IN HONOR OF THE 75 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
What is the essence of the Christian life? If one could distill “living and loving like Jesus” down to just one simple concept, what would it be? I think it would be this: he laid down his life. St. Paul used different words to describe Jesus’ life: “he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” Paul said his own life was “poured out like a drink offering.” At St. Luke’s, we say we give ourselves away. As we celebrate 75 years of ministry at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, I can only think of all of those who have given themselves away over these decades in acts of service, both small and large. To continue that tradition, we are challenging you to make a more significant commitment to serving in the community. This book is full of ideas (75 of them), but there are others as well. Some of you may be able to commit to 75 hours of service, for others that may not be realistic. Whatever your capacity, we challenge you to a commitment that is above what you would ordinarily do and offer that service in honor of our 75th anniversary. One of my favorite sermons was by Fred Craddock, the late great preacher and professor of homiletics at Emory University. He said: To pour myself out for others, to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom, I’ll do it. I’m ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. Most of us think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $1000 bill and laying it on the table. ‘Here is my life, Lord, I’m giving it all.’ But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $1000 bill for quarters. We go through life putting out twenty-five cents here and fifty cents there. We listen to the neighbor kids’ troubles instead of saying ‘get lost.’ Twenty-five cents. We go to a committee meeting. Twenty-five cents. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Fifty cents. Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in those little acts of love. Twenty-five cents at a time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory, it is harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul. So in our 75th year, let’s have St. Luke’s give ourselves away, one act of service at a time.
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GETTING STARTED... We are so excited for you to join us in the Serve75 Challenge! Our hope is that you will use this book to help guide you through service opportunities throughout the city of Houston. We would love for every person and family to find new and impactful ways to serve others. Here are a few helpful hints: » Do whatever you can – There is not a number we are trying to achieve nor a certain amount of hours expected. We simply want to encourage everyone to do more while exploring all of the incredible things happening in our city. » Lots of options – We have worked hard to include a wide range of opportunities, but this is not an exhaustive list. We know many of you are involved in multiple organizations outside of the 75 listed here, and that’s wonderful! Please include those on your tracking sheet as you document, for we would love to know about all of the incredible work our congregation is doing. » Contact the organization – Once you identify the organization with which you would like to serve, find the contact information listed and let them know you would like to help. They will be ready for you! » Track your service – Tracking pages are included in the back of this book. We encourage you to write down your acts of service as you move throughout the year and offer this as a gift during our 75th Anniversary Celebration on November 15th. » Let us know – If you have questions or stories as you go along, please reach out to us at any time: serve75@stlukesmethodist.org What better way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of a servant church like St. Luke’s than by acts of service paying our heritage forward?
TABLE OF CONTENTS 7 Community partners 9 community neighbors 13 75 Ways to serve from a to z serve categories
21 St. Luke’s and Gethsemane 22 Kid-friendly 24 Low Impact 26 great for Groups 29 websites 31 calendar 32 tracking
THE RESTORATION TEAM
NFCC
The Restoration Team (TRT) is a network of churches dedicated to assisting families whose homes were damaged from flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019.
Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (NFCC) is proud to be a place that can offer high quality and affordable mental health services to anyone regardless of differences such as age, finances or beliefs.
ST. LUKE’S COMMUNITY PARTNERS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER AT GETHSEMANE in partnership with SMALL STEPS To provide an exemplary early childhood program to instill and foster the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of economically at risk children and their families.
CCSC The mission of the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
CONNECT COMMUNITY Connect Community is working to raise the quality of life for all residents in the Gethsemane area of Gulfton/Sharpstown. Founding members are KIPP Charter Schools, YMCA, Legacy Community Health and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.
REVISION reVision works to break the cycle of isolation among the most profoundly disconnected youth, most of whom are caught up in the juvenile justice system. By connecting one kid at a time to caring adults, positive peers and a program that works, we offer disconnected youth the opportunity to revision hopeful pathways.
AMAZING PLACE At Amazing Place, our mission is to empower lives disrupted by dementia. Our Day Program enriches the lives of participants on a daily basis, while our Connections Program provides essential knowledge, tools and support for families, caregivers, health professionals, congregations and the community at large. Together, we can end the stigma of dementia.
