Spire August 2016 by St. Luke's UMC

Vol. 164 | No. 7 | August 2016

Yours Mine

Ours

StLukesMethodist.org | 713-622-5710

United Methodist Church

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becoming A Celebration of St. Luke’s New Buildings Sunday, September 25, 2016 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 11 a.m. Open House, Refreshments, Activities, Tours 12:30 p.m. Official Recognition & Ribbon Cutting Johnson Education Building

Student Ministries Building

The Story Houston Building

Volunteers Needed Greeters | Parking Assistance | Food Assistance | Docents/Guides |Setup/Take Down Shifts from 9–11 a.m. and 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Contact Jennifer Gould at JGould@StLukesMethodist.org to volunteer.

IN THIS ISSUE

TRANSPLANT TIME: A LETTER FROM TOM PACE READING BEHIND BARS: REVISION IN PRISON

MY (COFFEE CUP) RUNNETH OVER: ST. LUKE'S COLLEGE MINISTRY YOURS, MINE, AND OURS: COMING THIS FALL

ON THE COVER: Yours, Mine and Ours: A Fall sermon series and group study focusing on intergenerational involvement with our children and youth for faith that lasts a lifetime. Spire (USPS 7190) is published monthly by St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houson, TX and additional mailing offices.

Coffee with the Pastor UPCOMING DATES: Sunday, August 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 4-5:30 p.m. Please join us for a casual gathering with Senior Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. Coffee with the Pastor is for visitors who would like to learn more about our church. For those interested, this is also the first step in our Path to Membership. Enjoy getting to know our pastor and hearing parts of his spiritual journey, while being invited to examine your own. Learn more about St. Luke's values and vision, and how to be part of the life and mission of the church. Register online at StLukesMethodist.org. 3

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE PRAY

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES

Transplant Time INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS

These are days that our nation and world, and therefore our congregation as a part of these, needs a profound answer. Killings. Divisions. Anger. Fear. All of these are dominating our news cycles. How are we to behave in the midst of these? Bishop Mike Lowry reminded me of an old preacher’s story about a pastor giving a children’s sermon. She asked the kids “What is brown and furry, gathers nuts, and has a big furry tail?” A little girl answered, “Well, I know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!” Yes, the answer is Jesus. The answer is not a political party or candidate. The answer is not an ideology. The answer is not simply body cams for officers, or more law and order, or more government, or less government, or a stronger military, or better diplomacy. Not that these things are insignificant or irrelevant – they are very important. But they are like taking Tylenol for a fever. They treat a symptom of a problem, not the problem itself. They mitigate the impact of the problem, but they don’t bring a cure. Until the root disease is cured, the problem will continue to recur.

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I went into the ministry because I came to realize that the root problem is in the human heart. We need a heart transplant. Note that I say “we” rather than “they.” It isn’t that “those people,” whomever we are pointing at, need to have a heart like you and I have. Yes, they may need a new heart, but so do you, and so do I. We need the heart of Jesus. And until we have the heart of Christ, one of self-giving, other-serving, faith in action love, we will not fix this. That is why, in times like these, our mission is all the more important. We cannot let the news or terrorists or events of any sort set our agenda for us. You see, we are offering a heart transplant, a transformation of the whole soul and mind and strength. We are demonstrating its power as we live out our faith in love. And as we offer it to others, we find that it begins to happen in us as well! We find our hearts changing, our anger and resentment subsiding, our mercy becoming wider, 4

our judgmental spirits becoming more gracious, our wisdom expanding. We find we are more willing to be courageous and brave to stand up for what is right and good and true. Yes, just as in any heart transplant, there is the danger of rejection. Too often we wittingly or unwittingly prevent our new heart from working correctly within us. The only real cure is for us to allow that new heart to pump the Holy Spirit’s life giving breath to every part of us. We have much to work for these days. As a church, we will continue to work to build bridges and feed and empower the hungry and educate the children and visit the lonely and love the prisoner and so much more. And each of us will advocate for appropriate ways to address the symptoms of our pathology as we see fit. We will vote for the party or candidate we believe is right. We will involve ourselves in the causes that we believe will make a difference. But as we work to BE the good news, let us never forget that we have to share the good news. Jesus gave his life for a reason; so that he could be a heart donor for you, for me, and for the whole world.

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE GIVE OURSELVES AWAY

Our connection to St Luke’s grew stronger through the opportunity to lead an Unbinding Your Heart small group where we were all called to give ourselves away in generosity and service. When Mike Palmer asked us to join the Generosity Committee, we knew it could be a way to answer that call. Not because we enjoyed asking people for money, but because we know how even small gifts can be life-changing in God’s hands. From Sunday worship to service projects around Houston and the world, the incredible gifts from St. Luke’s members are transforming lives.

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE STUDY THE BIBLE

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE PRAY

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS

Answering the Call to Give

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by Elizabeth and Ross King My grandfather had a 20-year tradition of giving a gold dollar to every young child he saw. While this could be embarrassing when he would interrupt a dinner out to give coins to complete strangers, it was wonderful to see the joy he had in his heart every time he gave one away, especially to a child at church. Most Sundays, Granddad stood at the back of the church, collected the offering plates, and counted the money. He would be overwhelmed when he would come across one of those gold dollars that a child had donated. Nothing made him prouder than seeing his gift returned through a child's selfless giving. It was his example I wanted to follow with my own generosity. We’ve been members of St. Luke’s since moving to Houston and have gotten involved with The Hub Sunday School class, multiple small groups, Men’s Life, volunteering with Student Ministries and other service projects. Through these programs we’ve developed many close friendships and mentors, and grown in our faith. We were recently blessed with the birth of our daughter, Catherine, and St. Luke’s members were the ones visiting us in the hospital, bringing us dinners and surrounding us in prayer. Each of these ministries that mean so much to us is only possible because of our church’s generosity.

