St. Luke UMC February 2017 Newsletter

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The Monthly Newsletter of St. Luke United Methodist Church · February 2017

Loving Our Neighbors Living out Love Every Day

February is the month that we turn our focus to love. And that is certainly true in the church.

Luke are living out the love of Christ every day.

You will find many opportunities here for you In the stories in this newsletter to be Christ’s love to our you will find examples of the neighbors, here in Lexington many ways that the church and around the world. is demonstrating the love of Christ in our community. The pages of this newsletter tell the stories of how the people of St.

"'Love the Lord your God. Love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second most important command is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'

These two commands are the most important commands.”

Mark 12:30-31

This Month • Welcome Venus Brown!

• Lent is Coming • Mission Trips • Family VBS • A Food Ministry for Seniors • From the Pantry Shelf • Stewardship Update • Giving Matters • Pastor David Balondani's Testimony • The Impact of the Swahili Service and Community • Wednesday.comm Classes • Announcements • The Kindness of Strangers • Parenting in a Foreign Land • Dave Buckel's Testimony • Blue Barrel Sunday • Share your Story!

LENT

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten Season in the Church. Lent is the six-weeks leading up to Easter, during which we focus on preparing our hearts and lives through prayer, repentance of sin, giving of alms, atonement, and self denial for the resurrected Lord. During

this season, we will have several special worship opportunities which will include the Sundays of Lent, but also Ash Wednesday (March 1), Maundy Thursday (April 13), Good Friday (April 14) and Easter Sunrise. We will begin on March 1, Ash Wednesday, with a service in the Sanctuary following the Wednesday.comm meal at 6:00 P.M. The classes will not meet that night so that we can all worship together. That service will include the traditional Imposition of Ashes, as well as prayers for healing and anointing. Mark your calendar now and join us as we begin this special season of Lent.

Unmasking the Extraordinary (YOU)

Join us for a new message series for Lent – “Unmasking the Extraordinary (YOU).” We will be talking about casting aside the masks that the world imposes upon us and claiming our birthright in the image of God. Sunday mornings beginning March 5 at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00.

2 | February 2017

Welcome Venus Brown!

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e are pleased to welcome to Venus Brown to the St. Luke Staff as our new Administrative and Financial Assistant. She comes to replace Elizabeth Ballard who left after the first of January for another position. Venus will manage the church office, produce the weekly bulletins, supervise the volunteers at the desk, manage the database of membership, answer the phone, and greet persons as they come into St. Luke. In addition, she will assume a variety of financial responsibilities such as keeping the books, paying bills, recording our offerings, and generating the financial reports. You will find Venus to be a very personable face for St. Luke and a very efficient and skilled administrator. We are excited that she is joining us! Venus and her family have been active at St. Luke for the last few years. She has degrees in Early Childhood Education and Business Management.

Though originally from Tennessee, Venus and her family have been in Lexington for the last several years where she has been managing a jewelry store. She brings to St. Luke a wealth of both management and financial experience and combines that with a desire to serve the church. Be sure to stop by and get to know her. She will start her new responsibilities on February 8, 2017. Welcome, Venus!

February 2017 | 3

Nicaragua: April 1-9, 2017 Guatemala: June 17-25, 2017

The Going Forth Team announces opportunities to serve, give, and pray for our short term mission trips.

Serve, Pray, Give

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hat can you do? How can you serve?

You can help the teams fundraise before they go on their trips! Contact Reid Buchanan or Mark Walz for opportunities.

How can you give? You can be part of the trip by donating to the mission teams. You can do this by donating online (just use the “missions trip fund” line) or purchasing “shares” in the trips for $25 each at the Connection Center in February and March. You can also support the teams at Wednesday.comm meals on March 15 and April 19.

Want to know more? Contact Reid Buchanan at rbuchanan@stlukeumc.org or Mark Walz at mwalz@stlukeumc.org for the Nicaragua trip or Denise Ockerman at byronanddenise@twc.com for the Guatemala trip.

Give now at

www.StLukeUMC.org/MissionTrip

How can you pray? Pray for our ministry partners in both countries and pray for the villages the teams will serve. Pray for the team members from St. Luke UMC who will travel to Guatemala and Nicaragua. Pray for safety during the trip. Pray that God would use the teams to fulfill His Will and that relationships will be built and everyone will grow in their walk with Christ.

