Connect @ St. Lukes Aug/Sept 2015

connect

AUG/SEPT 2015

@

STEP INTO ST. LUKE’S

2015 FALL CATALOG

p.30

Facilities Upgrades Begin to Pave the Way to the Future

p. 4

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Building a Website p. 6 Linda McCoy on The Garden: An Adventure in Trust p. 8 Step-by-Step: Journey to God Begins at Birth p. 26 ‘How St. Luke’s Became the Next Step on My Faith Journey’ p. 28

editor’s note

If it ain’t broke ...

M E E T T H E E D I TO R

You know the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Well, just for the record, it doesn’t apply to churches.

If nothing changes the trajectory of a faith community, it will be born, grow, decline and die in fewer than 100 years. There is no shame in that, of course. Even the Apostle Paul’s churches closed. But it’s also true that some congregations live longer than others. Why? They recognize that faithfulness requires the occasional “update.”

Some churches reach a point when they reinvent themselves – either by choice, or because of some influence upon them. Something makes them ask: Is “the way we’ve always done it” still the best way to connect people with the love of God? Part of why I accepted this position a year ago was because St. Luke’s leaders were asking challenging questions of their 62-year-old congregation. In a context for ministry where Americans between 18 & 29 report a rapid decline in their taste for church, St. Luke’s set a ministry directive to reach them. (See text on right). I have watched much come to fruition this year – started because of that visioning process.

In this issue of Connect @ St. Luke’s we update some of the progress: Paving a Way to the Future – Among the changes ahead for St. Luke’s are upgrades to facilities, which begin with the parking lot. (p.4) New Brand/New Website – Designed to appeal to current and new audiences, a freshened brand influenced the redesign of this magazine. Read about progress on our new website (also designed around our new brand). It rolls out in late August. (p. 6) You’ll also find a new adult discipleship catalog at the end of this publication.

New ‘Steps’ Curriculum – Rev. David Williams shares how Family Ministries is boosting faith formation for our children from infants to high school in a comprehensive new curriculum called “Steps.” (p. 26) New Leaders – We welcome Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger, Pastor of Adult Discipleship, who has helped a large congregation make the shift to a small-group model of learning, serving and caring for one another. This kind of shift helps make big churches more effective in faith formation of all ages. (p.28) Trust – One of the most important stories we share may well be about innovative founding pastor of The Garden, Rev. Dr. Linda McCoy, who retires this year. She demonstrates that starting something new is possible when we trust. (p. 8) That’s a good reminder for a congregation that is stepping up so others can step in...

Rev. Patricia R. Case DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATION On staff since early 2014, Case describes her role at St. Luke’s as “changing the tire while the vehicle is still moving.”

2013 VISION PLAN In February 2013, the St. Luke's Visioning Task Force offered, “A Vision for Our Future”– a five-to-10-year visioning plan that focuses on five key ministry directives for the church: Reach more young people Help people grow in faith Develop an outreach & missions emphasis Involve more people in service & church leadership Improve facilities, resources & technology To find the whole document, visit stlukesumc.com.

Weekend Worship Opportunities St. Luke’s is an open community of Christians, offering multiple worship opportunities designed to meet you where you are in your journey with Christ.

TRADITIONAL • 8, 9:15 & 11AM The Sanctuary at 8AM and 9:15AM Robertson Chapel at 11AM with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Senior Pastor

CONTEMPORARY • 11AM The Sanctuary with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Senior Pastor

LATER @ ST. LUKE’S • 6PM Robertson Chapel with Dr. Marion Miller

THE GARDEN • 8:45 & 10AM Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre with Dr. Linda McCoy

TAIZÉ • 5PM Third Sunday of each month, by the baptismal font in the Sanctuary, with musical community and Rev. Kim King

Connect With Us CONTACT US 100 W. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46260 317.846.3404 stlukesumc.com

info@stlukesumc.com @stlukesumcindy Search for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

St. Luke’s office is open 8:30AM-5PM Monday-Friday.

URGENT PASTORAL CARE NEEDS Our Prayer Chapel is available for silent prayer and meditation when the church is open. In case of a pastoral emergency, call 317-846-3404. After hours, leave a message including how our on-call pastor can reach you.

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in this issue St. Luke’s Steps up its Game on a Number of Fronts As Fall approaches not only are leaders readying classes for the faith development of all ages, but a number of other “upgrades” are preparing St. Luke’s for a strong second half of 2015. Plus, we say thank you to long-time pastor at The Garden, Dr. Linda McCoy, whose courageous steps launched a new faith community 20 years ago.

feature stories 4 Facilities Upgrades Begin to Pave the Way to the Future – Today St. Luke’s Trustees have identified several important projects to begin in the coming months.

8 Dr. McCoy on The Garden: An Adventure in Trust

Also in this issue...

YOUTH YOUNG ADULTS

12 14

WORSHIP

10

PRESCHOOL / CHILDREN

26

BODY/MIND/SPIRIT

24

CARE

23

OUTREACH

18

28

FELLOWSHIP

22

How St. Luke’s Became the Next Step on My Faith Journey

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP FALL CATALOG

30

It went against her tendency for order, but launching The Garden would teach her trust.

26 Step-by-Step: Journey to God Begins at Birth Family Ministry offers this preview of a new curriculum designed for infants to high schoolers at St. Luke’s.

New Pastor for Adult Discipleship, Eric Burton-Krieger, shares what drew him into ministry with St. Luke’s.

FEATURE STORY

Facilities Upgrades Begin to Pave the Way to the Future – Today Steve Lankton, Chair of the Trustees Steven Lankton led the Trustees in the process of identifying appropriate projects for the shorter-term enhancements

With long-range plans being developed to bring major enhancement to St. Luke’s facilities, per the directives of the 2013 “Vision for our Future,” St. Luke’s Trustees recently identified a handful of important projects to begin in the 4

coming months.

These enhancements, the Trustees determined, meet the more urgent needs of the community, without interfering with longer-term renovation projects.

PARKING LOT UPGRADES The first such project is evident upon entering the parking lot. Changes designed to make the traffic patterns safer for drivers and pedestrians, to ease the access to the building for folks with physical disabilities, to upgrade lighting and to add more green space began in July. Estimated cost: $425,000

GREAT HALL KITCHEN Great Hall Kitchen, the largest of the three St. Luke’s kitchens, is in desperate need

of upgraded equipment, secure storage and improved work flow. Renovations are expected to reduce catering costs by creating a working kitchen where teams of volunteers can work in fellowship as they prepare meals for special events. To avoid a conflict with the UMW Bazaar, this project will commence after Thanksgiving.

Estimated cost: $250,000

CHILDREN’S GROUP GATHERING ROOM Children’s Ministry lacks dedicated space created exclusively for kids to learn and share experiences in a creative and fun environment. Rooms E105/107/109 will be transformed to make this dream a reality. This will also enhance the security and safety of our children by dedicating AUG/SEPT 2015

the entire lower-level East Wing space to children. Estimated cost: $100,000

ROBERTSON CHAPEL Renovations will benefit all of the ongoing services conducted in this space, from weddings and funerals to Sunday morning and evening worship services. Included in these renovations is a freestanding wall to support a new permanent video screen.

This change is intended to enhance the experience for both the congregation and those seated in the choir loft. Improved lighting, video and sound, and an enlarged front platform are also included in the plan.

Estimated cost $350,000

BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE: The largest non-worship space in the building, Great Hall renovations are to include new lighting.

...“These enhancements, the Trustees determined, meet the more urgent needs of the community, without interfering with longer-term renovation projects.”…

GREAT HALL - PLUS

WHY THESE PROJECTS?

Built in the late 80s and not upgraded since, this space will be modernized with new carpet, better lighting, fresh paint and sound upgrades. This room will still be available for sports activities and large, church-wide events – which are expected to increase with the new kitchen. Estimated cost: $290,000

Following the work of the Visioning Team in 2013, a master plan was developed with the help of architect and St. Luke’s member, Eric Rowland. Involving hours of interviews with St. Luke’s members, constituents and staff, Rowland reported the findings to the Trustees, who are charged with evaluating it, looking at current needs and making recommendations to the Governing Board for their input and approval.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

The Trustees felt that these projects, which are all part of the long-range plan, could be accomplished now without negatively impacting any of the major changes expected later. Much of this work has been put off for a number of years, as long-term plans were emerging.

FUNDING To fund the project, a group of St. Luke’s lay members, including the chairs of Finance, Stewardship and Endowment have evaluated the current and potential future needs of the church. Some St. Luke's families have stepped up to be lead contributors to this initial phase of work. Contributions are also welcome from the entire St. Luke’s community. To contribute, make checks payable to St. Luke’s UMC and put “Building Project” in the memo line of your check.

