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Grand Opening Celebration 2016
Pumpkin Prayers
You might enjoy this activity at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Use one large pumpkin or give each person his or her own personal-size pumpkin. With a permanent marker, write or draw people and things for which you are thankful. You might include: Family and Friends Health School, work, play and rest Our Church Emotions Neighborhood/Community People we don’t know Ways to serve others Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving us on this Thanksgiving Day and for blessing us with all that you give us. We are thankful for our family and friends, delicious food, our church, our home, our neighborhood, and those we have yet to meet. Lord, we lift up our pumpkin prayers to you. May you surround each prayer with your love and care. We pray our hearts will grow in your love so we may be generous with others, just as you are generous with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thanksgiving Sharing Join with Children's Ministries and fill a grocery bag with non perishable food or baby items and return the bag to the church on November 6. Items donated will benefit the Christian Community Service Center's (CCSC) food pantries. This is a great way to give ourselves away in generosity and service this Thanksgiving season.
Led by Rev. Bill Denham 3
A LETTER FROM TOM PACE, PAGE 5
IN THIS ISSUE
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH LEWIS GAMMON, PAGE 6
WHATASTUDY: A MOM'S PERSPECTIVE, PAGE 10
I'M SORRY, PLEASE, AND THANK YOU, PAGE 12 ON THE COVER: Join with these children and remember with joyful hearts the Grand Opening Celebration on October 16. For a full look back at all the festivities, see page 2. 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.
Give Me That Ol' Time Religion Imagine a brand new modern worship building, complete with polished cement floors, exposed metal ducts, and cutting edge technology. Imagine an exciting new congregation, with a median age of around 30, filling that space to capacity with two services on Sunday mornings. Now imagine that same building on a Sunday night, full of young Houstonians singing ol’ time Gospel hymns with a country/folk/bluegrass band that blends the sounds of the Avett Brothers, Johnny Cash, and Miranda Lambert. Imagine a steel guitar, a fiddle, a banjo, and a piano leading a packed house in I Love to Tell the Story, When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, In the Garden, and The Old Rugged Cross. The Story Houston, St. Luke’s new modern worship community, will soon launch a Sunday evening (5:30 p.m.) service that will be a modern take on an old-fashioned Gospel hymn-sing. The country-western, folk, and bluegrass music will be a celebration of Jesus and His love. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy country music, I promise you’ll recognize almost every song we sing together. Eric Huffman will preach at this service, and Julie Ellerbrock and the Children's Ministries team is working to incorporate kid-friendly elements, because everyone is welcome! In order to launch this service in December or January, we need 150 people to commit to showing up for most of the first three months! If you’re interested, or if you know someone who might be, simply send an email to thestoryhouston@gmail.com with “New Service” in the subject heading.
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Church Conference Wednesday, November 16 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall The entire congregation is invited to attend this annual meeting led by District Superintendent Rev. Andy Noel. We will submit annual reports to the Conference and select church leaders for 2017.
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE PRAY
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES
Little Things
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS
by Dr. Tom Pace five habits branding.indd 1
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Perhaps you have read the 2014 University of Texas at Austin commencement speech by Admiral William H. McRaven. McRaven is now the Chancellor of the University of Texas. He shares 10 lessons he learned in his basic Navy SEAL training. With apologies to my Aggie and Sooner friends, take note of his first lesson: Every morning in basic SEAL training, my instructors, who at the time were all Vietnam veterans, would show up in my barracks room and the first thing they would inspect was your bed. If you did it right, the corners would be square, the covers pulled tight, the pillow centered just under the headboard and the extra blanket folded neatly at the foot of the rack — that's Navy talk for bed. It was a simple task — mundane at best. But every morning we were required to make our bed to perfection. It seemed a little ridiculous at the time, particularly in light of the fact that were aspiring to be real warriors, tough battle-hardened SEALs, but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven to me many times over. If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed." Yes, life is mostly about the little things. I hear people saying “don’t sweat the small stuff.” I don’t buy it. The small stuff is most of life. You add up all the moments, and you have a big life. In the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus tells the disciples “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.” (Luke 16:10) Today, do one thing to make someone’s life a little better. That will lead to another, and another and another. We will all join in. And before you know it, Jesus will have used us all to build the kingdom of God.
