March 2019 Newsletter of St. Luke UMC

The Monthly Newsletter of St. Luke United Methodist Church ¡ March 2019

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St. Luke

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Team St. Luke at the February Lexington Rescue Mission's Walk for Warmth

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

Isaiah 40:28

THIS MONTH

1. Announcements 3. Lenten Sermon Series 4. Lent Covenant Groups 5. Wednesday.comm Spring Meals 6. March Discipleship Resource 7. Young Adult Ministry 8. Nicaragua Water Project 9. Blue Barrel Sunday 10. College Ministry 11. Lent Covenant Groups 13. 2018 in Review 15. Appointing a New Pastor 17.Family VBS 2019 19. Giving Matters 20. Stewardship Update 21.From the Pantry Shelf

ANNOUNCEMENTS Do you have questions about God but hesitate to ask them?

You are invited to the Sunday school class of Dr. Kenneth Collins, a professor at Asbury Seminary. Dr. Collins is known around the world as the expert on John Wesley studies. We are blessed to have Ken and his wife, Marilyn, as members of our church family.

The class meets at 11 am every Sunday in the Trinity Room, room 116, located next to the gym. Dr. Collins talks about the meaning and purpose of our lives as Christians, and allows plenty of time for discussion of those questions we hesitate to ask. Limited seating, so come early!

New Women’s Bible Study “Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent" by Beth Moore will begin March 28th and will run through May 16. We will meet on Thursdays from 10:00-12:00, with the exception of April 4, due to Spring Break. This class will be facilitated by Melissa VanCamp. For more information you may contact her by phone, 540-309-9191, or email, mevancamp@yahoo.com.

United Methodist Women Meeting The Esther Circle of UMW is meeting on Monday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (refreshments, too). Come, join us to discuss, learn and laugh, too!

1 | March 2019

Mountain Mission Truck Socks and underwear for men, women, and children.

Men’s and children’s summer clothes. Easter outfits, Easter items, pots and pans, men’s shoes, good used furniture, coffee, coffee cups, air fresheners, 33 gallon garbage bags, Pinesol, dust mops, toilet bowl cleaner, sugar, paper towels, toilet tissue. Please place your items in the stairwell by the Connection Center before Monday, March 18.

St. Luke Texts!

You can now opt in to receive important texts reminders from St. Luke! This is a free service and you don’t even have to download anything or create a password in order to participate. It lets you choose precisely which groups and ministries you want to get email and text messages from here at St. Luke.

Text SLUMC to 84576

Simply text the letters SLUMC to the SHORT 5-digit phone number 84576. After it texts you back, make sure you click that link and complete the process, choosing what updates you’d like from us.

We’ll also use this to send you important updates about church-wide special events coming up, inclement weather announcements, reminders of overall cancellations or schedule changes, and, if ever necessary, immediate church-wide safety and security notifications.

If you can’t complete this on your mobile phone, please go online to: flocknote.com/ StLukeUMC. Please Update Your Membership Information Does our church database have your family membership record correct? Have you changed your phone number, email, or have you moved? Now is your chance to update your record for our annual Guide Book & Directory. Please let the church office know about changes to your record so that the information in the 2019 Guide Book and Directory is correct. Our number is 859-269-4687 or email at office@ stlukeumc.org.

March 2019 | 2

Lent

OF E S N E S G N MAKI

by Mike Powers ow do you think the person on the street would respond to the question, “What does Lent mean to you?” Maybe this more familiar question would be easier to answer: “What are you giving up for Lent?”

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Lent is unique and different from the other seasons of the church year.

It is somber, serious, and requires discipline and commitment that

The Ministry Staff of St. Luke Church is developing a series of messages on the theme “Making Sense of Lent.” Each Sunday in Lent, two members of our team will preach in the three worship services.

These two preachers will speak in LENTEN WORSHIP SERIES the other service(s) on following Sundays so the entire congregation challenge us as Christian believers. will hear the same messages (note Lent demands introspection, the sermon themes, scripture “Monday morning quarterbacking” references and schedule below). of our thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to God. We hope these messages and this During these forty days of Lent, we special emphasis during Lent are reminded that Jesus accepted will help the entire congregation suffering and death on the cross for experience a closer and more our sins, failures and regrets. Thank satisfying relationship with Christ.

