IMPACT 2020
YOUR DOLLARS MAKE AN IMPACT!
thank you for fulfilling your annual commitments. st. luke’s achieved its revenue budget for 2020!
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY Through the faithful generosity of our congregation, St. Luke’s distributed
$290,000 to the following 20 organizations
that rely on our financial support more than ever:
MEMBER CARE Houston Project Grant Recipients Prison Entrepreneurship Program • BIG Love • Books Between Kids •
Living and loving like Jesus
Center for Pursuit • Covenant House • Hope and Healing Center & Institute •
requires the support of our own
Mission of Yahweh • Vita-Living, Inc.
members during times of great need. The congregation gave
$162,845 to honor
St. Luke’s Community Partners Amazing Place • CANCARE of Houston • Christian Community Service Center • Connect Community • Holly Hall • Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston •
and memorialize our church
Justice for Our Neighbors • Plant with Purpose • Serenity Retreat for Healing •
family.
Wesley Community Center • Zoe Ministries • reVision
PPP LOAN* PROCEEDS
St. Luke’s participated in the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program in March 2020 by securing a
8%
$2.2M
loan. These funds went directly to pay all of our employees, many of whom were unable to work for several months due to program closures and would have otherwise been without pay. St. Luke’s was able to retain employees across all ministry areas and did not reduce staffing. Additionally, these funds allowed the church to maintain reserves, available to continue ministries, and retain staff heading into 2021.
10%
54%
Westheimer and Gethsemane Day School After School Care
28%
Nick Finnegan Counseling Center The Story Houston**
*St. Luke’s is completing the loan forgiveness process as of the date of this publication **The Story Houston raises funds independently to cover its expenses. The Story’s PPP-eligible staff salaries represent 8% of the whole among St. Luke’s family of ministries.
Well, 2020 is in the books. As the worship response goes, “God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good.” It was a challenging year, but I stand in amazement and awe at all that God is doing in and through the people of St. Luke’s. Here are some of the reasons: 1) Faithfulness. Throughout the craziness of 2020, with economic uncertainty and tumult, our folks have remained faithful. Faithful in prayer. Faithful in attendance at virtual worship, study, and outreach. Faithful in generosity. 2) Unity. In a time when there are so many differing opinions about how organizations should deal with the epidemic, St. Luke’s folks have responded incredibly well to the protocols and processes our leadership put in place. Some folks would rather us keep all in-person activities cancelled completely, and others feel we should be far more open without restriction. Nonetheless, everyone embraced the decisions that were made to move forward in faith together and have practiced willingly all the necessary precautions to do ministry safely. What an incredible group of people is St. Luke’s church family. 3) Momentum. One would think that in the face of headwinds the church would slow down. But, what I have discovered is that challenges bring out the best in our folks. Virtual worship attendance soared beyond our usual in-person attendance. We had so many folks involved in groups and Bible studies who never participated in-person. St. Luke’s even used this crazy year to found a whole new outreach ministry in PX project and launch our Small Steps early childhood partnership at Gethsemane! Wow. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Corinthians 4:10) In 2020, I have seen the power of God at work in ways I could never have imagined. God is good. All the time.
We Pray and Worship
WE NEVER RETREATED. WE JUST ADVANCED IN A NEW DIRECTION. 2020 – a new year full of promise that began with 40 Days of Joy. Our halls were bustling with children and adults heading to worship, classes, and meetings. And then in mid-March, COVID-19 necessitated closing the building. But we never closed—we just practiced distance loving. Our pastors, singers, and ministry leaders began to record themselves from home, which the media team edited into worship services. As we slowly and safely return to the church building, we will continue to be the church wherever we may be—living and loving like Jesus.
average sunday worship attendance 2019 2,485 PEOPLE 2020 2,875 HOUSEHOLDS*
*5,031 estimated actual viewers
“Because you have sacrificed and leaned in and poured yourselves into what could be instead of bemoaning what was or was to have been, my relationships with Jesus Christ and the St. Luke’s community of faith are stronger than ever.”
SO MANY WAYS TO PRAY. . . AND WE DID.