We both grew up attending church and giving weekly offerings. While our small gifts as children may have not made a large impact on the church, it created a habit that we continue now and want to pass on. Every fall, we discuss and pray about what we are able to donate as a family. We fulfill our annual pledge by setting an automatic debit each month, so we never forget to send in our monthly check. With a new daughter, we wanted to set an example, as our families set for us, so we now leave a small cash gift in the offering plate for her to notice in the coming years. We are so proud of the impact St. Luke’s has on its church family and the community and are thankful that our gifts, through God, can help accomplish His mission. The Generosity Committee is a dedicated group of lay leadership supporting the overall stewardship process and development of a culture of generosity at St. Luke’s. These leaders model generosity in their personal lives and encourage others to experience joy by giving themselves away in generosity and service.

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE PRAY

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES

READING WITH A VISION INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS

Former librarians partner with reVision to reach juveniles at the Clemens Unit five habits branding.indd 1

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by April Canik

originally published in Cross Connection for the Texas Annual Conference of the UMC

odolfo was 15 when Edward Davis, a St. Luke’s member was asked to mentor him through the reVision program. “At the start of their mentoring relationship, my husband said Rodolfo was not a reader,” says Suzanne Davis, a former high school librarian who attends St. Luke’s. All that changed once he read the first book in the Left Behind series that Edward brought to him. He then read all the rest of the books in the series very quickly and the hunt was on to find books Rodolfo would love to keep reading. “Rodolfo was an inspiration to both of us because, by the end of their year together, we were ordering several books at a time to send to him.” Notes Suzanne, “This was the seed for me personally, to pursue a library for these teens at the Clemens Unit.”

"For young offenders, books can be the only windows on the world they might experience. Reading can calm, entertain, challenge, add humor, educate and greatly enlarge their world."

The youth at the Clemens unit are the only group of juveniles serving time in an adult prison in Texas. There are about three dozen 14-to-17-year-olds at the Clemens Unit, built in 1888, living two boys to a 6’x10’ cell with no air conditioning or heat. Most of these teens are 6

serving sentences that range from four years to life. Many of these youth have reVision mentors, and other mentors have been sending books to them, hoping that it would provide an escape and a motivation for the youth during their time in prison. “To our great surprise,” shares Charles Rotramel, CEO of reVision, “many of them—who generally have never read a book before—discovered that they love to read. They have begun asking for dozens of books of all different types—including spiritual books.” Suzanne has since rallied former librarians Jo Monday, a St. Luke’s member and friend Pat Sebastian to help brainstorm ways to invest in the young in this unique way. Jo retired from Houston Independent School District (HISD)as a librarian and serves on the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) board of directors and is also one of the mentors working with a youth in juvenile detention. In her retirement, Jo is self-employed as a librarian organizer for private individuals with large book collections and she also tutors children. Adds Suzanne, “At lunch one day, I was sharing with my librarian friend Pat about the project and unknown to me she had a best friend’s son in prison that she had been writing to. She has been since become an integral part of the committee.”

Above: Former librarian Suzanne Davis in her element at the library - a familiar space for her, and a place she looks forward to building at the Clements Unit later this summer. Below: The Clemens Unit in Brazoria, TX.

“Collectively, these librarians have all worked with at-risk youth in their former jobs and fully understand how life-changing it can be to become a reader,” shares Charles. “For young offenders, books can be the only windows on the world they might experience. Books offer new insights and new thoughts at critical time in their development. Being bored is a big issue with youth in general and it is a major problem for young offenders. Reading can calm, entertain, challenge, add humor, educate, and greatly enlarge their world.”

Leading by Example The retired librarians are now part of the newly formed reVision Library Committee with a passionate Suzanne Davis at the helm. Adds Charles, “These ladies collectively have almost 75 years of experience working in high school libraries, and they have thrown themselves into this work. They have singlehandedly created a list of several hundred books and gotten that list approved by Texas Department of Correctional Justice, along with the entire project.”

Additionally, the trifecta of librarians has solicited and acquired donations to cover all of the books, and they are developing elaborate procedures for maintaining and refreshing the library so that the youth constantly have access to challenging materials. Adds Charles, “After the books are purchased in one order this summer, and delivered to the prison, the ladies will go down there to set up and organize the library. They are a true inspiration, made all the more significant because they are so unlikely to be the ones leading a project for teens in prison. Furthermore, they have been putting in herculean efforts to see this project through.”

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE PRAY

INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES

ST. LUKE'S COLLEGE MINISTRY INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS

by Kimberly Pinckney "I'm home for five days between camp and a family trip. When can we have coffee?" "I just got home from vacation! Let's get coffee this week!" "Could you get coffee or breakfast/lunch Friday or Saturday?" "Hey! Can we have a conversation about this new city's church scene? Also, I might come home next weekend. If I do, are you free for a coffee?"

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These are some of the texts from college students I've gotten over the past week, and they are my absolute favorite things. They have been edited only for read-ability, because young people refuse to bow to the constrains of grammar and punctuation. Aside from the obvious love of caffeine, these messages point to the growing population of 18-22 year olds who return home from college looking for a chance to re-connect with their Small Group leaders and mentors from St. Luke's. After several years of intentionally investing in the lives of our Middle and High School

students, we have reached an exciting time where the young people of St. Luke's leave for college each fall with very real, very tangible connections to this congregation. Through the development of a weekly Small Group ministry, outreach programs and service projects, mission trips and retreats, and the countless interactions between students and adult leaders, our teenagers have come to claim this church as their own. They return for breaks and summer vacations with the expectation that their spiritual growth will still find support here, and it's been an honor to watch the church rise up to meet that need.

This past school year brought a lot of firsts as Student Ministry expanded to officially include college students, as well. With the guidance and help of the incredible staff in Adult Ministries, we've bridged a gap between the generations and opened up a dialogue that offers support for several age groups. For our first event, a gathering was held for the parents of college freshmen just before their students returned home for the Christmas holiday. It was a time for them to meet one another and discuss concerns and expectations

Left: Small group college girls reunite at the end of the semester to catch up. Right: St. Luke's small group leaders visit students studying at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

for the upcoming month-long break. Two of our veteran parents, whose children had recently graduated college, were there to lend priceless wisdom and encouragement. Chairs were pulled in from all over the home of Judy Anne and Jim McCartney to accommodate the large turn-out, our first indication that we had tapped into a real need in our community. After spending years getting to know the dynamic and incredible students of St. Luke's, we were now getting an opportunity to know their parents, and their parents were getting to know one another. What a night! I was overwhelmed by the honesty and vulnerability shared amongst that groupâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;most of whom had never met before. I'm already looking forward to this year's gathering in December!

