Spire February 2016 by St. Luke's UMC

Vol. 162 • No. 2 • February 1, 2016

PALMS

ASHES

StLukesMethodist.org | 713-622-5710

IN THIS ISSUE

I’M A MARKED MAN! WHY ASHES?

WHAT IF BEING A CHRISTIAN IS NOT ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT ANSWERS, BUT ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS?

JUMP ON IN...THE WATER IS FINE!

MEET MY STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Celebrating Lent & Easter with St. Luke’s WESTHIEMER CAMPUS

THE STORY HOUSTON

AN HOUR OF PRAYER AND HEALING WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT | BEGINS FEBRUARY 17 | 6 P.M.

Seasons

Dr. Tom Pace

The season of Lent is the way the church remembers a particular time in Jesus’ life — the forty days he spent in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by the devil. Most of the time, we spend our time focusing on the center of the story — the three temptations. But I want to call attention to the first and last verses:

Matthew 4:1 says ”Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights...” And then, in verse 11, “Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.” This was, indeed, a “season” in the wilderness. It had a beginning and an end. We have seasons in our lives, time periods which start and finish. Some of them are really good. Some of them are not so good. Most of them are mixtures of good and bad. We get through them. We survive them. And hopefully, in the middle of them, we learn some things about ourselves and about God. Perhaps for you, there have been: • seasons of apparent economic scarcity and seasons of economic abundance, when money is easier. • seasons of difficult health and seasons of thriving • seasons of relationship conflict and seasons of relational bliss • seasons of loneliness and seasons of great community

Sometimes the sun just doesn’t shine and your heart is heavy. And there’s fear. It could be a new diagnosis or a hurting child or a job loss or a marriage on the rocks. And there’s loneliness and despair.

Sometimes the seasons are long and other times they go by in a flash. But all of these seasons give way, eventually, to other times. As we move forward through the seasons of our own lives, even those in the wilderness, let us not miss the lessons we can learn there, and the opportunity they provide to get to know and trust God a little more.

On Wednesday evenings, beginning February 17 at 6 p.m., come inside to the warm and gentle place that is the Chapel at St. Luke’s for an intimate hour of prayer and healing for you or someone you love. Sometimes the place to fall is on your knees. 5

I AM A MARKED MAN! by Rev. Bill Denham

I’m pretty sure it was my first spring of middle school (we called it junior high school back in my day) when it happened. I noticed a few classmates with black smudges on their foreheads. When I made inquiries, my Catholic friends told me that it was Ash Wednesday. Hmmm. I figured it was just something Catholics did.

ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.

I was reared in a Protestant denomination, one that did not observe a season of Lent. Easter, more or less, consisted of two Sundays. The first was Palm Sunday when the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was celebrated with palms and joy at church. The second Sunday was Easter. The church was decorated with Easter lilies, Christ Our Lord Is Risen Today was sung, and an inspiring sermon was delivered about the resurrection of our Lord. Both were good days. They were. But unlike Christmas, which had been celebrated all month with carols and scripture, Easter was over in just a few days.

It is an outward sign that over the next forty days I am committed to growing in the reality that I am wholly and completely loved by our Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I have a special time to consider what the most perfect example of sacrificial love looks like. There is nothing I have done or could do to earn this agape love.

In my early fifties, I became a United Methodist. I was introduced to the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday. I was overwhelmed with this powerful service. The celebration of Easter, some forty days later, was all the more meaningful, all the more glorious, because my journey to the cross and Resurrection Sunday had begun with this first step. In subsequent years, having ashes imposed on my forehead and imposing them on others have resulted in an

A CROSS OF ASHES MARKED ON MY FOREHEAD IS A SIGN. IT IS THERE FOR ALL TO SEE. IT SAYS THAT I AM A MARKED MAN, AND I’M GLAD FOR IT.

The cross is a visible reminder that I am mortal. “From ashes you came,” intones the minister as his thumb rubs across my forehead, “and to ashes you shall return.” Someday I will die. I know that. Yet because of the sacrifice of Jesus, I enter his Kingdom to live in the house of the Lord forever. On Ash Wednesday I begin to process this, to really absorb it. Eternity has begun as I am drawn closer to God in this lifetime.

What if being a Christian is not about having the right answers

but asking the right questions?

of doing without chocolate, bacon, a favorite television show, whatever. Well, I certainly got that wrong. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season by replacing something, not taking away something, but replacing it. We give up something in order to put something in its place that will draw us closer to God. We dig something out in order to put something God-like in. Personally, I am going to dig a hole in the time I spend in front of the television watching Law and Order and N.C.I.S. and even Downton Abbey. I am going to fill it up by spending more time reading my Bible, in prayer and contemplation, or by journaling. I may even fill in that hole by visiting a homebound person or preparing brown bag meals to give to persons holding up signs at street intersections.

During the season of Lent, I need to get my head around the fact that God became man, so that man could become God-like. Ash Wednesday sets me on that path.

Ash Wednesday? It is a special day, the first of forty days on our calendar to be drawn closer to Jesus, remembering what he did for me and what I can do for him. My prayer is that you will worship with brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Luke’s in one of the Ash Wednesday services on February 10. The ashes that will be used are the burned remains of the palms we used in last year’s Palm Sunday services. Some of our youth prepared them for us in mid-January.

How naïve I was back in middle school. I thought that Ash Wednesday was the “opening day” of weeks

That black smudge on my forehead? It’s a cross! I am a marked man. Thanks be to God!

Dr. Tom Pace and Rev. Eric Huffman have teamed up to offer a resource that will challenge your preconceptions and deepen your faith in God. Start Here, is a six-part sermon series and small group study guide. Written as a dialogue between two preachers, Start Here tackles six of the questions on the minds of every skeptic, seeker and thoughtful believer: How can we know God exists? Who is Jesus? What does the Holy Spirit do? What is the role of the Church? What is sin, and why must it be forgiven? What do we have to look forward to? With stories, humor and theological rigor, Dr. Pace and Rev. Huffman explain how asking these simple questions can be the beginning of a more profound relationship with God and a new understanding of God’s vision for the world through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. “What is the defining ingredient of life? What is it that makes life worth living? What is it that is the foundational element of all of human existence? What is the “why” that makes us do whatever “what” it is that we do? At the core of my being, I believe it is love. When I pray to God as Father, I am claiming a relationship of love with the artist, the one who created us as well as everything else. I am acknowledging love as the core element and ingredient of the life itself. That love is lived out

in my relationships with other people, but its source is the relationship I have with its creator.” -Dr. Tom Pace, Start Here, Chapter One “This is the logical conundrum for those who appreciate Jesus as an inspired philosopher but nothing more: if you sincerely trust the New Testament authors enough to accept their claims about Jesus’ existence and the substance of his teachings, then you’re bound by logic to trust their supernatural claims, too. A popular modern sentiment is that we should store Jesus on the same shelf as the Buddha, Aristotle, and Gandhi; he’s an inspiring man, to be sure, but just a man. I’ve even heard thoughtful, educated Christians suggest this approach as a way of following Jesus without disrespecting other religions. But there can be no such thing as Jesus the really great guy. Based on the only reports we have about his life, if he wasn’t God incarnate, he was a monstrous fraud.” -Rev. Eric Huffman, Start Here, Chapter Two At the end of every chapter, Dr. Pace and Rev. Huffman offer guiding questions and key Bible verses for small groups to explore together. Start Here begins Sunday, February 14, at all St. Luke’s and The Story Houston worship services, and it will continue through the season of Lent. If you’re not already involved in a Small Group or Sunday School class, this will be a great time to get connected! If you already have a group, this will be the perfect opportunity to invite new people to join you. Visit www.stlukesmethodist.org/lift to sign up for a group today! Contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@ stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5009 for more info.

it is finished.