4 | February 2017

The money class that will

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASSES TO BEGIN AT ST. LUKE!

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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 be offering Financial Peace University courses here at St. Luke!

The class will meet on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for nine weeks beginning February 12 and will be 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 our inaugural course and would like more information, please sign up in the Connection Center or contact Nora Conner at 859-269-4687 (ext. 242) or nconner@stlukeumc.org.

February 2017 | 5

A Food Ministry I for Senior Citizens

by Karen Hinkle

6 | February 2017

n addition to our regular God’s Pantry operation, which has served clients twice a day five days a week for at least six years, St. Luke has been a site for distribution of food in a special federally funded Seniors Commodity program.

On the second Monday morning of each month between 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. our Fellowship Hall is busy with volunteers from St. Luke providing the organization and labor in the distribution of this commodity food program. The food includes cheese, cereal, milk, juice, canned fruit, vegetables and meat, potatoes, peanut butter (or beans), and pasta (or rice)!

St. Luke is one of two sites for this special Senior Commodity Program. The other is at Central Christian Church Annex Building on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Anyone who might qualify for this program may contact Lisa Satin at God’s Pantry main office at 288-5331.

Eligible individuals are those 60 years of age or over with a gross income of less than $1287 per month (1 person household) or less than $1736 a month (2 person household). Individuals must present their identification and proof of income for everyone in the household. Once approved individual households may pick up food every month. They are recertified periodically. Since this is a separately funded federal commodity program, eligible persons can do this Senior Commodities program in addition to getting regular pantry referrals.

This is a terrific help for low income senior citizens.

Lonnie and Betty Yates were the initial volunteer leaders for St. Luke’s participation. Patty and Britt Sewell took the lead for a time and now Stan and Johnnie Durbin manage the effort. The number of individuals served has continued to increase. From a start of 25-30 each month, now it is not unusual to serve over 70 clients.

There is the potential that this number will continue to increase in coming months as the pantry seeks to reduce the number on their waiting list. It takes a small army to serve this many clients in a short time period, and additional volunteers may be needed in coming months to serve the increasing numbers.

Hill, Larry and Joy McPherson, Braxton and Helen Mullins, Terry and Terri Powers, Bob and Verda Reed, Gil Rouse, Tom and Ruth Ellen Sennett, Ester and Garnett Suter, and Lonnie and Betty Yates.

Apologies to anyone who has been inadvertently omitted in this listing.

Anyone who is interested in being a volunteer in this once-a-month effort may contact Stan Durbin at stanley.durbin@twc.com or at 859388-0662.

Find out more about our food bank ministries on pages 8 and 24 (back page)

Thanks to the following folks for their continuing involvement either regularly or periodically with this program: Gary and Kay Boling, Sue Ann Breeze, BJ and Bill Carpenter, Gerald and Carolyn Derr, Johnnie and Stan Durbin, Jim and Donna Eastburn, Shirley Hensley, Rod and Lynn

February 2017 | 7

From the Pantry Shelf Did you know?

• There are four food distribution sites in Fayette County.

In addition to the one at St Luke, there are sites at Cambridge (Cardinal Valley area), Central Christian, and Broadway Christian.

• Individuals/families are screened by contracted social service agencies to determine eligibility.

• Once approved, they may have a referral to pick up food one time per month or four times in a six-month period.

• When they are on the referral list, clients have three days to pick up food. If they miss that window, they must call the Central Intake or their service agency to again be placed on the computerized referral list.

By Karen Hinkle • The food available includes donated food, food purchased by the main pantry, and also food from a separate federal commodity food program.

• Generally, at the same time clients come for their referral pickup, they also receive the commodity food available at that time.

• For the other two months when they can’t have a referral, they may simply come to pick up the commodity food items. For the commodities , clients sign affirming that they have not picked up the items earlier in that calendar month and that their income is within the federal income limits.

Stewardship Update Through December 2016 December 2016 Budget needs

$

101,184.92

Expenses

$

128,119.52

Total income*

$

149,059.61

Expenses-to-Income surplus

$

20,940.09

Budget needs (as of 12-31-16)

$

1,315,403.96

Expenses (as of 12-31-16)

$

1,281,167.52

Total income (as of 12-31-16)*

$

1,218,253.72

Expenses-to-Income deficit (as of 12-31-16)

$

($62,913.80)

Alms donations for December 2016.

