AN EDITION OF THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER
Two Sections, Section A • 076510 • Vol. 157 • No. 22 • October 1, 2010
in this issue
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Outreach to Kenya
Prayers to Gethsemane
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New Member Class
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any people think that the most significant moment on John Wesley’s spiritual journey came on May 24, 1738, when he was 37 years old. That day, he wrote in his journal:
A Call And An Answer
“In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter to nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”
Life isn’t always easy... ...and everybody needs a little help sometimes. At St. Luke’s Church, we aren’t afraid to admit this. Our vision is to offer this support in the context of a community of faith, where excellent therapists and teachers, loving encouragement, and Christian values all work together to lift up both individuals and families. We believe that we can make a significant impact on a real need by offering this marvelous program to our whole city.
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Interestingly, Wesley himself says Aldersgate wasn’t the pivotal moment of his spiritual journey. Instead, he claims that the real transformation for him was nine months later, in February of 1739. His friend George Whitfield had pestered him for some time to preach in the open air near the coal mines. Open air preaching was, according to Wesley, “a humiliating venture,” and “almost a sin.” But he went. And he preached. And many responded. It was this open air preaching that sent the Methodist Revival sweeping across England. The moment John Wesley was changed, according to his own testimony, was not when he had an emotional experience of the Holy Spirit, but rather when he decided to be obedient to that same Spirit. It takes a little action, sometimes, for God to break through to us. The inertia of our lives is so strong. Until we respond to the call, step out of our proverbial comfort zone and try something different, something that disturbs a bit the balance of our lives, we will continue to avoid the transformation God has in mind for us.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 3471 Westheimer at Edloe P.O. Box 22013, Houston, Texas 77227 713-622-5710 www.stlukesmethodist.org
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas Texas and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter. PO Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275.
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Making a difference… | The City and World
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Life isn’t always easy...
outreach
St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment
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hen the St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment opened its doors in March 2008, it became the only model of its kind. Although other churches have counseling centers, the St. Luke’s Center is unique in that it is open to the public and offers counseling, community referral programs and life enrichment. Since its inception, the Center has become respected in the community for its programs and commitment to mental health. Both the number of clients served and, in turn, staff members have increased as a result of quality programming and outstanding professional care. In 2009, 348 clients received referrals from the center, and another 345 attended the monthly Speaker Series; referrals are expected to top that number this year. In addition to Director Amy Birchill, M. Ed., LMFT, LPC, the staff now includes Dee Haggard as Resource Coordinator, Rachel Etheridge as Fund Developer, and Clinical Social Worker Faith Brock, LCSW, CCM who came on board recently as Referrals Coordinator.
Who uses the Counseling Center?
KIDS HOPE USA is seeking mentors for at-risk elementary school students attending HISD’s reaching out to our Sutton Elementary for the 2010-11 community and school year. To be a the world friend for one hour a week contact Marci Pampe, St. Luke’s KHUSA Sutton Director at 713357-4466 or mpampe@stlukes-hou.org.
“I know it is hard to come talk to us,” says Birchill, “but every kind of person walks through our door. We see children, young adults and seniors. We see addiction issues, depression, domestic violence, caregiver burnout, anxiety, anger issues and grief.” Although most clients live within “the loop,” not all are church members. Because CCLE is not a crisis center, walk-in appointments are not available. Clients typically make a first appointment where their needs are evaluated and a care plan is established at no charge. Some are referred to private counselors in the community and others are directed to the appropriate community agency. Licensed therapists from Krist Samaritan Center and Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers also see patients at the center several days a week. continued on page 5
YoungLives ministry to teen and parenting moms is looking for mentors and volunteers. Please contact Courtney at younglives@gmail.com or 832-630-0296. Community Break Dancing Ministry needs volunteers on Mondays from 5:30-7:30 pm at St. Luke’s Gethsemane campus. Please contact Lynda at 713-402-5155 or lisensee@stlukes-hou.org.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or overwhelming emotional stress and could use some support, please contact the St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment, 713-402-5046.