SEE MORE PICTURES>> #STLUKESDNOW2016

A hush fell over the city of Houston on the afternoon of January 17 as more than 150 students made their ways home and fell asleep almost immediately. This was the glorious result of a weekend spent worshipping our risen Lord, whose story didn’t end with the cross and His last spoken word, “Tetelestai” (translated: “It Is Finished”). This phrase was the theme of DNow this year, and Blake Bergstrom did an incredible job bringing God’s message through his powerful words. After each of four sessions throughout the weekend, our volunteer adult and college leaders spent time with their small groups discussing the challenges and revelations they’d just heard. These conversations are the real heart of our annual DNow weekend. Scattered through hallways and courtyards at St. Luke’s and living rooms all over Houston, our Middle and High School students found the opportunity to ask their tough questions and lift up any worries on their hearts. This is a weekend that changes lives and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Sundays 9:30 & 11:05aA.M.

What a difference a year makes by Eric Huffman, Lead Pastor of The Story Houston On Sunday, February 21, The Story Houston will celebrate our first birthday! That’s right, it has been a year since St. Luke’s dream of a new faith community reaching new Houstonians for Jesus became a reality, and what an extraordinary year it has been. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s happened at The Story this year: • • • •

ministries would take shape. A group of new members took charge, initiated local outreach with Jubilee Prison Ministries and A 2nd Cup, Inc. We also sent a team of 27 people to serve with GO! Ministries in the Dominican Republic last summer, and this June we’ll send over 30 people to the D.R.! We’ve welcomed nearly 100 new members, baptized dozens of adults and infants, and celebrated as many more people recommitted their lives to Jesus! The number of baptisms, recommitments, and new members will continue to rise in 2016 as people complete our (somewhat rigorous) membership process.

• Our goal was to reach 300 people in Sunday worship by the end of our first year. So far in 2016, we are averaging 529 people in worship on Sunday mornings! We anticipated needing a second worship service by Easter of 2016, but to make room for all our guests, we started a 9:30 a.m. service in November 2015! We hoped to have 150 people involved in small groups and service teams; we’ve got 325 people engaged in We have a lot to celebrate and to be thankful for. Please small groups and teams! join us Sunday, February 21, at 9:30 or 11:05 a.m. for a We weren’t sure how our missions and outreach celebration of The Story Houston’s first birthday!

Frequently asked questions >> The Story Houston Many people around St. Luke’s still have a lot of questions about this new worship community. This is our second part in a series of frequently asked questions answered by Pastor Eric Huffman.

What have been the keys to The Story’s successful launch?Aside from the obvious answers (God’s gracious provision, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit), I’d have to say it has been our commitment to involvement. I’m glad we have a good number of people coming to worship, but what really gets me going is the number of people

who are actively engaging The Story’s Chapters and Teams. We’ve created a culture where involvement is expected, and now we’re having to constantly start new Teams and Chapters just to keep up. Geovanna is our Discipleship Pastor, and she has led these efforts with passion and precision. In what ways is TSH connected to St. Luke’s? In just about every way, really. My wife, Geovanna, and I are ordained United Methodist pastors, appointed to

St. Luke’s by the bishop of the Texas Annual Conference. Dr. Pace is my direct supervisor, and we meet every Monday morning to talk and pray. Everyone who joins The Story becomes a member of St. Luke’s, and every dollar that is given through The Story is handled by St. Luke’s phenomenal Finance Office. The Story benefits from working closely with St. Luke’s Children’s Ministries, Student Ministries, Day School, Communications and Media and other ministry departments as well!

AND IT'S ANOTHER ST. LUKE'S.... SOUPER BOWL OF CARING!

WE GIVE OURSELVES AWAY

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 8:30 A.M.-12 P.M.

Super Bowl Sunday, or as it’s known at St. Luke’s, “Souper Bowl Sunday,” is just around the corner. Each year, we work to raise awareness of hunger, and come together to make a difference. One in four children in Texas experience food insecurity, which means they go to bed hungry at night not knowing where they will get their next meal. Without consistent access to food, let alone fresh, healthy food, they are not able to learn, grow and thrive.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL...with Katie Mears

Interested in experiencing the kind of love and support that Katie has come to know through small groups? Contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@ stlukesmethodist.org. New small groups and learning communities are being launched right now!

I used to slip out of my bedroom on Monday nights when I was a kid so I could sneak a peek at the gathering in the den. My parents and their friends would all be sitting in a circle of chairs, each with a Bible and a slice of pie in front of them. They were usually caught in animated discussion, but every now and then someone would be crying or they would all be laughing hysterically. My parents’ small group extended past the Monday evening Bible study… they showed up for one another in a myriad of ways. They traveled together, raised their kids together, and were there at the pivotal moments in each others’ lives. When my dad had emergency surgery a few years ago, it was this group that kept watch with us at the hospital for hours and days on end. I snuck in to the den on those Monday evenings long ago because the grown-up

gathering seemed interesting, but I became captivated when I realized it was life-giving.

My husband Whitney and I have been fortunate enough to find our own group of people that “show up” for us here at St. Luke’s. We’ve had long conversations about life and priorities over boxes of delivery pizza, consoled one another and helped pack each others’ houses when jobs caused members of our group to move away from Houston, shared insights about scripture through text messages, and celebrated each others’ promotions and new babies as if they were our own.

lit up and we began making plans. The next thing you know, we were congregated in the waiting room at Texas Children’s with bottles of smuggled-in wine and endless hugs. We didn’t know what to do in such a desperate situation but show up, and against all odds, that was exactly right. I have a tendency towards intellectualizing my faith and I too often find myself reading scripture like a textbook. To be totally honest, I’m guilty of putting more emphasis on knowing about God than on knowing God intimately. This might make me a good seminary student, but it sure doesn’t make me a faithful person. If left to my own devices, I end up ignoring God’s love and grace for the sake of scholarship. But in the midst of community, I can’t help but see the presence of God. I am restored to wholeness over and over again when I open myself to experiencing God’s love through other people.

“In the midst of community, I can’t help but see

THE PRESENCE OF GOD.” Mostly, they say, “me too” or “I will see you through this” when I am struggling or confused. Our friend’s 10-month-old daughter was hospitalized a few months ago. Our ‘prayer chain’ group text message

On February 7, in addition to enjoying the big game, pick up some extra non-perishable items at the grocery store and bring them to church in the morning. Donations will go directly to the Christian Community Service Center Food Pantries, which serve neighbors at both our Westheimer and Gethsemane campuses. Donation drop off points will be under the porte-cochere on Edloe, at the Chapel ramp entrance, and Sanctuary entrance on Westheimer. For more information, contact Erica Stark at 713-357-4471 or estark@stlukesmethodist.org.