God, that was not the end of the Pray with us as we prepare to preach story. Jesus’ death is our opportunity and for each other as we journey to be saved. through this season together.

Date

Service Time

Preaching

Sermon Title

Sunday, March 10

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Mark Girard

Being Sacrificial

Sunday, March 10

10:45 a.m.

Amanda Draughn

Being Reflective

Sunday, March 17

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Amanda Draughn

Being Reflective

Deut. 11:1-9, 18-20

Sunday, March 17

10:45 a.m.

Rev. Mark Girard

Being Sacrificial

Deut. 11:1-9, 18-20

Sunday, March 24

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Mike Powers

Being Foolish

I Corinth. 1:18-2:5

Sunday, March 24

10:45 a.m.

Rev. Nora Conner

Being Open

Psalm 63:1-8

Sunday, March 31

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

John Duff

Being Counter-Cultural

Matthew 16, 17

Sunday, March 31

10:45 a.m.

Rev. Mike Powers

Being Foolish

I Corinth. 1:18-2:5

Sunday, April 7

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Nora Conner

Being Open

Psalm 63:1-8

Sunday, April 7

10:45 a.m.

John Duff

Being Counter-Cultural

Matthew 16, 17

Sunday, April 14

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Mark Girard

Palm Sunday

Sunday, April 14

10:45 a.m.

Amanda Draughn

Palm Sunday

3 | March 2019

Scripture

Lenten Season Begins On Ash Wednesday, March 6

by Mark Girard ent is a season of Forty Days in the church, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Saturday before Easter. The name comes from the word “Lencten,� which means Spring. It is a time for churches and individuals to prepare for the great Easter celebration. It is traditionally observed as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and penance for all Christians.

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In addition to our regular Sunday services, there will be three special services during the season. The first is our Ash Wednesday Service of Invitation to the Lenten Discipline, Imposition of the Ashes, and Healing Prayer. It will be on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We will have our regular Wednesday night meal starting at 5:15 p.m. but, the

classes that night will be dismissed so that everyone can be at the Ash Wednesday service. The other two special services will be on Maundy Thursday (April 18) and Good Friday (April 19) and will be highlighted in the April newsletter.

March 2019 | 4

SPRING SEMESTER MEALS

by John Duff Wednesday nights at the church are one of my favorite times of the week because of all the people that I get to chat with and share a meal with. I invite you to come out even if you are not interested in a class, as time building relationships with other Christians can be extremely beneficial in our Christian walks and in enjoying a life full of love, joy and peace.

The profits from each meal go to a specific mission that the serving group decides ahead of time. If you would like to come out to support a specific cause, I’ve put the list together below of what is being served each night in March, with the cause they are supporting.

MEALS

March 6

(Ash Wednesday) Pizza, salad and dessert

March 13 Pulled Pork BBQ, baked beans, coleslaw, chips, and cookies

March 20 Chicken pockets, green beans, and dessert

March 27 Ham, potato casserole, green beans, and dessert

Provided by Provided by

Provided by

Grow and Equip

Guatemala Mission Trip team

Cause

Lexington Rescue Mission

St. Luke Youth Group

Provided by

Keenagers Sunday School Class

Cause Cause

Guatemala Mission Trip

St. Luke Youth Group

Cause

Local missions

Come out and be a part of the community and the vision of Jesus Christ in Every life on Wednesday nights!

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ST. LUKE DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCE

MARCH 2019

by John Duff

D

o have trouble finding a good daily devotional? Many daily devotionals are simply sentimental and often don’t deal with real life issues you are currently facing. With this in mind, I recommend the daily devotional With God Daily by author Skye Jethani as the Discipleship Resource for March. With God Daily speaks specifically to your relationship with God and to what is happening in our world and culture around us today! Skye’s great theological knowledge and practical application help me start my day with God and give me something deep to chew on through the morning.

