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The Monthly Newsletter of St. Luke United Methodist Church · August 2017
Growing Mature Disciples by Casey McKenzie and the Lay Mobilization Team
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s you know, our church has multiple ministry areas – some fairly new and others that have served hundreds of people over a number of years. St. Luke is a giving and serving church; it’s part of our DNA. Ministry areas are important not only to carry out our mission of service at our campus, locally and globally, but also because of the vital role they play in our personal spiritual development into
mature disciples. Certainly, ministry is not the only way we grow as disciples, but neither can it be neglected if we expect to mature in our faith. Your Lay Mobilization Team is committed to supporting all members of St. Luke in serving as fully committed disciples. We recognize that there are stages of life and other factors that impact a person’s availability for serving. (continued on page 2)
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
This Month 2. Growing Mature Disciples 3. Financial Peace Universitsy 4. Giving Matters 5. Stewardship Updates 5. Energy Saving Projects 6. Christmas Shoebox Gifts 7. Volunteer with Kids' Cafe 8. College Ministry Kick-off 9. Church-Wide Study Begins 10. "Okay, I'm Even More Confused...." 12. Wednesday.comm Begins 14. Mary McKnight 15. Announcements 16. Aldersgate Camp Testimony 18. Stephen Ministry 20. Changes on Sunday Morning 21. Farewell, But Not Goodbye 22. From the Pantry Shelf 22. Blue Barrel Sunday 23.Kroger Community Rewards 24. Share Your Story!
(continued from cover page) The goal is to have each member serve at a level that is high for them because when each member of St. Luke participates in ministry, it both encourages individual spiritual growth and benefits the potential for St. Luke to fulfill its vision of "Jesus Christ in Every Life." Currently, the Lay Mobilization Team is involved with staff and ministry leaders across the church in an effort designed to support, enhance and align all ministry efforts to their full effectiveness and fulfill their contribution to helping participants grow towards mature discipleship. We will keep you posted and thank you for your service, not only to St. Luke, but to the Kingdom.
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Financial Peace University Classes this Fall
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any of you have heard of Dave Ramsey, the famous author and speaker who offers sound financial advice from a Christian perspective. He is also the author of Financial Peace University, a highly respected study that covers topics such as relating with money, cash flow planning, eliminating debt, the role of insurance, retirement planning, real estate and mortgages, and more. We are excited to announce that we will again be offering Financial Peace University courses here at St. Luke! This fall there will be two opportunities: • Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m., beginning September 10, facilitated by Chris Bacon • Wednesday evenings during Wednesday.comm from 6:007:30 p.m., beginning September 13, facilitated by Nora Conner The class is for everyone, from those just starting out to those who have been around for a while, from those with plenty of debt to those with no debt at all, from those who know
nothing about personal finances to those who know some but want to gain a sound Christian perspective on the whole of their financial picture and decisions. We hope that eventually all St. Lukers will participate in this lifechanging course! There is a cost for materials, but assistance is available if needed. If you are interested in participating in this course and would like more information, please sign up in the Connection Center or contact Nora Conner at 859269-4687 (ext. 242), nconner@ stlukeumc.org, or Chris Bacon, chris_cbacon@hotmail.com.
August 2017 | 3
Giving MATTERS
Generous People in Action
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ear St. Luke Family,
Summer is a great time for most of us, isn’t it! Vacations, visits, s’mores…Even if you’re just a kid at heart and it’s been a long time since summertime has altered your schedule, this season can be quite nostalgic.
For those of you who continue to contribute regularly, thank you! Your faithfulness is a model for our congregation. For those who are not yet givers or whose contributions have “taken a vacation,” please seriously and prayerfully consider your part. Your faithfulness is what God desires. And if you have never contributed financially before, please be encouraged that no amount is too small. God does not intend that one person or even a few carry the load for us all; God intends that we each do what we can. God multiplies our gifts far beyond what we can imagine, and we experience the joy of knowing that we have done our part, that we are able to make a difference.
However, and I hate to say this, there is an element to summer that is difficult, at least for the church. Unfortunately, financial contributions to the church seem to also take a vacation during the summer. But of course, the expenses of operating the church and our ministries continue! I just want to take this time to remind you and encourage you that your giving really matters. It matters year-round, because our ministries There are several ways you can give: continue year-round. Through lots • Online at www.stlukeumc.org of hard work and good stewardship, (click “Give Online”) our expenses are significantly under • Cash or checks, either placed budget, but our income is lagging. in the offering plate on With everyone’s participation, Sunday mornings, dropped though, we can get back on track. by the church office, or your check mailed to the church 4 | August 2017
• Stock donations • Through foundations • Remember St. Luke in your will *each of these means are 100% taxdeductible Questions? Thoughts? Not sure how to get started? Please contact me at 859-269-4687 or nconner@ stlukeumc.org. I’d love to talk with you!
