of Aikido, which translates as “the art of peace,” focuses on the mind-body discipline as a practical way of living. Aikido is movement based on the principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation and empathy. Movement classes at St. Luke’s offer opportunities for people to be in community and practice a movement form with a mind/body/ spirit intention. Classes cultivate health, strength, flexibility and relief from stress. Participants of all fitness levels are invited to engage in movement for improved health and wellness. Through intentional movement, it is possible to awaken to the still small voice of the Divine. For registration information on yoga and Aikido classes, see the Spiritual Life Center section in the Winter/Spring 2008 Offerings catalog.
spiritual life center 13
special event A N
E V E N I N G
W I T H
Parker J. Palmer
Author & Speaker & Hoosier Singer/Songwriter
Carrie Newcomer
St. Luke's UMC, January 31, 7PM TICKETS: $15, purchase in church office or www.courageindiana.org
Introductory Courage to Lead Retreat Opening by Parker Palmer, Friday, February 1, 9AM-4PM FEE: $125 includes lunch
Parker J. Palmer
GENEROUS SPONSORS INCLUDE: Indiana Courage to Lead, The Center for Courage & Renewal, Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint, Morgan Keegan, St. Luke's UMC Spiritual Life Center
PARKER PALMER IS AN AUTHOR, EDUCATOR AND ACTIVIST who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He served for fifteen years as Senior Associate of the American Association of Higher Education, and now serves as Senior Advisor to the Fetzer Institute. He founded the Center for Courage & Renewal, which oversees the “Courage to Teach” program for K-12 educators across the country and parallel programs for people in other professions, including medicine, law, ministry and philanthropy. He has published a dozen poems, more than 100 essays and seven books, including several best-selling and award-winning titles. Palmer’s work has been recognized with ten honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press, and major grants from the Danforth Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and the Fetzer Institute.
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Palmer received the Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1970. A member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), he lives with his wife, Sharon, in Madison, Wisconsin.
ON THE ROAD with Parker J. Palmer Reprinted with permission from Parker J. Palmer
I’ve been on the road lately, traveling to various Courage & Renewal sites, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Center for Courage & Renewal and the tenth anniversary edition of The Courage to Teach. My pace is not quite as fast as Willie Nelson’s or Hillary Clinton’s. But my recent gigs in Seattle and Boston have been intense and uplifting experiences, leaving me with some strong impressions about where we are with Courage work these days. First, many of the folks we’ve worked with over the past decade clearly feel themselves to be part of a move-
ment, a community, even a family. The time they’ve spent in circles of trust has given them a sense of “home” to which they want to return. Of course, the whole point of our work is to find that “home” inside yourself, a solid place to stand in a shifting and shifty world. You don’t need planes, trains and automobiles to get there! But we also know that being with other people who can help you find (and re-find) safe passage home is a crucial part of the journey. Many people are coming to these events to celebrate what it has meant to them to be in the company of such fellowtravelers, to rejoin them for a while, and maybe to be inspired to make the journey again. Second, I’ve been happily surprised by the number of folks who come to these events without any prior experience of Courage work. [Receently in Seattle] I exchanged a few words with everyone in a long line of folks who asked to have a book signed, and learned that this group came from many walks of life: I not only met educators, clergy and health care professionals, but folks who work with Microsoft, Boeing, city and state government, organizational development, grass-roots social change, etc., etc.. I came away from both Seattle and Boston with a strong sense that not only is Courage work becoming known in diverse sectors of our society, but there is a driving hunger in every walk of life for “rejoining soul and role,” reconnecting our identity and integrity with the work we do in the world. Which brings me to my third and most subjective impression. I have a strong sense that Courage work is approaching some sort of “critical mass.” Just before this road trip started, we crunched some numbers and learned that over the past ten years our retreats and programs have directly touched the lives of some 25,000 people, and the eight books we published during that time have sold over 750,000 copies.