For those of us with smart phones, we know how easy it is to roll out of bed and check your email right away. To help us

focus on God first thing With God Daily arrives in your inbox at 4:15 am, 5 days a week. The author asks that you make a $2 donation monthly to receive the devotion, but doesn’t require this if you cannot make that commitment. To sign up, go to skyejethani.com/devotionals.

Currently the devotional is focusing on different things that can become idols to us, like money, comfort, nationalism, celebrity pastors and even the mission of God. This devotional continues to stretch me in my walk with God and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with God and learn best practices in interacting with our culture as a Christian.

March 2019 | 6

by Ellen Mattox eing a part of the Young Adults Group at St. Luke has been such a blessing to me. Lots of churches offer a college-age group and there are tons of resources for adults and families but, for my husband and me, we don’t quite fit into either stage. The Young Adults Group provides a place for us to connect with Christ-followers going through the same life experiences as us.

Alongside all these wonderful things, we’ll have some godly fellowship - including lunch together on Sundays, watching sports (or if you’re like me, hanging out while the game plays in the background), and other fun outings.

As a group, we meet once every other week to worship, study the word, and share our experiences. We pray for one another and support each other throughout the week.

If you’re interested in joining our group, PLEASE don’t hesitate. We’d love to see our group grow! For more info contact John Duff at jduff@stlukeumc.org.

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Because of this group, I have learned to look deeper for God in my daily life. I always have them to share joys and concerns with. I laugh more.

Check out these photos of the under construction spring box from the Water Project in Yakalwas, Nicaragua.

We are halfway to our goal of $24,000! For more information or to donate, go to stlukeumc.org/ waterproject

March 2019 | 8

BLUE BARREL

SUNDAy

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n March we are suggesting two options for your Blue Barrel Bag food donations. Choose nonmeat protein items such as canned pork n beans, black eyed peas, chickpeas, pintos, cannelli, or great northern beans; or, choose meat protein such as canned tuna, chicken, salmon, beef stew, etc. The pantry has had slim supplies of both groups. Pick up your Blue Barrel Bag on March 10, make your choice of foods and return on Sunday, March 17th.

If you can’t attend on the 17th, your food selections are welcome at any time. Just place in or near the Blue Barrels.

9 | March 2019

by Caitlin Kendall ollege group is in full swing for the Spring semester, and I am excited to share that I’ve joined the team as a co-leader with John Duff. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know our college students and being a part of this special program. We meet on Monday nights at 7:00 PM for worship, digging into The Word, and small group fellowship. It is a wonderful time to grow closer to the Lord and share the joys and challenges of college life with some fantastic people. For the past few weeks, we’ve been studying Skye Jethani’s book, With, which looks deeply at what life with God is truly meant to be.

We would love to see some new faces on Monday night!

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Along with our weekly meetings, we love to spend time together in fellowship.

Recently, the group gathered for the Citrus Bowl to cheer on our favorite team. Go Cats!

In April, we will be joining

together to serve Aldersgate Camp for their annual work day. Several of our college students are camp counselors and are looking forward to this service opportunity. The group will also be hosting SLUMY in April by serving dinner and offering encouragement and prayer to our seniors!

If you’d like to stay up to date on all of the exciting things that are happening with the college group, we would love for you to follow our social media accounts! We are @st_luke_university on Instagram and St. Luke University on Facebook.

March 2019 | 10

Lenten Covenant Group Launch

by John Duff

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t. Luke has been doing a different type of discipleship called covenant groups for a couple of years now. We have heard those who are currently involved in a group who have shared their excitement about the way these groups have helped them grow closer to God and to experience true Christian relationships of love and accountability.

These groups have been going so well that we have decided to launch 6-week Covenant Groups during the season of Lent. During Lent, Christians regularly give time to self-reflection and practicing Spiritual disciplines. Therefore, we invite you to consider joining a 6-week covenant group to experience what it is like to be in one of these groups.

We have leaders, who have previously been in these groups, prepared to help a group of newcomers get into this type of discipleship.