Please contact Faina Kleyner in the Finance Office if you wish to make a gift of stock or securities. Trustees hope to raise the full amount, but St. Luke's will only commit to the projects as they are funded.

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FEATURE STORY

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Building a New Website

By Rev. Patricia R. Case Director of Marketing & Communication Case staffed a team of St. Luke’s leaders: Maria Blake, Chris Bultinck, Rob Fuquay , Nancy Lange & Nate Montgomery on the logo project.

During the January Leadership Summit at St Luke’s UMC, Pastor Rob Fuquay gave a “State of the Church” progress 6

report on St. Luke's 2014 performance. He also took a look at what to expect in 2015, as we continue to live into our

“It should scare us just a little to claim to be ‘open for you,’...”

2013 Visioning Plan.*

Among the plans for 2015 – in keeping with a number of the imperatives of the 2013 Visioning Plan – was to create a new website for the church. The once-effective website needed to change to accommodate updates in technology, shifts in the way the public uses websites and to more obviously extend a genuine invitation to the public.

In short, the new website would function like a wide-open front door to St. Luke’s.

WHO DO WE SAY WE ARE? While trying to re-imagine a website, the core team charged with the task realized that the church’s brand should drive design of the new site. But the jury was out on whether or not the existing brand effectively

communicated the church’s openness.

While “open” is the one word that more than 80% of those surveyed used to described St. Luke’s, it didn’t appear in the existing logo.

Our consultants, Fishhook, a national group based in Indianapolis that helps churches put their best communication and marketing foot forward, came alongside us – not only to help us rethink our website, but also to update our brand. The process included engaging members in a “discovery” conversation, then assigning a decision team to take next steps.

The refreshed brand was introduced in spring, reflecting the previous iterations of branding, while updating the fonts,

* See inside front cover for an brief outline, or read the whole vision document at stlukesumc.com.

AUG/SEPT 2015

brightening the colors – and physically reflecting greater openness in its design elements. It introduces a new “tag line” as well: “Open for You”. The tag line lays claim to the church’s self-image: “An Open Community of Christians…”

OPEN FOR WHOM? When the final version of the logo came, the decision team raised an important caution. If we say we are “Open for You” – do we mean it? What if our guests don't really experience our welcome?

It should scare us just a little to claim to be “open for you," the group contended.

We are claiming to be open for those we

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haven’t yet met. But that “fear” should keep us honest and self-aware, rather than mute about God’s unconditional love.

So, the tag line stuck, with the hope that through worship, conversation and reflection, the community will continue to be intentional about living out this descriptor.

WAIT FOR IT… With the new brand in place, the website design continued in earnest. In late August 2015, after months of preparation, the new website will go live. At present, we are test-driving the site with a variety of lay people, to ensure its navigability and effectiveness. The site will maintain its current address: stlukesumc.com.

OPEN FOR YOU: St. Luke’s rolls out a refreshed brand this year, with a tag line "Open for You" which names what the congregation has claimed for sometime about itself.

After the site goes live, users will be encouraged to report what works and what confounds them; what they like about it and what they feel it still needs.

Once the kinks are worked out, St. Luke's will begin using the new website – and the new branding – to promote this faith community and our ministry in and beyond Indianapolis. Can a girl get an “Amen”?

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

WHAT IS BRANDING? Simply put, a brand is your promise to your audience. It tells them what they can expect from products and services.

It differentiates what you offer from what others offer. A brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.

Major brands like Coca-Cola, Nike and others use consistent color, fonts & shapes to help identify them even before their name appears. Learn more about branding from this introductory article from Entrepreneur www.entrepreneur.com/article/77408.

FEATURE STORY

Linda McCoy on The Garden: An Adventure in Trust

By Rev. Daniel R. Gangler Retired UMC Communicator Dan Gangler served most recently as Director of Communication for the Indiana United Methodist Conference.

It went against her tendency to get things in order and then execute a plan when Dr. Linda McCoy launched The Garden as a new faith community in Indianapolis 20 years ago. But the experience would be her teacher.

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Above all other disciplines, she would learn to practice trust: Trust in God; trust in her colleagues in ministry; trust in a team of volunteers to step up to help her respond to the dream of planting a different kind of church.

“It’s been definitely a God thing,” she says.

“I don’t think anyone of us alone would have been smart enough to do it. It just came together in a way I guess it was supposed to. I learned a big lesson in that: Trust in God. If this is supposed to be, then God will lead us.”

A NEW WORSHIP PRACTICE Dr. McCoy’s dream was to reach people who didn’t respond to God’s love through traditional worship styles. The Garden practices worship that integrates music, prayers, videos, sermon and movie clips into a 45-minute service – a radical notion 20 years ago.

“I began to caste away what I thought got in the way of a relationship with God,” she said. Together her team asked critical questions: “How could we open doors? How could we be welcoming? Many times we prayed and closed our eyes, and began to see in our minds what would unfold when people arrived,” she remembers. “It just began to take its shape and began to reach people.

We also began a marketing campaign. It’s been sort of a miracle all the way along.

theater space on loan from Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The Garden now averages about 325 worshipers for two services each Sunday, from a pool of more than 800 regular worshipers.

“It’s really been the volunteers (the Gardeners) who created what The Garden is,” she says. “I will be forever grateful to them because they began to envision in their minds what would happen if they could start from scratch, keeping the essentials (of worship).”

“St. Luke’s isn’t the same church I came to in 1969; it isn’t that same church I came on staff in 1982; it isn’t that same church as in 1993 when Carver (McGriff, former Sr. Pastor) retired. I’ve been at the same place for a long time (46 years) but I haven’t… It’s been a living, growing experience.”

Each month about 100 volunteer “Gardeners” make this pop-up worship happen in a

One of the greatest blessings McCoy says she has received is the theological depth

AUG/SEPT 2015

GOD GIVES THE GROWTH

The Garden’s 20! Celebrate!

Aug. 16 • Noon • Great Hall RSVP at stlukesumc.com

she has been able to obtain to preach with integrity. “I feel as though my spiritual life is richer now than it’s ever been. It comes partly from that generative process and partly from my Celtic experience in Ireland exploring Celtic spirituality,” she says. “I try to remind myself every morning to always see the holy in the world and the holy in the people I encounter. That’s enriched my life – given my life a sense of meaning and taken me outside the church box. It’s been a challenge, but it’s been a blessing.”

a rich shift with the incoming pastor, Dr. Carolyn J. Scanlan-Holmes, former Senior Pastor, Avon First Christian Church and former St. Luke’s clergy staff.

NEXT STEPS - THE GARDEN

As she prepares for her own retirement, after 30 years of full-time ministry at St. Luke’s, trust will serve Dr. McCoy well,

Having become “too content” over the last decade, she thinks The Garden will undergo

“I am honored to be appointed to serve the legacy that has been cultivated,” Dr. Scanlan-Holmes says. “I believe God has and will continue to transform the world through The Garden ministry… (as we) tend new seeds of hope and love for the future.”

NEXT STEPS - A GARDENER

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

TICKETS FOR LUNCH: Celebrate Dr. McCoy’s 30 years in ministry at St. Luke’s. Tickets for lunch are $10 and available Aug. 2 & 9 in West Passage at St. Luke’s. again she says. She’s not altogether sure what may happen next. She’ll do some writing, traveling, teaching and “challenging people with new ideas.”

“I just trust it will become clear when it needs to be clear,” she says.

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WORSHIP

worship Looking for Your Place to Serve?

There are a variety of involvement schedules and musical levels where you can become involved with

Meet Our Team MARK SQUIRE Director of Music Ministries 10

FRAN WYATT Director of Contemporary Worship & Arts JASON BARNES Director of A/V Media

TAIZÉ MUSICAL COMMUNITY 3rd Sunday of Month • 4-5:45PM Small vocal and instrumental ensemble serving at monthly Taizé service (5-5:45PM), rehearses one hour before each service. Contact: Mark Squire squirem@stlukesumc.com.

ST. LUKE’S CHANCEL CHOIR Thursdays • 7:30-9PM; Sunday Mornings

Auditions are not necessary to be a part of this fine group, although a love of singing is required.

Contact Director Mark Squire: squirem@stlukesumc.com.

CONTEMPORARY VOCAL TEAMS, BAND MEMBERS & ARTISTS

St. Luke’s Music Ministries. There are even nonmusical opportunities that support the hundreds of music makers. If you’d like to share your gifts in music ministry, contact the Music Ministry Office at squirem@stlukesumc.com.