And, if by chance you have a miserable day,
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INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES
ECHOES OF HONOR: LEWIS GAMMON'S STORY
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS
by Chicky Fowler
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For thirty plus years Gethsemane Campus has been blessed to have the Gammon family in its faith community. This Veterans Day, we honor Lewis Gammon, 94 years old, who served with the army for 28 months between 1943-1945 in the 385th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division. His story is of a life well lived for God and country. Thinking on St. Luke’s “Inside out Habits,” Lewis has many great stories to share. He received the French Legion of Honor on Independence Day 2016 at the Battleship Texas. Lewis has been honored with the EAME Medal, WWII Victory Medal, a Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal. He and wife Sarah received the St. Luke's Distinguished Life award in 2013. Lewis married Sarah in August 1942. He was 20. On July 23, 1943, life presented Lewis no other option than to service his country when he received a letter from his “Friends and Neighbors” that his services were required and he was to report for basic training at Ft. Bragg. No deferments, no exemptions. He was a “draftee.” Laying his part of the family business of auto repair aside, he reported for duty and for the next 28 months following training, Lewis kept 30 vehicles, repaired, gassed, and ready to roll (with tires) at any time. September 7, 1944 (90 days after D Day) his unit landed at Cherbourg, France. Lewis remembers
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marching six miles in the rain and cold, to their headquarters, a muddy flooded apple orchard where tents housed their work and leisure. After six days in the rain, the trucks began to arrive.” Asking Lewis, what were the attitudes after 6 days in the mud, “we had a job to do, let’s get it done!” With these vehicles, a trucking company was formed called the “Red Ball Express.” They were to move all supplies continually from all the beaches to Paris, a constant movement forward. After Paris, came Belgium and Germany, Lewis encountered many unknowns, and a constant fear of running out of gasoline. One evening he and a driver circled back to pick up 25 gallons of a gasoline from a “stash hidden in the Hertgen Forest.” The truck hit a land mine that blew the truck to “smithereens.” Lewis and the driver were blown out and away of the truck where Lewis landed in a bramble bush. “It was sticky and oh, did it hurt.” The medics arrived and in a few days, he was back on duty. This page: oval: Lewis as a young draftee; left: Lewis in uniform in Europe. Opposite page clockwise from top: Lewis at St. Luke's United Methodist Church Gethsemane campus; Gethsemane's Rev. David Horton and Lewis after the medal ceremony; Lewis receiving his medal at the Battleship Texas; Lewis working on vehicles in Germany, Christmas 1944; the French Legion of Honor Medal is awarded solely as a recognition of bravery or merit, and is the most prestigious and highest decoration in France.
Facing unknowns, as they were moving supplies and vehicles further into Germany, protecting the right flank and not encountering any hand-to-hand combat, the war ended. As Lewis remembered their unit coming into the Nordhousen Concentration Camp, it took him a few moments to collect his emotions. He remembered asking a girl on the outside of the fence, why they couldn’t just throw bread over the fence. He recalled that her reply was “if we did, we would be in there too.” These former workers, scientists and doctors had been discarded by the Nazis, and left to starve.
Following a canceled trip to board the USS Monterrey for the invasion of Japan and the atomic bombs on August 8, 1945, Lewis returned home for good. Lewis and Sarah decided to stay in Fresno, California. Lewis was hired with Southern Pacific as a “paper guy” in the delivery of goods to trucking companies and “ships at sea,” which he did for 36 years. His motto was “you receive it in the best condition as when we received it.” Retiring in 1983, Sarah and Lewis came to Houston to be near their daughters. At 94 there are more stories are coming. Lewis isn’t through! Houston reVision, a mentorship program for at-risk youth, has had a spiritual impact on his life as he relates to his young mentees, sharing with them wisdom learned and experienced. Lewis, we salute and honor you for your life of service to your country. You have blessed us in our faith community. We look forward to more stories as we participate in the American dream together. Thank you for being part of preserving it for future generations.
With the war over in Europe, his friend, a lieutenant that flew recon plans for mapping, invited Lewis to go for one more flight. Lewis, busy getting vehicles ready for shipping stateside and with “grease up to my elbows,” declined. It was the last flight for his lieutenant friend. The small plane and pilot never returned. What were his feelings? “That’s the way life is. Yesterday is history, today is a gift and tomorrow is a mystery.” He “always felt the presence and power of God” - in the apple orchard, in the bramble bush and the grease pit.
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On November 11, Veteran's Day, we remember with gratitude and
thanksgiving those who served in our military forces, fought battles they did not seek, persevered with the grace of God, gave of themselves honorably for their country and their families, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 7
Caring and Sharing As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one another. Congratulations to: Peyton and Anup Gajurel on the birth of twins sons, Aditya Davis “Adi” Gajurel and Hridaya Davis “Reed” Gajurel, on September 21. Proud grandparents are Cindy and Sid Davis. Lauren Rebecca King and Joel Patrick Noyes, who were united in marriage on September 24. Jack and Marla Matthews on the birth of their son, McClain Frederick Matthews, on September 27. Proud older brother is Jackson Matthews and proud grandparents are Sally and Larkin Matthews. Annie and David Cook on the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Nicolette Cook, on September 29. Proud older brothers are Ace and Sam Cook.
Robyn Lester on the death of her mother, Christy Lester, on September 21. Harrison Allen on the death of his wife, Gwendolyn Garrison Allen, on September 23.
May the god of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him. Romans 5:13
Annie Johnson and Chadd Moore, who were united in marriage on October 1. Cheryl Austin and Adam Gagarin, who were united in marriage on October 8. Devin Leigh Mrlik and Gareth Thomas Kohlhausen, who were united in marriage on October 8. Caroline and Spencer Cron on the birth of their son, Clay Winfield Cron, on October 10. Elizabeth Hamblen Conaway and Gill Owen Plummer, who were united in marriage on October 15. Courtney Elizabeth Hiser and Michael Charles Peel, who were united in marriage on October 15. Our Sympathy to: Family and friends of Garnet Lois Boldrey, who died on September 17. Tina Throckmorton and Jerry Kahn, Tessa and Wyatt Throckmorton-Kahn on the death of Tina’s father, Robert L. Throckmorton, on September 20.
