IN THIS ISSUE
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LIBERATING THE EASTER WITHIN by Dr. Tom Pace
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JOURNEY TO THE CROSS by Rev. Bill Denham, Rev. Eric Huffman, Rev. David Horton
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A PRAYER FOR EASTER by Dr. Linda Christians
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and Dr. Tom Pace
HELLO SUMMER!
ON THE COVER: Victory on Easter morning. Grave clothes thrown off, the Son of God is risen indeed!
Spire (USPS 7190) is published monthly by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houson, TX and additional mailing offices.
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Liberating the Easter Within by Dr. Tom Pace, Sr. Pastor
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here is something instinctual about Easter. It is, of course, about the Resurrection of Jesus, a real event that changed the world forever. The tomb was empty. “He is not here; he is risen” was the word of the angel.
that believes death is not final and that life wins in the end. There is an almost primitive yearning inside each person to take hold of the truth of Easter, that good triumphs over evil, that love is stronger than hate, that joy and hope can overcome sadness and despair.
I believe, however, that Easter is the kind of celebration that moves beyond rational understanding to something in the gut and can be difficult to put into words. There is a concept in Christian thought called “common grace.” It is the subset of God’s grace that is common to all humanity. Common grace incudes the gifts from God that are experienced by all regardless of their faith. A sunrise is common grace. The ability to do work to make the world a better place is common grace. And the yearning for Easter is common grace, too. I think everyone has it.
In the church, our job on Resurrection Sunday is twofold. First, we connect those who wander in our doors with the abundant and resilient life that is available to them, bubbling just under the surface, planted by God in their hearts at their creation and straining to be released. Second, we must give them a concrete reason and narrative to believe such a truth, and set them free to live in it every day. We must tell them that the resurrection is real. Despite whatever cross they bear, whatever darkness hangs over their lives, whatever grave clothes they are wearing… “on the third day, he rose again.” We have to make sure they know.
Everyone experiences springtime, the passing of winter and thawing of nature. All of us can feel a similar thaw in the human spirit. All of us feel the lifting of darkness and the triumph of life. Every culture in the world has some sort of springtime festival, recognizing the cycle of nature beginning once again. Planted in each human heart, regardless of faith or lack thereof, there is a seed
“I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) On Easter Sunday, let’s tell the crowd.
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Journey to “H
urry up,” he called to his wife. “Hurry up, Sarah.” “I’m coming as fast as I can,” she responded. “Ephraim, are the boys with you?” “Yes,” he answered, “I have both of them.” The four of them rushed out the front door. Ephraim looked left and right. In both directions throngs of people had gathered on both sides of the road. One could feel the excitement in the air. News had spread quickly about Jesus, the prophet, the rabbi from Nazareth, coming into Jerusalem. This was the Jesus who had healed the sick, the one who had restored sight to blind men, the one who had fed 5,000 one afternoon, the one who had raised Lazarus from the dead. He had taught as no other about the kingdom of God. And He was going to pass right by them, making his way into the holy city. It was always an exciting time of the year. It was the holiest time of the year because, no matter where they lived, every Jew in the world was preparing to celebrate the Passover feast in a few days, commemorating the event that caused the Pharaoh to capitulate and grant the Hebrew slaves their freedom. There were thousands of Jews, possibly hundreds of thousands, who were making their way to Jerusalem for the upcoming celebration. They were coming on foot or by boat from all over the Mediterranean to be here. “How grateful our people should be. How grateful to celebrate again our deliverance from Pharaoh, and sparing the lives of all the firstborn,” Ephraim thought to himself. He looked at both of his sons, thinking how much he loved them. “That final plague did the trick.” He raised his eyebrows. “The angel of death killed the firstborn of all the Egyptians, but did a “pass-over” for the Hebrews.” Affectionately he patted Nathan, his firstborn, on the head. “How many years,” Ephraim asked himself, “have we celebrated this event? Hundreds I guess. And in six days it happens again.” He shielded his eyes and looked up at the great wall of Jerusalem. The top of the Temple glistened in the morning sun. Jerusalem! King David’s magnificent city fortress! Once again the site, the annual gathering place, for an astonishing number of men, women, and children to celebrate Passover. Ephraim began to hear cries of “Hosanna” in the distance. More and more people were shouting. Some were weeping with joy. All were jubilant. He strained to see the procession coming up the road. Then he saw him. It was Jesus himself, riding on a donkey. A donkey! Not like the Roman warrior leaders who rode war horses. No, this was a donkey. No wonder the people were going wild. Just like the great King David! King David rode on a royal donkey. And Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy, the words of Zechariah. Many years before the prophet said, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem. Lo, your king comes to you triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey.” Ephraim and his wife saw people taking off their outer garments and laying them on the road, acknowledging Jesus as king. Stunned and excited, he and Sarah watched as the surefooted donkey plod up the hill. Looking up he saw a low hanging palm branch and ripped it off. He began waving it in the air and shouting “Hosanna!” Others broke off palm branches. Still others broke off tree branches and joined the cry. Some waved their palm branches; others lay theirs on the road for Jesus to ride over. “Daddy, I can’t see,” Jacob wailed. Ephraim grasped him and lifted him to his shoulders. “Look,” he told his son. “Look at Jesus. He comes in the name of the Lord. He is the long-promised king. Yell, Jacob, yell ‘Hosanna’ . This is a day I want you to remember the rest of your life!”
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” John 12:13 14 12
by Reverend Bill Denham
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er name was Susie. She stood 5’5” tall with wavy blonde hair and clear, glassy blue eyes. She was 39 years old, but she looked much older. Her once-fair skin was reddened and rough like leather. Several of her teeth were missing. She’d been battling life on the streets for years, and the streets were winning.