Most needed it ems: Dry beans and rice Canned meat Peanut butter Canned soup Cereal Deodorant Toothbrushes

THE HOUSTON PROJECT

Committee was established in 1977 to provide grants to organizations whose work enriches the quality of life in the greater Houston area. Today, the Houston Project provides not only needed funds, but volunteer support as well. Since its inception, the total amount donated by St. Luke’s through the Houston Project is $6,265,182. THE 2015 HOUSTON PROJECT COMMITTEE VOTED TO AWARD $100,000 IN GRANTS TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS: • Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos Inc.—Fund a live-in house parent for one year to provide loving care for at-risk special need youngsters • Emergency Aid Coalition—Work boots and work pants for 150 working poor • Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston—Help resettle refugees in the Gulfton area through IM’s Refugee Services department. • Neighbors in Action, Inc.—Purchase a 15-passenger van to transport children to activities • Spaulding for Children—Digitize adoption records to comply with state law • Spring Branch Community Health Center—Fund two portable ultrasound machines to provide obstetric services and support the Becoming a Mom program • Trees of Hope—New shoes and socks for 300 homeless children at Star of Hope to begin school year 2016 • Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers-Southwest—Transportation for medical appointments for seniors in need in the Gulfton area Mathew Axcell Katie Bailey Ginger Blanton Cookie Boeker Bill Boyd

ST. LUKE’S APPRECIATES THE VALUABLE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE 2015 COMMITTEE: Gus Brann Rich Gould Cassandra McZeal Mary Jane Ryan Doug Culver Lorry Harju Cathy Myers Mary Schuler, Chair Sue Farrell Judy Hollinger Becky Palmer David Swift Bryan Fisher Kevin Holmes Dianna Patterson Don Wagner Margaret Funderberg David McCarver Teri Peterson Carol Willis J Gaut Steve Primrose

WE TELL OUR STORIES

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

The Shook’s Story

Jump on in. The water is fine! by Michael and Shella Shook Shella and I moved to Bellaire in 2013 and once we were settled in, we agreed that finding a new church close to where we lived was important to us both. I have always believed that you didn’t necessarily judge a church by just the pastor’s ability to preach, but also by the involvement, the attitudes and direction of the active people in the church. The only way for us to choose a new church was to find a church with a pastor whose sermons we both found meaning in and involve ourselves in a small group that we both enjoyed learning from and serving with. In our world, we believe churches are a place where you meet people on their Christian journeys and support one another through connection and service to God. So, with these criteria in hand, we began to visit Methodist churches in the Bellaire area. In each case, we visited both the contemporary service and a Sunday

school class which was appropriate for our age group. After visiting four churches, we were still searching and ended up finding St. Luke’s online. One visit to the Encounter service, hearing Tom preach, and one visit to the Horizons class, let us know that this was a place where we could get plugged in. St. Luke’s reminded me of the experience I had in Metairie, Louisiana at Munholland United Methodist Church, where I had last really “plugged into” a church. Shella found meaning in the Sunday School lessons and Tom’s weekly sermons and told me that we could not miss the next Sunday because she was so excited to know what was going on at St. Luke’s! She was afraid she was going to miss something that would help her in her daily life. Within a month of our first visit, I set up an office visit with Dr. Pace to discuss a road block that Shella wanted to overcome

in her life. You see, from a very young age, people, even church people, had somehow set up obstacles in Shella’s path so she did not feel at home in any church. As a result, Shella had never been baptized, and it created angst and obstacles to spiritual growth and truly diving in to a church community. While she had accepted Christ into her life on many private occasions, and her life often reflected God’s love in her service to others as a nurse, she had never spoken with anyone about being baptized. By acknowledging Shella’s fears and dealing with them in a very positive way, Shella pushed aside the road block and made the decision to be baptized in the Encounter Service. We joined the church as full members at that same time. It is important to know, that you don’t have to be baptized or members of St. Luke’s to participate in everything at St. Luke’s. Our decision to join as members had more to do with our wanting to be part of the membership family for us, as a commitment to St. Luke’s. Since that time, Shella and I have been active in leading the Horizons Sunday School class, participating in small groups like Unbinding your Heart, leading a LIFT group study on Tuesday nights and serving with Kid’s Meals and all church service days. We have also sponsored six couples at Coffee with the Pastor and enjoy seeing new members come into the life of St. Luke’s. A Message From Dr. Tom Pace “At a church like St. Luke’s, a new member can jump in and find a place to belong. Church isn’t just about following Jesus; it is about following Jesus with other people. It is about, as Paul says in Philippians, a “partnership in the gospel.” Those friendships we make when we join in something, whether it be a Sunday school class or a small group or a mission trip or ministry team. In the end, it is almost always about relationships.”

Meet My

Steel Magnolias

When strangers become family by Rev. Thomas Harper Each time I step into a room with a new group I am anxious. I wonder: Will I get along with the other people? What if they don’t like what I have to say? What if someone in the group is difficult and needs extra grace? When I lead I often wonder if I will be well received. Will people get involved and join the conversation? Is the study the right one? So many questions... so many opportunities for spiritual growth. How will it go? Last fall, I began a new Monday morning LIFT (Living in Faith Together) Group, and all the same anxieties came with me. I was the only male in a group of women from all different ages and stages of life. I was worried that my presence might be a barrier to us becoming a community. Our first meeting was the “getting to know you stage” with a lot of short answers of little depth and a healthy focus on the agenda for the day. Some people talked a lot while others, depending on their comfort level, barely spoke but I did come away with the feeling that everyone was “all in” for these eight weeks. And this is how my “Steel Magnolias” were born. The first couple of weeks went well but nothing out of the ordinary happened. From a Steel Magnolia: “We found as we first gathered that our differences in age, background and life experience were not as significant as why we were here—to begin a better understanding of God’s word and its relevance and effect on our lives. We quickly became comfortable in sharing our stories, tears and laughter as we took time to exhale.”

It was the halfway point of our time together that God did an amazing thing in our group. At the start of each session we would share a bit about our lives, update each other on past prayer requests, and answer a silly question that we call “boundary breakers.” That particular week’s penetrating question was, “if you could be a Disney princess which one would you be?” After we had made it around the room, I was ready to start our scripture reading for the day when one of the members of my group cut me off. She said, “I need to say something, God has put it on my heart to share this with you all and he has confirmed it by some of the things you have said this morning.”

where it is hard to breathe and you fall to your knees because you are soultired, well, that is a blessing indeed. Our small-group leader, our Sherpa, set the tone for our group, establishing a culture of trust and respect and caring for one another. He has always been prepared and kind. But we have brought our courage, and we have brought our tears. We have chosen to risk being vulnerable with each other, and feeling lighter, we have climbed higher. We have shared our wisdom. Most importantly, we have prayed for one another. That has been the rope that has tied us together in loving support.”

As I watched all the walls come down in our group I was amazed that God Before she got too far into it she began would use random statements or to cry, and I knew then that God had questions to nudge us to open up and different plans for that session. Nothing share the weight on our hearts. Our that we planned to talk about was as conversations are deeper and much important as what God more vulnerable, and there was doing in that is a sense of spiritual moment. Putting intimacy in the room. the book aside, By the end of the eight we listened weeks I realized that as this brave I had a front row woman shared seat to experience what was at the the powerful center of her transformation that heart over the only God can do past year. People through people who cried with her and intentionally share life offered advice from together. We pray for one their own life experience, another during the week and but mostly we just listened and were send group text messages back and present as she shared her story. After forth when we have joys or concerns. It this experience, our group was no is nice to have a group of people with longer made of strangers who had come whom I am in constant connection. If together to do a study for eight weeks, I have a prayer request I know that my we were a spiritual family; one that Steel Magnolias will be praying for me would be there for each other as we each night and will want to know about walked down the pathway together. it at our next meeting.

Nothing that we planned to talk about was as important as what God was doing in that moment.

From another Steel Magnolia: “There is a time in everyone’s life when the going feels like climbing Everest. Life is hard. To climb Everest with someone at your side is an opportunity not everyone gets. To climb with women and a man who are experienced climbers, who have been

Each Monday morning at group time, I don’t feel anxious. I feel excitement to be with my sisters who bless me by their honesty, humility and love. I find myself looking forward to rejuvenating my soul. And do you know what happens then? I love others better during the week.