Eric and Geovanna Huffman, Joelle and Koen Huffman on the death of Eric’s grandfather, Harrell Jackson Huffman, on September 25. Jay and Felicia Fogal and family on the death of Jay’s mother, Carolyn Mozell Scott, on September 26. Anna Williamson on the death of her uncle, John Taylor Harrison, on September 27. Randy and Jeanie House and family on the death of Randy’s mother, Vera House Leisk, on October 2.
Linda and Mark Evans, Liz and Robert Mann, Will and Allison Evans, Rob and Sterling Evans, and Mary Evans and Eloise Mann on the death of Linda’s mother, Beulah Rae Markham Jarvis, on October 3. Family and friends of Clinton F. Morse, who died on October 3. Judy Schulenberg and Mike McCardle on the death of Judy’s aunt, Marvis Lavender Bond, on October 4. Debra, Emma, and Olivia Kenna on the death of their father and grandfather, David Lane Fritz, on October 6. James Myers on the death of his mother, Barbara Myers, on October 5. Barbara Pharr on the death of her husband, William Raymond Pharr, on October 10. Patricia and Pearce Hammond, Carolyn and Margaret Hammond on the death of Patricia’s father, Carl Richard “Dick” Voigtel, on October 10. Jim and Vicki Keiser, Catherine Keiser, and James Keiser on the death of Jim’s mother, Patricia Dillon Keiser, on October 11.
If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, please contact Caring Ministries at 713-4025004 or -5156. We Care! St. Luke's Caring Ministry delights in praying with members prior to surgeries and during hospitalizations. Contact Laurie Kereluk with details at 713-402-5004 or lkereluk@stlukesmethodist.org.
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GAME OF A LIFETIME by Meredith Mohr
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hat began as a way to help their son prepare for college athletics and practice the sport of basketball while in high school turned into something else entirely—a ministry, a life of basketball games, tournaments and traveling, and boys turned into young men with gentle but firm guidance. 20 years later, George and Judy Schudy look back at what they have accomplished—things neatly catalogued in a large binder with team photo after team photo and thank you notes from former players sent years later—and praise God for how he has used them. George Schudy is the picture of a basketball coach— towering over everyone, with a clear voice and a natural inclination for teaching. In contrast, Judy Schudy is a tiny woman, with a sparkle in
her eyes and as George pointed out, “most of the ideas and the know-how to get them done.” George and Judy, along with their long time coaching staff of colleagues turned life long friends, have created Lynx Basketball, an extracurricular high school league, funded largely by donors, that teaches teen boys the sport of basketball, coaching them towards college or professional basketball and preparing them for their adult lives in college and beyond. Their experience with Lynx also teaches them college entrance preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests, and life skills they will use for the rest of their life: discipline, commitment, respect, work ethic, and a life of faith. They recruit players from all over Houston, and have found that their teams have often been a mix of players, some from very tough home lives and some from vastly different backgrounds or schools. Through the years, some of their players have gone on to play college or professional basketball, earning accolades for their athletic achievements. But one thing that has brought them the most joy is seeing the teams learn to work together, becoming brothers through basketball and seeing past their differences. This is the heart of their ministry. This is, as they prepare for their next adventure, what they will remember the most. George says: “They have a place to belong. This is one of the most important things we can show them and teach them. They come to play basketball, but they leave knowing that they are loved and someone wants to seem them succeed in life and go on to do great things which they are capable of. Sometimes they just need someone to tell them that.”
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INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE TELL OUR STORIES
A Mom's Perspective
INSIDE-OUT HABITS WE MAKE FRIENDS
by Stephanie Hamilton
It was an early morning St. Luke's Student Ministries Bible study, hosted at my house. The house was packed with boys and their youth pastors from three churches: St. Martin’s, Second Baptist, and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. They gathered for breakfast and Bible study, and brought food, coolers of drinks, enough sports duffle bags and backpacks to fill a bus, and the mysterious early morning energetic spirit of teenage boys. They only met for 30 minutes. What can be done in 30 minutes? Quite a bit, I observed. At 6:50 a.m. began the “Suburban stampede”… and into the house came 38 boys and 4 leaders armed with several giant boxes of Whataburger, one enormous cooler of drinks, and a flood of backpacks, football pads, sack lunches and purple duffle bags. This group filled 25 chairs and two trashcans, while three moms looked on and one dog roamed the living room to eat the left behind crumbs off the floor. By 7:05 a.m., the 8th graders had staked out the front of the room, while the 7th graders formed a back door posse and the 6th graders surrounded the table as overflow. Four adult leaders dispersed among the crowds to discuss sports scores and all the things middle school boys care about in an effort to get to know the boys better. Usually the moms leave to drink coffee, but this morning I stay to listen carefully. Something was happening here. Amidst the energetic and rambunctious boys and their laughter, God is working. So I sat in the back and watched as boys listened intently, and participated enthusiastically. At 7:15 a.m. St. Luke’s UMC Director of Student Ministries Rob Dulaney opens the morning’s devotional with a story about a time when he was deep in a cave spelunking and bumped into a giant nest of daddy long leg spiders, an expedition that ended with him covered in bugs. And boom. Middle school boys captivated immediately. 7:16 a.m.: there's a slight transition from spiders to ants as Rob links his own story to a different story about an ant bed in the way of a forest fire. A man steps on the bed and tells the ants to run for their lives, but since ants don’t speak English, they just go back to rebuilding their ant bed.