ST. LUKE’S ORCHESTRA Rehearses Monthly, Plays 3rd Sunday For more information, or to sign up to play, contact Margaret Spilker, msspilker@aol.com, or Bob Zehr, rdzehr@oakhillmansion.com.

AUDIO-VISUAL & STAGE TEAMS Sunday Mornings There are plenty of wonderful people playing a variety of roles behind the scenes to make things look seamless in worship.

If you have an interest in the technology & staging behind the experience, contact Jason Barnes barnesj@stlukesumc.com or Fran Wyatt wyattf@stlukesumc.com

SECTION HOSTS GREET GUESTS Sundays • 11AM • Sanctuary Consider serving as a Section Host just before and after worship at 11AM in the Sanctuary. Please contact sherylamullins@gmail.com to find out more.

STEP INTO ST. LUKE’S: PERFORM

Director Fran Wyatt welcomes additional singers, players, dancers and artists to serve in the 11AM Contemporary Service.

Contact him at wyattf@stlukesumc.com.

Aug. 23 • All-Church Pitch-In Entertainment Auditions 12:30 - 3PM; contact Fran, Wyattf@stlukesumc.com for more information.

AUG/SEPT 2015

St. Luke’s Endowment: This Gift Keeps Giving Marion Tewksbury came to St. Luke’s more than 45 years ago at the suggestion of her daughter who had attended a worship service. It was a good fit. Within a few weeks, Marion had joined the choir, and the relationship with the church began to grow.

"Music and singing are in my soul,” she says, recalling her early interest in the choir.

St. Luke's music programming hit the spot.

She also appeared in the popular St. Luke’s musicals being performed at the time, and participated in Bible study at the church.

Marion's engagement didn't stop with activities that met her personal faith needs.

She soon volunteered to help others. Habitat for Humanity, Vacation Bible School and the Crooked Creek Food Pantry are among the efforts to which she has volunteered her time.

KEEP MINISTRY ALIVE As she became aware of the need to support St. Luke’s financially, she and her husband Richard looked for a way to help these programs remain sustainable.

Like hundreds of St. Luke's members, the Tewksburys made a visionary gift to the St. Luke’s Endowment Fund.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR MELISSA COPHER Melissa "Missy", is director of gift planning for the American Red Cross and serves on the St. Luke’s Endowment Committee.

“...LIKE HUNDREDS OF ST. LUKE'S MEMBERS, THE TEWKSBURYS

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MADE A VISIONARY GIFT TO THE ST. LUKE’S ENDOWMENT FUND...”

The St. Luke’s Endowment Fund was established to fund the church in perpetuity. The church draws a small portion of the value of the Fund each year to support programs and ministries. It's an investment in the future, Marion says.

WHAT BETTER GIFT? “It is important for us to leave a footprint for those who come after us to follow. A gift to the Endowment Fund ensures a footprint,” Marion explains. She wants future St. Luke’s members and visitors to enjoy the ministries and programs she has cherished. Over the years, the Tewksburys have taken the opportunity to honor, celebrate and memorialize loved ones on C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

VISIONARY COUPLE: Richard & Marion Tewksbury

special occasions like birthdays, marriage, baptism and confirmation.

“Making a donation to the Endowment Fund in honor of a loved one is a meaningful gift; one that lasts forever. What could be a better gift?” Marion asks.

St. Luke’s is blessed to have supporters like Marion. Along with other Endowment Fund donors, Marion has ensured future generations will experience God’s love at St. Luke’s.

Gifts to the Endowment Fund may be made at any time. To offer a gift or for more information, contact Nancy Lange at langen@ stlukesumc.com.

YOUTH

youth Meet Our Team HEATHER CAMPBELL Associate Director of Youth Ministry

KEVIN DAVIS Director of Youth Ministry

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MINDIE MOORE Associate Director of Emerging Adults

SUNDAY MORNING

NEW: FRIDAY NIGHT EVENTS!

Come to The Modge or The Lodge early each Sunday morning for games, snacks and hangout time. Both spaces provide a time of worship, large-group teaching and breakouts with dedicated small group leaders. The Lodge is located on the northeast corner of the parking lot, and The Modge is located between the main church building and The Lodge.

Sept. 14 • 6:30 - 9:30PM • The Lodge One Friday night each month we invite youth and their friends to fun events at St. Luke’s. Events are little-to-no cost. No sign-up necessary. Check parent newsletters and the website for more information on different activities for our Middle School/Junior High youth and our High School teens.

Middle School (Grades 5 & 6) 9:15-10:30AM & 11:00AM – Noon • The Modge

FALL RETREATS

Junior High (Grades 7 & 8) 7th Grade Confirmation • 9:15-10:30AM & 11:00AM - Noon The Lodge

Middle School (Grades 5 & 6) Aug. 28-29 • Luke’s Lodge & Water park

Junior High (Grades 7 & 8)

8th Grade • 9:15-10:30AM • The Lodge

Sept. 11-13 • SpringHill Camps

High School (Grades 9 through 12)

High School (Grades 9 through 12)

9:15-10:30AM • The Lodge

Nov. 20-22 • Chicago

ALL-CHURCH PICNIC & OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Aug. 23 • 3:30 - 6PM St. Luke’s will start the fall semester with a day of activity designed to help our youth “Step Into St. Luke’s.” Learn more about the new "Steps" curriculum, visit displays designed to explain developmental phases, birth through high school & stay for a picnic and lip sync battle!

CONFIRMATION CLASS Sundays, Aug. 16 - May • 9:15 -OR- 11AM • Lodge Parents meeting • Aug. 16 • 10:30AM Students in 7th grade or higher who have not been confirmed, are invited to attend Confirmation Class. Contact: Heather Campbell, campbellh@stlukesumc.com.

AUG/SEPT 2015

Sometimes belonging is blessed with a welcome – and a beat.

When I came to Luke’s Lodge at the end of fifth grade, I was nervous. We were blessed to have a staff that was super welcoming.

Even though I have experienced transitions over the years, one constant was the youth band – the opportunity to use my gifts.

At first, I sat and listened to them every Sunday. I sang along, learning all the songs.

I sang at church and outside of church.

I even got to sing with the band sometimes. In high school I became even more involved.

This past school year, my junior year, I began coming every week to help lead worship. I felt like I had found my place.

It is so awesome to be able to share my gift with God and others. I watch kids in the audience who are standing still, slowly open themselves up as they feel more comfortable. It's like watching them come closer to God right in front of me.

My participation in the band made it possible to meet and become closer to so many other people – each with unique gifts. We all come together to serve God despite being so different. That’s incredible to me.

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“... EVEN THOUGH I HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSITIONS OVER THE YEARS, ONE CONSTANT WAS THE YOUTH BAND – THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE HANDS & FEET OF CHRIST: Engaging youth in the ministry of the church involves receiving their gifts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR JOSEPH SCHINGEL Joseph starts his senior year at North Central (NC) High in Fall. He grew up at St. Luke’s in the children's choir and is involved with Counterpoints at NC.

MY GIFTS …”

As the year progressed, our band received more opportunities to lead. Perhaps the most memorable was when we led worship at the Confirmation service with our band and the Contemporary worship band.

We sang and worshiped God in front of

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

the whole congregation. Meanwhile, all the Confirmation students – that we had watched grow all year – accomplished all they had been working toward.

My only regret is not joining the band sooner. Even if your gift isn’t in music, we all have a chance to do what we love to serve God.

YOUNG ADULTS

young adults

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SUNDAY COFFEE TIME

END OF SUMMER/BACK TO COLLEGE

Between Worship Services • Identity Gallery

Wednesday • Aug. 5 • 6pm • The Lodge

Every Sunday between the 9:15 and 11AM services, come up to the Identity Gallery (just upstairs from the Narthex) to enjoy coffee and unstructured conversation with other young adults.

The coffee is locally roasted by a member of the group. No coffee snobs here. We will have tea too.

Whether you are heading off to school for the first time, or going back for your final year, we are throwing a dinner for you! It will be free, catered and delicious. Contact Mindie Moore to let us know you are coming: moorem@stlukesumc.com.

THE TABLE 3rd Friday each month • 7pm • The Lodge The Table is a collaborative worship experience that happens every 3rd Friday of the month. We meet in The Lodge and share a potluck meal, worship through song, and discuss the month's Scripture and message.

AUG/SEPT 2015

Making a Big Place Feel Small — In a Good Way for Young Adults

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We all want to be known: known by name, by passion, by those things that make us uniquely who God created us to be. When we feel known, we get to experience community on a different level.

