Congratulations to entry.point UMC Birthed by St. Luke’s, now launched as a new United Methodist Congregation See Story Back Cover
A Guide to the Month Ahead: June 2014
Summer 2014 Reaching out in mission
with Holy Spirit power
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Adult Ministries
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Spiritual Life Center
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Worship and the Arts
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Hours:
St. Luke’s office is open 8:30AM-5PM Monday-Friday. Our Prayer Chapel (located inside Robertson Chapel next to the Spiritual Life Center) is available for silent prayer and meditation when the church is open. A pastor is always on call in case of emergencies; call 317-846-3404 to leave a message after hours.
Contact Information:
When you need something, our outstanding front desk staff can direct your call to the appropriate person:
I Need: Children’s Music
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Children’s Ministries
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Youth Ministries
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Fellowship
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UMM/UMW
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Member Care
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Outreach Ministries
This issue lists upcoming events June through August 2014. The deadline for submitting announcements for the next Connections@St.Luke’s is June 1 for the July issue, which is distributed after worship at St.Luke’s on June 29. Connections@St.Luke’s: a publication of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-846-3404 • www.stlukesumc.com A PDF version of this publication is available online.
Contact:
Adult Class Registration.............................................Jilliane Pruiett Childcare Needs for Meetings/Events.......................Kristi Chamberlain Member Care/Death/Hospitalization Stephen Ministry Request.........................................Mary Katherine Schnitz Membership/Births/Address/Phone Change............Sylvia Forbes Special Events/Room Reservation.............................Heather Backus Weddings...................................................................Allison Flickinger Baptisms....................................................................Kristi Chamberlain Pledge Balance/Information......................................Faina Kleyner Oasis Bookstore.........................................................Sharon Holyoak Communication/Marketing support..........................Patricia Case
Email:
Staff email is last name followed by first initial, followed by @stlukesumc.com, for example: casep@stlukesumc.com
Let’s Make Connections! Born, raised and even ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I didn’t expect to ever pick up roots. Yet in just one month on staff at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, I feel right at home! This faith community extends an arms-wideopen welcome. We focus on the world beyond our doorsteps. Our leaders know that standing one’s ground firmly in the status quo in this fastpaced world really means losing ground. I am delighted to jump right in with a group of people who are dedicated to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation. Seems we come from the same family tree! Connections is a great resource for sharing information about opportunities to engage in ministry at St. Luke’s. What I hope to do in the near future with this magazine is to add to all this great information the stories in the midst of the ministry. What are your God sightings? Where have you seen lives touched and hearts changed? What is it about some of these activities that helps create an environment where people support each other’s journey in discipleship? Let me hear from you! Together, let’s make Connections! Peace,
Patti Patricia R. Case, Connections Editor St. Luke’s Director of Marketing and Communication
Multiple Styles. Multiple Locations.
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St. Luke’s is an open community of Christians with multiple options for strengthening your relationship with God. We offer the following worship opportunities designed to meet you where you are in your journey with Christ.
Later@St. Luke’s Sundays, 6PM in Robertson Chapel with Dr. Marion Miller Come hear contemporary Christian, gospel and jazz music featuring the Later Band and Vocals, along with a challenging, thought-provoking message. Holy Communion served every Sunday, along with light refreshments before and after the worship service.
The Garden Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre with Dr. Linda McCoy Sunday Worship Services with Rev. Rob Fuquay 8, 9:15AM (Traditional) & 10:45AM (Contemporary) • Communion is served the first Sunday of the month at all three services and is available to all persons. • St. Luke’s Orchestra plays the third Sunday of the month • Baptisms take place the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of every month. Orientation class for parents is required. See www.stlukesumc.com for details.
SUMMER SERMON SERIES: Plugged In June 1 Powering up June 8 Plugged into Spiritual Gifts June 15 Plugged into Our Neighborhood June 22 Plugged into Our World June 29 Plugging in Again
Contemporary Service @10:45AM St. Luke’s expanded its family of worship styles to include a contemporary service on Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary. It features relevant messages by our senior pastor, Rev. Rob Fuquay, along with amazing musical talent and a more relaxed, interactive environment. If you’d like to be kept up-to-date as announcements become available, we invite you to join the Facebook group, “St. Luke’s @1045 New Service Participants.”
8:15, 9:15 & 10:15AM every Sunday The Garden is a satellite ministry of St. Luke’s providing nontraditional worship in a comfortable, casual setting. Music provided by The Good Earth Band.
A Fresh Perspective on The Garden
How Does The Garden Grow? This spring and summer you will find The Garden in the garden. That is… a Food Pantry Garden. The yet-to-be-named Garden’s garden is located at 7420 N. Michigan Road, behind the now-closed Jubilee Bowling Alley. The Garden has been given permission to use the approximately 20’ x 72’ plot to grow fresh produce to be distributed through the Fay Biccard Glick Family Center Food Pantry. Many blooming thanks to St. Luke’s Outreach for $1,500 “seed” money. Not only did it pay for the seeds, it also enabled Gardeners to purchase the lumber and dirt for the raised planting beds. Plans include a second gardening location: an educational garden to be located near Greenbriar Elementary School. The Garden recognizes we all have a responsibility to take care of our community. The Garden’s garden will provide lots of fresh, healthy, organic produce for folks in need. It may be only a small piece of what’s needed, but even a little bit can make a big difference when someone is hungry. For more information on The Garden’s garden please contact Mary Hill at rroberthill@att.net.
Taizé Third Sunday of each month, 5-5:45PM by the baptismal font in the Sanctuary, with musical community and Rev. Kim King. A service of peace and candlelight with silence, scriptures, prayer and beautiful music.
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June 2014 Connections@St.Luke’s
To pre-register for a class, go to www.stlukesumc. com and search for class title on home page search box. Or contact Jilliane Pruiett at pruiettj@ stlukesumc.com or 317-846-3404 x364. Oasis = Oasis Bookstore and Gift Shop located inside St. Luke’s.
Adult Ministries Exploring Membership Class
Leaders: Rev. Rob Fuquay, staff, and lay leaders. Sunday, Sept. 7, Noon-3PM, Luke’s Lodge. Childcare available upon request. Join Pastor Rob Fuquay and others for a time of getting acquainted with one another, learning the vision and values of St. Luke’s, a brief overview of the history of the church, and a bit about United Methodism. Discuss what it means to be a member of St. Luke’s as we look closely at what it means to Seek, Celebrate, Live, and Share the love of God for all creation. Everyone will have an opportunity to sign up for future classes, serving opportunities within the church and outreach events. You may choose to join St. Luke’s after this class if you desire.
Adult Education 1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together
Wednesdays: May 21-July 2, 6-8PM, N101/102 Life among Christians can be great. But – let’s face it – it can also be frustrating! The joys of fellowship too often given way to division and debate, with arguments over such issues as worship preferences or the place of charismatic gifts. In 1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together, we examine the problems of the Christian community - and find some practical advice and principles for overcoming them. People are welcome to join the study at any point. Book available in Oasis bookstore. Leader: Miriam Holden.
A Retreat For The Ages! All Of Them
July 13-17, 2014, Lake Junaluska, N.C. SOULfeast is The Upper Room’s spiritual formation event for children, youth, and adults who seek deepening spirituality across a spectrum of soulnourishing experiences. Pastor Rob Fuquay helps lead this retreat and hosts a workshop. Register by June 1: $179/adult and $75/child, online at http:// soulfeast.upperroom.org. Housing is not included in the registration, but is available at Lake Junaluska Conference Center. Visit the Soulfeast website for more information.
Sunday Morning Classes
Conversations Around the Scripture
Sundays, 10:45-11:45AM, E213 Led by Gary Chambers and Craig Overmyer. Join the group for a five-week sermon discussion class.
Empty Nesters – New Focus!
Sundays, 10:45AM, Parlor Empty Nesters is a Sunday school class/social group. We invite couples and singles whose children have “flown the coop” to join us. We also get together for dinner or other events on a monthly basis. And we’ve become one of the best support groups around! Try us out. We’d like to meet you.
Ongoing Classes
Christian Chat
2nd & 4th Mondays, 10-11:30AM, Spiritual Life Center You are invited to drop in for interesting discussions about Christian topics and to enjoy fellowship with other women. This is the perfect group for busy women because each session is self-contained and there is no homework. Please join us when you can and feel free to come late or leave early. For more information, contact us at ChristianChatWomen@ gmail.com.
Adult Ministries George Vickery Men’s Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 9:30AM, Luke’s Lodge Discuss current events or the latest book of interest you have read. For more information, call Bob Waeltz at 317-872-0895.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30AM, The Forum at The Crossing An off-site senior adult Bible Study. Led by Terri Coe, Mary Katherine Schnitz and several other St. Luke’s lay members.
Pastors’ Book Study on summer vacation
For more information contact Judi Hosfeld, judiandmark@att.net.