In Christ,
Nora Conner Associate Pastor Director of Ministry and Stewardship
Stewardship Update Through June 2017 June 2017
Budget needs
$
113,518.80
Expenses
$
90,666.20
$
82,923.07
Expenses-to-Income deficit
$
(7,743.13)
Budget needs (as of 6-30-17)
$
681,112.80
Expenses (as of 6-30-17)
$
639,114.05
Total income (as of 6-30-17)*
$
584,020.53
Expenses-to-Income deficit (as of 6-30-17)
$
($55,093.52)
Alms donations for June 2017
$
2,495.00
Balloon Fund contributions for June 2017
$
1,486.00
Balloon Fund contributions year-to-date (as of 6-30-17)
$
29,254.00
Life Center mortgage balance (as of 6-30-17)
$
2,447,972.49
Total income*
2017 Year-to-Date
*Total income includes contributions, building use fees, and Kroger card receipts. Questions? Please contact Nora Conner, Associate Pastor/Director of Ministry and Stewardship
PROJECTS AT ST. LUKE from the St. Luke Trustees St. Luke believes that God has charged us with preserving and caring for his creation. A few years ago, we began by eliminating using Styrofoam products and using more earth friendly paper products and recycling office papers, water bottles and soda containers and all recyclable products – according to Fayette County guidelines. More recently insulation was added to the ceilings in the Life Center. The benefits are conserving energy and providing sound buffering between classrooms.
Have you noticed that new WiFi programmable thermostats have been added to the entire Life Center? These can lower energy costs as much as 30%. Most recently LED energy saving bulbs were installed to replace less efficient fluorescent bulbs. This will provide better lighting at much lower cost; also these LED’s have a much longer life span (projected up to 45 years!). Coming next will be new LED fixtures to replace energy wasting (and heat producing) spotlights in the sanctuary. Watch for other additional changes throughout the entire church. A huge thank you to all volunteers who have helped complete these projects! August 2017 | 5
Christmas Shoebox Gifts for Nicaragua Children 2017
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small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children's lives in Nicaragua in Jesus' Name through the power of a simple gift. We are continuing to build our partnership with Yakalawas, the village in Nicaragua. Shoeboxes will be available on Sunday, August 6 and the following Sundays to pickup along with a list of items, and the boxes should be returned on Sunday, August 27. If you don’t want to fill a shoebox, then donations of items can be made by August 20 and 27. Donated items can be placed in the Connection Center and marked for “Shoe Boxes.” The donated items will be packed during our shoebox packing party on August 31.
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Shoebox Packing Party on Thursday, August 31 Come one, come all. This will be a time of fun, food and fellowship. The party starts at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and ends by 8:30-8:45 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Please sign up at the Connection Center. Help Prepare Shoebox Gifts at a Processing Center, September 7,8,9 On Thursday, September 7, Earl Brady will be leading a group to Decatur, AL to assist in preparing shoeboxes at the processing center. We will depart St. Luke at 8:30 p.m. and return to St. Luke on Saturday evening. Transportation for fourteen will be provided by St. Luke. Two nights lodging and food cost are covered by the participant. To sign up or for additional information, contact Earl Brady at 619-0160 or earlbrady13@gmail.com.
You are Needed to Touch a Child's Future The purpose of Kids' Cafe is to build relationships with each child so they will experience God’s love while growing mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.
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he St. Luke Kids’ Café team has worked very hard this summer to refine our procedures and activities. We are excited to reopen this unique after school outreach on Tuesday, September 19. Kids’ Cafe especially works with K-5 (and some middle school) kids who could use extra help and extra encouragement in their academic and everyday life. It provides a nutritious snack supper, 30 minutes of homework club or reading/math (now mandatory), 30 minutes of gym activities, and 30 minutes of some combination of games, building toys, tablets or crafts. Our volunteer staff is primarily made up of retired folks and UK Service Corps Students – people who are willing to invest at least one Tuesday afternoon (approximately 2:45-5:15) a month in the future of kids. In addition to those who work directly with children, room set up and take down people are also needed. Willing to invest one or more Tuesdays a month? Wondering where you might best fit? Please call or text Pam Harned (859-494-8677), Sue Lord (859-797-1586) or Mary Ross (859333-2145). August 2017 | 7
ST. LUKE UNIVERSITY FALL 2017 KICK OFF!