“...IN FONDWA, HAITI, CONNECTEDNESS RUNS DEEP. I FOUND MYSELF WISHING FOR THIS TYPE OF COMMUNITY HERE ...”

I recently returned from a mission trip to Fondwa, Haiti, and one of the things I was most struck by was the overwhelming sense of community that exists there.

People in Fondwa are certainly known for the good, bad and everything in between.

The connectedness runs deep. I found myself wishing for this type of community.

What if we could have that kind of community right here at St. Luke's? What if by committing to be a part of a regular small group we could experience that deep sense of being known that only comes from sharing life together? Small groups can take on many identities- from playing volleyball, to sharing a weekly meal, to a more traditional Bible study – and so much more!

What if this Fall you were to experience this type of community at St. Luke’s? Contact Mindie Moore to find out how you can get connected with a small group.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

BUCKETS OF FUN: The work is hard in Haiti, but the connections run deep.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR MINDIE MOORE Associate Director of Emerging Adults

OUTREACH

outreach Looking for Your Place to Serve?

Outreach at St. Luke's seeks to find and give hope to our neighbors in the community and around the globe.

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There are many ways to get involved in service through St. Luke's many ministry partners. If you are looking to serve regularly, go on a trip to Haiti or mentor a child or family in the community; there is a place for you.

Contact Pastor Jamalyn, williamsonj@stlukesumc.com to discover where God is calling to you serve.

BOX TOPS & LABELS FOR EDUCATION

FOX HILL ELEMENTARY TUTORS

Starts Aug. 1 • West Passage Outreach Post

School Days • 802 Fox Hill Drive

United Methodist Women & Outreach invite you to help Fox Hill elementary and the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home by collecting and delivering box tops for education to West Passage. Contact: outreach@stlukesumc.com

Last year, dozens of children ‘lit up’ when St. Luke’s 70 different volunteers showed up to donate more than 3,000 hours to tutor them. Make your time count. Sign up at stlukesumc.com

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

ENGLISH AS A NEW LANGUAGE

Sept 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 & Oct 2-4

Wed., Aug. 26 • 6PM • various classrooms Weekly, 65 volunteers work with students in the classroom, co-lead a class, prepare snacks weekly and tend small children to help our neighbors learn English. No language skills required. Contact Meghann Bowman at bowmanm@stlukesumc.com to volunteer.

POVERTY SIMULATION

Outreach ministry invites volunteers to help construct a home for single mom Sarah Tate and her three-year-old twins – Summer and Autumn – who have special needs. To contribute toward the $40,000 we are raising, make checks payable to St. Luke’s. Write “Habitat” in the memo line. To volunteer sign up on Sunday mornings in West Passage or email outreach@stlukesumc.com.

CROOKED CREEK FOOD PANTRY

Sept. 13 • 12:30 - 3:30PM • Fellowship Hall About 46.5 million people live below the poverty level. Engage in this eye-opening Poverty Simulation to learn if you could make it even one month in similar conditions. Register at stlukesumc.com

UMW FALL RUMMAGE SALE Friday, Sept. 25 • 6 - 8PM • Great Hall Clean your closets! Drop donations to the sale Sept. 23 - Sept. 25.

Member sale is Fri., Sept. 25, 6- 8PM; public sale is Sat., Sept. 26.

Volunteer sign up: http://tiny.cc/i3hkzx

Donate or Volunteer Time Open for clients each Wed. 2 - 6PM; Thurs. 4 - 7PM; Fri. 10AM Noon & 2 - 4PM; and every 2nd Saturday 10AM - 1PM. Donations are received at the West Passage Outreach Post. Items needed include: paper shopping bags, feminine hygiene items, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby formula, disposable diapers,tissue, paper towels, toilet tissue, dried beans, refried beans, canned beans, sardines, Spam, Vienna sausages, canned fruit, chunky soup, rice and juice. Thinking of serving? Contact Meghann Bowman at bowmanm@stlukesumc.com.

AUG/SEPT 2015

Meet Our Team REV. JAMALYN PEIGH WILLIAMSON Pastor of Outreach Ministries

FLETCHER PLACE COMMUNITY CENTER VOLUNTEERING Help provide nourishment & love to families at Fletcher Place Community Center. Serve breakfast or dinner. Breakfast dates are: Aug. 11, 13, 21, 25, Sept. 8, 10, 18, 22, 29; Dinner: Aug. 17 & 26; Sept. 21 & 23. Breakfast volunteers contact Lucretia Scammahorn, 317-299-9472. Dinner volunteers, look on the Fletcher Place Board in the Communications Center of the Main Office or contact Laura Matthews at lmat773@aol.com. Questions? Donations? Contact outreach@stlukesumc.com

MEGHANN BOWMAN Associate Director of Outreach Ministry

MARY HACH Outreach Coordinator

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Outreach ministry invites you to help fund and construct a home for single mom Sarah Tate and her three-year-old twins – Summer and Autumn – who have special needs.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

OUTREACH

SAWS Ramps Up With New Warehouse

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For some time, the storage building

NEW DIGS FOR SAWS:

at the back of the parking lot of

New storage will accommodate easy indoor loading and unloading on trucks and trailers of the bulky ramp materials.

Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis has been home base for St. Luke’s outreach partner Servants at Work, Inc (SAWs).

While it served the purpose of this ramp-building non-profit, the organization has outgrown the space.

OrthoIndy and OrthoIndy Hospital Foundation Fund (OI/OHF) and SAWs have formed a new partnership. "The OI/OHF Fund is thrilled to work with SAWs to help further their excellent community service," said John Dietz, Jr., MD a spine surgeon at OrthoIndy. OrthoIndy’s physicians and more than 900 employees have a history of

“...THIS PARTNERSHIP IS THE MOST DRAMATIC EVENT

hands-on community service. We look forward to volunteering and supporting SAWs logistically." The partnership has resulted in a new facility with 12,000 square feet of out-of-the-weather storage and heated work space, with large doors to accommodate easy indoor loading and unloading “This partnership with the OI/OIHF Fund is the most dramatic event since St. Luke’s UMC of Indianapolis partnered with us in 2005. That partnership doubled our size.

This new partnership will have a similar or greater impact on our efforts,” said Rik Hagarty, founder of SAWs.

AUG/SEPT 2015

SINCE ST. LUKE’S UMC OF INDIANAPOLIS PARTNERED WITH US IN 2005.…”

The building also will house office space for SAWs — a first. The building will also serve as a central hub to serve the 28 SAWs construction groups throughout the state.

To learn more about SAWS, visit their website: sawsramps.org

STEP INTO ST. LUKE’S ALL CHURCH PITCH-IN & OPEN HOUSE

Aug. 23 St. Luke’s will start the fall semester with a day of activity designed to help you find the right class for adults or children with “Step Into St. Luke’s,” all-church pitch-in & open house.

ADULT FAIR .................... 9AM - 12:30PM FAMILY OPEN HOUSE............3:30 - 5PM PITCH-IN PICNIC............................. 5PM LIP SYNC BATTLE FINALE.......... 6:15PM

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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FELLOWSHIP

fellowship Looking for Friends?

Here are a few of the many ways to connect at St. Luke’s for fellowship & fun.

ELDERBERRIES

UMW - MARY MAGDALENE CIRCLE

Pitch-in - Aug. 6 • 5:30PM • Fellowship Hall Euchre - Aug. 15 • 6:45PM • Parlor

Wed., Sept. 9 • 6:30PM • Parlor

These activities offer great fellowship opportunities for the 40plus set. Contact Adra Wheeler 846-3404 for more information.

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UMW - NEW LIFE CIRCLE

Jolynne Wilhoit will present “UMW’s Welcoming Women in all Stages of Life”. Please bring toiletry items, instant preparation foods like fruit cups and canned foods for the Lucille Raines Residence Home, which helps with addiction recovery.

Questions? Contact Jolynne at wilhoitj@businessfurnitureindy. com

Sun., Aug. 16 • 6PM • Joe’s Crab Shack Single (for whatever reason) Ladies of any age! Don your island attire for a relaxing evening of fun, food & fellowship in a private dining room at this local restaurant. Invite a friend.

RSVP to nchopper26@yahoo.com.

Tues., Sept. 15• 7PM • Spiritual Life Center Whether your sage advice is from Grandma Moses, Mother Teresa or Oprah, it’s worth sharing. Bring your favorite women’s quotes to share in this get-to-know-you gathering. Surprises!

UMW - EVE CIRCLE Tues., Sept. 17 • 9:30-11:30AM • Parlor Moms with young children invited for fellowship, service & spiritual growth. First and third Tuesdays each month. Reserve child care in advance or learn more: evechildcare@yahoo.com.