$

3,885.00

Balloon Fund contributions for December 2016.

$

7,708.00

Balloon Fund contributions year-to-date (as of 12-21-16)

$

87,643.85

Life Center mortgage balance (as of 12-31-16).

$

2,520,399.27

2016 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 8 | February 2017

Giving MATTERS

Generous People in Action

Dear St. Luke Family, ere we are, starting our second month in 2017, wondering where on earth the time has gone. Another Christmas has passed, and spring is getting closer by the day. And

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St. Luke continues to be a vital and busy place both on Sundays and during the week, with six worshiping communities each Sunday, daytime Bible studies, Silver Sneakers, Upward, God’s Pantry, Kids’ Café, Wednesday.comm, and more.

Many of you have committed to serve in one or more ways in 2017, and I want to thank you.

None of the many ministries that occur through St. Luke would be possible without you. For those of you still discerning what God may be asking of you, please know there is a place for you, and your service is needed. There is so much more we could accomplish in moving toward our vision

and everyone is needed. Please contact me at 859-269-4687 or nconner@stlukeumc.org if you would like to find out where your talents are needed.

Giving matters. Giving of your

time, giving of your tithes and offerings, giving of your heart. It all matters!

I have been and will continue to pray for our church and each one of you as we listen to God for our next steps in giving and in all the ways we honor God.

In Christ,

Nora Conner Associate Pastor Director of Ministry and Stewardship

of Jesus Christ in Every Life!

There is a place for everyone,

February 2017 | 9

e m o H

G N I COM

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THE IMPACT OF THE SWAHILI MISSIONAL CONGREGATION AT ST. LUKE

hile you may know that the St. Luke Swahili congregation is a community that speaks the common language of Swahili, there is something more to them that you may not know, such as their African origin, which country they are from, and their story of becoming refugees to United States. The majority of these people have been forced to flee their homes due to war or conflict, persecution, violence, and human Pastor David Balondani and his wife Magy rights violations. The continent of Africa was most affected by these worldwide tragedies.

By late 2015, about 16 million people in Africa were either displaced or forced to flee to ͝ /,refyoo'jé/ other countries noun throughout the noun: refugee; plural noun: refugees year. This figure 1 a person who has been forced to leave increased by 1.5 their country in order to escape million from war, persecution, or natural disaster.

2014 according to 10 | February 2017

ref·u·gee

the latest report from the United Nation’s refugee agency (UNHCR).

A majority of the members of the Swahili speaking congregation have lived in a refugee camp for many years. When you are a refugee you have nothing. You have no money, no food, and no land. You depend on other people for everything, and you never know what is going to happen next. Your whole life feels temporary. We knew that there were people around the world who knew about us and wanted to help but, without them, a lot of people like us would not have made it. By the grace of the Lord, we are resettled in United States as refugees and currently reside here with a refugee status.

I would like to share my story with you. This is the story of David Balondani, Pastor of

Swahili mission and community at St. Luke.

My wife, Magy, and I (David) were both born into large Christian families in Democratic Republic of Congo. We both had wonderful Christian parents who helped us walk with God. I attended college to study community development.

Together we have one daughter, Suzana Charles (16 years old) who attends Edythe J. Hayes middle school in Lexington, KY. In 2002, we fled our home country to Mozambique after having suffered several wars, armed conflict, persecution, and lifethreatening situations. We lived in the Maratane refugee camp in Nampula, Mozambique from 2003 to 2013. Our circumstances were dismal, living a life of poverty and affliction. Sometimes we had no access to food, health facilities, or education. We were also not legally

allowed to travel freely from the camp to nearby cities in the asylum country, had limited access to official work permits, and had lack of self-sufficiency or means for an income. There was also tension in the camp among refugees who were from different clan/ethnic/cultural backgrounds and nationalities. We were persons in need. We lived in a bleak situation with no idea what may happen in the future. But we had determined that God will be the priority of our heart, regardless of what may happen to the world and regardless of trials we may face.

We knew that in our hearts there was an emptiness that only God could fill.

We have been heavily involved in the United Methodist Church for 23 years and have served in many ways during our years in the refugee camp.