Those numbers clearly contribute to my sense that we are no longer invisible! But numbers don’t tell the whole story. People who know me will tell you that I am not a big fan of “woo-woo”: talk to me about planetary alignments, and my eyes either start rolling or glaze over. But even a clod like me can sense an energy field, once it becomes electric enough. I think that our work is now being done in a very high energy field, brought about by a convergence of global crisis, the uprising of the human heart, and the fact that people who have experienced our work respect our way of responding to all that. Which brings me to the last thing I want to say in these notes from the road: the way we respond to this moment of crisis-and-opportunity is crucial. So we need to go back to basics. We must remember the principles and practices that have brought us to this point, and primary among them is this: our calling is to create safe space for the soul, circles of trust, large or small, where the inner teacher, our own identity and integrity, the “being” in human being can make its claim on us, on the way we do our work, on the way we live our lives. In the “stump speech” I’ve been giving on this tour, I explore three problems that will be solved only if more and more people learn to value and do honest-to-God “soul work”: our cultural addiction to violence as a mode of “problem-solving”; the fact that institutions are often the worst enemies of their own missions; and the problem of the “empty self” that bows to authority from without, no matter how bogus, because it can’t find authority within. For the moment I want to say that that simply naming them reminds me why Courage work is so important— and why it is so important that we continue to do it exceedingly well.
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adult education I Was a Stranger by Rev. Marion Miller
There is a class I lead on Wednesday mornings called Conversations Café. This class of about 15 people has been meeting for over a decade now, so the group is well acquainted with each other. Just recently we studied a book entitled I Was a Stranger by Arthur Sutherland. The author deals with how open and welcoming we are as Christians to really demonstrate genuine Christian hospitality. A very close friend of one of the participants shared this amazing story of Christian hospitality with the class. Later, her friend was asked if she would write the story so it could be share with our church community. The story reads like this:
OUR ACQUAINTANCE with a
man name Jeff began on a winter's morning in February, after a heavy snow. Larry, my husband, needed to drive in a different direction so he backed into what looked like a solid surface, but it was actually a water retention basin covered with snow. While attempting to roll his car out, the noise he made alerted Jeff, who was nearby, to the awareness that a motorist was in a difficult situation and probably needed some help. With his cellular phone, Jeff called a wrecker and then brought Larry home. Larry's wish to present Jeff with a gift of appreciation was not accepted. Jeff was very happy to be helpful.
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About three months passed by when Jeff came to our door to ask for financial assistance in exchange for work. Larry and Jeff had a conversation that enabled Larry to better understand Jeff's urgent needs. He was an alcoholic and addicted to drugs. He owned a truck but drove illegally because he lost his driver's license due to drunken driving episodes. Jeff grew up in a local, affluent family who had for many complex reasons ostracized him from their lives many years ago. We own five acres of land in Kalamazoo Township. On our property we have a camper trailer, a number of buildings, one of which has bath facilities. On our property there are opportunities for many different kinds of work. Jeff was happy to offer his abilities in exchange for the opportunity to earn money and have a place to call “home.” After three days and under Larry's supervision, Larry arranged for Jeff to be accepted at the drug clinic here in Kalamazoo. A down payment of several hundred dollars was required and a daily fee of forty dollars to receive an injection of methadone each morning. Larry drove Jeff each morning at 6AM to the clinic and prepared a hearty breakfast for him on his arrival "home." Jeff's six-foot four-inch frame had been depleted of vitamins and minerals and was in desperate need of being replenished. For two months we provided the means that enabled Jeff to get the assistance he so desperately needed from the clinic in order to stay “clean.” For two months Jeff was closely supervised by Larry and he was served usually six evening meals per week in our home. After two months, Jeff sold his truck, due to Larry's insistence. He was
JANUARY 20:
Human Relations Sunday by Pam Knowles and Gustanna Moss Chaney unable to drive because he was unlicensed. He bought, in its place, a scooter which gave Jeff more independence and Larry more freedom. Jeff has been able to locate work off and on—he is a highly skilled builder and was a very effective worker—but has not yet secured a steady job with benefits. Larry financed Jeff's daily clinic fee because he had faith that Jeff was intent on his decision to continue to stay “clean” and further more he had faith that Jeff would repay the money he had invested in him. From the beginning of this “adventure” Larry said it was not his money anyway, but HIS money. So, November is nearing the end. Jeff has been with us since April. At this point we don't know what the future holds, but many hold us in their prayers. We, Larry and I, have seen a dramatic change in Jeff's whole entire personality and character. We know God is watching over him. And, most certainly, God has been our source of strength, of guidance, and support. Larry and I have faith that with God's help a solution is forthcoming.