Thursday Afternoon Book Study Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Parlor Our June book is The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson, July is Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. The group also enjoys lunches, movies,
June 2014 Connections@St.Luke’s
field trips and birthday celebrations. Class facilitator is Phyllis Bybee. For more information, contact Sylvia Forbes at 317-846-3404 or forbess@ stlukesumc.com.
Online Classes
United Methodism 101
June 18 - July 30 Cost: $9.99. This online course is designed for new United Methodists and anyone wanting to know more about the denomination. Are you a lifelong or long-term Methodist? You may be surprised at what you can learn about our denomination. The course includes four modules: United Methodist history; theology and beliefs of the United Methodist Church; organization and governance; and, present and future challenges. Each module, with many interactive features takes about an hour to complete. You can move through the modules at your own pace. For more information or to register for class, go to www.stlukesumc.com and search “united methodism” in the search box on the homepage.
Volunteer Opportunities Devotional Writers Wanted
We have had wonderful feedback on the Lenten Devotionals written by our St. Luke’s family. In response to this feedback, we are currently developing a team of people that would like to write devotionals. A writer is given the topic, a scripture verse, and asked to write a 300-word devotional with a closing prayer. We hope to begin sending devotionals at least twice each week by August. These devotionals will match the theme of the sermon series. If this is something you would like to try, contact Susan Fuquay at fuquays@stlukesumc.com.
Big-Event Planners Needed
On August 10 Adult Ministries will host a “Let’s All Go to Class” event, showcasing adult classes and small group opportunities. If you enjoy planning or executing a one-time big event, contact Susan Fuquay at fuquays@stlukesumc.com.
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Help Design a Women’s Study
Next September, St. Luke’s will offer a Thursday morning (9-11AM) women’s study opportunity. Besides coffee and fellowship, the gathering will offer a variety of classes aimed at strengthening women’s faith. There will be childcare. But first, we need to design it! If you are interested in serving on the Design Team that will meet through the summer to craft class topics and other details of this activity contact Susan Fuquay at fuquays@stlukesumc.com.
Tech-Savvy People: We Need You!
Are you skilled with Google Hangout, Skype, or Blackboard? St. Luke’s is working hard to move into the online learning age! We need some IT volunteers to help us with research and development. Susan Fuquay at fuquays@stlukesumc. com.
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June 20142014 February Communion Connections@St.Luke’s
Disciple Bible Study New Classes Will Begin This Fall
Disciple Bible Study is a comprehensive Bible Study for people that are beginners to long-time students of the Bible. Disciple I covers the whole Bible and requires about 30 minutes of Bible reading every day. Over 300 people at St. Luke’s were enrolled in Disciple this winter. New signups will begin this summer for the fall classes. Plan now to be in Disciple Bible Study this Fall! Disciple Study Guides are available in Oasis.
Adult Ministries Singles Check the singles calender online at www.stlukesumc.com/ministries/adult/singles Sunday Lunch Bunch
Every Sunday, 12:15PM Join us for fun, food, and fantastic times! For more information, contact Armen at aa737us@yahoo. com or 317-298-8913. June 1: Oobatz, Clearwater Shopping center June 8: PF Chang’s, Keystone at the Crossing June 15: Ruby Tuesday’s, 9106 Wesleyan (Michigan Rd. north of 86th) June 22: Famous Dave’s, Michigan Rd., north of 86th June 29: Binkley’s, College and Kessler
Singles Fork, Knife and Glass Dinner
Thursday June 19 at 6:30PM, Istanbul Café, 86th & Ditch Fork, Knife, and Glass is a community group for anyone who would like to have dinner once a month at a local restaurant and enjoy conversation and laughter with other singles. Hosted by Armen Avakian, aa737us@yahoo.com.
Singles: Bible Study Opportunity
Sundays, 10:45AM, E105 Group Leader: Rev. Sandy Harlan at revsandy@sbcglobal.net. Now studying the history of Christianity. Video presentation led by Professor Luke Timothy Johnson (second from left in photo below), author and Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Emory University Candler School of Theology. Discussion follows video.
Toastmasters
Meets Tuesday, June 3, 10, 24, 7-8:30PM, N101/102 Toastmasters International offers effective ways to improve communication and leadership skills. Guests attend for free. For information, call Cathy Baker at 317-334-7821.
Volleyball
Most Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30PM, Great Hall See the schedule online or check the volleyball status line at 317-721-3099 after 4:30PM. The cost to play is $2. For information, visit the Singles Meetup page: www.meetup.com/St-Lukes-Singles/events or email slsvb@ecnsltng.com. You can also leave a message on the status line and one of the team leaders will return your call.
Adult Ministries Spiritual Life Center Sunday Morning CLASSES
Krista Tippett’s “On Being” Show
Sundays, 9:15AM, Spiritual Life Center If you are a fan of Krista Tippett’s radio show that airs at 7AM every Sunday morning on FM90.1, you will want to join the discussion of the show on Sunday mornings. Krista interviews authors, spiritual leaders, storytellers, scientists, professors, political activists and musicians. The discussions are as lively and interesting as the show. All are welcome and encouraged to listen to the show prior to attending class. The show is available beginning the prior Friday at www.onbeing.org.
Comparing Religions Class Studies Five Major Faith Groups
Sundays, 10:45-11:45AM, Spiritual Life Center Explore the essential structural components shared by all faiths by focusing on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Learn about creation myths, concepts of the divine, lifecycle and calendar based rituals, various types of sacred people, texts, objects and spaces, and religion’s ultimate goals. This Great Courses DVD series is hosted by the New Perspectives class. Expect a DVD presentation by Professor Charles Kimball, University of Oklahoma, followed by group discussion. Come every week or drop in any time. No registration or fee.
New Earth Community Thursdays, 7-8:30PM, Spiritual Life Center This study group discusses innovative and challenging spiritual books. Contact JoAnne Waeltz, 317-872-0895.
SPIRITUALITY AND THE ARTS
Celebrating Indiana in Art
Martha Lindenborg-Vaught will be June’s artist in the “Identity” Gallery. Middle Indiana is her environment and she draws inspiration from its difficult weather and mundane cultural milieu. Her subjects come from what she lives with day to day: the land, the people and the animals (primarily domestic horses, cats, dogs, chickens, and hedgehogs) that she encounters. Her current work is exploring the impact that global warming is having on our farming operations and on the native plants and animals. Julie Perigo will be exhibiting in the ”Visions” Gallery for June.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Tuesdays, 1-3PM, Luke’s Lodge Prayerful volunteers who like to knit or crochet and love the fellowship of working together make prayer shawls for those needing to be wrapped in God’s healing love. New knitters welcome. Contact Helen Vriesman at 317-849-9417 or hrvaintree@ yahoo.com.
Ongoing Classes
Sunrise Book Study
Wednesdays, 7-8:30AM, Parlor Start your day with friends, prayer, a good book, stimulating discussion and personal enrichment. Contact Betty Brandt at 317-846-3404 or brandtb@ stlukesumc.com.
Tuesday Afternoon Women’s Spiritual Book Study
Tuesdays, 1-2:30PM, Spiritual Life Center Group meets weekly to discuss meaningful and sometimes controversial books. Contact JoAnne Waeltz, 317-872-0895.
St. Luke’s at the Movies: ‘Life of Pi’
Sunday, 7-9PM, June 1, Parlor “Life of Pi” is a 2012 American 3D live-action computer-animated adventure drama film based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee the storyline revolves around an Indian man named Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, living in Canada and telling a novelist about his life story -- his spiritual searching. He shares that at 16 he survives a shipwreck in which his family dies, and he is stranded in the Pacific Ocean on a
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Spiritual Life Center’s Blog
The Spiritual Life Center now has a blog at slcblog. stlukesumc.com. Watch for posts about trends in spiritual development, interesting spiritual journeys, new ideas, poetry and comments from Spiritual life Center classes and events. If you would like to be a contributing writer, please contact Betty Brandt at brandtb@ stlukesumc.com or 317-846-3404 x339.
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Adult Ministries
Where is the Spiritual Life Center? Enter through door #2 just before you get to the main entrance.
Find SLC On Facebook
For updated information about our programming, go to “St. Luke’s UMC – Spiritual Life Center.”
lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Friday, June 13, 7-9pm, Parlor. Dessert served, donations appreciated. This movie has lots to discuss! Co-sponsored by The Garden and the Spiritual Life Center.
Studio 3 Art Ministry for Artists and Dabblers
Thursdays, 9AM-2PM, C122 Anyone interested in building an art community at St. Luke’s is welcome to come spend the day (or a portion of the day) with other artists. Bring your favorite medium and plan to go out for lunch. Occasional field trips and pitch-ins too. For information, contact Susie Gilbert at sulinn2000@ yahoo.com or 317-582-0001.