I served as a worship leader in the choir, was responsible for Christian education, and was assigned a field ministry.

Magy taught children’s Sunday School and served as the secretary of the women’s committee.

As the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and hope.”

The Lord opened the door via the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) resettlement program. Under an international refugee law, people who flee their country as a refugee because of war or persecution have the right to get an offer of resettlement. We were interviewed by UNHCR Protection and US Immigration and were granted admission to the United States as refugees.

After arriving to the United States of America in February of 2013, we were in touch with leaders from

St. Luke UMC. After worshiping here we felt very welcome. We especially appreciate the focus on prayer, Bible study, and worship. continued on page 12 February 2017 | 11

Asukulu Ramadhani and David Balondani, prepared to hang a calendar as they helped prepare an apartment for a refugee family in Lexington.

Photo by Charles Bertram (cbertram@herald-leader.com)

We have strong interest in Biblical studies, Christian education and discipleship, mission, music, and pastoral ministries. We have learned and experienced real faith, love, grace, patience, and trust.

I myself felt a burden in my heart from God to proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord and fulfill His will and calling in our lives everywhere in this fallen world.

At St. Luke UMC, I have experienced an affirmation of my calling as I have grown through 12 | February 2017

serving, leading, and working in the Swahili Missional Community congregation. My passion is to reach the many Congolese diaspora and other Africans living in Lexington. I have learned to accept people for who they are and exhort them to go further through prayer, fellowship, and outreach ministry.

Together, we had a vision to begin a Swahili service at St. Luke. I began with Magy, my wife, planning and moving into action, communicating the vision, expressing faith in God to guide and provide, and inviting people to

partner with us through prayer. We felt welcomed home at St. Luke and had our first official Swahili Worship Service, open to everyone, on Sunday, March 22, 2015. On that first Sunday there were about 25-30 gathered in The Loft to worship and we are now averaging about 80-90 people every Sunday.

I have experienced real joy serving in this way. I have experienced a peace and assurance that I am doing what God has called me to do. My church has given me the

time, experience, assurance, and affirmation to sense God’s call.

St. Luke has supported me and helped me discern God’s call in this leading to prepare to serve as a Licensed Local Pastor.

We are so blessed to be welcomed into the St. Luke congregation.

Thank you, St. Luke, for welcoming us to your family.

St. Luke: A Place We Call Home and Impact our Community for Christ St. Luke is a place we call home. We experience everything as a unit and as a family. All of the love and sharing of the Gospel makes a difference to so many. The Swahili worship service is a neighborhood outreach congregational service. By the power of the Holy Spirit we are called and sent to serve, share, and bless our neighbors in the community with the love of Jesus Christ. We are fully devoted followers of Christ who want to impact our community for Christ. We are focused on the mission of connecting people with Jesus at St. Luke – of Jesus Christ in every life.

Our identity as a people is founded on who God is and what He has done. We are the family of God, on the mission of God, making disciples.

When the fullness of time had come, God placed the idea of a Swahili worship service at St. Luke, on the hearts of many Congolese and other Africans in Lexington. Many of whom do not know the joy of living daily with Jesus as Savior.

We are actively inviting others to worship God, grow in faith, and follow Jesus by serving others. Each week on Saturday morning, before reaching out to our community members around us, we gather for a prayer service centered on needs of the ministry and concerns of our people.

Through the Swahili worship service, we continue to make St. Luke a place that all Congolese and African Swahili speakers are invited to worship God. St. Luke is also a place where those who are new to our community can get the help and assistance they need. It is a place

we continue to get support and where we enhance the worship experience for each and every person. It is a place that provides us with a beautiful worship space, filled with silence at appropriate times. The service has both traditional and contemporary music that is spiritually inspiring and thought-provoking, educational sermons, prayers, communion, tithes and offerings and other acts of faith by the pastors, musicians, and the congregation. Together we are growing in faith and seeking to increase participation in the opportunities for individuals and families to follow Jesus by serving others.

Christmas Day Celebrations Thank you, St. Luke, for supporting us during our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. God’s praise was sung out as the Gospel and Destiny Youth Choirs led the congregation in worship as we gathered with other African Swahili congregation members at our Christmas event at St. Luke. The word of God was proven true, “Immanuel: God with us” (Matthew 1:23). We shared stories and Christmas gifts offered by St. Luke and the generous Christ Tree ministry.

