BUILDING HOPE
ST. LUKE’S CHILDREN BY THE NUMBERS we pray
we study the bible
1,688
96
Third graders received Bibles
Children are enrolled in Sunday School classes
we make friends
14,000 Easter eggs were stuffed for the Palm Sunday Picnic
we tell our stories
600
Children participated in Vacation Bible School
2
we give ourselves away in generosity and service
1,100
Volunteers are needed in Children’s Ministries each year
IN THIS ISSUE
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A SEAT AT THE TABLE
LET THE LITTLE CHLDREN COME TO ME
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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ASHER KAZMANN
A BOOKCASE FULL OF HOPE
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ON THE COVER: Pat Thompson volunteers in the St. Luke’s Woodshop. To join this fun group, call Alice King at 713-402-5067. 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.
Our next Sermon Series LETTERS TO TIMOTHY: GOOD PRACTICAL ADVICE MAY 1-29 What’s the best advice you ever received? Do you remember a word somebody gave you as you left for college, started a new job or faced a difficult journey? Sundays in May we’ll look at Paul’s mentoring of Timothy and dive into: character, building relationships, doing something that matters, how to be disciplined and how to not give up.
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She knows my name! It’s an uncanny thing that happens sometimes, when someone unexpectedly knows your name. I was checking out at the grocery store, paying cash, and the checker handed me my change and said, “Thank you, Mr. Pace.” How did she know my name? I didn’t use a credit card. I wasn’t wearing a nametag. So I asked her “ummm, how did you know my name?” Dr. Tom Pace She smiled, and said “I remember all my customers’ names.” “You remember me as your customer?” “Yes sir. Of course,” she said with a glimmer in her eye. “Especially you.” She didn’t wink at me, but almost. Is it because I am on TV on Sundays? I must be really important, very significant. Am I unique, different from all the other customers that come through? Maybe it is because I am so good looking. Maybe she is flirting with me. Or maybe I just look wise and smart. At any rate, I am clearly different from all the other customers. The people in line behind me were getting annoyed with the delay. “Really? You remember me?” I asked. I was flattered. Astounded. She was making my whole trip worth it. “Well, actually, you typed in your phone number for your customer card and your name is on my screen.” I suspect the people in line behind me could hear the whistling of my balloon deflating. As I walked off, I heard her say to the person behind me, “Hello, Ms. Metcalf. Did you find everything you need?” Sigh. Nonetheless, while the checker only pretended, God really does know my name. It makes a difference. But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
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A Seat at the Table The Story Houston Chair Campaign The countdown is on! In about 10 weeks, The Story Houston will be moving into the brand new contemporary worship building at St. Luke’s! As you can probably imagine, a move like this doesn’t come cheap; among other things, we need to purchase 400 chairs so our guests will have a place to sit! The chairs cost $150 each, which means we’re trying to raise $60,000 in just a month’s time! Some members of The Story have stepped forward, and we’ve already raised about $30,000. Those who sponsor chairs will be notified when the shipment arrives, and before our Grand Opening, we’ll set up the chairs in the new building. You’ll be invited to a special night of prayer, where we’ll identify which chairs you gave so you can say a prayer of blessing over them before the building is open to the public! Relationships are tough. They make demands on your time and your budget; they demand your attention, even when you’re busy or overwhelmed. They can also be risky; anytime you choose to let someone in, there’s a chance you’ll get hurt. So why do we keep making friends, going on dates, and getting married? Because we’re wired for relationships; we can’t live without them. Whether you’re in search of a new friend or hoping to patch things up with an old one, whether you’re single, dating, engaged, married, or divorced, this series will offer helpful insights from the wisdom of the Bible about how to establish and grow friendships that last a lifetime. Invite a friend and join us Sundays in May and June at The Story Houston (9:30 and 11:05 a.m.), currently meeting in the St. Luke’s Activity Center.
Ways to help: -Give online by visiting www.bit.ly/ thestoryhouston -Send a check to: The Story Houston, PO Box 22013, Houston TX 77227, with “Chairs” in the memo. -Pray daily for a smooth transition to the new building this summer, and for The Story’s staff and volunteer leadership to continue to put Jesus at the center of everything we do. If you have questions for us about A Seat at the Table, please don’t hesitate to send an email to thestoryhouston@gmail.com. Thank you for playing your part in the story of God’s love in Jesus Christ!
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Finding Purpose and Passion
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GETHSEMANE GED PROGRAM SENDS GRADS INTO THE COMMUNITY
hen you walk the halls of the Gethsemane campus of St. Luke’s, you get a particular sense of purpose. Each initiative housed at Gethsemane works with the other parts to create a whole community where God is working. This is a sacred place, but it is also a place where things are happening. A buzz is coming from the classrooms at the end of the hallway, where students from five continents and an age span of 73 years sit at round tables, studying English and math and nutrition, among many other subjects. Gethsemane is a sacred place where things are happening, where students from all over the world, who find themselves in the Gethsemane community and neighborhood, are studying in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and General Education Development (GED) classes, learning financial literacy, spiritual and physical health, basic education (through Adult Basic Education (ABE) assessments) and career counseling. This place of learning is a place for them to expand their minds and find their place in the world. Doris Larry, lead learning center manager at Gethsemane and instructor through the Houston Center for Literacy, explains that this is a place of purpose, of finding purpose and walking and working in it.