WE MAKE FRIENDS

Something for everyone At St. Luke’s it is our heartfelt desire for members to find community in Christ with other believers. We have many offerings for adults ranging from Sunday school classes to small group studies throughout the week. We asked members from various life stages to reflect on how their spiritual community has changed their lives, and these are their stories. In early 2014, I was an atheist who relocated to Houston. External things (academics, work) were my high power, but I never felt grounded and wanted an answer to what I really believed. Like in the parable of the sower, I’d been the hard, rocky soil. I visited Luminous class, and the first week had an Adam Hamilton lesson on how to negotiate the biblical story of creation with scientific evolution! With topics like this, and the diverse membership of Luminous, I knew I had found an environment where I could explore what I spiritually believed. Through this, I came to believe in God, and became an official member of St. Luke’s in October 2014. Luminous is the foundation of my transformed life – small groups, Sunday mornings, and weekly Luminous social events are all activities that led me to flip my priorities. Now, rather than being externallydriven, I’m God-driven! Matt W., 20-something

Members of the Good Will Class

The Three Strands Class has grown from being a place we “checked in” on Sunday mornings to a community of people with whom we spend time throughout the week. Our friends there have shared in our joys and sorrows, and we in theirs. From being the first to show up with hot meals when our son arrived, and those calling to pray with us when Mom was battling cancer, we’ve had friends with us as we’ve grown in our faith. Catherine W., 30-something

Many people feel a strong need to be relational, to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to have friends, and I’ve found this to be true in all I do at St. Luke’s. I know that I am growing in my faith as I journey through life with my friends, old and new, through the Genesis Class, the God & Girlfriends small group, volunteering at the Food Pantry, even being a part of the Houston Project. I know that in good times, bad times, and everyday in-between times, I am surrounded by people who are experiencing their journeys, and we are with each other in faith. Mary S., 50-something Growing up, Sundays were spent at the golf course. After a divorce, though, I realized that something was missing from my life that golf wasn’t going to help. It was time for a change, and going to church seemed like a good start. I visited St. Luke’s in 1997 and found home. Looking back, the church has filled me in more ways than I could have imagined. Being single, I’ve made numerous friends here, and St. Luke’s is now a focal point in my weekly life. The Singles Community that we have here has given me an opportunity to socialize with others that share some of my experiences— and provided a safe atmosphere for making friends with good, moral Christians (which is hard to find elsewhere!). Moreover, St. Luke’s has brought me together with Christians who support me, and let me support them in turn. It’s a blessing! –Jon N., 50-something

When I joined St. Luke’s in 2012, I heard several sermons that encouraged me to just do it and step out of box to get more involved. I visited several groups, then found the Gene Decker Study Class. They’ve become my church family—we pray for each other, we’re concerned about each other, we celebrate joys together, laugh, share meals and have fun together. The class has enriched my life. I now feel like I’m home in this wonderful church and with this Sunday morning class community filled with such kind and caring members. Cheryl L., 60-something My spiritual community is the foundation of my life. The experiences of studying the Bible together and sharing our lives with each other are immeasurable to my Christian growth. Fannie P., 70-something We re-joined St. Luke’s a couple years ago, and at a meeting for new members Tom Pace promised that, if we found a church group to get involved in, we would more completely experience the life of St. Luke’s. After we found the Good Will Class, his point on participation became apparent! In addition to Sunday Morning Class involvement, Pam has taken Disciple 1, and other Bible Study classes, and volunteers at Hospitality Apartments. We both took part in Unbinding your Heart. Bob has joined Men’s Life, and the friendships developed there have become some of his life’s treasures. Three years ago, we had no idea what sort of changes would happen in our everyday spiritual lives, but we’ve seen our closeness to God grown as we’ve developed an ease in finding words of thanks, asking forgiveness, and asked for guidance. Pam & Bob H., 70-somethings I’ve been a member here since 1953, and I’m so grateful for the church’s influence on each member of our family (all three of our sons received their third grade Bibles here). I can’t imagine not being

actively involved in a place as exciting as St. Luke’s! In addition to volunteering with everything from office help to teaching Sunday School, I also sang in the choir for 42 years, and have been a long-time member of the Randy Smith Bible Study Class. Many of my closest friendships have grown out of that class and the choir. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without the caring support and inspiration of the ministers, staff members and relationships of these past 62 years. Joanne M. 80-something We moved here in 1963, and the first “community” we found was St. Luke’s. Ed was flying/traveling with NASA, and we needed a nurturing Christian environment for our elementary-aged children. Through the past 50 years, we have found personal spiritual support as we unexpectedly lost family members; when our “surprise child” was born with a breathing issue; and when our first grandson was born with a leg that wasn’t formed properly. We have had the joy of instruction in Bible study with the Randy Smith Bible Study Class, where shared fellowship has broadened our faith and encouraged us to simply share our stories with anyone. We got further involved with small groups eight years ago, and I’m now part of a LIFT group, which has proven to be source of strength in a shaky world. I am grateful for having been “schooled” in trust and hope and the power of prayer. Praise for the power of faith! Babs S., 80-something

Members of Journey2Gether

Members of Engaging God’s Word

ST. LUKE’S

LIFE

divorce. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The series covers a different topic each week for 13 weeks to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Program cost is $20. Free childcare is available with advanced reservation online at www.stlukesmethodist.org/childcarerequest.

MUSIC & FINE ARTS Rotunda Gallery Artist of the Month John Borden Evans

episodes of Gilligan’s Island, The Andy Griffith Show, and Leave it to Beaver. Admission by donation. Music Man auditions February 29 & March 1 | 6-9:30 p.m. Interested in being on the stage this summer? Tapestry Players will produce two musicals this summer, including Music Man on July 28-31. Visit www.stlukesmethodist.org/tapestry-auditions to find out more and reserve your audition time.

NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER 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 as 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 fit. To learn more about all of our ministry groups, visit www.stlukesmethodist.org/ministries.

GROUPS Alpha: Exploring questions and doubts about God Tuesdays, beginning February 9 7 p.m. | Activity Center Alpha is an opportunity to explore questions and doubts about God and the Bible in a casual, unassuming atmosphere. Whether you’re a nonreligious skeptic or a lifelong Christian, Alpha will be a fun, meaningful way to spend ten Tuesday nights. We’ll gather in The Story Houston’s worship space (Activity Center), where we’ll share a meal before Pastor Eric Huffman and other TSH leaders will facilitate the conversations on questions like these: • Who is Jesus and why did he have to die? • Why and how do I pray? • Why and how should I read the Bible? • Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do? • How can I make the most of the rest of my life? DivorceCare Support Group Tuesdays, January 19-April 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | R22 Contact: Susan Silvus, ssilvus@gmail.com Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and 18

The Faces Men Wear | Men’s Life | Led by Dr. Tom Pace Wednesdays, 6:30-8 a.m. | Fellowship Hall Register: www.stlukesmethodist.org/mens-life Learning to be who we are in the face of who we are expected to be. Men’s Life encourages men to be their best. We invite men of all ages to join Dr. Tom Pace for teaching, a light breakfast, and round-table discussion about real-life issues and life-approaches related to men. Go With Grace | Led by Dr. Linda Christians Thursdays, 7:15-8:30 a.m. | Hines Baker Room Contact: Kathy Neely, 713-402-5139 Register: www.stlukesmethodist.org/form_go-with-grace Join this community of women seeking to know God more intimately through Bible study, prayer and fellowship. GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays, February 2-April 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hines Baker Room Contact: Shelley Quillin, squillin@stlukesmethodist.org Someone I loved has died. The funeral is past. The flowers are dead, the cards have stopped coming, and the casseroles are all eaten. I am beginning to process my loss. Can St. Luke’s do anything to help me work through my grief? The answer to this question is yes—absolutely yes. Join Rev. Bill Denham as he leads this Christian-based GriefShare group for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. Open to the public. A $20 donation is suggested to cover program costs. Free childcare is available with advanced reservation online.

