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The Monthly Newsletter of St. Luke United Methodist Church · January 2017
Welcoming in the New Year
Beginning 2017 at St. Luke United Methodist Church
2016 has been an absolutely amazing year in the life of St. Luke United Methodist Church. We celebrated our fortieth year of ministry and of Jesus Christ in Every Life, welcomed many new members, and rejoiced in the reaching of our 2016 "Savea-Million" goal, among many other things. In 2017 we look forward to many more exciting things, to growing our ministries, taking risks and
expecting change as the Holy Spirit directs, and continuing to grow as disciples of Christ. In this month's newsletter you'll find lots of new information including news on some staffing changes, our new online giving system, an opportunity for a mission trip, and your chance to enroll in Financial Peace University at St. Luke. We hope you find both it enjoyable and informative. Happy New Year!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
This Month • Staffing Changes • Worship Times Update • Blue Barrel Sunday • New Online Giving • From the Pantry Shelf • Giving Matters • Stewardship Update • 2017 Nicaragua Mission Trip • Wednesday.comm Kick-off • Announcements • Family VBS • Upward Basketball • Thank You Notes • Financial Peace University • Welcome Year Forty-One • Refugees Welcome
Staffing Changes In The New Year With the New Year comes some adjustments and changes in the St. Luke Ministry staff. Will Solomon, our Worship Director and Worship Leader, has asked that his duties be reduced back to just working with the Praise Band and leading the singing at the Blended services. Will wants to give more time to his music career in 2017. We certainly wish Will the best in these pursuits. The Staff Parish Team has decided to fill this position with two interim part time positions through the first half of the year in order to do a more thorough analysis of
staffing needs as they relate to worship. Soon after the first of the year, Will will drop back to interim part time worship leader. I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Staff Parish Team, that Mariann Reinke will begin at the first of the year as the Interim Director/Coordinator of worship. Mariann and her husband Keith are relatively new members of St. Luke. Keith has led several classes during Wednesday.comm and Mariann sings in the choir and is a member of the Servant Leadership Team. She has a deep love of worship music of all kinds and previously served in a similar
At our Annual Church Conference in December, a recommendation from the Ministry Directors and Servant Leadership Team to change our Sunday Morning Worship Times was presented for discussion. After a great discussion of the pros and cons of making such changes, the consensus of the group was that we were not ready to move in that direction at this time. So the discussion will continue. Our goal is to make worship 2 | January 2017
capacity at a United Methodist Church in Ohio. She will bring great experience and creativity to our ongoing discussion of enhancing all areas of worship at St. Luke UMC. Elizabeth Ballard has served as our Administrative/Financial Assistant for the past six months. She has done a wonderful job. However, Elizabeth has been offered and accepted a great opportunity with Toyota and will be leaving us early in January. We certainly wish her well but will miss her. Staff Parish is now searching for her replacement.
Worship Discussion Continues
accessible to as many persons as possible without causing too many major disruptions in other parts of our Sunday morning ministries (primarily Sunday School). Your input is important. If you have suggestions to make, please share them with one of the Ministry Directors for consideration. Worship is so essential to what we do as a church, and we will continue to keep everyone informed as best we can as these discussions continue.
introducing...
ENGAGE THE LATEST IN ONLINE GIVING AT ST. LUKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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hen St. Luke implemented online giving on our website several years ago, we envisioned it as an easier and more convenient way for people to give their tithes and offerings to the church. We originally launched online giving with a "Single Gift tool" by CDM+ and Suran Systems. As technology has progressed and electronic giving has become more popular, some of the "features" on this tool have begun to feel dated (no saving of information, too many giving line options, poor design) and it has felt like other features were missing (the ability to save payment information, set up recurring giving, and check on your overall and quarterly giving history).
new tool, an update of our online giving system called "Engage Giving." Engage Giving is the new mobile-friendly Web Ministry Tool by CDM+ that accepts online gifts from anyone and allows regular givers to manage recurring contributions via ACH or credit/debit card transactions. Engage Giving provides a secure login from our website for regular givers to check their giving history as well as an online church directory of members. On the following two pages, we have included some instructions and helpful tips on using the new Engage online giving system and getting started.
The Internet has changed the way in which we conduct business. And now, electronic banking, giving, and e-commerce is more safe and secure than ever. We are happy to have launched a
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GETTING STARTED Getting started with our new online giving system is easier than ever. It's in the same place as usual. Just go to www.stlukeumc.org/give OR to our website at www.stlukeumc.org and click on the big blue button that says "Give Online" in the top right corner.