New Year’s Day Outreach We held a worship service on New Year’s day and invited a lot of people as part of our evangelism and outreach ministry. This outreach was a success, with our African women providing hospitality by sharing meals. It was a joy to see people, both believers and non-believers, have a delightful evening together as they enjoyed fellowship by partaking in a New Year’s feast. This creates more opportunities for us to build community. Thank you for supporting this ministry and God bless you.

February 2017 | 13

Opening Meal and Service is February 1!

too! For kids from Kindergarten through 5th grade, we will be teaching them “13 Very Awesome Promises and How God Always Keeps Them" from 6:00 -7:00 pm.

The youth group (6th-12th) will be having a Bible study in the youth room.

Classes and Activities start February 8th!

The meals will be hosted by various 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 Our opening event this year consists of a dinner and -6:30 p.m. Our new Wednesday.comm meal organizer is opening worship and sharing service led by the Grow and Marty Sell, so if you are interested in serving during the Equip Leadership Team. The service will run from 6:10 meals, you can email her at marty2sell@yahoo.com and pm to 7:00 pm. It will consist of a time of witnessing she will be glad to schedule you. to what God is doing in our lives and of commissioning the facilitators for this semester of Wednesday.comm.

Weekly Wednesday.comm Schedule:

Wednesday evenings are a great way to get connected at St. Luke.

Each evening starts with a time of fellowship over dinner. Following the meal there are classes and activities for children, youth, and adults.

We have classes for kids and youth, 14 | February 2017

5:15-6:30 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m.

6:00-7:00 p.m.

6:00-7:30 p.m.

6:00-7:30 p.m.

7:00-8:30 p.m.

Come-and-go community meal in the gym Childcare for infants and toddlers Activities for preschoolers K-5th Graders (see left) Youth Bible Study in the Youth Room Adult Classes (see next page) Adult Choir practice

Adult Classes and Groups: The Quest for Holiness: From Shallow Belief to Mature Believer 6:00-7:00 pm Facilitated by Keith Reinke It is an unfortunate reality that many who know Jesus as Savior have missed the command to know Jesus as Lord. Knowing Jesus as Savior implies that we are going to accept and seek to live by God’s standard. To do so means to live lives that are radically reoriented from our old human nature and from the destructive tendencies of the world in which we live. This is the highest calling for the follower of Jesus. The book, The Quest for Holiness: From Shallow Belief to Mature Believer by David Long, helps disciples of Jesus see the need to be changed from the inside out. This study and group will help us to understand humanity's fallen nature and surrender more and more to the transforming work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Epic of Eden: Isaiah 6:00-7:30 pm Facilitated by Jim Eastburn Often named “the fifth gospel,” the book of the prophet Isaiah has more to say about Israel’s coming Messiah than any other Old Testament book. This prophet declared that “the year of the Lord” had come and God’s people needed to either step up or stand down.

But too often, when Isaiah speaks today, God’s people have trouble hearing. Why? We often miss the larger context. In The Epic of Eden: Isaiah, Dr. Sandra Richter takes participants back to the eighth century BCE. This study explains Israel’s religion and economy, explores the definition and role of the prophets, and helps us to apply the message of this great champion of the faith to our lives today

BRIDGES: Christians Connecting with Muslims Defying Gravity: Break Free from the Culture of More February 8 - March 22 6:00-7:00 pm Facilitated by Nora Conner 6:00-7:00 pm Facilitated by Joy McPherson April 5 - April 26 BRIDGES involves six lessons which include Do you seek a vibrant life but feel the weight of group discussions, video sessions and some practical "more?" Do you feel the pull of materialism in our responses to the material. As a part of this class culture? Our possessions can create unbearable you will learn about Islam and how to interact with weight and affect our ability to serve and thrive. How Islamic people. You will also be encouraged to really do we defy that pull and find freedom? Join us for interact with Muslims as you are learning in this this four-week study by United Methodist pastor class. Muslims need a true Christian witness of Good Tom Berlin as we explore how to find freedom from News. The goal for this class is to provide that witness the culture of "more." as we learn to see Muslims as Jesus sees them.