St. Luke’s Inclusiveness Ministry is pleased to announce that Reverend Felipe Martinez will be the guest speaker for Human Relations Sunday. Rev. Martinez is a member of Whitewater Valley Presbytery and currently serves as Associate Executive Presbyter and Program Associate for Cultural Bridge Building. Rev. Rev. Felipe Martinez Martinez, who is bilingual and bicultural, feels he is being called to help individuals discern how God is calling them to reach out beyond their own familiar settings. In the past three years, Rev. Martinez has served as co-chair for the Hispanic/Latino Forum of the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis, and as facilitator of a dialogue group sponsored by the Church Federation between African American and Hispanic/Latino clergy. He has also served as an appointed member of the Mayor’s Commission on Latino Affairs, the Mayor’s Community Crime Prevention Task Force in Indianapolis and is currently on the advisory committee for the Mexican Consulate. Human Relations Sunday celebrates the legacy left to this world by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In an address to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1967 titled “Where Do We Go From Here?” Dr. King stated, “When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” In addition to Rev. Martinez addressing the congregation during morning worship; there will be special guests providing music.
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BELOW: Gustanna MossChaney leads chlidren through dance moves
Liturgical Dance for Children by Rev. Marion Miller
The Inclusiveness Ministry and the Children Ministry have collaborated together to introduce Liturgical Dance for Children. This class is designed with specifically little boys and girls in mind at the ages of seven and above. What an enjoyable way for young children to develop their physical skills, channel their energy, stimulate their imagination and promote their creativity.
This class is under the direction of our Children’s Ministry and Gustanna Moss-Chaney is the instructor. The class meets every Tuesday, 4:45-5:30PM in E212.
Liturgical dance involves using body actions to communicate an image (the wind), an idea (a journey) or a feeling (strength). Here at St. Luke’s our early childhood educators recognize young children's primary need to express themselves through movement. As a matter of fact, there is a quote that says, “Movement is as necessary to mental and physical development as food.” We have experienced that the philosophy of liturgical creative movement is similar to the aims of early childhood education programs, where opportunities for noncompetitive, success-oriented and creative experiences for young children are valued. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to bring your children and join in this new adventure.
FREE. Call 846-2745 x327 to register your child for class!
Lenten Opportunities Ash Wednesday Service, February 6, 7PM, Robertson Chapel Wednesday Noon Lenten Services 6 Wednesdays, February 13-March 19, Noon-12:30PM, Robertson Chapel
worship
A time for music, meditation and silence. “This I Believe” devotional booklet available at the Information Desk beginning Sunday, Feb. 3
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inclusiveness ministries Prayer in America Dialogue by Maria Blake and Mike Coppes
In the introduction to his book One Nation Under God: The History of Prayer in America, author James P. Moore, Jr. describes prayer in the following way: “In its purest form, prayer is the elevated communication of human beings with their God. Whether in praise, contrition, petition, or thanksgiving, prayer can be expressed in rich, elaborate rituals or in the hushed tones of complete solitude. It can also provide individuals with a vital means to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them. Like grains of sand, however, no two individuals pray or perceive God exactly alike. Even men and women who have joined one another in religious communities over many years, worshipping at the same hours of the day, in the same manner, and under the same doctrines and traditions, recognize that there exist different understandings brought about by individual experience. In short, the act of prayer is a personal, transcendent force in the lives of men and women.”
