connect
WINTER 2017
@
Making Changes Stick
Pastor’s Notes New Year, New You? There is a growing science around the idea of resolutions and what helps people stick to their plans for change. The changes themselves haven’t, well, changed a whole lot. The top New Year’s resolutions continue to be: 1 – lose weight; 2 – get organized; and 3 – spend less, save more. Most people who make resolutions at the top of the year report sticking with their plans after the first month. It’s February when things start falling off. So how do we end a year the way we start it? This is where the new science comes in. Last summer those of us who attended the Global Leadership Summit heard a Harvard Business professor talk about their research in working with CEOs who were asked what they struggle with more, having a plan for change or executing a plan? The vast majority said execution. This led to a ground-breaking study on what makes for effective execution. This is another in a growing list of bestselling reads on habits and behaviors of change. We are now in a sermon series on Making Changes Stick. I hope you are connected to a group that is working together to identify changes you wish to make and use the lessons that help changes last, regardless of what that change is. Every change is a spiritual opportunity. Change is God’s specialty, an interesting paradox for a God who never changes. God made everything to change, our bodies, this world, and the entire universe. Nothing in this life remains static. “One day,” said Paul, “we shall all be changed.” The question really is, am I changing into the person God made me to be? My hope is that 2017 will be more than a year in which we reach goals for our weight, organization and finances. My hope is we grow closer to Christ, the source of our spiritual transformation who desires for us to be conformed into His image. Interestingly we don’t read about Jesus stressing in front of a mirror; or saying, “I don’t have the time;” or worrying about how to make ends meet. He lived with freedom and purpose. If we become freer and more purposeful this year, well, I would say 2017 will be a great year. Let’s stick to that plan! Peace,
Rob
Rev. Rob Fuquay SENIOR PASTOR
WORSHIP SERIES: Jan 8: The Power of Spiritual Help (Receive Making Changes Stick Kits) Jan 15: The Power of a Dream Jan 22: The Power of Accountability Jan 29: The Power of Resistance February 5: The Power of Grace
Sunday Worship
In this issue...
4
Fam i l y: One C han ge
6
A dul t Di s c i p l es h ip: One G r ou p ’s S to r y
8
A dul t Di s c i p l es h ip: S ti c ki ng T h r ou g h Conn ec ti on
10 12
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 • SANCTUARY 8:15 & 9:30AM with Rev. Rob Fuquay 11AM with Rev. David Williamson CONTEMPORARY • ROBERTSON CHAPEL 9:30AM with Rev. David Williamson 11AM with Rev. Rob Fuquay TAIZÉ • 5PM • ROBERTSON CHAPEL Third Sunday of each month with musical community and Rev. Kim King
Connect With Us
Car e: Th e 5 S tages of Chan ge Outr eac h: Wr i ti ng Your Fu t u r e St o r y
St. Luke’s on The City info@stlukesumc.com @stlukesumcindy Search for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church CONTACT US: 100 W. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46260 317.846.3404 stlukesumc.com OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM-5PM, Monday-Friday. Please enter through Door 6. Our Prayer Chapel is available for silent prayer and meditation during office hours. URGENT PASTORAL CARE NEEDS: In case of a pastoral emergency, call 317-8463404. After hours, leave a message including how our on-call pastor can reach you.
3
FEATURE STORY
Family
change experts will tell you that there is a connection between focus and progress. The narrower the focus, the more change you’ll affect in that area. The more diffuse your focus gets, the more marginal your results become.
Making Just One Change Stick By Rev. David Williamson Pastor of Family & Worship Ministries
If I can manage my resolve for those short periods, then I find the routine kicks in, and it’s not so hard to keep on going. When I think about making change stick, I think about Seinfeld’s words. Anybody can make a resolution. But holding the resolution can be the difficult part; and indeed, it’s the part that really matters. Anybody can make a change. But it takes grit and perseverance to make a change stick. There’s a famous scene from Seinfeld when Jerry and Elaine arrive at the counter of a car rental agency expecting to pick up a car they’ve reserved. When the agent informs Seinfeld that no cars are available, he questions her—how is that possible when he has a reservation? Isn’t the reservation supposed to guarantee them a car? When the agent responds huffily that she knows how reservations work, Seinfeld explodes: “No, I don’t think you do! You know how to take the reservation. You just don’t know how to hold the reservation. And that’s really the most important part—the holding. Anybody can just take them!”