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he fall semester is upon us, and the College Ministry at St. Luke is taking off! This year is bound to be fun as we include the incoming freshmen as well as new friends that we made through the summer. The launch of the semester is important and helps build relationships and incorporate new members. We hope to show folks what we are all about so they can join us in loving God and each other. Our opening event for all college students, with an eye toward our new students, will be on August 12th! We plan to meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and spend the day hiking at the Red River Gorge. We will be 8 | August 2017
hiking to Hanson’s Point (5 miles total), a hike that can be classified as mild and basically flat, though it is not short. The view is one of the best at the Gorge and is a relatively easy hike, so we like it a lot. After we get back we will have a cookout at St. Luke starting at 5:00 PM. If you are not interested in hiking, you can still come out for the cookout and meet the gang. We will also be having a bonfire for our students on September 9th. If you are interested please talk with or contact John and Julie Duff (the coordinators of St. Luke University) at jduff@stlukeumc.org, or by calling the church. St. Luke University meets regularly on Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 at the church in Room 114. We gather for worship and small group discussion time. Come out as we aim to grow in our love of God and people together!
FALL CHURCH-WIDE STUDY ANNOUNCED!
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he Grow and Equip Team is happy to announce that St. Luke’s annual church-wide study will be focused on the new release by Jorge Acevedo and Wes Olds: A Grace-Full Life. The authors offer us an excellent Wesleyan understanding of the way God works in the world in simple words for all people. Dr. Bill Arnold writes: “A helpful book for everyone, regardless of whether the reader is a mature Christian, a new believer, or a seeker.” Our very own former pastor, Bishop Debra Wallace Padgett writes: “This compelling, memorable, and winsome book emphasizes an essential dimension of Christian living: God’s grace.”
We will kick off on October 1 with an opening sermon and worship service. The chapter 1 classroom discussions will start the following Sunday on October 8 and will run for 4 weeks, with an optional closing ‘epilogue’ session. There will also be a Wednesday.comm class offered starting October 4th, led by Jennifer Baker. We are excited about how this book will help us all recognize God’s grace working in our past and give us a picture of how God might work in our lives for the future. God’s all-reaching, soul saving, character shaping, never-ending love is constantly pursuing us! Let’s be open to receiving it and see where God might lead us! St. Luke Grow and Equip Leadership Team ( Jennifer Baker, John Duff, Kathy Fitzgerald, Pat Henderson, Carley Solomon, and Jackie Walters). August 2017 | 9
Y A K O " FUSED , Now I'm Even More
Than
I Thought I Was!"
by Keith Reinke n the final week of last fall’s allchurch study, "What on Earth Am I Here For?" by Rick Warren, the author made a passionate plea for all Christians to find their purpose and live it out the way God intended.
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But what if you don't know what your purpose is? • Maybe you've been trying to figure it out, or even have a hint,
10 | August 2017
CON
but you just don't know for sure
• Perhaps it just looks too big to be true, like God must have made a mistake. • Or, possibly you know your gift(s) and you’re somewhat clear about what God is calling you to, but you just don't know where to begin.
• Maybe you are already serving, but it feels less fulfilling • Perhaps you had (what seemed like) a great idea, but after a great deal of effort you questioned why God wasn’t helping you • Or maybe you're just feeling a little agitated.
These types of God nudges can come your way f rom a sermon, a class, a devotion, or a dream. Maybe you've been teaching or serving in some way and have come across someone who is agitated. I'm not talking about a complainer, but the individual may sound like a complainer. If you don’t listen closely enough, you may miss that he/she is experiencing discipleship agitation, and you might confuse the individual with a complainer. Have you ever felt sure you were pursuing God's plan for your life and using your gifts, but for some reason, it just wasn't working as you had envisioned? When this happens, it is natural to think maybe you've made a mistake, a wrong turn somewhere, or you think you're not actually doing what God intended after all.