If you are interested, please sign up by the Connection Center or in the Fellowship Hall, or let John Duff know by emailing him at jduff@stlukeumc.org.

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We are having a meeting on March 3rd at 5:00 p.m. in room 126 at St. Luke for those who are interested in being a part of this new adventure. You can find more information in our St. Luke Covenant Groups brochure outside the Connection Center and Welcome Center.

What is the purpose or goal of a Covenant Group?

In one sentence, the purpose is to walk together toward Jesus Christ, being made into His likeness.

Covenant Discipleship Groups are: zz single gendered groups with up to 7 persons who meet for one hour each week. zz where Christians reflect on and give an account of their own spiritual life in an effort to be more intentional in their relationship with the Lord. zz guided by the covenant the members write together. zz where Christians listen to each other and do not try to fix one another. Members hold fast to the conviction that only the Holy Spirit can bring transformation, and though we can ask each other questions, giving advice is not the answer unless you are asked for advice.

What is the pattern for a Covenant Group?

1. Glory Sightings—start with sharing where you have seen the Glory of God working in your lives this week. This may be a beautiful sunrise or a friend finding the Lord.

3. Sharing Time—reflect on a standard set of questions, then share the things that have been going on and where God has been inviting you to grow deeper. It is recommended that the leader or the whole group takes notes, so that next week they can ask to see how things have or have not progressed. You can ask questions during this time, but giving advice is strongly discouraged.

4. Praying for one another—spend time to pray together and ask Jesus to guide you and fill you with his Spirit. Pray for specific things that came up in the group meeting. Pray as you are led by the Holy Spirit.

Sample Covenant: We commit to: 1. Keep confidentiality 2. Build relationships of trust, free of fear or judgment, so that we can be honest and open with each other.

3. Listen to each other, not try to fix one another, and speak the truth in love.

4. Pray for each member every week.

It is best for the group to come up with its own covenant.

You won’t want it to be too lengthy, but the leader should have a few things in mind to mention if the group doesn’t include something about confidentiality or prayer.

2. Centering Prayer— take time to pray and ask God to fill you with his Spirit and surrender this meeting time to Him.

March 2019 | 12 A disciple is a person who allows his or her life to be conformed

2018 in Review 2018 Year End Reports Highlight Another Great Year For St. Luke

by Mark Girard It is an annual rite of passage for every United Methodist Church in the Kentucky Conference - the completion and submission of the Year End Reports. Every aspect of the church is measured and reported on. This year’s report was completed and submitted at the end of January, and so not in time to be highlighted in the February Newsletter. But the story it tells about St. Luke is too good not to be shared, though somewhat belatedly, because it tells of another year of growth and vitality for St. Luke United Methodist church.

Though the report is made up of several pages of statistics which measure nearly every ministry of the church, there are some stats that need to be highlighted annually. The first area of the report analyzes the area of membership. We report on who 13 | March 2019

has joined St. Luke and who has transferred out of St. Luke in the past year. It also reflects the Saints that passed from our midst in 2018. So here is some of what the stats show.

First they show that St. Luke continues to buck the overall church pattern of membership decline. Total membership increased by 30 persons to 1,864.

The church received a total of 42 persons by profession of faith, and 8 by transfer from other churches, which makes a total of 50 new persons who became a part of the church family in 2018. However, that number is tempered somewhat by the 12 that transferred out to other churches and the 8 saints who passed away during 2018. This continued growth is a remarkable record, considering that many of our sister churches have been losing members at an alarming rate.

St. Luke’s growth has been accelerated in recent years by the explosive growth of our Congolese/Swahili Missional Community. When they first

came to join us at St. Luke three years ago they were about 30 strong. But at the end of 2018 they numbered 184 persons involved in the community. It is exciting to note that nearly a third of those are children and youth.

What a blessing they are. We need to continually be looking for new people and communities to be in ministry with if we are going to continue this pattern of growth.