Crochet Guild of Indianapolis
1st Saturday of the month, 10AM-Noon, E107/109 Learn to crochet and contribute to on-going projects. Contact Edie Huffman, 317-228-0496.
Body/Mind/Spirit
Gentle Yoga Class
Monday and Thursday 5:30-6:30PM, N103/104, $8/session 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 (bring a mat and a blanket). Taught by Carol Holden.
Yoga for Stress
Seven Mondays, May 12-June 30, (omit May 26) 9:30-10:45AM; $84. Eight Thursdays, May 15-July 3, 8:30-9:45AM; $96. All classes in N103/104. Join anytime. Walk-ins $15.
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. Register/pay online, www.stlukesumc.com. New classes begin July 14 and 17, respectively.
Aikido Training
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7-9PM, Saturdays, 8-10AM. All classes in N103/104. This discipline uses martial training as a means of character development rather than fighting prowess. Open to adult men and women. Come observe a class, or visit www.indyaikido.org for more information.
Prayer and Meditation
Ongoing Meditation Group
Mondays, 6:30-7:30PM, Spiritual Life Center No fee or registration. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to 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.
Celebrate God’s Gift of Summer
Saturday, June 21, 7-8:30PM, no reservations or fee. The Central Indiana Labyrinth Coalition invites you to celebrate summer by making music and walking our “in-full-bloom” Daylily Labyrinth. Bring a lawn chair and a music maker (drum, flute, tambourine, singing bowl, etc) and bug spray. Join us on the grassy area beside the labyrinth. Daylily Labyrinth can be found be walking to the rear of Luke’s Lodge (NE corner of back parking lot), down the steps, across the bridge into the neighborhood to the north of St. Luke’s campus.
Adult Ministries HEALING MINISTRY
Healing Partners Appointments
Stress, illness, grief or difficult life situations can cause imbalance in the body, mind and spirit. This Healing Process combines healing touch, relaxation and prayer to form a synergistic effect that can help bring you back to balance and wholeness through God’s restorative healing power. These sessions re-energize and relax persons to enable their own natural resources to deal with illness or injury. Process honors all faith traditions. Call 317-8463404 x442 for a daytime or evening appointment. No fee, donations appreciated.
Soulful Breathwork Workshop
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-8PM, N101/102 Soulful Breathwork is a practice of active conscious breathing that heals and rejuvenates physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The method is gentle but extremely effective because it activates the intrinsic intelligence of the body to heal and generate cumulative and
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permanent changes. It is an excellent tool for self-discovery, often leading to a more integrated and authentic experience of self and increased compassion toward self and others. Work is done lying on the floor. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow. Led by Lynn Tisza. No registration or fee. Co-sponsored by the Health Ministry and Healing Partners.
SUMMER CLASSES
Spiritual Formation Experience
Wednesdays, June 4-July 30, 4-5:30PM, Spiritual Life Center Using A Spiritual Formation Workbook study the six major dimensions of the spiritual life found in the life of Jesus and the Christian tradition – Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical and Incarnational. Expect to find balance, knowledge, encouragement and accountability. Led by Betty Brandt, Registration suggested, no fee. Workbooks available in Oasis and at the first meeting.
Spiritual Gifts & More Find books for your adult education class or book group… inspirational jewelry and home décor… the perfect selections for Confirmation, graduations, birthdays, baptisms, Easter and Christmas presents. Best of all, the proceeds from all purchases made in Oasis benefit the ministries of St. Luke’s.
Oasis is Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10AM - 2PM Sundays 9AM - 1PM
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Adult Ministries
Green Ministries Green Ministry Leadership Team
June 11, 5:30-7PM, C110 Our ministry leadership team meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month and welcomes new people to the discussion. Contact Eric VanSteenberg, or just show up.
“No Plastic Bag” Pledge
If you wish to join the movement to rid the environment of plastic bags, go to the Green Ministry page, www. stlukesumc.com, and take the “No Plastic Bag” Pledge. Remember to always carry your reuseable bags whenever you shop! Reusable bags can be found at the Recycling Center in Central Passage hanging on the red pole. Take one!
Ann Curry’s “Our Year of Extremes”
Monday, June 30, 7-9PM, Parlor NBC News’ Ann Curry looks into whether a link exists between recent extreme weather events and climate change. In the special documentary, Curry travels to the Arctic, to drought stricken regions in the American West, to the edge of rising seas in Florida, and into extreme weather events all over the globe, meeting with both scientists and eyewitnesses. Come see the show and join the discussion on Monday, June 30, 7-9pm, Parlor. No registration or fee.
Green Gratitude Award
The Green Ministry wishes to thank Sharon Chambers for her excellent leadership of this Ministry for many years and welcome Eric VanSteenberg as the new chair. Sharon will remain active and give her wise counsel as Eric and his team plan for the future.
Computer E-Waste Recycling Event
Saturday, June 7, 10AM-1PM, Front Parking Lot Donate your no-longer-used computer equipment to Wings for West Africa, a local non-profit that refurbishes and ships computers to schools in West Africa. Hard drives are professionally wiped and tax receipts provided. We are also accepting anything with a cord to be safely recycled by RecycleForce Inc. Fee $10 for TV drop off. Cans, bottles and cardboard also accepted.For a complete list of what can be recycled at this event go to www.stlukesumc.com. Tell your friends and neighbors!
Worship and The Arts Handbell Choir Openings
St. Luke’s Orchestra
Chancel Choir Patron’s Fund
Our Chancel Choir’s ministry is supplemented by a Patron’s Fund by which they can take on projects and possibilities far outside the realm of their annual budget such as underwriting for performances (including the annual Christmas Concerts), concert tours, as well as new music, vestments and attire. Patrons receive a performance of new music as well as a permanent plaque bearing the patron’s name and a dedication. Patron levels are established at $750 and $1,000. For information, contact Mark Squire at squirem@ stlukesumc.com, or Alice Shooter, Patron Fund chair, at aliceshooter108@msn.com.
Taizé Musical Community
Small vocal and instrumental ensemble serving at monthly Taizé service (third Sunday, 5-5:45PM), rehearses one hour before each service. Contact Music Director Mark Squire at squirem@ stlukesumc.com.
Looking for Your Place to Serve?
There are a variety of involvement schedules and musical levels where you can become involved with St. Luke’s Music Ministries. There are even non-musical needs to help support the hundreds of music makers. If you’d like to share your gifts in ministry, contact Nancy in the Music Ministry Office at faithn@stlukesumc.com and she can put you in touch with rewarding possibilities!
Children’s Music Ministries Children’s music had a wonderful response to our performance of “Step Right Up!” Videos have been recorded and are available for $15 -- our cost to produce the video. Meanwhile, we collected hundreds of gently used shoes for the Soles for Jesus ministry. Milwaukee, WI-based “Soles for Jesus” provides shoes for people in western Africa. Way to go, St. Luke’s! Children’s Music Ministries takes a summer break from regularly scheduled classes and rehearsals. Watch this publication for details of the 20142015 schedule, and how to get your children involved. Debra Nethercott, Director nethercottd@stlukesumc.com
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Creative Opportunities @10:45
Joyful Rhythms welcomes ringers of a variety of experience levels, even those who have yet to ring. Rehearses Mondays, 6-7:15PM. If you’re interested and available to rehearse on Monday nights, contact Director Marsha Coyner at mjcoyner@juno.com. Under the direction of Bob Zehr, the Orchestra plays the third Sunday of every month at Traditional Sanctuary services, September through June. Rehearsals are Thursdays, 7:15-9PM. Contact Margaret Spilker at msspilker@aol.com for more information.
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The contemporary service is always looking for talented artists who want to share their gifts in this new way. Have you been waiting for just the right opportunity to use yours? All creative types are welcome – from musicians and vocalists to dramatic artists and dancers. To join our worship team, contact Fran Wyatt at wyattf@ stlukesumc.com.
The Smiling Face of St. Luke’s
Help first-time visitors and new members feel the loving, welcoming energy of St. Luke’s @10:45 service by serving as a section host, guide or greeter. We provide the training. You provide the smile. Contact Carol Helmus at helmusc@ stlukesumc.com.
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Nursing Mothers Room Available
For the convenience of new mothers in our congregation, we have a nursing room, located off the East Passage, in room E126. It can be accessed directly from the East Passage or through the childcare nursery room it adjoins. The room is equipped with rocking chairs and a television live-streaming the worship service in the Sanctuary. It is open to all who need it on Sunday mornings. Please ask an usher if you need assistance locating it.
Children’s Ministries Sunday Morning Options:
Two Exciting Summer Opportunities
Preschool at 9:15
“Ahoy, mateys!” Are you ready for the Clubhouse Pirate Adventure? We are so excited about these next two months where your preschoolers are going to learn that the Bible is better than gold. Each week will introduce preschoolers to a different snippet of truth from God’s Word and unpack what that means to them. Preschoolers will discover this amazing treasure—that God’s teachings “are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver,” Psalm 119:72, NCV. As they continue to hunt for Bible treasures, they will learn that they are wonderfully made, that God loves them all the time, and that they are part of God’s family.