6.) You can now log into Engage from the login page.
Giving a One-Time Gift or Recurring Gift 1.) Go to the Engage giving page at www.stlukeumc.org/give
2.) Click on the drop down menu in the top right corner of your screen.
2.) Type in your amount in the tithes and offerings box or in the "other" box. If you use this box, you will need to designate this in the "memo" section on the final "review" page. 3.) Select from the drop down whether you'd rather it be a one time gift, weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, or annually and choose the date(s) to process the gift.
4.) Either "Continue as guest" and enter your information or hit "Login" to either create an account with St. Luke UMC Engage Giving or log in if you already created an account. This takes you to the "Engage login page." 4 | January 2017
Creating an Account 1.) Select Create Account from the Engage login page.
Managing Scheduled Gifts 1.) Log in to Engage Giving
3.) Select "Schedule Gifts" in the drop down.
2.) Enter your email and click Register. 3.) If there are multiple names linked to one email, you will be asked to choose the new user's name. 4.)An email will then be sent to your email address with a password code. You can reset your password two different ways a.) Copy and paste the password code from the email into the Password Code box and click Check Code. b.) Click the Reset Password link in the email. 5.) You will then need to create a new password and click Submit.
4.) From here you can see your gifts that are pending or scheduled or you can click "Historical" to view your past online giving history. Managing Your Giving Sources 1.) Log in to Engage Giving 2.) Click on the drop down menu in the top right corner of your screen.
3.) Select "Accounts" in the drop down.
3.) Select "Giving History" in the drop down. 4.) From here you can view your entire giving history, not just your online giving, but all giving records associated with you.
Android stlukeumc.org/give
Adding Engage to a Mobile Device's Home Screen (iOS & Android)
4.) From here you can remove or add credit or debits cards or ACH debit/bank accounts to your St. Luke Giving Account. Viewing Your Giving History 1.) Log in to Engage Giving 2.) Click on the drop down menu in the top right corner of your screen.
iOS 1.) Tap the Share icon on the navigation bar. 2.) Tap Add to Home Screen
3.) Optionally, you can edit how
1.) Tap the Chrome Menu icon 2.) Tap Add to Home Screen 3.) Optionally, you can edit how the name will appear on the home screen 4.) Tap Add
the name will appear on the home screen 4.) Tap Add 5.) To launch Engage, just tap the Engage logo from the home screen
5.) To launch Engage, just tap the Engage logo from the home screen You will find a more detailed guide on using Engage and instructions at www.stlukeunc.org/engage If you have any trouble getting set up, logged in, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to call (859269-4687) or email (office@ stlukeumc.org) the church and we will help you the best we can. January 2017 | 5
Spring Semester Begins February 1!
Our Wednesday.comm opening event this year consists of a dinner and an opening worship and sharing service led by the Grow and Equip Leadership Team.
We have classes for kids and youth, 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. 6 | January 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.
Classes and Activities start February 8th! 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, you can email her at marty2sell@yahoo.com and she will be glad to schedule you.
Weekly Wednesday.comm Schedule: 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. 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 Childcare available for children of parents in choir practice or in class.