UMW - SARAH CIRCLE Monday, Sept. 21 • 1PM • Parlor Gustanna Moss-Chaney will share her experiences of the Selma, Alabama Freedom Pilgrimage tour taken earlier this year. Questions? Contact Mary Cole, maryc4strings1@hotmail.com.

UMW - READING GROUP Monday, Aug. 24 & Sept. 28 • 7PM • Parlor No reading for August. We’ll gather to watch and later discuss the movie, “Persepolis,” the poignant story of a young girl coming-of-age in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Bring snacks to share. Learn the September reading assignment at the August meeting from Jennifer Todd at jtoddosu@aol.com.

CO-ED VOLLEYBALL Mon., Sept. 21 • 6:30PM • Great Hall • $25 Teams are forming for co-ed volleyball. Play is competitive, but friendly (no spiking, blocking, overhand serves). Emphasis is on fellowship and fun. Sign up as a team or individual. Contact Brent Scott, brentsco10@att.net.

AUG/SEPT 2015

care Looking for Support?

Care Ministries of St. Luke’s provides visitation, care and support for our members. Please contact Pastor Kim King, kingk@stlukesumc.com

JOURNAL MAKING

Meet Our Team

Aug. 5, 12, 19 & 26 • 7PM • E105 • $40 Grief Coach Deb Buehler offers a wide range of materials from duct tape to magazine clippings to your own words to help you design an art journal to express grief and remember loved ones.

CPR, AED & LIFE SAVING

REV. KIM KING Pastor of Congregational Care 21

Sept. 26 • 9AM - Noon • E107/109 • $15 Attend this class and you will have the skills you need to save a life, and the American Heart Association certificate to prove it.

BLOOD DRIVE

MARY KATHERINE SCHNITZ Director of Care Ministries

Oct. 18 • 9AM - 1PM • Great Hall Bring photo i.d., a list of any medications and drink plenty of water the days before and after giving blood. More info from Donna Willis-Brown at St.LukesHealthMinistry@gmail.com.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Aug. 9/Sept. 13 • 9AM - Noon • Main Office This service is freely offered by St. Luke’s Health Ministries.

Drop ins are welcome.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

BETTY BRANDT Director of Spiritual Life Center

SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER

mind. body. spirit.

You don’t have a soul. You are a soul.

- C.S. Lewis

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Recognizing that our minds, bodies and spirits need care, Spiritual Life Center offers both classroom experiences and alternatives to classroom experiences on topics selected to deepen one's spiritual life. To learn more, contact Betty Brandt, director or visit us at stlukesumc.com

ON BEING • Ongoing

HEALING PARTNERS • Ongoing

Sundays • 9:15 - 10:15AM • Spiritual Life Center

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays • N103/104

Based on the American Public Media radio show, “On Being,” hosted by Krista Tippett. Listen to FM90.1 at 9PM on Thursdays, or at 7AM on Sundays or listen online (onbeing.org) beginning Thursday prior to airing of show. Conversation led by Betty Brandt

The Pilgrimage Healing Process is a “hands-on” healing prayer experience developed by Episcopal priest, Tanya Beck. All those experiencing physical, emotional or spiritual pain – or seeking to more fully experience God’s love and peace may make an appointment by calling 846-3404x442 or emailing healingministries@ stlukesumc.com. No fee, donations accepted.

YOGA FOR STRESS • $15 • Ongoing Mondays • 9:30 - 10:45AM -or- Thursdays • 8:30 - 9:45AM • N103/104 Ending with a 15-minute guided deep relaxation, this class will help you gain balance, strength and flexibility in your body – and peace and calm in your mind. All levels are welcome to join. A great way to start your day. Instructor Marsha Pappas. Register online or at the first class.

PRAYER SHAWL • Ongoing Tuesdays • 1 - 3PM • Luke’s Lodge Join in a prayerful practice of knitting or crocheting prayer shawls for those needing to be wrapped in God’s healing love. New knitters welcome. Led by Helen Vriesman.

STUDIO 3 ART • Ongoing

GENTLE YOGA • $5 • Ongoing

Thursdays • 10AM - Noon • C122

Mondays -or- Thursdays • 5:30 - 6:30PM • N103/104 Open to all ages and abilities, this gentle yoga class welcomes those not flexible enough to sit on the floor (chairs provided) as well as those who can sit on the floor (bring a mat and a blanket).

Carol Holden leads.

Anyone interested in building an art community at St. Luke’s is welcome to come spend the morning with other artists. Bring your favorite medium and plan to go out to lunch. Occasional field trips and pitch-ins, too. For more information, contact Susie Gilbert at sulinn2000@yahoo.com.

AUG/SEPT 2015

SERMON DISCUSSION • Ongoing

MEDICARE MAZE

1st & 3rd Fridays • 1PM • Marquette Manor

Monday • Sept. 21 • 7 - 8:30PM • Parlor

An off-site senior adult sermon discussion class. Led by Barbara Furlow.

Medicare A, Medicare B, Medicare D, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement. What are they and how are they different from one another? How do I choose? When do I choose? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, you aren’t alone. It’s complicated! If you’d like to learn more about these plans and feel a little more comfortable as you try to decide what to do, please come to hear an unbiased overview. No specific insurance plans or carriers will be highlighted and no one will try to sell you anything. This is an informational gathering. Your presenter is Jim Chesterfield, who became an employee benefits professional after 25 years of buying, implementing and managing benefit programs for companies in Central Indiana. No registration or fee. Joint project of the Spiritual Life Center’s Healing Ministry and the Health Ministry.

LOCALLY GROWN PITCH-IN/ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOVIES Friday • Aug. 14 • 6:30 - 8PM • Fellowship Hall Our Annual Locally Grown Pitch-In will celebrate all the wonderful fresh produce available at this time of the year. Find something in your own garden, shop at a farmer’s market or find a store selling locally grown produce or meat. Make a dish and enjoy an amazing documentary about food scarcity created by 4th grader Lea Wright, who will be on hand. Please bring a hygiene item to donate to our Food Pantry. Sponsored by the Creation Care Ministry of St. Luke’s Inclusion and Social Justice Ministries. Contact Betty Brandt.

FESTIVAL OF FAITHS Sunday • Aug. 30 • 1 - 4PM • Veterans Memorial Plaza Music, drumming, dancing, prayers, food, booths from dozens of faith traditions in Central Indiana. Here is a unique opportunity to learn about other faiths and meet people from other cultures.

Sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Co-operation. St. Luke’s is represented on their Board by Betty Brandt.

ST. LUKE'S AT THE MOVIES • THE VISITOR Sept. 25 • 7 - 9PM • Parlor The Visitor is a 2007 American drama film focusing on a lonely man in late middle age whose life changes when he is forced to face issues relating to identity, immigration, and cross-cultural communication in post-9/11 New York City.

Visit the Bookstore Near Fellowship Hall

For all Your Fall Semester Resources

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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PRESCHOOL / CHILDREN

children

Promoting Faith Journeys for Children at St. Luke’s

Step-by-Step: Journey To God Begins at Birth

By Rev. David Williamson, Associate Pastor, Family Ministries & Worship Ministries A dad, husband & pastor, David Williamson has been on the St. Luke’s scene since January 2010.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

-Neil Armstrong 24

Some steps carry more significance than others. They represent a major achievement, crossing a threshold, or starting a new chapter in life. The words of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, capture this truth perfectly.

There were many steps he would take in his life. But that step – the first one ever taken by a human on the surface of the Moon—that step turned a page in history.

Some steps forever change our lives. They define us. They take us down a path in life from which we cannot return. You can probably think of such steps in your own life—maybe it’s the step you took down an aisle to pledge your life to someone else, or the first time you encountered your career and something inside your heart came to life, or the step you took away from work in order to find new meaning and purpose in life.

SMALL STEPS MATTER, TOO Yet, millions of small steps usually precede the big steps – those smaller steps make the “big leaps” possible. In life, it’s often the small steps that lead to great accomplishments. Small steps like studying every day, practicing a craft, learning a new skill.

Sometimes, we are not the ones who make the steps. It is others’ investment of time, energy and love that ultimately helps us identify and reach our potential.

Within the life of our church, we celebrate four big steps in the faith development of our children: baptism; presentation of Bibles; Confirmation; and graduation. Each step represents something important: the claiming of an identity, discovering God’s story, claiming our faith, stepping out into the world.

Those big steps have little meaning when viewed alone. They derive their meaning AUG/SEPT 2015

in the context of a longer journey towards knowing and loving God. Over the last three years, the St. Luke’s Family Ministry Team has worked to identify the steps that connect significant milestones of faith. We’ve asked questions like, “What does every student need to know by the time they start elementary school? By the time they reach Confirmation? By the time they graduate?” We also asked parents what they most hope their child would learn at each stage in their faith journey.