Shortly after that parent meeting, we got to welcome our college students home with the first Christmas break Small Group sessions throughout the month of December. Following the model used in Middle and High School, we met in homes weekly to share a meal and a Bible study lesson. We opened it up to all college students, and it was awesome to watch the upper classmen minister to the younger students. After the lesson was over and we'd closed in prayer, a unique thing happened: no one went home. It was 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night, and after a semester (or more) of college life, they had become pros at hanging out on couches. For years, we had watched these same students rush out the door to finish a project or study for a quiz, and now those pressures were gone and their schedules were entirely their own. So we ordered more pizza, made some coffee, and got comfortable. These young men and women showed up week after week for food and a devotional, sure, but they also showed up to talk and be heard. Their lives were moving so quickly and college, we were told, was so much different than they expected. Or it was exactly like they expected and it completely bummed them out. As leaders, we showed up each week for the food, too, but also for the stories than can only be shared face to face.

"...my coffee cup runneth over." In addition to Small Groups over breaks, our Student Ministry team has also added college visits to its school calendar. We traveled to both Austin and College Station in the fall and spring semesters to meet our students for lunch and spend some time on campus. Turnout to these events has been great! We hope to add more campus visits as our ministry expands. A group also visited some students at Vanderbilt last fall! Our freshmen received gift cards to Starbucks around exam time each semester, along with a personal note wishing them well on finals. This summer has also seen the start of College Sunday School classes, led each week by the amazing Mike Stroman.

This past May, I watched another group of students graduate high school and prepare to leave for college. This was my second year in a row to go through graduating a class of students. As Senior Sunday came to a close, I found that I was less nervous and sad than the previous year. I think it's because I've seen how connected our students remain, even after graduation. I've gotten to walk through that first year of college with a group of students, and God has shown me how incredibly big and exciting this season of life is for them. I've seen the way our church continues to find new and meaningful ways to support these young people even as they scatter across the country (and beyond). And I've seen these students show up each time we give them a place to belong and be heard. I will undoubtedly drink more than my recommended daily amount of coffee this week. And what an honor it will be. 9

FALL 2016 Go With Grace | Thursdays, beginning August 11, 7:15–8:30 a.m. | Crossroads Building #101 Join this community of women who are seeking to know God more intimately through Bible study, prayer and fellowship. The study will be led by Dr. Linda Christians. On August 11, the group will begin a study of the book of Esther. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/form_go-withgrace. Men’s Life Fall 2016: Becoming Christian Repairmen | Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Men will meet for 10-sessions beginning, September 14. The group will use Kirk Blackard and John Sage's book, Restoring Peace, based on the experience of men who are incarcerated, and how they found healing. Dr. Pace gives a lesson before table discussions. Cost is $10. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/men or contact Kathy Neely at kneely@stlukesmethodist.org. Moms’ Bible Study | Tuesdays, 9:15-10:45 a.m. | B145 (Parlor) This welcoming group meets to study God’s word together and encourage one another. It is led by Children’s Ministries Director Julie Ellerbrock and Christy Dulaney. No advance preparation is needed. Join at any time! For more information, contact Julie Ellerbrock at 713402-5040 Epic of Eden | Thursdays, 9:45-11:30 a.m. | September 15–November 17 Led by Louise McEvoy, this study is based on Dr. Sandra L. Richter’s book, The Epic of Eden, is a history of God’s redeeming grace. The story runs from the Garden of Eden to the garden of the New Jerusalem. This class will organize your understanding of the Old Testament and renew your enthusiasm for studying the Bible. Cost $20. Higher Ground Bible Study | Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. | Gethsemane Campus Led by Corky Fowler, this is an academic bible Study for adults of all ages. Each session is a stand-alone so no one falls behind even if they have to miss a class. Scripture is studied in depth with extensive use of commentaries, dictionaries and Bible atlas. Registration is not required. Disciple I Fast Track This 24-week study provides biblical knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments. Participants commit to daily readings on their own (about three to five chapters of the bible each day) and to participate in weekly discussions with the group. Disciple Fast Track is perfect for someone who is ready to take a next step in their faith through Bible study. Cost $40. Disciple III–Remember Who You Are | Mondays, beginning September 12 | 6:30–9 p.m. This 32-week study, led by Jana Gaddy and Sandy Hendon, concentrates on the writings of the Old Testament prophets and on the letters of Paul. Completion of Disciple I is required to take this class. 10

OFFERINGS Beautiful Creation Women’s Retreat | Saturday, November 5 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Join us for a one-day retreat that explores God’s desire for you to leave your creative mark in the world. Workshops include watercolor, art journaling, prayer beads, photography and more. A light breakfast and lunch are included. Registration will begin in September. Contact Jennifer Gould at jgould@stlukesmethodist.org for more information. Divine Conspiracy | Tuesdays, 6–7:30 p.m., | begins September 13 Based on the book by Dallas Willard, this 9-month study led by Dr. Linda Christians and Ken Jacobson challenges long-established beliefs and gives a fresh insight into Jesus’ ministry, message and call to discipleship. Cost $35. Joy Pottery: | Wednesday October 19 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by the God and Girlfriends’ small group this luncheon will feature a presentation by Rachel Norris, who has been sharing her testimony while using her potter’s wheel since 1992. $30 includes lunch. All proceeds will benefit the God and Girlfriends’ College Scholarship fund., Register online at StLukesMethodist.org/women. Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, and How to Reverse It Wednesdays, September 22-November 17 | 6:30-8 p.m. Veteran urban activist Robert Lupton reveals the shockingly toxic effects that modern charity has upon the very people meant to benefit from it. Toxic Charity provides proven new models for charitable groups who want to help—not sabotage—those whom they desire to serve. Cost $15. Learning Communities are in-depth Bible studies or topical studies that meet weekly for a set term to explore a single topic. To learn more or register for any of the fall offerings, visit Stlukesmethodist.org/learningcommunities. For more information, please contact Adrianne McGee at amcgee@stlukesmethodist.org.