Outreach to Kenya
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urity is 17 years old and lives in Kenya. She lost both of her parents to AIDS. She is now the sole caregiver for her three siblings and her own baby (a product of rape). Through Hope Companions, a Methodist organization, she has been taught to sew and given a treadle sewing machine, a small shop and some fabric. She earns money by making school uniforms.
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Outreach Director Susan Silvus
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Making a difference… | The City and World
Prayers: for Gethsemane One Year After Merger
by Justin Coleman
That the Gethsemane Campus would be a multicultural church. That we would fully embrace and reflect the Kingdom of God in all its colorful diversity. That the Gethsemane Campus would be a place of peacemaking. Where people are reconciled to God and learn to be reconciled to one another. (We believe that one of, or perhaps even the greatest gift that God has given St. Luke’s is the ability to bring diverse groups of people together.) That the Gethsemane Campus would be a place where the eldest learn to take care of the youngest and the youngest learn to take care of the eldest. That the GC would not be an outreach campus, but a place where all St. Luke’s members model the best of what we believe about reaching out to others. That our ministries would not be done to the community-not even done for the community, but that we would enter into a deep relationship-holy friendship with our community so that each ministry would be done with the community. In the spirit of John 17, we pray that our church, both campuses, and the church universal would be one that the world may believe. That the Holy Spirit would guide our every move and ministry, and that we would not celebrate what we have achieved, but that we would celebrate what God’s Spirit has done and is doing in us, through us, and around us.
Tuesday Book Group: October 19 at 12:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Gethsemane Campus
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f you sometimes feel lost on your spiritual journey, you’ll find a trustworthy companion in Enuma Okoro, a purse shopping, tea-drinking, coloncleansing, shaky follower of Jesus who just wants to find a godly man with good hair. But after her father’s unexpected death, her grief seems to morph into the panicky feeling that God wants something more from her, like maybe becoming a nun. As she seeks to unravel those feelings, Enuma Okoro takes us back to the places that formed her, from her first years in church at a parish in Queens, New York, to years in West Africa where she collected crucifixes along with Ritchie Rich comic books, and her studies in Europe and the United States. Part Augustine, part Jane Austen with a side of Anne Lamott, Okoro attempts to reconcile her theological understanding of God’s call to community with her painful and disappointing experiences of community in churches where she often felt unseen, pigeonholed or out of place. At turns snarky and luminous, laughout loud funny and vulnerably poignant, Reluctant Pilgrim is the no-holds-barred account of a woman who prays to savor God’s goodness and never be satisfied; a daring, insightful and deeply moving field guide for the curious, the confused and the convicted.
To Sign Up: email Justin Coleman at jcoleman@stlukes-hou.org.
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here is an old Latin saying, lex orandi, lex credendi. The saying means, “How we pray shapes how we believe.” I love this Prayer: A idea. Given that prayer shapes the Rhythm of Life way the Christian believes, it along with Christian worship is a way of discipleship. Prayer, during the Sunday service and beyond, forms the Christian’s rhythm of life. In the weekly prayer life of the “individual Christian” (if it is even appropriate to speak of Christians in terms of individualism) and the corporate church body, prayer becomes like breathing – a rhythmic inspiration and expiration of the church. Sid Davis shared a quote with me from Fanny Howe, who said, “Poetry doesn’t just help someone survive, it is a survivor itself: fluid, protean, as it passes through walls, and brings a particular beat to a way of thinking and being.” I think prayer acts this way as well. In the Christian’s prayer life we find in a rhythmic pattern prayers and concerns, thanksgivings and confessions, silence and speech. United Methodists feel it is important that Christians understand that prayer should be a part of what feels like everyday rhythms. Prayer and reflection about God have been a part of the Christian faith from the beginning; everyday rhythms like waking up and lying down are even communicated in the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (…you shall teach them…when you lie down, and when you rise). Prayer should be a part of the work that we do for the church (i.e. Board of Stewards meetings, ministry area committees, etc.). Prayer should be a part of the life of a family. These times of prayer can be reminders that doing never replaces praying. Our lives are busy with a whole lot of doing, but many times not enough praying – not enough listening to the voice of the One who informs all of our doing. I am reminded of the words of Samuel Chadwick: “I wish I had prayed more,” he wrote toward the end of his life, “even if I had worked less...” Orders for prayer are a reminder that our churches, our ministries, our family life, our work–everything is dependent on prayer. In these moments the worshipper is learning what it means to develop a prayerfully dependent life-a life of prayer. Let us pray...