Susie also battled severe mental illness; my best guess was schizophrenia, but I’m not sure. My wife, Geovanna, and I were the directors of a homeless services non-profit, and we saw Susie almost every day, but we could never convince her to see a doctor. I had a love-hate relationship with Susie. I loved her, but I hated the things her disease made her do. Most of the time, she was perfectly pleasant, but occasionally she lost control. Her outbursts usually included throwing food, smearing feces on the walls, and threatening to hurt me or another staff person. After every episode, I convinced myself that I was done with Susie, but then I’d look into her eyes again - eyes full of pain and confusion - and I’d allow her back into the lunch line. One day, when I was near my wits’ end, I asked Susie what more I can do for her. “We give you food every day. We give you free clothes. We let you take showers here. We offer you shelter when the weather’s bad. I’ve cleaned up after you - in the lunch room as well as the ladies room - for two years now. I don’t know what else I can do, Susie? What more can I do?” Her blue eyes pierced my soul as she said, “Will you eat with me?” That was the one thing I’d never done, and it was the one thing she lacked - someone to sit down and eat with her. I think of Susie every year as Holy Week comes around, especially on Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word meaning “mandate” or “command,” and it refers to Jesus’ command that his followers love each other the way Jesus first loved us. Every Maundy Thursday (the Thursday between Palm Sunday and Easter), Christians around the world remember the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples:
When the hour came...he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” - Luke 22:14-20 The intensity of the moment was palpable. Jesus knew what was coming. His disciples were starting to get it, too. The authorities were coming for Jesus; he would very soon be dead. With Jesus that night were his closest friends, the men with whom he’d shared everything for three years. Also present at the table - unbelievably - was Judas, who sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver. He was there because Jesus wanted him there; as much as we’ve demonized Judas, he remained one of Jesus’ best friends. And in the moment of truth, Jesus wanted nothing more than to share a meal with Judas and the others. Sometimes Christians get so busy serving Jesus - or doing the things we think he wants from us - that we forget the one thing that matters most: sitting with him. Eating with him. Being with him. Loving him and being loved by him. On Maundy Thursday, we remember that nothing is more important than breaking bread together with Jesus. He calls us his friends, and no amount of sin or betrayal can ever be enough to make Jesus change his mind about us.
...he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 by Reverend Eric Huffman
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hey’d beat him bloody. He was a mess. They had made a kind of crown made of thorns and smashed it down on his head. The blood trickled down in little rivers from the holes the thorns had made. His beard was filthy, a tangled mat of dirt and blood. Somebody had broken his nose.
The nails stuck out from where they went through his hands and feet into the wood, but you could barely see the nails because of the flies. What would be worse: the nails or the flies? It keeps me up at night. It’s a shame his mother had to see him that way. She just stood there crying, but not nearly as hard as the other women around her. They were shaking with grief, and moaning and shrieking the way the Jewish women do. But the mother was more like a statue, like seeing her son that way had paralyzed her, save for the tears running down her face. Poor woman. I felt bad for her. He hung there on the cross for hours, but most people last longer. He died first. The two we crucified with him lasted until the night. I know why they were crucified, but to this day I’m not sure what he did. The strangest thing happened when he died. It was about 3:00 in the afternoon, still early, but it was dark. Thick, dark grey clouds had covered the sky. My friends who have served in other parts of the Empire tell about something called snow, and when it snows, they say, the entire sky is covered with heavy, dark clouds, the kind you only see just before it snows. They say the clouds look sad and their tears are the snow. Well, if clouds can be sad, they looked close to crying for this Jesus of Nazareth. I felt as bad for his mother as I did for the sky. He said something in the language of the Jews and I had to ask one of the women to translate for me. I had to know what he said, because immediately after he said it he died. She was in a panic and I had to shake her to calm her down. “What did he say?,” I said as I shook her shoulders. I just had to know. For some reason, I just had to. She said, “Oh he said the worst thing. It was horrible!” “Tell me!”, I said. I was getting angry at her. I don’t know why. “He said, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ “Tell me, sir,” she said between her sobs, “do you really think God gave up on him? What a terrible thought!” I turned away. I didn’t know what to think. All I knew was this young man had died in the most miserable of ways and I had been part of it. He was the age of my oldest son, and I had killed him! All I knew was that face, bloody and bruised and looking as innocent as a dove. And I had killed him! All I knew was that he pushed himself up on the nails, he gave a pitiful cry like a baby lamb shot with arrows, and I had killed him! What had he done? Why was I there? Why did the people love him? And I swear there was something in his eyes as they looked up to heaven. I guess they were searching the clouds for an answer. I swear there was a reflection in his eyes, like he saw someone up there, and that someone was looking back. I fell to the ground and cried. Then I said a prayer to the gods. Or maybe it was to the Jewish God. All I know is I wanted that person behind the clouds to hear me, whoever it was I saw reflected in that boy’s face. “Truly this man was God’s Son!” I said. I don’t know why I said it, but nothing else in my life has ever made more sense.
Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Mark 15:39 6
by Reverend David Horton
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There are protocols for death—what must be done when someone dies. Protocols of grief. The pastor is called. Friends come to the home. Hugs are exchanged. Tears are shared together. Trays of sandwiches are delivered by neighbors, obituaries written and edited. The rituals help us to make it through the day when our hearts and minds are overwhelmed with loss.
This was the mindset of the three women on their way to the tomb that morning. They loved Jesus deeply, with all their hearts. The only way to cope with grief that profound was to go and do what must be done, to make it an act of worship as much as their broken hearts would allow. He must be anointed with oil and wrapped in proper fashion. Nicodemus, who barely knew Jesus, had done it so hurriedly days before, as the Sabbath day of preparation for the Passover was imminent. It was generous of him, but not his place to do so. He didn’t love him like they did. Mary of Magdala, a woman with whom Jesus shared much of his heart. Mary the mother of James and Joses—the mother of James the lesser, “James, son of Alpheaus.” Joanna, sometimes called Salome, the mother of James and John, the woman who asked that her sons be able to sit at Jesus’ right hand in the kingdom. These three women had been allowed into the fellowship of the followers of Jesus. Now, the other disciples were afraid and hiding. These three left just before dawn to do what must be done. The large wheel of rock that rolled on a track in front of the tomb was perhaps five feet high and a foot thick. It would be an impossible task to roll it out of the way. Sometimes, you can’t wait to have it all figured out. You just have to go and hope that God will provide a way. The black in the eastern sky was turning almost imperceptibly to ink blue. If they had looked up from the light of their lamps, they would have seen Venus, a pinpoint of light against the blue black field. But looking only down at their steps, they saw little beyond the light of their lamps or their grief. As the darkness gave way to shadowy forms, and they approached the rock face, they were stunned to find the stone had already been rolled away, and the tomb stood open. They hurried into the tomb, their lamps splashing light on the walls. The tombs of the wealthy had rock-hewn niches in the walls, where wrapped and anointed bodies had lain, their bones now gathered into ossuaries, bone boxes on the stone floor. But there was no body there, not of Jesus or anyone else. They felt desperately with hands as if to find a sign of him somehow hidden sight. But his body was stolen. His death alone was overwhelming… how could their anguish have become even worse? Suddenly they were aware of a brightness behind them in the dark of the tomb. They turned and saw two figures—men, it seemed—and their bodies seemed to shimmer. They had heard the rabbis talk of angels, perhaps this was just such a being. They fell to their knees in fear, covering their heads and cowering before these creatures. The men spoke, and their words would remain with the women forever. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen!” Immediately they remembered the prediction the Lord had shared with them three times on that road from Galilee to Jerusalem. They had refused to believe that there would even be a cross, much less a resurrection. But he had said it himself, “on the third day rise from the dead…” Three women willing to go in the darkness to face the death of their Lord, to do what must be done, were the first to learn the truth of resurrection: Death doesn’t win. Life does. Don’t be afraid to face the graveyard. Go and do what must be done. But don’t go expecting to find death; instead, go expecting life! Jesus is the Lord of life, and will bring it out of every graveyard you face. Don’t be afraid to step out into the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world, and will push back whatever darkness that seeks to overwhelm you. He is not here. He is risen!