These are things the Holy Spirit does to move us forward in our discipleship growth. When we find ourselves agitated, the solution may not be a deeper personal Bible study. While devotional growth is always good, it may not be the place to find a solution to this kind of agitation. The answer is Community. God provided Adam with Eve as the very first community. God expects us to live and grow in community. In community, we can find others that have been where we now find ourselves and they can help us work through all of this. If you commit to a small group that is more focused on “Community� than "Information" you get the chance to hear what others are experiencing, learning what God is doing in their lives, and how they are working to understand where the Holy Spirit it moving them. You learn from others, both those experiencing what you are and those who have already walked through it. In both cases, you are no longer alone. There is always a place for personal faith growth through the means of grace, such as prayer, Bible study, fasting, etc. In discipleship agitation, however, you are moving beyond the focus
on your personal faith walk and more to a focus on others. This agitation is the Holy Spirit pushing you to find the way to serve in your giftedness, or what I like to call your "sweet spot." This is the place God designed you to be, using the gifts God intended you to use. More than that alone, it is letting God show you the way and seeking to partner with Him in His mission, and in His time. If any of this sounds familiar, consider joining us this fall for our Wednesday.comm class, "The Dream Giver," from 6:00-7:00 p.m. beginning on August 23. Feel free to contact Keith with questions/interest: kareinke@twc. com or 419-494-3522.
Y A D S E N D WE m u n i t y .com
August 2017 | 11
Y A D S E N WED y t i n u m m o c .
Fall Semester 2017
Wednesday evenings are a great way to get connected at St. Luke. Each Wednesday evening starts with a time of fellowship over dinner. Following the meal there are classes and activities for children, youth, and adults. With an Authentic Mexican Dinner by our own Jose and Victoria Buenrostro!
Our Wednesday.comm Opening Meal and Service is August 16th!
Classes and Activities start August 23rd! Once again this year the meals will be hosted by different groups and classes to raise awareness and support for various ministries in our community. Meals are $5 per plate ($15 max per family, sharing allowed if you wish) and will be served from 5:15 -6:30 p.m. Our new Wednesday.comm meal organizer is Marty Sell, so if you are interested in serving during the meals let Marty know and she will be glad to find a place for you to serve.
Our opening event this year consists of a dinner and opening worship and sharing service led by the Grow and Equip Leadership Team. The Opening Worship Service will start at 6:00 p.m. and run until 7:00 p.m. The service will consist of a time of worship, of witnessing to what God is doing and of commissioning the facilitators for this semester of Weekly Wednesday.comm Schedule: Wednesday.comm. 5:15-6:30 p.m. Come-and-go community meal in the gym This is our second ever opening service for Wednesday.comm put on by the Grow and Equip Team, so come out and hear more about what God is doing at St. Luke! 12 | August 2017
6:00-7:00 p.m. Childcare for infants and toddlers 6:00-7:00 p.m. Activities for preschoolers 6:00-7:00 p.m. K-5th Graders ("13 Very Cool Stories Jesus Told." See opposite page for more information!) 6:00-7:30 p.m. Youth Bible Study in the Youth Room 6:00-7:30 p.m. Adult Classes (see next page) 7:00-8:30 p.m. Adult Choir practice
Adult Classes and Groups: Ephesians 6:00-7:00 Facilitated by Joy McPherson This 12-week study Dr. Fred Long takes learners through Paul’s grand vision of the Church as Christ’s body, a people called to be holy and blameless in love. As the political head of the church Body, Christ exemplifies virtue and the church aspires to grow to be like him in sacrificial love and service. Paul, as an ambassador of Christ in chains, depicts the church assembly as a holy temple filled with God, Christ, and the Spirit, and then stands firm wearing divine armor ready to withstand all evil forces and to spread the peace of the gospel of Christ to the whole world. Join Joy on Wednesday nights for a 10-15 min. video and working through the light readings that you have the opportunity to read 5 days a week. The Dream Giver 6:00-7:00 Facilitated by Keith Reinke You hear it all the time and in various ways…God has a plan and a purpose for you, and His greatest desire is that you live in His plan. Are you looking for your purpose? Do you sense your purpose but it looks too big? Do you sense you are in a new season in your walk and God has a new purpose but you aren’t sure what it is? Have you been living in your purpose and have a burning desire to help others find theirs? If this describes where you are in your walk, join Keith Reinke (419) 494-3522 kareinke@twc.com and others as we work together in community to discuss and discover together where God is leading each of us. See page 10-11 for more details. Good Grief 6:00-7:00 Facilitated by Don Cutter The experience of life that we cannot avoid. Most grief is the result of the death of a family member or a close friend. It is a path across which most of us have
(more classes on next page) travelled, are travelling, or will travel in the future. How we handle our grief will give us the opportunity to move forward constructively and with a renewed purpose in life. This class will focus primarily on the grief that comes because of death. But we will focus also on other life situations that cause us to grieve – such as loss of a marriage, loss of a job, loss of a reputation, loss of a significant friendship, and moving to a new community. The grief process is similar in all of these experiences. I have travelled the road of grief over the past three years, and I invite those who are grieving and those who want to learn how to minister to those who are grieving to join me in a discussion of grief recovery. Financial Peace University 6:00-7:30 Facilitated by Nora Conner (Sept.13-Nov. 8) Please join us for this life-changing course by Dave Ramsey! The class is for everyone, from those just starting out to those who have been around for a while, from those with debt to those with no debt at all, from those who know nothing about personal finances to those who know some but want to gain a sound Christian perspective on their whole financial picture and decisions. There is a cost for materials, but assistance is available if needed. Contact Nora Conner (nconner@stlukeumc.org, 269-4687) with questions.