The Houston Center for Literacy (HCL) has operated GED and ESL classes at Gethsemane since August 2014. The relationship between HCL and St. Luke’s began in the context of Connect Community, the major community development collaborative between St. Luke’s, KIPP Houston, Houston YMCA, Legacy Community Health, and HCL. Now, in the mornings and evenings at Gethsemane, every Monday through Thursday, around 100 students are earning their GED diplomas and learning English. There are currently two active Gethsemane members enrolled in the ESL classes. One is named Mwende, who three years ago immigrated from the Congo. He speaks three languages: French, Swahili, and Portuguese. Now he is adding a fourth language to his resume. The other is Luisa, a native of Mexico. Taking the GED course is Patricia, another active Gethsemane member.
“...if you don’t know what you were created for, look to your Creator.” The GED program at Gethsemane will
“I am a true proponent of that, and I try to teach my students that,” Larry said. “We are instructing and guiding them in the educational aspect of school, helping them to study for the GED and learn English, of course. But what we are really doing is helping them find purpose. We are giving them a way to find out who they are, and what they can do with that knowledge once they know who they are. I often want the classes I conduct to be less of me talking and more of them sharing, so we do roundtable discussions a lot. I can easily be talking to a student on how to interview 6
for a job and transition that into, what do you really want to do? What brings you joy? Where are your passions? And I always tell them, if you don’t know what you were created for, go to your Creator.”
have four graduates this summer, with more to come as studies continue. As part of the Texas Workforce Commission, the program at Gethsemane offers a wide scope of education, from online classes to ESL programs that improve literacy levels so students could move up to the GED program. They even partner with Texas A&M’s agriculture extension program, where students can take a nutrition class with a TAMU nutritionist and leave with an official Texas A&M certificate for their portfolio. As they do with many of their programs,
Gethsemane is taking the church outside the walls in their education program. Not only are they sending their students out into the world better equipped and prepared for whatever they may do next, but they are sending a sense of God-given purpose and passion back into the homes, neighborhoods and zip codes where their students are from.
Westheimer Senior Sunday | May 1 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Graduating seniors and their families at the Westheimer campus are invited to this day of celebration and looking back as we honor our amazing 12th grade students and the impact they made here.We hope you will plan to attend the 11 a.m. traditional service, where each graduate will be recognized by name, then stay for the lunch afterwards. Gethsemane Senior Sunday | May 22 10 a.m. A special breakfast will be served in Canterbury Hall in honor of the class of 2016 at the Gethsemane campus and their families! We will celebrate our graduating seniors and all of their accomplishments in the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services as well. Family, friends and teachers are certainly asked to be a part of this wonderful day!
Top photo: An adult education student at Gethsemane explains a math problem during class. Above: Jennifer Gould and a Gethsemane student work one-on-one on an assignment.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2016! Gethsemane: Penny Basa Mayra Rangel Yvette Ukwitegetse Westheimer: Caroline Ankoma-Sey Lauren Assel Sam Bastian Phillip Bevers Will Bickham Luke Binet Emily Boswell Betsy Broaddus Kallie Brown Allison Buaas George Buckley Sara Colburn Matthew Cox Joe Cozby Lizzie Darwin Amy Drews
Allison Elder Lucy Elkins Kayelee Ellis Skylar Fariss Berkeley Fatjo Blayne Fertitta Alanna Flores Madeleine Frazier James Furrh Bennett Geston Ryan Granberry J.R. Greenwalt Sam Hale Harrison Hart Izzy Haugh Prentiss Havens Connor Hays Maddie Heno Hannah Herold Caroline Hughes Matthew Hunt Mallory Jennings
Fia Klavers Richmond Keeling Vanessa Keeling Paul Labanowski Savannah Larson Clarie LeFevers Sellars Levy Kyra Link Patrick Long-Quian Cade Luedde Jack McNamara Mason Mings Brandon Mork Cole Morris Victoria Murra Michael Murray Cassidy Newsome Anna Brooks Pacha Meg Parsons Cameron Peterson Emma Reagan Hunter Reinertsen-Forehand
Hailey Roberts Ben Rodriguez Collin Rutledge George Sarvadi Jackson Schaeffer Jane Schmidt Delaney Setrum Jessica Shonbeck Jackie Sigmon Allison Stafford John Henry Thompson Edward Thorn Matthew Treat Will Turley Nicholas Vermeil Nicholas Vogeley Ally Wallis Katherine Wallis Madison Whiteside Ashton Wilson Kara Wollmers
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LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME... A conversation with Julie Ellerbrock, Director of St. Luke’s Children’s Ministries and Debbie Weymouth, Director of St. Luke’s Day School “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Mark 10:14-16 What does it mean to be a Christian School? “St. Luke’s Day School focuses on developing the whole child and their spiritual formation is essential to their academic, social, emotional and physical growth. Our primary focus is for our children to know Jesus from the very first moment they enter our safe and loving school. No matter what age they enter our school— infancy to kindergarten—they hear about Jesus’ love Julie Ellerbrock (left) and Debbie Weymouth (right) directing traffic during construction at St. Luke’s. each day,” says St. Luke’s Children’s Ministries Director, Julie Ellerbrock. “The greatest part of our roles as St. Luke’s staff is to provide those experiences through faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—with our interactive weekly chapel, daily prayers, dramatic children, their families, and one another. St. Luke’s play, sharing hugs and toys, modeling encouraging Day School has a rich heritage of ministry through and complimenting words, freely offering grace and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Furthermore, forgiveness to everyone, lending a helping hand to being kind and welcoming are an important part of someone in need, and providing service opportunities our Christian lifestyle. We gladly accept all who come throughout the year. Children also express who Jesus through our doors. While we are clear about our is to them through their academic beliefs; we do not ask the religious affiliations curriculum of language, science, of our school families. We encourage math, social studies and everyone to be respectful and loving It’s a loving place: teaching creative art.” of those whose path is the same or “I feel so very grateful to the love of Jesus, the teachers and staff different from our own. Here at SLDS, work in an environment ‘We love because He first loved us!’” where our