St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Newsletter June, 2019 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by your- selves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 “Empty Blocks and Open Spaces” Sometimes simple lessons are the best. Let me share one with you from Pete Moon, our District Superintendent, that is especially well suited to the start of summer. Consider a letter typed clearly upon a page, with paragraphs long enough to fill it up. It has all the right grammar, and all the write spacing, and its purpose is perfectly clear. Now take that letter and remove all the spaces, so the words and letters flow together without interruption. Next, remove the blank space for the indents and the margins. Let the page become one big mass of black and white charac- ters. Suddenly, you will discover that the purpose of this text is no longer so obvious. In fact, deciphering it becomes a hard task, one that some will not even accomplish. The point? Well, here at the start of summer, consider how important it is to have some of the empty blocks of time on your schedule and, open spaces on your calendar, to focus on your soul. When we block everything up, taking no down time, enjoying no uninterrupted time with family and friends, the purpose of our lives can be obscured. True enough, there should be work and purpose in our lives. But so, too, should there be rest and refreshment in our days: downtime for the soul to re- member the joy in sharing simple pleasures and great adventures alike. Jesus models this for us in his own ministry with his chosen companions, the disciples. I myself have been reminded of how valuable this time apart is, after taking my first Memorial Weekend off in about 30 years. One of my oldest and dearest friends came to visit me from England last month, and that time spent together with our families, unplanned except for those things that brought us joy, was so re- freshing to my soul. Work had to stop for just a few days, that my soul might rest. I encourage you, as summer begins, to step back at times from what you “should” do to make time for what you “want” to do and for the people with whom you most want to share time. You and your life will be the better for it, and more ready to serve and praise the Lord that we love. Blessings, Pastor Lisa
Transcript
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Newsletter June, 2019
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by your-selves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31
“Empty Blocks and Open Spaces”
Sometimes simple lessons are the best. Let me share one with you from
Pete Moon, our District Superintendent, that is especially well suited to the start of
summer.
Consider a letter typed clearly upon a page, with paragraphs long enough
to fill it up. It has all the right grammar, and all the write spacing, and its purpose is perfectly clear.
Now take that letter and remove all the spaces, so the words and letters
flow together without interruption. Next, remove the blank space for the indents and the margins. Let the page become one big mass of black and white charac-
ters.
Suddenly, you will discover that the purpose of this text is no longer so obvious. In fact, deciphering it becomes a hard task, one that some will not even accomplish.
The point?
Well, here at the start of summer, consider how important it is to have
some of the empty blocks of time on your schedule and, open spaces on your
calendar, to focus on your soul. When we block everything up, taking no down
time, enjoying no uninterrupted time with family and friends, the purpose of our
lives can be obscured.
True enough, there should be work and purpose in our lives. But so, too,
should there be rest and refreshment in our days: downtime for the soul to re-
member the joy in sharing simple pleasures and great adventures alike. Jesus
models this for us in his own ministry with his chosen companions, the disciples.
I myself have been reminded of how valuable this time apart is, after taking my first Memorial Weekend off in about 30 years. One of my oldest and dearest friends came to visit me from England last month, and that time spent together
with our families, unplanned except for those things that brought us joy, was so re-
freshing to my soul. Work had to stop for just a few days, that my soul might rest.
I encourage you, as summer begins, to step back at times from what you “should” do to make time for what you “want” to do and for the people with whom
you most want to share time. You and your life will be the better for it, and more
ready to serve and praise the Lord that we love.
Blessings, Pastor Lisa
BE INFORMED
http://www.vaumc.org
Keep up with all that’s going on
within the Virginia United Methodist
Conference by visiting —
Schedule for Music Ministry of St. Luke’s UMC June 2019
Make sure you like the St. Luke’s Facebook page to keep up with everything going on
at church. Also, please like and share the posts and events. The more we share and like, the
more others will see what a wonderful place St. Luke’s is -- and all the things that we are doing!
Here’s a link to our page:
THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING!We are entering summer time and lots of us
will be taking vacations or weekend trips which
will take us away from church. Will you please remember that your church’s expenses do not take a vacation. Please continue to give to St. Luke’s during times you are away from church. Giving while away has been made easier by us-
ing our Text-Giving option that is now available. Simply text your donation to 804-476-2723. Of course, we are happy to receive checks or cash
as always. Have a great summer! Scottie KyleTreasurer
Sunday - June 02, 2019 9:15-9:45 Music office Xylo-
phones-percussion-singing Sunday - June 02, 2019 10:00-11:30 Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship
Wednesday - June 05, 2019 7:30-8:45 Chancel choirrehearsal in choir room Sunday - June 09, 2019 9:15-9:45 Music office Xylophones-percussion-singing Sunday - June 09, 2019 10:00-11:30 Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship Wednesday - June 12, 2019 7:30-8:45 Chancel choir re-
hearsal in choir room
Sunday - June 16, 2019 9:15-9:45 Music officeXylophones-percussion-singing and participation in worship Sunday - June 16, 2019 10:00-11:30 Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship conclusion. We will resume in September
2019.
Our ladies are presently shopping for the specific items needed to complete Health Kits to be delivered to Annual Conference this year.