Beginning February there will be an inter-religious dialogue, hosted at St. Luke’s, a synagogue, a mosque, and another house of worship, around five of the following themes: Prayer and Social Justice; Prayer and Forgiveness; Prayer and Armed Conflict; Prayer and the Constitution; and Prayer and Crisis. These dialogues will follow the model in the Prayer in America outreach guide. The guide is anchored by a series of essays contributed by leading national scholars and theologians around each of the themes. Discussion questions, prayers, and suggested resources accompany each section, providing resources for spirited, inclusive inter-religious dialogue.
Prayer in America, a documentary in partnership with local public television stations and others, offers a vital opportunity to bring people together in interfaith dialogue.
Additional information and content about Prayer in America can be found at www.prayerinamerica.org.
Participants are invited to consider the role of prayer in relation to issues important to their communities. This documentary’s diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives inspire viewers to examine the role religion and prayer play in their personal lives, politics, and culture.
Sunny Sundays in the South Attention snowbirds and Florida friends and family! Once again, you don’t have to miss your church home because you’re in warmer climates. Join St. Luke’s clergy and staff as they preside over special St. Luke’s Sundays in the South at an 11AM worship service in the chapel at North Naples UMC (6000 Goodlette Road, Naples, FL). Finding a way to get some snow is up to you. JANUARY 20: JANUARY 27: FEBRUARY 3:
Dr. Kent Millard Dr. Adolf Hansen Dr. Carver McGriff
FEBRUARY 10: FEBRUARY 17:
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Dr. Linda McCoy Rev. Marsha Hutchinson
first person Pastor to Pastor by Rev. Marsha Hutchinson
(The following is a tribute to Rev. Woodrow W. “Tom” Kennell written on June , ). “I believe it was Easter Sunday that I first really noticed the striking picture he made as he stood at the front of our little congregation. I remember, at the time, that I wished I could photograph him in my mind to always remember him just as he looked at that moment. The silver white hair so beautifully contrasted with the rich block of his robe, and the boyish twinkle of his sparkling eyes marveled me as I considered his years of service and struggles. The church was quite filled for his message, but the quiet of the people as they filled their hearts with his words gave one a peace difficult to explain. Here was a man, a loved and respected man who was not too haughty to understand the multitude of human weaknesses, but divine enough to know how to help straighten the path. His humor kept us laughing as we sat beside him in a personal conversation, but his dedication to the church and to its teachings kept us knowing he will be there in a time of sorrow or a time of trial. He was never above laughing over a mistake he might make, and he never put his people down when they stumbled into a sea of error. As I sat there contemplating this man, I thought about all the ministers I had seen stand at that exact spot at Union Chapel Church. Many people have seen more than I; many have seen less. They were all unique in their own way; maybe someone else sat in church and made a mental photograph of each one of them as years rolled on. As for me, I cherish the picture I have of him in my mind and heart, and I love the thought of my children knowing he was our first minister…a friend, a wise teacher, and one of the Lord’s best disciples ever…our Rev. Kennell.” Many years have passed since I wrote this tribute to the man who was then my pastor at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, but all words still apply…Rev. Woodrow “Tom” Kennell continues to be a friend, a wise teacher, and one of God’s devoted disciples…who gave me yet another gift of his ministry in saying, “Marsha, you are my pastor now.” 20
Recently, Rev. Tom Kennell (now years young) and his loving wife of years, Bernice Kennell, moved to Hooverwood Retirement Home where residents have already noticed that friendly pastor’s smile in the resident halls. His life has always been one of loving God, family, and ministry, and Tom continues to love life in his mid-s.