On my desk I have a half-sheet of paper, on which I wrote the new habits I wanted to develop last year. This is somewhat shameful to admit, because I know better, but I put seven habits down on the list. The good news is that I successfully adopted the first habit on my list—regular running and exercise. The other six, though, achieved middling and inconsistent results at best (and at least one of them—diet—somewhat cancelled out my efforts in exercise!). So why did one stick where the others failed? Well, partly you could say I was working on too many habits at the same time. Most 4
However, there were some other factors in play. Because in mid-spring, I wasn’t doing too well at the running & exercise thing either. I was 0-for-7 on resolutions. That’s when Jamalyn suggested that we sign up for a half-marathon together. And that became a compelling vision for me. I could remember Jamalyn running past our family two years ago at her last half-marathon, and being cheered on by the kids. And this may sound selfish, but it was the heart of my motivation: I didn’t want to run by them huffing and puffing and looking like I was ready to die! So I had a compelling reason and vision to start running. Beyond that, I had a training partner in my wife. Especially at the start, it was key having her to help me set the pace and drawing on her experience from previous races. Before long, it became a rhythm of my day—it was blocked in my calendar, and I even found that if I skipped my run there was something missing from my day, I even (gasp!) began to look forward to that time for the clarity of thought and insight I’d get on my runs! There of course were setbacks and obstacles—slight injuries and muscle soreness, plus those days when the weather was foul (which sadly is happening more often since we are in the winter months!). It has taken some perseverance. But I find, thankfully, that the grit is only needed in short bursts—for the determination to get out the door, or when I pass by that cutthrough in the neighborhood that would shave a few minutes off my run. If I can manage my resolve for those short periods,
then I find the routine kicks in, and it’s not so hard to keep on going. Now why am I telling you all this? Because all these factors—compelling vision, an accountable community, perseverance through obstacles, repetitive habits and routines—are all part of making change stick. And that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about the first six weeks of this new year, using the Biblical character of Daniel to be our guide and model. And we’ll even be talking about the grace we need to get up and keep going when we fail, which is helpful for me as I try anew to turn my attention to one of those six resolutions that I left behind from last year! So I don’t know what’s on your New Year’s Resolution list this coming year. If it’s seven or eight things (like I so often do), I
encourage you to narrow it down to one. If you could only make one change stick, which would it be? And then I encourage you to follow this series and implement all the factors we’ll discuss (including joining a “Making Changes Stick” group or gathering your own friends to help hold you accountable). Change is not easy—there’s a reason we all tend to default back to old habits and
ways of being. But I promise it is worth it – soon I’ll be running the half-marathon. I’ll be running past my family during the final stretch and hearing their cheers encouraging me to the finish line. And yes, I think that moment will be worth it. But what’s really worth it? The change I’ve been able to see in my own life, and the encouragement and resolve to tackle a new one in 2017!
…compelling vision, an accountable community, perseverance through obstacles, repetitive habits and routines— are all part of making change stick.
C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 5
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Adult Discipleship One Group’s Story By Susan Fuquay Classes and Faith Director
Changes in faith and personal growth stick best when we are together. To build on our movement towards Covenant Groups (see p.8), we want to feature a group’s story and what they have found in community together. Hopefully these people will inspire many more of you to stop by the Connect Here booth on Sunday morning to get into a group in 2017. A SUNDAY MORNING GROUP This group started as a Disciple I Fast Track class meeting on Sunday morning and have stuck together for four and a half years. They’ve completed all four Disciple classes and are continuing their weekly studies with a variety of topics. The group includes a mix of married and single men and women. They continue to welcome newcomers and meet every Sunday morning from 10:45AM – 12PM in room E213. Hear what several people have found by sticking in the group: “I have grown spiritually in this group especially due to sharing and listening to these friends. Going to worship is so meaningful. But being active in our small group and in the community helping others is what it is all about.” – Dave B., 35 years at St. Luke’s, active in the SAWS ministry
“We have been on the journey together, experiencing God’s love through knowledge and together we have shared, growth, questions and answers. Many of the people have become close friends; I feel I have a Christian family with my group.” – Susan T., retired children’s shoe retailer
“I have learned so much and grown so much in my faith journey and I’m hungry for more. I continue to go to the group because I like the camaraderie of the group and the mixture of ages, men, women and couples.” – Annette D., retired teacher
“Our group is always there for each other. We have an on-going prayer list which is e-mailed each week. If you don’t show up we call or e-mail to see why you weren’t at class. I continue to go to this group because of the fellowship, friends and caring.” – George H., lives in Fishers
Learning from each other and studying together, also, social gatherings in people’s homes to get to know each other better.