We welcome Charlottesville, Virginia-based painter John Borden Evans to the Rotunda Gallery for the month of February. Thirty-four years ago, he and his wife moved to an old farm house in North Garden, Virginia. They raised two children there, and now John spends a lot of time looking after his four grandchildren who all live nearby. He enjoys working in his garden, building things and being a good neighbor. Over the years, John’s textured acrylic paintings have become more and more about place—his immediate environment, the cattle fields, the trees, the fences and the skies. His work has been shown in numerous galleries across the South, including Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Nashville, Columbia, SC and Raleigh, NC. Come to the gallery this month to view his work and leave a note for him in our guestbook. Be sure to like his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ JohnBordenEvans. A portion of gallery proceeds helps to build and maintain the permanent art collection at St. Luke’s. Lenten Recital Series | Chapel Thursdays, beginning February 11 | 12:05 p.m. Our annual Lenten Concert Series kicks off on Thursday, February 11 at 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel and continues each Thursday throughout the Lenten season. Designed for reflection and meditation, these 25-minute recitals feature some of the best musicians in Houston. There is no admission charge, however a free will offering will be received. Tapestry Players presents Must See TV! February 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Rotunda Theatre February 28 | 2:30 p.m. | Rotunda Theatre Join Tapestry Players, our resident theater troupe, as they present Must See TV — classic television brought to life in the Rotunda Theater, featuring

Let’s Gather Together & Break… Crawfish April 2 | 1-5 p.m. | Firehouse Saloon Details: www.finnegancounseling.org/crawfish-boil Eating together creates a sense of community similar to what Jesus did with his disciples. Come experience a similar kind of togetherness by sharing a meal with friends, family and community at Crack ‘em for a Cause crawfish boil benefitting St. Luke’s counseling ministry: Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (NFCC). The sixth annual all-you-can-eat fundraiser is April 2 at Firehouse Saloon, 5930 Southwest Freeway, from 1-5 p.m. Since NFCC selfsustaining ministry of St. Luke’s, event proceeds offset the cost of counseling allowing NFCC to provide exceptional services at affordable rates. Purchase $40 tickets in advance or enjoy the communal aspect of standing in line at the event for $45 tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; or 713-402-5127. Parenting 101 NFCC Counselors will provide talks on different topics this spring. Free to attend. No RSVP required. Discipline That Works February 4 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Grady Middle School Technology/Social Media Safety February 5 | 9-9:30 a.m. | Roberts Elementary Getting Your Kids to Listen February 8 | 8:15-8:45 a.m. | Condit Elementary Healthy Teen Relationships February 9 | 6-6:30 p.m. | Pershing Middle School

CHILDREN

Third Grade Bibles On Sunday, January 10, more than 90 third graders received Bibles during worship. Afterwards, our families gathered in the Fellowship Hall to celebrate with a fantastic brunch featuring a do-it-yourself hot cocoa bar. Thank you to St. Luke’s member, Carrie Prewett, for personalizing each Bible with her beautiful calligraphy before Dr. Pace signed them. The fun resumed on Friday, January 29, when the third graders participated in a fun evening exploring the church and their new Bibles at our Annual Third Grade Bible Exploration. The children enjoyed dinner, played games, went on a scavenger hunt and created their very own Bible covers to protect their new Bibles as they transport them to and from Sunday School. The evening concluded with music and worship in the Youth Chapel. We are so happy to have so many children faithfully participating in church activities and grateful for their parents who volunteer and encourage their participation! Paid in Full Workshop: Finding Money to Pay for Children with Special Needs Saturday, February 6 | 9-11 a.m. | Fellowship Hall RSVP: www.stlukesmethodist.org/paidinfull Contact: Bevin, pmpals@stlukesmethodist.org Do you have a child with special needs and are interested in finding scholarships and grants to help pay for therapy and medicine? This workshop, presented by Sheletta Brundridge, will help parents and caregivers learn how to look for resources on the internet and complete a mock application. Parents may find it helpful to bring their insurance card, Social Security number, driver’s license, medical records, therapist or equipment bills, certification of child’s diagnosis, photo of child and 2014 tax statement.

Children’s Lenten Prayer Initiative The Lenten season has begun, and we are excited to once again focus on a prayer initiative with our

children. We will ask our children, their families, their teachers and our staff to pray for the children and Sunday morning leaders of our church throughout the season of Lent. This activity is simple and fun, yet so powerful and glorifying! In Sunday school, beginning February 14, children will receive a plastic Easter egg containing The Lord’s Prayer and names for whom you and your child will pray each day during that week. We encourage you to pray with your child each day, beginning with The Lord’s Prayer, then asking for God’s blessings for the children and Sunday morning leaders listed. Each child will pick up a new egg in Sunday School with new names to pray for that week. However, if you are unable to attend church any Sunday during Lent, please continue this prayer focus with your child by using those same names until your child returns and receives a new egg. May God bless you and keep you during this Lenten season as you and your family focus on prayers for others.

STUDENTS Big Game Watch Party February 7 | 5:30 p.m. High School students are invited to watch the Superbowl with us in the Youth Chapel. Bring $10 for food. Ash Wednesday | February 10 | 6:30-8 p.m. Small Groups are relocated to the church this week so our students and leaders can attend the Ash Wednesday service. This is always a beautiful evening of worship and reflection. We will meet outside the sanctuary and walk in together, then head to the attic for dinner afterward. Bring $10 for food. College Prep for High School Seniors February 17 & 21 We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Eric Huffman as he leads our College Prep class Wednesday, February 17. All 12th grade students are invited to this opentable discussion. High School Camping Trip Inks Lake | February 26-28 Contact: jpatty@stlukesmethodist.org Ready to get out of the busy city and leave your stress behind? For our high school students, this desire is fulfilled with a weekend at Inks Lake! Do you want to sleep under the stars? Cook your own food? Go on a hike and swim in a lake? Then join Joseph Patty and the high school team for a weekend in the hill country.

ADULTS Spring Learning Communities Contact: Adrianne McGee, 713-402-5031 To register for any of the Learning Communities below, visit www.stlukesmethodist.org/signups. The United Methodist Church: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Sundays, beginning February 21 | 5:30-7 p.m. Led by Rev. Thomas Harper With everything that is going on in our world today have you ever wondered what our response as a church should be? Have you come from a different denominational tradition and wanted to know what makes a Methodist a Methodist? Or maybe you have grown up in the Methodist Church your whole life and still want to know? What does the United Methodist Church officially say about the current cultural issues of our day? Over the course of this six-week study we will look at the history and theology of the United Methodist Church in order to tackle some of the more difficult cultural questions that the Church faces today.

Start Here: Lent 2016 Living in Faith Together (LIFT) Group Opportunities Beginning February 14 Contact: Rev. Thomas Harper, 713-402-5009 Register: www.stlukesmethodist.org/lift A new churchwide small group study co-written by Dr. Tom Pace and Rev. Eric Huffman. If you are not currently in a LIFT group or would like to join a new group, be sure to register today! Journey 2Gether Singles Events February 7 | After Church Lunch | 12:30 p.m. Amazon Grill, 5114 Kirby February 14 | After Church Lunch | 12:30 p.m. Skeeter’s, 5529 Weslayan February 21| After Church Lunch | 12:30 p.m. Corner Bakery, Hwy. 59 @ Kirby

February 24 | Game Night | 7:00 p.m. Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk St. February 28 | After Church Lunch |12:30 p.m. Table 57, 5898 San Felipe

SENIOR ADULTS Mainstreamer Day Luncheon and Program Healthy Homes Fall Prevention Program Thursday, February 11 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Senior Adult Reservation Line: 713-402-5087 Did you know that one in three adults 65 years and older experiences a fall every year? Come to this program to learn more about ways to prevent falls from the representative of the Healthy Homes Fall Prevention Program sponsored by the Harris County Area Agency on Aging. Buffet lunch ($10) following the program. Please RSVP. Invite a friend to come with you! Mainstreamer Day Trip Friday, February 19 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Custom Tour of the Historic Houston Heights Senior Adult Reservation Line: 713-402-5087 Join us to hear the history of the area, learn about some of its more famous residents over the years, learn the stories of stately homes, churches and other buildings along tree-lined streets, as well as interesting facts about the vibrant Heights community of today. Lunch will be at a popular area dining spot. Cost for the tour is $10. Lunch, morning coffee and refreshments are extra. This trip is currently filled and in wait list status. If you would like to be added to the wait list, contact Marlys Barry at 713-402-5008 or mbarry@stlukesmethodist.org. Retirement Community Familiarization Tour February 17 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Brookdale West University – Senior Living Solutions Contact: Marlys Barry, 713-402-5008 Come along as we continue our visits to area independent living and assisted living facilities. Learn about what is available, what services are offered, costs, what it is like to live with a community of other people, what you need to learn, even if you don’t think you want to make a move and more. Our visit will include a tour of the facilities, including apartments and all the other amenities, an opportunity to meet and talk with some residents and have lunch in the dining room. Transportation provided from St. Luke’s. 21

Monday Bridge Group | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | R25 Contact: Kathy Austin, 713-252-6727 All are welcome at this growing, informal group interested in learning or brushing up on bridge played by Goren rules. AARP Safe Driving Class February 23 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. St. John the Divine Episcopal Church Contact: 713-354-2264 Cost for the Smart Driver Course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for others. You need not be an AARP member to take the course, but you must be at least 50 years of age.