-Justin
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Making a difference… | Relationships
Celebrating Lives ANN & RANDY SMITH SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of: Ola M. Bowman Given Anonymously May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him. Romans 15:13 As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one another.
Cares and Concerns: Methodist Hospital Dean Robinson Select Specialty Roberta Howard
Recently Discharged Gloria Blaikie Tricia Gow Jim Hall Knox Nunnally Carol Wolf
Congratulations to:
Will and Julie Dabney on the birth of their son, Charles Vinson “Charlie” Dabney, on September 9. Bradford and Kimberly Scott on the birth of their twins, Breckenridge James “Breck” Scott and Anna Patricia Scott, on September 14. Proud older sister is Audrey Scott. Lauren Annette Dougherty and Chance Knight Decker who were united in marriage on September 18. Scott and Tonya Page on the birth of their daughter, Blake Emerson Page, on September 22. Proud older sister is Kirby Page. Ashley Michelle Cox and Erik Leonard Srnka who were united in marriage on September 25. Kevin and Sarah Farrell on the birth of their son, Patrick Kevin Farrell, on September 25. Proud older sister is Ellie Farrell and proud grandparents are John and Sue Farrell.
caring ministries
Our Sympathy to:
Wanna Hadnott on the death of her father, William Hicks Hadnott Jr., on August 28. Tom and Carrie Wood, Mackie and Kendall Wood on the death of Tom’s father, Charles Lowell Wood, on September 6. Robert and Jan Ross and their family on the death of Robert’s father, Robert Newton Ross, Sr., on September 7. Family and friends of John Blair O’Meara who died on September 10. Billie Curtis on the death of her husband, Willard Lee “Bill” Curtis, on September 13. Kirby and Scott McCool, Lindsay and Rand Holstead, Courtney and Bo Hopson and their families on the death of Bobby Sue Smith Cohn on September 14. Aaron and Lara Marie Thielhorn and Connally, Cate and Caroline Thielhorn on the death of Aaron’s father, William Edgar “Bill” Thielhorn on September 17. Family and friends of Charlene Bajorek, who died on September 18. If you know of a concern or a joy that the church should know about, please contact Caring Ministries at 713-402-5086 or -5156.
We Care!
Are you or a loved one facing surgery or hospitalization? A crucial aspect of St. Luke’s Caring Ministry are the prayers we have with members prior to surgeries and during hospitalizations. Contact Karen Smith with details at 713-4025086 or ksmith@stlukes-hou.org
BRIDGES ACADEMY In Memory of: Johnnie Marie Hardin Ray Simpson and Charlotte Dawson by Joe & Barbara Eason BUDGET EXTRA-MILE GIFTS In Memory of: C. M. “Bud” Howe & Chester C. Szalkowski by Jane & Charles Szalkowski EDLOE WOODSHOP In Honor of: Roberta Howard by Hugh & Fannie Parker Paul Renner Jim & Belinda Weatherly ELIZABETH DODGE SCHWAB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of: Sarah Louise Bell by Linda & Martin Debrovner Carol & Louis Ringold Johnnie Marie Hardin Given Anonymously
MISSIONS /OUTREACH In Honor of: Rob Baker Given Anonymously In Memory of: Johnnie Marie Hardin by Randall & Tracy Wisenbaker ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH In Memory of: Dr. Kenneth R. Leggett, Jr. by Ginger & Jack Blanton ST. LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION In Memory of Charter Member: Robert N. Ross Sr. by Sarah & Philip Murrin In Memory of: Benjamin Harold Burrow by Lana Hadlock Bill Curtis by Mrs. John Wildenthal Charlotte D. Dawson by Tressa White & family Gene Tierney Lee & Daria Cassini by Tom & Sara Taylor
FRIENDS OF MUSIC In Honor of: Anona Karnaky by Marcia Mathes In Memory of: James Truett Kennedy Given Anonymously GETHSEMANE FOOD PANTRY In Honor of: Lefa Moore & Neil Stovall by Laura Williamson MINISTER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory of: Mary Frances Platt by Marcia & Ben Mathes Cynthia & Gary Poole
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lu shots will be available for $20 and will contain both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines.
