IN THIS ISSUE
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THESE BONES SHALL LIVE! by Dr. Tom Pace
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THE BAD NEWS/GOOD NEWS PROPHET by Rev. Eric Huffman
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WE STUDY THE BIBLE ON GOOGLE HANGOUTS by Rebecca Alsup
ST. LUKE'S NEW APP: A MEMBER TOOLBOX
HOUSTON PROJECT KEEPS HOUSTON STRONG by Amy Holmes
Spire (USPS 7190) is published monthly by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houson, TX and additional mailing offices.
About the cover:
“Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death.” Pope Francis This 40-day season calls us to deepen our faith as we focus on returning to God, as the prophet Joel says “with all (our) hearts.” We invite you to take a few moments of rest and reflection at the 10 stops of The Lenten Path marked by the purple bell banners around the ellipse, located from the Fellowship Walk around to the Activity Center entrance. As you read passages of scripture, meditate on the invitation to have God reveal our shortcomings and grow more like him. Grab a coffee and your pen and take a moment to journal what God has for you. 42
Easter at St. Luke’s Westheimer Sanctuary
Traditional Worship at 8, 9, 10:05 and 11:10 a.m.
Encounter Contemporary Worship in the Activitiy Center 9:15 a.m.
The Story Houston
Sunrise Service on the lawn 7 a.m. Modern Worship in The Story Houston Building 8:30, 9:40 and 11:05 a.m. 5 p.m. New Special off-site worship; location TBA
Gethsemane
Traditional Worship 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11 a.m. Following worship the entire community is invited to a backyard cookout and Easter Egg hunt.
Livestream
Out of town for Easter? Traditional worship at the Westheimer Campus will be Livestreamed at 8, 9, 10:05 and 11:10 a.m. StLukesMethodist.org/livestream
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These Bones Shall Live! by Dr. Tom Pace, Sr. Pastor
Some important questions:
glimpse of God’s redeeming power, and what God has in store for us through the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
How do you tell folks something they don’t want to hear, but they need to hear it?
During the season of Lent in 2018, we are going to work our way through the book of the prophet Ezekiel in both our Sunday morning sermon series, and our Scripture+Shared Bible Study. We will deal with such topics as “Has The Church Lost Our Mojo?” and “The Good News of Bad Times.” Each week, we will have a video lesson on our Scripture + Shared app, team taught by Rev. Eric Huffman and me, to be used by our LIFT groups and for your personal study. Daily Bible readings and reflections will be put together by our great Scripture+Shared writing team. Our Sunday morning sermons will address topics complimentary to the weekly lesson.
What are the hard truths you have been avoiding, but need to face if you are to know abundant life? What are the consequences of ignoring or missing those truths, both individually and as a church and a culture? And how can God redeem us, even when we have wandered far from God’s purposes for us? It was a challenging time in the life of the nation Israel. God put difficult truth into the mind of the prophet Ezekiel, as he felt he had no choice but to speak that truth to the people. His testimony in Scripture can speak truth to us as well. It is full of colorful visions, images which take hold of our imaginations and help us understand how our priorities are often misplaced and our actions short sighted. Those images also give us a
If we are to experience the real joy of resurrection that God offers us at Easter time, we must use the season of Lent to take an honest look at how we live and where we are headed, and see the places we need to make a change. We will discover that God can take the bones left from our misguided decisions, put them back together, and make them really live again!
The prophet Ezekiel was a mystic, who saw visions of wheels in the sky and graveyards that came back to life. His visions were strange, but at their core, the visions were a sort of mirror in which the people of Israel could see who they really were. Moreover, the visions were a window into a God who would restore them to new abundant life. During the season of Lent 2018, come join us in our Scripture + Shared Bible Study (see page 8) and corresponding sermon series, “These Bones Shall Live,” team taught by Dr. Tom Pace and Rev. Eric Huffman. The study will begin the week of February 18. 4
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Ezekiel:
The Bad News/Good News Prophet by Rev. Eric Huffman, Pastor of The Story Houston
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t various points in our lives, we’ve all been presented with a bittersweet choice: to hear the good news first, or to start with the bad news. I’ve got some good news, and I’ve got some bad news, someone might say. Which do you wanna hear first? In my experience, most people choose the bad news first. Why? Because we hope the good news will help resolve the bad. In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel had a good news/bad news proposition for the people of Israel. He leads with the bad news: they’ve gone astray. Again and again, they’ve chosen their own way over God’s will. They’ve created and worshiped idols; they’ve even dabbled in other religions. They’ve
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What do you want to hear first? The good news or the bad news?
broken God’s heart, and they are now suffering the consequences in the form of a foreign invasion. The Babylonian armies have conquered Judea and taken around 20,000 Judeans into exile. The only way for the people of Judea to have a future is by returning to God, so Ezekiel shares the good news: God’s arms are open. God has not forgotten them. God is willing to welcome them back and to resurrect their “dry bones” once again. Throughout the season of Lent, we’ll learn more about Ezekiel’s tough-love message: what it meant then, and what it means for us today. I hope you’ll join us for traditional worship, Encounter Worship, worship at our Gethsemane campus, or at The Story Houston.
