IN THIS ISSUE
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A LETTER FROM TOM PACE, PAGE 3
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RESOLVED: GETTING UNSTUCK IN THE NEW YEAR, PAGE 4
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WHY I GO TO THE WOMEN’S RETREAT, PAGE 9
ON THE COVER: One of the ways to get unstuck in 2017 is to join a learning community, a small group or a LIFT group. For more information on how to join in, see a sample of the offerings on page 8 or visit StLukesMethodist.org/ 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.
DO YOU EVER FEEL STUCK?
Sometimes we just can’t make progress progress—in relationships or work or our spiritual lives. We will take a look at what the Bible teaches us about getting unstuck. Look for the “unstuck journal” on January 8. Collect your ideas during the week, and build your resolve to take some small steps to get moving.
MAYBE YOU WILL FIND YOUR FIRST STEP IN THESE PAGES.
Do you feel equiped to do God’s work? Studying your unique spiriutal gifts might give you clarity (page 8). Or do you find yourself wanting a more balanced ife and a deeper relationship with God? Give the Joy of Discipline group a try (page 8).
From changing unhealthy food choices (page 8) to a message from Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (page 4) or finding a support group (page 5), this issue of The Spire has got it covered. Let’s get “unstuck” together.
Unstuck in 2017 by Dr. Tom Pace
Sometimes, we all feel stuck. Many people feel… …stuck in their jobs. …stuck in their relationships. Almost anyone who has been married very long has faced days feeling stuck in that marriage. Others feel stuck in their singleness. …stuck with their bodies, their health, their abilities or disabilities. …stuck in financial circumstance, seeing no way to make progress. …stuck in certain bad habits, and seemingly unable to get started with good ones. …stuck with bad attitudes and patterns of thought. …stuck on our spiritual journeys and not moving along our pathway toward apostleship. And we find ourselves beset by the same sins that plagued us last year and the year before. We just feel stuck. Let’s get unstuck, by the power of God. Beginning January 8, 2017, St. Luke’s will begin a five week sermon series entitled “Unstuck.” We will look together at what the Bible says about how to discern God’s direction for us, and how to move forward toward that vision. Each week we will invite you to consider some personal questions to clarify your thoughts and take some steps on your journey. We will provide you with an “unstuck journal” to help collect your ideas during the week, and build your resolve to take some small steps to get moving. Most of the work to get unstuck is not a collective experience, so each of us will need to do our own work with God during the week to begin to move forward. Let me be honest with you: there are a number of places in my own life that I feel stuck, so I am really looking forward to this journey myself. Let’s make 2017 the year we get unstuck!
Sermon Series January 8 Get Up! (Journals will be distributed during worship) January 15 Visions and Destinations January 22 One Thing I Do January 29 Get Up, Again! February 5 Along The Way... Traditional services (8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m.) can be viewed live at StLukesMethodist.org/livestream 3
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES
Resolved: Getting Un-Stuck in the New Year INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS
by Audrey Omenson, M.A., LPC-S, Clinical Director of The Nick Finnegan Counseling Center
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The start of a new year can bring about about all kinds of thoughts and feelings. Some may feel joy and hope; some may feel grief or regret. Often, the New Year finds us experiencing a mixture of both positive and negative feelings. All the talk of goals and resolutions can be exciting and motivating, but what do we do when feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed or stuck come up instead? First, we can notice the content of the “scripts” we have running in our head. These scripts, also called “self-talk,” are often harsher and more judgmental than they are accurate to the reality of the situation. After all, we are our own worst critics. Our thoughts make a dramatic difference in our behavioral choices and emotional reactions to situations. Common ways our thought patterns can sabotage us: focusing on worst case scenarios rather than the more moderate spectrum of possibilities convincing us that others are judging us rather than acknowledging that we can’t read minds viewing a situation through the extreme lens of “total success vs total failure” rather than celebrating small growth rendering our behaviors and emotions invalid by telling us we “should” behave or feel differently than we actually do. Sure, some of these thoughts and factors may be relevant, but they become unhealthy when they dominate our thought process and push other more moderate options out of the way.