Contemplative Service ome experience a Contemplative Ser-
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vice in the Chapel at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning October 5. With prayer, silence, Holy Communion and a meditative style of worship music, this service will be a calming oasis in your busy workweek. Our beautiful candlelit Chapel affords the perfect spiritual retreat, so make plans to join us this Tuesday!
October 3, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Activities Center Foyer October 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Fellowship Hall Foyer, for Mainstreamers and others interested Flu Mist or inhaled Nasal Spray (for healthy, non-pregnant persons between 2 and 49 years of age) $30.00 Contact Alice King at 713-402-5067.
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Making a difference… | Relationships Living Abundantly: Connecting-Growing-Serving Mainstreamers is a ministry by, with and for Senior Adults.
October 7, Mainstreamer Day, 10 a.m. in the Parlor. We welcome back Rev. Justin Coleman to conclude our study of Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White. This session is titled “A Religious Social Ethic: Christ, Culture, and How We Live.” We will examine the witness of Jesus and discuss how Jesus shapes the witness of the Church. Then at 11 a.m. in the Parlor, we are pleased to welcome Caroline Bowles Furlong, artist and musician, in a program of stories and songs of Celtic Christian music. Invite a friend to enjoy the fellowship! For reservations call 713-402-5008.
senior adults
October 14, Day Trip, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit to the Art Deco building that was the original Hobby Airport terminal and now houses the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, followed by lunch at Brady’s Landing, then on to take the 90-minute boat tour of the Houston Ship Channel. $25 including lunch. Ship Channel security requires that we submit a final list of names by October 11. Photo ID will be required for the tour. Call 713-402-5008 for reservations. October 27, Gethsemane Silver Circle at Canterbury Hall, games begin at 9:30 a.m. with lunch ($5.00) served at noon. Call Betsy Evans, 281-565-0348, for reservations. October 29, Fellowship of Older Adult Ministries Octoberfest. The Texas Conference Fellowship of Older Adult Ministries hosts an event each fall to bring people from United Methodist churches around the city together for fun and fellowship. This year’s event will be hosted by First United Methodist Church, Seabrook, in their brand new facilities. After we share a delicious catered barbecue dinner, we will enjoy a musical program presented by the “Silver Statesmen” Men’s Chorus from Spring. We will also be treated to a tour of Seabrook UMC’s new Senior Center. Come along for this day of fellowship. Our bus will leave St. Luke’s at 10:30 a.m. and return at approximately 2:30 p.m. Cost is $15, payable to F.O.A.M. Seating is limited, call 713-402-5008.
Teen and Parent Peer Groups Forming Wednesday evenings, October 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10 from 6 - 7 p.m.
Teen Groups will explore topics such as decision making, conflict resolution and teen independence while simultaneous moms groups and dads groups reflect on the challenges of parenting in today’s social environment. Led by Jamie Leonard, LPC; Michael Devoll, LPC, Bevin Barrett LPC, Claire Getschow, LPC and Lizzy Pappas LCSW. St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment 713-402-5046.
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Life isn’t always easy...