THE COLOR KEY St.Luke’s and Gethsemane held at one of our two campuses
Kid-Friendly wonderful for all ages
Low Impact no heavy lifting required
Great for Groups gather your Sunday School class, small group, or favorite friends
calendar activities have specific dates found on page 31
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
St. Luke’s is proud to be a founding member of these Community Partners. We are thrilled to walk alongside these organizations as they continue to transform the city of Houston.
Amazing Place
At Amazing Place, the mission is to empower lives disrupted by dementia. The Day Program enriches the lives of participants on a daily basis, while the Connections Program provides essential knowledge, tools and support for families, caregivers, health professionals, congregations and the community at large. Together, we can end the stigma of dementia.
Connect Community
Connect Community is working to raise the quality of life for all residents in the Gethsemane area of Gulfton/Sharpstown. Founding members are KIPP Charter Schools, YMCA, Legacy Community Health and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. » cook and serve
reVision
» lunch with participants
Christian Community Service Center
The mission of the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences. » back to school table volunteer
reVision works to break the cycle of isolation among the most profoundly disconnected youth, most of whom are caught up in the juvenile justice system. By connecting one kid at a time to caring adults, positive peers and a program that works, we offer disconnected youth the opportunity to revision hopeful pathways. » cook and serve
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
» back to school donation
Small Steps Nurturing Center will provide an exemplary early childhood program to instill and foster the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of economically at-risk children and their families.
» back to school distribution » back to school sorting » donate diapers and wipes
» host a book drive
» greeter and intake » food pantry
Nick finnegan counseling center
» garden
NFCC is proud to be a place that can offer high quality and affordable mental health services to anyone regardless of differences such as age, finances or beliefs.
The Restoration Team
The Restoration Team (TRT) is a network of churches dedicated to assisting families whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019.
» volunteer at crawfish boil fundraiser
» feed volunteers » build and repair
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
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COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS
These are organizations with whom we have worked closely over the years. Their missions and values are helping transform the city of Houston and we are proud to call them friends.
Blessings in a Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack provides weekend food to children in the greater Houston area who are at risk of going hungry. » stuff backpacks
Dress for success
The Mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. » donate/sort/tag
Gulf Coast regional Blood Center
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center partners with the communities to help save and sustain lives by providing a safe supply of blood, blood components, and related services. » donate blood » volunteer
Freewheels Houston
Through the generosity of Houstonians and the work of resourceful volunteers, Freewheels Houston gives used bikes to refugees, immigrants, and veterans providing the freedom to pursue a new life in Houston by enhancing their mobility. » bike repair
Crossroads at park place
Since 2001, Crossroads has been a Chrisitan service and daycare organization committed to promoting the health, hygiene, and dignity of persons experiencing homlessness and poverty in Southeast Houston. » hand out clothes
Have Shears Will Travel
Have Shears Will Travel is a non-profit hair care ministry organized to serve the local community with special needs that can restrict their ability to obtain these services due to physical impairments, lack of transportation or financial means. » donate supplies
» serve a meal
His Grace Foundation
Dan’s House of Hope
Dan’s House of Hope helps young adult cancer fighters heal through community, supportive programming and home away from home services that reduce isolation, decrease financial burdens and nourish hope. » cook
His Grace Foundation provides physical, emotional, and financial support for patients and families in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Texas Children’s Hospital » make a basket » donate blankets » shop for a family
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
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COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS Holly Hall
The mission of Holly Hall is to provide a non-profit retirement community operated on Christian principles. » Christmas caroling » lunch with residents
Justice for our Neighbors
We provide low-income individuals and families with affordable, high-quality immigration legal services. We also train volunteers, attorneys, and communities of faith to help us carry out our mission and advocate for the rights of our immigrant neighbors. » volunteer
Hospitality Apartments
Hospitality Apartments provides free temporary housing (from two weeks up to three months) and a safe, welcoming, comfortable, supportive environment for families in need (who live more than fifty miles away from the Texas Medical Center) who are receiving medical treatment at any of the medical care facilities in the Texas Medical Center area here in Houston, Texas.