Christian faith loving the children, and the children John 4:19 is honored, celebrated, and loving being there! lived out in daily practice In what ways are your graduates with young children, their prepared for their next steps to - Cindy Donaldson, SLDS parent teachers, and their families,” Kindergarten or First Grade? says St. Luke’s Day School Debbie responds to this question stating, Director, Debbie Weymouth. “Our “The philosophy of St. Luke’s Day School is to focus teachers, staff, families, and children can openly pray on enriching, meaningful activities and interactions together, addressing joys, challenges, and concerns so that each child may attain emotional, social, from a loving, Christian perspective in partnership intellectual, physical, and spiritual strengths through (relationship) with God. Our staff family works to playing and learning together. Our goal is for each intentionally model and nurture the fruit of the child to leave SLDS with a strong spirit, a strong body, Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and a strong mind! All throughout the children’s years 8
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at the school, we’ve been observing and assessing their development and challenging them to meet and exceed developmental milestones. In PreK and Kindergarten, and throughout our entire program from infancy on, we are intentional to build a strong foundation in core subjects that students will study throughout the rest of their education. Our children have frequent, well-planned, meaningful opportunities to study, explore, and playfully build skills in Science, Math, and Early Literacy. With care and communication, we join their parents in preparing children well for their successful next steps. Our families and feeder schools let us know that while there is a natural adjustment to ‘big school,’ our SLDS children come through it with shining colors!” Where do you see these children in the future? “Look all around St. Luke’s this year and you can see evidence of children who grew to be adults with the ability to imagine how a campus might be transformed,” answers Debbie. “Farsighted thinkers, architects, engineers, interior designers, and construction workers have joined together to make dreams come true. Soon, this imaginative collaboration will yield buildings where visions of extending the
The Mission Statement of St. Luke’s Day School “We are a Christ-centered early childhood program where teachers and parents teach and strengthen each child’s emotional, social, physical, intellectual and spiritual skills while we are all playing and learning together.”
love and ministries of Jesus Christ will come true before our eyes. We hope that each child in our program, like these creative, hard-working adults, will maintain their sense of wonder, playfulness, creativity, and willingness to take risks, solve problems, and contribute something meaningful and useful to the world around them. As we say in church each week during baptism ceremonies, we strive to surround each child in a community of love and forgiveness, so that they may grow in their service to others. We pray for them that, most of all, they may walk in the way that leads to life eternal!”
“Because of teachers who have developed genuine, caring relationships with my grandson, he, like his brother before him, will move into Kindergarten with self-assurance and confidence. I am so glad my grandsons have had the experience of being part of a Christian school. They have loved St. Luke’s Day School and so have I!” --Helen Maxson, SLDS Grandparent 9
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL... with Asher Kazmann Asher and Meghan Kazmann joined St. Luke’s about five years ago. They became actively involved in the Compass Sunday School class and as parents of Locke (age 5) and McKee (age 4) and with another baby due in June, they also feel called to volunteer in the nursery on Sunday mornings. If that does not seem like the picture of an involved family, add to it the fact that both of their children attend St. Luke’s Day School and for the past year they have also worked with Pastors Eric and Geo Huffman in growing The Story Houston.
turned into mainly English. We now spend 1520 minutes going over a math lesson or reading a book and then we spend the last half of the session outside… typically soccer is his sport of choice.” There is no question that Jorge has grown through this experience and yet he still faces challenges. “With the teachers using our visits as a reason to motivate Jorge, I think he has stayed on top of his school work a lot more. Because he only speaks Spanish at home, I can understand why it has been so challenging for him to learn how to read and write in English.”
having a difficult time in school.
opportunities than what they see with their own parents or siblings. Personally, I have grown to realize how important it is to reach out and find ways to help kids that are less fortunate. They have no control of what situation they are born into. I was very lucky and fortunate with my family and the least I can do is reach out and help those who not as lucky as I was.”
“I hope It was about four years ago that Asher that I have In May Jorge will leave Sutton Elementary got involved with KIDS HOPE. He and move to middle school. His time in explains his decision by saying, “After been able the KIDS HOPE program will be over. my son was born, probably like mentor and student stay in touch? to show Will many people, I had a strong urge to Asher says, “Staying in touch depends reach out and see how I could help comfortable his family is with him what onmyhow with kids that are less fortunate. It’s involvement outside of the KIDS an extremely unfair world where HOPE program. I have yet to meet his potential some kids suffer by no fault of their family, but I will be able to mail him own, only because they were born he has as letters at a minimum to keep in touch. I into a bad situation.” For Asher, the that I have been able to show him he grows hope KIDS HOPE mentoring program what potential he has as he grows up. provides the opportunity to offer I think kids in his situation often don’t up.” encouragement to a child who was consider themselves to have any more He describes their time together by saying, “In the beginning, Jorge was shy and although he knew me, he had a hard time remembering my name. We usually started our session with general conversation… which in the beginning was mainly in Spanish (my broken Spanish). Over the course of the past four years, it has
About KIDS HOPE Mentoring...One child is matched with one adult for the academic year. If all goes well and the child and adult return, the match would ideally last for as long as the child is in elementary school, and sometimes beyond. Each mentor/child match is supported by a behind-the-scenes prayer partner, who faithfully prays for the mentor, the child, and the relationship. 10
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Asher and Jorge playing Jenga together.
YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE…AND THAT’S NO SMALL CHANGE. KIDS HOPE USA is a national mentoring organization that partners with churches to provide trained, caring mentors for at-risk elementary students in public schools. The idea is to use the church’s greatest resource, people, to meet the schools’ greatest need, helping children who are struggling academically, socially and emotionally.
About KIDS HOPE Mentoring...
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St. Luke’s has been involved in KIDS HOPE for 15 year, with mentors currently at Briarmeadow Charter School and Sutton Elementary. Fifteen years ago St. Luke’s began with 10 adults mentoring 10 students. Last year ended with 96 mentors, 96 students and 96 prayer partners! God is good! If you would like to learn more about the mentoring programs, contact St. Luke’s KIDS HOPE directors Karen McCarver (Briarmeadow)at 713-402-5152 or Marci Pampe (Sutton) at 713-357-4466.
Students who met with a KIDS HOPE mentor for just one year showed: • 65% improved in educational success • 79% improved in socio/ emotional competency • 56% improved in attitude toward risky behavior (data provided by KIDS HOPE USA)
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A BOOKCASE FULL OF HOPE ST. LUKE’S WOODSHOP PARTNERS WITH KIDS HOPE
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im Weatherly is right at home surrounded by planks of plywood and wood scraps in the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Woodshop – a place as he calls it “for community and fellowship,” which is evident by the abundance of not only greatly talented work with wood, but also laughter, conversation and no shortage of coffee cake. His eyes get a special twinkle in them as he talks about his work with the woodshop, something he’s been involved in for many years. The woodshop builds a myriad of projects for the church and anyone who needs it, but one of their special ongoing projects, building bookshelves for local Houston organization KIDS HOPE, isn’t just about building furniture. It’s about building hope. As each child finishes their first year in the KIDS HOPE program, they receive a handmade bookshelf and books to go on it from mentors and generous benefactors of the program. They are encouraged to read over the summer and get to take the bookshelf home: a gift of rare delight and a treasure to them.
Jim in his element at the woodshop at St. Luke’s.
Since the program began, the St. Luke’s “This is woodshop has built 208 bookshelves, crafted from mahogany and a life-giving each other woods brought in monthly ministry, whether from Waller, TX. The entire process volunteer run, with volunteers like you are the isWeatherly overseeing the process, who builds most of the shelves recipient of himself as a special priority in his “I enjoy making the bookcases something or a duties at the shop. because I know how excited It reminds him of what his work is the kids get,” Weatherly said. worker.” really about.
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“The kids started grabbing a bookcase and hugging it. This may be the only piece of furniture that they can ever call their own. We sometimes get thank you notes from moms, telling us that these bookcases and book donations help the kids learn to read, but more than that letting them know they are loved and valued and cared for in a tangible way. It gives me a good feeling to know my work in the woodshop is doing that.”
“You know, the woodshop is not about quantity over quality,” Weatherly said. “It’s not about how many wooden toys we make or how many things we repair or make for the church. For example, a lot of people don’t know that we have a shut-in to whom we take a box of wooden toys each week. He puts the wheels on for us. A few years ago, a former pastor at St. Luke’s asked if we could include this man in some way, to give
him something to help with, and so we started taking him toys to complete. He used to be depressed and unhappy, but this work has completely changed him. Now he is pleasant to talk to and happy to see us. This work has transformed his life. The important thing about the woodshop is fellowship. We complete a lot of projects, but the thing we are really creating is a community where we can give back, encourage each other, and use natural skills to show people where God is working. This is a life-giving ministry, regardless of if you are a recipient of something or a worker.”
Each bookcase is filled with children’s books furnished by generous donors Cynthia and Stephen Brown. Cynthia in her own words: I love to teach. In the past I have taught in the junior high school, the community college system, various youth and adult Sunday school classes, and have also served as an elementary school mentor for Communities in Schools. But as life has changed, my schedule has become less dependable, and I haven’t been able to commit to steady programs. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my new activities, I’ve been bothered by the fact that my “giving back” has faltered. What to do? While volunteering in the church kitchen a few years ago, I learned that St. Luke’s has a woodshop. What a novel idea! I was intrigued, but didn’t explore the idea further until I was introduced at a church reception to a few of the woodshop elves. Visiting with them, I realized that this was a place where I could serve on a “as my schedule permits” basis. What a blessing this has been on so many levels. The participants in this ministry are absolutely delightful people, and what an abundance of talents they possess. There is always something new being built. One group of items particularly caught my attention---small bookshelves. They were beautifully constructed by Jim Weatherly. Upon further inquiry, I learned that these items were soon to belong to children who participate in the KIDS HOPE program that Karen McCarver so ably oversees. Each summer the children who are new to the program receive one of these wonderful bookshelves to take home. Then, all of the children are presented with a packet of books to encourage them to read over the summer. My teacher’s heartstrings pinged… Here was an additional way that my husband and I could serve by providing some of the books for this program. I wish that all of you could have seen the delight on the children’s faces as they opened their bag of books. It is a lasting memory for me. I have been a church member for all of my life, but never have I had the privilege of attending a church where so much is “given back”. I thank God for continuing to nudge me, until I finally acted on finding a place where it is such a privilege to serve, and where God’s spirit is so alive.