All agreed we want children to learn to trust God and love their neighbor. We also heard a desire for children and youth to better understand what it means to be part of the

Meet Our Team DAVID WILLIAMSON Pastor Family Ministry & Worship Ministry

HEATHER HILBERT Director Children’s Ministry

MOLLIE SMITH Director Early Childhood Weekdays

“… The materials we’ve designed aren’t just about helping kids learn things at church, to help parents guide the process in their children’s lives…”

church, and especially to understand parts of our worship: like sacraments, creeds and the Lord’s Prayer.

CAPTION: The journey to Jesus begins before we learn to walk…

TOGETHER ON THE PATH We defined clear learning steps for each phase in a child’s life. Moreover, we recognized the role of parents and leaders in helping children to make those steps. So the materials we’ve designed aren’t just about helping kids learn things at church, but they’re designed to help parents guide the process and make specific investments in their children’s lives as they explore each step along the way.

Learn more about the Steps curriculum in coming weeks. Expect a general overview of the program in worship on Aug. 9.

Then, on Aug. 23 at 3:30PM, parents are invited to “Step Into St. Luke’s” an open house where they can learn more about the specific step we’ve designed for your child’s age – followed by a pitch-in picnic on our grounds.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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AN INVITATION TO PARENTS I invite you to reflect on the steps in your journey as a Christian.

• What steps represented a significant moment in your journey with Christ?

• What smaller steps (taken by you or others) made those moments possible?

• What steps still lie ahead in your journey?

• What small step might you take today, in order to make tomorrow’s “giant leaps” possible?

We’ll see you Aug. 9 & Aug. 23.

FEATURE STORY

adults

How St. Luke’s Became the Next Step on My Faith Journey

By Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger Pastor of Adult Discipleship Eric joins St. Luke’s in July, after having served in Brentwood UMC, near Nashville, Tenn. He was ordained this summer.

I was heading out the door when I first noticed the sign. We had been in Port-a-Prince, Haiti for a couple of days by that point, 26

staying at a boy’s orphanage.

As our team of youth and adults from United Methodist churches in Michigan crossed the threshold, we saw these words painted above the door: “Each of us are angels with only one wing, and we can only fly embracing each other.”

Wow. I have come to believe these words to be true and they continue to shape my sense of call and my ministry. You see I came back from that mission trip to a small country church and was invited to preach for the first time – to share where I encountered God in Haiti as a high school senior. Afterwards, a wise woman in our congregation came up to me said, “Son, you’re either going to be a preacher or a politician.” And in that moment a seed was planted.

Coming to serve with you at St. Luke’s is the next step on that journey. I would never

have predicted that we’d be here and yet I have learned that being faithful is more about openness and far less about my plans. And that’s what happened. I wasn’t looking to move and yet the more I learned about St. Luke’s I found that three things really spoke to my heart.

HONESTY One was the honesty of your staff and key leaders. They celebrated what was going well while acknowledging a season of change in the life of St. Luke’s. I could see their desire to help people of all ages grow in their faith and their openness to new ways of doing that.

VISION Connected to this discovery of honesty was the opportunity to help adult discipleship AUG/SEPT 2015

become an even stronger part of the life of our congregation. I’m entrepreneurial by nature and at my best when building teams that create new environments for growth.

FAITHFULNESS I was also drawn in by the way St. Luke’s is attempting to live out God’s reign in the world. Your commitment to a community that values all people is beautiful and far too rare. Stated plainly, I believe St. Luke’s to be the kind of church where Meagan and I could find a home – and worship with my uncle who is African American on our left and Meagan’s lesbian aunts on our right.

This last point is important, because as I read Scripture I constantly find Jesus’ calling us from isolation into community. From wondering if we fit in to having a place at the table. God wired us to be

“... I believe St. Luke’s to be the kind of church where Meagan and I could find a home ...”

together because we need each other to remind us that more than our social status or the achievements of our children, we are all people with the potential to be angels for one another.

ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS I have experienced this again and again in the encouragement and challenge of the men’s small group and young adult Sunday morning class that I have been a part of the last couple of years. As one of the members of my men’s group said in a video we made, “You come to church and think that everyone is perfect. And then you get into a group and discover this is really

the ‘Island of Misfit Toys’ (a Rudolph reference). Everyone has the same struggles and questions that you do.” This group member would say that his marriage, his family, and the way he parents his sons have all changed because of having a community to journey with that is focused on Christ.

I really believe God has in mind for all of us this kind of journey together. This Fall and in the years ahead there will be lots of opportunities to step in and find your place.

STEP INTO ST. LUKE’S This edition of Connect @ St. Luke’s has our catalog of offerings for adults across C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

27

IF THE SHOE FITS: Being community for all kinds of people makes St. Luke’s the kind of “fit” this new pastor hopes to fruitfully engage.

the ministry areas of our church. It also includes our new Disciple Bible Studies. I’ll be teaching a Disciple I class on Wednesday nights. If you’d like to know more, then plan to stop by the Adult Discipleship Fair on Sunday, Aug. 23 after worship services when you can meet leaders of the classes listed, get more information and sign-up to take part.

I’m honored to step in to ministry with you at St. Luke’s and I look forward to discovering where the Spirit may be taking us together! Let's meet at the Adult Discipleship Fair in Fellowship Hall, Aug. 23.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

Step into St. Luke’s • Fall Catalog Adult Classes, Groups & Learning Opportunities Whether you are new, returning or experienced in Christian faith, St. Luke’s Adult Discipleship classes and small groups are designed to help find the “next step” on your faith journey.

TO REGISTER: Visit stlukesumc.com

Find opportunities on Sundays, weekdays, evenings & some Saturdays, as well as a few offerings online. Childcare is available at no charge (with pre-registration) for many classes. Look for the

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, which indicates availability.

QUESTIONS? Questions about any of our adult discipleship classes? Contact adults@stlukesumc.com

INTERESTED IN LEADING? Community is the primary way God has wired us to grow in faith. God uses facilitators and hosts to create environments through which the Spirit can work. If you love people and want to know more about the many opportunities available to lead other learners, please contact Eric Burton-Krieger, burtonkriegere@stlukesumc.com for more information.

REGISTRATION Some opportunities require pre-registration. This information helps us be sure to have enough materials on hand. In most cases, registration is online at stlukesumc.com.

The indicates classes that require registration.

Meet Our Team REV. ERIC BURTONKRIEGER Pastor of Adult Discipleship burtonkriegere@stlukesumc.com

ICON KEY = women

= men

= childcare

= register

LAURA MARINE Administrative Assistant

marinel@stlukesumc.com

2 0 1 5 FA L L C ATA L O G

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

EMPTY NESTERS • Ongoing Sundays • 10:30 - 11:30AM • Parlor This Sunday school class/social group started when participants were new empty nesters. They continue to face post-empty-nest challenges together, and welcome others to morning studies and monthly dinner or other events beyond the classroom. Adolf Hansen will lead a book study of Becoming a Disciple through Dec. 9.

HISTORY OF THE BIBLE: NEW TESTAMENT CANON • Ongoing Sundays • 10:45AM - Noon • Spiritual Life Center How did we end up with what we call The Bible? A DVD series featuring 30 minutes of video lecture by Professor Bart D. Ehrman, Ph.D., M. Div. from the University of North Carolina is followed by discussion. Check stlukesumc. com for October – November study focus. Leader is Dr. Gene Klatte.

CHRISTIAN CHAT • Ongoing Mondays • 10 - 11:30AM • Spiritual Life Center Drop in for interesting discussions about Christian topics and to enjoy fellowship in this class designed for busy women. Each session is self-contained, and there is no homework. Join as your schedule permits, and come late or leave early as needed. Contact Sharon Kriech at christianchatwomen@gmail.com for more information.

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ONGOING MEDITATION • Ongoing Mondays • 6:30 - 7:30PM • Spiritual Life Center Join in a 30-minute discussion followed by 30 minutes of Christian meditation. You will find support for your practice, new ideas and a community of others who welcome silence. Led by Merri Leffel.