Preschool at 10:45
This month, we’ll be learning about Baby Moses. Moses was once a little kid, just like me! We’ll learn about how God protected Moses, how his mother and sister cared for him and how Moses came to be a great leader of God’s people! God is always with us!
Elementary at 9:15 & 10:45
Several of the apostles began writing about how to live together as believers. These writings are not presented in the form of a story. They are letters. They are sermons. Delivered by people and for people, they are historic, but they are not really a story. But we think it’s important that kids experience those letters and sermons too. So to help illustrate these important truths, we’ve wrapped them in a summer-long story about friendship. We’re taking the summer to look at what the New Testament letters have to say about friendship. Our monthly virtue is: Friendship is treating others the way you want to be treated. Each week, we’ll take a look at a “one another” principle that gives us a framework for loving others the way God loved us. Because these verses are short, we suggest that you take this summer to memorize each one.
The Track Registration
Have you registered your children for Sunday morning small groups? You can register them online at www.stlukesumc.com/children/sundaymorning. Questions? Email us at thetrack@stlukesumc.com.
SpringHill Day Camp
9AM-4PM, July 7-11 If your child will complete K-4th grade this year, then they are in for a big adventure at church this summer! St. Luke’s is partnering with SpringHill Day Camps (www.springhillcamps.com) for five full days of fun. This isn’t your typical day camp, folks! From the climbing wall to the Flying Squirrel to water games and creative crafts to stretch your child’s imagination—they’ll have more fun than they can imagine, while making new friends and learning a few things about God and themselves. Cost is $159/camper and registration can be found online at www.springhillcamps.com/IN/daycamp. Contact Heather Hilbert at hilberth@stlukesumc.com for more information.
Summer Splash
9AM-Noon, July 21-25 A summer of weird, wacky fun is coming for children ages 3 through rising 5th graders! This year, we’re learning how unique God’s love truly is. Watch for registration in church or online. Youth and adults can volunteer in a variety of ways, so contact Heather Hilbert at hilberth@stlukesumc. com if you’d like to help make the week extra special for kids. $25/child, $60 max per family.
Children’s Ministries Getting Involved
children’s MUSIC
Take Five and Top Three = Two Connections
Children’s Music Ministries
This season of parenting is exciting and rewarding, but it’s also busy and draining at times. In Children’s Ministries, we want to partner with you on your journey. We’ve created a weekly blog called “Take Five” to offer encouragement for parents. As spiritual leaders in your home, we know your time is limited, so each week’s blog entry takes less than five minutes to read. Each Tuesday’s email will be a concise reflection of how you can help your child connect the Sunday morning teachings to what happens in their life each week and beyond. If you would like to receive the Take Five reflections or receive the weekly parent newsletter, Top 3, which lets you know the Top 3 things you need to know for the upcoming week, simply email Heather Hilbert at hilberth@stlukesumc.com.
Find Your Place at The Track
We’ve designed our opportunities to meet not only the time and availability of our volunteers, but their spiritual gifts and talents as well. Is teaching or shepherding not your calling? Think beyond Sunday morning! If you’re interested in joining our team to support our growth we will find a project that is right for you! Contact thetrack@ stlukesumc.com.
Commission on Children’s Ministries This leadership team works closely with staff to dream and implement new opportunities for fellowship, hospitality, missions, and parent/ volunteer support. We’re always looking for more leaders to come beside us and take Children’s Ministries to the next level. The commission meets monthly to cast vision, fellowship with one another and plan for upcoming events. For more information on this diverse, supportive leadership team, contact Heather Hilbert at hilberth@ stlukesumc.com.
Hospitality Volunteers
We need extra hands to help families with children navigate our church building – to greet new families with a warm smile, to help them register their children for the first time, and to guide them to their new classrooms. To be one of these important people, please contact Heather Hilbert at hilberth@stlukesumc.com.
We have many musical opportunities for children ages 3-1/2 through Junior High. See “Worship and the Arts” section for details or for more information contact Debra Nethercott (“Miss Deb”) at nethercottd@stlukesumc.com.
Preschool & PDO St. Luke’s is unique among Indianapolis area programs. We provide an opportunity for children of all ability levels to relate socially to each other, learn from each other, and play together. In addition to skill development, our philosophy is that the tolerance and acceptance of people with differences begins at an early age. This is a special opportunity to develop the foundation for Christian attitudes towards individual differences throughout the child’s life. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a tour, please call the Preschool Office at 844-3399. We look forward to another fabulous year as we continue to grow!
Preschool
Classes (9AM-1PM) for three- to five-year-olds are offered in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. All teachers are experienced, qualified, well-trained and strive to maintain strong relationships with the children and their families. Preschool offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum where children may grow socially, creatively, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Children must be 3 years old by 9/1/2014 to enroll for the 2014-2015 school year.
Parents’ Day Out
Classes (9AM-1PM) are offered for children ages 10 months to three years. PDO was established to provide parents of young children time for themselves on a regular basis. Children participate in structured play in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. Opportunities are provided for children to learn beginning social skills while having fun. Children must be 10 months by 9/1/2014 to enroll for the 2014-2015 school year.
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Facebook & Twitter
“Like” The Track on Facebook at St. Luke’s UMC—The Track to get up-todate information about everything happening in Children’s Ministries.
Follow on Twitter: @StLukesTrack, or text “follow @stlukestrack” to 40404 to receive tweets as text messages.
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Our Mission: To welcome all youth and families into loving, Christ-centered relationships where they can get in tune with God’s amazing love and be empowered to transform the world! Register for any event at www. stlukesumc.com/ youth.
Youth Ministries We invite students 6th-12th grade to join us on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. We offer a wide range of environments to connect with students. For information or event registration, stop by Luke’s Lodge (the youth building in the NE corner of church parking lot), visit www. stlukesumc.com/ministries/youth, or contact: Kevin Davis, Director of Youth Ministry, davisk@stlukesumc.com; 846-3404 x326 Heather Campbell, Associate Director of Youth Ministry, campbellh@stlukesumc.com, 846-3404 x346 Colleen Baumgartner, Administrative Assistant, baumgartnerc@stlukesumc.com. 846-3404 x323
Sunday Morning Options:
Highschool Small groups:
Jr. High (Rising 6th – 8th Grade)
Small Group Options
Sundays, 9:15-10:30AM @ Luke’s Lodge Teens can check out a fun, welcoming atmosphere on Sunday mornings at the Lodge! As of May 4, 5th graders joined Junior High. 8th graders graduated to High School. Come early for game systems, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and pool. At 9:15AM, we head to the chapel for a game, live worship, a message and small groups. See you on Sundays!
High School Youth Group
9:15-10:30AM @ Luke’s Lodge High school youth group meets on Sunday mornings in Luke’s Lodge for student-led worship, a brief message, small group breakouts, experiential learning, and time for hanging out with friends. Whether you’re already plugged in or new to high school youth activities, this is the place to connect! All high school youth and friends are welcome!
High School small groups will resume on August 24th. Look for special opportunities to hang out over the summer! Contact Kevin Davis or keep in touch via Facebook, Instagram (@liveintuneHS), or Twitter (@liveintuneYM).
Youth Ministry Commission
This adult leadership team meets monthly and provides support to our youth ministry. This team provides the leadership to help students connect, supports teens through care and scholarships, recruits, trains and thanks volunteers, and provides oversight in how our youth ministry functions! Our meetings are open and those interested are more than welcome to attend. Contact Kevin Davis for more information.
Try Working at the Car Wash!
8AM to 12:30PM, Sunday, June 15, St. Luke’s Parking Lot – Join us for our annual Father’s Day Car Wash! We will clean cars while their owners are in worship, or via our convenient drive through service. Fun, fellowship and funding! The proceeds help defer some of the cost for our Summer Mission Trips to West Virginia, Montana and Wyoming. For more information, contact Kevin Davis, davisk@stlukesumc.com
Youth Ministries
June 2014 Connections@St.Luke’s
Summer 2014 Mission Trips
Mission trips are a wonderful way to serve others whether it be across the world, the country or in our own neighborhood. It is also a great way for students to grow in leadership as they help others. This year we will have four opportunities for high school students to experience missions. Three of our trips will be through Youth Works. Check out their website for more information! https://www.youthworks.com. All students grades 6-12 are welcome to be a part of the West Virginia and/or local mission trips.
summer Events! FUn & FElloWsHip!
Mission Trips!
King’s Island June 3, 7:30AM-midnight, All Jr. High & HS
Charleston, WV June 7-14 Jr. High & High School
Car Wash June 15, 8AM-12:30PM St. Luke’s Parking Lot Help raise money for summer mission trips!