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We Study the Bible... on Google Hangouts by Rebecca Alsup
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efore Three Strands became a Sunday School class, it was a weekday small group comprised of engaged and newlywed couples. We met weekly for Bible study and fellowship. Once we morphed into a permanent Sunday morning class, we still had ongoing small groups that met during the week. This practice of meeting together to study Scripture and pray has been a cornerstone of our friendships for more than seven years. When couples in our class began having children, the logistics of our weekly gatherings became more complicated. We stopped meeting in homes and started meeting onsite at the church to utilize the wonderful gift of professional, loving childcare. However, the question of when to meet was hard to solve—it had to be late enough to accommodate post-work commutes and early enough to preserve the precious routine of children’s bedtimes. We experimented with different days and start times, and despite the challenges, a core group has continued to meet for 3-4 multi-week studies per year. Our numbers dwindled, though, as people grappled with the demands of work and family. During Advent, we took a new approach. Rather than meeting in person, we decided to convene virtually via Google Hangouts. We started at 8:30 p.m., giving each family time to come home from work, have dinner, and put their kids to bed. We were relieved that we did not have to get into Houston holiday traffic or disrupt children’s schedules—and 16 people decided to participate, doubling the number of our previous group. The first week, we worked through a few inevitable technology challenges. Some had to install an app on their phones or tablets. Others needed to add a plug-in to their browser. Once those kinks were resolved, everything clicked, and truthfully, the tech hiccups led to giggles, which broke the ice. Each person was able to join the video call from the device of his or her choice. We settled into a very natural and easy conversation—from the comfort of our own homes! When someone was speaking, the video feed switched to his or her face. Even though we were not in a room together, we still could interact in much the same way. We read passages of Scripture aloud, discussed a chapter of Awaiting the Already, shared prayer requests, and prayed for one another. Awaiting the Already by Magrey deVega explores aspects of the Christmas story found (or not found!) in each of the four Gospels. It helped us read familiar Bible passages with fresh eyes. Each week, we discussed an “Advent challenge”— a new or renewed spiritual discipline that we might adopt for the season. Though there was not a video component included with the curriculum, we did not miss it. Our own reading, observations, and conversations were fruitful.
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One unexpected benefit of meeting online was that some dear friends were able to participate from another city! They were founding members of Three Strands who transferred to Denver for work in 2016. They keep up with the class via our weekly newsletter and jumped at the chance to reunite with old friends through our virtual small group. Just as St. Luke’s livestreamed worship services have ministered beyond our Sanctuary walls, this experiment has me wondering how far we might extend the reach of our discipleship opportunities. What about other former members who want to reengage? What about other working parents who crave community but don’t want to sacrifice weeknight time with their kids? What about those who travel for business? What about retirees who frequently visit children and grandchildren in other cities? What about moms of infants who are trying to get the hang of a new routine but would love to connect with others while their babies sleep? As for our small group, we will gather again, online, to do the next round of Scripture + Shared beginning mid February. Though unconventional, Bible Study via video chat has provided a renewed momentum to our habit of meeting together, and we are thankful for it!
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Scripture + Shared Bible App Our Bible Study App and Spring Bible Study
During the season of Lent 2018, come join us in our Scripture + Shared Bible study and corresponding sermon series, These Bones Shall Live, based on the book of Ezekiel. The study will be team taught by Dr. Tom Pace and Rev. Eric Huffman.
Week of February 18 - Week of April 8 Search Scripture + Shared in the app store to download.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
WHAT IS SCRIPTURE + SHARED?
• Study with your current LIFT group or Sunday School class
• St. Luke’s church-wide Bible Study ministry • Materials are written by Dr. Pace in concert with other pastors and staff of St. Luke’s
• Sign up for a new LIFT group • If your life is too crazy right now to commit to a specific day and time for a LIFT group, invite a friend or coworker to be your “Bible Buddy” and use the materials to study and exchange thoughts and ideas at a time that is mutually convenient.
• The Scripture + Shared offering this spring is an 8-week study of the book of Ezekiel •
Scripture + Shared is also the name of the app that participants will use to access the materials (materials will also be available for download at StLukesMethodist.org/bible.)
WEEKLY VIDEOS: DAILY BIBLE READINGS INCLUDE:
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• A passage of scripture • A section to help you understand the scripture of the day • Four to six questions for reflection and discussion
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Each week there will be a short (approximately 10-15 minute) video of Dr. Pace and/or Rev. Eric Huffman teaching a lesson about the scripture
For more information, contact Kathy Neely at kneely@stlukesmethodist.org.
ONE CHURCH
St. Luke's New Church App Our Member Toolbox
Want to pay bills, shop, get social, check scores and even do Bible study? Yup -there’s an app for that. And now, St. Luke’s has an app of our own! See it as your member tool box; easy buttons that can get you what you want to access fast; Let’s take a tour!
Easy. Fast. Shareable. Get in the know, real time. Search St Lukes UMC Houston in the app store to download. • Tap St Lukes to get to app homepage or to share the app
SERMONS •
Watch sermon videos or listen to the podcast
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Download videos or podcast for later
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Downloadable for later
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Inbox has your notifications from St Lukes
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Create an account and take notes!
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Notes you take live here
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Share
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Settings- Slide general settings to green and receive push notifications
the good news
STORIES EVENTS •
Find events by category: Children, Students, Adults and more
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Register and add to your calendar
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Share via text, email or social media!
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We share our short stories
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Written by different authors from St. Lukes family
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Creative short videos
THE FOOTER •
Home takes you back to the home screen
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Livestream Sunday Traditional services
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Prayer Wall- post your prayers and pray for others
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More- Connect to Social media , SLUMC website, Scripture + Shared
TOM’S BLOG •
New prayer letter every Friday
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Weekly prayer calendar
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Easily shared via text, email or social media
Please scroll down for more options.
...2 APPS
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FEB
Ash Wednesday Services Westheimer Campus 7:30 a.m. in the Chapel | 12 and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Gethsemane Campus 7-9 a.m. Ashes to Go at 6856 Bellaire | 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
FEB
Lenten Music for Meditation and Reflection Every Thursday throughout the season | 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel Our annual Lenten recital series begins on Thursday, February 15 and continues through Maundy Thursday on March 29. There is no admission charge, however a free will offering will be received. Check the event calendar (StLukesMethodist.org/events or on the app for information about artists.