CHILDCARE Kingdom Kids Evening, Weekday, Weekend Care, available at our Westheimer Campus, is a welcoming, loving and safe environment for the children of our church and community whose parents are participating in meetings, Bible studies or ministry events. Childcare is available free of charge with a reservation, preferably a week in advance. Make a reservation at StLukesMethodist.org/childcarerequest. 11

"And so you are no longer called outcasts and wanderers but citizens with God’s people, members of God’s holy family, and residents of His household." Ephesians 2:19, The Voice

Why Yours, Mine and Ours? by Dr. Tom Pace Every day I walk through the halls of St. Luke’s, and see the marvelous children of St. Luke’s Day School. Many of them are also members of our congregation, and many days, one of them calls out to me, “Hi, Dr. Pace,” or breaks out of line to give me a hug. That is music to my ears. I love it that we have so many children and youth as a part of our congregation. I love it that they feel at home here, that they feel a part of a church family, and that they see me as their pastor. At the same time, it reminds me of the importance of what we are doing. In the years ahead, will we give that child everything he or she needs to build a faith that will last for a lifetime? Will that child’s faith “stick?” Will we have “trained up the child the way he should go, so that when he is old, he will not depart from it?” The research that our Shamblin lecturer for 2016, Dr. Chap Clark, has done over his lifetime has demonstrated three essential elements for a sticky faith: 1) An approach that introduces young people to a real vital grace-based relationship with Jesus, rather than a “be a good person and go to church” approach to the Christian faith. 2) An intergenerational community of believers, in which children and youth build relationships with many other

mentors and teachers other than their parents, who demonstrate the love of Jesus by making it real for young people in tangible ways, and 3) Parents who are actively involved in teaching children and youth about Jesus, and modeling for them a vital faith, rather than an approach that delegates that responsibility to others at church. On September 11, Dr. Clark will kick off a sermon and study series called Yours, Mine, and Ours, delivering our Shamblin lectures and preaching in our Westheimer traditional and Encounter services. He will also work with parents and students in an event on Sunday evening. The series will speak over four weeks to what it means to be a church family, and how to talk about faith in our families, even with our parents and our adult children and siblings. Coordinated small group curriculum written by Rev. Eric Huffman and me will also be available. In addition, this will give us the opportunity for our children and student ministry departments to share how we, as an entire church body, want to partner with parents and families to provide those three essential ingredients for our children to have a “sticky faith,” a faith that will sustain them for a lifetime. Those children are counting on us, and we are committed to not letting them down.

Building a Fa

The Shamblin Lecture Series welcomes Dr. Chap Clark on September 11 Dr. Chapman "Chap" Clark, co-author of Sticky Faith will be at St. Luke’s on Sunday, September 11. He will kick off our Yours, Mine and Ours sermon series at all three traditional services (8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m.) and at Encounter (8:45 a.m.) At 5:30 p.m. he will speak at a special evening event titled Sticky Faith: Raising Young People for Lifelong Faith, for parents and students grades 4-9, their parents and other adults who support them as they grow in faith. The evening includes dinner and separate small groups for youth and parents.

Faith That Lasts A well-known practitioner, adolescent and family scholar, and author, Clark has more than 30 years of experience in direct ministry, including 15 years with Young Life. Clark’s extensive publication of books, articles, and videos focus primarily on relationships. Among the many books he has authored, co-authored and edited are Adopted (forthcoming), Youth Ministry in the 21st Century (forthcoming), Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers and Hurt 2.0 (2004, a CBA finalist for Book of the Year) and Sticky Faith.

THE SHAMBLIN LECTURES are made possible through the J. Kenneth Shamblin Memorial Fund. Dr. Shamblin was St. Luke’s second senior minister, serving the church from June of 1961 to July of 1976, at which time he was elected to the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church. The fund is substantially endowed as a result of a gift made in honor of Ruth and Willard Johnson on the occasion of their seventieth wedding anniversary, November 16, 1999, by the Johnson family. Registration information is available at www. StLukesMethodist.org. The Shamblin Lecture Series with Dr. Chap Clark will be on September 11, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided for $10 per adult and $5 per child. Childcare is provided by reservation.

Are you ready to take that next step in your spiritual journey?

Sticky Faith Research Findings

Are you looking to go deeper and seek out a lasting faith that will sustain you through life’s ups and downs?

Did you know that research shows 40-50 percent of students from good youth groups and families will drift from God and the church after high school?

Are you looking for a new group of people with whom to share life?

Sticky Faith, or faith that lasts, begins in children and is anchored in such a way that it continues to mature long-term. It is growing a faith that is part of students' inner thoughts and emotions and is reflected in their choices and actions. Fuller Youth Institute studied over 500 youth group graduates for three years across the transition out of high school. Based on their research, they have identified three main elements that are needed in order to help young people develop a faith that sticks.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then God may be nudging 1. A grace-based gospel you to join a LIFT (Living in Faith Many young people describe Christianity as a list of Together) group this fall. behaviors they must follow. Often disappointed by LIFT Groups are small groups of about a model based on “sin management,” they need to 12 people who meet regularly to pray, understand “grace-based gospel” and that nothing we study the Bible, share their stories with do will separate us from God’s love. Christianity is built each other, build lasting on a relationship of trust with Jesus Christ. From that friendships, and basic belief comes a life of living and serving in faith. serve the world 2. Intergenerational worship and community WHAT'S A LIFT together. In Sometimes youth ministry can feel a bit like an adults’ (LIVING IN FAITH September, table and a kids’ table at a family gathering. The adults we will be have the “real meal” in one place while the kids are TOGETHER) launching put in a separate location altogether, holding separate new LIFT conversations and unaware of anything the adults GROUP? SHOULD groups to say (and vice-versa). This example of two tables from participate I JOIN ONE? the Fuller Youth Institute illustrates the need for an in an 8-week intergenerational church where each young person small group is actively involved with both younger children and experience. encouraging adults. During the first four weeks of the 3. Ministry partnership with families experience, LIFT groups will use Helping our children grow in a lifelong faith is neither curriculum written by Dr. Tom Pace the sole responsibility of the parents or the church. A and Rev. Eric Huffman which will strong partnership between students, families, staff and coordinate with the fall sermon other adult friends in faith is needed. Many children and series Yours, Mine, and Ours. Group student’s ministries say we need a ratio of one adult for discussion will focus on building lasting faith in, not only our own families, every five students. But, according Sticky Faith author, but our church family. During the Chap Clark, "we actually need to reverse that ratio and remaining four weeks, LIFT groups will have five adults caring for each child.” use the book The Genius of Generosity by Chip Ingram. This book was selected “The most important thing a student can have is someone by Dr. Pace and challenges us to look at to look up to. When it comes down to it, our ministry generosity in a new way. To register for a new LIFT group, please visit StLukesMethodist.org/lift. For more information, contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@stlukesmethodist. org.