WOMEN Shrove Tuesday Luncheon | February 9 Check-in 10:30 a.m. | Lunch 11 a.m. The Church of St. John the Divine Hall Life Center The women of The Church of St. John the Divine and St. Luke’s invite you to join them at their annual Shrove Tuesday Luncheon. Guest Speaker will be Jill Lein, wife of St. John the Divine Rector, The Rev. Dr. Clay Lein. RSVP by February 4 to 713-402-5094.

UMW Night Circle February 16 | 6:30 p.m. | Adria Baker’s home Adria will lead the program, “Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs” using Colossians 3:16 as a scriptural reference. All women of St. Luke’s and their friends are welcome. Bring your favorite passage from Psalms, a contemporary Christian song, or a hymn to share. Fellowship with light refreshments is at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. For more information contact Pat Deckert, patdeckert@sbcglobal.net.

GETHSEMANE Gethsemane Construction Celebration March 6 | 11 a.m. | Worship 12:30 p.m. | Lunch All are welcome to a special worship service on March 6 celebrating the completion of construction at Gethsemane. We will worship in the sanctuary at 11 and have a potluck meal in the new Canterbury Hall. All are invited to bring food. Our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Tom Pace, and our friend, Rev. Justin Coleman, will speak.

If you want to become active in the United Methodist Women or have questions on how to join, please contact our UMW President, JoNell Beadle at jnpohl@ yahoo.com or (614) 736-2682. Shalom Circle | February 2 | 9:30 a.m. Chicky Fowler’s home The topic is Created for Happiness, Understanding Your Life in God. For directions and more information contact May Jee at 713-771-3279. UMW Westheimer Book Group February 8 | 10:30 a.m. | Hines Baker Room All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr For more information contact Dorothy Voss, 713660-7243. UMW Gethsemane Book Group February 13 | 9:30 a.m. | Barbara Fogt’s home The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks For directions and more information contact Jo Ann Smith at 713-686-5859.

UMW Service Group | February 15 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | R23 Our project this month is to stuff plastic Easter eggs for the children’s egg hunt. For more information contact Mary White at marywhite3997@att.net.

Valentine’s Dinner Party February 17 | 5:30 p.m. Children will host a special dinner in honor of our couples who have been married 50 or more years. These special lovebirds are asked to RSVP to Amy Kelley at akelley@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-3574464 to reserve your special table. CONNECT Community | Valentine’s Pop Up Party February 13 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Connect Community Partners are hosting a Valentine’s Pop Up Party on Saturday, February 13 at the Gethsemane Campus. This community event will include cookie decorating, Valentine’s Day card making and great conversations about the love we have for Southwest Houston. We are in need of volunteers for the event for hands on fun. If you are not the “crafty” type, and would like to provide heart shaped sugar cookies or cookie decorations, please contact Amy Kelley at akelley@stlukesmethodist.org. Gethsemane Silver Circle February 24 | 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact: Betsy Evans, 281-565-0348 Enjoy a morning of games and conversation, with lunch and birthday celebrations at noon. Cost for lunch is $5.

WAYS TO SERVE

Gethsemane Workday March 5 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Our church needs some spring cleaning, and we want you to help! On Saturday, March 5, we will be painting three rooms in our adult education wing as well as the hallway. This space is used four days a week, mornings and evenings, for our GED and ESL classes. We will also have other projects ready if enough volunteers show up. All ages are welcome. Children’s Ministries | I Love Books Day! February 14 | 11:30 a.m. Children are invited to come to a book swap in the Children’s Worship Room, #1307, during Children’s Worship. Children are asked to bring a used book they would like to share with someone else and in return, they may take home some used children’s books. Literacy and love go hand in hand!

Do you have an extra hour once a month to give in service to St. Luke’s on Sunday mornings? Volunteers are needed in so many ways to help make Sundays a blessing for our members and guests. Whether you are a “people-person” or a “behind-the-scenes person” there is a place for you to serve! For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Gould, Director of Adult & Connecting Ministries at 713-402-5084 or jgould@ stlukesmethodist.org. Christian Friends: Assist guests who are interesting in joining the church. Connection Center Volunteers: Give 30 minutes on Sunday morning to connect people into volunteer opportunities and small groups at the Connection Center. Greeters: Provide a friendly welcome, and help guide guests and members to locations throughout our campus. Sunday Receptionist: Help answer the phones on Sunday mornings once a month. This is a great way to meet other congregants and find out what’s happening at the church. Training is provided and staff is here to help.

Sunday School Attendance Volunteers: Once a month, during the 11 a.m. hour, help collect attendance information and class offerings for both adult and children’s classes. This opportunity is perfect for someone who’s more of a “behind the scenes” person, and is a huge help for both Adult and Children’s Ministries! Ushers: Welcome and greet people coming into the sanctuary for one hour while you’re already here on Sunday mornings. Worship Attendance Volunteers: Once a month (or more if you want), help us collect the attendance pads from the sanctuary following the 11 a.m. service. These pads are our primary means of contacting our visitors and also making sure our member’s needs are taken care of. This is a great family volunteer opportunity and takes 20-30 minutes!

Lenten Friends at Home Plant Delivery | March 6 Between services in Commons Volunteers are needed to deliver Lenten plants to our Friends at Home members at their home. Stop by the Commons to pick up instructions and a beautiful plant. Contact Shelley Quillin at 713-402-5033 or squillin@stlukesmethodist.org for information.

THE STORY Leap Night Barn Dance | February 29 7 p.m. | SPJST Lodge 88 Leap Day only happens once every four years, so let’s make it count! Join The Story Houston on Monday, February 29, for a night of live music, great food, and dancing—country-western style! Everyone is welcome, the cost is only $10/person (which includes a BBQ dinner and optional dance lessons!), and all proceeds benefit Jubilee Weekends Prison Ministry.