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ST. LUKE’S
LIFE
At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, we want you to have every opportunity to build authentic bonds with other Christians—just like you—who are striving to walk the Christian journey faithfully. Discover new ideas and perspectives on how to live out your faith in your everyday life, and make some great friends along the way. Our desire is to provide resources, guidance and support for you to be a part of the life-giving relationship of the church, which includes joining our church family and finding a small group and Sunday morning class that truly fits. To learn more about all of our ministry groups, visit StLukesMethodist.org/ministries.
MUSIC & FINE ARTS
Painting by Bernadine Roop. Her work is on display this month in the Rotunda Gallery.
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Painting by Helen Harger. Her work is on display this month in the Rotunda Gallery.
Rotunda Gallery Artists Bernadine Roop and Helen Harger | May | Rotunda Gallery The Rotunda Gallery welcomes two talented artists to the gallery this May. Bernadine Roop discovered her love of painting when she was a teenager, graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and taught art and history to 7th-12th graders for the next 18 years. Upon retiring she moved to Canyon Lake where she sold paintings through the Art League Gallery in New Braunfels. She moved to Deer Park 10 years ago, actively participates in the Deer Park Art League, and teaches at the Deer Park Senior Center where her talents inspire members to enter into the wonderful world of painting. Helen Harger spent her entire life painting the live oak trees, bluebonnets, windmills, and beauty surrounding her home state. She earned her B.S. degree from Texas Tech University and has enjoyed being a teacher and artist for many years. Helen’s style is impressionistic realism, and she paints in all media. Art shows and businesses have displayed her art throughout Texas, and she welcomes private commissions. Stop by the gallery any time this month to view their work and leave a note for them in the guestbook. To inquire about purchasing art, please contact Randy Murrow at rmurrow@stlukesmethodist.org or (713) 4025122. A portion of all gallery proceeds directly benefits the fine arts at St. Luke’s and helps to maintain and build our permanent art collection.
theater experience this summer! Rehearsals begin in mid-June, with performances July 28-31 in the Rotunda Theater. Sign up online: www. StLukesMethodist.org/chorus.
Jerry Eckles Music Theater Camps | June 13–24 Rotunda Theater Each summer the Bridges Academy of Fine Arts hosts two music theater summer camps for children and youth: a one-week program for 2nd through 5th graders and a two-week program for 6th through newly graduated 12th graders. This year both groups will write and star in their own fairy tale musicals as they learn new techniques and hone their acting and singing skills. Once Upon a Time - Grades 2-5 meet from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Monday June 13 through Friday June 17 in the Rotunda Theater, with a performance at 12 p.m. on the 17th. $175 registration fee (10% discount for siblings). Ever After - Grades 6-12 meet from 1-5 p.m. on weekdays Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 24 in the Rotunda Theater, with a performance at 5 p.m. on the 24th. $225 registration fee (10% discount for siblings. Visit www.StLukesMethodist. org/jerryeckles to register.
The Music Man Chorus | July 28 – 31 | Rotunda Theater Tapestry Players seeks singers of all ages and voice types interested in a fun, low-commitment musical
The Big Fish–A Whale of a Tale | August 1–5 Rotunda Theater Register your elementary age child(ren) for The Big Fish (A Whale of a Tale)- this summer’s musical with composer Ken Medema, who will join the children in the production! The cost for camp participants is $75/child - 3rd sibling is free. Visit www.StLukesMethodist.org/bigfish to register. The children rehearse Monday, August 1-Friday, August 5 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in the Rotunda Theater, with a performance at 6 p.m. on Friday. Free and open to the community, but arrive early to find a seat! Camp participants and their parents are also encouraged to attend a social gathering on Saturday, August 6 as well as worship on Sunday morning, August 7, where Ken and the children will perform one of the songs. VOCES8 | May 22 | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary
The internationally acclaimed British ensemble VOCES8 will return to St. Luke’s for a free concert on Sunday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. St. Luke’s Chancel Choir will join them to present Edward Elgar’s Give Unto the Lord, followed by VOCES8 with a selection from their repertoire. Every year, this multi award-winning ensemble tours internationally with performances in Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa. Specializing in classical choral music, the group performs repertoire ranging from Renaissance polyphony to unique Jazz and Pop arrangements. This is your chance to hear them perform live, so mark your calendars and come enjoy the phenomenal VOCES8 right here at St. Luke’s! 15
SENIOR ADULTS
for a tour of the campus of Festival Hill, home to the Round Top Festival Institute. As part of the tour, we will be treated to lunch at the Menke House. Cost for the tour and lunch is $26. Please reserve your place by calling the reservation line, 713-402-5087. Like to Play Bridge? Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. | R25 All are welcome at this informal group interested in bridge played by Goren rules. A good opportunity to brush up your skills or if you are just learning or want to learn. For more information, call Kathy Austin, 713-2526727.