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Focus back to the living room full of boys. Someone turns to John 1:1-5, which the group reads and breaks down together, discussing how this is an echo of Genesis 1. Then they read John 1:1-14. They discuss how just like the man trying to communicate with the ants with no success, God had to send his son in human flesh to dwell among us to communicate with us. five habits branding.indd 1
Rob explains how they would be reading and studying the book of John this year and how much God loves them. He explains that when this truth really sinks in, it can’t help but change their response and their outlook on the circumstances of their lives. He encourages them to read the book of John at home this year and to really delve into it themselves. The discussion continues, powerful, meaty and educational as boys from the front of the room to the back of the room engage and interact with the topic, the scripture, and each other. At 7:25, Rob prays for the group and for the year, that God would give them a full understanding on the deepest level of His truths. I am reminded that we can
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I was in awe of how God made it all happen in just 30 minutes. It was not just light youth group kind of stuff. It was thought provoking, intellectual, open and deep and they all looked so happy and relaxed and connected to each other...
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continue to pray this for all of them, as they walk through their faith journeys. By 7:30 a.m., high-fives, smiles, handshakes and the occasional hug are exchanged and the boys head out with their gear, not a single thing left behind. I was in awe of how God made it all happen in just 30 minutes. It was not just light youth group kind of stuff. It was thought provoking, intellectual, open and deep and they all looked so happy and relaxed and connected to each other when they left. At 7:35 a.m., the whole process begins again as the high-schoolers roll in, pulling up chairs to the table with their leaders and diving into a devotional together geared for high school students. I sit back and pour another cup of coffee, knowing that by 8:05 a.m.—just thirty minutes later—it will be a similar story. God is working. Two weeks later, I'll host them all again at the same time. And the boys will return: hungry for Whataburger, fellowship and the Word and God will work. Even when love and obedience and serving the Lord looks like a small bit of work—like an early morning breakfast Bible study—God is working on big things.
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by Rev. Bill Denham I drank coffee out of a “thank you” mug this morning. I bought it for Laura years ago (like we really needed another coffee mug), but when I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. “Thank you” was written on the mug in English, Spanish, German, and French. It was the French that nailed the sale. My wife loves the French language. For years Laura taught French in Middle School. She has said many times, “Oui, French. It is the language of luv.” Maybe so, but all people, in every tongue, should practice the “luv” language, the discipline of saying “thank you.” Most of us learned that early on. Probably like me, you have a tape in your head that sounds something like this. “Remember. Don’t forget to say ‘thank you!’ ” As a child this wasn’t hard for me when I was truly grateful for something: a gift, a treat, a word of encouragement. The challenge came when I wasn’t thankful; then it was hypocritical. I remember being presented with a tin of my Aunt Bonnie’s Christmas fruitcake cookies. I had eaten them before. They were, by far, the worst cookies ever prepared in the history of the world. Hard as rocks. They were made of lard, flour, and those red and green icky things. You could have used them for miniature hockey pucks. It was only good luck that prevented my breaking a tooth on one. But there it was. There she was. And so I said what I knew my parents expected me to say. (They would have killed me if I hadn’t.) That being said, we Christians need to express thanks to God every day. How blessed are we? How good has God been to us? Most of us have never known what it is to be truly hungry. Most of us have never known what it is to live without shelter. Most of us have never known what it is to live without hot water or clean drinking water.
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We haven’t. God has blessed us over and over again, and so often we, His people, take these blessings for granted. “Mattress Mac” spoke at a Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (NFCC) gala last year. In his speech he said something that struck me to the core and has stayed with me ever since. “What if the only things you had tomorrow were the things that you thanked God for today?” I had never thought of being thankful to God in that way. The next day, in my morning prayers, I began listing the things I was thankful for: my wife, my children, their spouses, our grandchildren, my relatives, Laura’s relatives, our health, our doctors, our church, the staff I work with, the clothes I wear, the car I drive, air-conditioning, heat, money to buy groceries, gasoline in the car, money in the bank, health insurance, a home to live in, the police, my Emmaus group, the garbage men, America, the volunteers who work in Caring Ministries, my education, and on and on. The more I thought about not having the things God has blessed me with, the more I prayed....Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. On November 22, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Thanksgiving Eve service held in the chapel. You might give some thought to coming, but, if nothing else, let this be a season in which all of us begin to say “thank you” to God, with humble hearts, grateful for the abiding love and care of our heavenly Father. Danke schön. Gracias. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Being thankful? It’s a lot more than words on a coffee mug.