St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment
youth activities A calendar of youth activities is available online at www.stlukesmethodist.org/programs/youth
Life Enrichment speakers bring a diverse background of experience and specializations. These programs are free, topical and open to the community. Upcoming workshops include Coping with Loss during the Holidays with Angela Caughlin, LCSW, offered on October 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rotunda. St. Luke’s feels called to be a place to which people turn when seeking emotional healing and growth. Although the Counseling Center is a ministry of St. Luke’s church, most people do not know that the center is not funded through the church’s budget. It is supported through designated giving on the commitment card, grants and private donations. Center Directer Amy Birchill says, “Everything we do here is either low-cost or free. It is our belief that anyone who needs help should be able to get it.” By serving those who are asking for help, the Center is making a huge difference in the lives of individuals, families and the community at large. In 2009, the Center provided $7,650.00 in scholarships for counseling services to a variety of individuals. The Nick Finnegan Ministry benefiting the St. Luke’s Center for Counseling and Life Enrichment was established in memory of Nick by his parents, Bill and Susan Finnegan, who were able to grieve their loss and move forward with supportive Christian counseling. All programs sponsored by the Nick Finnegan Ministry offer hope for people in challenging life situations through supportive relationships and resources in the church and community. If you would like to make a gift to support this ministry, you can make your check payable to SLCCLE and mail it to P.O. Box 22013, Houston, Texas 77227-2013 with Counseling Center in the memo line. On November 10, the Counseling Center will host its fall fundraiser featuring speaker Angela Caughlin, LCSW, a published author, speaker, psychotherapist and life coach. The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the home of Carla Dawson. For more information, contact Rachel Etheridge at 713-402-5036.
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Making a difference… | Relationships
New Members
Jacqueline Henderson reaffirms her membership at St. Luke’s. She is a law student. Her parents, Jack Henderson and Ann Henderson, and her brother, Timothy Henderson, are also members of our church family.
Baptisms
Philip and Becca Weigand transfer to St. Luke’s from another denomination. Philip is in business development with Hess Corporation and Becca is a third grade teacher at River Oaks Baptist School. They are the parents of Mary Louisa “Ouisie” Weigand, born August 23, 2010. Kristen Tyler unites with St. Luke’s by profession of faith. She is a teacher in H.I.S.D.
Elizabeth Aspromonte joins St. Luke’s by transfer from another denomination.
Dylan Alexander Green, son of David John Green and Cheryl Anne Cross Green, on September 19.
Connor Lawrence Gaines, son of Todd Strawder Gaines and Rachael Rosenblad Gaines, on September 19. Anthony Gabriel Cruz and Gabriela Sarai Rosales, children of Pedro Benjamin Rosales and Janeth Xiomara Rosales Alex Kendall Green, son of Cruz, on September 26 Adam Kendall Green and Marcy Fancher Green, on September 19. Annelise Tan Holman, daughter of Jeremy Dale Holman and Evelyn Tan Holman, on September 26. Henry Ridgeway Jalbert, son of Jordan Schulte Jalbert and Jillian Case Jalbert, on September 19. Ansley Marie McCary and Ashley Alece McCary, daughters of Steven Bryan McCary and Erin Davis McCary, on September 26. James Stirling Parkerson, son of Christopher Stirling Parkerson and Jessica Killingsworth Parkerson, on September 19. Ainsley Gail Young, daughter of William Gregory Young and Stephanie Boulter Young, on September 26.
Pedro Rosales and Janeth Rosales Cruz unites with St. Luke’s by profession of faith. Pictured with them are their children, Anthony and Gabriela.
Not pictured
Karen Shields unites with our congregation by profession of faith. She is a self-employed interior decorator and the mother of Avery Brooke Hastings, who is in the 9th grade. Erin Mould joins our congregation by profession of faith. She is a physician assistant and has two sons: Jake and Chase Mould. Donald Wright unites with our congregation by transfer from another denomination. He is a retired accountant and joins his fiancee’, Jane Lewis, in membership. They will be married in the St. Luke’s Sanctuary on October 16. We welcome Bennett Rowe to St. Luke’s. He unites by transfer from another denomination. He joins his children: Harrison, who joined St. Luke’s with the 2010 confirmation class, Emma, a sixth grader and member of the current confirmation class, and Lily, who is in kindergarten. Malinda Redman joins our congregation by transfer from another United Methodist church.