Mainstreamer Day Luncheon and Program Thursday, May 12 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Hines Baker Room Christian fellowship, good conversation, an informative and interesting program, and dining with friends old and new are the hallmarks of Mainstreamer Day. Come be a part of this time we get spend together. If there is someone you want to enjoy it with you, invite them! Our speaker is Rev. Gregg Taylor, community architect and pastor for Houston: revision, a faith-based organization based at St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus that leverages the power of kinship community to connect gangaffected your and kids on the edge with adult mentors. Buffet lunch following the program ($10). To reserve your place, please call the Senior Adult Ministries Reservation Line, 713-402-5087. AARP Smart Driver Course | Monday, May 16 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | R11 This class is for insurance reduction only. Participants must be 50 years old or older to take the course. Cost for the course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for others. Advance registration is required for this newly designed and informative class to refresh your driving skills. For more information or to register, call 713-402-5087. Rescheduled Mainstreamer Day Trip Friday, May 20 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Festival Hill at Round Top, Texas Because of the epic flooding, our visit to Festival Hill at Round Top had to be cancelled in April, but the good news is that we were able to reschedule it for Friday, May 20. We will travel to Round Top, Texas 16
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMW Games Group | Mondays, May 2, 16 and 23 10 a.m. | R25 For more information, contact Carole Wakefield, 713899-4212. If you want to become active in the UMW or have questions on how to join, please contact our UMW President, JoNell Beadle at jnpohl@yahoo.com or (614) 736-2682. United Methodist Women’s Westheimer Book Group Monday, May 9 | 10:30 a.m. | Hines Baker Room The UMW Westheimer Book group is reading The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe by Mary Simses this month. For more information, contact Dorothy Voss, 713-660-7243. UMW Night Circle | Tuesday, May 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Home of Linda Goehrs Linda will lead a discussion on Intentional Gratitude based on the thought that “God has given so much, but we sometimes forget to be grateful.” We will talk about being thankful and how to cultivate a thankful heart. Fellowship with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. All members are encouraged to bring a friend and all women of the church are welcome. For more information, contact Pat Deckert, 713-334-6848. UMW Gethsemane Book Group | Saturday, May 21 10 a.m. | Home of Chicky Fowler The UMW Gethsemane Book group is meeting for their May Luncheon (please bring a salad to share) and reading The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster by Scott Wilbank and Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.
For more information, contact Jo Ann Smith, 713686-5859. UMW Afternoon Study Circle | May 24 6 p.m. | Shanghai River Restaurant at 2407 Westheimer Spouses and friends will meet to celebrate a wonderful year. RSVP to Kathy Austin, 713-2526727 or kathleenaustin@hotmail.com. Gethsemane Silver Circle | Wednesday, May 25 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | New Canterbury Hall, Gethsemane Campus Enjoy a morning of games and conversation, followed by lunch and celebration of birthdays at noon. Cost for lunch is $5. For reservations, call Betsy Evans, 281-565-0348.
STUDENTS Small Group Celebration | May 11 | 7-8:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate another year in this incredible ministry! Middle School students meet on Blanton Field, and High School students meet in the Youth Chapel. Dinner will be served, and we will share stories and highlights from our weekly meetings over the past school year. Bring $10 for food. Meet the Interns | May 22 | 5:30-7p.m. We are so excited to welcome three college students to Student Ministries as interns this summer. They can’t wait to meet all of you, so join us on Blanton Field for field games and dinner. The event will end with a sneak peak into the new Student Ministry building and a time of prayer over the space. All current 6-12th grade students are invited!
Middle school students having fun at a weekend retreat at Piney Woods.
GETHSEMANE Summer Clubhouse | July 5-29 Summer Clubhouse at the St. Luke’s Gethsemane Campus is back! This summer Bible school is a safe, educational and spiritual place for children of the Sharpstown and Gulfton area to come! There are three fantastic weeks filled with learning activities and fun adventures for children going into kindergarten through fifth grade. Week 1: July 5-July 8, Week 2: July 11-15, Week 3: July 25-29. 9 a.m.-1p.m., Monday-Friday. The cost $12 per child, per week with a $40 family maximum per week. There are some scholarships available. While at the Summer Clubhouse, children will have a morning snack and a nutritious lunch. The fee also covers crafts, activities and even a bus pick-up. Volunteers are needed before and after sessions. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Amy Kelley 713-357-4464, akelley@stlukesmethodist.org or Juana Tavico 713-357-4474, jchavez@stlukesmethodist.org. Children’s Sunday | May 29 “Don’t Give Up” is the message the children will help deliver as they lead worship at the 9 a.m. Traditional and 11:15 a.m. Contemporary worship services. Special music and message will be shared by the children of Gethsemane as you experience 2 Timothy 4:6-8 from their point of view.