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FEB
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Lenten Book Study Sundays, 6-weeks beginning February 18 | 4-5:15 p.m. | Westheimer Campus | Hines Baker Room The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Book Study is a six-week class on Sunday afternoons. The beloved C.S. Lewis classic is rich with Christian symbolism, and can offer us a new understanding of Lent and Easter. The class will be led by Rev. David Horton, Teaching Pastor of St. Luke's Gethsemane Campus, and will be a blend of lecture and conversation and good fun. All are welcome. Lenten Prayer Eggs Sundays, February 18-April 1 | Westheimer Campus Children in Sunday School receive a "prayer egg" each week that contains the Lord’s Prayer along with a few names of children and Sunday adult leaders. Children, with the help of their parents, are asked to pray the Lord’s Prayer and lift up the people who are listed on their prayer slip each day. Extra eggs will be available for the congregation to pick up after the 11 a.m. service. Look for them at the Connection Center and the Welcome Desk in the Fellowship Walk.
FEB
Service of Prayer and Healing Wednesdays, February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4; 7-8 p.m. | Westheimer Chapel Join us at a service of prayer and healing each week during Lent as we lift our burdens to the Lord and fill afresh with God’s spirit. Rev. Thomas Harper will lead a time of prayer and communion where we ask God for spiritual and physical healing for you or a loved one. Contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@stlukesmethodist.org.
MAR
United Methodist Women's Spiritual Growth Lenten Program Tuesday, March 6 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Westheimer Chapel We welcome Michelle Shonbeck, Executive Director of Christian Community Service Center, to share CCSC’s mission and her belief that serving others is fundamental to living a Christ-based life. A brunch in the Hines Baker Room will follow the service. Please bring a dish to share as you enjoy fellowship together. No reservations are necessary.
MAR
Day Trip: Stations of the Cross around Houston Thursday, March 15 | Time and Cost: TBD Visit various Catholic and Episcopalian churches around Houston and learn how different denominations recognize and depict the Stations of the Cross. Lunch on your own at an area restaurant. Reservations required. Call 713-402-5087 or email reservations@stlukesmethodist.org.
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Lenten Calendar
MAR
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Palm Sunday
Holy Week
Westheimer: Traditional: 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. (Sanctuary); Encounter: 8:45 a.m. (Activity Center) Gethsemane: 9 and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary The Story Houston: 8:30, 9:40 and 11:05 a.m., 5 p.m. in the Story Houston Building Friends at Home Lenten Plant Delivery Between services in the Fellowship Walk Spread some love and volunteer to deliver a beautiful begonia to a Friends at Home member at their residence. If you want to reserve a name in advance, contact Shelley Quillin, at 713-402-5033. Palm Sunday Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westheimer Campus | Blanton Field Join us after worship for our annual family picnic and Easter Egg hunt. (Details on page 12) Chancel Choir Presents Invictus: A Passion by Howard Goodall Palm Sunday | March 25 | 7 p.m. | Westheimer Sanctuary British composer Howard Goodall conducts the premier of his new composition for choir, soloists, and orchestra commissioned for the Chancel Choir by Friends of Music at St. Luke's. Free admission.
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Maundy Thursday
Communion | 12 p.m. Chapel and 7 p.m. Sanctuary Commemorate the Last Supper in one of two services. Music & Fine Arts staff members present The Passion in chant style from the Gospel of John at 12 p.m. in the Chapel, followed by communion. The St. Cecilia Women’s Choir leads music at the evening communion service at 7 p.m. The Last Supper: A Holy Week Experience 7 p.m. | The Story Houston The Story Houston will observe Holy Week on Maundy Thursday with a special service commemorating the Last Supper and the significance of the cross on Good Friday.
Good Friday
Tenebrae | 7 p.m. | Westheimer Sanctuary Latin for “shadows” or “darkness,” the Tenebrae service features a gradual extinguishing of the light as we remember Christ’s Passion. The Chancel Choir provides music for this service. 7 p.m. | New Children’s Good Friday Worship Service | 2nd floor Johnson Building Children experience a developmentally appropriate service tailored just for them: K-5th graders will anticipate the coming of Christ's resurrection through prayer, activities, and song! Childcare will be available for children ages 2 months – preK. 6:30 p.m. | Gethsemane Sanctuary St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus will have a service commemorating Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
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Holy Saturday
Anticipation of Easter | 11 a.m. | Westheimer Chapel Organist Rob Landes and soloist Jennifer Johnson present this annual Holy Weekend musical offering. Children’s Service | 10 a.m. | Gethsemane Campus Join St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus on Holy Saturday for a worship service uniquely designed for small children to engage in the meaning of Easter through hands-on arts and activities. The Story Houston Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Blanton Field at the Westheimer Campus Get ready for Easter at The Story Houston with some family fun! Bring your kids for our Easter Egg Hunt. 11
All About the Eggs... Palm Sunday Picnic and Egg Hunt Sunday, March 25 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blanton Field One of our beloved church family events is just around the corner! We will have all the fun activities – NEW Toddlers & Twos Play Area, Egg Hunt, the best ever Cake Walk, music from the Encounter Band, lunch from Skeeter’s, face painting, inflatables and field games. Dress is outdoor casual. Bring your child’s Easter basket and a blanket to sit on the lawn. Online ticket sales are March 1 and through March 24. Cost is $10.50 per adult and $5.50 per child (ages 1-12 years) if purchased in advance online and $15 per adult and $10 per child if purchased at the door, the day of the event.
The Story Houston Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Blanton Field Get ready for Easter at The Story Houston with some family fun! Bring your kids for our Easter Egg Hunt.
Easter Cookout and Egg Hunt Sunday, April 1 | Gethsemane Campus Following Easter worship the entire community is invited to a backyard cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs to celebrate our Risen Lord. Children will hunt for Easter Eggs on the playground.
We have plenty of empty eggs waiting to be stuffed
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Will you consider bringing a bag of individually wrapped candy (no chocolate or candy with nuts) or small toys that will fit inside small eggs? Donations can be dropped off in the Activity Center foyer, church office or at the Connection Center on Sundays.
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If you would like to assist in stuffing Easter eggs, contact Kim Davis at 713-402-5044 or email kdavis@stlukesmethodist.org.