For The Children:
Our wonderful K-5th graders will discover "13 Very Cool Stories Jesus Told" and explore the eternal truths Jesus wrapped in those stories. Along the way, they will meet a lost and found son, a rich fool, disgruntled vineyard workers, a pretty good Samaritan, and many more memorable characters! We meet in the Loft from 6-7pm and will also enjoy time singing together! Our PreSchoolers will meet in Room 104 and continue to explore how very much Jesus loves them! August 2017 | 13
WEDNESDAY.COMM ADULT CLASSES (CONT.) Fantasy Football 2017! 6:10-7:00 Facilitated by Landon Porter That right, we are rebooting the St. Luke Fantasy Football league! Come to enjoy being together, chatting about football and lightheartedly discussing Fantasy Football stats. From someone who has never tried their luck at Fantasy Football to a veteran, we welcome all who are interested! First and Second Peter 6:00-7:00 Facilitated by Jim Eastburn (Aug. 23- Sept. 27) Many 1st century followers of Christ were suffering and being persecuted and abused for believing in and obeying Jesus. So, Peter wrote to the church, scattered and suffering for the faith, with words of comfort and
hope, and urging them to stand firm. Come join us for this six week study as we discuss how, in our day, to live victoriously and remain faithful to the Lord. A Grace-Full Life (Church-Wide Study) 6:00-7:00 Facilitated by Jennifer Baker (October 4- 25) God’s grace is like a big umbrella that covers us from the cradle to the grave. We all live under this grace. The question is: How do we experience it? In A Grace-Full Life, Jorge Acevedo and Wes Olds examine God’s Word and explore four distinct seasons in which we experience God’s grace along life’s journey, leading us to a better understanding and experience of the amazing grace of God that transforms us, those around us and our world.
We Will Miss “Miss Mary”
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Mary McKnight 14 | August 2017
ugust 20th will be Mary McKnight’s last Sunday to serve our precious little ones in the nursery. Mary has been a faithful, loving presence at St. Luke for 21 years. There will be a large poster for folks to sign located near the children’s information table each Sunday this month. Stop by and write her a note of thanks for loving our children so very well. Miss Mary has been a tremendous blessing to St. Luke!
ANNOUNCEMENTS Collecting Donations for Kids’ Cafe • Kids' Cafe is collecting used but likenew condition matchbox cars to use as rewards for children participating in Homework/Reading/Math activities this fall. If you have some to donate, please contact Sue Lord, 797-1586, suzannehlord@gmail.com.
St. Luke University • All incoming freshmen, and any college students at St. Luke are invited to our College Ministry Fall Kick-Off on August 12th. Meet at St. Luke at 8:30 AM and we we will ride together to the Red River Gorge for a hike (bring your own lunch). After the hike we will come back to Lexington for a cook-out at the church at 5:30 PM. Please come to the cook out even if you are not interested in hiking with us! There will be a challenge for the incoming freshmen during dinner time. Contact John Duff at jduff@stlukeumc.org for more info! New Sunday School Opportunity • Learn to cultivate a life of prayer, individually or in community. Join us August 6 for a four week study with Sue Lord entitled "Too Busy Not to Pray." This class targets individuals in their 20s and 30s. We welcome individuals of all stages of life: single, married, with or without children. Join us in Room 110 in the Life Center at 9:45 on August 6. Light refreshments provided. For more information, contact Julie Duff, Michelle Arnold, or Wes and Heidi Wilcox. Hope to see you there! Women’s Bible Study Save the Date • The Women’s Bible study will resume again on Wednesday, September 7. We will be meeting on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am - 12:00 p.m. in Room 126. Any and all women are invited. For more information, contact Francie Sewell at fsewellky@icloud.com or 859-309-2082.