CHILDREN
St. Luke’s Summer Camp | May 31 – August 5 Camp is for children entering grades 1-8. There will be 10 one-week sessions starting May 31 and ending August 5. Daily activities include swimming, arts and crafts, cooking/nutrition, science, talent shows, music and drama, gym games with Coach Jones, and a fun Friday field trip each week! To sign up visit www. stlukessummercampasc.org or contact us at 713-4025075. 17
Hour of Prayer and Healing | May 4 | First Wednesday of the month | 6 p.m. | Chapel May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him. Pat and Bernice Houstoun, Rock and Tricia Houstoun and Romans 15:13 their families on the death of Evelyn Houstoun Chew on As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one another. March 18. Dorothy McCaine on the death of her son, Richard Walter McCaine, on March 20. Congratulations to: Liz and Mark Crosswell and Barrett, Markley, Jackson, Parker and Crossley Mears on the birth of their son, and Tommy Crosswell on the death of Liz’ father, Hugh Corban Arthur Mears, on March 16. Proud grandparents Jackson Barrett, on March 22. are Tim and Vivian Davis and proud great-grandmother is Devon and Ryan Jones on the death of Devon’s Mary Catherine Kleiderer. grandmother, Annie Delores “Dee” Dowdey, on March 24. Shelby Raye King and William Weston Hawkins, who Clair and Joe Manning, Erin and Frank Verducci, and Jack were united in marriage on March 19. and Nick Verducci on the death of Clair’s brother, Richard Pascal and Lauren Martin on the birth of their son, Clark, on March 26. Charles Greene “Charlie” Martin, on March 19. Proud Linda Walls on the death of her mother, Rose M. Turo, on older brother is Graham Martin. March 28. David and Katherine Helffrich on the birth of their son, Bill and Mary Livesay, Michael Livesay, and Sarah Livesay Bennett David Helffrich, on March 19. on the death of Bill’s father, William Rugeley Livesay, on Brian and Crystal Garcia on the birth of their son, Kallum March 28. Ace Garcia on March 21. Proud older brother is Kai Sam and Charity Autry and Jackson and Spencer Autry in the death Garcia of Sam’s mother, Virginia Ann Autry, on March 31. Guy and Megan Oliphint on the birth of their daughter, Brenda and Richie Mercado, William and Matthew Sadie James Oliphint, on April 1. Proud older sisters are Mercado on the death of Brenda’s father, William W. Frick, Clara and Lillian Oliphint. on April 2. Elizabeth Nicole Tomasi and Christopher George Franzen, Bill and May Jee on the death of their daughter-in-law, Yvonne Jee, who were united in marriage on April 2. on April 3. Justin and Lauren Bair on the birth of their daughter, Barbara Slover on the death of her sister, Rebecca Truax Norah Jane Bair, on April 2. “Becky” Belknap, on April 4. Sara Kelly White and Charles Crittenden Jarvis, who were Brad Blunt on the death of his father, Dan R. Blunt, on united in marriage on April 9. April 5. Jordan and Megan Bloem on the birth of their son, Simon Emily Griffin and Carol Griffin and Gary Smith on the Waugh Bloem, on April 11. Proud grandparents are Marc death of Emily’s aunt, Margaret Fuller Brock, on April 10. and Kathy Waugh. Lilly and Thurmon Andress on the death of Lilly’s cousin, Mary Madeline Pierce and James Grant Hortenstine, who Lilly King, on April 11. were united in marriage on April 16. Family and friends of Sterling Frank Womack, who died Mike and Lena McCarver on the birth of their son, Luke Scott on April 9. McCarver, on April 17. Proud grandparents are David and Karen Carol, David, and Laura Willis on the death of Carol’s McCarver. mother, Cynthia Farrall Aycock, on April 14. Family and friends of Jason Phillip Thiesfeld, who died on April 15. Our Sympathy to: Jan and David Redford on the death of Jan’s sister, Suzanne If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, LeMaster Box, on March 4. please contact Caring Ministries at 713-402-5004 or -5156 Bette Benton, Gina and Geoff Angulo, Britt and Elaine Benton, Blake Benton and their families on the death We Care! Bette’s mother, Bonna Bess Vaughn, on March 11. Betty Hardy on the death of her sister, Theodora “Teddy” Are you or a loved one facing surgery or hospitalization? A Boyd, on March 14. crucial aspect of St. Luke’s Caring Ministry is prayers we have Karl and Ashley Drews, Katherine Drews and Amy Drews with members prior to surgeries and during hospitalizations. on the death of Karl’s father, Herman Edwin Drews, on Contact Laurie Kereluk with details at 713-402-5004 or lkereluk@ March 17. stlukesmethodist.org
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Celebrating Lives
In Memory of: BUILDING FUND William Little, Jr. by In Memory of: Deborah Cooper & Susan Garver Jennifer Kirksey William Little, Jr. Rose M. Turo by Richard McCaine John & Eloise Lloyd Kenneth Cruse Minter, Jr. and Joyce I. Wagner by Joyce Wagner by Susan Hulburt Joanne Mueller PURE SOUND Randy Gorham by In Memory of: Timothy P. Hart Rick Rush by CARING MINISTRIES Mary & Lee Denson In Memory of: ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH Richard McCaine by FOUNDATION Laura & Bill Denham In Memory of: Kenneth Cruse Minter, Jr. by Matthew Hall “Matt” Benton by Beth & Larry Wallace Anne McClendon Jones Cannon Willard by Suzie Box by Jill & Jeff Young Joanie & Don Haley FRIENDS OF MUSIC Evelyn Houstoun Chew by In Memory of: Erich & Agatha Brann Evelyn Houstoun Chew by Joanie & Don Haley Jan E. Johnson Susan Garver by Betty Mohrman by Laura & Bill Denham Jan E. Johnson Maury & Sharon Stiver GENE DECKER OUTREACH William Little, Jr. by ENDOWMENT FUND Margaret & Chester In Memory of: Benge Yleen Brown and Bridge2 Solutions Craig Farrelly by Ann Cissel, Georgeann, Calvin & Carla Click Harris & Jene MEMBER CARE Thomas R. & Dorothy In Memory of: McDade William Little, Jr. by Nedaye & Doug Potts Brian and Alice Sloan Becky & Jim Shatto OUTREACH MINISTRIES Kenneth Cruse Minter, Jr. by The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: In Honor of: Mrs. Elizabeth C. Walter Patricia Dewhurst by Jean Ferguson Minor by Anne Gibbs Hamilton Claire H. Lutey
Baptisms
Mattie Jo Thrasher by Barbara E. McKenzie Bonna Bess Vaughn by Cile & Chuck Childress Emily & Holcombe Crosswell Barbara & David Henington Mr. & Mrs. B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Jacobe Anne McClendon Jones Harriet & Truett Latimer Judy B. Robinson Sandra & Thomas Smith Joyce I. Wagner by Jim & Ginger Yarbrough UMW SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of: Kristy Parsons and Dan Clinton by Bette and Fred Carpenter WOODSHOP In Honor of: Pat Deckert’s Birthday by: Betty Brown Linda Burch Roxi Dainty Elinor Hart Pam Howard Susan Silvus Nancy Stephenson Bobbie Wisecup WYCLIFFE BIBLE MINISTRIES In Memory of: Joyce Irene Wagner by Chris & Craig LaFollette Rev. Wm. D. & Mary Jane Fester
Can Kids Have Anxiety?