Adult Classes and Groups:
this four-week study by United Methodist pastor BRIDGES: Christians Connecting with Muslims Tom Berlin as we explore how to find freedom from Six Classes, starting February 8th! 6:00-7:00 the culture of "more." Facilitated by Joy McPherson BRIDGES involves six lessons which include Real Followers 6:00-7:00 group discussions, video sessions and some practical Facilitated by Keith Reinke responses to the material. As a part of this class Since God created you for a unique mission, do you you will learn about Islam and how to interact with understand how to think God's thoughts as a way to Islamic people. You will also be encouraged to really discern God's will? Are you seeking God's will for interact with Muslims as you are learning in this your life but can't quite figure out why it is not always class. The goal is that Muslims need a true Christian clear? Do you understand how your personal desires witness of Good News and helps us to see Muslims and ambitions align with God's dreams for your life? as Jesus sees them. Have you struggled or even suffered as you try to live God's dream for your life? This study will use God Talks 6:00-7:00 United Methodist pastor Mike Slaughter’s book Real Facilitated by Jennifer Baker Followers, and whether Jesus is a not-yet, old, or new This group is all about hearing the God stories in each friend this book will motivate, inspire and challenge. other’s lives. Participants will seek to encourage one another and grow in wisdom and understanding of who NEW Disciple Bible Study 6:00-7:30 God is and how God is working in our lives. Each week (Orientation day January 4th with 1st class Jan. 11th) will start with a relevant topic centered on a biblical Facilitated by Jim Eastburn theme followed by discussion, sharing, and prayer. Join The NEW Disciple Bible Study (a revamped version us on this journey of community and discipleship. of the original), is a 24-week course where you will read most of the Bible, learn from other Christians Revamping our Spirits 6:30-7:30 through DVD’s, and engage in a weekly group Facilitated by Will Solomon and John Duff discussion with fellow disciples. Disciple is a Bible This course is geared toward 25-35 year olds to Study with a difference. You will become more gather as a community and explore how we can put biblically literate, develop a bond with a small group on the character of Christ. We do our best to share who will be sharing your faith journey, and where our lives and encourage one another to ‘work out our you will develop leadership skills which can be used salvation with fear and trembling’, (Phil 2:12) as we in groups or classes in the future. Disciple is not a allow God to transform us into the image of Christ. lecture; rather, it is a group experience. Defying Gravity: Break Free from the Culture of More Facilitated by Nora Conner 6:00-7:00 Do you seek a vibrant life but feel the weight of "more?" Do you feel the pull of materialism in our culture? Our possessions can create unbearable weight and affect our ability to serve and thrive. How do we defy that pull and find freedom? Join us for
The expectations of the NEW Disciple Bible Study are high. There will be a class meeting each Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm for 24 weeks – January 11 through June 28, 2017. You will be reading several chapters of the Bible daily and making note of your reflections for class discussions. January 2017 | 7
ANNOUNCEMENTS Beginning January 11
Women's Bible Study Beginning
All Women are invited to join in a nine week study of the book “The Gospel of Mark” by Lisa Harper beginning January 11. We will meet in Room 126 from 10:00-12:00 on Wednesday mornings. Call 309-2082 to reserve your book for $10 and leave your name.
United Methodist Women Esther Circle Meeting • Tuesday, January 3 at 6:00 p.m. Joy McPherson will be speaking to us about her year in Uganda. Come and join us to hear about her year of adventure. As always refreshments will be served. Come bring a friend and start the new year joyously.
Family Vacation Bible School Save the Date!
The evenings of June 21-23, 2016 Get ready for a whole new way to experience VBS! All activities will be planned with the entire family in mind. Stay tuned for details! Have you filled out the survey to help us plan? If not, here is the link: http://stlukeumc.org/vbssurvey/
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2017 Upward Basketball at St. Luke What a great way to share Jesus Christ with every life! This year we kick-off our seventh season with two weeks of practices beginning the first week of January. Our games will begin Saturday, January 14 from 9am-11am and our eight week season will end March 4th, so please, come out and join us! A special THANK YOU to all those who have volunteered to serve in this ministry and help us change lives! This season we currently have about 55 players from 1st-4th grade in our league. We have two divisions, 1st and 2nd grade and 3rd and 4th grade. There is still so much to do for Upward that we could still use your help and support. We need your financial support to help some families so these kids don’t miss the opportunity to learn about basketball and Jesus Christ!
Unfortunately, it does cost money to run our league and to help the kids so, our concession stand is a weekly fundraiser for the next year's season. If you would like to donate some sports drinks or snacks, please let me know - it would be a big help! Also, we are always looking for those willing to share a 3-5 minute devotional or testimony at half time during our
games to introduce Jesus Christ into the life of our families and inspire others to share. We are also still looking for volunteers to help on Saturdays, so please contact us if you have an interest. Remember, you do not, you do not have to
know anything about basketball– you just need to have a heart to serve! Hope to see you all helping us bring Jesus Christ into every life through basketball! Ed Towle Upward League Director etowle@stlukeumc.org 269-4687 x241
January 2017 | 9
PASTOR WILMA by Earl Brady t. Luke began supporting Pastor Wilma Grandez and her three feeding centers about ten years ago. We would use part of the Thanksgiving or Christmas offering. Her feeding centers are located on the side of a rock mountain in Comas, Peru; the poorest area of Lima, a city of 8 million.