by Dr. Linda Christians Not long ago, I was driving home after a long day that had been filled to the brim with appointments. Over the years I have found that one of the ways to ease from the rush a busy day to a peaceful state of mind is to drive with the radio turned off and my phone silenced.For some reason however on this particular day, I turned the radio on.My heart was immediately warmed when I heard Tim McGraw singing “Humble and Kind.”Are you familiar with the song? Here are some of the lyrics that especially touched my heart: Go to church ‘cause your mama says to Visit grandpa every chance that you can It won’t be wasted time Always stay humble and kind. Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you” Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie I know you got mountains to climb But always stay humble and kind. When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you When the work you put in is realized Let yourself feel the pride But always stay humble and kind. It struck me that this was the first song that I could clearly remember, other than the children’s song from
Barney, “Please and Thank You,” in which being polite and kind is emphasized.Some of the lyrics in that song are: He’s talking ‘bout ‘please and thank you’ They’re called the magic words If you want nice things to happen. they're the words that should be heard Remember ‘please and thank you’ ‘Cause they're the magic words Use them in the morning, at noon and night ‘Cause it’s a great way to be polite. ‘Please and thank you’ They’re the magic words Two songs for two different generations, but the intent and message is the same: approach life with a humble, gracious nature.Long before it was Tim McGraw and Barney’s message, this was the message of Jesus, who made practicing kindness, caring for others, and serving with humility His way of life. Don’t you think there would have been a lot of opportunities for Jesus to have said “please”?What immediately comes to my mind is that he would have said “please” as he was praying to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane and when He asked the disciples to stay awake while he prayed.Most certainly he would have said “please” when he asked his Father to send the Holy Spirit to remind and help the disciples teach all that they had learned from Him. And the request would have been most sincere, straight from Jesus’ heart. Saying “please” acknowledges our need for help from God or someone here on earth.It indicates to others, “I know I’m not entitled to this, and it isn’t an obligation for you to fulfill.” Isn’t it interesting how hearing Tim McGraw’s song spoke to my heart and sparked this recognition of just how powerful such an everyday word really is?For through it I discovered there is a difference to automatically using the word “please” without giving it much thought and using the word with humility. In my heart, I know it was a lesson straight from Jesus.
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by Rev. David Horton Sorry is not a lightweight word. It is not easily tossed around. You can’t say the word with your mouth unless the word has happened to you in your heart. Hearing someone say “I’m sorry” is like hearing the thunder without seeing the lightning: the word itself is the audible product of an invisible, internal reaction. Sorry is a shockwave that bursts forth from the plates shifting in a person’s soul. It is proof that the soul is on the move and not dormant. It is evidence that the person really is growing.
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Saying "I'm sorry" is different from saying “I apologize.” Sorry is a feeling word, and you cannot fake your feelings. You either feel sorry or you don’t. An apology is an admission of wrongdoing, and you can say the word without it being heartfelt, like when an umpire breaks up a fight on the baseball field and makes the angry players shake hands. They may or may not want to fight again, because they may or may not have meant the handshake.
A little guilt is good for us and we should let it sink in before we let it go. We cannot mend relationships that have for some reason unraveled without exploring our guilt first and asking why we feel it. The feeling is there for a reason and it will not lie to you. Before you say sorry to someone else, first let your sorry speak to you. What can you learn from your sorry?
I showed up and I said "I'm sorry." It hurt, but it hurt like your muscles after a good workout. A sorry will always hurt because it is the pain of guilt escaping the soul. It's a good kind of hurt.
An apology is an outward thing without the requirement of an inward transformation. You either mean the apology or you don’t. You can fake it. But you can’t fake a sorry.
Sorry is what is produced when our guilt mixes with our need for action. We feel remorse or regret at our own wrongdoing, or we feel guilty that someone else has been wronged when we could have prevented it or it just as easily could have happened to us. Then our need to do something kicks in. We cannot keep the guilt bottled up; there must be a productive outlet. Guilt without action will only send us on a downward spiral. We will eventually have to let the pressure of guiltiness escape or it will become toxic and eat at the walls of our soul. But action without guilt might send
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someone else on a downward spiral. Our sorry will sound more like a robotic apology. The other person will know we don’t mean it, and we will do more harm than if we had said nothing at all.
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About a year and a half ago I failed to visit one of our Gethsemane members in the hospital after a surgery. She didn’t recover as quickly as she had expected, and she spent an entire week in the hospital with no contact from her pastor. I guess I had assumed someone else from the church would visit her. But assumptions are the death of good ministry.
I had heard she was released to go home, so I called her at her home number. She said, “I thought this was a church that cared for people but I guess I was wrong.” I almost couldn’t handle the guilt. I swallowed my pride and asked if I could visit her at home the next day. She said yes. I showed up and said, “I’m sorry.” It hurt, but it hurt like your muscles after a good workout. A sorry will always hurt because it is the pain of guilt escaping the soul. It’s a good kind of hurt. She fed me homemade cookies and we sat and watched television. It was as if nothing had ever happened. But something had happened. I had made a mistake, I said I was sorry, and I was forgiven. A relationship was wounded, guilt mixed with action, and the relationship was healed. Sounds like the gospel to me.