KIDS HOPE USA
Kids Hope USA is a national, non-profit organization which facilitates mentoring relationships with at-risk children through a church-school partnership. St. Luke’s partners with Sutton Elementary and Briarmeadow Charter School. » bake cookies for teachers
Kids’ Meals
» cook and serve » front desk
Interfaith Ministries
The aniMeals on Wheels program was founded so that homebound clients on Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels program would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their four-legged friends. » aniMeals volunteer
The Kids’ Meals mission is to end childhood hunger by delivering free, healthy meals to the doorsteps of Houston’s hungriest preschool aged children and through collaboration provide families with resources to help end the cycle of poverty. » decorate lunch bags » delivery ride-along » volunteer at headquarters » make sandwiches
» Meals on Wheels volunteer
Legacy Community Health
» welcome baskets
Legacy Community Health is driving healthy changes in the community. » book drive
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
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COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS Mission of Yahweh
The Mission of Yahweh is a faith-based shelter that has been empowering, enriching and restoring the lives of homeless women and children and providing outreach services to low-income communities since 1961. » donate to library
Undies For Everyone
By working to ensure that all children have access to the daily dignity of clean underwear, we promote the conditions for success every student deserves from basic hygiene and better attendance to having a brighter outlook about themselves and the world around them. Undies are often easy to overlook, but we believe these little layers can lead to greatness. » volunteer
Sutton Elementary
Our mission is to educate students to excel academically and socially in a safe environment conducive to learning. » garden volunteer
Vita Living
Vita Living provides long-term comprehensive care and support for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. » donate games
TUTS public works
Theatre Under The Stars created Public Works Houston, a new community engagement program that seeks to engage the people of Houston by making them creators and not just spectators. Through Public Works Houston, TUTS provides tailored programming for five community organizations – Dress for Success Houston, Wesley Community Center, New Hope Housing Reed, and YMCA of Greater Houston. Participants in the program have the opportunity to participate in a professional Miller Outdoor Theatre production. » be a host
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
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75 WAYS TO SERVE FROM A TO Z 1.
Amazing Place lunch with participants Brighten the day of an Amazing Place participant by joining them for lunch! Contact | Susie Howard showard@amazingplacehouston.org
7.
CCSC donate diapers and wipes Donate diapers and wipes to CCSC for mothers and children in need. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
2.
Blessings in a Backpack stuff backpacks Sort and organize donated food for students in need. Volunteers may set up a stuffing party. Contact | Melissa Peter bcblessings80@att.net
8.
CCSC greeter and intake Greet clients and help gather intake information as they arrive at one of the CCSC locations. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
3.
CCSC back to school table volunteer Help collect monetary donations at the Back to School table. These donations will help provide school uniforms and supplies for children in need. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
9.
CCSC food pantry Help organize and bag non-perishable food items for CCSC food pantry clients. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
4.
CCSC back to school donation Donate to the Back to School drive which helps provide school uniforms and supplies for children in need. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
5.
CCSC back to school distribution Help distribute backpacks and supplies at the CCSC Back to School event. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
6.
CCSC back to school sorting Help setup, sort, and organize supplies at the Back to School CCSC event. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
10. CCSC garden Tend and care for the CCSC vegetable garden which provides fresh produce to CCSC food pantry clients. Contact | Erin Donohue volunteer@ccschouston.org 11. Children’s Ministry craft prep Prepare craft activities for children’s Sunday school classes during the week, with supplies and templates provided by Children’s Ministries. Can be done at home or St. Luke’s. Contact | Paige Farrow pfarrow@stlukesmethodist.org