2,900 prayer requests 560 posted on prayer wall
2,080 requested during livestream services 260 messages on prayer line
CELEBRATIONS STILL HAPPENED. COVID or not, there were still babies to baptize, couples to marry, and memorials to conduct on top of the liturgical calendar: Holy Week and Easter were celebrated from Tom’s living room, Pentecost from the backyard, Communion in the Parking Lot, Christmas Eve on Blanton Field.
“I just want to say how much you guys have changed my life. I am so grateful for the pandemic because my relationship with Jesus has deepened.”
OUTDOOR SACRED SPACES. Q: When do driveways, parking lots and fields become holy ground? A: Whenever the people of God gather for worship, communion, teaching, serving, and giving! • Graduating seniors drive-by • Goodbye parade for pastors Bill Denham & Thomas Harper
• Commitment Sunday Drive-thru • CARtoon Trunk or Treat
• CARnival Fall kick-off
• Seniors Celebrating St. Luke’s 75th
• Weekly CCSC Food Drives
• Student Worship
• VBS drive-by
• Family Christmas on the Field
• Drive-in Communion
• Caroling By The Columns
• Parking Lot Worship
• Christmas Eve on Blanton Field
We Study the Bible
WHEN WE STAYED HOME, ONLINE BIBLE STUDIES CAME TO US.
28 ALL–NEW online bible studies The Journey Advent Study All Things New: Revelation Be the Bridge Intensive Being Mortal Bible 101: New Testament Bible in 90 Days Caged Lions Men’s Group Epic of Eden Ezra & Nehemiah Study Film & Faith Happy? Heart to Heart Women’s Group Homegrown Parenting Class Enneagram: Know Your Number Lunchbox Advent Discussion
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles Making Sense of the Bible Pastors’ Bible Study Philippians Study Scripture Discussion Signs & Miracles Epic of Eden: Jonah Gospel According to Star Wars Thriving through the Holidays Unlearning: Racial Justice and the Christian Life Namesake: When God Rewrites Your Story The Gifts of Imperfection Women’s If Table
OVER 1,900 registrations If ever there was a time to look to the Scriptures for wisdom, guidance, and hope, it was during a global pandemic. Not only were we reading the Bible; we were reading the Bible together. Whether we explored books of the Bible, tackled difficult subject areas like racism, or had lighthearted discussions about the Gospel according to Star Wars, you all showed up, eager and willing to dig deeper into your faith with others. Together, we learned that studying the Bible with our church community is powerful and life-changing.
“In all my years at St. Luke’s, I’ve never been able to participate in a pastor-led study due to my constant travel. So, I was overjoyed and instantly registered for Michelle’s Racial Injustice and Katie’s Bible 101 studies. I was blessed by Tom and all of the pastors who led the Pastors’ Bible Study over the summer. Please know that you have provided the ongoing lifeline for our family’s shared faith journey, and for that, we are grateful beyond measure!”
IN IT TOGETHER. Our musicians gave the gift of song, a soundtrack to our lives in a new online library of Contemporary worship, special virtual choir, Children’s Praise, and piano Hymns from Home. Our pastors reminded us that we are In It Together and practiced the “art of the selfie” as they filmed a daily message of Biblical truth for us. And then The Daily Habit was formed, making our inboxes a little more sacred.
OUR INBOXES BECAME A LITTLE MORE SACRED. 153 daily habit devotions written
OVER 300K devotionals “opened” 91 in it together video devotionals 140 videos for music library
“The online devotionals and The Daily Habit are the highlights of my day. They fill me with hope and love and light during this challenging season.”
32 sessions OVER 150 viewers per sessioin 5,600 total views in 2020
PASTORS’ BIBLE STUDY AFTER HOURS. We tuned in online after the dishes were done and the kids were in bed to study the Bible with Tom Pace and the associate pastors. We took a 45-minute deep dive each week and covered: Acts, Colossians, Israel in the Time of the Kings, and Prophesies of the Messiah in Isaiah. Now Zoom experts, we interacted by putting our comments and questions in the chat.