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Her dream was a Christian school for these poor, neglected and forgotten people. She has lived on the street as a child and knew first hand the challenges faced. She and her family (husband, son and two daughters) 10 | January 2017
literally built a three story building out of solid rock in the side of the mountain while keeping the three feeding centers in operation. Five years ago, five people from St. Luke joined another church from Tennessee in getting the Christian School finished and ready to open. She now has over 160 students in this school. Each year St. Luke has supported the Christian School by sponsoring two students, they are pictured on the left. I am proud to say that St. Luke continues to be the hands and feet of Christ in this neglected part of the world.
Bella Ayala
Alejandro Pena
BLUE BARREL SUNDAY
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lue Barrel Sunday is on January 15! Please take home a Blue Barrel Bag on January 8 and return it on January 15 filled with food items. This month we are focusing on canned fruits and tomato products. We are encouraging donations of canned pears, peaches, pineapple, mandarin oranges, applesauce and fruit pie fillings (no fruit cocktail or cranberry sauce please) as well as any type of canned tomatoes (diced, whole, stewed, etc), tomato sauce, pasta sauce, and tomato juice.
YOUR IMPACT S
breakfast items have been available to fill in the gaps for the past t. Luke’s congregation month. Some days we do receive contributed 640 pounds of food breakfast items from the main on our first Blue Barrel Sunday. 164 pantry but many days we do not. additional pounds were received the Your generous donations have week before and after. The result: ensured that for the past month we over 800 pounds of food to help have had breakfast items to offer fill the pantry shelves. How does our clients. this translate into impact? Assume that an average package of cereal is about 18 oz or just over a pound. Even my questionable math shows that well over 700 packages of
From the Pantry Shelf I t is time to start thinking of new year resolutions. Have you considered giving a few hours a week or a few hours a month to help others or to give thanks for your blessings? Think about our St. Luke God’s Panty Food Bank. Several regular volunteers go south during the winter months so the need for volunteers increases from January through March. You can contact Coordinator Karen Hinkle at kphinkle@twc. com or the Volunteer Scheduler Kathy Gendreau at katgen452@twc.com. Orientation is provided.
By Karen Hinkle
We are entering the time of year when referrals to the pantry increase. Several weeks in November and December we served 170 or more clients or family units. St. Luke plays a significant role in the efforts to meet the needs of hungry citizens in our community. January 2017 | 11
, E M O ! C E E N O W Y E T R R E H AR FO YE by Betty Ockerman
Our spectacular 40th Anniversary Year is now part of our history. We will long remember the Unity Service in January, the Birthday Party in April, Sundaes on Saturday in June, Tailgate and Talent in August, two amazing and enjoyable variety shows, and a final Combined Worship Service followed by a catered meal in September attended by hundreds of current and former members of St. Luke. All of our former pastors stopped by during the year to share through sermons their hopes for our future. Choirs from all five of our congregations shared joyful music, and we now have a photo of our church family to take its place in the archives. Many of us now wear a 40th anniversary tee shirt and drink coffee and/or water from our anniversary insulated cups and tumblers. We have read historical and interesting facts about our history as a church in 52 bulletins.
12 | January 2017
What a year we had with many volunteers helping with the smallest details and large numbers of our church family participating in the celebrations. Now we move forward into the next 40 years with enthusiasm to worship and determination to honor our God and our Redeemer. We continue to reach out to those in need in our community, our city and state, our country and our world. This is how St. Luke has always demonstrated God's love--by the love we have for our neighbors far and near.
We will continue our spiritual growth as we study God's Word, as we pray for each other, for our church leaders, and for our world. We will love each other so deeply that our love will be evident to anyone who visits St. Luke. We will use our talents and skills,and our gifts and graces to grow God's Church. We will invite our friends and neighbors to come worship with us. We will be generous in every way: our presence, gifts, prayers, witness, and service...as always.
The Anniversary Planning Team extends deep gratitude for the honor of coordinating events, and to God for the privilege of serving. Let's go, St.Luke! Year forty-one...here we come! January 2017 | 13
Giving MATTERS
Generous People in Action
Dear St. Luke Family, have incredible news to share: We have met and exceeded our yearly goal for the Balloon Fund for the second year in a row! I want to thank you for your amazing faithfulness in sharing so generously. As most of you know, we realized that if we were able to pay an additional $78,000 per year toward the principal on our mortgage for ten years, we would be able to pay off the loan early and save $1,000,000 in interest over the life of the loan. What an incredible opportunity to invest in a longterm impact in the ministries of our church!