“Friendships and learning from others is what is most valuable about being in my group. The group makes me strive to be a better person.” – Helen B, Indianapolis
– Carol W., Fishers, retired, 16 years at St. Luke’s
6
Meeting new people and growing in our faith journey together – the people and friendships that have been created are why I continue to go to the group. – Lou M., IU fan
“Exposure to so many different viewpoints and ideas from people of all ages and backgrounds enriches our studies and our friendship. I continue to go to this group because these great friends keep us all accountable to our church commitment and Bible study, making it fun!” – Jane W., 21 years at St. Luke’s “The varied ideas of people in our group and lively discussions to understand our readings. I continue to go to this group because the people are now my church family, and the class keeps us focused.” – Andy, retired 5 years “The new insights gained on a variety of topics that we have studied. These guys are really smart. I continue to go to my group because I have a lot more to learn.” – Indy R., realtor, over 10 years at St. Luke’s “I continue to go to my group because I love the fellowship, the friends, and love the interaction with fellow Christians.” – Evans W., 21 years at St. Luke’s, 2 daughters married here
Create a personal vision
“New ideas. Looking at things from a different point of view. I continue to go to my group to learn more.” – Ed S., Indianapolis, retired, 28 years at St. Luke’s
“I continue to go to this group because of the friendships, camaraderie and support that has developed among the members.” – Martha H., Choir member
This is a sampling of voices but an experience that we hope you might have as well. Stop by the Connect Here booth any Sunday morning to find your place to stick!
DEVELOP
CREATE
– Janice R., Westfield
“The group helped me celebrate my 60th Birthday! I continue to go to this group because it helps me feel connected to other church members.” – Bob T., 4 years at St. Luke’s
BUILD
Studying the Bible in a small group that became wonderful friends. I continue to go to my group because of the friendship and caring community.
Build a strategic plan to implement your vision
Develop habits to ensure execution of your vision
one day event 2.18.17 This event will reduce stress, give peace of mind and assist those who want to make personal changes stick. time: 9AM – 1PM who: Anyone serious about making significant changes in health and wellbeing. You will be given the knowledge and support needed to be successful. Learn how to build a rock solid foundation for your future. Dr. Craig Overmyer is co-founder of Cultures That Work, Inc. He is a Gazelles International Certified Coach. Craig educates, trains and coaches midmarket business owners and their executive teams. He will take these same principles along with his strong Christian faith and apply them to personal growth and change. Craig is a Christian Theological Seminary graduate and active in St. Luke’s. Craig regularly teaches on Sunday mornings.
where: Fellowship Hall, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church leader: Craig Overmyer registration fee: $35.00 which includes all materials and a healthy catered lunch from Patachou Catering. Registration deadline is February 12, 2017. Please register at stlukesumc.com under “Making Changes Stick” option one, bottom “one day class.” Contact Dorothy Federspiel in Adult Discipleship for registration assistance, if needed. (federspield@stlukesumc.com). Childcare is available at no expense but must be indicated in the registration.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Font is Bringshoot – Romans 12:2
(Scholarships available, please contact Susan Fuquay at fuquays@stlukesumc.com)
C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 7
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Adult Discipleship Sticking Through Connection By Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger Pastor of Adult Discipleship
In Adult Discipleship we celebrate the way God is transforming people’s lives simply by connecting them with others. We all have parts of our lives where we’d like to make a change that we hope will last. Not just because we’re putting in the effort to change something in the first place. It’s mostly that we need the first change to stick so that we can move on to another one! (Ok, maybe I’m only talking about me here.) Making changes stick isn’t easy – it requires some balance of focus on what you want to change and shifts in your environment to support you following through. In my own faith life, whenever I have grown the most it’s because I’ve had people around me who prayed for me, encouraged me and held me accountable. This never looked like shaming or guilt, usually it was a simple question, “How is your life with God?” That question, or a version of it, was the genius John Wesley hit upon that led to the Methodist movement. People would hear a powerful sermon and be moved to faith but fell away quickly unless they had ways to gather regularly in smaller groups – to help them learn, to provide care, to encourage them to serve others. We’re here today because groups like this were created, and the changes in the lives of the people who took part stuck. We know that St. Luke’s can feel like a really big place with lots of people. It is. But it’s also a congregation made up of countless smaller groups that aren’t obvious but are vital. And in response to feedback from