We Make Friends
LONELINESS DID NOT OVERTAKE US. WE JUST HOPPED ON ZOOM AND GATHERED OUTSIDE. When did Zoom become a verb? And when did we learn to mute, unmute, and even change our backgrounds? We no longer just watch church online; we participate, greeting one another and chatting with our hosts. Often, our prayers include gratitude for this technology. While it’s not as good as being in-person, seeing our friends’ faces helps make us feel connected. The time is coming. We will be back together in the halls of St. Luke’s. Hang in there, church!
THURSDAYS WITH FRIENDS Our older members have embraced Thursdays with Friends and come back week after week to learn, to be entertained and to connect with the church and with one another. Our weekly zooms have attracted interest from churches and senior centers across the country, and visitors often join our programs.
27 PROGRAMS with OVER 1,300 engagements
“St Luke’s has put loving each other first above all else even when it has been difficult.”
VBS * GIVING-O-BINGO * CAR-NIVAL * CHRISTMAS ON THE FIELD * ACTIVITY BAGS * CHILDREN’S PRAISE * STORYTIME WITH JULIE * 3RD-5TH GRADE ZOOM GROUPS * PM PALS DRIVE-BY * BANDS ON THE FIELD * DNOW * CIY FLAMINGOS * SMALL GROUPS OUTSIDE * GRAD PARADE * STUDENT LED DEVOS * CHALKING DRIVEWAYS * HYMNS FROM HOME * CURBSIDE CHOIR CONVOS * TAPESTRY PLAYERS VIRTUAL PLAYS * GAME NIGHTS * PURE SOUND 25TH ANNIVERSARY RETREAT * NOTES TO FRIENDS AT HOME * CHECK-IN PHONE CALLS
DRIVE-BY AND DISTANCE LOVING FROM OUR YOUNGEST TO OUR OLDEST.
“Despite the craziness that this year has brought, my faith has flourished. I feel so fortunate to have a place to continue my relationship with Jesus!”
REVIVE! A WHOLE MONTH CELEBRATING WOMEN. “The women’s programming events during the pandemic had a completely unexpected impact on my faith life.
Instead of feeling disconnected, I felt more connected to
St. Luke’s than ever before. I have made some unexpected new friendships and am so excited about in-person programming once the pandemic has passed.”
We Tell Our Stories
WE SHARE OUR STORIES SO THE WORLD WILL KNOW GOD’S STORY.
GLORY TO GOD FOR 75 YEARS! You shared your stories and pictures with us as we celebrated 75 years. Each memory shows a snapshot of how God has been at work in our hearts and in our church. Memories of our rich heritage and faith traditions inspire us toward living and loving like Jesus as we look to the next 75 years.
“St. Luke’s has been invaluable in helping to raise our children to be Christ-loving, enthusiastic, and faithful believers. How blessed we are to be a part of the work of Christ and to be able to pass it on to the next generation!”
“It has been a place of learning and teaching, a refuge in times of sorrow and a joyous setting in times of celebration. A place we happily call our home, filled with family members from far and wide – there are no borders here, simply the desire to follow Christ in community with others.”
“We love St. Luke’s. It is a central part of our lives and marriage today. We thank God every night for our church and our pastors. We are so grateful and feel so blessed to worship and serve there.”
AND YOUR STORIES BRING US TOGETHER WHILE WE’RE APART.
Share your story too, and tag St. Luke’s!
@stlukeshouston
We Give Ourselves Away in Generosity and Service
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY TO QUIT, BUT WHEN HAS ST. LUKE’S EVER TAKEN THE EASY WAY? SERVING IS IN OUR DNA. It is said that limitation is the primary key to unlocking creativity. It feels as though 2020 didn’t give much, but it did provide us the opportunity to be innovative. With more need than ever and fewer ways to gather helping hands, this year has demanded creativity in order to continue to serve others. And, as usual, St. Luke’s heeded the call. We were bound and determined to help carry the load, walk alongside friends and strangers, and provide as much respite as we possibly could. The work is not finished and neither are we.