He is not here. He is risen! Luke 24:5 by Dr. Tom Pace
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Holy Week at St. Luke’s Palm Sunday
April 9 | All Worship Communities
Traditional: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Encounter: 8:45 a.m. Gethsemane: 9 and 11:15 a.m. Love Feast (Communion) boxes will be available to share during Holy Week) The Story Houston: 9:30 and 11:05 a.m., 5 p.m.
Family Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westheimer
Join us after worship for our annual family picnic and Easter Egg hunt on Blanton Field. See details on page 11.
Maundy Thursday
Communion | 12 p.m. Chapel and 7 p.m. Sanctuary
Commemorate the Last Supper in one of two services on Thursday, April 13. Music & Fine Arts staff members present a chanted readaing of the St. John Passion at 12 p.m. in the Chapel, followed by Communion. The St. Cecilia Women’s Choir leads music at the evening Communion service at 7 p.m.
The Last Supper: A Holy Week Experience 7 p.m. | The Story Houston
The Story Houston will observe Holy Week on Maundy Thursday by with a special service commemorating the Last Supper and the significance of the cross on Good Friday.
Good Friday
Tenebrae | 7 p.m. | Westheimer Sanctuary
Latin for “shadows” or “darkness,” the Tenebrae service features a gradual extinguishing of the light as we remember Christ’s Passion. The Chancel Choir provides music for this service.
6:30 p.m. | Gethsemane Sanctuary
St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus will have a service commemorating Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Holy Saturday
Children’s Service | 10 a.m. | Gethsemane
Join St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus on Holy Saturday for a worship service uniquely designed for small children to engage in the meaning of Easter through hands-on arts and activities.
The Story Houston Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Blanton Field
Get ready for Easter at The Story Houston with some family fun! Bring your kids for our Easter Egg Hunt.
Anticipation of Easter | 11 a.m. | Chapel
Organist Rob Landes and friends present this annual Holy Weekend musical offering.
Easter Sunday Westheimer
TraditionalWorship in the Sanctuary 8, 9, 10:05 and 11:10 a.m.* Encounter Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available in the new garage located on the east side of the building.
Gethsemane
Traditional Worship 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11:15 a.m. Following worship the entire community is invited to a backyard cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs to celebrate our Risen Lord. Children will hunt for Easter Eggs on the playground.
The Story Houston
Sunrise Service on the lawn 7 a.m. Modern Worship in The Story Houston Building 8:30, 9:40 and 11:05 a.m.
*Live stream
Traditional worship at the Westheimer Campus will be Livestreamed at 8, 9, 10:05 and 11:10 a.m. StLukesMethodist.org/livestream
Good and Gracious God,
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hank you for this glorious Easter morning, filled with the light of your love and the presence of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. O God, during this past week, we have journeyed to the cross in anticipation of what this day would bring. For many of us our journeys have included: doubts of your love which have consumed us, tears of loneliness and despair which have overwhelmed us and the burden of guilt which has left us weary. And now, three days after Good Friday, we see beyond the cross and the empty grave to the gift of new and eternal life and raise our grateful, joyful hearts to you. For in resurrection, you conquered death’s hold on us and offer to us a life filled with hope and the assurance of your presence with us, regardless of whatever trials or troubles we endure. O God, there are those who haven’t heard of or experienced the promise of resurrection and new life. We lift them up to you in prayer. Grant us the courage to share this good news in such a manner that others may know your love personally and be filled with the joyous Easter message. And in all that we do, may we be instruments of your redeeming work so that your grace and life-giving and sustaining love in Jesus Christ are made known throughout the world. In Jesus’ Holy name we pray,
Amen. Prayer by Dr. Linda Christians
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Easter Offering 2017
A cozy new bedroom at Methodist Children’s Home Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. —Luke 18:16 Because we do not live in a perfect world, there are times that children and youth must leave their home for a safe, understanding and compassionate place. The Methodist Children’s Home has been a beacon of hope through a nurturing Christian community since 1890. This year’s St. Luke’s Easter Offering will benefit the MCH, for a new cozy bedroom and bathroom to be
built in a group home. These children who have come from hard places in life, especially those who have experienced trauma, will have their own bedroom and bath to provide a sense of safety and privacy.
Help provide Sweet Dreams by your contribution made payable to St. Luke’s with “Easter Offering” written in the memo line, or give online at StLukesMethodist.org/Easter. Above all, as you tuck in or name the ones you love, please pray for these children to also sleep tight and feel the love of Christ.
Thank you for your gift to St. Luke’s Easter Offering 2017!
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Children should have hope for the future and feelings of joy every day.
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REGISTER NOW SO YOU WON’T MISS OUT!