August 2017 | 15
Leisure Ministries
How Aldersgate Camp Has and Continues to Impact Lives
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have always considered Aldersgate Camp to be a place set apart, to be holy ground. And, as the son of a United Methodist minister, I have moved often and lived in several homes. But Aldersgate Camp has always been the one constant home in my life. As such, I also desperately want for Aldersgate to be the constant place where others feel welcomed home, especially those who are without a true home.
Jeremy Arnold and I spent the week of July 2-9 at Aldersgate Camp leading a speciality week of camp called Leisure Ministries (LM). Jeremy and I have been leading it together as a team since 2013. Julie Duff has also been a very important part of the team over the past several years. Leisure Ministries (LM) is a week of camp for rising sophomores through college freshman that was 16 | August 2017
started and developed in the early 1970’s by Art Logue, Wayne Garvey, Lee Padgett, and my father, Mark Walz. Their idea for this camp called “Leisure Ministries” came from the United Methodist SEJ (Southeast Jurisdiction) Leisure Recreation Lab at Camp Sumatanga in Alabama (where Lee Padgett now is the director). The ideas and activities that these “Leisure Labs” produced the introduction of the traditional Aldersgate folk dancing and songs, dramas, storytelling workshops, and puppets. All of these things are an important part of Leisure Ministries to this day. The purpose of Leisure Ministries is to empower, encourage, train, teach, and grow young Christians to be able to share the good news of Christ through their everyday and “leisure” activities. We want to equip youth to be able to be missionaries in their own community, and to able to go back home and tell others about Christ and love on others through
by Mark Walz, Jr.
fun, invitational, and meaningful ways. At the beginning of the week of LM, campers get to choose which “major” they would like to be in for the week. Major time is a group that they get to choose to spend the week with and they always involve a certain topic, activity, or single unifying theme. Our majors this past year were “sports”, “drama”, “outdoor adventure”, and “global justice”. Each day, they also get to choose a “minor” time. These minor times are chances for campers to get a break from their major and try something new or learn a new skill. Some of the minors this year included storytelling, how to read the Bible, Christian Leadership, and even a sharing and question and answer time with Bishop Leonard Fairley who was present on Thursday to spend some time with us. During the week, the Leisure Ministries campers got to experience the Bible in a whole new way. The theme of Leisure Ministries is on a four-year cycle. The first year focuses
on Genesis - Deuteronomy (the Pentateuch), the second year focuses on Joshua - Malachi (the history and story of Israel), the third year focuses on the Matthew-John (Gospels), and the fourth year focuses on Acts-Revelation (early church and end times). This year was the third year in the four year rotation so we focused on Jesus Christ, his apostles, and the Gospels. As part of making the Bible come alive every year, we always have a “drama major” which focuses on creating dramas from the Bible stories and bringing the scripture to life throughout the day and throughout various community and worship times. During this week, together as a camp we experienced and witnessed the birth, the life, the miracles, the passion, the crucifixion, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These stories were presented in a very powerful way through both the Leisure Ministries volunteer staff and the Aldersgate Camp staff and the campers themselves.
Five of our campers this year were from the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Home for Youth and Children. This is the first time that any of them had visited Aldersgate Camp and this was the first summer
Jeremy Arnold and Mark Walz, Jr. with the "Ark of the Covenant" at Leisure Ministries at Aldersgate Camp
that the Methodist Home had sent children to camp. Jeremy and the St. Luke youth group had previously visited the Methodist Home earlier this summer to lead a chapel and had started relationships with the Home, so they felt comfortable sending them to our camp, even though they told us it was “going to be a very hard, challenging, and tough week.” The week ending up being more challenging in a different way. All five of the kids from the Methodist Home went back to the home completely changed. The theme of the week was “Freedom Has Come” and one them confided in us that she had found freedom in Christ. Another one, on Thursday night, said that he has never felt such overwhelming love, the presence of God, and a calling on his life before, and gave his life to Christ right there in the upstairs of the Lodge during a thunderstorm. Another one of them said that he found a true home here at camp: “Before camp, I was battling
suicidal thoughts often and felt so hopeless and disfigured. But with the help of the Lord and you guys, I’ve found some peace with myself. You guys helped me see that there are people who do care about me! Before I came to camp, was thinking of ending my life, I just didn’t know what else to do! But (at camp) I felt a transformation in me! I never felt so close to God than when I was with you guys and now!” Thank you, St. Luke, for your love and support of Aldersgate Camp and for the time and grace you give to Jeremy Arnold and I every year to make a week of Leisure Ministries happen! Your donations of money, time, and your prayers for both Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center as well as to the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Home for Youth and Children are extremely important. Both of these places are changing lives, making disciples and Christian leaders, and bringing Jesus Christ into Every Life. August 2017 | 17