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
14 12. Connect Community cook and serve Cook and serve a meal to students and families in the Connect 2 Character program. Contact | Ryan Villarreal ryan@myconnectcommunity.org 13. Crossroads hand out clothes Distribute clothing, undergarments, shoes, and other basic need items to participants of Crossroads that are struggling with homelessness. Contact | Jim Brackeen jhbrackeen@gmail.com 14. Crossroads serve a meal Help prepare and serve a nutritious and filling meal for 125-150 people struggling with homelessness and/or hunger. Contact | Jim Brackeen jhbrackeen@gmail.com
17. Friends at Home deliver Easter flowers Deliver Easter flowers to our St. Luke’s Friends at Home, members of our congregation that are either homebound or ill. Contact | Shelley Quillin squillin@stlukesmethodist.org 18. Friends at Home deliver poinsettias Deliver a poinsettia to our St. Luke’s Friends at Home, members of our congregation that are either homebound or ill. Contact | Shelley Quillin squillin@stlukesmethodist.org 19. friends at home greeting cards Help brighten the day of a St. Luke’s Friend at Home by sending a greeting card in the mail. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
15. Dan’s House of Hope cook Cook a meal for young adults that are receiving cancer treatment in the Medical Center. Contact | Roger Kenneavy roger@danshouseofhope.org
20. Freewheels bike repair Assist in repairing bikes for refugees and immigrants in need of transportation. Contact | Bill Mintz billmintz51@att.net
16. Dress for Success donate/sort/tag Help Dress for Success prepare for clients by organizing, sorting, and tagging donated clothing and suits. Contact | Ashley Werner ashley@dfshouston.org
21. Gethsemane fall fest Help set up, greet, serve food, or host a game table at our annual Fall Fest celebration for the Sharpstown/Gulfton community . Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
15 22. Gethsemane mercy closet donations Donate clothes and basic need supplies to Gethsemane’s Mercy Closet. Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
28. Gethsemane summer clubhouse Volunteer to lead a class during Gethsemane’s Summer Clubhouse. Contact | Juana Chavez jchavez@stlukesmethodist.org
23. Gethsemane mercy closet sorting Help organize clothing and basic need items for those in the Gethsemane community. Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
29. Gethsemane WNF cook and serve Prepare and serve a meal to the attendees of Wednesday Night Fellowship at Gethsemane. Contact| Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
24. Gethsemane cook newcomer dinner Cook a turkey or side dish for students at Las Americas Newcomer School as they experience their first Thanksgiving in the United States. Contact | Amy Kelley akelley@stlukesmethodist.org
30. Gethsemane WNF sponsor Offer to sponsor a Wednesday Night Fellowship meal at Gethsemane. Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
25. Gethsemane serve newcomer dinner Help serve Thanksgiving dinner to students and families from Las Americas Newcomer School. Contact | Amy Kelley akelley@stlukesmethodist.org
31. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center donate Give the gift of life through the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center bus on designated Sundays at St. Luke’s. Registration is preferred but not required. Contact | Karen McCarver serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
26. Gethsemane college care package Put together a care package of goodies for our Gethsemane students that are attending college. Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
32. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center volunteer Help greet donors at the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center bus on designated Sundays at St. Luke’s. Contact | Karen McCarver serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
27. Gethsemane summer clubhouse snacks Help provide snacks for the 80+ children that participate in Gethsemane’s Summer Clubhouse. Contact | Juana Chavez jchavez@stlukesmethodist.org
33. Have Shears Will Travel donate supplies Donate grooming supplies to the Have Shears Will Travel mobile salon. Contact | Barbara Goodson barbara@haveshearswilltravel.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
16 34. His Grace Foundation make a basket Put together a basket of goodies for the children and families in long-term care at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Texas Children’s Hospital. Contact | Val Anderson val@hisgracefoundation.org
39. Hospitality Apartments cook and serve Cook and serve a meal for individuals and families residing at Hospitality Apartments while receiving treatment in the Medical Center. Contact | Bob Paddock bpaddock44@gmail.com