Coming to St. Luke's in person! ADAM HAMILTON BOOK RELEASE St. Luke’s United Methodist Church presents Adam Hamilton speaking about his book Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times
Thursday, March 15 Doors open at 6:15 p.m. | Event starts at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary at St. Luke's Followed by a Book Signing Ticket Information
Each ticket comes with a hardcover copy of UNAFRAID. Tickets are $24.00 plus tax to admit one person. You must purchase a ticket through Brazos Bookstore to attend. www.brazosbookstore.com/event/adam-hamilton-unafraid
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Houston Project Keeps Houston Strong By Amy Holmes
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s the bus pulled in to a tiny parking lot surrounded by quaint cottages and portable buildings, the proverb, “good things come in small packages” ran through my head. From the grant application, I already knew that children with special needs (regardless of their severity) engaged in an educational program here, one that was customized to meet that child’s needs. However, I was anxious to hear first-hand about the life-changing work being done on the Arbor School campus and how the Houston Project could help.
Houston Project Over the past 30 years, St. Luke's has awarded
$6,465,182
Scanning the assortment of classroom structures, I could visualize how the school had expanded over the past 30 years, growing from one classroom focused on children ages 0 to 3, to eight classrooms that service children through age 12. And it was easy to see how The Arbor School’s IT infrastructure and communications systems had not been scalable. With its financial resources focused on offering a one-of-a-kind program, The Arbor School had turned to the Houston Project with a request for help to improve the communication between classrooms. As a mother of two school-aged children, I understood that site security and information sharing were important in a learning environment. But as JuliAnna Jelinek, the Executive Director of The Arbor School, detailed the difficulty communicating between the school office and the classrooms – each classroom must be contacted individually; there’s no integrated public announcement system – I realized how imperative these systems could be in a specialized learning environment like The Arbor School. I was introduced to The Arbor School through my service on St. Luke’s Houston Project committee this past year. St. Luke’s established the Houston Project committee in 1977 to provide grants to organizations whose work enriches the quality of life in the greater Houston area. Through a $15,000 grant from the Houston Project, The Arbor School will install and set up a VOIP phone system and upgrade its IT infrastructure. Seemingly simple maintenance, but as a result The Arbor School can maintain its focus on helping children develop and learn to the best of their abilities.
2017 Houston Project Recipients
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Arbor School Crossroads at Park Place His Grace Foundation Newspring SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship Vita-Living The Mainstream Connection Wellsprings Village
Serving on the Houston Project committee gave me an opportunity to put St. Luke’s “Inside Out” motto into practice. Led by Chairman Sue Farrell, the 22 committee members lived out our faith in love through a three-step grant-funding process that will ultimately serve our neighbors. Organizations seeking funding first submitted a Letter of Intent for review by the committee. I was in awe of the amazing work being done in Houston, and the overwhelming need for financial (and volunteer) support to carry out that work, as detailed in the LOIs. Although a difficult task given the quality of the LOIs, each committee member ranked the agencies using the committee’s funding criteria. Those agencies selected by the committee for further consideration were then asked to submit a comprehensive grant application. Although Hurricane Harvey threw Houston a curveball in 2017, all selected agencies submitted grant applications, albeit some with amended funding requests. After meeting to review the applications, the committee selected finalist agencies for site visits. Over the course of the three-day site visits, we heard from agencies (and in some cases their patrons) about the critical issues being
addressed by each organization. While each had a different funding request, I found commonality in the selflessness with which each agency approached its work. Jesus, of course, took a selfless approach to his work, so it is only fitting that in order to be eligible for consideration by the Houston Project, the organization and its proposed project must demonstrate Christian values, as well as provide volunteer opportunities for the St. Luke's congregation. While I wish the committee had had sufficient funds to meet every funding request received this year, the $100,000 in grants awarded by the Houston Project committee will keep Houston strong another year. To conclude the work of this year’s Houston Project committee, representatives from The Arbor School joined leadership from the other 2017 grant recipients – Crossroads at Park Place, His Grace Foundation, The Mainstream Connection, Newspring, SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship, Vita-Living, Wellsprings Village – for recognition at the 11 a.m. Westheimer service on Sunday, January 28, 2018. 2018 Grant applications will be available online in just a few weeks, and the 2018 Houston Project committee will no doubt have its work cut out for it. Over the past 30 years, St. Luke’s
has awarded more than six million dollars in grants through the Houston Project. God only knows the impact St. Luke’s will make through the Houston Project over the next 30 years. For more information about The Houston Project, contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064.
St. Luke’s appreciates the valuable service provided by the 2017 Houston Project Committee Mathew Axcell Doug Culver Sue Farrell, Chair Dawn Fournier Bob Frazier Margaret Funderberg Jennifer Hansen Bob Harrison Judy Hollinger Amy Holmes
Jim Mayo Cassandra McZeal Lauren Morris Robert Parry Dianna Patterson Teri Peterson Lynn Ryan Bonnie Stroman David Swift Mark Wiltshire
"One of the most challenging, but joyful volunteer positions at St. Luke’s is serving on the Houston Project which funds many of the smaller non-profits doing God’s work in our community. Participants are introduced to a variety of organizations working to make lives better for the underserved. Though it is very challenging to narrow the grant requests, it is a true blessing to support those efforts through grants funded by our congregation. This project is an excellent example of the community outreach of St. Luke’s and a most rewarding opportunity for service." Ginger Blanton
Premiere of a new work for choir, soloists, and orchestra commissioned by Friends of Music at
Composed and conducted by Howard Goodall
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 7 p.m.