His Story Tom Kennell was born on Nov. , in a log cabin in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, the ninth of eleven children. He attended school in a one-room country school house in this coal mining Pennsylvania community. At the age of fifteen, Tom’s family moved to Somerset, Pennsylvania where he graduated from high school while working as a clerk at an A & P grocery store and as a caddy at the local country club in order to support his family. During those teen years, Tom was pressured to join the Jr. Ku Klux Klan; however, he wanted no part in it. After being the first of his family to graduate from high school, Tom went on to attend college at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. North Central was a college of the Evangelical Church Denomination that later merged with the United Brethren Church to become the Evangelical United Brethren Denomination. (As our church history tells us, the Evangelical United Brethren Church united with the Methodist Church, thus becoming the United Methodist Denomination.). While high school, Tom Kennell felt the call to ministry. His family was not of a religious nature; therefore, his decision came as a surprise to all as did his traveling from Pennsylvania to Illinois to pursue his education and call. Following graduation from NCC in , Tom began studies at Evangelical Theological Seminary, now Garrett
Tom Kennell and Marsha Hutchinson Rev. Kennell performing a baptism
FAR LEFT: LEFT:
Kennel’s Ministry Highlights • Privileged to be at the United Nations with the World Council of Churches for President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech in . • Invited and attend President Johnson’s White House Conference, “To Fulfill these Rights” in . • Invited and attended President Nixon’s White House Conference on Children and Youth in . Evangelical Seminary. As a seminary student, he pastored an Evangelical Church in Edgerton, Ohio and left Naperville, Illinois every Friday, returning every Monday.
• Invited to offer the prayer for the United States Senate opening in January , the day of the seizing of the U.S. Intelligence Ship, Pueblo, by North Korea.
Tom met Bernice Linge, a native of Topeka, Kansas, while at North Central College. Tom and Bernice were married on June , . He worked his way through college as a hard-working janitor who labored to keep the furnaces stoked in the women’s residence hall during the cold Chicago winters!
• Worked hard for Civil Rights issues, authoring one of the first city ordinances for Open Housing in the State while in Elkhart where he chaired the Elkhart Civil Rights Commission.
The Kennells began married life with Bernice staying alone in Edgerton during the week and Tom joining her on weekends, which was quite a feat for a “city girl” from Topeka, Kansas. The parsonage had no indoor plumbing, and their salary was approximately a year supplemented by eggs, chickens, and some home-grown produce!
• In the later years of his ministry, served parishes in Huntington, Indiana; Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Indianapolis from where he retired in .
Tom graduated from ETS in and moved to Terre Haute, Indiana as pastor of Kent Avenue Evangelical Church in . He served this church for / years, and during that time their first daughter, Susan, was born to this happy couple. In typical Evangelical (Methodist) fashion, the little family moved again to South Bend, Indiana in where their second daughter, Ruth Ann, was born. While in South Bend, due to wartime rations, the Kennells had no car; therefore, Tom visited hospitals and parishioners on a bicycle! In , the Kennell family moved to Elkhart, Indiana where they stayed for years, (atypical of the United Methodist itinerancy system), as pastor of the First Evangelical, later called the First Evangelical United Brethren, and later, the First United Methodist Church. He took the same congregation through two difficult denominational mergers without losing a single member!
• Was the Speaker and Leader of the Religious Week for Civil Rights at Grambling College in the .
As a result of his call to ministry long ago, Rev. Woodrow “Tom” Kennell worked and ministered tirelessly throughout his lifetime to serve God and God’s people. He excelled as a preacher, but more importantly, he excelled as a loving and devoted pastor. After retirement, Tom Kennell worked as a chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital, volunteered at the Children’s Museum, and was active at the Indianapolis North United Methodist Church where he officiated for many weddings. As of the Conference Journal, Rev. Kennell was the second oldest living member of the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Tom and Bernice Kennell’s family now attend St. Luke’s: Dick and Ruth Ann Gantz; Sally and Brian Boll; & Susan Kennell. (Many thanks to Ruth Ann and Susan for helping with this article.) This article was originally written to coincide with the “Bridging the Generations” in theme in late .
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ST. LUKE’S SINGLES OFFER TWO OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALING For more information or to register, contact DeAnna Moran at morand@stlukesumc.com or 846-3404 x367
Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
1. Divorce Recovery Class
2.
January 23-February 27 REGISTRATION FEE: $40 Pre-registration required, class limited to fifteen Childcare is available upon request
Facilitated by Linda Vernon Sundays, February 10-April 27, 1-4:30PM, E106 REGISTRATION FEE: $100
Designed to help persons cope with their feelings and to regain control of their lives, this class will be conducted by a qualified professional in the mental health field. The classes offer resources to be used toward living productively—growing through this painful experience rather than just going through it.