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Once we notice how we are thinking about situations, there are a few simple practices that can make a difference in moving out of feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Since thoughts, behaviors and emotions all affect each other—if one area is stuck, we can use the others to help get it moving again. A few examples of this include: using a slow walk around the neighborhood can help reset unhealthy thought patterns journaling or talking through one’s thought processes can help challenging emotions calm doing a favorite calming activity can help shift stressful provoking thoughts reaching out and connecting with someone else can help combat the isolating feelings that can come from feeling overwhelmed and stuck breaking one’s goals into smaller, measurable steps can help a task feel more approachable. For example, consistently go for walks before signing up for a marathon. Most importantly, remember: you will mess up. This is expected, normal, and in some cases even healthy. We are all humans and we will make mistakes. All we can control is how we “show up” and engage in any given situation, but we cannot control the outcome. The difference comes from reflecting on how we handle situations that do not go the way we expect. We can buy into the unhealthy extremes of our thought patterns, or we can learn from mistakes, ask for help, acknowledge our lack of control and learn from these observations next time. January 1st isn’t the only day we get a “restart” button throughout the year. We get 365 chances to restart, every day.
GriefShare Support Tuesdays, beginning January 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Hines Baker Room
Beginning January 10, Reverend Bill Denham will lead a 13-week Christian-based grief support class every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Hines Baker Room. This class is designed for people grieving the death of a loved one. You do not have to be a church member to attend. Cost is $20. To register contact Shelley Quillin at 713-402-5033 or squillin@ stlukesmethodist.org
September 1–November 24 Tuesdays 6:30–8:30 p.m. Hines Baker Room $20 (for course materials) My loved one took their own life. Now what? or Register: 713-402-5033 Losing a loved one—whether a friend or family For questions or to register, call 713-402-5046 or SQuillin@stlukesmethodist.org member—causes sorrow and pain. However, when that email Info@FinneganCounseling.org. All services are loss is due to suicide, it can also bring up questions, confusion and many other feelings. That’s why the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (a ministry of St. Luke’s) created a new group for Survivors of Suicide. This group gives survivors of someone who completed suicide ways to work through their loss. It also provides a place to move forward alongside others with similar experiences. Survivors of Suicide is led by two professional counselors and meets for eight weeks.
confidential; registration is required.
Deadline to register: January 20, 2017 Meeting dates: Tuesdays from February 7-March 28 Meeting time: 6-7:30 p.m. Meeting location: 2714 Joanel St. | Houston, TX 77027 Cost: $25 per person per meeting; 8 meetings total insurance, sliding scale and payment plans available
DivorceCare Tuesdays, January 10–April 4 | 6:30-8:00 p.m. | Room EW 123/124
Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. The group, covering a different topic each week, will meet for 13 weeks on Tuesday evenings to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Program cost is $20, workbook included. Childcare available with advanced reservation. To register or for more details contact Susan Silvus at ssilvus@gmail.com.
New Country-Bluegrass Gospel Service at The Story Houston Starts Sunday, January 15 at 5 p.m. The Story’s new 5 p.m. worship service is launching mid-January; here are the Top 10 reasons you should check it out! 1. The thought of a packed house singing I Saw the Light makes your heart soar. 2. The thought of a packed house singing I Saw the Light accompanied by guitars, banjo, fiddle, piano, upright bass, and a steel guitar gives you goosebumps. 3. You’ve always wanted to wear your gator-skin cowboy boots to church, but didn’t have the courage to do it on a Sunday morning. 4. You occasionally spend weekends in Galveston or Austin, and a Sunday evening service would allow you to start your week off right. 5. You occasionally stay out a little too late on Saturday nights, making Sunday morning worship a bit of a stretch. 6. While you appreciate traditional worship in our beautiful sanctuary, sometimes you’d like to sing the good ol’ Gospel hymns everybody knows... especially if you can do so with a cup of coffee in your hand. 7. You know just about every word to I’ll Fly Away, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, In the Garden, Amazing Grace, and The Ol’ Rugged Cross. 8. You’ve got tickets to the Texans game. And after tailgating and screaming at the refs for three hours, you need to atone for your sins. 9. You’ve been thinking about checking out what’s happening at The Story, but you haven’t wanted to miss the awesome worship and preaching at St. Luke’s on Sunday mornings. 10. You’ve got a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who might be intrigued by The Story, but isn’t exactly a Sunday-morning churchgoer. Invite them! Whatever your reason for coming, we would LOVE to see you at The Story Houston’s new, 5 p.m. service starting Sunday, January 15! All are welcome. For more information, please contact thestoryhouston@gmail.com.