Wind River, WY N. Cheyenne, MT July 11-20 High School Local Mission Trip July 31-Aug. 2 Jr. High & High School
@LiveInTuneYM
stlukesumc.com/youth
Join our Facebook groups!
Fall KicK oFF EvEnTs! SUNDAY, AUgUST 17
Youth Ministry Parent Meeting: 9:15-10:30AM in Great Hall Fall Kick Off Party: 6-8PM in Great Hall Parent Connection: 6-8PM at Luke’s Lodge
@liveintunejh and @liveintunehs
Young Adult Ministries There are many ways to get involved with our young adult group – spiritually, socially and serviceoriented. Our fellowship nights are designed to get you out of your house and engaged with other young adults. We take in concerts, dinners, movies, bowling, putt-putt, local one-time gigs and much more. Get connected with others through small group experiences and social activities, as well as use your gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.
Friday Night Gatherings
Join other young adults who are in their 20s and early 30s on Friday nights at 7PM. We alternate weeks of study with social events. Contact Tammy for weekly specifics at tamsler34@gmail.com.
College-Age Ministry and Facebook Group
If you are college age and would like to connect with others in this group, or keep up to date, check out our Facebook group: “St. Lukes UMC - College Students.”
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Fellowship Encore This is a newly forming group for people who are thinking about retirement or have recently retired. We are planning on having several social (pitch-in) events in homes to facilitate individuals getting to know each other better. Plans are underway to determine where we can focus our energy. We are also interested in social events in and around Indianapolis. For more information, contact Jackie King, jk21@comcast.net or 317-658-4375.
Elderberries For more information on all Elderberries events or to make reservations, contact Adra Wheeler at 317-253-4914 or 317-846-3404.
June Dinner
Thursday, June 5, 5PM, Fellowship Hall Our entertainment for the evening will be HEARTLAND CHAPTER OF DANCE USA. Heartland is a diverse group of dancers from college students to retirees. They are planning to perform some delightful ballroom dances for our enjoyment. The Heartland Chapter of USA Dance organizes and fosters low-cost social dances, dance lessons, workshops, and charitable events in the Indianapolis and surrounding area. Chapter members present dance demonstrations in schools, shopping malls, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, and other public places and strive to educate the public regarding the health benefits of ballroom dancing. Chapter volunteers also organize and promote ballroom dance clubs in local schools and colleges. We ask that you bring a dish to share. A minimum donation of $3 is suggested to help with program costs. First time attendees do not need to bring a dish. Please make reservations with Adra Wheeler at 317-253-4914 or 317-846-3404.
Monthly Euchre Game
The monthly Elderberries euchre game will be Saturday, June 21 at 6:45PM in the parlor. Please bring a snack to share. Call Adra at 253-4914 or 846-3404 with any questions.
ReachOut New Members Always Welcome
ReachOut is a diverse and inclusive group within the St. Luke’s community offering spiritual support and encouragement to GLBT persons. We strive to lead a life of service to others, achieve Christian maturity, and educate ourselves in matters of faith. Social and recreational activities are provided to promote an atmosphere where friendships can develop and a sense of acceptance and wholeness may be experienced. All are welcome. For more information, contact Mary Katherine Schnitz at schnitzm@stlukesumc.com.
Sports Men’s Basketball Open Gym
For adult basketball enthusiasts (16+) who are looking to play friendly pick-up games on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:30PM in the Great Hall. Weekly emails are sent to confirm players for the week. Contact Chris Lemming at 317-595-8545 or email chris.lemming@anthem.com.
Fellowship
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United Methodist Men (UMM) Ex-Con Turns Minister: Hear the Story at the Men’s Breakfast
All men are invited to join us for breakfast on Saturday, June 7, at 8AM in the Fellowship Hall. It is always a great opportunity for fellowship and an interesting speaker. This month is no exception.
Our guest will be Alphonso Bailey who has known hard times and fully admits it was his decisions that led him down the wrong path. From prison to now directing a non-profit prison ministry, he has a fabulous story from which you will certainly find inspiration. Bring a friend! Please email Mike Elkin melkin36@att.net to RSVP for these love lessons over a hearty breakfast.
Happy Father’s Day!
8AM to 12:30PM, Sunday, June 15, St. Luke’s Parking Lot The youth would like to give you the perfect Father’s Day Gift: a clean car! Either park your car in one of the designated “clean stations” and return after worship to a clean car, or use our drive-through lane. All proceeds benefit St. Luke’s youth Summer mission trips to Wyoming, Montana and West Virginia.
The United Methodist Men is a brotherhood of men, sharpening one another, growing in faith, learning to serve. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
United Methodist Women (UMW) UMW Reading Group
Monday, June 23, 7-8:30PM, Parlor We will be discussing The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. In this epic examination of migration, Wilkerson traces three families and their decisions to move north away from the segregated south over the period from 1915 - 1970. We’ll have much to discuss about the value of place and the decisions that play into geographic relocation. Newcomers are always welcome. Childcare is available with two weeks advance notice. For more information, contact Jennifer Todd at jtoddosu@aol.com.
UMW Circle Meetings:
Eve Circle to Resume in August
Tuesday, August 19, 9:30-11:30AM, Fellowship Hall We invite all mothers to join us for fellowship,
service projects and spiritual growth. Eve Circle meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-11:30am. Free Childcare available during meetings. We break for the summer and August 19th will be our opening year meeting. For more information or to receive email updates, please contact evecircle@yahoo.com
Mary Magdalene Circle to Resume in September
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30-8PM, Parlor Mary Magdalene Circle membership is open to all women of St. Luke’s. We will resume meetings in September. If you have any questions, please contact co-chairs Jolynne Wilhoit at 403-2462, wilhoitj@businessfurnitureindy.com or Lori Chambers 696-5965 or lochambers@sbcglobal.net
New Life Circle Welcomes All the Single Ladies
Friday, June 20, 6PM, Spiritual Life Center Attention Single Women! It’s summer… time to get out and relax! Are you “game” for an evening of fun and fellowship? Join us on Friday, June 20 at 6PM in the Parlor for dinner ($3 donation) and a night of fun & games. (Please note this special date and time change—from our usual
For specific times, dates and locations of upcoming UMW events, check the calendar at http:// www.stlukesumc. com/news/calendars/ or email the contact person listed.
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Fellowship
UMW Cookbook
Tuesday evening to Friday.) Bring a wrapped White Elephant gift. Invite a friend and come prepared to laugh with other single ladies. For additional information, call Nancy at 341-5032 or email at nhopper@iupui.edu or Cathy at 334-7821. New Life Circle welcomes single, divorced, and widowed women of all ages.
June 2014 Connections@St.Luke’s
The UMW cookbook will be available for purchase at all UMW events by contacting Allison Flickinger at Allisonflickinger@ yahoo.com. It contains over 500 recipes donated by St. Luke’s members and their families and friends. Cost: $10, proceeds benefit UMW missions.
Sarah Circle back in September
1PM, Monday September 15, Parlor We welcome ladies to our group for service to others in many ways. We are middle and older aged and our focus is to provide luncheons and receptions for families who have suffered loss of a loved one. We meet the third Monday, September thru May in the parlor at 1PM. Our meetings starts with devotions, followed by an interesting speaker, short business meeting and refreshments. Hope you will join us September 15th. For more information please call Esther Childress 257-3382 or estrchild@aol.com
Hannah Circle Returns in September Hannah Circle welcomes mothers of elementary, middle, high school, and college students that are working full-time, part-time, or staying at home. Hannah Circle will meet one Wednesday a month,
Sept.-March. Our group does not meet in the late spring and summer so that we can focus on our families. We will resume meeting in September. Free childcare is provided. Mothers of young children in need of an evening circle are welcome to join us, too. For more information or to receive updates from Hannah Circle, please email Dawn Bick at hannahcircle@gmail.com.
White Cross Guild
White Cross Guild provides volunteers to participate in activities supporting Methodist Hospital. They meet the 2nd Monday of each month from 9AM-2PM at Methodist Medical Plaza, 151 Pennsylvania Parkway (103rd/Meridian) in the first floor community room. We’ll prepare gauze squares used in surgery (bring your lunch). Contact Marguerite Moehn at 317-873-1956 or Barb Querry at 317-879-0543.
UMW At Home Helpers
We need you! We have many women who would like to help with paperwork, baking, sewing, knitting, making phone calls or helping out in various ways in whatever needs to be done to help out with UMW efforts. Please contact Sandra Pirkle at 317-733-4183 or skpirkle@indy.rr.com.
Is God Calling You...
to Stephen Ministry?