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 Rotunda Gallery | November St. Luke’s member Shirley Jennings, local artist and St. Luke's member and C. Russell Anderson are the Rotunda Gallery’s November Artists of the Month. After retiring from a banking career of 30 plus
years, Shirley volunteered with Methodist Hospital, studied art at Houston Baptist University with Michael R. Collins, and currently studies with her co-exhibitor. C. Russell Anderson, who has studied art and worked in illustration, design and marketing for several large art industry agencies and publications, inlcuding Browna and Root, Inc and Southwest Art Magazine. Today, he teaches and produces paintings for collectors.
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Tapestry Players present Life With Father November 4-6 Come see the laugh out loud comedy about family life that holds the record for longest-running Broadway play. Based on the book by Clarence Day about his family—and particularly his father—the play portrays a rambunctious, overburdened Wall Street broker who demands that everything from his family should be just so, and becomes more lovable and comical to his family the more he tries to reach perfection. The show opens on Friday evening, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Theater, with subsequent performances on Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, November 6 at 2:30 p.m. Admission is by donation—no ticket required. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
NICK FINNEGAN COUNSELING CENTER
A new way to help families dealing with ADHD For families living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), peace and calm are hard to find. With roughly 10 percent of school-age children diagnosed with ADHD, they are not the only ones affected by the diagnosis. Parents are too. That’s why the St. Luke’s counseling ministry-known as Nick Finnegan Counseling Center-offers free six-week support groups: one for kids with ADHD and one for their parents. The groups help families learn how to work with each other and to set the stage for a successful school year. Call 713402-5046 for questions or to register. Learn more at FinneganCounseling.org. When: Registration deadline is Nov. 20 Group meets Thursdays, Jan. 26 – March 2 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Where: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Cost: FREE
GETHSEMANE Dewberry Farms | November 6 | 1-5 p.m. A fun day of pumpkins, mazes and fall activities! Each youth is asked to bring $2 each plus some spending money. Parent volunteers are needed! For more information, contact Julie Ramos at juramos@ stlukesmethodist.org. Wednesday Night Fellowship Thanksgiving Feast November 9 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. How does a home-style Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and with all of the trimmings sound to you? We share in a traditional Thanksgiving experience with our multinational tapestry of friends and family called the Gethsemane Campus and our friends from Las Americas School for Newcomers. All are invited to come for dinner and fun activities in Canterbury Hall. Gethsemane Christmas Market | November 13 11 a.m.-3 p.m. All items are designed and hand crafted by members of the Sewing Circle of Hope, a small group of African refugee women who worship at Gethsemane. Silver Circle Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 16 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join our senior adults for a morning of games and conversation followed by lunch and celebration of birthdays in Canterbury Hall. For more information, call the Gethsemane Campus office at 713-774-7693. Fall Soccer Game Day | Saturday, November 19 9 a.m. Fall Soccer has been a great success in the Gethsemane community. We invite everyone to come out and cheer on our children and youth on! They would love to see and hear some COWs (clouds of witnesses) cheering them on. Thankful Lunch for Youth & Parents Sunday, November 20 | 12:30–2:30 p.m. Youth and their parents will share in a delicious lunch together before we spend some time together in activities, devotion and prayer. Gethsemane Campus Volunteer Opportunities Gethsemane Campus is a unique place to be and we have some unique volunteer opportunities. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Amy Kelley, akelley@stlukesmethodist.org.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMW Games Group | Mondays, November 7, 21, 28 10-11:30 a.m. | Room EN204 (R25) For more information contact Lori Wilson-Reynolds, 713-665-3553. UMW Gethsemane Book Group | Saturday, November 12 | 11 a.m. | Junior League The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz. For more information contact, JoAnn Smith at 713-686- 5859. UMW Westheimer Book Group Monday, November 14 | 10 a.m. | 3501 Building 104 (CR104) The group will read The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. For more information, contact Dorothy Voss, 713-660-7243. UMW Night Circle | Tuesday, November 15 | 6:30 p.m. Room EN208 (R24) Following light refreshments, Jackie Lyles will lead the program titled Forgiveness. Women of all ages are invited to join this multi-generational circle. For more information, contact Pat Deckert at 713-334-6848. UMW Afternoon Study Circle | Tuesday, November 15 12-2 p.m. | The Forum of Memorial Woods Food provided by The Forum. There will be a tour following the meeting.
Mainstreamer Day Trip | Thursday, November 17 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Bayou Wildlife Zoo and Park Our day trip will take us to Alvin, Texas for a visit to the Bayou Wildlife Zoo and Park. We will explore the 80 acres of prairie, woods, natural habitats, monkey islands and alligator ponds with an experienced guide from the comfort of a tram. Cost for the tour is $7 plus your lunch. Please call the Senior Adult Reservation Line, 713-4025087 to reserve your place.
ST. LUKE'S DAY SCHOOL St. Luke’s Day School Book Fair November 28-December 1 Let It Snow A Blizzard of Books! Snow is falling and books are calling, come shop our wide selection of books for all ages. We will have photos with Santa, silhouettes by Cindi Rose and many special events and activities for the whole family. Visit the Day School website at www.stlukesdayschool.org/book-fair for more information.