by Karen Hinkle
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n a sermon in 2014, Pastor Mark made the statement that no one of us should or would feel alone or isolated if each of us let the love of God shine through us. That reminded me that indeed our Stephen Ministers specifically are prepared to do just that. In the continuing series Pardon the Interruption, Pastor Nora recently preached on a story of friendship from Mark Chapter 2. She noted that caring for one another is ‘what friends do’ and that through that exchange, both the caregiver and the recipient are impacted. Again, I was reminded that Stephen Ministers are trained Christian friends who come into a person’s life often immediately after a crisis has hit. 18 | August 2017
They may not be the one to provide the initial hospital visit or the week of meals. However, they certainly are there to continue providing distinctively Christian caring of listening, praying, supporting for as long as needed after a significant life interruption. At other times they simply provide a social connection and special friendship for those who are experiencing lifechanging health and socialization needs. In the March newsletter, I shared what current Stephen Ministers said about their motivation to join this ministry and what they had gained as Stephen Ministers. Here are thoughts from persons at St. Luke who have been on the receiving side of Stephen Ministry.
• I have been blessed to be on both sides of Stephen Ministry. First as a Stephen Minister, I was privileged to be a caregiver for a person who was terminally ill with cancer. I learned a great deal from my relationship with him about trusting God in all circumstances. The last few years I have been fortunate to have a Stephen Minister as I have needed someone to walk beside me in my journey toward better health. Our weekly visits have inspired me and enriched my life. • Without my Stephen Minister I would not be where I am today. Some time ago I was in a miserable situation and needed to make decisions about my future and that of my family. I felt that any decision I made would be wrong in God’s eyes. With the support of my Stephen Minister I realized that God loved me and I found the courage to make critical decisions and move on.
doctor's appointment. Mom loved to knit, read and reminisce.The Stephen Ministry Program matched her up with a wonderful lady who enjoyed the same things. Mom looked forward to the weekly visits and spoke highly of her Stephen Minister. She so enjoyed their time together. It always brightened an otherwise painful and lonely day. Interested in learning more either about becoming a Stephen Minister or about having a Stephen Minister? Contact Karen Hinkle at kphinkle@twc. com or discuss with Pastor Mark. Stephen Leaders Gordon Cole, Sherri Reed and Tom Miller can also answer questions.
• Mom had been ill since 2007 and lived with persistent pain. As her health declined, she was less eager to leave home unless it was for a
August 2017 | 19
CHANGES COMING F In How We Welcome Guests and Register Attendance
or the last several years, we have been using the familiar “Get Acquainted” Card to both welcome guests to worship and give everyone (members and guests) an opportunity to register their attendance. Many have also used those cards to relay prayer concerns. However, in recent months, in spite of the reminders at each service, the use of those cards has become less than effective as either registration cards or prayer cards. No matter how much we encourage people, fewer and fewer are using the cards. So, after much thought,discussion and prayer, the Build and Introduce Team has decided to make a change. Beginning in the next few weeks, we will be returning to the use of pew pads to register attendance. There will be a pad on each pew and members and guests alike will be encouraged to “sign in” and then pass the pad down the pew. Then when it reaches the end of the pew, pass it back the way it came and take a look to see who is sitting on the pew with you and be sure and greet one another. Though this is “old school,” we hope this will be more effective than the cards. But it will not be effective unless each one of us commits to making sure the pad on your pew gets passed. In addition to the new pads, there will also be a renewed emphasis on the use of the prayer cards which can still be placed in the offering plate or in the baskets at the doors or brought to the altar during the singing of the last song. Please help make this transition as smooth as possible.
20 | August 2017
FAReWELL
...But Not Goodbye
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or the last ten years or so, Reid Buchanan has been a familiar face at St. Luke. Whether it be leading the Build and Introduce Team, the Lay Mobilization Team, or the Going Forth Team, Reid has been an integral part of the ministry of St. Luke. He has led numerous short term missions, formed a partnership with Kentucky Refugee Ministries and been an essential part of the ministry of St. Luke United Methodist Church. For the last year, Reid has been in service quartertime at St. Luke, coordinating our Mission Outreach and three-quarter time with TMS Global (formerly the Mission Society), but has found it hard to balance his time. Therefore, Reid has decided to go full-time with TMS Global and will be making that transition, effective immediately.