Training classes begin on Tuesday, September 2. Have you ever considered becoming a Stephen Minister? Stephen Ministry is a wonderful way to grow in your faith by serving your neighbor. Stephen Ministers meet one-on-one with people in difficult situations: a person recovering from an illness; a parent of young children who feels pulled in too many directions; someone trying to make a new life after a divorce. With a little training and experience, could you be that supportive person? We invite you to pray about it. Maybe God is calling you to this service. Applications are available on our website. Click on: >>Resource Center >>File Cabinet >>Member Care. If you have questions, please call Mary Katherine at 317-846-3404 or email Schnitzm@stlukesumc.com
Member Care Grief Ministries H.U.G.S (Healing Under Group Support)
This on-going group is for anyone who has lost a spouse or significant life partner. The group meets 2PM Sundays in the Parlor, with dinner out at 4PM. Contact: Marsha Hutchinson, marsha2944@ gmail.com.
HOPE
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7PM in the Spiritual Life Center. For any couple or single parent who has lost a baby to miscarriage, fetal demise, stillbirth, or early infant death due to genetic issues, S.I.D.S, or any other. For more information contact Marsha Hutchinson at marsha2944@gmail.com.
HOPE Memorial Garden
A memorial garden located on the west side of St. Luke’s for any perinatal or infant loss. Memorial plaques may be ordered by families to be engraved in memorial and mounted on brick garden wall. For information contact Marci and Jim Harenberg at 317-705-0771.
Men’s Group for Loss of a Spouse
Every Thursday from 1-2PM in Luke’s Lodge (building located behind St. Luke’s) This men’s group will meet for fellowship and support and to allow a safe and confidential place to “say it all” with other men who mutually understand this complex journey. “REAL MEN” do cry and also “REAL MEN” laugh and even drink coffee together! Whether you have lost a spouse recently or years ago, or know of someone in the community who needs support, all are invited to join. For more information, call Bob Shive at 317253-8184.
Dad’s Group
For any father who has lost a young adult child. The Dad’s group meets every Tuesday at 7AM for light breakfast at the Hilton Indianapolis North Hotel, 8181 N. Shadeland, and Thursdays at 7AM at Denny’s at I-65 / Greenwood Exit.
One-on-One Grief Counseling
Sometimes the pain of a significant loss needs the benefit of time before the idea of group support feels right. If you, or someone you know in your family, workplace or neighborhood would benefit
from a one-on-one counseling session, contact St. Luke’s at 317-846-3404, x 315. Establishing a “new normal” and returning to wholeness and health is the goal of working through loss. We hope no one considers doing it alone.
Grief Ministry Mentors
If you have experienced a loss and are not ready for group support or individual counseling, but would like a supportive friend to talk about your grief journey, Grief Ministry Mentors might be for you. Sometimes just a phone call makes all the difference. There is no commitment or time table. Also, if you are someone who has gifts of compassion and empathy for those going through loss, consider becoming a Grief Ministry Mentor. For more information, call 317-846-3404, x 315.
Support Groups Chronic Pain Support Group
Monday, June 16, 6:30PM, N101/102, near Door 7 A support group for patients with all types of neuropathic and fibromyalgia pain and for their families and friends. No registration is required. Questions? Contact Dr. Meg Frazer at 317-8442903 or margaret.L.frazer@pfizer.com.
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Care Committee
If you know of someone confined to their home or health care center, call Mary Katherine at 317-846-3404 x365. The Care Committee makes monthly visits.
Knitters Needed
Tuesdays, 1PM, Luke’s Lodge The Prayer Shawl Ministry would love to have some more knitters. You are welcome to join them or knit from home. For more information, contact Helen Vreisman at 317-439-6347.
Family Support Group
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30PM, Conference Room This group offers emotional and spiritual support for families who have a member abusing drugs or alcohol.
Adult ADD Support Group
Thursday, June 19, 7-8:30PM, W125 St. Luke’s offers support for adults with ADD. For more information call Mary Katherine at 317-846-3404 x365.
Blood Pressure Screening
Sunday, June 8, C110 No caffeine or tobacco use 30 minutes prior to your screening for a more accurate reading. Sponsored by St. Luke’s Health Ministries, the second Sunday of each month.
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Outreach Ministries
June 20142014 February Communion Connections@St.Luke’s
St. Luke’s Servant Day Saturday, August 2
Join hundreds of St. Luke’s volunteers on Saturday, August 2, for a day that leaves no doubt that this congregation cares about its neighbors! We’ll gather in the morning for breakfast, then disperse to serve our neighboring community at a variety of different project sites.
Project Descriptions
Projects marked with this symbol are deemed “family friendly.” Individual project leaders can offer additional guidance regarding the participation of young children for each project.
8:00 - 8:45AM 8:45 - 9:00AM 9:00 - 1:00PM Questions? Contact Stephanie Eckert, Inclusion and Social Justice Committee, at seckert511@ gmail.com. To sign up online, go to www.stlukesumc.com and follow the links to Servant Day. A Special Thank You to Hoosier Village for Their Servant Day Sponsorship.
Breakfast • Great Hall “Send-Off” On Site at Your Project
STEP 1: Select a project and sign up. (Online or at the Outreach Post in the West Passageway on Sunday mornings in June and July.) STEP 2: Your project team leader will share specific information about your project, including directions to your work site. STEP 3: Show up at 8AM on August 2 for breakfast (courtesy of the Stephen Ministers) and be part of a Volunteer Send Off in Great Hall. A free-will offering for breakfast will support St. Luke’s Benevolent Fund. STEP 4: Depart for your designated site and spend the day making your life better by helping others!
Arthur Jordan YMCA
Location: 8400 Westfield Boulevard Team Leaders: Ann & Bill Smith (annahsmith7@ gmail.com & awsmith7z@gmail.com) Volunteers are needed at the Jordan YMCA to assist with a variety of both indoor and outdoor clean-up projects—in the camp area, the preschool area, and the fitness center. There may also be some office work. Prior to Servant Day, the team leaders will advise of any tools or supplies to bring.
Back to School Extravaganza Preparation
Location: St. Luke’s, Fellowship Hall Team Leader: Buffy Perkins (buffyaperkins@ sbcglobal.net) Volunteers for this Servant Day project will help set up various areas of the church for the “Back to School Extravaganza” that will take place on Sunday (August 3rd) at St. Luke’s. We’ve been collecting
Outreach Ministries
donations to provide backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, shoes, clothes, and a day of entertainment for children in schools right in our neighborhood – Fox Hill, Crooked Creek, Spring Mill, Greenbriar and Westlane. On Servant Day, volunteers will assist in setting up different “shops” where the students will select items they need for the school year. Please see St. Luke’s website if you would also like to help the Extravaganza beyond Servant Day.
Bread for the World
Location: St. Luke’s, (Room Number TBA) Team Leader: Jessie Bain-Wilkening (jmbain07@ hotmail.com) Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s leaders to end hunger at home and abroad. Together we can help build the commitment and environment needed to overcome hunger and poverty. Volunteers on this team will help bring us one step closer to this goal by writing letters to Congress on issues of importance in fighting hunger.
Craine House
Location: 6130 North Michigan Road Team Leader: Lucretia Scammahorn (lscammahorn@comcast.net) The Garden will be leading a group of volunteers in a project at Craine House, a work-release facility which offers women convicted of non-violent felonies to reside with their preschool age children while they serve their sentences. Services provide opportunities for the women to develop vocational, educational, parenting, and relationship skills— preparing the women to return to the community better able to ensure a better future for themselves and their children. Volunteers will perform a variety of indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) tasks.
East Tenth Street UMC Youth and Children Center
Location: 2327 East 10th St. Team Leader: Cathy Bonser-Neal (cbneal@gmail.com) The mission of the East Tenth Street United Methodist Children and Youth Center is to provide a safe place where the spiritual, emotional, educational, and physical needs of children, youth, and their families are responded to in a holistic approach. Volunteers will work on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks, including landscaping work around the building and playground area, indoor beautification projects, and administrative work for the classrooms.
Fox Hill Elementary School
Location: 802 Fox Hill Drive (Between Kessler and Hoover) Team Leaders: Julie Hunt (jhunt824@yahoo.com) & Sharon Wilkins (indywilks@yahoo.com) This project will again help Fox Hill Elementary get ready for the new school year. Volunteers will work inside and out during the morning doing things like trimming bushes, weeding, planting, cleaning classrooms, organizing school supplies, dusting, making copies, and helping teachers set up their classrooms.
Glick Neighborhood Center at Crooked Creek
Location: 2990 West 71st Street (Just west of Michigan Road) Team Leader: John Guild (jkguild@comcast.net) The Glick Center provides an array of services for the unmet needs of economically disadvantaged households. Volunteers will help clean classrooms, sort and store educational and recreational
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Outreach Ministries materials, and help out with some office work. Outside volunteers will be busy weeding, cleaning the grounds, and cleaning outside windows. There are opportunities for teens and adults. Let us know if you have any physical restrictions. You can bring garden tools, cleaning supplies, or a light toolbox.