TUESDAY WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL BOOK STUDY • Ongoing Tuesdays • 11AM - 1PM • Spiritual Life Center This group focuses on fiction or non-fiction books with spiritual themes. Contact JoAnne Waeltz at 872-0895 or jwaeltz@comcast.net

SUNRISE BOOK STUDY • Ongoing Wednesdays 7 - 8:30AM • Parlor Start your day with prayer, a good book and stimulating discussion. Contact Betty Brandt at 317-846-3404 or brandtb@stlukesumc.com

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY • Ongoing Wednesdays • 10:30 - 11:30AM • Forum at the Crossing An off-site senior adult Bible Study. Led by Adra Wheeler and others.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

MEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP • Ongoing Tuesdays, Aug. 25 & Sept. 29, 7-8:30PM • W120 This group welcomes all men wanting an informal small group experience. Discussions center on how to make the Bible pertinent for life in our current culture, reconciling differences and continuing to grow in faith. For questions and exact date, call Larry Paxton at 317-873-2415 or email to ldrpaxton@indyrr.com.

MOVING MEDITATION • $10 • Ongoing Thursdays • 10:30 - 11:30AM • Luke’s Lodge Meditation enhances balance, helps the body heal and relieves stress. This class will practice a form of standing meditation (can be done in chair if needed). Equip yourself to serve by taking good care of your body/mind/spirit. Amy Barr leads.

NEW EARTH COMMUNITY • Ongoing Thursdays • 7 - 8:30PM • Spiritual Life Center This evening book study reads and discusses innovative spiritual books. JoAnne Waeltz leads.

UMW READING GROUP 30

Mondays • Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 • 7 - 8:30PM • Parlor We discuss current-interest books selected by our group. Book(s) are read before and discussed at our meeting. Newcomers are always welcome - great way to connect with a small group. Learn more about our upcoming selected books at stlukesumc.com or view the latest UMW Newsletter. For more information, contact Jennifer Todd, jtoddosu@aol.com.

TOXIC CHARITY Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Sept. 24 • 10 - 11:30AM -or- 6 -7:30PM • E212 Toxic Charity reveals the effects modern charity has on the people it means to help. Learn proven models of building relationship to lead impoverished communities to transformation. This class is first of a 3-phase training module for anyone who will serve or is currently serving the community on behalf of St. Luke’s. Book available in the bookstore. Led by Pastor Jamalyn Williamson.

FINANCIAL PEACE Wednesdays • Sept. 6 - Oct. 28 • 7 - 8:45PM • E105 A nine-week course featuring the video teaching of Dave Ramsey. Topics include saving, budgeting, debt reduction, insurance, and investing. It is open to all who want to make sure their finances are healthy. $100 cost per family (materials and lifetime membership) entitles you to take future refresher courses for free! Scholarships available.

Led by Trent Wood, trent@elementthree.com.

2 0 1 5 FA L L C ATA L O G

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP: DISCIPLESHIP THURSDAY CONNECTION

Women of all ages are invited to meet in the church Parlor at 9:15AM each Thursday for coffee, refreshments and fellowship. Groups will move into classes from 9:30 - 10:45AM, as described below. Then, Nov. 19, from 9:30 to 11:30AM, we’ll host a holiday brunch for women with Karen Ehrman, author of eight books, including Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith. It’s a great opportunity to invite friends. Karen's message is, “The Holidays: A Time to Bless Not Stress.” Seating is limited. $50 for a table of 8 or $8 for individual tickets. Scholarships available. Free childcare is available for all Thursday Connection classes and events. Register now at stlukesumc.com or call 317-846-3404 with questions.

DISCIPLE 1 FAST TRACK BIBLE STUDY Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov 19 • 9:30 - 10:45AM • Parlor A life-transforming 24-week, 75-minute class offering an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. 20-30 minutes of daily reading is needed. No previous Bible knowledge required. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore. Led by Susan Fuquay.

I JOHN: GO DEEPER IN CHRIST & BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov 19 • 9:30 - 10:45AM • N101/103 Group will do a 6-week study entitled "1 John: Go Deeper In Christ." No book required. Followed by a 5-week book study on Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge, which is available in the bookstore. Led by Wanda Thompson.

BOUNDARIES WITH KIDS Thursdays• Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 9:30 - 10:45AM • E105 Class based on the book Boundaries with Kids: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, to Help Your Children Gain Control of Their Lives by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. Women learn to help kids take responsibility of their actions, attitudes and emotions. Led by Heather Hilbert.

MOMS OF YOUNG CHILDREN Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 9:30AM - 10:45AM • Spiritual Life Center This friendly group of mothers with younger children meet to discuss the sermon from the previous Sunday. Led by Lindsey Rabinowitch.

PRAY, WEIGH & LEARN Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 9:30 - 10:45AM • E213 Come together with other women who desire to lose weight with Christian support. Follow a healthy diet of your choice, such as South Beach or Weight Watchers. Learn strategies, participate in optional weigh-in, pray and have support of new friends. Led by Cheryl Wyatt.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

TUESDAY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays • Sept. 1 - Nov. 17 • Noon - 1:15PM • E212 Group meets to learn and discuss various book and Bible studies. Check stlukesumc.com for current topic and to register.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BOOK STUDY Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 1 - 2:30PM • Parlor Read and discuss a diverse selection of literature. September’s selection is The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mojha Kahf. October’s selection is Life on the Color Line by Gregory Howard Williams.

November’s selection is The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. Led by Phyllis Bybee, bpbybee@ sbcglobal.net.

SERMON DISCUSSION CLASS Sundays • beginning Sept. 6 • 10:45 - Noon • E105 Adults discuss the morning sermon. Led by Craig Overmyer and Gary Chambers.

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PASTORS BOOK STUDY Wednesdays • beginning Sept. 9 • 10 - 11:30AM • Parlor Rotating staff members lead discussions on books through the year. Fall selection is Becoming a Disciple, available in the bookstore. Led by it’s author, Adolf Hansen. Pastor’s Book Study participants will enjoy a “Foodfest” Holiday Celebration on December 6 in Fellowship Hall. Contact Judi Hosfeld for more information.

WEDNESDAY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays • Sept. 9 - Dec. 16 • 1:15 - 2:15PM • E105 In September, Living as United Methodist Christians will deepen your faith by gaining a better understanding of both our Biblical and United Methodist stories. Class resource is the book, Living as United Methodist Christians: Our Story, Our Beliefs, Our Lives by Andy and Sally Langford. Beginning October 21 study The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Both books are available in the bookstore. Led by various class members.

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN FAITH Wednesdays • Sept. 9 - 23 • 6:30 - 8:30PM • E213 It’s been said that what we believe determines not only how we see God, ourselves, others, and the world, but also what we expect from God, ourselves, others, and the world. What are the life-changing beliefs and practices that help us embrace God’s love and grace, follow Christ, and live life with meaning and purpose? Questions welcomed. Discussion led by Terri Coe.

2 0 1 5 FA L L C ATA L O G

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

BOUNDARIES WITH KIDS Mondays • Sept. 14 - Oct. 12 • 7 - 8:30PM • N103/104 Class based on the book Boundaries with Kids: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, to Help Your Children Gain Control of Their Lives by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. Parents learn to help kids take responsibility of their actions, attitudes and emotions. Led by Pastor David Williamson.

RAISING A MODERN DAY KNIGHT Mondays • Sept. 14 - Oct. 26 • 7 - 8:30PM • E213 How are you going to teach your son how to be a man? What plan do you have? If all you have is lead by example, there can be so much more. This is a six-week study based on the book Raising a Modern Day Knight. It offers a strategy to guide fathers who seek to raise up their sons to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. Book available in the bookstore.

Led by Chris Garrity, xfizz@att.net.

CAFE CONVERSATIONS Wednesdays • beginning Sept. 16 • 9:30 - 11AM • E105 In September, join us for a thoughtful discussion of Elizabeth Dreyer’s book Accidental Theologians: Four Women Who Shaped Christianity. Book available in the bookstore. Other book-studies to be decided throughout the Fall.

Led by Pastor Marion Miller.

HOPE & ACTION Wednesdays • Sept. 23 - Oct. 28 • 7 - 8:30PM • Spiritual Life Center Is there a connection between poverty, environmental issues and violence? What does your faith call you to do? Come willing to think outside the box and discover new paradigms. Based on the Pastoral Letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops’ God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action. All are welcome. Led by Amelia Barnes and Charles Berdel.

DISCOVER YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS Sunday • Oct. 4 • (9:15AM • E212) -OR- (11AM • E213) -OR- Wednesday, Nov. 4 • 7PM • E105 Each of us has been given gifts and talents to be used in ways that can enhance the ministry of the church. Learn about these spiritual gifts and take an inventory to discover your God-given abilities. Explore where you can make a difference through your service. Led

by Terri Coe and Berneta Sherck.