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This is what we know: a lower-class man named Jesus from a one-horse town called Nazareth changed the world more than anyone else in history. After his death, his followers— an unlikely gang of fishermen, construction workers, prostitutes, and kids — coordinated a movement that outlasted Rome and reshaped the future. We also know this: many thoughtful people have doubted whether Jesus ever existed, and if he did exist, whether he was truly unique or superior to other great teachers and prophets. But here’s the thing: If Jesus was just a good man with good ideas, Christianity is the world’s greatest hoax. But if there’s something different about him, and if, as the Gospels claim, Jesus was more than just a man, then we can trust his promises. If Jesus is the One, the struggle might be real for now, but eternity belongs to God. Evil and death have met their match. We are not alone here, and there’s more to this life than what meets the eye. Join The Story Houston for a series of sermons from Pastor Eric Huffman about the facts surrounding Jesus’ life: who he was, what he stood for, and what makes him the One. Super Man: What Makes Jesus the One New sermon series in January beginning January 5 at 9:40 a.m., 11:05 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Made to Crave Bible Study | Wednesdays, January 18–February 22 | 12–1:30 p.m. | Room ES313 Has food become a source of comfort? After a hard day at work, or a long day with the kids, don’t we deserve that big piece of chocolate cake? Lysa TerKeurst used to think so, but that was before God showed her that what she really needed was more of Himself. In Made to Crave, Lysa won’t tell us what to eat, rather she explores why we make unhealthy food choices. Discover what it is we’re really seeking, and how that need can only be met in our faithful Heavenly Father. And when our cravings are satisfied with His love, a healthy body will follow. Led by Teresa Robertson. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/groupfinder. Spiritual Gifts Discovery Class | Sundays | January 22–February 26 | 9:45-10:45 a.m. Room ES308 In this 6-week class, we will consider our spiritual gifts as well as our talents, passions and experiences. Put together, these characteristics uniquely equip us for ministry within the church and the world. When we serve in a manner that matches who we are, we experience growth, joy, and fulfillment. Each of us is called to play a vital role in the body of Christ. Come and discover yours! Led by Rebecca Alsup and Jennifer Gould. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/groupfinder. The Joy of Discipline: Discovering intimacy with God through inward spiritual practices in 2017 Sundays | January 29–March 5 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Room ES301 | Led by Rev. Thomas Harper Richard Foster, in his book The Celebration of Discipline, shows us that spiritual disciplines are a doorway to freedom from our slavery to self-interest and fear. If you desire more intimacy with God and the life-giving practices that the church has looked to for means of grace for centuries or if you could benefit from more balance in the New Year, join us for six weeks as we study, explore, and practice four inward disciplines. Not so that you will become a better Christian or to make God love you more, but so that you may know the joy and freedom of a more balanced life and closer relationship with our creator. Register at StLukesMethodist. org/groupfinder. For more information, contact Rev. Thomas Harper at 713-402-5009.
Putting Your House in Order | January 29 | 12:15 p.m. Whether you are young or old, this seminar will show you how your faith story should influence your estate planning. Leah Taylor, from the Texas Methodist Foundation offers practical advice and how-tos. Lunch and a workbook are included in the $30 registration fee. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/events by January 23. For more information, contact Sally Gray at 713-402-5006. Epic of Eden: Study of Isaiah | Thursdays, January 19 - March 9 | 9:45-11:30 a.m. | Room ES301
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Often named “the fifth gospel,” the book of the prophet Isaiah has more to say about Israel’s coming Messiah than any other Old Testament book. Brilliant, courageous, uncompromising, this prophet declared that “the year of the LORD” had come and God’s people needed to either step up, or stand down. Indeed, when Isaiah spoke, kings trembled. But too often, when Isaiah speaks today, God’s people have trouble hearing. Why? This eightweek study explains Israel’s religion and economy, explores the definition and role of the prophets, and helps us to apply the message of this great champion of the faith to our lives today. Led by Louise McEvoy. Cost $20. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/groupfinder.