God Talks 6:00-7:00 pm Facilitated by Jennifer Baker This group is all about hearing the God stories in each others' lives. Participants will seek to encourage one another and grow in wisdom and understanding of who God is and how God is working in our lives. Each week will start with a relevant topic centered on a biblical theme followed by discussion, sharing, and prayer. Join us on this journey of community and discipleship.

Where Do I Fit In? 6:00-7:00 pm Beginning March 8 Facilitated by Mark Girard Want to know more about the church and where you might find your place? Join Pastor Mark, beginning on March 8, in an exploration of the history, beliefs and ministries of St. Luke. “Where Do I Fit In?” will be a five week journey of discovery. For more information contact Pastor Mark at mgirard@stlukeumc.org.

February 2017 | 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Creative Craft Ideas Needed for Kids’ Café 4th and 5th Grade Girls We invite all “crafty thinking” people to a brainstorm session on Sunday, February 12, at 3:00 pm (time may be adjusted). Even if you cannot attend any Tuesday afternoon Kids’ Café sessions, we need your ideas. Help us plan a semester of engaging hands-on projects. Contact: Jennifer Davis, thebishopswife1996@yahoo.com, 502-409-3468.

Seeking Hospitality Group Leader Do you have the gift of hospitality? Do you enjoy making folks feel welcome and valued? Then the Lay Mobilization Team invites you to prayerfully consider exercising that gift in service to your church through the new position of Hospitality Group Leader. This person, or persons (if more than one would like to share the position), will communicate the vision for the whole team (i.e. greeters, ushers, millers, welcome center, post cards, guest follow up) and be able to help members understand how their individual ministry and participation impacts people and discipleship growth as a whole. If you are interested in learning more about this position and the vision, please contact John Duff at jduff@stlukeumc.org.

Mission Trip to Guatemala • We now have the dates for our trip to Jalapa, Guatemala to serve abandoned elderly and orphans, as well as do some community healthcare outreach. Our ministry activities will be scheduled June 19 – 23, with travel dates and a short country tour still to be scheduled. We will have a planning meeting Sunday, February 19, at 6:00 pm. Come if you are curious, interested in going, or willing to work stateside to support the trip. Any questions? Contact Denise Ockerman at 494-1482 or byronanddenise@twc.com.

Walk for Warmth Support the Lexington Rescue Mission's Homeless Prevention Program by joining the St. Luke team at the 10th annual Walk for Warmth Sat. Feb 18. The event begins at Phoenix Park at 9:30. The program helps those who may need a little help staying on their feet by providing assistance with rent and utilities, thus preventing the downward spiral into homelessness. Sign up and get sponsor sheets and information at the Connection Center display. Contact Julie Thompson with questions 221-0820 or jcthom4@uky.edu 16 | February 2017

Seeking Recreational Ministries Team!

We are looking for a team of interested members or your friends who would like to help energize St. Luke and our community with some new recreational fun! There are some new and interesting ideas floating around out there as well as some old time fun we would love to get started up again. To make it all happen we need you! Who is willing to join us in helping organize some fun? We'd love to know if you are interested, have some ideas to share, or are willing to get involved. If you would, please pass this information along to someone you know who may be interested. Simply email Ed Towle at etowle@stlukeumc.org or call him at 269-4687 x241 and let him know you are interested in participating on our Activities Team.

Made a resolution to serve more but just don't have the time?

Need something that fits into your schedule? The Altar Guild may be just the opportunity you've been looking for! Join a few other dedicated volunteers to share in the honor of decorating the Altar each Sunday. Volunteer for only 4-5 Sundays (1 month) per year and also help us set up for Easter and Christmas as you are able. HINT: No decorating experience or skill with flower arrangement is necessary as we have many artificial arrangements to choose from. To find out more, contact Lynn Hill lynn.hill@twc.com 859-296-6794 or Sheila Rentfrow pastorshae110@yahoo.com 859-684-7834

UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday.comm Opening Meal and Service Wednesday, February 1 5:15 - 7:00 pm Wednesday.comm Meal and Classes begin Wednesday, February 8 5:15 - 7:30 pm See page 15 for details Financial Peace University Begins Sunday, February 12 UMW Esther Circle Tuesday, February 7 6:00 p.m. - Fellowship Hall UMW Sarah Circle Thursday, February 9 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall Blue Barrel Sunday (see back cover) Sunday, February 19 Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, March 1

February 2017 | 17

Operation Christmas Child and the Kindness of Strangers

by Denise Ockerman

I

n November, a team from St. Luke traveled to Charlotte, NC to volunteer in the Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan’s Purse warehouse. We spent two days there sorting donations, reviewing the appropriateness of the contents, and re-packing shoeboxes to meet the requirements of different countries. We met volunteers from many different states and churches and made a few new friends. We even picked up some cool new ideas, like making sewing kits and fishing kits out of empty medicine containers.