thrives because of the continual time and energy of adults that make intentional efforts (both large and small) to invest in the lives of our students.” - Rob Dulaney, Director of

Student Ministries (Statistics and research conclusions are based on information provided by fulleryouthinstitute.org)

ST. LUKE’S

LIFE

At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 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. Discover new ideas and perspectives on how to live out your faith in your everyday life, and make some great friends along the way. Our desire is to provide resources, guidance and support for you to be a part of the life-giving relationship of the church, which includes joining our church family and finding a small group and Sunday morning class that truly fits. To learn more about all of our ministry groups, visit StLukesMethodist.org/ministries.

MUSIC AND FINE ARTS “The Big Fish (A Whale of a Tale)” Rotunda Theater | August 5 Children take the stage at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 5 with composer Ken Medema to present his musical “The Big Fish (A Whale of a Tale).” On Sunday morning, August 7, camp participants will sing with Ken in worship. “Babes on Broadway — Waltz Across Texas” Pure Sound | Rotunda Theater | August 19-21 A Pure Sound tradition! Popular music and original story by musical director Sid Davis. Shows-Fri., August 19 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., August 20 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sun., August 21 at 2:30 p.m. Admission by donation Children’s Choirs Round Up | September 2 5-8 p.m. | Rotunda Theater All children’s choirs begin on Sunday, September 11, with singing, ringing, ORFFestra, rhythm instruments and musical play. SundaySing!, grades 1–5, meets 4–5 p.m. SundayRing!, grades 3–5, meets 3–4 p.m. JoyfulNoise!, Pre-K and K, meets 4–5 p.m. Pure Sound Youth Choir Performance September 5 | 4 p.m. | Fellowship Hall The Pure Sound Youth Choir will perform pieces they learned at camp on September 5 at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Regular rehearsals for Pure Sound will resume on Sunday, September 1.

Choir Potluck | September 7 | 5 p.m. Join us in the choir loft on Sunday mornings! Chancel Choir, St. Cecilia, and Veritas begin their fall season with a potluck dinner on Wednesday, September 7, beginning at 5:00 p.m., followed by rehearsal. All adult choirs rehearse regularly on Wednesday evenings. More information: Chancel Choir- Sid Davis (sdavis@stlukesmethodist.org); St. Cecilia ChoirRandy Murrow (rmurrow@stlukesmethodist.org); Veritas Men’s Choir- Ryan Jones (trjones@icloud.com); Chancel Bells Handbell ChoirNoralyn Carpenter (ncarpenter@stlukesmethodist.org).

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Study music at Bridges Academy of Fine Arts Take lessons with some of the top music instructors in Houston. Instruction in piano, strings, voice, guitar and winds are offered. www.bridgesfinearts.org.

Rotunda Gallery Artist Lucy Anderson | August Artist Lucy Anderson returns to the St Luke’s gallery with a collection of “en plein air” seascapes and florals. Meet Lucy in the Rotunda Gallery on Sunday, August 7. To purchase art, contact Randy Murrow rmurrow@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5122. A portion of all gallery proceeds directly benefits the fine arts at St. Luke’s. 15

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMW Games Group | August 1, 15, 22 and 25 10 a.m. | R25 For more information, contact Carole Wakefield at 713-899-4212. UMW Book Group | August 8 | 10:30 a.m. The UMW Book Group will meet at Joy Brunner’s home at 2425 Augusta, #11 for Gods of Gotham by Lindsay Faye. Contact Dorothy Voss, 713-6607243, for more information. United Methodist Women Recognition Sunday August 28 | Westheimer & Gethsemane Campuses Members of the United Methodist Women (UMW), past and present, and women whose mothers or grandmothers belonged to the Ladies Aid Society or Women’s Society of Christian Service will be recognized in traditional worship services on Sunday, August 28.

SENIOR ADULTS Mainstreamer Day Program and Luncheon | August 11 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Join speaker, Dr. John Graham, President of the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center for lunch ($10) and conversation with new and old friends. Visitors are always welcome! Call the reservation line at 713-4025087 to reserve your place. Mainstreamer Day Trip | August 18 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | Museum of Natural Science We’re off to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for the new National Parks Photography exhibit, Planetarium show, Dark Universe and then lunch. Cost is $14 plus lunch. To make reservations, call 713-402-5087.

Photo courtesy of the Houston Chronicle

CHILDREN Relate & Create | Thursday, August 4 and 11 Girls in 4th and 5th grade are invited to hang out with Mrs. Ellerbrock and the Children’s Ministries team for these two last Thursday afternoons from 4-5:30 p.m. for snacks, music, a cool craft and each other’s company. Call Kim at 713-402-5044 for more information. Get Ready for Fall Kick-Off | September 11 Our new Sunday School year begins on September 11 when children move to their 2016-2017 classes. The Children’s Participation Form has been emailed to fill out online before August 11. If you haven’t received an email from us, please call our office at 713-402-5044 to make sure we have your correct email address.

ADULTS GriefShare Tuesdays, beginning September 6 | 6:308:30 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Beginning in the fall, September 6, 2016, Reverend Bill Denham will be leading a 12-week Christian based GriefShare series in the Hines Baker Room Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30. This is for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. You do not have to be a church member to attend. A $20 donation is suggested to offset program costs. Childcare is available with reservation online at http:// www.stlukesmethodist.org/childcarerequest. To register contact Shelley Quillin at 713-402-5033 or squillin@ stlukesmethodist.org. DivorceCare | Tuesdays, beginning September 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | R22 Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Program cost is $20. Free childcare is available with advanced reservations online at: http:// www.stlukesmethodist.org/childcarerequest. For more information contact Susan Silvus at ssilvus@gmail.com.