Becoming Mary in a Martha World Why I attend the Women’s Retreat by Laurie Noteboom
Prayer Ministry Coordinator and Encounter Team Laeder
This February, I will attend my seventh Women’s Retreat and there is a simple reason— I need it. Like most women, my days are full of balancing what I need to do for my family and my responsibilities at work. School project needs, elderly parents’ problems with a technical device, dinner preparations, an exuberant overweight yellow lab, a carpool or two from sons’ athletic events, birthday presents for a niece out of state, piles of smelly laundry and on and on fill my schedule in the hours before and after work. And like most women I know, though grateful for overflowing lives and blessings, I’m often exhausted and left feeling I’m not accomplishing enough. But what the Women’s Retreat has taught me, and why I return every year to be reminded, is the one thing I need to do the most is the one thing I’ve allowed to be squeezed out of my schedule. At some point over the weekend, through the speaker’s words, or quiet time sitting on the cabin’s front porch, or in the middle of a laughing fit listening to something outrageous another mom admitted to doing, I see my disconnect so clearly. I’ve once again become like Martha who Jesus corrected for being “worried and upset about many things, when only one thing is needed.” (Luke 10:41-42) Reverend Nancy Kellond, a former St. Luke’s Associate Pastor, a talented artist, and teacher, is this year’s retreat speaker. “Breath of God” will be our theme based on Job 33:4. “The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Join me and other women of St. Luke’s the weekend of February 3-5, 2017, and find your reminder of what gives you life. Register at stlukesmethodist.org/events.
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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.
FINE ARTS Rotunda Gallery | January January is National Mentoring Month, and this exhibit highlights St. Luke’s KIDS HOPE USA mentors and students. Browse the photos of the nearly 90 students and their mentors. Just looking at all the smiling faces will convince you that volunteers make a real difference in the lives of these precious children. But there are many more children in need out there! Which, of course, means there is also a great need for caring adults to mentor them. If you can spare one hour, one day a week at either Briarmeadow Elementary or Sutton Elementary, you can help a special child blossom and thrive! A onetime, three-hour training is required. Information or to volunteer: Karen McCarver 713-402-5152 or Marci Pampe 713-357-4466. Opportunites to get involved in Fine Arts Children’s Choirs Joyful Noise! is for Pre-K and Kindergarten. SundaySing! is for grades 1-5. SundayRing! Chime Choir is for grades 3-5. Information: Randy Murrow at rmurrow@ stlukesmethodist.org. Pure Sound Youth Choir Open House January 8 | 3:30 p.m. All 6th through 12th graders are invited to attend; parents of new singers are also welcome to come meet our director and sit in during the rehearsal from 4-5:30 p.m. Information: Sid Davis at sdavis@ stlukesmethodist.org. Chancel Choir All interested singers are welcome to join our outstanding choir. Information: Sid Davis at sdavis@stlukesmethodist.org. 10 18
St. Cecilia Women’s Choir If you love to sing, contact director Randy Murrow at rmurrow@stlukesmethodist.org. Veritas Men’s Choir For more information about singing with Veritas, contact director Ryan Jones at TRJones@icloud.com. Chancel Bells Contact Noralyn Carpenter for more information at ncarpenter@stlukesmethodist.org. Tapestry Players Join our mailing list to receive updates on shows, auditions, and other opportunities: http://www.eepurl. com/btSqL9.
CHILDREN Parenting the Love and Logic Way January 18February 22 6:30-8 p.m. This six-week series is designed to help parents, grandparents and caregivers learn to parent with empathy and logical consequences. Free if you attended in 2015. Cost is $240 per couple; $150 per individual. Online registration is now open at StLukesMethodist.org/events. Third Grade Bible Exploration | January 27 | 6 p.m. All St. Luke’s 3rd graders and their friends are invited to bring your Bible for an evening of fun and dinner. Online registration is now open and the cost is $20 per child payable at the door. Visit StLukesMethodist. org/events for more info and to register. Questions? Children’s Ministries 713-402-5044.
SENIOR ADULTS
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Monday Bridge Group | Mondays beginning January 9 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Room EN204 (R25) All are welcome at this growing, informal group interested in learning or brushing up on bridge. No reservations necessary, just come play. Information: Kathy Austin 713-252-6727.
Shrove Tuesday Luncheon | February 28 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fellowship Hall 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 Shrove Tuesday luncheon. Guest Speaker is Rev. Eric Huffman, Lead Pastor of The Story Houston. Reservations: 713-402-5094. UMW Games Group | Mondays, January 23 and 30 10-11:30 a.m. | Room EN204 (R25) Information: Lori Wilson-Reynolds 713-665-3553. UMW Gethsemane Book Group | January 14 9:30 a.m. | Joyce Cole’s home This group will read January’s selection The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper. Information: Jo Ann Smith 713-686-5959.