On our way home via the St. Luke van, there was an unusual sound and the van stopped, just an hour out of Charlotte. The ‘Amazing Driving Man,’ Earl Brady, guided the van off the road and stopped in front of a gas station, where the van stayed. We were blessed to be in a safe, well populated location. Numerous men came over to investigate and offer advice and someone contacted a mechanic for us. A woman named Julie came over and asked if she could help. She drove the women to get food and brought it back to the men at the van. She then took the women to her Baptist church, right down the road, to stay warm and spend the long wait for the mechanic to locate a serpentine 18 | February 2017

belt for the van. It eventually became clear that the van was not going to be fixed that day. Joy and Larry McPherson offered to stay overnight and drive the van back to Lexington the next day. Julie drove them to a motel and the mechanic offered to pick them up once the van was repaired. A couple, Charlotte and Travis from the gas station, left their phone number, asking to be notified if they could be of any help. A rental car was delivered to us, and we took off for Lexington at 6:00 p.m. with a six-hour drive ahead. An hour into the trip, we suddenly had the thought that maybe we had not locked up the van in our hurry to get on the road. We called Charlotte and Travis and they readily offered to go and check on the van. They reported back that the van was indeed not secured. They then locked it up and told us to have a safe trip and let them know when we got to Lexington, promising to pray for us.

As we traveled safely back home, we kept marveling at the kindness of so many strangers and the overwhelming feeling that God was in charge even in the mess we were in. We have all been inspired to go and do likewise, being the hands and feet of Christ.

PARENTING

The challenges of raising children in a foreign land

by Irene. M. Kabete

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any people have found themselves in foreign lands for different reasons. They may be assigned to work as ambassadors for their countries, as missionaries both religious and academic, others represent their business entities in foreign lands, and others are displaced by war and find themselves in foreign lands as refugees. All these people leave their comfort zones in the area of culture to begin learning a new culture.

One common thing these people face is parenting. How can they raise their children in a foreign land in ways that will reflect their norms and values? On the other

hand, children find it difficult to live in two worlds at one time, one at home with their parents and another at school with their teachers and friends.

The above statements introduce a series of seminars to be held at St Luke UMC on parenting in a foreign land. The first one will be on February 18, 2017. This first seminar will focus on children.

More information will be sent out as the dates come close.

Irene Kabete Pastor of Multicultural Ministries ikabete@stlukeumc.org February 2017 | 19

F amily V acation B ible S chool J une 21-23, 6:00-8:00 p . m .

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t. Luke will have our very first FAMILY Vacation Bible School June 21-23 from 6-8 each evening. Families will be able to experience faith, fun and fellowship like never before! We are actively seeking people to help make this experience unforgettable!

Our "normal" pool of volunteers will be participants this year, so we need some extra hands! If you do not have children preschool age through 5th grade and would love to see families have focused time together, we need you! Contact Susan Cutshall at scutshall@ stlukeumc.org to find out how you can serve!

20 | February 2017

January 4, 2017 Dear St. Luke, Thank you for your generous donation of $100, made to the Wesley Foundation at the University of Kentucky. We are grateful for you! Your prayers, service, and financial support provide the resources which make it possible for the Wesley Foundation to advance its mission to "connect, develop, and send a new generation of Christian leaders who will make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world."

Small acts done with great love is what the Season of Christmas is all about!

As Mary looked at her baby lying in the manger, I wonder if she imagined the magnitude to which her small Son would one day change the world. As Joseph held his little child for the first time, I wonder if he was surprised he could love someone so much. Even the shepherds and the wise men who traveled and sacrificed and took on significant personal risks never knew that the small child, laid away in a manger, would one day make the entire world free!