35. His Grace Foundation donate blankets Make and/or donate blankets for the children receiving treatment in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Texas Children’s Hospital. Contact | Val Anderson val@hisgracefoundation.org
40. Hospitality Apartments front desk Be a greeter at Hospitality Apartments by answering the phone and welcoming families as they arrive. Contact | Bob Paddock bpaddock44@gmail.com
36. His Grace Foundation shop for a family Shop for groceries and other basic need supplies for children and families receiving treatment in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Texas Children’s Hospital. Contact | Val Anderson val@hisgracefoundation.org 37. Holly Hall Christmas caroling Gather your friends, Sunday School class, or small group for an afternoon or evening of caroling for residents of Holly Hall. Contact | Susan Thraen sthraen@hollyhall.org 38. Holly Hall lunch with residents Take time to enjoy a meal with residents of Holly Hall, some of whom are our own St. Luke’s members. Contact | Susan Thraen sthraen@hollyhall.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
41. Interfaith Ministries aniMeals Help package pet food for Meals on Wheels recipients who have furry friends at home. Contact | Jodie Bernstein jbernstein@imgh.org 42. Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels Volunteer to deliver food to Meals on Wheels recipients. Contact | Jodie Bernstein jbernstein@imgh.org 43. Interfaith Ministries welcome baskets Make a basket full of basic need items to welcome those that are coming out of homelessness into a place of their own. Contact | Jodie Bernstein jbernstein@imgh.org 44. Justice for our Neighbors volunteer Help greet and intake information during our monthly JFON clinics at Gethsemane. Contact | Marci Pampe mpampe@stlukesmethodist.org
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
17 45. KIDS HOPE USA bake cookies for teachers Bake cookies for the teachers and staff of our two KIDS HOPE schools, Briarmeadow Charter and Sutton Elementary. Contact | Marci Pampe mpampe@stlukesmethodist.org 46. Kids’ Meals decorate lunch bags Decorate lunch sacks for the preschool recipients of the Kids’ Meals lunch program. Contact | Beth Braniff Harp bharp@kidsmealsinc.org 47. Kids’ Meals delivery ride-along Ride along in the Kids’ Meals delivery van distributing lunches to preschool children that might otherwise go hungry. Contact | Beth Braniff Harp bharp@kidsmealsinc.org 48. Kids’ Meals volunteer at headquaters Assemble lunches at the Kids’ Meals headquarters in preparation for distribution to underserved children in Houston. Contact | Beth Braniff Harp bharp@kidsmealsinc.org 49. Kids’ Meals make sandwiches Work with others to prepare, bag, and pack over 600 sandwiches for underserved preschool children in Houston. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
50. Legacy Community Health book drive Gather your family, friends, and neighbors to host a book drive benefiting Legacy Community Health. Contact | Jessica Perez jperez2@legacycommunityhealth.org 51. Manna Bags delivery Deliver manna bags to those in need as you drive your daily route. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org 52. Manna Bags make and donate Assemble manna bags which provide meals to walk-in guests at both St. Luke’s and Gethsemane campuses. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org 53. Mission of Yahweh donate to library Donate books and magazines to the library at Mission of Yahweh. Contact | Tammie Jeffers tammie.jeffers@missionofyahweh.org 54. Palm Sunday fill Easter eggs Help fill plastic Easter eggs with candy, prizes, and Bible verses for the annual Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt! Contact | Paige Farrow pfarrow@stlukesmethodist.org 55. Port of Houston Christmas box Shop for, decorate, assemble, and deliver a Christmas box to the Port of Houston. Contact |Garret Berg gberg@porthouston.com
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
18 56. PM Pals serve a meal Prepare and serve a meal to students with special needs and their volunteers as they enjoy a Friday evening of fun and games while their parents have a wonderful night out. Contact | Bevin Barrett pmpals@stlukesmethodist.org
61. Saturday Serve Kids’ Meals Join us as the entire St. Luke’s community is invited to prepare, bag, and pack over 6,000 sandwiches for underserved preschool children in Houston. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
57. Pumpkin Patch unloading Help unload pumpkins into the annual Pure Sound Pumpkin Patch. Contact | Jamie Burress Jburress212@gmail.com
62. Saturday Serve Sole Hope Join us as the entire St. Luke’s community is invited to help turn donated blue jeans into shoes for children in Uganda. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