CAMPS St. Luke’s Day School Summer Camp | May 30-August 11 It’s a Zoo Out There | For 2 year-olds Adventures in Africa | For 3-5 year-olds Register at StLukesDaySchool.org/enrollment_summer St. Luke’s Summer Camp | May 30-August 4 Children entering grades 1–6 in the fall. Each session campers participate in many different activities including: arts and crafts, swimming (pool on site), games, science, cooking/nutrition, talent show, and gym activities with Coach Jones! Every Friday campers go on a field trip to places like Pirates Bay Waterpark, Typhoon Texas, Putt Putt FunHouse, Incredible Pizza and more! Box lunches are available for purchase MondayThursday. Register at StLukesSummerCamp.org Middle School Camp | May 30-August 4 Children entering 7-8 grade in the fall. Everyday campers take field trips to places like: Splashtown, Bayou Wildlife Park, Laserzone, bowling at 300 Houston, IFly, & more! Campers also participate in at least one community service project per week. Register at StLukesSummerCamp.org Jerry Eckles Music Theater Camp | June 19-23 Each summer the Bridges Academy of Fine Arts hosts two music theater summer camps for children and youth: one for 2nd through 5th graders and another for 6th through newly graduated 12th graders. Tuition $250. Contact Monica Griffin at 713-402-5110. Summer Clubhouse Gethsemane | June 26-August 4 Summer Clubhouse is a day camp for children in the Gethsemane neighborhood. Campers will play and have fun, and also get ready for school as they learn about science, technology, and the arts. A healthy lunch is served everyday. Call Juana Tavico at 713-357-4462
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Mosaic Music Camp | July 17-21 | Gethsemane The third week of Summer Clubhouse, Mosaic Music Camp will teach children the basics of music and how to play instruments in small group settings. The camp culminates in a concert on Friday. Call Juana Tavico at 713-357-4462
MORE FOR KIDS Vacation Bible School | June 5-9 | Cost $50 per child Vacation Bible School is back and bigger than ever! We are so excited for the week of June 5-9 to finally get here and can’t wait to see our super special worship leaders who are flying in to help us kick off VBS in our brand new buildings in a very BIG way! At VBS Hero Central, children will enjoy an interactive, energizing, Bible-based good time as they discover their strength in God. They will become heroes and explore how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives. Your heroes will discover a Hero Verse (Bible memory verse) that will remain with them in their faith long after VBS. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/vbs Children’s Summer Musical | July 31-August 4 Ken Medema returns this summer for our children’s musical — one act of his musical Come To The Table. The musical is open to children entering 1st through 5th grades. Rehearsals are Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4 from 1:30-5 p.m. Performance is 6 p.m. on Friday, August 4. We will also have a special activity with Ken on Saturday morning August 5, and we will sing in worship with Ken on the morning of Sunday, August 6. Contact Noralyn Carpenter at ncarpenter@ stlukesmethodist.org.
JUST FOR STUDENTS
See following page for service trips for students!
CIY:Move | June 19-24 | Completed Grades 8-12 CIY:Move is more than just another retreat. Move is an experience! Students are challenged through intense, interactive worship, dynamic preaching, small group discussions, and community building activites. This year, we are flying to Holland, Michigan for a week at Hope College. We will take advantage of the beautiful scenery through hikes and time at the lake. Each student returns home with a personal and unique challenge for the upcoming year. Register by April 10 at StLukesMethodist.org/events
CIY: Mix | July 10-14 | Completed Grades 6-7 CIY: Mix is a 4-day camp designed specifically for incoming 7-8th grade students. This year, we’re flying to Orange, California to stay on the beautiful campus of Chapman University. Throughout the trip, they will have fun and spend time together in big and small group activities, and they will feel challenged as they learn about their spiritual formation and role as Kingdom Workers. Students can expect to spend time in dynamic worship session, recreation activities, and thoughtful discussions. The week ends with visits to the beach and Universal Studios. Register by May 8 at StLukesMethodist.org/events.
The Bible 101 Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. | June 7-August 9 Room ES313/314 Led by Rev. Thomas Harper and Katie Montgomery Mears What is the Old Testament all about? Who wrote it? Have you heard of Esther, Habakkuk, and Nehemiah and wondered who they were, but were too afraid to ask? Join us for a 10-week study of the Old Testament, during which you will gain a deeper understanding of the birth of Israel, its rulers and prophets, the exile and return of the Israelites, and how God was with them the whole time. The registration fee of $15 includes the participant book, The Bible for Dummies. Register online at StLukesMethodist.org/GroupFinder
Financial Peace University June 4-July 30 | Sundays, 4-6 p.m. Room ES 313/308 Led by Katy and Brian Cox Financial Peace University (FPU) is a nine-week class on money taught by America’s most trusted financial guru, Dave Ramsey. Dave and his teaching team will walk you through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future, and much more! You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever. This class is for everyone: young or old; single or married. The average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in the first 90 days. The materials cost $93 and include membership for you and your spouse, access to the online resources, a copy of Complete Guide to Money, FPU Class workbook, Envelope System, and more. Register for Financial Peace University online at daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1039617
The Bible in 90 Days Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. | June 6-August 29 Hines Baker Room Led by Dr. Linda Christians and Ken Jacobson It is very transformative to see the comprehensive story of God’s unrelenting love – from Genesis to Revelation. Join Dr. Christians as we journey together beginning in the Garden of Eden in Genesis and ending in Revelation. The registration fee of $15 includes the participant book. An “official” Bible in 90 Days Bible is available for $15, if desired, but any Bible will suffice. Limited childcare is available. Register online at StLukesMethodist.org/GroupFinder
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When my wife Katie and I moved away from Dallas, we knew that one of the things we would miss the most was serving with the special needs respite care program at our old church. We were thrilled to find out that Bevin Barrett had implemented the same program in Houston at St. Luke’s UMC. Being able to serve at PM Pals was the first of many signs that St. Luke’s was the right church for us. As we learned more and more about St. Luke’s, it became obvious to us that it is a beacon church with a heart for service. With so many different opportunities, there is a way for every member to serve in our community. From far-flung missions in Guatemala to local opportunities during our “Second Saturday” service days, there are countless ways to get involved. I have learned through St. Luke’s about God’s expectation that we serve others. Scripture tells us, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ (Acts 20:35) and I have found that to be true in my own life. I admit, I always feel selfish about the ‘high’ I get after completing a service project, but there is truly no better feeling than to give yourself away in service to others. I invite you to join us this summer in one of the following opportunities. —Whitney Mears
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Gardening at Sutton Elementary Garden Trim, weed, stir compost, clean shed, sharpen tools and prepare the school’s garden for summer. Contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064. Operation Blueprint | Students who have completed Grades 6-7 This summer, our Middle School students return to San Antonio to partner with Operation Blueprint Ministries. We will serve the San Antonio community through light construction projects and house painting. This is a great opportunity to practice living out our faith through serving and loving others. We will also spend time in worship through singing, Bible study, and small group discussion. The trip is finished off with a fun day at Schlitterbahn and The Gristmill! Cost $450 until May 1–$500 after. Register online at www.StLukesMethodist.org/register-now or contact Brindley Ginn at bginn@stlukesmethodist.org. Dominican Republic GO Ministries Mission Trip Join us this June as we travel to Santiago, Dominican Republic to work alongside GO Ministries and their local leaders to empower those in need. Sports outreach, Vacation Bible School, and construction are just some of the ways we serve. This trip is open to families and individuals of all ages. Contact Alex Mair at outreach.thestory@gmail.com to sign up. Shoe cutting party for Sole Hope Africa | 9:30-11 a.m Using provided templates, volunteers will cut denim from donated jeans into pieces that will be made into shoes for children in Africa. Contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064. Beans and Rice 1-3 p.m. Join us for worship at Gethsemane, stay for lunch and help package beans and rice for distruibution at Christian Community Service Center and other food pantries. Contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064.