Greenbriar Elementary School
Location: 8201 Ditch Road Team Leader: Bill Eckert (wjeckert@aol.com) and Ronnie Bell The project will help make Greenbriar Elementary shine as it prepares for a new school year. Volunteer jobs will include inside and outside tasks such as trimming bushes, weeding, planting, cleaning classrooms, organizing school supplies, dusting, making copies, and helping teachers set up their classrooms. If you plan to work outside, please bring any yard equipment you can (trimmers, shovels, rakes, etc.).
Indiana Center for Children and Families, Inc.
Location: 1431 North Delaware Team Leader: Sandi French (sfrench@mhai.net) The mission of the Indiana Center for Children and Families is to support families by improving children’s mental wellness. Its vision is to promote healing and bring hope to the lives of children, adolescents and families affected by child abuse,
social emotional and behavioral needs, and life challenges. Volunteers will work on a variety of indoor and outdoor projects, including landscaping, painting, and working on a “honey-do” list.
Indiana School for the Blind
Location: 7725 College Avenue Team Leader: Matt Russell (squarerootofsix@ comcast.net) The Indiana School for the Blind has opportunities for volunteers of all ages, although the work will be physical and all outdoors. Much of the work will be cleaning up the grounds near the greenhouse to support the use of the facility by the students. Please bring gloves, hat, yard tools and water bottle.
Indiana Youth Group
Location: 2943 E. 46th Street Team Leaders: Stephanie Eckert (seckert511@gmail. com) and Anita Sloat (anita.sloat@ihrindy.com) Indiana Youth Group (IYG) provides safe places and confidential environments where self-identified LGBT and questioning youth are empowered through programs, support services, social and leadership opportunities, and community service. Volunteers at IYG will help support the youth by assisting with projects such as yard clean up, weeding, cleaning the stove, cleaning out the food pantry, and reorganizing areas such as the basement and art studio. Outdoor workers should bring gloves and yard tools.
Outreach Ministries performing tasks such as trimming bushes, weeding, planting outside, cleaning classrooms, organizing school supplies, dusting, making copies, and helping teachers set up their classrooms. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. For those planning to work outside, please bring any yard equipment you can— such as trimmers, shears, shovels, rakes, gloves, wheelbarrows, etc.
Outreach, Inc.
Kids Against Hunger
Location: St. Luke’s Modular Building Team Leader: Pam Hamilton (pamham52@gmail.com) Kids Against Hunger is an organization whose mission is to significantly reduce the number of hungry and starving children in the USA and throughout the world. Volunteers of all ages are needed on Servant Day to help assemble 12,000 meals to be shipped to starving children and their families here in Indianapolis.
Military Letter Writing
Location: St. Luke’s (Room Number TBA) Team Leader: Cheryl Wyatt (singwithcheryl@gmail.com) Volunteers will write cards and notes of thanks, encouragement, and news from home to men and women who are serving overseas in the United States military. Children are also welcome to participate in this project by writing notes and/or drawing pictures. Join us as we send a “touch of home” to those serving in the military to ensure our freedom.
Nora Elementary School
Location: 1000 East 91st Street (Corner of 91st & College Ave.) Team Leader: Nate Montgomery (n8withan8@gmail.com) Servant Day is again the Saturday before school starts; so we will spend the morning making it shine! Tasks will include work inside and outside
Location: 2822 East New York Street Team Leader: Jackie Reed (jsrmolar@sbcglobal.net) Outreach, Inc., serves homeless and at-risk youth in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Volunteers will be engaged in tasks such as cleaning windows, bathrooms, kitchen, sitting areas, offices, the Spiritual Life Center, and the Chapel. Volunteers should bring gloves and, if possible, cleaning supplies, paper towels, brooms, dust pans, mops, canister vacuums, etc. This project is appropriate for teens and adults.
SAWS—Ramp Building
Locations TBA for 2 Projects Team Leader: Jim Hamilton (jhamilton42@comcast.net) Join the SAWS ministry for one or two of their Servant Day ramp construction projects for wheelchair bound area residents in need of a way to enter and leave their homes. Project locations will be announced closer to Servant Day. Experienced and new volunteers welcome. Youth 12-years and older are also welcome. Six to eight volunteers are
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Outreach Ministries needed for each project. Project leaders will advise volunteers of any equipment to bring. For additional information on SAWs, you may go to www.facebook. com/sawsramps.
St. Luke’s Labyrinth
Thrifty Threads sells new and gently used clothing and household items in support of the Julian Center. Volunteer opportunities include helping with sorting, organizing donated merchandise, and working to keep the sales floor organized. This location can only take 12 volunteers.
Location: Behind Luke’s Lodge at St. Luke’s Team Leader: Betty Brandt (brandtb@stlukesumc.com) If you wish to spend your Servant Day volunteer time helping at St. Luke’s, there is an opportunity to provide support to the Spiritual Life Center ministry by assisting with weeding and doing other general maintenance in the daylily labyrinth. Bring gloves, trowels, small clippers, and buckets or containers for weeds and clippings. You may also want to bring a kneeler. All ages are welcome.
St. Luke’s Hanging of Artwork
Location: St. Luke’s Narthex Team Leader: Betty Brandt (brandtb@stlukesumc.com) Volunteers with this project will assist the Spiritual Life Center’s Art Ministry by helping hang art exhibits in both galleries. Art may also be hung in other areas of the building. If you have a drill that will go through cement block, please notify team leader Betty Brandt. This project is suited for those 18 and over.
Thrifty Threads
Location: 1501 West 86th Street (West of Marsh at 86th and Ditch) Team Leader: Sandy Messerall (lelani1943@ sbcglobal.net)
Vida Nueva Ministries
Location: 2801 West Washington Street Team Leader: Jeff Blacker (jeff_blacker@yahoo.com) Vida Nueva Ministries believes first generation Hispanic immigrant families should know and experience the love and hope of Christ. St. Luke’s and Vida Nueva’s volunteers will work together on projects such as repurposing an office into a gallery to display immigrant children’s art and stories, repurposing another office into a Sunday School classroom, and replacing windows in the basement, which is the location of the church kitchen, food pantry, and gathering area.
Outreach Ministries LOCAL service opportunities
Health Kit Donations and Assembly
Sunday, June 22 after worship Recent tornado events across the South and Midwest states, and the looming hurricane season less than one month away, can place a strain on available material resources at the UMCOR depots. Relief-supply kits help provide care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis. St. Luke’s will make Health Kits to donate to United Methodist Relief Agencies to assist with the many demands for aid. The kits help sustain everyday life for people who lack ready access to essential supplies. They provide vital support for UMCOR’s global development work and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Join us after each worship on June 22 in the Great Hall to help put kits together. If you would like to donate items you may bring items in to donation bin in the West Passage labeled “Health Kit donations”. Please have all donations in by Monday, June 16. Items for one kit are: 1 hand towel, 1 washcloth, 1 comb, 1 nail clipper, 1 bath-size soap, 1 toothbrush, 6 common household Band-Aids, 1 One-gallon size sealable bag and $1 to buy toothpaste.
Fletcher Place Community Center
Fletcher Place is located on the southeast side of downtown Indy. FPCC works to break the cycle
Fletcher PlayceNeeds Food Pantr at Fletcher Place have
od Requests for fo pantry cantly. The food ifi gn si d increase e more id ov gh food to pr distributes enou eals in 2013. than 45,000 m tions of: They need dona • oats • pasta uits (low in getables and fr ve ed nn ca • gar) sodium and su and are acceptable placed in Bulk quantities ca nations n be do od Fo d. te ia apprec ssage. Please in the West Pa the drop boxes the bags on Place” write “F letcher being donated. items or box es of
of poverty through immediate aid, educational and life-skill programs. Each month St. Luke’s volunteers help serve breakfast and dinner to the community. Breakfast dates are June 10, 12, 20 & 24, and July 8,10, 18, 22, & 29. Food, paper goods and cash donations are needed. Contact Lucretia Scammahorn at 317.299.9472 for more information. Dinner volunteers are needed to cook, transport and serve meals June 16 & 25 and July 21 & 23. Sign up on the bulletin board in the Communications Center (by the photo copiers in the main office), or call Kay Horton at 317-2539833 for more information.
Outreach, Inc. Graduation Letters and Gifts Needed
Outreach, Inc. empowers homeless teens and young adults to achieve stability and life transformation. This June they are excited to have 22 young people graduating from high school! This is an enormous accomplishment, considering what many of the youth have faced in their short lives. One of the ways we can support the graduates is by writing letters of encouragement and by contributing items for gift bags presented to them at the graduation celebration. Bring items for gift bags to Mary Hach in the Main Office by Monday, June 9. Suggested items can be found by searching www. outreachindiana.org. You might also write a letter/note to congratulate them for their accomplishment (don’t hesitate to incorporate Bible verses into the messages). Pick a name from the graduates listed below and mail letters/notes no later than Wednesday, June 11 to: Outreach • P.O. Box 11416 • Indianapolis, IN 46201-0416 Graduating Seniors: Agner, Aminah, Brea, Brittany, Cayla, Christian, Christina , Damon, Ericka, Jeremy, Joseph, Julio, Kadeja, Marcellas, Maya, QuaDasia, Selam, Shakira, Starlete, Syretha, Tericka, Zayitya.