PRAYER Prayer and Healing Service | February 3 | 6-7 p.m. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a time of prayer and healing in the Chapel. 23

Celebrating Lives AMAZING PLACE In Honor of: Dr. & Mrs. Herbert M. Loyd by Martha & Larry Loyd BENNETT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Barbara Bennett by Scott, Linda, Brooks & Bethany Kelm BUILDING FUND In Memory of: Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart David Wakefield by Rebecca & Robert Hanes Sheryl & Roger Threde CAPITAL RESERVES In Honor of: John Farrell by Kathryn & Hank Coleman CARING MINISTRIES In Honor of: Reverend Bill Denham and Caring Ministries by Carol Wood Richard Ethun by Good Will Class Linda Christians Bill Denham Tom Pace and Laura Lee & Bryant Slimp by Scott, Linda, Brooks & Bethany Kelm In Memory of: James A. Buchanan by Uldene L. Buchanan Read Hortenstine by Scott, Linda, Brooks & Bethany Kelm Leonora “Winkie” Hueter by Bobbie Wisecup CCSC In Honor of: Mr. & Mrs. Dean Johnson by Martha & Larry Loyd CHILDREN’S MINISTRY In Honor of: Dr. John Caudill by Anne Donovan FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: B.B. Bamberg by Ann M. Natho Ann Yeoman Sid Davis by Ann Yeoman Rob Landes by Scott, Linda, Brooks & Bethany Kelm Emily Griffin by Lesa Curry Ann Natho Jo Stevenson Carol & David Willis Gail Nash by Suzanne & James Gillock In Memory of: James Otho Knight by Gloria & Marvin Merritt Ann M. Natho Becky Rush, Richmond Keeling & Vanessa Keeling Ann Yeoman Gwendolyn Clyatt Ann Kelm and Lillian Wallace by Scott, Linda, Brooks & Bethany Kelm

GENE DECKER OUTREACH ENDOWMENT FUND In Honor of: Dr. Tom Pace Nancy & Walt Bratic and Gene Decker Study Class by Mary Charlotte Decker In Memory of: Yleen Brown by Gene Decker Study Class Gene Decker by Mary Charlotte Decker Thomas Michael Melo by Betty & Bob Geary MEALS ON WHEELS In Honor of: Abbe & Linda Ledbetter by Barbara Britt NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER In Honor of: Martha & Ray Benestante and Mary & Tony Corbett by Susan & Bill Finnegan The Finnegan Family by Mary & Tony Corbett Delitha Lane Martha & Ray Benestante The Morrill Family The Sallis Family The Okamoto Family The Phillips Family The Mueller Family Georgia Harris The Fosdick Family The McKenzie Family The Forman Family and Kristin Sjoberg by Mary & Tony Corbett Bill & Susan Terrell Scotty Finnegan and Mary & Tony Corbett by Martha & Ray Benestante In Memory of: Scotty Caven by Susan & Bill Finnegan Hal Finnegan by Susan & Bill Finnegan Martha & Ray Benestante Delitha Lane Laura and Jack Maddox Nick Finnegan by Delitha Lane Read Hortenstine by Tamyra & Mike Palmer Nell Jeffers by Jim & Linda McCartney Thomas Michael Melo by Mickey & Dorothy Ables Lee Ann Adkins Carol Bartlett Ethel Bay Hayne & Pamela Blakely Paula Bottecelli Pamela Brasseux Bill Duxbury Karen Gerstner Kathy & Robin Harrison Houston Trust Company Evelyn & Bob Jewell Laura & Doug Kaspar Jan & Dan Krocker Jeffrey & Loni Londa Onalee McEwen Kathleen McLaurin Jordan & Lauren Mintz Julie & Sam Richwine Robert Rose Deborah & Hazim Safi Lance & Mary Schuler Samuel Smith Charles & Jane Szalkowski

Ruthie & Al Waldrop Chris & French Ann Young OUTREACH In Honor of: Dr. & Mrs. George Schudy by Pat Hazlewood In Memory of: Thomas Michael Melo by June Gentry REVISION In Honor of: Jo Stevenson by Tammy Orms SCOUTS In Memory of: Leonora “Winkie” Hueter by Laura & Bill Denham ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH In Memory of: Joyce Thompson and David Wakefield by Tamyra & Mike Palmer ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Honor of: Agatha & Gus Brann by Kathy Kennedy Carolynn & Michael Connelly’s 50th Wedding Anniversary by Jane & M.T. Crump Larry, Martha, Herb and Mary Jo Loyd by Nancy Johnson Kathy & Derek Munger by Sharon & Maury Stiver In Memory of: Deborah Evans Bartzen by Laura & Bill Denham Jack Brennan by Fay Whitehead Robert Felton Krouse by Laura & Bill Denham Leonora “Winkie” Hueter by Debbie Vaughan Hicks Peggy & Marion Maggio Mary Nelle Moore Clinton F. Morse William David Noel Sandy Rabon Candace & Quentin Schaefer Norma Manning by Sharon & Maury Stiver Kenneth Cruse Minter, Jr. by Agatha & Erich Brann Marte & Geoff Griffith Jeannine, Kelly, Eddie & Katherine Haizlip Barbara & David Henington Marjorie & Raleigh W. Johnson, Jr. Carolyn Craig Keeble Clinton F. Morse Fannie & Hugh Parker J.C. Walter by Elizabeth C. Walter Ann Catlett Williams by James Raley Mr. & Mrs. Ronald D. Ramsey Skippy Rollins Toni & Harry Watson THE STORY HOUSTON In Honor of: Louise McEvoy by Mary Jo Gillaspy WOODSHOP In Appreciation of: The Woodshop by Jo Stevenson

Altar Flower Dedications The altar flowers were dedicated to the glory of God and were given... January 3, in celebration of the baptism of Libby Marie Hapgood, daughter of Kelly Beth and Charlie Hapgood, by Kristin Leigh and Taylor Jones and Marilyn and Jim Smith; and in celebration of the baptism of Libby Marie Hapgood and in loving memory of John Russell Hapgood by Joyce Hapgood and Jenny, Micah and Russell Hapgood-LeBank; and in celebration of the baptism of Madeline Leigh Donaldson by Cindy and Jake Donaldson; and in loving memory of Frank P. Hadlock by Lana, Patrick and Christopher Hadlock. January 10, in loving memory of Jerry Eckles by the Eckles family; and in celebration of the baptism of Dexter Archibald Fallon, son of Sara and Archie Fallon, by Martha and Creag Childress, and Julia and Denis Fallon; and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Sharp, William Henry Sharp, Jr., Betty Bordages Bartlett and Betsy Sauer by Nancy Sharp. January 17, in celebration of the marriage of Emily Wyatt Walton and Mark Steven Calver and in loving memory of Gib Walton by Martha Walton and family; and in celebration of the baptism of Jeremiah Ellis Ponder by Amanda and David Ponder; and in celebration of the baptism of Samuel Everett Nelson by Laura and Travis Nelson.

Celebrating Marriage 1945 Caroline and Lloyd Gregory, Jr. Nancy and Meade Wheless, Jr. 1946 Frances and Jack Dickerson, Jr. Beth and Hooper Haygood Marie and Roland St. Lawrence Betty and Burke Windham, Jr. 1947 Madge and Fred Jones, Jr. Ginger and Jim Yarbrough 1949 Gwen and Harrison Allen Eloise and John Lloyd, Jr. Val Dean and Jack Read Hulda and Fred Schubert (G) Mary Louise and Doug Smith 1950 (G) Lou and Bill Bunch, Jr. Peggy and Lee Duggan Melva and Sidney Lanier 1951 Erminie and Dave Chapman Hildene and Jimmy Doyle, Jr. Margaret and Bill Hodge Patsy and Stanley Kirk (G) Joan and James Smith

Couples in our church family who have celebrated 50 and more years of marriage

1952 Gloria and Bruce Moore (G) Julia and A.W. Peterson Jan and Don Wagner 1953 Kathy and Julian Byrd Margaret and Joe Clegg Barbara and Joe Eason Bettie and Bobby Hollingsworth (G) Dorothy and Bob Hutchings Babs and Ed Smith, Jr. 1954 Dixie and Denny Bartell Mildred and Bob Cochran Gloria and Marvin Merritt Lela and Joe Staples, III 1955 Beverly and Dan Arnold (G) Sue and John Gaston Ann and Gene Hastings Mary and Charles Royal 1956 (G) Glenda and Al Brown Cynthia and Burr Furlong Janet and Bill Head Barbara and David Henington Helen and Bill Little, Jr. Thelma and Mike London Joyce and Boyd Wagner 1957 Anne and

As we begin a new year, we thank the church family for your faithfulness and generous giving during 2015. Your sacrificial gifts helped provide ministry for children, adults and students as well as outreach to the Houston community and beyond. With your gifts we celebrated in worship and launched small group studies that brought many closer to Christ. Your generous donations combined with careful expense monitoring by our church staff enabled St. Luke’s to meet all our obligations and close the year “in the black” with a small surplus. We are grateful for each of you and look forward to all the Lord will do through St. Luke’s in 2016.