Visit stlukesmethodist.org/invictus to learn more. 15
Easter Offering 2018
Plant With Purpose (plantwithpurpose.org) St. Luke’s 2018 Easter Offering will support Plant With Purpose, a Christian development organization that transforms lives in rural areas around the world where poverty and environmental degradation intersect. Alongside Plant With Purpose, St. Luke’s will equip impoverished farming families to change their circumstances, provide for their children, and live with God-given hope and dignity through sustainable agriculture training, land restoration, savings-led microfinance, church mobilization, and local leadership development. Plant With Purpose works in more than 532 communities worldwide. St. Luke’s offering will support five sustainable development groups in southern Mexico, empowering 125 families to holistically and sustainable grow out of poverty, creating lasting change. Donations may be made by check payable to SLUMC with Easter Offering in the memo line or by placing a gift in the Easter Offering pew envelopes. Online giving is available at StLukesMethodist.org/easteroffering. For more information, please contact Alice King at aking@stlukesmethodist.org. Learn more about Plant With Purpose at a luncheon on Thursday, February 8 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | ES 313/314 Valerie Foulkes with Plant with Purpose will introduce us to this Christian agency dedicated to changing the lives of the rural poor around the world. Buffet lunch ($10) following the program. Advance registration required by Monday, February 5 for lunch. Call 713-402-5087 or email reservations@stlukesmethodist.org. 16
An APP genius bar? Yeah, we've got that!
The APP Genius Bar is a walk-up tech support station for the new St. Luke’s Church APP. Located at the Connection Center in the Commons, a friendly and patient APP Genius will help you download and tour the app so that you can learn about all the features! Remember— the cool thing about an app is that it’s not just real time information and media at your fingertips (which is pretty cool on its own) but even more, it’s all about sharing with a friend, taking notes, adding events to your calendar, or even hearing from us once in a while through push notifications. Stop by every Sunday in February—no appointment needed! Want to invite an APP Genius to your class or group? Email spitts@stlukesmethodist.org
Children’s Ministries is excited to welcome two new members to the team: Rachel Fisher and Paige Farrow! Rachel is serving as the Children’s Ministries Communications Specialist, helping to tell our stories through online and print media, as well as in correspondence and event coordination. She has been a lifelong member of St. Luke’s and is currently serving in various leadership roles. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015, Rachel worked in marketing at Miller Outdoor Theatre before joining our staff. Rachel is passionate about writing and traveling (specifically to Disney World) and loves to entertain her coworkers with a plethora of silly accents. Drop by and say, “Howdy!” Paige is serving as the Children’s Ministries Program Coordinator, overseeing Sunday School ancillaries such as playground playdates, service socials, prayer initiative, offering and other mission opportunities. Paige graduated from the University of Texas in 2013 and worked in Houston ISD helping ESL children with reading and writing. She is a familiar face at St. Luke’s, having volunteered in many different ministries. Now, she and Phillip are proud parents of their infant daughter, Lilah. In her free time, Paige loves all things true crime and Disney, and she is thrilled to bring some “orange-blood” to the Children’s Ministries staff!
CWP is a casual gathering led by Sr. Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. It is the perfect way to learn more about St. Luke’s and is the first step on the path to membership. Sign up online at StLukesMethodist.org/ im-new/#jointhefamily
Upcoming dates: dates: Upcoming Wednesday, March 7 | 5:30-7 p.m. March 7, April 15, May Sunday, April 15 | 4-5:30 p.m.20 17
ST. LUKE’S
LIFE
Here at St. Luke’s, we want you to have every opportunity to build authentic bonds with other Christians—just like you—who are striving to walk the Christian journey faithfully, so check out the following events! Join our church family and find a small group and Sunday morning class that truly fits. To learn more about all of our ministry groups, visit StLukesMethodist. org/ministries.
MUSIC AND FINE ARTS
Pure Sound Presents Guys and Dolls Thursday and Friday, April 19-20 | 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 | 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22 | 2 and 7:30 p.m. | Rotunda Theater Pure Sound Youth Choir presents their 22nd annual musical production, Guys and Dolls, a romantic comedy set in the underworld of 1920s-30s New York, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Stage direction by Chelsea McCurdy. Musical direction by Sid Davis. Choreography by Lindsey Hurst. Tickets are $15 for general admission / $10 for students with ID / $5 for children 8 and under. Buy at the door or online at stlukesmethodist.org/guysanddolls. Rotunda Gallery will be back soon! The Fellowship Hall renovation includes changes to our Rotunda Gallery hallway, so all exhibitions have been postponed until construction is finished later this year. Stay tuned!
Tapestry Players Presents Driving Miss Daisy Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 p.m. | Rotunda Theater. Don't miss this Pulitzer-prize winning story by Alfred Uhry of an unlikely friendship in postwar Georgia. Directed by Sid Davis. Tapestry Players Auditions Sunday, February 18 at 6 p.m. or Monday, February 19 at 7 p.m. (pick one) | Rotunda Theater Join Tapestry Players on stage this summer as they present Father of the Bride and the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit Broadway musical State Fair. Find out more, including information about each show, audition requirements, and sign up form at tapestryplayers.org/auditions. VOCES8 in Concert Sunday, February 25 | 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Britain’s internationally-acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8 returns to Houston and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for an evening of exquisite music. Free admission — no ticketing or reserved seating for this event. While in residence here, they will conduct educational workshops in area schools, in addition to singing a short program at noon on Thursday, February 22 in the Chapel as part of our Lenten Music for Meditation and Reflection. 18
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Shrove Tuesday Luncheon Tuesday, February 13 | Check in 11 a.m. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. St. John the Divine | 2450 River Oaks Blvd Guest Speaker: Jeanie Miley The Ladies of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and The Church of St. John the Divine invite you to join them at their annual luncheon with special guest speaker Jeanie Miley. Cost is $18/person. To register call 713-402-5094 or pay online at StLukesMethodist.org/shrove-tuesday-luncheon. Or by check payable to St. Luke’s UMC with “Shrove Tuesday Luncheon” in the memo box. Registration required by February 9.