58. Pumpkin Patch cashier Volunteer to serve as a Pumpkin Patch cashier. Contact | Jamie Burress Jburress212@gmail.com 59. reVision cook and serve Help serve dinner on Thursday nights to reVision break dancers and artists at Gethsemane. Contact | Carrie Leader carrie@houstonrevision.org 60. Saturday Serve beans and rice Join us as the entire St. Luke’s community is invited to help stock the shelves of CCSC as we bag and label over 5,000 pounds of beans and rice. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
63. Saturday Serve wrap party Join us as the entire St. Luke’s community is invited to help wrap Tree of Angels gifts. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org 64. Small Steps host a book drive Host a book drive to support our upcoming Small Steps program at Gethsemane. Contact | Sean Archibong serve75@stlukesmethodist.org 65. Sole Hope donate jeans Donate used blue jeans for our Sole Hope Saturday Serve. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org 66. Sutton elementary garden volunteer Volunteer to help prepare the Sutton Elementary School garden for harvest! Contact | Marci Pampe mpampe@stlukesmethodist.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
19 67. Thanksgiving Sharing donate Donate to CCSC’s Thanksgiving Sharing and help provide a Thanksgiving feast to those in need. Contact | Amy Kelley akelley@stlukesmethodist.org 68. The Restoration Team feed volunteers Provide meals for teams coming from all over the country to help with Harvey and Imelda relief work. Contact | Carson Tucker ctucker@therestorationteam.org 69. The Restoration Team build and repair Volunteer to work on homes with The Restoration Team as we continue to rebuild after Harvey and Imelda. Contact | Carson Tucker ctucker@therestorationteam.org 70. tree of angels shop for a child Help the participants of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) stay connected with their families by shopping for their children this Christmas. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
72. Undies For Everyone volunteer Help sort and pack underwear at Undies for Everyone. Contact | Amy Weiss aweiss@undiesforeveryone.org 73. VBS volunteer Volunteer to help make VBS happen by becoming a greeter, teacher helper, volunteer lounge coordinator, or snack provider. Contact | Julie Ellerbrock jellerbrock@stlukesmethodist.org 74. Vita Living donate games Donate games for the residents of Vita Living. Contact | Joe Cooper jcooper@vitaliving.org 75. Woodshop volunteer Volunteer in our Woodshop as we make thousands of wooden toys for underprivileged children all over the world. Contact | Madeline Beem serve75@stlukesmethodist.org
71. TUTS Public Works be a host Help serve meals to community cast members participating in the Public Works program with TUTS. Contact | Grace Roman groman@stlukesmethodist.org
St.Luke’s and Gethsemane
Kid-Friendly
Low Impact
Great for Groups
calendar
st. luk
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AT ST. LUKE’S AND GETHSEMANE CAMPUSES at st. luke’s
at gethsemane
CCSC back to school donation
CCSC back to school donation
friends at home Easter flower delivery
CCSC food pantry
gulf coast regional blood center donor
CCSC garden
gulf coast regional blood center volunteer
Connect Community cook and serve
Kids’ Meals decorate lunch bags
Gethsemane fall fest
Kids’ Meals make sandwiches
Gethsemane mercy closet donation
Palm Sunday fill Easter eggs
Gethsemane mercy closet sorting
PM Pals serve a meal
Gethsemane cook newcomer dinner
Pumpkin patch unloading
Gethsemane serve newcomer dinner
Pumpkin Patch volunteer
Gethsemane summer clubhouse snacks
Saturday serve Kids’ Meals
Gethsemane summer clubhouse volunteer
Saturday Serve Sole Hope
Gethsemane WNF cook & serve
Saturday Serve wrap party
Gethsemane WNF sponsor
sole hope donate jeans
Justice For Our Neighbors volunteer
Thanksgiving Sharing donate
reVision cook and serve
TUTS Public Works be a host
Saturday Serve beans and rice
VBS volunteer
Sole Hope donate jeans
Woodshop volunteer
t. luke’s and gethsemane • st. luke’s and gethsemane • st. luke’s and gethsemane • st. luke’s and gethsemane • st. luke’s and gethsemane • st. luke’s an
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KID-FRIENDLY Blessings in a Backpack stuff backpacks
Holly Hall lunch with residents
CCSC donate diapers and wipes
Hospitality Apartments cook dinner
CCSC back to school distribution
Hospitality Apartments front desk
CCSC back to school sorting
Interfaith ministries aniMeals
CCSC garden
Interfaith minsitries Meals on Wheels
friends at home deliver poinsettias
Interfaith Ministries welcome baskets
friends at home deliver Easter flowers
Kids’ Hope usa bake cookies for teachers
friends at home greeting cards
Kids’ Meals decorate lunch bags