many of you, we’re making changes to help you find your small group or class more quickly, ideally within one month. Here’s how: DISCOVER A CLASS OR SMALL GROUP TO JOIN (any of the following ways): At home – through our spring catalog (green cover) or our website On Sunday mornings – stop by our Connect Here booths outside of the Sanctuary and Chapel to talk with our team and select a class/group OVER COFFEE Attend Starting Point, a 30-minute introduction to St. Luke’s at 10:45AM or 12:15PM on the 2nd Sunday of each month in N101 (near Great Hall). Learn about short-term classes, support groups and small groups and leave registered for your next step. Once you’ve discovered your place to begin, our commitment is to walk with you to help you find the community with whom you can journey longer-term. People who can ask, “How is your life with God?” One example of what we hope you might experience comes from Brad and Elyce Meador, who came to St. Luke’s this summer after relocating in retirement to a new home in Fishers. They certainly made a big life change and part of navigating that, for them, depended on finding a new
8
church home. After signing the worship attendance pads as guests they first received a letter and after a second visit a welcome bag was delivered to their home from our New Here team. As Terri Coe got to know them and they attended Lunch with the Pastors (now Starting Point), she passed on Brad’s interest in men’s ministry. And he and Elyce tried out one of our shortterm classes as a part of Wednesday Night Live and joined a new small group meeting in Fishers. Recently, they transferred their membership and joined St. Luke’s. Brad is now a part of our men’s leadership team, and Elyce is serving with our Bridges Out of Poverty program. All of this happened within a couple months of their moving to town and coming to St. Luke’s. Being retired certainly helps, but our hope for any person or family is that they too might find their place within St. Luke’s, first to grow and then to give back. COVENANT GROUPS Perhaps the biggest change for us as a congregation is to continue to emphasize small groups as the primary way to connect more of us to God and one another. More of these groups are meeting in people’s homes in the neighborhoods in which they live and we’re helping with childcare through a voucher system. To reflect our hope for these groups we’ve shifted to calling them Covenant Groups because we hope they will covenant to meet together at least 20 times over the course of a year. And in addition to study and conversation, we hope members will care for one another and serve together 2-4 times a year. We already have about 25 Covenant Groups and our vision is that we could have 100 by the end of this year! Not only would that be a lasting change in the lives of so many of us—it would actually allow us to multiply our service to our community in a significant way.
OUTREACH
Social Justice
Prioritizing Change By Gustanna Moss Chaney
My solution was to prioritize the importance of making changes stick and seek employable and enjoyable ways to do it. Are you at the beginning, intermediate or advanced stages of making changes stick? Hello and Happy New Year to all. My name is Gustanna Moss Chaney. I am an African American, sixty-six year old female who has been actively engaged as a serving member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for over eleven years. As a member of the Inclusion and Social Justice Ministries committee, I serve on the Cultural Competencies team along with Mr. Richard Bellaver. As a child, when I experienced “white only” and “colored only” signs, I was so confused. Growing up with a Baptist upbringing, I was taught the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When I did not see this happening in my late teens and early 20s I became angry and felt helpless in making changes stick. This I call my “beginning stage” of making changes stick, where I cringed, complained and cussed. My solution was to examine the person in the mirror and choose to be motivated to be open to genuine change. Moving on to my early 30s and 40s I moved into the “intermediate stage” of making
changes stick. This is where I believe God showed me my passion for social justice. After my divorce and while I was a single parent, I felt the need to succeed more than ever. However, even with Affirmative Action as a help, I constantly fought to get what was rightfully mine. I left corporate America being not fully valued and welcomed. So I behaved in a start – stop – start – manner in regards to making changes stick. My solution was to prioritize the importance of making changes stick and seek employable and enjoyable ways to do it. Speaking on behalf of and living for diversity and social justice became my passion.