Rev. Reid Buchanan
We will miss Reid on staff, but it his intention for St. Luke to remain the home church for he and Lola and the girls. So, when he is not traveling for TMS Global, he will be worshipping at St. Luke. Please be in prayer for Reid (and the family) as he makes this transition.
August 2017 | 21
From the Pantry Shelf by Karen Hinkle
Looking for tasty, simple recipes
Do you have easy recipes for the novice cook using basic food items? Many of our clients are single men or young adults who don’t do much cooking. They often ask how to use some of the food items or have limited knowledge about how to combine items for a reasonably nutritious meal. If you would be willing to assist us in gathering some simple recipes we can share with clients please contact me at kphinkle@twc.com.
Money or canned goods?
St. Luke has a God’s Pantry fund created by donations from our congregation. Even with the terrific response to the Blue Barrel Bag project, every few weeks that fund is used to purchase basic food items missing from the shelves. The donated grocery items are an immediate blessing as we strive to have ample supplies each day. However, when it isn’t convenient to shop or you forget your Blue Barrel Bag, you always can give
E
a financial donation and know that the money will support our food ministry. Just mark your check or envelope for St. Luke’s God’s Pantry.
Thanksgiving Food Distribution has a change in location.
For the last two years, God’s Pantry has had a central location at Imani Baptist Church for the annual Thanksgiving food distribution. We have learned that for 2017 that central location will move to Southland Christian Church on Richmond Road. With the location change, Southland will be providing their facilities for several aspects of this huge project. For the families picking up their food in person, St. Luke and Broadway Christian will provide volunteers one day each on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Of special note, there will be heat and light in the staging area and fewer curbs to manage when helping clients to their cars. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details this fall.
BLUE BARREL SUNDAY
ven with many families on vacation, the Blue Barrel Bag Sunday in July and the prior week resulted in collection of 1200 pounds of tomato products and miscellaneous vegetables! Thank you This month, Blue Barrel Sunday is August 20. We are asking for all kinds of canned meat and non-meat protein items. Canned meat includes tuna, chicken, beef stew, Vienna sausages, spam, and chili as well as the canned pasta which includes meat. The non-meat protein can include peanut butter, kidney beans, pinto beans, cannelli beans, black beans, and great northern beans. 22 | August 2017
K
roger’s Community Rewards program donates money to organizations in the community by linking your Kroger Plus card to a specific organization, in our case, St. Luke United Methodist Church. Every time you shop at Kroger and swipe your Kroger Plus card, the church earns money! It does not take away any of your gas points or increase the price you pay for any items, BUT you must sign up! When we shop at Kroger and use our Plus cards, St. Luke receives a quarterly check from Kroger. Since we began participation in the program in 2014, St. Luke has received $15,132.93 of FREE MONEY from Kroger!
The more people we have participating, the bigger our community rewards check! If you have already signed up, you don't have to do anything!
If you do not have a Kroger.com account, you will need to create one! • If you do not have a Kroger Plus card, simply visit a Kroger and ask for one. • Go to www.kroger.com/CommunityRewards and create an account. • Click on “view your reward details" • Scroll down to "Community Rewards" and click "Edit" or "Enroll" • Select St. Luke UMC (organization number 12106). If you need greater assistance, fill out the information below and return this form to the church office.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. ALL BLANKS MUST BE FILLED IN.
Name___________________________
Address____________________________________
Cell phone (to use as alternate ID) _____________________Email _________________________ Kroger Plus Card number ________________________________ (This is NOT the same thing as a Kroger credit card.)
Questions? Email Dawn Brodersen at dawnbrodersen@gmail.com or call 859-361-4461. Make sure your future Kroger receipts indicate your donation to St. Luke UMC (bottom of receipt). August 2017 | 23
Can You Write for the September Newsletter? We love to read your ministry stories, testimonies, updates, and ways in which St. Luke is a part of your lives. Would you like to write for the September newsletter? Do you have a testimony or ministry story to share? We would love to have your writing in here! Just submit your content to mwalz@stlukeumc.org before August 15.
This newsletter is also available online in full color at stlukeumc.org/newsletter.
2351 Alumni Dr., Lexington, KY 40517 ¡ 859-269-4687
Worship Schedule: Sanctuary: 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. God’s Backyard (K - 5th grade): 11:00 a.m. Swahili Worship: 12:30 p.m. Multicultural Worship: 3:00 p.m. Child care available at all services.