UMW Westheimer Book Group Mondays, 10 a.m. | ES306 Contact Dorothy Voss, 713-660-7243. February 12 A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles March 12 The Doll House by Fiona Davis April 9 The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
homelessness. Crossroads is a recipient of a grant from St. Luke’s Houston Project. Lunch on your own at an area restaurant. Cost: Gently used men’s clothing or toiletries to donate to Crossroads. Advance registration required. Call 713402-5087 or email reservations@stlukesmethodist.org.
UMW Gethsemane Book Group Contact Jo Ann Smith, 713-686-5859. Saturday, February 10 | 9:30 a.m. Peggy Harrison's home with co-hostess Sharon Hempler Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
AARP Safe Driving Class Monday, February 26 | Time 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. A refresher course for drivers aged 50+. Cost: $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Call 713-402-5087 or email reservations@stlukesmethodist.org.
Saturday, March 10 | 11 a.m. The Junior League in the Corbit Room A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Saturday, April 14 | 9:30 a.m. Barbara Fogt's home with co-hostess Joyce Cole The Horse Dancer by Jojo Moyes UMW Games Group | Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m. | EN204 Contact Lori Wilson-Reynolds, 713-665-3553. February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 9, 16, 23, 30 UMW Afternoon Study Circle Tuesday, April 24 | 12-2 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Pot Luck Lunch with speaker Kelly Grimes, Connecting Ministries. Contact Kathy Austin at 713-252-6727.
MAINSTREAMERS
Program and Luncheon: Rob Landes presents Music from WWII Thursday, March 8 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Hines Baker Room Back by popular demand, Rob Landes will entertain with music popular during WWII. Buffet lunch ($10) following the program. Advance registration required by Monday, March 5 for lunch. Call 713-402-5087 or email reservations@ stlukesmethodist.org. Bridge Group | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | EN205 All are welcome at this growing, informal group interested in learning or brushing up on bridge played by Goren rules. Contact Kathy Austin, 713-252-6727. No reservations needed. Gethsemane Silver Circle Wednesday, January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Gethsemane Campus Enjoy a morning of games and conversation with lunch and birthday celebrations at noon. Cost for lunch is $5. For reservations, please call Betsy Evans, 281-565-0348.
ADULTS
Program and Luncheon: Plant With Purpose—Transforming the Lives of the Rural Poor Thursday, February 8 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | ES 313/314 Valerie Foulkes with Plant with Purpose will introduce us to this Christian agency dedicated to changing the lives of the rural poor around the world. Plant with Purpose will be the beneficiary of the 2018 St. Luke’s Easter offering. Buffet lunch ($10) following the program. Advance registration required by Monday, February 5 for lunch. Call 713-402-5087 or email reservations@stlukesmethodist.org. Day Trip: Service Opportunity at The Crossroads at Park Place Thursday, February 15 | 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Learn about and volunteer at Crossroads at Park Place, a day center and advocacy group for persons experiencing
Men’s Life: Just Regular Guys Wednesdays | 6:30-7:45 a.m. | January 24-March 28 ES308-314 | Led by Dr. Tom Pace When Jesus was putting together his leadership team he picked twelve regular guys. They weren’t especially brilliant, or courageous, or influential. But Jesus could see in them the seed of the Kingdom of God. This semester we will consider these twelve regular guys, and see if we can find a reflection of ourselves in them. New guys are always welcome! Because of the Fellowship Hall Renovation, we will meet in ES308-314. Six Recurring Tensions Within the Church Sundays 4-5:30 p.m. | February 11-March 18 | ES306 Led by Rev. Thomas Harper Like most history that is worth telling, the history of Christian theology keep changing directions. Theologians not only come up with new answers, they often ask new questions. Each age of Christianity has had to deal with different issues that are a part of their distinct culture. Still, some basic issues keep appearing throughout the centuries. These tensions tend to affirm two important elements of the Christian faith that, at face value, seem at odds with one another and therefore have never fully been resolved. In this six-week study we will explore the balance and mystery of five such tensions that
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have had a particular importance in Christian theology. (1) The Humanity and Divinity of Christ, (2) Reason and Revelation, (3) Works and Grace, (4) Spirit and Structure, (5) Predestination and Free Will , (6) Church and State Register at StLukesMethodist.org/group-finder Equipped to Serve Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m. | February 11, 18, 25, and March 4 ES310 Facilitated by Rebecca Alsup and Jennifer Gould When we serve in a manner that matches who we are, we experience growth, joy, and fulfillment. In this 4-week class, we will consider our spiritual gifts as well as our talents, personalities, passions and experiences. Put together, these characteristics uniquely equip us for ministry within the church and the world. Come and discover your vital role in the body of Christ! At the end of the course, the adult ministry team will connect you to opportunities to put your gifts into action. Cost $25. Contact Rebecca Alsup at ralsup@ stlukesmethodist.org. Celebration of Discipline - a RenovarĂŠ study based on the book by Richard J. Foster Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. | February 13-May 8 | ES308 Led by Dr. Linda Christians and Ken Jacobson Celebration of Discipline is a contemporary exploration of the classical spiritual disciplines. Each discipline is a practical step we can take to place ourselves before God and allow him to minister to us as we grow in our faith and understanding. Our goal in this study group is to consider each of the disciplines and work to put them into practice in our lives. Strong elements of the group will be discussion and accountability around the practice of the disciplines each week. Join us as we dig in and get to the place where God will change us this spring! Register at StLukesMethodist.org/group-finder
GETHSEMANE Starting March 7, the Mercy Kitchen, at Gethsemane, will serve a free meal on Wednesday evenings to families living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are needed to help with food prep, cooking, serving, and clean-up. Sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/30e0448acaf2dab9-wednesday or contact Denise Snider at dsnider@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5034.