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Once we realized this, we developed our SaveA-Million Plan, which included establishing our Balloon Fund so those who are so led may contribute to this project. $78,000 a year is a lot of money, and ten years is a long time to carry on a project, but our congregation has already shown a response that is greater than our wildest imaginations! In 2015, we met our year’s goal by June, and giving to the Balloon Fund remained strong for the remainder of the year, making our total for 2015 over $106,000! The additional amount was counted toward the last year of our plan, although the money still went right to work reducing the principal on our mortgage. In 2016, we met our goal before the end of November! So far this year, over $79,900 has been 14 | January 2017
contributed to the Balloon Fund, already exceeding this year’s goal by nearly $2,000. All of this money goes straight to the principal on our mortgage, saving in interest and cutting the life of the loan significantly. Thank you! Giving to the Balloon Fund is easy. You or your class, group, or family can “buy” a balloon for $600, and it only takes 120 balloons to reach our goal each year. Of course, you can also give any amount to the Balloon Fund, and many do. To give, you can go to the “Donate” page on our St. Luke website (www.stlukeumc.org), or you can write “Balloon Fund” on the memo line of your check made out to St. Luke UMC. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me! Love in Christ,
Nora Conner Associate Pastor Director of Ministry and Stewardship
Stewardship Update Through November 2016 November 2016 Budget needs
$ 101,184.92
Total income*
$ 98,136.54
Expenses
$
Expenses-to-Income deficit
$
(16,602.21)
Budget needs (as of 11-30-16)
$
1,214,219.04
$
1,149,815.52
Total income (as of 11-30-16)*
$
1,069,194.11
Expenses-to-Income deficit (as of 11-30-16)
$
(80,621.40)
Alms donations for November 2016.
$ 4,288.00
Balloon Fund contributions year-to-date (as of 11-30-16)
$ 79,935.85
2016 Year-to-Date
Expenses (as of 11-30-16)
114,738.75
Balloon Fund contributions for November 2016.
$ 5,226.00
Life Center mortgage balance (as of 11-30-16).
$
2,532,325.71
*Total income includes contributions, building use fees, and Kroger card receipts. Questions? Please contact Nora Conner, Associate Pastor/Director of Ministry and Stewardship
January 2017 | 15
April 1-9, 2017 An opportunity to serve on a short-term mission trip to Nicaragua in 2017
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ou never really understand the beauty of a the river, the pain of poverty, or the joy of meeting people and serving in a different culture until you've made the journey to see, hear, and experience them. If you are considering your first short term trip or your tenth, the Going Forth Team invites you to be part of the partnership with the community of Yakawalas and the clinic of Kayaskita in a remote
16 | January 2017
area of Nicaragua. A short-term team is now forming for a trip on April 1- 8, 2017. Q: Where will we go? A: We will travel by air to Managua, by vehicle to Aypal, and by riverboat to Kayaskita in the Bosawas Natural Reserve area of Nicaragua. Q: What about the partnership? A: St. Luke UMC and the community of Wuastari
Q: Do I need to be able to speak Spanish? A: No, but we will help you learn some simple phrases.
along with the newly planted church are partnering to remodel a preschool which is currently sitting next to the K-6th school. The community will furnish the available local materials along with labor to remodel the preschool. St. Luke will furnish the other materials. Q: What will we do? A: Continue building relationships in the partner village of Yakalawas. Medical outreach at the clinic in Kayaskita, along with light construction projects. Leadership training with the local churches in the areas of discipleship and evangelism. Teacher mentoring and training, for teachers in the local schools. Work is always done alongside and in partnership with our Nicaraguan friends and church partner. Q: Who are the leaders? A: Mark Walz and Reid Buchanan. Reid has led teams to Uganda, Nicaragua and multiple teams to Ghana along with receiving teams while missionary in Ghana.
Q: Is it safe? A: At peace since 1990, Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in Central America and is eager to promote tourism. However, the location is well off the beaten tourist trail. “High maintenance” travelers – take note! Q: How much does it cost? A: Tentative cost of $1,795 per person includes roundtrip airfare, all meals but one in Nicaragua, all ground and water transportation, lodging, airport arrival and departure taxes, and programming. Participants will need money for snacks, souvenirs, and meals/snacks on travel days at the beginning and end of the trip outside Nicaragua. Q: How can I find out more? A: Those who would like to learn more and discern if this is an experience to which God is calling them may email Reid at rbuchanan@stlukeumc.org or Mark Walz at mwalz@stlukeumc.org . Additional information will be sent to you, along with the dates, times and locations of informational gatherings. The first such meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2017 at 6:00 pm in Room 126.