STUDENTS

8.28.16 5:30 PM New Student Bld.

Students and friends 6–12th grade are invited to the Student Ministry's fall-kick off event! This will be the grand opening of the new student ministry building. It will also be time to find information about each of our events for the upcoming school year. Special discounts for trips are available only during vision night. Check our website for more info.

NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER

Tips to Emotionally Prep Kids for Back to School From backpacks to pencil bags, one school supply often forgotten about is emotional preparedness. Many kids are not emotionally ready for the newness of going back to school. However, children with good self-esteem and strong family relationships are better prepared to handle the social, emotional and academic challenges of school. So what’s a parent to do? • Set aside one-on-one time without electronics. Play board games, ride bikes, have a picnic, etc. Connecting with them helps strengthen your relationship’s foundation. • Ask open-ended questions about their feelings and the start of school. Instead of “Are you excited?” try “What do you think about going into the next grade?” • Listen to what they say and acknowledge their feelings as valid – even the feelings you may not understand/ relate to or the ones that make you worry.

StLukesMethodist.org/Students Your child needs to express all their feelings in order to make sense of them, and they need your help to do it. If you want your child to be able to talk with you in the future College Summer Series | June-August about big concerns, start now to make your relationship Do you know a college student home for the summer? a place they can safely talk about their feelings. Not sure There is a Sunday morning class just for them, taught how to start these conversations? Worried about their by Mike Stroman and members of Student Ministry answers? Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, a ministry staff, meeting at 9:45 in the Youth Loft. Contact of St. Luke’s, can help. Call 713-402-5046 for more Kimberly at kpinckney@stlukesmethodist.org with information; conversations are confidential. any questions. 17

Baptisms

The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: Pierson Laird Baker, son of Andrew Lee Baker and Courtney Culver Baker on May 22.

Henry Rhodes Glass, son of Jonathan Rhodes Glass and Allyson Glyn Clifton Glass on May 22.

Ivy Christina Jones and Maximillian Dee Jones, children of Larry Jones and Calley Pace Jones on May 29.

Henry Thorp Rieveschl, son of Lucille Christine Thorp on May 22.

Andrew Knolty Knapp, son of Frederick Maedgen Knapp III and Caroline Harper Knapp on May 29.

Mae Marguerite Talbert, daughter of Gregory Diron Talbert and Kelsey Harrod Talbert on May 22.

Mariann Patricia "Mamie" Thompson, daughter of Charles Matthew Thompson and Hallie Hablinski Thompson on May 22.

Coraline Elizabeth Moses, daughter of Christopher Stanton Moses and Elizabeth Fisher Moses on May 24.

Audrey Michele Adams, daughter of Robert William Adams and Courtney Michele Mason Adams on May 29.

Beatrice Irene Williams, daughter of Dennis Keith Williams, Jr. and Jennifer Leigh Frahm on May 29.

Lauren Elizabeth Cepelak, daughter of Brian Louis Cepelak and Tracy Miller Cepelak on June 5.

Sydney Elizabeth Langley and Parker True Langley, daughters of Ross Adam Langley and Aimee Haynes Langley on June 5.

Baptisms Emily Caroline Moore, daughter of Paxton Christopher Moore and Jennifer Lynn Stengel Moore on June 5.

Sloane Christine Davis, daughter of Aaron Michael Davis and Logan Christine Fox Davis on June 26.

James Anthony Keith, son of Braden Michael Keith and Amy Fox Keith on June 12.

Kallum Ace Garcia, son of Brian Edward Garcia and Crystal Lynn Alexander Garcia on July 3.

William George O'Black, son of Weston Lee O'Black and Mary McDaniel O'Black on June 12.

Grant Reed Foy, son of Jonathan Bradley Foy and Anna Smith Foy on July 10.

Vivian Gray Warner, daughter of Jonathan Nicholas Warner and Susanne Gray Warner on June 12.

Robert Cissell Willis III and Charles Lusk Willis, sons of Robert Cissell Willis, Jr. and Lauren Carroll Lusk Willis on July 10.

Charlotte Lou Matter and Eloise Jude Matter, daughters of Kyle Jason Matter and Chelsea Elizabeth Matter on June 19.

Not pictured: Preston McCoy Atkinson and Vivienne Lane Atkinson, children of Geoffrey Matthew Atkinson and Julianne Kathleen Larsen Atkinson on June 5.

Anna Kathryn Mullett, daughter of Philip Thomas Mullett and Kathryn Michel Miller Mullett on June 19.

New Members John and Lynne Averett unite by transfer from another denomination. John is the owner of Overbrook Designs and he and Lynne are members of the Randy Smith Bible Study Class. Mallory McCallum transfers to St. Luke's from another United Methodist church.

Kathy Simons unites with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church.

Jeanelle Bandy joins our church family as an affiliate member from another United Methodist church.

Shelby Bastin transfers to St. Luke's from another United Methodist church. She is an account manager with Carson Group Advertising.

Tom and Linda Dillon unite with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church.

Chrissy Dillon unites with our congregation with her parents, Tom and Linda Dillon, by transfer from another United Methodist church. Scott Lewis and Anna Bakharyeva join St. Luke's by profession of faith. He is an associate director for Newman Grubb Knight Frank and she is a registered nurse in neurosurgery at Methodist Hospital. They are engaged to be married. Ben and Amanda Lundquist unite with our congregation by profession of faith. He is employed by Southwest Energy and she is marketing coordinator for Jane Page Design Group. Desiree Lynch transfers from St. Luke's from another United Methodist church. She is a landman with Southwestern Energy. Jason and Amanda Ostrom join by transfer from another denomination. Jason is a partner in Ostrom Morris PLLC and Amanda is employed by Method Architecture. They are the parents of Emerson, age 7 months, and Jason's two sons Daniel, 14, and Alexander, 11.

Justin and Maggie Yee unite with St. Luke's, he by profession of faith and she by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is brand manager for Signet Interactive and she is a production manager at Rice University.