Helping children learn to cope with anxiety can be tricky. Anxiety isn’t “bad”—it helps us identify danger, be prepared and stay safe. However, it becomes a problem when it triggers overly intense reactions or disrupts normal functioning. Anxiety in a child may look like stomach issues, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, moodiness, clinginess, outbursts or nervous habits/ticks. When a child is overcome with anxiety, the logical part of their brain is off-line. Instead of trying to reason with them, acknowledge and validate their feelings. Say something like, “You’re upset about this. It’s okay to feel nervous.” Be present without downplaying their fears. As their anxiety decreases, they will be better able to hear reason and logic. Whether anxiety is new to your family or an ongoing challenge, the St. Luke’s counseling ministry team can help kids and families manage it. Known as the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, this ministry can be reached at 713-402-5046; conversations are kept confidential.
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Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: Harper Price Popp, daughter of Martin Alexander Popp and Peyton Leigh Henderson Popp on April 10.
Lucy Victoria Woolf and Leyton Stuart Woolf IV, children of Leyton Stuart Woolf III and Amy Prange Woolf on April 10.
Charlotte Alexandra Berry, daughter of Michael Paul Berry and Alexandra Diana Christ Berry on April 3.
Spencer Paul Hogan, son of James Allan Hogan and Nicole Ann Schwartz Hogan on April 3.
Robert Michael Morrow and Thomas Erwin Morrow, sons of Nicholas Albert Morrow and Amanda Mansell Morrow on April 3. Adeline Marie Parker, daughter of James Patrick Parker and Audrey Marie Rozsypal on April 3.
Travis Wesley Anderson, son of David James Anderson and Kristin Lynn Klenzendorf Anderson on April 10.
Not pictured: Alexis Grace Murray, daughter of Byron Keith Murray and Jennifer Anne Rabbitt Murray on April 17. Not pictured: Torin Augustus Cuellar and Cadwyn Emilia Cuellar, children of Trajan Alistair Cuellar and Angela Greak Cuellar on March 26.
JOB OPPORTUNITY Recreation & Activities Coordinator St. Luke’s actively participates in and hosts year-round United Church Athletic League (UCAL) sports and special events programs. Our two campuses are expanding to accommodate our growing neighborhood presence. We are seeking a part-time, 25 hours per week, Recreation & Activities Coordinator. This position is responsible for ensuring facilities’ access and condition and also for supervising a staff of attendants. Depending upon the sport and season, this position may have to work evenings, Monday - Friday 5:30 – 8:30pm, Saturdays 8am – 12pm and Sundays 2:30 – 5:30pm or 6:30-8:30pm. Availability at the start of the fall, winter and spring sports seasons is crucial. As the first point of contact for teams and other groups utilizing the facilities and grounds, the Recreation & Activities Coordinator is the face of St. Luke’s to the local community. Learn more about this position and others available at St. Luke's, fill out an application at StLukesMethodist.org/jobs. 20
New Members
Paula Adams unites with our congregation from another denomination.
Shelley Radabaugh unites with St. Luke’s by profession of faith. She is CFO of South Coast Products.
Dan and Krista Borgen join St. Luke’s by transfer from another United Methodist Church. He is the CEO of US Development Group.
Josh Robbins unites with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist Church. He joins his wife, Molly, in the St. Luke’s membership. Josh and Molly are the parents of Piper Robbins, age 1.
Jay and Allie Fields unite with St. Luke’s, he by profession of faith and she by profession of faith and baptism. He is president of JD Fields and Company.
Joe and Tifni Garcia transfer to our congregation, he from another denomination and she from another United Methodist Church. They are the parents of Braden Garcia, age 6 months.
Janet McCall transfers to St. Luke’s from another United Methodist Church.
Marjorie Day unites with St. Luke’s by transfer from another United Methodist Church.
Coffee with the Pastor Have you been visiting St. Luke’s? Would you like to learn more about our church? Please join us for Coffee with the Pastor, an engaging class with Senior Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. You will enjoy getting to know our pastor and hearing parts of his spiritual journey, while being invited to examine your own. Learn more about St. Luke’s values and vision, and how to be a part of the life and mission of the church. For those interested, this is also the first step in our Path to Membership. Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, May 4, 5:30-7p.m. Sunday, June 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 5:30-7 p.m.
New Members continued
Come hear Mary Kay Jackson share her story... May 22 | 9:45 Westheimer Campus Students May 29 | 9:45 a.m. Mary Kay Jackson Joint Adult Sunday School Event June 5 | 9:45 a.m. Mary Kay Jackson with entering 3rd-5th graders in the Children’s Chapel June 26 | 10 am Mary Kay Jackson Gethsemane joint Sunday School - Canterbury; then children’s worship at 11:45 a.m.
Want to help with flood relief efforts? Here’s how...
Bring the following to either St. Luke’s campus: 1. Bottled water 2. FLATTENED packing boxes (all sizes) 3. Packing tape Donations will be directed to United Methodist Church’s Texas Annual Conference Committee on Relief. Give online at StLukesMethodist.org, or make checks payable to St. Luke’s with “Houston Flood Relief” in the memo line and place in the collection plate. For additional opportunities, contact Alice King at aking@stlukesmethodist.org