To celebrate God's gift to us, during the first twelve days of December, The Wesley Foundation had a different mission activity each day. During the twelve days of Christmas, we served a variety of needs in our community and on our campus. To serve our community, we joined with existing missions such as Step-by-Step, The Community Cupboard, Angel Tree and more. On our campus, we gave out cookies and hot chocolate.

Small acts done with great love. And we couldn't do what we do without you.

We wish you a Happy New Year, Rev. William Herndon Director/Campus Pastor The Wesley Foundation at UK

February 2017 | 21

Through it All

by Dave Buckel

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y wife Donna and I joined St. Luke in January 2010. I had been a lifelong Lutheran, and Donna had been a Lutheran for 21 years of our married life before we became members of St. Luke.

Before discovering St. Luke, we visited other Methodist churches in the Lexington area, but none made us feel more like family than St. Luke. From the moment we arrived in the main lobby, we became convinced that we had found the right church for us. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. Pastor Debbie made it a practice to welcome visitors both before and after the service, which left us with a very warm and 22 | February 2017

positive impression. She followed up the next week with a phone call to thank us for our visit and to welcome us back.

After a couple more visits, she invited us to lunch where we discussed the many opportunities at St. Luke, the process of becoming a member, the Keenager’s Sunday School Class, and more. The rest is history and we’ve been members for 7 years, with Pastor Mark now as our leader and Senior Pastor.

We’re also active members of the Keenager’s Class with Pastor Lowell as our shepherd. I feel very honored and blessed that St. Luke is our church home and its members are our church family. The

warm glow that we felt on our very first visit is still present today, but it is up to us to keep it glowing.

On personal faith and spirituality, as Christians we are expected to value our health, and we strive to keep our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health in balance, with the latter being of paramount importance. Our spiritual growth and faith is the glue that holds us together, helps us to overcome the obstacles of earthly life, prevents us from surrendering to guilt feelings or discouragements in the face of setbacks, and provides us with the hope, strength, and courage to get up and try again when we fall. I

believe that life should be what we make it, not what we permit life to make us. We can surrender to our disappointments and wallow in self-pity, or make the most of our current circumstances.

My faith has been the main weapon of my arsenal that I have turned to over the years for comfort from the sadness and heartache in the loss of many loved ones, from feeling helpless when my wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and from being jolted by a lightning bolt out of a clear blue sky bearing bad news in my first marriage.

My first marriage ended in divorce, and going through that breakup was one of the most difficult and painful experiences of my life. The good news – I kept on believing, I grew even closer to my church family, and I spent a lot of time praying about my situation.

Once the legal process had ended, it was my faith that moved me to take the healthy, mature, and righteous approach to insure a proper healing of wounds between us and to put the past behind us.

That small voice propelled me to avoid being vindictive and to forgive her. And so I did, the hurt subsided, and I moved on.

Donna and I will be celebrating our 28th year of marriage this year.

God is great!

Dave and Donna Buckel

Dave and Donna Buckel on the day they joined St. Luke, January 24, 2010 February 2017 | 23

BLUE

pintos, black beans, kidney beans, peanut butter, etc.

The continued donations of cereals and miscellaneous vegetables are always needed.

BARREL SUNDAY

n January, St. Luke's congregation contributed just under 1,000 lbs of food to our pantry as part of Blue Bag Sunday. In three months we have contributed a ton and a half of food! This effort every third Sunday helps to fill in the gaps as some food items simply are not readily available from the main pantry in some months.

What a gift!

For this month, we have a mixed request. 1) Milk including evaporated milk and especially powdered milk is requested.

Milk is a rarity at the pantry. Cereal is usually better with milk and it is difficult to bake anything without milk.

2) Meal extenders such as hamburger helper, stuffing mixes and bread mixes such as corn muffin mix. For some reason these starch foods have been in very limited supply in recent months. 3) Tomato products, such as tomato sauce or pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, and small cans of tomato juice. This is chili and soup weather and these items are sought after. They can be large or small (6oz) cans.

In December, we focused on canned meat items including canned pasta with meat, chili, and of course canned chicken and tuna and other meats. In January, the focus was on non-meat protein items such as canned

Our next Blue Barrel Sunday is on February 19! Please take home a Blue Barrel Bag on February 12 and return it on February 19 filled with the February requests listed above! Thank you!

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Here Comes MARCH! 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 March 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 February 15.

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.