Charles Duncan, Jr. Colleen and Bert Miles Alyce Lou and Vic Morris Lynnda and John Paukune Judy and Pat Thompson 1958 Shirley and Barry Brandt Barbara and Dan Clinton, Jr. Walthena and Gary Frazier Susan and Mike Garver Martha and Larry Loyd Nan and Gibbs Macdaniel, Jr. Pat and Dee Osborne (G) Sarah and Terry Roush Henrietta and Alex Trevino Dorothy and Bill Voss 1959 Sylvia and Ed Ashbaugh Margaret and Chester Benge, Jr. Pat and Jimmy Brill Marian and Ken Naber Gladys and Merrill O’Neal 1960 (G) Susan and Oscar Dane Elaine and Bill England Jane and Bill Mahns Nellieree and Bill Nantz (G) Valrie and Warren Osborne Suzy and Gerry Parker Marilyn and Wesley Stevens Emmalea and Bill Stradley Judy and Mike Tyson

1961 Barbara and George Batten Clara and Shed Boren Joan and Mobley Cox, Jr. Dianne and Fred Garrett Carolyn and Carlos Hamilton, Jr. (G) Joan and Bill King Audrey and Robb Moses 1962 Margie and Jim Sam Camp (G) Peggy and Bob Harrison Hetta and Jesse Heath, Jr. Elaine and Jim Herring III Stephanie and Bart Herrscher Lucy and Charles Lamme Mary Martha and Jack Lappe Virginia and Harold Melville, Jr. Pat and Jerry Webb Paulette and Michael Williams 1963 Bette and Fred Carpenter Tami and Pat Dyer (G) Barbara and Dave Fogt Rachel and Bud Frazier (G) May and Bill Jee Suzanne and Tom Hill Starlett and Ben Hollingsworth Pam and Bob Hutchins Elaine and Fella Knight, Jr. Carolyn and Paul Meyer Barbara and Harry Montgomery, III

Tita and Bill Paddock Pam and Jim Richards Lynn and Calvin Ryan Jane and Howard Tope Nancy and Ken Williams 1964 Ann and Bob Arnett Georgia and Don Byrnes Patricia and John Floyd Antha and Bill Holland, Jr. Jeana and Bob Magness Sherry and Jerry Ritcheson Diane and Jack Webb Mary and Dexter White 1965 Jan and George Atkinson Sally and Joe Bridges Nan and Bill Brown Nancy and Bob Epley Cynthia and John Harper, II Rhue and John Monroe, Jr Franna and Ted Litton Fannie and Hugh Parker Sue and Ned Price, Jr. (G) Lynne and Jim Sewell Mildred and Pat Shields Julie and Andy Smith Martha and Frank Smith Patsy and Bob Speed January, 1966 Samiha and Peter Boutros Joy and Gerald Heynen (G) = Gethsemane members

Baptisms The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: Henry Wyatt Clifton Croley, son of Anthony Wyatt Croley and Casey Coe Croley on December 20.

Charlie Tess Lawson, daughter of Nicholas Robert Lawson and Rachel Kinsey Gass Lawson on December 20.

Jane Elizabeth Pierce, daughter of Jarrett Ryan Pierce and Jessica Sweeney Pierce on December 20.

John Henry Stiver, son of John Maury Stiver and Elizabeth Munger Stiver on December 20.

Robert Wentworth Eifler, Jr., son of Robert Wentworth Eifler and Sydney Ealand Eifler on December 27.

Nathan Paul Halladay, son of Benjamin Paul Halladay and Natalie Erin Empfield Halladay on December 27.

Luke Reuter Holleman, son of Mark Britain Holleman and Leah Renee Nadolski Holleman on December 27.

Maren Grace Volovar, daughter of Kirk Patrick Volovar and Dena Jean Belschner Volovar on December 27.

Kethan Jefferson Alagugurusamy, son of Raj Alagugurusamy and Virginia Burnett Alagugurusamy on January 3. Madeline Leigh Donaldson, daughter of Rayburn Jacob Donaldson and Cynthia Abbott Donaldson on January 3.

Libby Marie Hapgood, daughter of Charles Russell Hapgood and Kelly Beth Smith Hapgood on January 3.

Isobel Olivia McAdams, daughter of Justin Carl McAdams and Emily Frances Wright McAdams on January 3.

Dexter Archibald Fallon, son of Denis Archibald Fallon and Sara Childress Fallon on January 10.

Not pictured: Nina James Orr, daughter of Robert Shane Orr and Sarah Elizabeth Goerner Orr on December 20.

Caring Ministries May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him. Romans 15:13 As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one another.

Congratulations to:

Leyton and Amy Woolf on the birth of twins, Leyton Stuart Woolf IV and Lucy Victoria Woolf, on October 30. Proud older sister is Lily Woolf. Brian and Liz Van Burkleo on the birth of their daughter, Genevieve Anne Van Burkleo, on November 4. Proud older sister is Adeline Van Burkleo. Will and Illa Gaunt on the birth of their daughter, Clementine Louise Gaunt, on November 11. Emily Wyatt Walton and Mark Steven Calver, who were united in marriage on January 16.

Our Sympathy to:

Kent Hueter on the death of his mother, Leonora Winkelmann “Winkie” Hueter, on December 23.

WHEN YOU CAN’T COME TO CHURCH,

WATCH LIVE!

Brandi and David Horton on the death of Brandi’s grandmother, Dorothy Bates Hart on December 28. Family and friends of Robert Felton Krouse, who died on December 31. Duncan Oppenheim, Roger Oppenheim, Olivia Oppenheim, and Mitchell Oppenheim on the death of Duncan and Roger’s mother, Nell Oppenheim, on January 3. Tom and Fran Brown, Robert Brown, Elizabeth Brown, and Meredith and Matt Perkins on the death of Tom’s mother, Yleen Brown, on January 2. Jill and Jeff Young and Will and Hank Young on the death of their nephew and cousin, James Cannon Willard, on January 4. Norma Lee Minter and family on the death of Norma Lee’s husband, Kenneth Cruse Minter, Jr. on January 9. Janet Crow and Drew and Jackie Crow on the death of Janet’s brother, Robert “Butch” Thrasher, on January 17. Shelley White on the death of her mother, Tressa Lea White, on January 18.

Coffee with the Pastor Please join us for an engaging class with Senior Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace, entitled Coffee with the Pastor. This gathering is for those visiting at St. Luke’s that would like to learn more about our church. For those interested, this is also the first step in our Path to Membership. Enjoy a smaller setting of 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 a part of the life and mission of the church.

UPCOMING DATES Sunday, March 6 & Sunday, April 3 4-5:30 p.m. 27

Periodicals Postage Paid Houston, Texas

Westheimer Campus

Sanctuary 8:30 a.m. Sunday–Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:45 and 11 a.m. Sunday–Traditional Worship 9:45 a.m.–Sign interpreter provided Fellowship Hall 8:45 a.m. Sunday–Encounter Contemporary Worship Activity Center 9:30 a.m. and 11:05 a.m.–The Story Houston Modern Worship Chapel 12 p.m.–Holy Communion

Gethsemane Campus 9 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship 11:15 a.m. – Contemporary Worship

Sermon podcasts available at: StlukesMethodist.org/Sermons Livestreaming Traditional services: StLukesMethodist.org/Livestream

Spire (USPS 7190) is published monthly by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334.