Gethsemane mercy closet donation
Kids’ Meals delivery ride-along
Gethsemane mercy closet sorting
Kids’ Meals volunteer at headquarters
Gethsemane cook newcomer dinner
Kids’ Meals make sandwiches
Gethsemane serve newcomer dinner
Legacy community health book drive
Gethsemane college care package
Manna bags delivery
Gethsemane summer clubhouse snacks
Manna bags make and donate
Have Shears will travel donate supplies
Mission of Yahweh donate to library
His Grace make a basket
Palm Sunday fill Easter eggs
His Grace donate blankets
Port of Houston Christmas box
His Grace shop for a family
Pumpkin patch unloading
Holly Hall Christmas caroling
kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-fr
Saturday Serve beans and rice saturday Serve Kids’ Meals Saturday Serve Sole Hope Saturday Serve wrap party Small Steps host a book drive Sutton elementary garden volunteer Thanksgiving Sharing donate Tree of Angels shop for a child The Restoration Team feed volunteers Undies for everyone volunteer Vita Living donate games
kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-friendly•kid-friendly• kid-fri
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LOW IMPACT Amazing Place lunch with participants
Gethsemane college care package
Blessings in a Backpack stuff backpacks
Gethsemane summer clubhouse snacks
CCSC back to school donation
Gethsemane WNF sponsor
CCSC donate diaper and wipes
Have Shears will travel donate supplies
CCSC greeter and intake
His Grace foundation make a basket
CCSC back to school distribution
His Grace foundation donate blankets
CCSC back to school sorting
His Grace foundation shop for a family
CCSC food pantry
Holly Hall Christmas caroling
CCSC garden
Holly Hall lunch with residents
Children’s ministry craft prep
Hospitality Apartments cook dinner
Connect community cook and serve
Hospitality Apartments front desk
Crossroads hand out clothes
Interfaith ministries Meals on Wheels
Crossroads serve a meal
Interfaith Ministries welcome baskets
Dan’s House of Hope cook
Justice for our neighbors volunteer
Dress for Success donate/sort/tag
Kids Hope usa bake cookies for teachers
friends at home greeting cards
Kids’ Meals decorate lunch bags
Gethsemane mercy closet donation
Kids’ Meals delivery ride-along
Gethsemane cook newcomer dinner
Kids’ Meals volunteer at headquarters
Gethsemane serve newcomer dinner
Legacy community health book drive
low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impac
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Manna bags delivery
The restoration team feed volunteers
Manna bags make and donate
Tree of Angels shop for a child
Mission of Yahweh donate to library
TUTS Public Works be a host
Palm Sunday fill Easter eggs
Undies for everyone volunteer
Port of Houston Christmas box
Vita Living donate games
reVision cook and serve
Woodshop volunteer
Saturday Serve beans and rice saturday serve Kids’ Meals Saturday Serve Sole Hope Saturday Serve wrap party Small Steps host a book drive Sole Hope donate jeans Thanksgiving Sharing donate
mpact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low impact• low
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GREAT FOR GROUPS Blessings in a Backpack stuff backpacks
Gethsemane WNF sponsor
CCSC donate diaper and wipes
Have Shears will travel donate supplies
CCSC back to school distribution
His Grace foundation make a basket
CCSC back to school sorting
His Grace foundation donate blankets
CCSC food pantry
His Grace foundation shop for a family
CCSC garden
Holly Hall Christmas caroling
Connect community cook and serve
Holly Hall lunch with residents
Crossroads hand out clothes
Hospitality Apartments cook dinner
Crossroads serve a meal
Interfaith ministries aniMeals
Dan’s House of Hope cook
Interfaith ministries Meals on Wheels
Dress for Success donate/sort/tag
Interfaith Ministries welcome baskets
Freewheels bike repair
Kids Hope usa bake cookies for teachers
friends at home greeting cards
Kids’ Meals decorate lunch bags
Gethsemane mercy closet donations
Kids’ Meals volunteer at headquarters
Gethsemane mercy closet sorting
Kids’ Meals make sandwiches
Gethsemane cook newcomer dinner
Legacy community health book drive
Gethsemane serve newcomer dinner
Manna bags make and donate
Gethsemane college care package
Mission of Yahweh donate to library
Gethsemane WNF cook and serve
PM Pals serve a meal
great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups•
Port of Houston Christmas box Pumpkin patch unloading Pumpkin Patch cashier Small Steps host a book drive Sutton elementary garden volunteer Thanksgiving Sharing donate The restoration team feed volunteers The restoration team build and repair Tree of Angels shop for a child Undies for everyone volunteer Vita Living donate games
ups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for groups• great for grou