CAMPUS TOURS Historical Walking Tour of the Westheimer Campus February 25, March 25, April 29 | 12:05 p.m. Meet in the Commons following the 11 a.m. worship service on the last Sunday of every month for tour of the entire campus. 20
OUTREACH 2018 Beyond These Walls Missions Conference April 26-28 St. Luke’s UMC and Chapelwood UMC are hosting the 2018 Beyond These Walls Missions Conference. You will have the opportunity to learn the "best of the best" mission practices so you can fulfill your divine calling... making disciples of all the nations. There will be a dynamic line-up of speakers including Adam Weber and Danielle Strickland. Adam is the lead pastor at Embrace, a 10-year-old church that has grown to 6 campuses and 4,000+ people in weekly attendance. Danielle serves in The Salvation Army as an Officer, and she has a fierce love for Jesus and for people. There will be a wide range of workshops offered at St. Luke's Gethsemane Campus and Chapelwood UMC. The workshop leaders including Rev. Gregg Taylor with reVision and Rev. Gaston Warner with ZOE, and many more. Sign-up at https://www.beyondthesewalls2018.com/ Mission Trip to Homeboy Industries This spring we are sending a team to Los Angeles to learn about Homeboy Industries and participate in the Urban Experience at Union Rescue Mission. You will have the opportunity to see what it is like to live in the heart of skid row and have an opportunity to serve people experiencing homelessness. For more information, contact Denise Snider at dsnider@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5034.
Staying in touch with our church family Welcome to the Lenten edition of the Spire magazine! The Spire is now published four times a year, so you can look forward to new issues for Lent, Summer, Fall and Advent. To keep you in touch with more timesensitive information, several features can now be found online where they are updated on the first of each month. New member and baptism information and pictures, and Caring and Sharing member news is available on our website at StLukesMethodist.org/ family-news. We hope that you will stay in touch with St. Luke's through our new church app. Download it at the app store by searching for St Lukes UMC Houston. This member toolbox is the fastest way to find activities, sermons, Dr. Pace's blog and more with just a tap of your finger.
Celebrating Lives FLOOD RELIEF In Honor of: Dawn and Whitney Fournier Doug and Anne Culver Amber Shedd Gail and Tim Roth Kelly, Mike and Matt Borchelt Betsy Wiener by Vicki and Bill Hitzhusen BUILDING FUND In Memory of: John Pruitt, Sr. by John Pruitt, Jr. Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart Roger Stark by Laura and Bill Denham CARING MINISTRIES In Honor of: Laura and Bill Denham by Hulda and Fred Schubert In Memory of: Betty Higginbotham Petty by Laura and Bill Denham FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: Marcia and Ben Mathes by Byrom Wehner Celeste and Nicholas Watson by Marcia and Ben Mathes In Memory of: Jim Elkins by Jenny Elkins and family Ann Kelm by Scott, Linda, Brooks and Bethany Kelm James Otho Knight by Pam and Jim Wilhite Mary Frances Platt by Marcia and Ben Mathes Herb Loyd by Georgia and Don Byrnes Marietta Marich by Betty Kuhn Brouthers, Marsha, Jess, Diane and Sharon Peggy Duggan by Susan and Peter Ehlig Betty Clark Margie and Jim Sam Camp Carolyn and Corwin Teltschik Pam Duggan Gray's Tennis Team Jennifer Sutton and Randy Pepper PURE SOUND YOUTH CHOIR SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Gibbs Macdaniel, III by Janet and Mark Quillin KIDS HOPE USA In Honor of: Noralyn Carpenter by Christy Chitwood Susie Carpenter Warner by Christy Chitwood
TAPESTRY PLAYERS In Honor of: Gaye Platt by Marcia and Ben Mathes ELIZABETH DODGE SCHWAB SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of: Marion Wiley Fersing by Peggy Roe NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER In Honor of: Susan Finnegan on the occasion of her birthday by John and Christiana McConn Marilyn Phillips by Amy Hinson Susan and Bill Finnegan by Martha and Ray Benestante Marilyn and Chris Winters Mary and Tony Corbett by Susan and Bill Finnegan Martha and Ray Benestante Martha and Ray Benestante by Susan and Bill Finnegan Annie and Wayne Kansas by Marilyn and Chris Winters Christiana and Luke McConn by Marilyn and Chris Winters Ann and Mark Dodson by Marilyn and Chris Winters Margaret and Mike Watson by Marilyn and Chris Winters Grace and Keith Cartwright by Marilyn and Chris Winters Marjorie Crawford by Marilyn and Chris Winters In Memory of: Nick Finnegan by Joe Herman Scott Caven by Joe Herman Susan and Bill Finnegan Hal Finnegan by Susan and Bill Finnegan William Hightower by Susan and Bill Finnegan Ford Thanheiser by Bill and Susan Finnegan Deborah Wiemers Hemphill by Robert Hemphill Patsy Stone by Andi and Stephen Berkman John R. Locke IV by Cary Welsh Susanne & Charles Hooper by Hale & Shannon Umstattd Maggie Burke Daugherty by Alta Daugherty Jack and Aiden Womack Charles and Teri Keller Leeanne and Bruce Hunt Bruce Hill Joseph and Melinda Abell William and Ellen Gutermuth Sue and Kim Ratliff Gaye Polan Mary Todd and Jimmy Davis Ray and Martha Gachwend