LIVING AS A CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE Wednesday • Oct. 7 • 6:30 - 8:30PM • E213 Using words such as experiences, follows, demonstrates, shares, yearns, anticipates, participates, and serves, explore the meaning of discipleship and the lifelong process of becoming the disciples of Jesus we are called to be. Consider factors that may impact our discipleship venture. Discover opportunities for the next step in deepening your faith. Led by Terri Coe. C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING COMMUNITY Wednesdays • Oct. 7 - Dec. 16 • 6:30 - 7:30PM • Luke’s Lodge Enrich your life by joining this welcoming community that will explore various forms of prayer. Expect to have your perspective broadened and your life blessed. Pray for group members, yourself and those you love. Led by members of 2014/2015 Year of Prayer group – Roger Frick, Earl Woodard, Charles Richardson, Elizabeth Kenney and Barbara Carter. Class continues in 2016 on Jan. 13.

L.E.A.D. CLASS: LEADERSHIP EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT Tuesdays • Oct. 13 - Nov. 3 • 7 - 8:30PM • Luke’s Lodge Join Sr. Pastor Rob Fuquay for a five-week, experiential learning opportunity around leadership. Topics will cover spiritual leadership; personal assessment of leadership styles and gifts; understanding leadership within the church and beyond; and exploring ways to live out leadership in a larger capacity. Class size is limited to 30.

LABYRINTH RETREAT Saturday • Nov. 21 • 9:30 - 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall You are invited to focus on gratitude in preparation for Thanksgiving. Learn about labyrinth walking as a tool for prayer and meditation and have an opportunity to walk our canvas labyrinth. Trained facilitator Dhyana Raynor will lead this retreat. Open to those new to labyrinth walking as well as those who already love the practice. Register at stlukesumc.com. No fee.

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ADULT DISCIPLESHIP: D I S C I P L E T R A D I T I O N A L & FA S T T R A C K

Disciple Fast Track: Bible Study for Busy Lives DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY - FALL 2015 Disciple Fast Track Bible Study helps students grow in faith, meet new friends and learn more about the Bible in a four-part set of classes. Starting with Disciple I Fast Track: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, participants engage in a life-changing, 24-week, 75-minute class that offers an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

INTRODUCTION TO DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY Besides 12 classes in Fall and 12 in Winter, the class requires a commitment of 20-30 minutes of daily reading. No previous Bible knowledge is necessary. You will read 60% of the Bible for this class, and know Bible basics from beginning to end. You’ll also have a few new friends you’ve made on the journey, and a stronger sense of your own faith base.

Participants take Disciple I as a pre-requisite to the other three studies. After Disciple 1, the other levels may be taken in any order. We include an online option as well. Please note there are orientation classes on Aug. 30 or Sept. 6 for all Fall participants.

REGISTRATION Review the class options (which include different locations and times for your convenience) and pick the best fit for you. Register now to get your first choice. Disciple Fast Track begins the first week of September for most classes, and continues through the week prior to Thanksgiving. After a break, classes resume in January and finish in March. Detailed information is available every Sunday morning in August in the West Passage. Direct questions to Adults@stlukesumc.com.

DISCIPLE: TRADITIONAL (32-WEEK) VERSION In addition to Disciple Fast Track we are also offering Disciple II and Disciple III classes that are being taught in the Traditional (32 Week) version. Each of these sessions is an hour and a half and requires more reading and study than the Fast Track version. Details follow on the next page.

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

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ADULT DISCIPLESHIP: D I S C I P L E T R A D I T I O N A L & FA S T T R A C K

DISCIPLE ORIENTATION (CC) Sundays • Aug. 30 OR Sept. 6 • 10:30 - 11AM -or- Noon - 12:30PM All Fall Disciple class members attend Disciple Orientation for 2015/2016: Disciple I, N101/102 Disciple II, E107/109, Disciple III & IV, N103/104.

ONLINE DISCIPLE I FAST TRACK - BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays • Sept. 1 - Nov. 19 • 8 - 9:15AM • Ron Temple

RON TEMPLE

A life transforming 24-week, 75-minute class offering an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. 20-30 minutes of daily reading is needed. No previous Bible knowledge required. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore. Registration fee will be charged for using Blackboard online.

DISCIPLE I FAST TRACK - BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays • Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 • 6:30 - 7:45PM • 107/109 • Eric Burton-Krieger (CC) Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 9:30AM - 10:45AM • Parlor • Susan Fuquay Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 11:45AM - 1PM • N101/102 • Susan Fuquay 36

Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 9:15 - 10:30AM • E213 • Jeff Aldridge (CC) Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 10:45 - Noon • N101/102 • Stephen Hoskins (CC) A life transforming 24-week, 75-minute class offering an overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. 20-30 minutes of daily reading is needed. No previous Bible knowledge required. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

ERIC BURTON-KRIEGER

SUSAN FUQUAY

JEFF ALDRIDGE

STEPHEN HOSKINS

DISCIPLE II FAST TRACK - INTO THE WORD, INTO THE WORLD Tuesdays • Sept. 1 - Nov. 17 • Noon - 1:15PM • N101/102 • Charlotte & Christina Gangwer Tuesdays • Sept. 1 - Nov. 17 • 6:30 - 7:45PM • E212 • Mike Elkin Wednesdays • Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 • 5:30 - 6:45PM • E105 • Marion Miller (CC) Wednesdays • Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 • 7:15 - 8:30PM • N101/102 • Gary Scott Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 10:45 - Noon • E107/109 • Ann & Greg Clark (CC) Class covers Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts in 24 weeks. Connections between the Old/New Testaments are emphasized. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

CHARLOTTE GANGWER

CHRISTINA GANGWER

MIKE ELKIN

MARION MILLER

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GARY SCOTT

ANN CLARK

GREG CLARK

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP: D I S C I P L E T R A D I T I O N A L & FA S T T R A C K

DISCIPLE II TRADITIONAL - INTO THE WORD,

INTO THE WORLD Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 10 -11:30AM • C123 • Charlie Boswell

CHARLIE BOSWELL

Class covers Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts in 32 weeks. Connections between the Old/New Testaments are emphasized. Disciple I is a prerequisite. This class is not "Fast Track" and differs from the pace of that program. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

DISCIPLE III FAST TRACK - REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE Tuesdays • Sept. 1 - Nov. 17 • 1:30 - 2:45PM • N101/102 • Elizabeth Howard Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • Noon - 1:15PM • N103/104 • Bill Eckert Thursdays • Sept. 3 - Nov. 19 • 7 - 8:15PM • N103/104 • Chad Bocock Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 10:45AM - Noon • E212 • Bill Eckert (CC) Class covers The Prophets and The Letters of Paul. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

ELIZABETH HOWARD

BILL ECKERT

CHAD BOCOCK

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DISCIPLE III TRADITIONAL - REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE Wednesdays • Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 • Noon - 1:30 • C123 • Marti Hunsucker Class covers The Prophets and The Letters of Paul in 32 weeks. Disciple I is a prerequisite.

Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

MARTI HUNSUCKER

DISCIPLE IV FAST TRACK - UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE Wednesdays • Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 • Noon - 1:15PM • E213 • Richard Bellaver Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 9:15 - 10:45AM • C110 • Brad Davidson (CC) Sundays • Sept. 13 - Nov. 29 • 10:45 - Noon • N103/104 • Lou McElwain, Marli Howell, George Howell & Bob Turnquist (CC) Class covers the Writings in the Old Testament (Ruth, I and II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel.) New Testament Scripture includes John, I, II and III John, James, Jude and Revelation. Disciple I is a prerequisite. Required study manual and study Bible are available in the bookstore.

RICHARD BELLAVER

BRAD DAVIDSON

LOU MCELWAIN

MARLI HOWELL

C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S

GEORGE HOWELL

ENJOY LUNCH – THEN DESSERT W/PASTORS You're invited to meet St. Luke’s pastors and learn more about the church.

Sundays • Sept. 20 -or- Oct. 18 Noon - 1:30PM • Fellowship Hall/Parlor Childcare is available for time with pastors.

new here?

Welcome! It’s great to meet you.

CONSIDER TAKING OUR MEMBERSHIP CLASS

St. Luke’s strives to be an open and welcoming faith community. Together, we live out our mission: “to seek, celebrate, serve and share the love of God for all creation.”

Pastor Rob Fuquay and other pastors/staff will share about our mission. You’ll also learn what membership at St. Luke’s involves.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

Sundays • Aug. 30 -or- Nov. 8 Luke’s Lodge

Talk to someone at our New Here Table (located in our lobby/staffed on Sundays) or contact Terri Coe, Director of New Here Ministries at 317846-3404, ext. 308 or coet@stlukesumc.com.

Register at stlukesumc.com for these experiences.

stlukesumc.com • @stlukesumcindy • Search for St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Facebook