Mainstreamer Day Program and Luncheon Thursday, January 12 │11 a.m.–1 p.m. │Hines Baker Room Raise a Puppy, Change a Life! We welcome Charlene “Chicky” Fowler, who will present a program about her involvement with Canine Companions for Independence. Buffet lunch ($10) following the program. Reservations: 713-4025087. Mainstreamer Day Trip | Thursday, January 19 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Houston Museum of Natural Science Mummies of the World Exhibit features a group of fascinating mummies and artifacts dating back as far as 4500 years. Lunch at an area restaurant. Cost: exhibit $17, plus the cost of your lunch. Reservations: 713-402-5087 Gethsemane Silver Circle | January 25 | 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Gethsemane Campus Enjoy a morning of games and conversation, with lunch and birthday celebrations at 12 p.m. Cost for lunch is $5. Reservations: Betsy Evans 281-565-0348.
PRAYER MINISTRY Service of Healing | January 4 | 6-7 p.m. Westheimer Chapel Join us the first Wednesday of every month for a Service of Healing. This month, Dr. Linda Christians will lead a time of prayer and communion where we ask God for spiritual and physical healing for you or a loved one. Information: Laurie Noteboom at lnoteboom@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5024.
UMW Westheimer Book Group | January 9 | 10 a.m. Johnson Education Building ES306 The group will read January’s selection The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Information: Dorothy Voss 713-660-7243. UMW Night Circle | January 17 | 6:30 p.m. Johnson Education Building | ES301 Women of all ages are invited to join this multigenerational Circle. Information: Pat Deckert 713-334-6848.
ST. LUKE’S DAY SCHOOL St. Luke’s Day School 2017-2018 Registration Registration for the 2017-2018 school year is about to begin! St. Luke’s Day School offers both part-time, school year and full-time, year round programs for infants through Kindergarten. Formal tours take place at 9:30 a.m. on January 24, January 31, February 7 and February 16. Church member priority deadline is Tuesday, February 14 at 6 p.m. Visit StLukesDaySchool.org/enrollment for more information and to sign up for a tour. 11
GETHSEMANE CAMPUS Children’s Ministries Volunteer Opportunities The Children’s Ministries has several activities coming up that need extra sets of loving hands. Youth Ministries also needs volunteers for a variety of activities. For more information, please contact Juana Tavico at jchavez@ stlukesmethodist.org or 713-357-4474 for Children’s volunteer opportunities or Amy (akelley@stlukesmethodist.org) or Julie (juramos@stlukesmethodist.org) for youth volunteer opportunities. DNOW Retreat | January 13-15 Students will stay in host homes in Houston, worship and serve together with other teens, and learn about The Good Life Jesus offers us all. Register with Julie Ramos; juramos@ stlukesmethodist.org. Wednesday Night Fellowship | beginning January 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. These wonderful evenings are for all ages! Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and small groups at 6:30 p.m. Pastor David will begin his study on Romans. Amy Kelley will lead an adult small group study called “Unstuck”. We’re also excited to announce a new young adult small group beginning on Wednesday nights! For more information on all the activities happening at Wednesday Night Fellowship, contact Amy Kelley at akelley@ stlukesmethodist.org.
MISSION TRIPS Early Responder Team Training | January 21 9 a.m.-4 p.m. We are hosting an Early Response Team training for those who want to get involved with disaster recovery work. The cost is $20, which includes breakfast and lunch. Information: Denise Snyder dsnider@stlukesmethodist.org or call 713-402-5034.
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Children’s Ministries Opportunities | January Houston reVisionVolunteer Trip | May 7-10 | Los Angeles The Rev. Children’s has severalreVIsion Advent activities Greg Ministries Taylor of Houstno is takingcoming a team up that need extra sets of loving hands to prepare to Los Angeles to visit Homeboy Industriescostumes, and Union bake treats, serve as a “Pew Parent/Grandparent” and more. Rescue Mission. Learn from Father Greg Boyle and Youth Ministries also needs volunteers for a variety of activities. Rev. Andy Bales about how they build relationships For more information, please contact Juana Tavico at jchavez@ with gang members enabling them to learn job skills, stlukesmethodist.org or 713-357-4474 for Children’s volunteer and re-enter society as empowered, self-sufficient opportunities or Amy (akelley@stlukesmethodist.org) or community members. Cost: $850. Julie (juramos@stlukesmethodist.org) for Information: youth volunteer Denise Snyder dsnider@stlukesmethodist.org or opportunities.