In closing I would like to share with you these nuggets on The Golden Rule from different faith practices:
Through my 50s and now in my 60s, I see myself at the “advanced stage” of making changes stick. This world continues to show and tell of division, hate and lies. I thank God for leading me to a place of worship where I am embraced, valued and welcomed. Through spiritual awareness and growth I am moved to apply love to all I give and receive. Being open to creativity allows for innovation. Encouraging myself and others moves me to continually employ my spiritual beliefs. This employment moves me and others to empowerment! My solution: I choose to edify, exhibit and exemplify making changes stick as a process of life!
BAHA’I Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.
C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 9
BUDDHISM Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. JUDAISM What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire law – all the rest is commentary. ISLAM No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.
CHRISTIANITY Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. My beloved, you may be 15 years old and at an advanced stage in making changes stick or you may be 80 years old and at a beginning stage in making changes stick. As we journey through 2017, let us apply The Golden Rule in making changes stick and live out genuine change!
CARE
Care
The 5 Stages of Change By Rev. Kim King Director of Care Ministries
“People go through five stages when making changes, and usually cycle through these stages three to four times before a change is firmly established.” Happy New Year! Now that the Advent Season is over and the Christmas cheer is all boxed up and put away, we can welcome the New Year. Typically welcoming a new year includes reflecting on what’s past and anticipating what’s to come. More than likely, you’ve thought about some changes you’d like to make. But wait, you did that last year and the changes didn’t stick. So, let’s think about what it takes to make change stick. Proverbs 18:15 says, “An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” We need to familiarize ourselves with how change occurs to understand how ready we are for change and to increase our chances of making those changes stick. It is important to recognize where you are in the cycle of change so that you can create appropriate goals and action steps. Each stage of change requires different strategies and/or tools. If you set goals that you are not ready for, you set yourself up for failure. Similarly, if you choose goals that you have already mastered, you will delay your progress. Matching your goals to your stage of readiness for change will maximize your ability to make the change stick.
Psychologist, James O. Prochaska* has done extensive research on behavior change. He says people go through five stages when making changes, and usually cycle through these stages three to four times before a change is firmly established. (That may be the reason we are once again contemplating change.) PRE-CONTEMPLATION: In this stage we resist change. Often this resistance is fueled by a feeling of hopelessness. People in this stage regularly deny the need for change. CONTEMPLATION: Contemplators acknowledge the need for change and seriously consider ways to understand root causes of a problem. They give serious thought to solving their perceived problem. While this stage is movement toward change, many people make vague plans to change for years before they actually take action. PREPARATION: Preparers have a more concrete strategy and are planning to make changes within the next month. People in this stage often take the important first step of declaring publicly their intention to change. While this stage is marked by readiness to change, and commitment to action, preparers may remain ambivalent. This ambivalence may mean that they
10
still need to convince themselves that change is the best solution. People who cut the preparation stage short lower their chances of success. This is the time to develop a detailed plan of action, with measurable goals, to get you to your planned change. ACTION: People in the action stage overtly modify behaviors and sometimes surroundings. They stop smoking, they remove trigger foods from the house, they confront their fears. Action requires our greatest commitment of time and energy. Changes made during this stage are visible to others. While this stage is typically the one that receives the most external attention, it is not the only stage where you make progress toward change. MAINTENANCE: When we reach the maintenance stage, we consolidate the gains made in the action stage and work to prevent relapses. This stage is on-going and critically important. We all know someone who lost weight, but regained it all in a few months. Successful maintenance requires intention. There is also a termination stage which is the ultimate goal because the problem no longer presents any threat. Some experts point out that certain problems cannot be terminated but only kept at bay through diligent maintenance. 2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But as for you, be brave and don’t lose heart, because your work will be rewarded!” This scripture is speaking to people who need to be reminded who God is and how God works. God is blessing all our efforts to make changes that bring us closer to a life that emulates the life of Jesus. Invite God to be with you in making change that sticks. *Prochaska, J.O., Norcross, J.C., Diclemente, C.C. (1994). Changing for Good. New York: Avon Books.