JULY 15-22
Regional Mission Trip | Students who have completed grades 8-12 The trip takes our students to the hills of Kentucky on an adventure they won’t soon forget. They will test their limits while developing leadership skills, growing spiritually, and carrying out their faith in mission. They will return home exhausted and a little sore, but with a renewed vision to change their world. Cost $700 until May 1 – $750 after. Register online at www.StLukesMethodist.org/register-now or contact Brindley Ginn at bginn@stlukesmethodist.org.
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AniMeals on Wheels | 9:30–11 a.m. Volunteers will bag pet food for pets of Meals on Wheels participants. Contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064.
#wegiveourselvesaway
ST. LUKE’S
LIFE
Here at St. Luke’s, we want you to have every opportunity to build authentic bonds with other Christians—just like you—who are striving to walk the Christian journey faithfully, so check out the following events! Join our church family and find a small group and Sunday morning class that truly fits. To learn more about all of our ministry groups, visit StLukesMethodist. org/ministries.
NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING
FUNdraiser for the Kid in All of US Saturday, May 20 | 12 – 3 p.m. TOPGOLF Houston – Katy | 3rd Floor No matter how you slice it, helping others while having fun is a win for everyone. That is why the team at St. Luke’s counseling ministry created Tee Up for Counseling. It is no ordinary golf outing though. This driving range tournament is fun for all ages and puts a unique spin on how you can help drive home the importance of affordable mental healthcare. Event proceeds benefit the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (NFCC) – a ministry of St. Luke’s. Since NFCC is a self-sustaining ministry, funds raised at Tee Up enable the counseling center to provide high-quality services at reasonable rates. We keep costs low thanks to donations, grants, volunteers and fundraisers, which covered 64 percent of our budget in 2016. If you want to take a swing at high-priced mental healthcare, come Tee Up for Counseling with us. Teams are comprised of six golfers, and we also welcome caddies (aka spectators). Event sponsorships and tickets are available until May 16 at 713-402-5127 or FinneganCounseling.org/tee-up.
ADULTS Earn All You Can: Getting Rich for Good with Don House May 7, 14, and 21 in the Rotunda at 9:45 am Join author and Methodist lay leader Don House for an exploration of how Christians are called to “get rich for good.” The three-week study will emphasize scripture and doctrine, looking specifically at three sets of religious writings — Jewish, Catholic, and Methodist — that have informed religious views on economics. The study will also review the history of relief efforts and the modern war on poverty, ending with a summary and considerations of the role of the church in assisting the poor.
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SCHOLARSHIPS Looking for a little extra help to pay for college next fall? St. Luke’s Methodist Church Foundation is now accepting 2017 Scholarship Applications. Each scholarship has its own unique criteria and is subject to funding availability. For more information and to download an application, please visit the Foundation page on the St. Luke’s website, http://www. stlukesmethodist.org/give/#_foundation, or call Anona at 713402-5003. Completed applications are due Thursday, April 6, 2017.
SENIOR ADULTS Senior Adult Ministries at St. Luke’s is dedicated to creating opportunities for fellowship through meaningful programs and activities for adults in the second half of life. Activities are open to church members and community friends. Those involved in our programs call themselves “Mainstreamers,” as persons “living in the mainstream of life.” Join the fun and invite a friend for a spring event. For more information contact Mary Schuler, Coordinator of Intergenerational and Senior Adult Ministries, at 713-402-5008.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMW Games Group Mondays, April 3 and 24, 10-11:30 a.m., Room EN204 Contact Lori Wilson-Reynolds, 713-665-3553. UMW Gethsemane Book Group Saturday, April 8, 9:30 a.m., home of Dianne Billings The Abby: A Story of Discovery by James Martin Contact Jo Ann Smith, 713-686-5959. UMW Westheimer Book Group Monday, April 10, 10 a.m., Johnson Education Building ES306, Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart Contact Dorothy Voss, 713-660-7243. UMW Afternoon Circle Tuesday, April 25, 12-2 p.m. Home of Kathy Austin, 2340 McClendon 77030 Speaker will be Rev. David Horton. RSVP to 713-252-6727. UMW Shalom Circle Tuesday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. at Clarewood House Contact May Jee, 713-771-3279
SERVICE OF HEALING
Unpuzzling Your Past: How YOU Can Learn About Your Ancestors Program and Luncheon Thursday, April 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Have you ever wondered about your ancestors and wanted to learn how to explore your own family history? Join us as Lee Smith, Jr. shares his knowledge about genealogy. With the internet, the study of genealogy has moved from dark, country libraries to computer screens. Lee will help us discover new ways to track down and trace our own family histories. Reservations: 713-402-5087 or reservations@stlukesmethodist.org. A Day in the Life of St. Luke’s Gethsemane Campus Day Trip | Thursday, April 20 | 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. The St. Luke’s Gethsemane Campus is nestled in the heart of the Sharpstown area, one of Houston’s most diverse neighborhoods. During the week, the Gethsemane Campus is a bustling hub of activity with numerous programs and organizations working to enhance the quality of life for area residents. Join us for an interactive bus tour of the neighborhood and see first-hand how initiatives out of our Gethsemane Campus impact lives through the CCSC Food Pantry and Community Garden, the Connect Community, Houston Center for Literacy, and ReVision. Lunch “on your own” at a local restaurant. Reservations: 713-402-5087 or reservations@stlukesmethodist.org. Monday Bridge Group | Mondays, 1:30–3:30 pm | EN204 All are welcome at this growing, informal group interested in learning or brushing up on bridge played by Goren rules. Contact Kathy Austin, 713-252-6727. No reservations needed.