9,000+ meals served to reVision students & families $94,000+ raised to launch PX Project 119 families provided with Thanksgiving meal 1st with 3 piloted our initial cohort of PX Project students through an 18-week program with graduation at the end of January
OUR PERSONNES EXTRAORDINAIRE. The diversity and talent that rests in Gulfton/Sharpstown is astounding. Our neighbors there are eager to find their way and place in America. With young people often leading the family, there are many that simply need someone to walk alongside them as they navigate a new workforce and life outside of school for the first time. We are here to do just that. Providing career readiness, mental health support, and skills that reach beyond the kitchen, we hope to give confidence, guidance, and new knowledge to young people looking to find a life of sustainability and honor.
“When I come here [to PX] I feel like I am home. Not every job feels like that. I am happy when I come here.”
39 food drives 53 food drive volunteers 15,314 bags of food donated to ccsc
EVEN MORE OUTREACH PROJECTS. • $73,967 raised for the Emergency Fund providing financial relief to 83 families • Financially supported The Restoration Team in rebuilding 13 homes needing hurricane repair • Shopped for 150 children through our Tree of Angels program alongside the Prison Entrepreneurship Program • 164 blood donations through 7 blood drives • 23 families served through our 7-week HISD Sanctuary of Learning partnership
“God willing, I have 40 years of ministry left in me. Whenever there’s a crisis in those four decades, no matter where I’m serving, no matter what’s happening, no matter whom I’m working with, my refrain will always be: ‘This is how we did it at Gethsemane in 2020. This is how we made it through the pandemic even better than before.’ I wouldn’t wish 2020 on anyone, and in the same prayer, I wouldn’t trade away any of the hard lessons learned or the mountain-top moments of ministry.” – Pastor David Horton
• Provided six weeks of public schooling for HISD elementary students who needed reliable internet and supervision. • Met the highest food demand that CCSC has ever seen, thanks to Saturday food drives. • Hosted five food distribution events for the public. • Hosted the first ever Gulfton Youth Orchestra concert. • Put Gethsemane online with worship services (in English, Spanish, and Swahili!), Bible studies, and devotionals, when Gethsemane had no online ministry before the pandemic. • Completed the renovation of the Small Step wing and reached capacity enrollment for opening day on January 7, 2021.
“It’s not everyday that our children will have someone who has lived where they are, come back, and offer them a chance. You are a blessing, there is kindness in your words. We are happy to welcome you here. We are happy to welcome Small Steps.”
GETHSEMANE BY THE NUMBERS 3
Worship services every Sunday – English, Spanish, Swahili
13
reVision students enrolled in college
28
Elementary students in the HISD Sanctuary of Learning program
38
Consecutive weeks of online Bible study (0 pre-Covid)
30
Students, ages 2 and 3, enrolled in Small Steps Nurturing Center, Gulfton Campus, opening January 7
43
Bags of books donated to KIDS HOPE students
10
Bookcases created for KIDS HOPE students at Sutton Elementary
55
Children participated in virtual VBS
3,840
Boxes of perishable food distributed over 5 events
9,000+
Meals provided to reVision students
11,731
Food packages donated to CCSC emergency food pantry
54,214
Persons served by CCSC at Gethsemane since March 16
Even though The Story couldn’t worship in-person for most of the year, the church never closed. Now three campuses, River Oaks, Timbergrove, and Online communities gather in-person and virtually for worship, small groups and serving, which never stops - especially in a pandemic.
“Thank you so much to our Story family for your support of @lifehousehouston Christmas Wishes! This past Saturday, hundreds of moms and children received their special gifts given by you.”
Welcome to The Story’s Timbergrove campus! Timbergrove is a booming neighborhood nestled near Loop 610’s Northwest corner. We want to welcome you as you are; services are casual and geared toward lifelong Christians or non-religious, first-time guests with lots of questions. Our campus pastor, Kale Kinchen, and team will be ready to welcome you and help provide all the information you need to connect to the campus.
Spire (USPS 7190) is published quarterly by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX and additional mailing offices.
This report is dedicated to the life and ministry of Reverend Bill Denham, whose impact of love at St. Luke’s will always be remembered.