Global Interfaith Partnership and Esther
OUTREACH
By Sarah Neff
Student and 2016 Umoja Project Field Intern Global Interfaith Partnership works to create a web of care for orphaned and vulnerable children, especially girls, in Chulaimbo, Kenya, where at least 20% of the school-aged children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS and other diseases. GIP is based on relationships — with students, teachers, guardians, faith leaders and community leaders. The adolescent girls in the region face enormous obstacles to completing school. The Girls Empowerment Team of the Umoja Project (GET UP) addresses girls’ needs through many programs, and community and professional women are trained to serve as mentors and provide vocational guidance. GET UP meetings provide a regular opportunity for the 500 middle school girls and 100 older students to focus on their own needs and personal goals. The Umoja Project also provides sanitary towels for 500 girls each year at a cost of $10 per girl per year. These basic provisions are critical for a girl to attend school regularly and perform well. When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, she marries four years later and has 2.2 fewer children, according to the UN Population Fund. When we first met Esther, she came running around the side of her house to greet us. She has a smile that takes you in immediately. Esther’s story is incredible. Esther finished secondary school last year, and scored so highly that she received direct admission to university for last fall. She is an orphan who has been supported by the Umoja
Project since 2008. She was identified as a leader among her peers, and now this confidence exudes from Esther as she speaks. Esther has attended the GET UP senior retreats—weekends when girls attending boarding school could come together to learn about women’s health, rights and strategies for coping with the challenges unique to their lives. Now, Esther speaks to younger girls, telling them to be strong, brave and sure of themselves and their gifts. She says GET UP was a mother to her when she had none, teaching her and giving her support as she grew. Esther received her calling letter for university, and plans to study special education. These people have a unique perspective, and she wants to be the one who can listen to them. When we asked what she is excited or nervous about for college, she said she was nervous to make new friends, but excited because her tuition is paid. She feels free to focus on her studies instead of worrying about the fees. She loves writing and says it’s how she coped with the pain of losing her parents. Now it’s continued as a way of expressing her identity in the world. She wrote this piece about the impact Umoja Project has had on her life: Once I was lost and thought I could not make it. I was down and thought I could not rise up. I was stuck and I thought I could not be freed. I was heavily loaded, but could not imagine at being freed. I lived in darkness and I did not think of living in brightness. I lived in sorrow and fear. I did not even want to associate with my fellow friends because I thought I was nothing before them. Good Lord! You gave me a father and a C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 11
GET UP participant, Esther mother too! A sister and a brother and that was Umoja Project! Umoja, you gave me education which has graduated me from darkness to brightness. Umoja, you have given me a mother who is GET UP. I am now better than a person who has a mother because not all mothers share what they have experienced with their daughters. Do you remember where you found me? When my eyes were ever full of tears? When the only thing in my mind was that I am suffering because I am an orphan? You have taught me to be strong. You have filled the gap in my mind of being parentless. You have fed me just as birds feed their young ones! This is through your lunch program. You have also ensured that I stay at peace by taking me to a boarding school. You have made me to feel a sense of belonging between people by instituting GET UP programs. Thank you Umoja for getting me up when I was down, for clothing me when I was naked. For giving me water when I was thirsty. For giving me hope when I had lost hope. Father God, I pray that it may continue so that others can also be helped.
OUTREACH
Outreach
Writing Your Future Story & Making It Stick By Rev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson Pastor of Outreach Ministries
The investigators are working to write their future story & make it stick. In February of 2015, the Crooked Creek Food Pantry opened its doors for the first time at Pecar Health Center. St. Luke’s was instrumental in helping make this community resource available to the Crooked Creek community after years of involvement in nearby Fox Hill Elementary School. Through this involvement, we learned that many students struggled with food security at home. Around the same time, the Outreach Commission made a decision to become more intentional about serving in the Crooked Creek community and to transition to a more “place-based” philosophy. With the birth of the pantry, many opportunities to meet people living in the community who struggle to get ahead in life have become available. When I first dreamed of a pantry, I wanted it to be about more than just the food. Yes, the groceries and nourishment are the main emphasis, however, the relationships that are made and the trust that is built between food pantry client and food pantry worker are most important. My hope was that someday we would go out of business because of a lack of customers. To get to this point
requires transformation. Transformation of minds, policy and practices. Thus comes our newest endeavor to fight the ills of poverty: Getting Ahead in a JustGetting-By World. This August, as a result of seeking how we can create transformation and end the cycle of poverty, we began a new educational experience on Wednesday nights at Luke’s Lodge called Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By-World. For 16 weeks, Bethany Garrity and I have facilitated a small group experience for people living in poverty in Washington Township who desire to create and make changes stick for their families. The participants are all ages. We met them at the food pantry, through referrals and through the church’s utilities and rent assistance program. The group is intentionally small – 12 people – so that there is space for community and trust to be built. The participants are called “Investigators” because they are investigating their own lives and the community in which they live, to seek ways to solve issues or poverty. The Investigators receive a $25 weekly stipend in the way of a gift card for their participation in the process. They are doing hard work to learn more about what resources are available and how they can break the cycle of poverty in their family.