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Service of Healing | April 5, 6-7 p.m. | Westheimer Chapel Join us the first Wednesday of every month for a Service of Healing. This month, Rev. Thomas Harper will lead a time of prayer and communion where we ask God for spiritual and physical healing for you or a loved one. For more information contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@stlukesmethodist.org.
Gethsemane Silver Circle Wednesday, April 26 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Gethsemane Campus Enjoy a morning of games and conversation, with lunch and birthday celebrations at 12 p.m. on. Cost for lunch is $5. Reservations: Betsy Evans, 281-565-0348.
STUDENTS April 1 | Lenten Season Flower Delivery | 1-4 p.m. All middle and high school students are invited to join us for an April service project. We will deliver flowers to homebound members of St. Luke’s. Students in 7th Grade are required to attend as part of their Confirmation Journey. Let Tyler know (tneely@stlukesmethodist.org) if you’re a parent and would like to drive. April 23 | Sunday Night Event: Annual St. Paul’s Dodgeball Match | 5-7:30 p.m. The St. Luke’s and St. Paul’s rivalry continues with the annual dodgeball tournament! Come help St. Luke’s take back the victory! Bring $5 for dinner, and friends are welcome! Registration for Summer Events is going on now through the website. Please note, due to travel arrangements, the deadline to register for CIY is fast approaching! April 1 is the last day to sign up for Middle School CIY, and May 8 is the last day for High School CIY. After those dates, contact Brindley at bginn@stlukesmethodist.org about getting on a wait list.
MUSIC AND FINE ARTS Lenten Music for Meditation and Reflection Our annual Lenten music series continues on Thursdays through Lent at 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel. Hear harpist Laura Witt on April 6 and a Maundy Thursday communion service on April 13 featuring a chanted reading of the St. John Passion performed by members of our music staff. There is no admission charge, however a free will offering will be received. Pure Sound Spaghetti Lunch & Silent Auction“Tour, eh?” Sunday, April 2 | Fellowship Hall You won’t need a passport for the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 2, where you’ll enjoy the best spaghetti in town at the annual Pure Sound Spaghetti Lunch and Auction. Your lunch purchase will help raise funds for our youth choir to go on their bi-annual concert tour — this year to Montreal and Quebec City! The lunch includes salad, bread, beverage and dessert, served continuously between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets for lunch are $10 for adults, $5 for children age 10 and under. StLukesMethodist.org/spaghetti for a link to purchase. Make sure you save time to browse the auction items—open all morning from 9:30, with two live auction seatings with one-ofa-kind items at 11:30 and 12:30. Rotunda Gallery Artist Meet our April Artist of the Month — church member Catherine Pressly Herring — in the Rotunda Gallery after worship services on Palm Sunday, April 9. Catherine’s paintings have been exhibited at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the Felder Gallery in Port Aransas, Winter Street Studios
and Heights Gallery of Houston, The Barnwell Center of Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as the permanent collections at Methodist Hospital of Houston, Texas Christian University, and in many private collections around the country. Stop by the gallery any time this month to view her work and leave a note in the guestbook. To inquire about purchasing art, please contact Randy Murrow at rmurrow@stlukesmethodist. org or (713) 402-5122. A portion of all gallery proceeds directly benefits the fine arts at St. Luke’s and helps to maintain and build our permanent art collection. Tapestry Players seeks chorus member for My Fair Lady Join Tapestry Players on stage in the Rotunda Theater this summer as they present the hit musical My Fair Lady! The show opens on Thursday, July 27 and runs through Sunday, July 30. Rehearsals will be on selected weekdays and some weekends beginning in mid-June, plus the week leading up to the show. No audition required to sing in the chorus! Info and sign up: goo.gl/4u0CPX . Mark Your Calendars: St. Luke’s Chancel Choir and First Presbyterian Church Choir in Concert at HBU St. Luke’s Chancel Choir joins forces with the choir of First Presbyterian Church to present composer Howard Goodall’s oratorio Every Purpose Under the Heaven. Also known as The King James Bible Oratorio, it is scored for soprano and tenor soloists, mixed voices and chamber orchestra. Sunday, June 4 in the Morris Cultural Arts Center at Houston Baptist University. Further details TBA. Tapestry Players present The Matchmaker Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, June 18 | 2:30 p.m. “Loud, slap dash and uproarious...” See the Thornton Wilder play that inspired the musical “Hello Dolly!” set in Yonkers, New York at the turn of the 20th century. A series of slapstick situations involving mistaken identities, secret rendezvous, separated lovers, and a trip to night court finds everyone paired with a perfect match. Directed by David Gow. Tapestry Players present My Fair Lady July 27-29 | 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 | 2:30 p.m. Frequently called “the perfect musical,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins, a phoneticist, so that she may pass as a lady. The musical’s 1956 Broadway production was a notable critical and popular success, setting a record for the longest run of any show on Broadway up to that time. Come see our production, directed by Steve McCurdy, with musical direction by Sid Davis. Babes on Broadway Friday through Sunday, August 18-20 Our Pure Sound youth return to the Rotunda Theater stage this summer to act and sing in their annual musical revue.
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Congratulations Baptisms! August Anthony Croley, son of Anthony Wyatt Croley and Casey Coe Croley on February 26.
Claire Elizabeth Lundquist, daughter of Benjamin Wayne Lundquist and Amanda Claire Lascano Lundquist on March 12.
Cameron Grace Hattori, daughter of Damen Takashi Hattori and Ryann Elizabeth McMinn Hattori on February 26.
Dylan Reid Alagugurusamy, son of Raj Kumar Alagugurusamy, andVirginia Marie Burnett Alagugurusamy, on March 19.
Olivia Grace and Harrison Reid Phillips, children of Eric Nathan Phillips and Leigh Sanders Phillips on February 26.
Liam Charles Walker Dimon, son of Adam Dylan Dimon and Natalie Claire Davenport Dimon on March 19.
Jack Robert and Linden Annabelle Nelson, children of Ryan Robert Nelson and Kristin Elizabeth Kirk Nelson on March 5.
Nathaniel Robert Gardiner, son of Robert William Gardiner and Maggie Wilson Gardiner on March 19.
Stuart Lee Stamey, son of Elliot Morgan Stamey and Laura Dissen Stamey on March 5.
Benjamin Thomas King, son of Brian Matthew King and Erin Nicole Peltier King on March 12.