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Maggie Burke Daugherty cont. Dan and Lori Wolterman Stancil and Joan Starnes Lee and Debbie Owen Adtalem Global Education Brad Hawley Lee and Louis Schaufele Harry and Merce Whittington Harry and Cindy Holmes Mac and William Cromwell Marshall and Rosslyn Crawford Jenny Elkins Jerry and Mary Bell David and Linda Hughes Nancy and Jay Kelley Matthew & Elizabeth Rotan T. Kelley Erwin Isabelle Kenyon Hannah Shelton Adam Walker Andrew & Erin Dickerman Alex Marquette Bryan & Susan Williamson Myocardial Solutions John Funkhouser Douglas Rudley Nicholas Digani Joan Walter Susan & Carlos Munguia Catherine Camillone Chris & Gary Brooks Carol & Brooks O’Kelley Claire & Kace Phillips Amy & Todd Mueller Ellen & Timbo Brown Susan & Jim Thompson Laura Armstrong Michael Cacchio Zubeen Shroff Molly Grimm Josh Beets Laura Lauth Kathleen Carroll Matthew Kraxberger Margaret Placer Merrilee Anderson Cecilia Wallace Matt Hirsch Sandy Mossy JoAnna Hurley James Feely George Law Pamela Levy Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity David Cowin Samir Damani Scott Rochelli Alan Taetle Thomas Harlan Cathy Wills Stratton Grisoli John Schumacher Bill & Jan McClellan Amy Youngguist Kathy & Jeff Sangalis Jordan Glasgow Catherine & Bill Miller Susan & John Henderson Mary Kay and Thomas Hunt Allison Anderson Stephen and Catherine Carrigan Robert and Gail Stillwell 22
Thomas and Susan Martin Marilyn and Gene Shepherd Julie and Casey Doherty Marilyn and Chris Winters Rosanna and Myron Blalock John and Robin Wombwell Christopher Renaud Paul and Pamela Frazier Neal and Elaine Anderson Jordan Davis Laurie Humphreys Justin Roberts Kay Bruce Tricia, Richard, Leigh, Jeff, Laura and Wes Nelson Elizabeth Truelove McDermott Jon Daugherty Mary Margaret Hickey Hannah Dickey Michael and Mary Marinelli Shepherd 5 Points Family Foundation Mike and Cabot Barry Dana and Walter Burke Elizabeth and Gwaltney McCollum Kennedy Minerals Ltd. Julie and Michael Swidler Danna and Tim Burkett Diana and Todd Maclin Monica Hearn Dancy and Charles Wynne Lauth Family Foundation Michael and Susan Klein Susan and Leonard Shaker Virginia Carrington Karen Selzer Bonnie Baer Ann and Bill Burke Susan and Bill Finnegan Randa and Doug Roach Lee Ann and Steve Van Amburgh Kathleen Tremble and William Togneri Lee Rury Bryan Wagner G.H. and Bonnie Pettway Leslie and David Pohl Kenneth Horwitz Connie and Warren Pinckert Ellen and Jim Cummins Robert Arnot Liz and Bill Farmer Catherine and Clarke Heidrick Kari and Rick Lacher Liz and Jimmy Burke Katy and Scott Allen Kay and Jules Rousseau Mary Louise and Robert Sinclair Sharon and Jeff Hudspeth Clay Hunter Eileen and Bryan Lewis Temple and Mary Webber Margaret and William Puckett Patrick Unzicker Janet McCloskey Anderson Aubree Kay and William Daugherty Robin Jones Patty and Dan Flynn Andrew Sale John Woodiel Joan Germany Hale & Shannon Umstattd
STEPHEN MINISTRY In Honor of: Pat Anderson by Mary Cash In Memory of: Jerry Webb by Jack and Val Dean Read OUTREACH AND MISSIONS In Honor of: Martha and Larry Lloyd by Nancy Johnson In Memory of: Dr. Abbe Ledbetter by Julia and David Humphreys WOODSHOP MINISTRY In Memory of: Roger Stark by Ray and Paul Renner Nancy and Dave Barziza Jean Matherne Pat Deckert Barbara and Niel Stovall Nancy Stark's Book Club Judy and John Folz Totsy Boyd Gano Gretchen Morris John Pruitt, Sr. by Barbara Davenport Jim Hall on the occasion of his birthday by Jane and M.T. Crump ADULT MINISTRIES In Honor of: Tamyra Palmer by Kristin and Vance Tillman CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES In Memory of: Bill Ellerbrock by Sandra and David Muff Brucks Hall by Kristin and Vance Tillman THE LANDING In Honor of: Shani Bacy by Bobbie Wisecup
ST. LUKE'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Honor of: Chloe Ann Zieben on her 7th birthday by Patricia and Ronald Solberg Dr. Tom Pace by Scott, Linda, Brooks and Bethany Kelm Rev. Linda Christians by Scott, Linda, Brooks and Bethany Kelm Rev. Bill Denham by Scott, Linda, Brooks and Bethany Kelm In Memory of: James Cannon Willard by Jill and Jeff Young Nancy Park Wheless by Heidi and Robert Kelsey Pam and Jimmy Erwin Dianne and Eliot Tucker Roger Stark by Mr. and Mrs. James Cravens Eugene R. Werlein by Janelle F. Werlein Phililp R. Werlein on the occasion of his birthday by Janelle F. Werlein Jerry Webb by Helen Allen Karen and Emmett Ward IBM Betty Pettey by J. C. Sharp Walta Jean Smith by Betty T. Chapman Betty Higginbotham Petty by Ann and Thomas Greene Louie Haden Alexander Frances Sharp O'Leary Libby Sharp Frank Frances Alexander ST. LUKE'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH In Honor of: Mary Faye Snell on the occasion of her birthday by Mr. and Mrs. William Jee In Memory of: Barbara Bennett by Robert C. Bennett Gary T. Stevenson by Mr. and Mrs. William Jee Sue G. Gin by Mr. and Mrs. William Jee Bobby L. Lloyd by Mr. and Mrs. William Jee Ed Hong by Mr. and Mrs. William Jee
Lenten Flower Dedications Contributions to the Lenten Flowers Fund are a wonderful way to honor or remember loved ones. Seasonal decorations are a beautiful enhancement to our worship experience. Acknowledgements will be made in the Sunday bulletins on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Forms are available at the Information Desk or the Church Office. Dedications must be received by Monday, March 19, 2018. Contact Amelia Love at 713-622-5710. 23
ONE C HU R C H . . . 2 APPS St. Lukes Methodist Church and Scripture+Shared Bible
Download them now in the App Store or Google Play Store See pages 8 and 9 for more features and information.