12
The Investigators are working to write their future story and to make it stick. We have seen the Getting Ahead Investigators become engaged in the St. Luke’s congregational life by volunteering for Fall Festival and enrolling their children in choir. At the end of the 16 week experience, the Investigators were promoted to our new ministry called Bridges. Bridges is an 18-month process where Investigators will connect with St. Luke’s members who serve as Allies. All Allies go through Bridges Out of Poverty, cultural competency and boundary training led by Marli Howell. The first 16 weeks are a time of discovery on what changes need to be made by the Investigators. The next 18 months they plan what must be done to make the changes stick. With guidance from the Bridges Allies, Investigators work the plan they have made to write their future story. The Allies serve as cheerleaders, listening ears, prayer warriors and social capital. Our hope is that the Allies will provide support and social capital to the Investigators in a variety of ways. Sometimes all someone needs to get ahead is to have another person make a call on their behalf or make a connection so they know in what direction they need to head. Dr. James Comer said, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” The Bridges program opens up the possibility of significant relationships on both the part of the Investigators and Allies. Together, they learn, grow and adapt and incredible transformations will occur for all involved.
EMERGING ADULTS
Young Adult
A Tough Year
Don’t make change too complicated. Just begin.
By Holly Foltz
– Unknown
Change is most effective for me when I let other people in on what I am doing.
2016 has not been my year! This year has been marked by illness, loss, setbacks and more. I haven’t been alone in my terrible year; it seems like many friends have had their own year full of pain and loss. One of the good things in the midst of that tough year has been that for me, tough times always bring a lot of reflection. Tough times almost always prompt me to want to be better and to care for those around me more. Tough times seem to be my place for self improvement. My reflection during this past year has left me with a long list of changes I want to make as I start a new year. The question is always how to make those changes stick past the first few weeks of a new year. For me the key to making changes stick comes down to two things: daily prayer and vulnerability. In his book The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson writes about goals starting as a defining decision that becomes a daily decision. Mark says the defining decision is where we make the goal or commitment to change, but the daily decision is what makes the goal work.
We have to make a daily decision, committing ourselves to the goal or change to see it through. For Mark that daily decision is made by circling his goals in prayers every single day. Starting my morning by praying over my goals is such a positive way for me to stay committed to what I am trying to do. For me, the other important part of making changes stick is vulnerability. To make changes stick, I have to let them into the light – so to speak. Change is most effective for me when I let other people in on what I am doing. It seems to me that the more people I tell about life changes the more likely it is that the change will be successful. Truth be told, this is one of the hardest things for me to do. I don’t like vulnerability, but as much as I may not like it, vulnerability is so critical for my success in making changes stick.
C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 13
If you are like me and vulnerability is not an easy skill, start small with a few trusted people, I promise it will be worth it.
“You Need Involvement” By Ben Lamb
In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown heads to Lucy’s booth for some advice. He laments to her about Christmas, “I just don’t understand it.” He goes on to say that he has never attempted anything to help get himself into a Christmas frame of mind nor to try to better understand it. She replies to him, “You need involvement. You need to get involved in some real Christmas projects.” Lucy van Pelt charges only a nickel, but her advice is priceless. Getting involved in various commitments really does make a world of difference in one’s life, whether those be commitments for Christmas or for other times and purposes. At St. Luke’s, there are always a multitude of ways to become involved. Nancy Lange, Executive Director of Ministries & Operations, is very excited to share about how our church is striving to help folks start getting involved and then make those changes become an integral way of life. “We’re a large church that is trying to feel small” is how she describes the idea. Her enthusiasm is obvious as she continues to share how this all works.