For those who are working through the ending of any relationship whether it be separation, divorce, death, or dating; for those who feel like a “half-person” searching for someone “to make you feel whole again”; or for those who feel “something is missing” in your life or that you’re “stuck,” this 10-week class is based upon 19 stumbling blocks that must be dealt with and turned into building blocks so relationships may grow and thrive.
Singles Workshop to Offer Strategies for Taking Personal & Professional Relationships to the Next Level! To pre-register, contact DeAnna Moran at morand@stlukesumc.com or 846-3404 x367. COST: $40. Every relationship is different and requires your ability to diagnose and to determine which strategy to use and when! The foundation of this Saturday, February 9 workshop begins with you, your personal clarity, your inner life, your mindset, and your ability to internally embrace your interdependence with others. Among other things, learn how to set the tone and direction for purposefully going forward into relationship; focus on your ability to listen with purpose, provide joyful experiences, attend to the smallest of detail, and create visibility. Opportunities will be available to practice what is taught by facilitator, Ron Sukenkick, president of Relationship Strategies Institute, Inc. Another St. Luke’s Singles opportunity to practice skills learned at this workshop is the Valentine’s Dance, February 9, 7:30-10:30PM in the Great Hall. Cost for the dance only is $7 at the door. WORKSHOP AND DANCE: $45
Ron Sukenkick
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Thanksgiving Breakfast & Dinner
“Thank You’s!” by Terri Coe
On behalf of the individuals and families served Thanksgiving morning, “thank you St. Luke’s” for your support and participation in helping St. Luke’s Singles serve 425 meals! It all began when head chef David Mitchell took the week off from work to oversee this “gift of love.” Sunday and Monday he cooked over 40 turkeys! On Tuesday he showed volunteers how to carve the turkeys, and on Wednesday he guided more volunteers in the preparing and packaging of the rest of the traditional meal which included stuffing, corn, green beans, gravy, pies and cookies. Thanksgiving Eve, David led yet another group of volunteers as they transported all the food and supplies to the Cathedral Kitchen (corner of 14th and Pennsylvania). Bright and early Thursday morning, volunteers began arriving at the site, first to serve a continental breakfast to the men and women who are accustomed to going there every morning for a warm breakfast. As more volunteers arrived, they prepared the 101 carry-out meals that were delivered to various shut-ins throughout the city. Another 50 meals were packaged and delivered to the homeless on the streets of downtown Indianapolis. By 10AM, all was ready for yet another crew of volunteers who began serving dinner to all those who came to the Cathedral Kitchen. This year, more than any other year remembered, there was a very long line of hungry men and women that went non-stop for an hour and a half. To the 85 who volunteered as cooks, servers, drivers, set-up and clean-up personnel as well to all who donated money or food, please know that every contribution was truly appreciated! One final note—when one family called in their request for delivery of meals, they mentioned that they had no heat in their home. With the help of several community agencies and Mary Katherine Schnitz from St. Luke’s, we were able to assist the family in getting their heat turned on in time to be warm for the cold winter days.
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fat tuesday Pancakes & Jazz to Mark 10th Anniversary! February 5, 5:30-7:30PM Great Hall COST: $8 for adults;
$4 for children 10 and under This popular all-church event, held annually on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday, reaches a milestone in its history with our congregation this year! Initiated in 1998 by St. Luke’s Singles as a way to thank St. Luke’s members for your support of the many programs and activities affiliated with the Singles ministry, we’ve continued this dinner and music opportunity at the request of many in attendance who enjoy the toetapping music and like—at least for one nigh—breakfast for supper. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and fruit salad has not changed through the years, nor has the entertainment which is provided by Jack Gilfoy and his jazz ensemble. The evening is a fun prelude to the Lenten season, and this year we’re planning a few celebrations to mark this special occasion! Plan now to join us.