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Alston McHenry and Caroline DeMauri Zentner, children of Thomas Glenn Zentner III and Michelle Haun Zentner on March 19.
To schedule your child’s baptism, or to arrange to attend the required baptism class, please contact Noralyn Carpenter at 713-402-5028.
Welcome New Members! Carol Brejot joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is a public relations specialist.
Rhianna Disch unites with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church. She joins her husband, Scott, in the St. Luke’s membership. They are the parents of Scarlett Sophia Disch, age 9 months.
Travis and Kelly Canova unite with our congregation by profession of faith. He is a director with KPMG and she is employed by Jordan Capital.
Virginia English transfers to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist church. She is a first grade teacher in Houston I.S.D.
Claire Tyson and Will DeShazo unite by transfer, she from another United Methodist church and he from another denomination. Claire is a tax consultant with Deloitte and Will is an engineer with EP Energy. They join Claire’s parents and sister, Mike, Michele, and Gracie Tyson, and grandparents, Mike and Judy Tyson, in St. Luke’s membership.
Christine Falgout-Gutknecht unites with our congregation by profession of faith. She is vice president and senior counsel for Island Operating Company and joins her husband, Bill Gutknecht, in St. Luke’s membership.
Selene Covington unites by profession of faith. She is active in St. Luke’s Student Ministries and Pure Sound and joins her mother, Mary Jane Covington, in membership. We welcome Chad and Annette Disch and their children, Kathryn and Ryan, who transfer from another United Methodist church. Chad is Market President at Frost Bank and an adjunct professor at the University of Houston. Annette is an attorney with Gauntt, Koen, Binney, Woodall & Kidd. Kathryn is a high school junior and Ryan is a freshman in high school. Marie Dobay transfers to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist church.
Kay Henbest joins St. Luke’s by profession of faith. She is a personal nanny and is a member of the Good Will Class and the Chancel Choir.
Ross and Aimee Langley unite by transfer from another denomination. Ross is a CPA and he and Aimee are the parents of two daughters, Parker, age 3, and Sydney, age 1.
Kristin Nelson transfers to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist church. She is an attorney and she and her husband, Ryan, are the parents of Jack, age two, and Annabelle, age one. Kristin joins her mother and stepfather, Lynn and Craig Hughes, in St. Luke’s membership.
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New Members cont. Jim and Jane Shugart transfer to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist church. He is retired from Chevron and she is a retired teacher.
Matt Webb and Margie McGregor join St. Luke’s, he by profession of faith and she by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Hospital and she is a development officer, also at Texas Children’s.
Brian Smith and Sara Litton unite with St. Luke’s, he by profession of faith and baptism and she by transfer from another denomination. They are engaged to be married.
Not Pictured: Harry Bushong transfers to St. Luke’s from another denomination. He is a managing partner with Convergence Ventures and has a two-year-old daughter, Lydia Kay Bushong.
Kristi Nelson transfers to St. Luke’s from another denomination. She and her husband, David, are the parents of a daughter, Caroline, age 2.
Celebrating Lives
Download the Scripture + Shared app and study the Bible with a buddy. Details at StLukesMethodist.org/bible
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BUILDING FUND In Memory of: Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart
GETHSEMANE CAMPUS In Honor of: Sarah Fruth by Chicky and Corky Fowler
CARING MINISTRY In Memory of: Frances Parks Rain by Bill & Laura Denham
GO WITH GRACE BIBLE STUDY In Memory of: Howard Patton by Kristi Cooper
FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: Rev. Eric Huffman by United Methodist Women In Memory of: Loraine Hamm Davis by Beverly & Rick Adams Jerry Kahn and Tina Throckmorton Earline R. Johnson by Gordon & Kay Dees Donetta Deen Leach by St. Cecilia Lift Group
MEMORIAL GARDEN In Memory of: Carole Ball by Jim Pickens Penny Brooks
GENE DECKER STUDY CLASS ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Dr. Jack Bevil by Jane & Charles Szalkowski
OUTREACH MINISTRY In Memory of: Beverly Robinson by Bill & Laura Denham ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Memory of: Marjorie Jennings by Elsie Layton Clinton F. Morse by Genevieve and Rick Liggett Terry Richardson by J. Wade Taylor Beverly Robinson by Marilyn B. Wist
Caring and Sharing
As Christians we are called to care and pray for one another. May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him. Romans 15:13
Sandra Upshaw on the death of her aunt, Doneta Deen Leach, on February 16.
Congratulations to:
Kyle and Shannon Nelson on the birth of their daughter, Jane Lillian Nelson, on February 15. Proud older brother is Peter Nelson.
Joe Jennings, Marcia Allen, Nan and Gibbs Macdaniel, Shelley and James Quillin, Gibbs Macdaniel III, and Henry and Wyatt Quillin on the death of Joe’s wife, Marjorie Uptmor Jennings, on February 20.
Hanna Marie Huckin and Gregory Charles Pustizzi, who were united in marriage on February 25.
Jane and Rick Adams on the death of Jane’s mother, Betty Evelyn McKimens Stephens, on February 21.
Aubrey and Denise Snider on the birth of their daughter, Olivia Eilene Snider, on February 27.
Billie Burns on the death of her husband, Allen Neil Burns, on February 26.
Charlie and Kelly Beth Hapgood on the birth of their son, John Russell Hapgood II, on February 27. Proud older sister is Libby Hapgood.
Phillip Robinson and Steven Robinson and family on the death of their mother, Beverly Ann Moore Robinson, on March 3.
Chris and Katy Turner on the birth of their son, Hayes Allen Turner, on March 1. Proud older sister and brother are Georgia and Everett Turner.
Kansas and Frankie Sartin and family and Ashley Sartin on the death of Kansas and Ashley’s mother, Linda Marcel “Marcy” Sartin, on March 3.
Lane and Chita Craft on the birth of their son, Les William Craft, on March 3.
Family and friends of Robert Emmett “Bob” Johnson, who died on March 7.
Kelsey Michelle Maston Brooks and Joshua Glen Wright, who were united in marriage on March 4.
Barbara Slover on the death of her sister, Ellen Buck, on March 8.
Megan Nicole Sandvick and Richard Miller Elliott, who were united in marriage on March 11.
Marci Pampe on the death of her aunt, Mary Catherine Cope, on March 9.
Susan Keigh Mitchem and William Douglas Stroud, Jr., who were united in marriage on March 11.