Nancy is especially happy to let the church body know about three focuses for 2017: small groups, hospitality, and reaching out to others through service and invitations. Co v e n a n t g r o u p s ( s m a l l g r o u p s ) are settings where people can form new friendships and gain long-term relationships. The group that Nancy is in is an example. Its members have a passion for helping children who live in apartments in the Crooked Creek neighborhood, where St. Luke’s is involved with many outreach efforts. The group has hosted fun events for Easter and Christmas and has developed relationships with those whom they’re serving. Plus, the group has become a mini-family of its own. In the area of hospitality, “Our work is never done” as Nancy points out. Jesus isn’t on earth in bodily form now, so he depends on us to be his hands and feet to the people of this world. Hospitality certainly includes the team of volunteers who wear nametags on Sunday mornings, but also includes the entire congregation at large. When was the last time that you were hospitable enough to share a warm smile or friendly greeting with someone whom you didn’t know?
14
Helping people find and give hope through Jesus Christ is an unofficial motto at St. Luke’s. It’s who we are and what we believe. What better gift can we give the world than to offer this to others by inviting them to experience it with us and to receive it from us through our real-life service? Jesus came to earth for this reason. If we’re his followers, shouldn’t we do the same?
Welcome new staff Barbara Hobbs
Becky Volk
Director of Wesleyan Ringers hobbsb@stlukesumc.com
Baptism & Childcare Coordinator volkb@stlukesumc.com
Barbara loves directing bells so much that she came out of retirement to direct the Wesleyan Ringers! She enjoys helping this group of talented ringers prepare to play for worship each month and being a part of the St. Luke’s musical team.
An almost-life-long Indy gal, Becky & her husband raised their daughter here (she is now at the U of Michigan) to be near family. Becky has reluctantly become a Wolverines fan, unless, of course, they are playing her beloved Butler Bulldogs!
Holly Whitacre
Dorothy Federspiel
Hospitality Coordinator whitacreh@stlukesumc.com
Administrative Assistant of Adult Discipleship fiederspield@stlukesumc.com
As a new member of St. Luke’s and a former educator, Holly knows how to make everyone in the room feel welcomed. And she’s not above doing so with a touch of chocolate!
Dorothy brings attention to detail, a deep faith and experience working with lawyers to help organize Adult Discipleship. As with her family, she is usually a step ahead of Eric and Susan!
Cheryl Wyatt Worship Producer wyattc@stlukesumc.com
Cam Hershberger Videographer hershbergerc@stlukesumc.com
Cheryl comes to us with more than 30 years of experience as a professional vocalist both in and out of churches. She is excited about helping unify the various components and teams involved in worship, but also in helping to create beautiful, connected worship experiences.
Cam comes to St. Luke’s with a passion for helping us communicate our ministries and activities in an engaging way. And could he have a better name for a videographer?
C O N N E C T @ S T. L U K E ’ S 15
new
HERE? Welcome! We’re happy to see you!
ST. LUKE’S CHURCH TOUR
EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP CLASS
January 11 and February 15 6:30PM • Main Office
January 29, March 5, April 30, June 4 12:15-3:15PM • Luke’s Lodge Led by Senior Pastor, Rob Fuquay; come to learn the purpose of the church, more about St. Luke’s and our denomination. Discuss what it means to be a member of this local congregation. Explore discipleship next steps in faith and service. Learn the process for formally joining St. Luke’s. Some attend this session ready to affiliate with the church. Others make this choice after attending this class. Childcare available upon request. Register at stlukesumc.com.
Did you know that St. Luke’s has a small prayer chapel off of Robertson Chapel? Have you wondered about the meaning of the various stained glass windows throughout the building? Are you curious about the building on the northeast corner of the parking lot called Luke’s Lodge? Whether you’re new to St. Luke’s or you’ve been coming for a while, join with others to explore our facilities and learn a bit of our history as well. Guide: Mary Katherine Schnitz, a staff member in Congregational Care. Childcare available upon request. Register at stlukesumc.com.
REGISTER ONLINE! Register for New Here events at stlukesumc.com. Childcare available upon request.
STARTING POINT 2nd Sunday of the month (3rd Sunday May) 10:45-11:15AM or 12:15-12:45PM N101-102 For those new to St. Luke’s, gain an orientation to St. Luke’s, meet key leaders and leave with recommended next steps to help you find your place within St. Luke’s. Pre-registration is helpful at stlukesumc.com, but walk-ins are always welcome. Light refreshments available. Childcare available upon request.
stlukesumc.com • @stlukesumcindy • Search for St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Facebook