PRAYER MINISTRY
SENIOR ADULTS
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Mainstreamer’s Luncheon: “Marlys Barry Stories” Thursday, November 10 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Fellowship Hall You are invited to a celebration of Mainstreamers and Senior Adult Ministries that will include music, skits and reminiscences around the theme of the upcoming retirement of director, Marlys Barry. The event is not a surprise but the details are! Please call the reservation line, 713-402-5087, or email Kathy Neely, kneely@stlukesmethodist.org to make your reservation for November 10. A buffet lunch ($10) will be part of the event. Please be sure to RSVP if you are staying for lunch.
Service of Healing | November 2 | 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. For more information contact Laurie Noteboom at lnoteboom@ stlukesmethodist.org or 713-402-5024.
YOUTH St. Paul's vs. St. Luke's Annual Kickball Showdown November 27 | 5:30 p.m. All students are invited to help us defend our title as reigning champs at the 2nd Annual Kickball Showdown! Meet on Blanton Field and bring $5 for dinner. We're excited to welcome students from the Gethsemane campus as well!
Congratulations, Baptisms!
The Sacrament of Baptism was received by: Eleanor Elizabeth Hack, daughter of Richard Jason Hack and Ansley Dickens Hack on September 25.
Greta Ginette Hankey, daughter of Scott Andrew Hankey and Scarlett Lowrie Hankey on September 25.
Corban Arthur Mears, son of Parker Upshur Mears and Crossley Davis Mears on September 25.
John Warren Rich, son of John Matthew Rich and Michele Ann Martin Rich on September 25.
Hays William Camp, son of Samuel Clay Camp and Kimberly Hays Camp on October 9.
Edi Adelia Malach Canales, daughter of Rosaly Humberto Canales and Joanna Lyn Malach Canales on October 9.
St. Luke's Flower Dedications The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and are given: October 2 in celebration of the September 10, 2016 marriage of Katie Collins Anderson and Nathan Daniel Miller by Mr. and Mrs. James Kenneth Anderson, Jr. October 9 in celebration of the baptism of Jackson Theodore Emerson by Monica and Nicholas Emerson; and in celebration of the baptism of Hays William Camp by Kimberly and Clay Camp; and in celebration of the baptism of Hays William Camp by proud grandparents Margie and Jim Sam Camp and Penny and Ferrell Hays.
Jackson Theodore Emerson, son of Nicholas Hailey Emerson and Monica Canales Emerson on October 9.
October 16 in celebration of the baptism of Louisa Ann Peduzzi by Jodi, Dante, Dominic and Elena Peduzzi; and in celebration of the baptism of Tanny Charles Toomey III (Trip) by Lindsi and Charles Toomey. October 23 in celebration of the baptism of Noah Grayson Freeman by Jacklyn and Scott Freeman; and in celebration of the baptism of Scarlett Sophia Disch by Rhianna and Scott Disch; and in loving memory of Moody P. Pearson by Mike, Shirley and Ben Pearson and Elizabeth Pearson and Michel Bigelow; and in celebration of the baptism of Bennett David Helffrich by Katherine and David Helffrich
Welcome New Members! Liz Kaufman unites with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is a program manager with NRG.
Sara Liechti joins our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is a clinical pharmacy specialist at Texas Children's Hospital.
Clark and Allison Needham join St. Luke's by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is a product engineer with Alcon and she is a registered nurse in the neonatal ICU at Texas Children's Hospital.
Damen and Ryann Hattori unite with St. Luke's, he by profession of faith and she by transfer from another United Methodist church. Ryann is a nurse at Baylor College of Medicine. She and Damen are the parents of a daughter, Cameron, age 1 year.
Mark and Abby Flatow unite with St. Luke's by profession of faith. He is a financial advisor with UBS. Mark and Abby are the parents of Henry Flatow, age 16 months.
John and Kathy Pipkin transfer to our congregation from another United Methodist church.
Chris and Paige Schulz transfer to St. Luke's from another denomination. Chris is a manager for Deloitte and Paige is Director of Patient Support Services at Texas Children's Hospital. They are the parents of Mary Katherine, age 8, and Lillian, age 7. Mary Lou McGregor unites by transfer from another denomination. She joins her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Mike Pearson and family in the St. Luke's membership. Claire Snyder unites with our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Have you ever watched the Livestream of our Sunday traditional services and wondered how it all happens? Join the fun with the TV Ministry. We can train you to operate a camera in just one hour, and the rest comes over your headset from the director in TV control. Commitment is just once a month. Contact Spitts@stlukesmethodist.org for more details and a tour!
Celebrating Lives BUILDING FUND In Memory of: Gwen Allen by Joanne Mueller Randy Gorham by Timothy P. Hart Mike Hjalmarson by Barry & Lyla Nettles Vera House Leisk by Joanne Mueller GENE DECKER STUDY CLASS ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory of: Gloria Quian by Gene Decker Study Class NFCC In Honor of: Judy Ann & Jimmy McCartney by Jill & Brad Deutser
ORGAN FUND In Honor of: Mehrnaz S. Gill on her 50th birthday by Sara Cave Taylor OUTREACH MINISTRIES In Memory of: Nick Holland by Bobbie Wisecup PURE SOUND In Memory of: Jim Davenport by: The Johnson Family, Melissa, Ken, Andrew & Benjamin ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Memory of: Patricia Lawson Gow by Mr. & Mrs. Henry R. Hamman
James Herring by Betty Bynes Guy Edmund Knolle, Jr. by Helen & Prentiss Burt UMCOR In Memory of: Jerri Savuto by Bobbie Wisecup USHER FUND In Memory of: Allen Cairnes by Nancy & Richard Miller WOODSHOP In Honor of: Hugh & Fannie Parker by J. Arnold Smith
"I thank my God every time i remember you..." Philippians 1:3 COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR
Interested in learning more about St. Luke's? Join us for Coffee with the Pastor!