New Pastor for Later@St. Luke’s Rev. Marion Miller has been appointed as the new pastor for Later@St. Luke’s. She started out at The Garden at Beef and Boards six years ago. Rev. Miller was instrumental in the start-up of The Garden at Oak Hill as she served as Resident Pastor for three years. She joined the St Luke’s clergy team in February 2006 as an Associate Pastor. Her work involves providing support to the efforts of Outreach Commission, serves on the Metro Ministries Board, and most recently she is pursuing a passion with the Interfaith Hunger Initiative. Rev. Miller is excited to be the new pastoral leader for these gatherings, which offers many dimensions, expressions, and avenues for worship. These worship gatherings are casual, dynamic, and innovative experiences open to everyone. Incorporated into each of these experiences are a variety of art forms, prayer, and powerful messages with a range of music including contemporary Christian, gospel and jazz. This multi-faceted approach to worship encourages authentic expressions of love, devotion, adoration and praise to God as we offer our time, talents, and gifts to God and to each other. Our hope is that all who join us for these gatherings come to understand that worship is more than a weekly experience . . . it is a lifestyle of expressing our love for God and responding to God’s love for us. The worship gatherings are every Sunday at 6PM in Robertson Chapel. Each week we serve communion and share in community prayers. We also provide care and classes for our children.
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music ministries Indianapolis Children’s Choir Youth Chorale
Indianapolis Pipe Organ Festival
February 10, 4PM
February 17, 2PM
St. Luke’s hosts this talented group of high school students conducted by New Song Director Cheryl West. The ICC Youth Chorale has swept audiences off their feet, including appearances at the St. Luke’s Candlelight Christmas Concerts. Their program anticipates concert presentations at several regional choral music gatherings. A reception for performers and audience, hosted by our Chancel Choir and New Song, will follow the performance.
Several of Indianapolis’ finest organists will be featured on the afternoon program featuring our Sanctuary’s Goulding & Wood instrument. The eclectic concert will appeal to a diverse musical audience—from the novice listener to the organ music aficionado. The program will be recorded and featured on the nationally syndicated radio broadcast of Pipedreams! Tickets ($10) are available from the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists, or at the door the day of the concert.
Taking Care of Our Own by Rich Potterf
This past summer was a great time for the St. Luke’s volunteer facility team! Carter Jerman organized a painting crew that patched and painted many walls and ceilings in the Narthex and both floors of the new education wing. Several walls were repaired and painted in the choir loft which facilitated a redecorating of the music department. These volunteers generously sacrificed many of their Saturday mornings to accomplish this sixweek project. Thanks from the congregation and myself for these volunteers: Ed Simpson, Dave Landaw, Brit Gillatte, Barry Reed, Bill Williams, Dave and Jennifer Duba and Kathy Alexander. Pat and Barry Reed came and tended the bushes outside door #6. This door is the entrance to St. Luke’s main office. During the long dry spell, they watered and trimmed the shrubs. Paul McNarny from the Mower Shop supplied a new commercial mower to the Facility Department to keep the lawn groomed. Jim and Charlie Keller repaired chairs and pews in the Sanctuary. Because of normal wear and tear, the legs and backs had to be re-fastened to make them safe and secure. Jim has volunteered many hours to repair damaged walls, install
protective edging, and replace floor tiles to not only make St. Luke’s safe, but to enhance the appearance for guests. Earlier in the spring, Jim directed and helped in the stripping, sanding, and refinishing of the wooden stairs in the Sanctuary. Thank you! The Facility staff has had some significant changes this past fall as well. In October, William Taylor had a heart attack and at this writing is recovering well. Wanda Wilburn had two tumors removed from her brain in late November. As I write this she is undergoing radiation/ chemotherapy for cancer in her lung. Please keep their healing and recovery in your prayers. Stewardship is a core value of the Bible. The goal of the facility team and facility volunteers is to keep the physical building and grounds in a safe and functional condition at all times. When volunteers help by giving time and expertise, they free up time and resources (money) which then can be used more effectively in ministering to people in need here in Indianapolis and throughout St. Luke’s community. Please join us!