Lisa Davis, Katelyn and Brad Baroch, Allison and Brent Frazier, Rebecca and Kyle Jahnke and their families on the death of Lisa’s husband, Jeffrey Alan Davis, on March 11.
Adam and Kelly Law on the birth of twins, Anderson Kate “Andi” Law and Connor Adam Law, on March 13. Proud older sister is Annabelle Law. Joe and Lori Fahrbach on the birth of their daughter, Anna Patricia Fahrbach, on March 15. Jessica Alane West and Richard Lee Bischoff, who were united in marriage on March 18.
Our Sympathy to:
Nancy Abraham on the death of her son, Frank Thomas “Tom” Abraham, Jr., on February 10. Blair and Bryan Loocke, Will and Annie Richardson, Suzann Richardson, and Mary Allen and Wells Loocke on the death of the father of Blair and Will, Terry Lee Richardson, on February 15.
Family and friends of Marie Collonge Brown, who died on March 12. Sally and Ed Mason, Courtney and Rob Adams, John Mason, and Audrey Adams on the death of Sally’s mother, Jeanne Kvernland, on March 13.
Are you or a loved one facing surgery or hospitalization? A crucial aspect of St. Luke’s Caring Ministry is prayers we have with members prior to surgeries and during hospitalizations. Contact Laurie Kereluk with details at 713-402-5004 or lkereluk@stlukesmethodist.org If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, please contact Caring Ministries at 713-402-5004 or -5156.
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Where Do We Stand Financially at the End of February 2017? Church Treasurer for St. Luke’s in 2016 and 2017, Michael Palmer, shares this message of generosity and gratitude.
T
hank you for your continued prayers, service and financial support of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Because of your continued generosity, the first two months of 2017 have closed ahead of budget. Our revenue has come in ahead of plan by $209 thousand. We would like to thank those who generously donated to the missions and operating budget for St Luke’s for the first two months of the 2017 calendar year. The church’s total operational receipts and other income through February 28, 2017 are $2.296 million against a budget of $2.087 million. We are very grateful for those supporting the work of all St. Luke’s ministries. Moving forward, the 2017 calendar year total operating budget is $10.468 million.
The church leadership has pulled together a committee to discuss a 5-year Long Range Plan. The committee will consider plans to complement and further enhance the mission of St Luke’s ministries and have a goal to complete this plan by May 2017. Thank you for continuing to give yourselves away in generosity and service in support of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. St. Luke's United Methodist Church Executive Level Summary Budgeted Financial Report Year to Date Ending February 28, 2017 with Prior Year Comparatives Year to Date Description
Revenue Pledge Receipts Non-Pledge/Reg Donor Rcpts Other Receipts Investment Income (Loss) Other Income Prior Year Pledge Receipts The Story Houston Contributions Total Revenue
Budget Annual
$
7,849,000 1,187,000 302,600 22,900 10,000 50,000 660,000 10,081,500
$
Budget
Actual
Variance
1,800,000 $ 97,000 28,500 3,483 50,000 95,000 2,073,983
1,949,829 $ 146,381 24,977 37,238 80 54,869 69,864 2,283,238
Actual YTD Last Year
149,829 49,381 (3,523) 33,755 80 4,869 (25,136) 209,255
$
1,694,339 96,169 31,260 3,137 11,043 48,349 83,962 1,968,258
Additional Income Sources Total Additional Income Sources
386,714
12,919
12,947
28
12,947
Total Revenue & Add'l Income
10,468,214
2,086,902
2,296,185
209,283
1,981,206
1,313,901
228,946
249,184
20,237
218,375
786,307
123,054
133,802
10,748
90,010
Ministries Worship Commission The Story Houston Outreach Commission
551,053
66,608
84,661
18,053
59,360
Gethsemane Outreach
857,137
136,300
130,243
(6,057)
128,600
Discipleship Commission Churchwide Program Support
2,162,594
363,312
329,246
(34,066)
314,261
993,981
164,317
162,059
(2,258)
159,518
Finance & Administration Commission
2,734,235
437,804
479,358
41,554
416,454
Total Commission Expenses
9,399,209
1,520,342
1,568,553
48,212
1,386,578
Reserves & Capital Expenses
215,000
35,833
35,833
(0)
35,833
Connectional Expenses
854,006
142,753
141,730
(1,023)
141,644
Capital and Connectional Expenses
Total Capital and Connectional Exps Total Expenses
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Total Revenue Over (Under) Expenses
$
1,069,006
178,587
177,564
10,468,214
1,698,928
1,746,117
-
$
387,974
$
550,068
(1,023)
177,477
47,189 $
162,094
1,564,055 $
417,151
Join the St. Luke’s Family
If you are looking for a church home but don’t know where to begin, St. Luke’s provides a pathway of opportunities to help guide visitors through a journey that will lead them to a faith-forming community through commited worship, study, and relationships. You are invited to Coffee with the Pastor, a casual group gathering with Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s. During Coffee with the Pastor, he will share his spiritual journey and invite you to examine your own. You will learn more about St. Luke’s values and vision and how to be a part of the life and mission of the church. The moment you decide to join the St. Luke’s family, we welcome you to declare your membership on any Joining Sunday at the worship service of your choice. After you join the church, we hope you will participate with other new members in a 6-week Inside-Out Habits class. The class will explore our five core values that are the foundation of what we do together as a church: prayer, Bible study, telling our stories, building friendships, and giving ourselves away. We believe practicing these habits calls us into a deeper relationship with God and enables us to share the good news of Christ with both word and deed. We encourage you to be faithful in your Sunday worship community and to seek further spiritual growth with other members of the St. Luke’s family. Participation in a small group or service opportunity is a great way to begin. For more on our Path to Membership, contact Kelly Grimes, Connecting Ministries, at 713-402-5015.
CWP is a casual gathering led by Sr. Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. is a casual led by It is CWP the perfect way gathering to learn more about Sr. Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. St. Luke’s and is the first step on the path to It is the perfect way to learn more about membership. St.Sign Luke’s and is the first step on the path to up online at StLukesMethodist.org/immembership. new/#jointhefamily Sign up online at StLukesMethodist.org/imnew/#jointhefamily
Schedule: Schedule: April 2, 4-5:30 p.m. | May 10, 5:30-7 p.m. | June 25, 4-5:30 p.m. April 2, 4-5:30 p.m. | May 10, 5:30-7 p.m. | June 25, 4-5:30 p.m.
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