The second major area of the report highlights attendance in all of the ministries of the church. Let’s look at worship first. In 2018, we had 15 fewer people worshipping in one of our six Sunday services. However, that was offset by an increase in the number of persons who join us online during our livestream each week. The report also shows substantial increases in the number of people participating in Sunday School, Wednesday.comm classes and other small group discipleship opportunities, as well as a 13% increase in the number of those classes/groups that were offered during the year. In general, churches that are growing in this

difficult climate for the church are doing so in two ways: providing new opportunities for worship and involvement and by growing through small groups.

We also show a slight increase in the number of persons being served through our community ministries as well as church members who are involved in those areas of service. St. Luke has always had a strong emphasis on service in our community and beyond, and that certainly continued to be the case in 2018.

The final major area of reporting is in the area of Stewardship. This area shows a mixed outcome. In general, income through offerings and donations increased by 1% in 2018 (the total being the most received for ministry and vision in the history of St. Luke.)

However, the addition of the final two monthly mortgage payments (approximately $43,000) into the budget (bringing to a close the eight year plan to absorb the total mortgage into the annual budget) certainly put a great strain on our finances for the year. But that news was offset somewhat by continued strong support of the Balloon Fund (or Save A Million

Fund) which was established four years ago with the goal of paying off the debt on the Life Center in ten years rather than 20 and so saving a million dollars over the life of the loan.

The reports also show that while the amount of offerings given for camps and retreats (mostly Aldersgate), Colleges, Wesley Foundations, disaster relief, the United Methodist Home for Children and Youth, other local ministries increased significantly, we did fall considerably short in meeting the apportionment expectations of both the Conference and the District. That will certainly be an area that we must work on in the coming year. We want to return to 100% just as soon as we possibly can. The missionaries and ministries that are supported through those “apportionments� should have to expect no less than full support. Overall the reports reflect a strong and vital church but also that there is still much work to be done as we head into this next year. So thanks and well done St. Luke.

God has truly blessed us to continue to be a blessing in our community in 2019.

March 2019 | 14

The Process For Appointing A New Pastor For St. Luke

W

ith Pastor Mark’s announcement that he will be retiring at the Kentucky Annual Conference in June, many have been wondering what the process is that will lead to a new pastor for St. Luke.

Because in the United Methodist Church pastors are appointed by the Bishop, rather than called or hired by the local church, the process is unique. So, in timeline form, here is what to expect.

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Mid-January Pastor Mark met with the District Superintendent and announced his intention to retire at Annual Conference. He also informed the St. Luke Staff Parish Relations Team, the St. Luke staff, as well as the Servant Leadership Team. On Sunday, January 27, he informed the entire congregation by making announcements in the 9:30, 10:45 and 11:00 services, as well as sharing with the Swahili and Multicultural Pastors.

Mid- January to first of February The Staff Parish team worked hard to develop a profile (a list of desired qualities in a new pastor) to present to the District Superintendent and Bishop. In doing so the team sought the individual comments and input of the entire congregation by email or personal comments. It is important to note that the role of the Staff Parish Team is not

to be a search team for a new pastor. Their role is to advise the District Superintendent and Bishop concerning the needs of the church when it comes to Pastoral Leadership. For that purpose, the team met with the District Superintendent the first week of February and the Bishop on February 17.

Mid-February through March The Bishop and District Superintendents (Cabinet) meet several times and consider the needs of all of the churches of the Conference (more than 800) as well as the clergy that are eligible for appointment. It is a huge responsibility to discern God’s will in matching every church in the Conference with a pastor. This part of the process has been complicated a little this year by the General Conference of the church which met in St. Louis near the end of February.

April The Cabinet shares the pastoral appointments with the Staff Parish Teams with each church, and the team will announce the appointment to the entire church.

May The incoming pastor will meet with the Staff Parish Team to get acquainted with the team and the expectations of the church. He or she will also meet with the staff and the outgoing pastor to begin the transition process.

June Sunday, June 9th will be Pastor Mark’s last Sunday in the pulpit.

Annual Conference will meet June 10-12 at the Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky.

As soon as we know what day and time the retirement celebration will be we will let everyone know, in case there are those who would like to travel to Covington for that. The

first Sunday for the new pastor will be either June 23 or June 30.