Celebrating Lives BUILDING FUND In Memory of: Jim Davenport by Jennifer & Richard Gould Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart CARING MINISTRIES In Honor of: Laura & Bill Denham by Deanna S. Wilson In Memory of: Bill Ellerbrock by Richard Durfee Debora A. Herlong by Mary Jane Ryan Thomas Frederick Jones, Jr. by Laura & Bill Denham Thomas Michael Melo by Mary Jane Ryan Jim Yarbrough by Laura & Bill Denham CCSC In Memory of: Jim Davenport by Georgene & Michael Quirke CHILDRENS MINISTRY In Honor of: Dr. Tom Pace on the baptism of Coraline Elizabeth Moses by Dr. & Mrs. Robb Moses Gene Decker Study Class by Laura & Bill Denham All of the wonderful people who made VBS such a great experience by Judy Bolling In Memory of: Jim Davenport by The Pruitt Family Bill Ellerbrock by Mary Katharine Allison Karen Bentsen Shannon & John Blake Pam & Willie Brown Kimberlee & Brad Davis Pat Deckert Jennifer & Richard Gould Gene Graham Sharon Haechten Jo Beth & Mark Hawkins Linda & Scott Kelm Meredith McKenzie Sharon McKenzie The Miller / Crosswell Family Amanda & David Nathan Kathleen & David Ownby Jan & Jeff Pawelek J.D., Cheryl & Jimmy Phillips Mary & Lance Schuler Dana & Mike Shields

Mr. & Mrs. W. M. Wheless The Youngs, Jill, Jeff, Will & Hank Esther Smith by Linda & Mark Quick CONNECTING MINISTRY In Memory of: Jim Davenport by Laura & Bill Denham FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: 20 yrs Pure Sound by Betty & Bob Geary In Memory of: Claude “Buddy” De Laney by Julie & Casey Doherty KID’S HOPE In Honor of: Marci Pampe by Jeannine Smith NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER In Honor of: Linda & Doug Christians by Vicki & Jim Keiser In Memory of: Jason Thiesfeld by Mary & Barry Brown Richard Dale Jewell Velissa ORGAN FUND In Memory of: Lynn Burke Windham, Jr. by Dylan Herberger OUTREACH MINISTRIES In Memory of: Lynn Burke Windham, Jr. by Ginger Barber Designs, Inc. Eileen Biering Joseph Bybee Mary Ann Carrico Audrey Dillon Mrs. Virginia Arnold Elkins Ruth W. Giampietro Mrs. Robert Milton Johnson Mrs. Ben Neuhaus Judy & Charles Tate Doris Tessieri Mr. & Mrs. Russell Worley, Jr. PURE SOUND In Memory of: Jim Davenport by Mary & Lance Schuler ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Honor of: William O’Block by Linda & John O’Block

In Memory of: Bette Carpenter by Martha & Frank Smith David Frank Chapman by Janet & William Head Virginia Thompson Jim Davenport by Mary & John Hasenbank Vicki & Bill Hitzhusen Wally Hladky Betty & Wade Taylor Thomas Frederick Jones, Jr. by Oveta & Bill Lucy Pat & Lee Smith Codilis & Stawiarski, P.C.- TX Betty Mohrman by John & Nancy Jungman Esther Smith by Dr. & Mrs. Edward R. Turnbull Sterling Womack by Mr. & Mrs. Demo Kouzounis STEPHEN MINISTRY In Memory of: Bill Ellerbrock by Penny Brooks Laura & Bill Denham Val Dean & Jack Read Gail & Ron Schutz THE STORY In Memory of: Bill Frick by Brenda & Richard Mercado Jason Thiesfeld by Roxie & James Campbell Adele Demchik Tere & David Dowd Ruth W. Mayson Kathy Rogers & Andy Sugalski Lloyd Thiesfeld S.R. Wingeleth WOODSHOP In Appreciation of: Terry Lefebvre by Bobbie Wisecup In Honor of: Paul Renner by Neil & Barbara Stovall In Memory of: Jim Yarbrough by Virginia Yarbrough WYCLIFFE BIBLE MINISTRIES In Memory of: Joyce Irene Wagner by Jan & George Atkinson

Caring and Sharing As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one another. Congratulations to: Tyson and Brooke Deklavs on the birth of their son, Beckett Ford Deklavs, on April 21. Proud older brother is Tanner Deklavs. Felipe and Kelley Rodriguez on the birth of their daughter, Sadie Isabel Rodriguez on May 19. Proud older brother and sister are Sebastian and Skylar Rodriguez. Clay and Kimberly Camp on the birth of their son, Hays William Camp, on May 19. Proud grandparents are Jim Sam and Margie Camp. Anna Elyse Lehmann and Travis Wayne Hancock, who were united in marriage on May 21. Thomas and Michelle Zentner on the birth of twins, Caroline DeMauri Zentner and Alston McHenry Zentner on May 21. Chita Katherine Johnson and Lane Stephen Craft, who were united in marriage on June 4. Jenny Rendon and Marcellous McZeal, who were united in marriage on June 4. Catherine Terrell Finnegan and Spencer Hollon Branch, who were united in marriage on June 11. Allison Danielle Stadter and Joseph Aaron Brown, who were united in marriage on June 11. Megan Murphy and Rob Shipley, who were united in marriage on June 11. Matt and Allyson Howard on the birth of their son, John Wayne Howard, on June 15. Reneen Yousef Dabis and Shaadi John Abughazaleh, who were united in marriage on June 18. Holly Collier Blalock and Griffin Robert Guthneck, who were united in marriage on June 25. Neil and Elizabeth Moseley on the birth of their daughter, Josephine Grace Ethun Moseley, on June 20. Proud older brother and sister are Nathaniel and Evangeline Ethun Moseley and proud grandparents are Richard and Karen Ethun. Roberta Camden Bogaev and Mark Anthony Chapman, who were united in marriage on July 9.