713-402-5034.
DNOW Retreat | January 13-15 Students stay in host homes in9-14, Houston, ZOEwill Guatemala | October 2017worship and servTravel ther with other teens, and learn about Theby Good Travel to Guatemala and build relationships visiting Life with Jesusgroups offers usofall. Register with Julie Ramos; juramos@ ZOE youth. See their businesses, hear stlukesmethodist.org. their testimonies, and learn about their plans for
the future. Cost: $1650 Information: Denise Snyder
Wednesday Night Fellowship | beginning January 11 | 5:30dsnider@stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5034. 7:30 p.m.
MEN’S LIFE Men’s Life led by Dr. Tom Pace | Wednesdays, beginning February 15 | 6:30-8 a.m. Fellowship Hall Men’s Life encourages men to be their best. We invite men of all ages to join Dr. Tom Pace for a new semester of teaching, a light breakfast, and round-table discussion about real-life issues and life-approaches related to men. Register at StLukesMethodist.org/ GroupFinder
The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and are given: December 11 in celebration of the baptism of Lucas Kirby Hill by Laura and Robert Hill; and in celebration of the baptisms of Katherine Rose and Anna Jane Morris by Karen and Austen Morris; and in celebration of the baptism of Brady Tyler Levicky by Kimberly and Brett Levicky. December 25 in celebration of the baptism of Knox Teo Pusch by Gabriela and Anthony Pusch; and in celebration of the baptism of Stella Beatrice Oren by Lisa and Joshua Oren.
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Congratulations, Baptisms! The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: Emilia Grace Heidt, daughter of David Patrick Heidt and Currie Yvonne Neely Heidt on November 20.
Keaton James Koenig, son of James Ervin Koenig and Ryann Fox Koenig on November 20.
Charles Caldwell Eifler, son of Thomas Campbell Eifler and Ann Criner Eifler on November 27.
Harrison James Griffin, son of Kelly Patrick Griffin and Natalie Houston Griffin on November 27.
Mary Helen Moore, daughter of Michael Joseph Moore and Kathryn McCarter Moore on November 20.
Lily Marin, Lucas Mateo, and Nicholas Andres Parsapour, children of Todd Ali Parsapour and Estella Villarreal Parsapour on November 27.
Andrew Wesley Woerner, son of Kyle Ross Woerner and Marion Elizabeth Henry Woerner on November 20.
Grace Rebecca Hillenburg, daughter of Russell Richard Hillenburg and Mary Elizabeth Townsend Hillenburg on December 4.
Carter Grace Covington, daughter of Travis Layne Covington and Sarah Lawson Covington on November 27.
Lillie Frances Knight, daughter of Tucker Spence Knight and Allison Anderson Knight on December 4.
Nora Larkin Washington, daughter of Andrew Thomas Washington and Catherine Matthews Washington on December 4.
To schedule your child’s baptism, or to arrange to attend the required baptism class, please contact Noralyn Carpenter at 713-402-5028.
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Caring and Sharing As Christians, we are called to care and pray CONGRATULATIONS TO:
New Members Karen Garrido unites with our congregation by transfer from another denomination. She is a finance manager with AET, Inc.
Naseem Alavi and David Patterson Sawyer, who were united in marriage on November 11. Margaret Love Robinson and Jeffrey Alden Livingston, who were united in marriage on November 19. Allison and Nicholas Bacuez on the birth of their son, Henry Robert Bacuez, on November 21. Proud grandmother is Betty Slagle. Maggie and Eddie Wehmer on the birth of their son, Edward Joseph Wehmer III “Tripp”, on November 21. Proud grandparents are Doug and Suzi Pitts. Allison Lee Butts and Charles Randall Helms, Jr., who were united in marriage on December 3. Joy Sitton Heynen and Donald Edwin Vandenberg, who were united in marriage on December 3. OUR SYMPATHY TO: Brooks and Amy Ware and Jackson and Audrey Ware on the death of Brooks’ father, Timothy Wayne Ware, on November 9. Bonnie Sapp on the death of her son, Keith Luane Greear, on November 12. Family and friends of Eloise Wildenthal Selke, who died on November 15. Family and friends of Willard Thompson Pennington on November 23. Family and friends of Mitzi Lange Scott, who died on November 27. Rick and Nancy Miller of the death of Rick’s mother, Grace Adele Mohr Miller, on November 29.