Just a couple of additional notes: Some have asked about a survey of the whole congregation concerning what the church would like in a new pastor. The reality is that there is simply not time in the process to do that in an effective way. The Staff Parish Team only had a couple of weeks between when Pastor Mark informed them of his decision and their initial meeting with the Superintendent to prepare, and so while they did seek individual comments, the logistics of developing a comprehensive survey, distributing it to the entire congregation, receiving it back and compiling the information could not be completed in the amount of time they had to work with.

Secondly, the foundation of the whole appointment process is prayer. The Bishop and Cabinet will spend a great deal

of time in prayer and discernment in making the appointment of St. Luke’s next pastor. It is at the point of prayer for our Staff Parish Team, the Bishop, the Cabinet, and the church where all of us can have a major role in the appointment of the next pastor of St. Luke.

If you have any questions about the process or timeline, you can contact Doug Sell, chairperson of the Staff Parish team. Both Pastor Mark and Pastor Mike have been through this process many times from the Cabinet perspective and would be happy to answer any questions they can. These are such exciting times for St. Luke! Let’s all pray that God’s Will be done and get ready to welcome a new pastor into the church family.

March 2019 | 16

June 18-20, 6-8:00 p.m.

(Optional Gym Time from 8-8:30)

Snack Supper Included!

Save the dates for your family to grow closer to God and to each other!

“Be on your guard. Remain strong in the faith. Be brave.”

1 Corinthians 16:3 Together, families will explore God’s Word through stories, games, crafts, science & songs!

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Secure your place by registering today at stlukeumc.org/vbs March 2019 | 18

Giving Dear Church Family, We are quickly approaching the season of Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter, and it can be an uncomfortable journey if we take it seriously. As you’ll read in another article this month and in bulletin announcements, we will have a special series in our morning worship services as well as opportunities to join covenant groups to guide us during this season, and I want to encourage you to begin reflecting even now: What does Lent mean?

What does God want to say to you?

Those are deep questions, ones that may take us places in our faith journey that surprise us and challenge us. Lent brings us to the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus, which are necessary before he is resurrected. Easter is full of joy, but without the journey of Lent, its meaning is diminished.

You may be asking, “What does this have to do with giving?” And that’s a fair question! As you probably know, it is common for people to “give something up for Lent.” To many, this question rings of depriving yourself of something you enjoy, and I suppose that can be all it is for some. However, the “giving up” makes room for what God wants to show us. When 19 | March 2019

MATTERS

we seek God and listen for God along with the “giving up,” we experience what God wants to give us. We realize that what God gives is so much more, and it is so much more fulfilling than we could ever imagine.

Does giving matter? It absolutely does. When we give God the time, mental energy, money, fixation, adoration, or love of that whatever it is for us God gives us things of eternal significance, and we learn that more of God in our lives is what we really need.

I will be on this Lenten journey along with you. I appreciate your prayers, and I will be praying for you as well!

Nora Conner Associate Pastor

The information is a summary of our finances through January 2019. Many thanks for your faithfulness and for the many ways you impact our church and the world for Jesus Christ. May we continue to be good stewards of God’s gifts!

JANUARY 2019

Budget needs

$112,470.84

Expenses

Total income*

Expenses-to-Income difference

$99,143.59 $68,558.01 ($30,585.58)

Alms contributions for January 2019 Balloon Fund contributions for 2019 Total Balloon Fund contributions to date

$3,630.84 $3,731.00 $307,358.45

Life Center mortgage balance (as of 1-31-19)

$2,116,143.95

2018 FISCAL YEAR-TO-DATE

Budget needs(as of 1-31-19) Expenses (as of 1-31-19) Total income (as of 1-31-19)* Expenses-to-Income difference (as of 1-31-19)

*Total income includes contributions, building use fees, and Kroger card receipts. ** Our current fiscal year runs from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

Questions? Please contact Nora Conner, Associate Pastor/Director of Ministry and Stewardship

$787,295.88 $702,028.17 $708,876.83 $6,848.66

March 2019 | 20

pantry St. Luke operates a food pantry through God's Pantry on Mondays through Fridays from 1-2:30 p.m. & 6-7:30 p.m.