UPCOMING DATES: Sunday, November 6, 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 4-5:30 p.m.
Please join us for a casual gathering with Senior Pastor, Dr. Tom Pace. Coffee with the Pastor is for visitors who would like to learn more about our church and a great first step in the Path to Membership. 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 part of the life and mission of the church. Register online at StLukesMethodist.org/ events. 21
For Your Calendar...
ADVENT AND
Tree of Angels | November 13, 20, 27 (at Westheimer); November 20 (at Gethsemane) By participating in Tree of Angels, you are ensuring the child(ren) of a graduate of Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) receives gifts this Christmas that will keep them connected to their father. To sponsor a child, visit the Sanctuary Hallway tree to select a child. A “wrap party” will be held on December 10 at the Westheimer campus to organize and wrap gifts. For more information, please contact Meredith Davis at 713-402-5064 or mdavis@stlukesmethodist.org. Conspirare Christmas | December 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Austin's Grammy-winning choral ensemble Conspirare returns to St. Luke's for their signature holiday concert. Tickets available online: www.stlukesmethodist.org/conspirare. March to the Manger | Sunday, December 4 | 9:45-10:45 a.m. Children in our 2s-5th grade Sunday School classes will bring un-wrapped toys to Sunday School for the Jingle Bell Express program at the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). It’s a Wonderful Life | December 4 | 2:30 p.m. Join the Tapestry Players for this perennial holiday treat — a "live radio" adaptation of the Frank Capra classic, that is celebrating it's 70th anniversary. One show only on Sunday, December 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Rotunda Theater. Admission by donation. Friends at Home Poinsettia Delivery | December 4 Stop by the table in the Sanctuary Hallway to pick up an Advent Poinsettia and instructions on how to deliver it 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 or squillin@stlukesmethodist.org. UMW Advent Spiritual Growth Service | December 6 | 10:30 a.m. | Chapel All St. Luke's women and guests are invited to an Advent service of music, scripture and communion followed by a potluck brunch. Service of Prayer and Healing | December 7 | 6-7 p.m.| Westheimer Chapel Christmas in the Chapel | December 9 | 7:30 p.m. An intimate evening of Christmas music featuring Credo, under the direction of Ryan Jones. Las Posadas | Sunday, December 11 | 9:45-10:45 a.m. Mary and Joseph (played by a St. Luke's family), accompanied by St. Luke's children, reenact their search for shelter by knocking at the doors of the inns (classrooms). At the end of the Sunday School hour, classes enjoy the breaking of a star-shaped piñata and seeing the nativity scene. Arrest These Merry Gentlemen Kids' Musical | Dec 11 9:40 and 11:05 a.m. The Story Houston building
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Save the Date!
CHRISTMAS 2016
Encounter’s Christmas Cantata | December 11 | 8:45 a.m. Sunday, December 11 at 8:45 a.m. during Encounter worship in the Fellowship Hall.
The Rob Landes Christmas Concert and Family Sing-a-long | December 11 | 4 p.m. Sanctuary Organist Rob Landes presents an afternoon concert of Christmas selections on organ and piano. The concert will also feature the Sunday Sing and Joyful Noise choirs, and a cocoa party hosted by the Children's Ministries following the concert. Free admission. Christmas Around the World | December 14 | 5:30 p.m. | Gethsemane Campus Gethsemane is excited to host a cultural Christmas dinner with a potluck dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. and songs and stories at 6:30 p.m. There will be dishes featured from many countries, including Taiwan, the Congo, Cuba and Mexico and many more. Following dinner will be a time of fellowship with songs, stories and traditions shared from different cultures. Travelers Christmas Eve Candlelight | Thursday Dec 15 | 7 p.m. | TSH building If you are planning to be out of town for Christmas, this service is for you. Christmas Music Festival | Sunday, December 18 | 8:30, 9:45, 11 a.m. | Sanctuary Our Chancel Choir presents their festival of inspirational Christmas music featuring full orchestra.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services at St. Luke's! Family Christmas Eve Services December 24 | 3 p.m. | Communion at 4:15 p.m. The Story Houston Christmas Eve Candlelight | 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. | TSH building Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Services | 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m. | Westheimer Campus, Sanctuary | Communion served Gethsemane Christmas Eve Service | 6:30 p.m. | Kids Nativity Christmas Day Traditional Services | 11 a.m. | Westheimer Campus Gethsemane Christmas Day Service | 11 a.m. | Gethsemane Campus Christmas Day Carols with special guest Adrian Michael (from American Idol) Sunday, December 25 | 11 a.m. | TSH building *All traditional services at the Westheimer Campus will be livestreamed at StLukesMethodist.org/livestream
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