January 2017 | 17
BY JOY MCPHERSON
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he Webster’s dictionary defines a refugee as a person who flees from his home or country to seek refuge elsewhere, as in a time of war, political, or religious persecution, etc. Have you ever thought about what a refugee goes through to finally feel safe? In the early 2000’s, while Larry and I were serving our last term as career missionaries with World Gospel Mission, we visited several refugee/ displacement camps in Uganda, East Africa. People were living in cramped quarters; children were roaming everywhere; life was not easy, but they were surviving without fear. 18 | January 2017
During that time we also saw many people fleeing from their homes. They were walking on either side of the road carrying their few possessions of large cooking pots which were on the heads of women with babies on their backs; children walking with them were carrying chickens and parcels of clothing and blankets. Many slept at night in the roadside ditches. Seeing these scenes in person, more than on
television, brought tears to my eyes. There seemed to be nothing we could do except pray. Then last year when we were again in Uganda for most of the year, I had the opportunity to be with many refugees from various
African countries at Refuge and Hope International, a non-profit organization that has training in Bible, English, computer, culinary, business and auto mechanics. Three days each week I taught two classes of English to older teenagers, to Moms who had between one and six children and even to several men. There were those who had had good educations, but didn’t know English to those who had never had the opportunity to go to school. One day while walking from the facility to our Mission office, one of the young men who was also walking from the Center to where
he lived, joined me began and talking. As I asked questions to get to know him better, he shared his story. He had lost both his parents and a sister. He had no idea where his brother was and whether he was even still living. What could a person reply?! I only thank the Lord for the privilege I had to work with those precious people.
could help in the ESL class or drive the bus to get the students. Even if you can’t speak their language, smiles and handshakes go a long way. This is a new year; how would the Lord want you to serve? Could it be to help a refugee family or an individual?
God has opened the door for St. Luke to welcome refugees here in Lexington to worship. Why not attend a service in our church at 12:30 p.m. and get to know our fellow believers? Or, maybe you
Volunteer English instructor Marcie Barnett works with refugee students from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Classes are held once a week at St. Luke UMC Photo: Provided by Erika Iverson (2013) January 2017 | 19
Growing in prayer is a lifelong journey. Let's encourage one another!
Want to Grow in your personal Prayer Life? Ready to take an intentional step in the New Year? You are invited to a four-week study on prayer using Bill Hybels’ Too Busy Not To Pray book and accompanying video series on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7:00. This study will start Sunday, January 29 and is facilitated by Chuck and Sue Lord. Please let us know if you plan to attend, so we can order a book for you ($12.00). Upon request we will arrange for childcare for 5th grade and under – so let Sue know asap if childcare is needed. Chuck Lord, 859-608-9412, chuck.l.sli@gmail.com Sue Lord, 859-797-1586, suzannehlord @gmail.com
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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 life-changing course! If you are interested in participating in our inaugural course and would like more information, contact Nora Conner at 859-269-4687 (ext. 242) or nconner@stlukeumc.org or see the sign-up sheet in the Connection Center.
January 2017 | 21
Dear St. Luke,
Dear St. Luke,
Due to all you kind and thoughtful St. Luke members, my 2016 year has been happy and fulfilling. I so appreciate all of the rides to and from everywhere. Your kind and thoughtful deeds have so enriched my life. In honor of you and your services, a donation has been made to the Save-a-Million fund. Many blessings in 2017. Love, Neita Falkner
Thank you so much for all the cards and phone calls. I really miss all of you.
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Thank you. Love, June Lemaster
Welcome to St. Luke! On December 17, the Asukulu family of nine joined St. Luke United Methodist Church. They transferred their membership here from the Nampula Ecclesiastical District of the United Methodist Church in Mozambique in Southeast Africa. Asukulu Ussein Ramadhani and Ana Huseni are the parents of seven children: Alain, Delfina, Maria, Monic, Mulumba, Jeanette, and Useni. They will be attending our Swahili worship service as part of our Swahili Community. We welcome them to United States, to Lexington, and to St. Luke UMC!
The Asukulu Family January 2017 | 23
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 February 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 January 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.