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staff
Welcome Welcome Welcome by Carol Helmus Three new lay staff have recently been added to the St Luke’s Family. Marsha Heinrich, IT Manager; Jason Barnes, Director of AV/Media; and Dawn Bick, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries.
Martha Heinrich retired from Clarian Health Systems where she served as the Chief Information Officer for many years. Since then she has been waiting for the perfect part-time opportunity to open up and was thrilled when she heard St. Luke’s had a need for an IT manager (we were thrilled too!!!). Martha is a long-time member of St. Luke’s—almost years—she and her husband Chuck enjoy traveling worldwide and always feel safe, as Chuck works for the aviation regulation division of the Department of Homeland Security. If you are extra nice to Martha she might just take you out on the boat she and Chuck enjoy on long summer weekends. Martha is also an active skier—water and snow and runner.
Jason Barnes loves snow, and hates warm temperate days at the beach so he left sunny South Florida just in time! (Ok—he is originally from Indiana and was looking to return and be closer to family.) Jason, his wife Angie and their -monthold daughter Ava are excited about being a part of the St. Luke’s community. Jason has been an Audio Engineer for years and worked in a variety of settings—including radio and TV stations, live productions as well as a large-church congregation in South Florida. Jason was lucky enough to join St. Luke’s just as we were gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year—and he hasn’t missed a beat. Jason loves spending time with his family—and when he’s not with them, he’s at St Luke’s!
Dawn Bick
has been a United Methodist all her life—as the daughter of a United Methodist minister—she didn’t really have a choice. Now she does and she had chosen to serve as the Interim Director of Children’s Ministries. Dawn is no stranger to the East Wing: she has been a Sunday School teacher, even before she had her own children (now that’s dedication!), helped with VCS, Joyful Sound and UMW . . . does this woman sleep? Dawn has been a middle school teacher and currently teaches at the Hasten Hebrew Academy. She has been married to Jason (Bick, not Barnes!) for years and they have two daughters—Jordan, , and Julia . If that’s not enough, she is also an avid scrap booker and crocheter!
Welcome Martha, Jason and Dawn—we are lucky to have your expertise and enthusiasm. Stop by and welcome them too!
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WELCOME! new
members
The following persons completed the October Membership classes. The next opportunities to join St. Luke’s are February 9 and March 8. Contact Sylvia Forbes at 846-3404 or forbess@stlukesumc.com to register.
October Kathy Aganad, Meggo Barthlow, Jessica Cloud, Jim Dodds, Reyna Dodds, Brent Dow, Joan Hendricks, Beth Hunley, Earl Kidd, Donita Kidd, Mike Laird, Debbie Laird, John Moe, Sharon Moe, Mike Phillips, Laura Phillips, Marvin Richardson, Melanie Richardson
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
Inspirational Gifts, Jewelry & Books Conveniently located inside St. Luke’s UMC
OASIS HOURS: TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
10AM - 4PM SUNDAY 9AM - 1PM
Gift Registry Available
This season we are featuring one of our favorite companies—not only do they have exquisite, inspirational jewelry but they are a company with a very important mission. The company is
Far Fetched and
their sister company is Cuervo Metal, located in Taxco, Mexico. Taxco has been renowned worldwide for silversmithing, with origins dating back to the 1500s. Far Fetched works intimately with over 45 small, independent workshops and they are committed to their livelihood and preserving the tradition of silversmithing for their children. Come in to The Oasis and find out more about this beautiful line. We hope you'll find the perfect Valentines gifts for those you love.
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St. Luke’s United Methodist Church • West Street • Indianapolis, Indiana
COMMUNION JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2008
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 1569
Address Service Requested
T.I.M.E. for the New Year Resolve to invite one new person to come to church with you this year. Resolve to stretch yourself spiritually by taking a new Bible study, book study, attending a United Methodist Men’s or United Methodist Women’s event, a singles event, a yoga class. Resolve to count your blessings more, and your complaints less. Resolve to turn “coffee & donuts” into the often-overlooked “coffee & a banana,” if you are trying to lose a few pounds. Resolve to be a better friend, parent, child, co-worker, stranger. Resolve to be a better steward of all God has given us.