The clients are given an opportunity to pick food items to form a nutritional food selection.

Food supplements are prepared from both donated and purchased food and contain the items necessary to prepare enough meals for five to seven days.

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From the Pantry Shelf

by Karen Hinkle

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he number of families needing assistance through the pantry continues to increase. In a recent week we served 240 families in one five day period including a one day marathon of 61 clients. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who were willing to work a little longer during those service shifts.

A special thanks to all the St. Luke folks for the Blue Barrel Bag food donations which gave us some extra food to fill in the empty shelves.

The pantry has been fortunate to acquire some needed new volunteers over the last few months.

This month we are highlighting three of those volunteers who have found a niche for their talents and their motivations. We will introduce others to you in coming months.

Danny Dove My wife Mary Jo, and I moved to Lexington approximately two years ago to be with our son and granddaughter. We transferred our membership to St. Luke about 16 months ago from South Ashland

United Methodist Church which had been our church home for 20 years.

At South Ashland, among other roles, I had the opportunity to serve on the back pack ministry committee which was responsible for purchasing and stocking food items. The church also allowed the congregation to donate funds and food similar to St. Luke's blue barrel program. The committee met every Friday to pack lunches for approximately 75 grade school children who were on a list from social services. We would deliver the lunches to the grade schools Friday afternoon so the kids could have food to eat over the weekend.

Serving on this committee was very gratifying and worthwhile.

pantry Here at St. Luke one Sunday, I saw the article about needing volunteers for God's Pantry. This reminded me of my previous experience with the back pack ministry, so I sent an email to Karen Hinkle about wanting to volunteer, and the rest is history. I volunteer on Tuesday and Friday mornings and work for Day Coordinators Janet and Dana, along with other volunteers. I really enjoy working with the fine volunteers at St. Luke and being a part of this worthwhile project. I sincerely believe that everyone involved in this ministry – our church leaders and the many volunteers – provide a tremendous service to the community. I am proud to be a very small part of a wonderful mission of St Luke.

Mark Combs My daughter, Sophia, and I first came to St Luke a few years ago. We came looking for community and fellowship since we had just moved to Lexington and didn’t really know anyone. We are still trying to get to know people. After attending a Newcomers’ class, I spoke to Pastor Nora about my interest in getting involved in a ministry at St. Luke. She let the Pantry leaders know of my interest and they followed up and got me started. Sophia is involved in the children’s ministry and I am busy with the Pantry once a week. I have helped during the day but also have helped with the Wednesday night pantry which needed additional volunteers. I have a heart for God and want to serve him through serving others. It breaks my heart to think that there are people going hungry, and this is

my way of helping and giving back to the community.

In the future I hope to keep on serving the Lord as long as I am able and keep on working in the Pantry every chance I can.

Debbie Beidleman I recently retired from my job and really wanted to do something more meaningful with my life - something that would help people and bring me a sense of satisfaction. I wasn't sure how God could use my skills, but I had always been interested in God's Pantry and its mission. There was a need for someone to help on Monday afternoons on the computer and to assist clients, so I volunteered. I get to work with my Mom ( Joanne Beidleman) and that is a wonderful experience - helping others like my parents have done all their lives! I also have helped with stocking on Friday mornings and enjoy that as well. One job I really enjoy is sorting and counting the food collected from the Blue Barrel Sundays. I have met many wonderful people at the pantry and really enjoy our Monday team! I have seen firsthand how the pantry helps clients and have experienced their appreciation for the service it provides. I had given money to God's Pantry before, but it is an entirely different experience to be the hands and feet of Jesus and put my faith into action. I hope others might feel the need to get involved in this ministry. I have learned that the pantry always needs more volunteers and there is a task for everyone.

March 2019 | 22

This newsletter is also available online in full color at stlukeumc.org/newsletter.

Worship Schedule: 9:30 a.m., 10:45, 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.

2351 Alumni Dr., Lexington, KY 40517 ¡ 859-269-4687 Child care available at all services.