husband and father, William Francis Ellerbrock, on June 1. Barrett and Erin Naman, Riley and Will Naman on the death of Barrett’s father, Paul E. Naman, on June 3. Cecie and Kyle Turlington and Will, Reid, and Cate Turlington on the death of Cecie’s father, George Woodward Oge, Jr. on June 4. Debbie and Mark Cuda and Hillary, Alex, and Ellie Kuiper on the death of Debbie’s mother, Elizabeth Ochello “Betty” Watson, on June 6. Barb and Will Noel, Kathleen and Ramsay Camp, Laura and Seth Borland, and Sharon and Jason Griffin and their families on the death of Barb’s mother, Jane Luke Wick, on June 8. Madge Jones, Fred and Penny Jones, and Lillie and Freddie Jones on the death of Madge’s husband, Thomas Frederick Jones, Jr., on June 10. Sandra Robison, Chase and Beth Robison, Emily and Matt Greer and their families on the death of Sandra’s husband, James Maurice Robison, on June 10. Family and friends of Kimberly Wiseburn, who passed away on June 10. Fred Carpenter, Clare Leppert, and Lake and Katie Leppert on the death of Fred’s wife, Bette Barcus Carpenter, on June 11. Paige and Todd Johnson and Wells, John David, Pierce, Hill, and Blake Johnson on the death of Paige’s mother, Stephanie Kerr Smither, on June 11. Mike and Bonnie Stroman, Lauren and Kevin Hirshberg, Ben and Julia Stroman, Allie Stroman, and Avery Hirshberg, on the death of Mike's father, Larry J. Stroman, on June 13. Alex, Hillary, and Ellie Kuiper on the death of Alex’s father, Gary Allen Kuiper, on June 14. Jo and Bill Schorp, Patti and Don Culbert, Will and Nicole Schorp, Quinn Kroll, Juliet Kroll, and Marshall and Michael Schorp on the death of Jo’s mother, Bonnie Eloise Massey Cook, on June 16. Jennifer Johnson on the death of her nephew, Jarod Lawrence Johnson, Jr., on June 17. Rosemary Samuelson on the death of her sister, Sylvia Samuelson Tramel, on June 21. Army Gamboa on the death of his uncle, Eugene Gamboa, on June 20. Ann Yeoman on the death of her uncle, Robert F. Acker, on June 25. Nan and Larry Moore on the death of Nan’s mother, Lou Jean Combs, on June 29.

MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM. ROMANS 5:13

Our Sympathy to: Tim and Maria Hilpert and Luke and Lily Ana Hilpert on the death of Tim’s mother, Alberta L. Hilpert, on May 18. Pat and Bernice Houstoun, Rock and Tricia Houstoun and their families on the death of Pat and Rock’s uncle, John H. Lindsey, on May 20. Kristin and Johnny Vassallo, Courtney and Sam Garbo on the death of Kristin’s mother, Carol Templin, on May 21. Alicia Krouse and Kyle and Carrye Krouse and their family on the death of Alicia and Kyle’s mother, Rhetta Duty Davis, on May 28. Julie, Taylor, and Cole Ellerbrock on the death of their

If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, please contact Caring Ministries at 713-4025004 or -5156

St. Luke's Flower Dedications The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and are given in celebration, in memory or in honor of: June 5 in celebration of the baptisms of Parker True Langley and Sydney Elizabeth Langley by Aimee and Ross Langley; and in celebration of the wedding anniversaries of Leslie and Derrik Sharp and June and Jim Moore and in loving memory of Geraldine Griffin by Cynthia and John Harper; and in celebration of the baptisms of Preston McCoy Atkinson and Vivienne Lane Atkinson, son and daughter of Julianne and Geoff Atkinson by Dr. George and Jan Atkinson June 12 in loving memory of Evelyn Houstoun Chew by her children and their families; and in celebration of the baptism of William George O’Black by Mary and Weston O’Black; and in celebration of the baptism of Vivian Gray Warner by Susanne and Nick Warner and Noralyn Gray Carpenter; and in celebration of the baptism of James Anthony Keith by Amy and Braden Keith. June 19 in celebration of the baptism of Charlotte Lou Matter and Eloise Jude Matter by Chelsea and Kyle Matter June 26 in celebration of the baptism of Audrey Anne Whitley by Sara and Will Whitley; and in celebration of the June 19th baptism of Anna Kathryn Mullett by Michel and Philip Mullett. July 10 in celebration of the baptism of Grant Reed Foy by Anna and Jonathan Foy; and in celebration of the baptism of Elizabeth Catherine Kuiper by Hillary and Alex Kuiper; and in celebration of the baptisms of Charles Lusk “Charlie” Willis and Robert Cissel “Row” Willis III and in loving memory of Robert Cissel Willis, Sr. by Lauren and Robert Willis, Jr.; and in celebration of the marriage of Bobbi Bogaev and Mark Chapman. July 17 in celebration of the baptism of Catherine Elise King by Elizabeth and Ross King; and in celebration of the baptism of John Bitter Herring by Catherine and Mason Herring July 24 in celebration of the baptism of Eleanor Mae Larsen by Erin and Travis Larsen; and in celebration of the chapel baptism of John Wayne Howard by Allyson and Matt Howard July 31 in celebration of the baptism of Tyler Bradley Buster by Kelly and Todd Buster; and in celebration of the baptism of Dorothy Louise Quisenberry by Becca and Chandler Quisenberry; and in celebration of the baptisms of Samantha Jean “Sammy” Scoggins and Karrington Marie "Kit" Scoggins by Kelly and Drew Scoggins

KIDS HOPE USA builds caring relationships through the model of One Child, One Hour, One Church, One School. For 15 years, St. Luke’s members have faithfully mentored at-risk students who need someone to love them. Dealing with absent parents, going through a family divorce, learning how to get along with others, trying to appropriately express anger, overcoming shyness, and struggling academically are just a few of the issues KIDS HOPE students face. If you feel God calling you to mentor a child, or want more information, contact us. We need mentors at both Sutton and Briarmeadow Elementary Schools for the 2016-17 school year. Mentor trainings are scheduled for August 30th and September 6th from 5-8 p.m. at the Westheimer Campus, and September 1st and 8th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Gethsemane Campus. For more information contact Marci Pampe at mpampe@ stlukesmethodist.org (713-357-4466) or Karen McCarver at kmccarver@stlukesmethodist.org (713402-5152).

KIDS HOPE Mentor Peggy Harris with her mentee.