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Did You Know? St. Luke’s is a prominent and significant giver of time and money at Fletcher Place. In 2013, St. Luke’s gave: • $9,800 • $4,000 of in-kind giving of food and clothing • Many individual gifts that are not recorded in our church-wide system The Hot meals program, started by a St. Luke’s member, continues today, having served more than 200,000 breakfast meals to date. St. Luke’s is the leader in providing volunteers to serve breakfast and dinners.
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Outreach Ministries
Back to School Extravaganza Sunday, August 3 • 2-5PM • St. Luke’s
Children get a huge boost to their self-esteem when arriving at school the first day with a backpack full of supplies, new shoes, and a new haircut. Our goal is to provide a one-stop-shop where families can find many of the items they need to get the school year off to a great start. Last year we had a huge turnout for our inaugural event with more than 650 students in attendance. We anticipate serving 1,000 students this year. Donations Needed In order to provide the school supplies to over 1,000 children we need the support of our church family. We estimate that it will cost $20 per child to provide a backpack and all necessary school supplies. You can sponsor a child by providing a monetary donation of $20 or by shopping for school supplies for a student in need. Donations can be made via the website or in person at the Outreach Post in the West Passage on Sundays. A shopping list for the school may also be picked up at the Outreach Post or online. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are crucial to make the Back to School Extravaganza a success. Last year we were truly overwhelmed by our church family’s support. The families in attendance felt very welcomed by all the volunteers they could easily identify in the red shirts they wore. Volunteers will be needed on the day of the event on August 3, as well as on
Servant Day, August 2 to set up for the event. If you are interested in volunteering please stop by the Outreach Post or sign up on the Outreach page on www.stlukesumc.com. Sponsorship Opportunities This year we are excited to announce that we have partnered with many organizations within the surrounding community to provide needed items such as clothing, books, new shoes, food and entertainment. These include the United Methodist Women, Second Presbyterian Church, Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Northminster Presbyterian Church, and Jordan YMCA. These organizations have the same goals to serve the children of Washington Township. They will provide both monetary support and volunteers to ensure that our event is a huge success. If you or your organization is interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Buffy Perkins at buffyaperkins@sbcglobal.net for more information. The Back to School Extravaganza seeks to create a relationship with families who walk through our doors. Many of the families who attended our inaugural event also attended our Fall Festival, Thanksgiving meal, Summer Camps, and are currently participating in our English as a Second language class. We plan to continue all of these opportunities again this year. Our hope is to develop relationships with our neighbors and impact their lives.
St. Luke’s has a strong tradition of being an outwardly focused church. Throughout our 60-year history, many of our community and world mission efforts have impacted people and changed lives. Outreach Ministries continues to be an integral part of the St. Luke’s vision. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with current organizations associated with St. Luke’s, as well as creating new partnerships. In doing so, we will fulfill our ultimate mission to find and give hope to others. With your input and suggestions, the Outreach Commission has selected a number of service organizations that are a good fit for St. Luke’s. We are covenanting with these organizations as part of our mission strategy to serve neighbors near and far. For details on these partners, please find the supplement for the June Issue of Connections, called, “Reaching Out In Partnership.”
Outreach Partners Global Interfaith Partnership
Relationship Manager, Steve Tarr (sdtarr@aol.com)
Vida Nueva Ministries
Relationship Manager, Jeff Blacker (jeff_blacker@yahoo.com)
Hearts and Hope for Haiti
Relationship Manager, Gary and Kay Walla (KayWalla@aol.com)
Fletcher Place
Relationship Manager, TBD. We are in need of a leader for this position
E. 10th United Methodist Children and Youth Center Relationship Manager, Cathy Bonser-Neal (cbneal@gmail.com)
Indiana Center for Children and Families, Inc. Relationship Manager, Sandi French (sfrench@mhai.net)
Family Health Ministries
Relationship Managers, Dave and Jamalyn Williamson (outreach@ stlukesumc.com)
Outreach, Inc.
Relationship Manager, Jackie Reed (jsrmolar@sbcglobal.net)
Please direct any questions to Julie Hunt (jhunt824@yahoo.com) or David Gard (davidgard104@aol.com). Julie and David serve as the Co-Directors of Outreach Partnerships. We look forward to learning more about the exciting work currently being done by our active members all across our local and global community.
Sierra Leone Health & Educational Partners Relationship Manager, Don and Marilyn Griffith (drdongriffith@aol.com)
Feed Every One Relationship Manager, Vicki Knapke (vlkchiro@sbcglobal.net)
Servants At Work (SAWs) Relationship Manager, Paul Snyder (psnyder1@indy.rr.com)
St. Luke’s is an open community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation. We envision being transformed by God and transforming the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive, Christ-like community.
entry.point Congregation Launches As New Ministry In the season of graduations, St. Luke’s announces another commencement. On Sunday, June 1 “entry.point United Methodist Church” (formerly The Garden at Oak Hill Mansion) leaves the St. Luke’s nest to launch as a separate congregation.
e t. Luke’s – th h home at S rc – u ks ch n a ra d F n y d Larr , we fou nts, Carol an g nie was born n re n A sa pa r o s te h y’ w n gh n u d, our da wife Je ngwoo d, “Red” Elli an adult. My In 1997 when r e known as gh Carol’s da u av gtime membe h ro n I th lo h a ’s rc ke u as w Lu o t. h S w only ch , to ks e m n Fran embers – ca dad, Carleto currently m and Larry’s r, oi ch ’s ke in the St. Lu ary, nt passing. istry, semin a call to min until his rece in lt su re ld wou ion. is connection Luke’s tradit h in the St. of us know th rc y u an ch d di ew n le Litt ing a rectly to d now launch ard preach di ordination an rd Kent Mill ea m the h ro d F an e. y ctly to m sanctuar re di ew e n e ok th sp e in This 10-year-old faith but h r me. Me? we sat people there, ber the day ecial plans fo er sp em h m ad ot h re 0 I od 20 G 1, community began meeting know , there were r and let me me. Oh sure ftly in my ea at Oak Hill Mansion under so d re pe is h pulpit he w us know this the leadership of Rev. Stan ttle did any of sult in a call to Li Yes… you. re Abell. It is a branch of the Sunday nection would , ordination and n senior high co e th g in h ac St. Luke’s family tree by te ary g in I started by ular buildin ministry, semina new church in the – in the mod dI way of The Garden. But an g ds in ki ch gy n school class grog now lau A handful of rough conversations over the ke’s tradition. Lu those days. . St ing of life th n ea m er ep de ey put last year with The Garden explored the band, U2. Th my favorite of c si u m g. n e leadership and St. Luke’s th calli am oy and her te I found a new up with me; or Linda McC leadership teams – as well as a st guy is Pa , th 03 of 20 Zehr knew nd site in co ob B se . s ill it H ed blessing by Bishop Mike Coyner Oak arden launch site leader at t be a fit? When The G aps he migh e to be the on n rh – have resulted in granting eo Pe m . so od r G fo t ou were looking roll to talk ab might not entry.point status as a new d rock-andho otherwise w le op pe (me), who use g l Seminary, r reachin UMC congregation. n Theologica d passion fo ia st an ri ty h C vi ti at ea rolled God’s drum. e Garden’s cr ministry. I en g the beat of to in w ll Through Th llo ca fo y m n d ga d be rch, I foun “It is a high note in a faith igh School, an come to chu for at Car mel H b jo g in rial passion h ac community to set out and left my te entrepreneu of eritage k h ar d sp an a n k, passio ist Church become a new congregation – ar od sp h e et Th M . e ’s u t Millard’s St. Luke entral Aven flames by Ken r launching just like St. Luke’s did 61 years to fo in al In 1952 at C st ly ed n ta n ca fa quay’s person hurch, was the lage, Rob Fu Methodist C te ago,” said St. Luke’s Senior following God ed tu it ’s n ’s U rd oy t oa in cC B nda M er ning entry.po nurturing, Li continue in t. Luke’s Gov d Pastor Rob Fuquay. “But I think unsel, the S cated staff an co di d de an y t or an m pp e su th of t it is an even higher note to help the suppor wisdom and launch such a community. We t. Luke’s. S at embers m congratulate the whole I, have egation and t team, congr entry.point team and wish them in atitude gr po d y. tr an en The preciation ap lt fe rt ea h the very best.” nothing but ke’s. to you, St. Lu , Dear Friends
Thank you,
Rev. Stan Abell