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If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, please contact Caring Ministries at 713-402-5004 or extension 5156.
Rob and Cassie Albergotti join St. Luke’s by transfer from another denomination. Rob is a director withAlix Partners and he and Cassie are the parents of Granger, age 5, Libby, age 4, and Henry, age 16 months. Lillian Wheaton transfers to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist Church. She is an art teacher at Ser-Ninos Charter Elementary School.
We welcome the Grover Family to St. Luke’s. Clay and Brenda Grover and their children, Elise, Ryan, Madi and We welcome Grover Family Reece transferthe from another Unitedto St. Luke’s. Clay and Brenda Grover Methodist church.
and their children, Elise, Ryan, Madi and Reece transfer from another United Methodist church.
Michael and Laura Shear unite by transfer from another denomination. He is purchasing manager for Siemens and she is an engineer with ExxonMobil. Chad Mavity and Tiffany Raczy transfer to our congregation from another United Methodist church. They are both employed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Chad and Tiffany are the parents of Daniel, age 5, Benjamin, age 2, and Ethan, age 13 months.
Mark and Stephanie Schwausch unite with St. Luke’s by transfer from another denomination. They are the parents of twin daughters, Ava and Maia, age 6. Susan and Gene Vaughan, residents of Houston for over fifty years, join from another denomination. Gene is Founding CEO of Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. and Founding Chairman of Center for Houston’s Future.
Celebrating Lives
BUILDING FUND In Memory of: Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart CARING MINISTRIES In Honor of: Reverend Bill Denham by Mary Lou Slania In Memory of: Deborah Wiemers Hemphill by Robert H. Hemphill, Jr. Elbertine Walters by Joyce Bergen CCSC In Honor of: Roxi Dainty by Susan Silvus Susan Silvus by Roxi Dainty CHILDRENS MINISTRY In Honor of: Keaton Koenig’s baptism by Kandyce & Thomas Singletary In Memory of: Bill Ellerbrock by David, Sandy, Rebecca & Rob Muff Vera House Leisk by Kay & Ned Holmes
ELIZABETH DODGE SCHWAB SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of: Donny Wiley by Peggy Roe FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: Sid Davis Rob Landes and Erin Manning Verducci by Nancy & Doug Reese Bill Denham by Harrison Allen Marcia and Ben Mathes by Byrom T. Wehner In Memory of: Gwen Allen by Harrison Allen Margaret Johnson Frazier by Shirley & Michael Pearson NFCC In Honor of: NFCC Staff by Amy Lavergne Christie Dawson by Matthew Kreutter Tina Melo by Mary Schuler
In Memory of: Tom Melo by Katy Berkemeyer ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Honor of: Erminie Chapman by Prissy Watson Harry Dreher by Pat Decker Sally Matthews by Ann Yeoman The Finance Team by Roxi Dainty In Memory of: David Frank Chapman by Bill & Debby Leighton John & Prissy Watson James Herring by John & Prissy Watson Willard Thompson Pennington by Pat Deckert Eugene R. Werlein by Janelle F. Werlein Philip B. Werlein by Janelle F. Werlein
JOIN THE TEAM! Business Manager St. Luke’s is seeking a Business Manager to join our Finance and Administration Team. This position is responsible for the coordination and management of the Church’s real estate, commercial insurance, contracts and legal administration, transportation and IT functions across both of the Church campuses. This is a full-time position which reports to the Chief Financial Officer. Contributions Specialist The Finance Team at St. Luke’s UMC is small, and our transaction level is high. With the unexpected departure of a key employee, we have an immediate need for a dedicated, detail-oriented individual with accounting skills and an aptitude for great customer service. This is full-time position which reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
Communications Associate Our Communications Ministry has an opportunity for a fulltime Communications Associate to join our fun team that tells the story of God’s working through his church at St. Luke’s UMC. This position is directly involved with the design and production of church wide communications across a variety of media. Recreation and Activities Coordinator We are seeking a part-time, 25 hours per week, Recreation & Activities Coordinator. This position is responsible for ensuring that registered groups have access to the athletic fields and facilities, and that the fields and facilities are in safe and ready condition. This position will also supervise a staff of attendants. Depending upon the sport and season, this position may have to work evenings, Monday - Friday 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and Sundays 2:30 -5:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn more at StLukesMethodist.org/careers
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