New Member Class
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Four weeks beginning Sunday, October 3 from 11 a.m.-noon
o you want to know your pastors? Are you ready to meet new people? Do you have questions about how to get involved in the life of the church? The new four-week New Member class will help you begin to build long-lasting friendships and answer questions like “How St. Luke’s is organized?”, “What do Methodists believe?” and “How do I find my place here?” Each class will be led by a different pastor and will meet from 11 a.m. to noon each Sunday in October and November in the Chapel Parlor. Childcare is available with a reservation but registration otherwise is not necessary. We’re grateful that you’ve expressed a desire to be part of our church family. This initial relationship-building time is a meaningful first step in the process of becoming an involved, connected member and we look forward to supporting you in an enriched faith. For more information or childcare reservations, contact Cecie Turlington at cturlington@stlukes-hou.org or 713-402-5153.
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The New Beginnings Class
will study Chasing Daylight: a study on the life of Jonathan. Through November 21. Pastor Erwin McManus calls us to risk everything for a life of genuine purpose-to step out in faith to become movers and shakers rather than moaners and slackers. The class meets at 9:45 a.m. in B241.
Foundation before house was built
Making a difference… | Spiritual Growth
adult ministries Finished House
Three new Sunday School classes
The Common Ground Class is for parents with young children and will concentrate on social and spiritual growth. The class will meet in B241at 9:45 a.m. A class for recent college graduates will meet in the Blanton Building at 9:45 a.m. A class for parents of Confirmation students that will mirror the material covered by the students will meet in the 8th Place in the Youth Wing at 9:45 a.m.
The Kenya 2010 Team: Lee and Mary Denson, Sue Muenks, Eddie Ivory, Karen Ethun, Betty Brown, Carol Casico, Bobbie Wisecup, Ann and Ted Weiss, Jon Norman, Barbara Harms and Susan Silvus.
o t h eac
es n Seri Sermo
worship
Who Will Be Saved Study Who Will Be Saved? by Will Willimon is the basis of a new curriculum written by St. Luke’s Interns with a DVD Companion featuring Bishop Willimon. Books, study guides and DVD’s are available for small groups and Sunday school classes. Contact 713-402-5139.
Gethsemane Campus 8:30 a.m. Blended Communion service 9:45 a.m. Servicio en Español – Spanish Worship 10:55 a.m. Traditional Worship Westheimer Campus 8:30 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship with Holy Communion* 8:45 a.m. Sunday – Encounter Worship, Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship* 6 p.m. Sunday – Improvisation Worship, Chapel * Sanctuary Sermon videos, podcasts and corresponding study guides are available online at www.stlukesmethodist.org/worship/sermons
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a y n Ke
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In September, 13 volunteers from St. Luke’s traveled over 24 hours to Maua, Kenya. They paid for and built Purity a house. “What made this trip so meaningful was that we got to see the project through from beginning to end, including the dedication of the house in a Christian ceremony,” said Outreach director Susan Silvus.
See pictures from the trip and learn more about Purity’s story at: www.stlukesmethodist.org/programs/outreach.
October 3
October 10
“The Young and the Old”
“The Rich and the Poor”
Fourth in the Series Gather Us In Matthew 18:1-6
Fifth in the series Gather Us In Luke 19:1-10 & Luke 6:10
Dr. Tom Pace–Westheimer Campus Rev. Justin Coleman preaching–Gethsemane Campus Rev. Alison Gardner Young preaching–Westheimer Campus
Dr. Tom Pace–Westheimer Campus Rev. Justin Coleman preaching–Gethsemane Campus Rev. Alison Gardner Young preaching–Westheimer Campus
The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God.
The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of Erin Pence England by Angela and Tom England.