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WEBSITES St Luke’s UMC www.stlukesmethodist.org
His Grace Foundation www.hisgracefoundation.org
Sole Hope www.solehope.org
Gethsemane www.gethchurch.org
Holly Hall www.hollyhall.org
Sutton Elementary school www.houstonisd.org/sutton
Amazing Place www.amazingplacehouston.org
Hospitality Apartments www.hospitalityapartments.org
Theater Under the Stars www.tuts.com
Blessings in a Backpack www.bayoucityblessings.org
Interfaith Ministries www.imgh.org
Undies for Everyone www.undiesforeveryone.org
Briarmeadow Charter School www.houstonisd.org/briarmeadow
Justice for our neighbors www.jfonhouston.org
Vita Living www.vitaliving.org
Christian community service center www.ccschouston.org
KIDS HOPE USA www.kidshopeusa.org
Connect Community www.myconnectcommunity.org
Kids’ Meals www.kidsmealsinc.org
Crossroads www.crossroadsatparkplace.org
Legacy Community Health www.legacycommunityhealth.org
Dan’s House of Hope www.danshouseofhope.org
Mission of Yahweh www.missionofyahweh.org
Dress for Success www.dfshouston.org
Port of Houston www.porthouston.com
Freewheels Houston www.freewheelshouston.org
The Restoration Team www.therestorationteam.org
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center www.giveblood.org
reVision www.houstonrevision.org
Have Shears Will Travel www.haveshearswilltravel.org
Small Steps www.ssnc.org
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CALENDAR February 2 Blood drive donate 2 Blood drive volunteer 12 JFON volunteer 20 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly
March Fill Easter eggs for Palm Sunday 11 JFON volunteer 12 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly 29 Saturday Serve beans and rice
June 8-12 VBS volunteer 10 JFON volunteer 27 Saturday Serve Kids’ Meals
July 12 CCSC back to school volunteer 19 CCSC back to school volunteer 26 CCSC back to school volunteer
August 1 CCSC back to school sorting 7 CCSC back to school distribution
April
8 CCSC back to school distribution
5 Friends at Home deliver Easter flowers
September
15 JFON volunteer
Sole Hope donate jeans
16 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly
6 Blood drive donate
May 5 Blood drive donate 5 Blood drive volunteer 13 JFON volunteer 14 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly
November 8 Tree of Angels shop for a child 12 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly 15 Tree of Angels shop for a child 18 Gethsemane cook and serve newcomer dinner 22 Tree of Angels shop for a child 29 Tree of Angels gifts due
December 5 Saturday Serve wrap party 10 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly
Ongoing Weekly Opportunities
6 Blood drive volunteer 17 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly 26 Saturday Serve Sole Hope
October Pumpkin Patch unloading Pumpkin Patch volunteer 15 Blessings in a Backpack community assembly
Monday Nights
Kids’ Meals make sandwiches St. Luke’s
Wednesday Nights
WNF cook and serve Gethsemane
Thursday Nights
reVision cook and serve Gethsemane
TRACKING
Keep track of when and where you have served this year. Bring these pages with you as an offering on November 15th to the 75th Anniversary Celebration. Contact serve75@stlukesmethodist.org if you need extra pages.
organization served
hours served
Total hours
date
reflections
Name (optional)
TRACKING
Keep track of when and where you have served this year. Bring these pages with you as an offering on November 15th to the 75th Anniversary Celebration. Contact serve75@stlukesmethodist.org if you need extra pages.
organization served
hours served
Total hours
date
reflections
Name (optional)
W E P R AY
2 4 H O U R S O F P R AY E R F O R 75 YEARS OF MINISTRY For 75 years prayer has been at the heart of who we are and whose we are. On February 19, St. Luke’s Prayer Ministry will host 24 hours of continual prayer to thank God for all that has happened in the life of this church over the past 75 years and ask God to guide us for the next 75 years. The prayer vigil will kick off with a special service in the Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m. and will continue for the next 24 hours. Be one of the 75 or more people who will commit to pray for an hour either in the Chapel or at home. Contact Rev. Thomas Harper at tharper@stlukesmethodist.org.
W H AT I S YO U R STO R Y ? Are you a long-time member? Do you remember worshiping at Lamar High School as a young child or the groundbreaking of our Westheimer campus? Or were you married at St. Luke’s? Do you have photos from Easter or Vacation Bible School? Everyone has memories to share or a story to tell. Please email us your pictures, stories, and memories to 75@stlukesmethodist.org.
3471 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77027
StLukesMethodist.org 713-622-5710