As you know, these kits are held at the Sager Brown depot and distrib-
uted immediately when disasters occur, here or abroad. Thanks go out to our congregation for the generous donations of items again this year,
as well as cash in support of this annual mission. St. Luke’s UMW is proud to report that we matched last year’s numbers and are delivering
37 Health Kits to this worthy mission.
UMW Mission Work
Thank You to all who helped with the weeding the flower beds and cutting the shrubs. Thank You to Brad Butler and Rick Beeckler for cutting up and cleaning up the branches that fell near
the playground.
Thank You
THANKS to the preschool for raising 182
dollars in coins for mission to support Africa
University in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe. Africa University is the first university on the continent of Africa, founded and supported by the United
Methodist Church. It specializes in agriculture, medicine and ministry.
GRADUATE SUNDAY for those completing
high school or college is June 2nd. Graduates
who are church members will be recognized with a gift, and graduates who are related to members will be recognized by their names being read. Reception will follow the worship service.
PAPER TOWEL TUBES are needed for our Vacation Bible School. Please bring paper towel holders only (not toilet tissue rolls) to the church office. Deadline is June 24th.
WE CELEBRATE an increasing number of children in our church nursery. What a joy! Now,
another pair of hands is needed to assist our
nursery workers. If you could volunteer to as-
sist with the little ones once every two months,
please sign up on the clipboard! Child Protective
Training required.
RECYCLING HELP baskets for recycling paper
are located at both entrances to the sanctuary. Please deposit paper only, no trash in them. We also need a few people to pick up the recy-
cling occasionally.
Congratulations to Bob Ford
who accompanies the Jubila-
tion Choir, and performed two concerts last month to which
St. Luke’s was invited. We are proud to have such a
talented musician, known all
over Richmond, leading our praises here at St. Luke’s.
Upheld in our Prayers
Our MilitaryRobbie Bowen Aaron Frankey Holden Russell
Please keep the following in your prayers.
BirthdaysAfter General Conference, we pray for the unity of our de-nomination and the strength of its congregations and mis-sions around the world.
Anniversaries
June 3 Carla CollinsJune 4 Richard SineathJune 5 Shannon Bridgeman
Donna Miller
June 6 Michele Hart
June 7 David Hay June 8 Betsye Russell Bonnie Gold
June 9 Marcia Grubbs Karen Courtney
June 12 Andrew RohlkJune 14 Jean Martin
June 16 Emily Anderson
Rose Kessler
June 22 Jo Ann Jackson
Ashley Worner
June 23 Jan HallJune 25 Mitch Glover
June 28 Mary Meador
Amber Gardner
June 29 Kathy Gardner June 30 Dennis Haley Doris Jenkins
Wednesday Night Bible School
CAN YOU COUNT THE STARS? CAN YOU COUNT YOUR BLESS-INGS? HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO COUNT ALL THE JOYS GOD GIVES YOU EACH DAY? HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO NUMBER THE NICE THINGS YOUR MOM OR DAD DOES FOR YOU EACH DAY?
AT THIS BIBLE SCHOOL, WE WILL LEARN HOW GOD KEPT HIS PROMISES TO ABRAHAM AND SARAH. ABRAHAM AND SARAH WILL TEACH US THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
June 6 E.W. & Linda Toney
June 9 Bill & Andrea BrownJune 12 Jim & Marcia Grubbs
June 14 Brian & Rachel Kaeser June 16 Roland & Sue FussellJune 18 Bobby & Deanie ReynoldsJune 19 Jerry & Margaret Anderson Wayne & Katie Haley
William & Betty Hubble
June 22 Kevin & Tee Leigh
June 24 Roger & Beth BallJune 28 Bob & Jan Hall
Rev. Tom Brown Jessica Darnell Nancy Ladd David Sherwood Peggy Uglow Jan HallWilmer Downs Betty Wellman Debi ClementsMargaret Tucker Wayne Kinney Kerry MyersOpal Holshouser Renae Hedrick Dean Smith Andrew Schaeffer Marie Goodwyn Sharon HoyleGeorge Munford Sarah Schiltz Debbie WilliamsBetty Carr Katherine & Raymond FayleLori Jones & Samantha
Please keep in prayer, from June 15-19, our youth and their leaders: Lori Jones, Brad and Elizabeth Butler, as they venture to beautiful western North Carolina and serene Lake
Junaluska. As this group seeks to draw closer to God in
Christ amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, we pray a mountain-top experience for them all.
A Perfect Retreat
Wednesday Nite Bible School,will be May 29, June 5 and 12. From 5:30 -7:00 p.m.
With kid-friendly family worship from 7:00-7:30 p.m.
NEW SESSION
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Endowment Committee 5/21/2019
Committee members:
Jerry Anderson, Zeb Saunders, Ray Kyle, Scottie Kyle, Rachel Kaeser, Nancy Taylor, Lisa Sykes
The committee met for the fourth time on May 21, 2019 at 7:15PM.
Tommy Herndon of the Virginia United Methodist Foundation attended the meeting to help
with the transition of funds from Ameriprise to VUMF.
The following is a summary of the items discussed and actions taken:
• The committee reviewed the available funds previously discussed with Mr. Herndon as to their risk factor and present performance.
•The committee voted to invest in The Balance and Balance Plus funds equally (50% in each). • The Balance Fund is 60% stocks and 40% bonds. • The Balance Plus Fund is 55% stocks, 25% bonds and 20% fixed investments. • The year to date return for these funds is around 12% and 10%. • The other fund options are stock and bond funds, the committee felt the risk factor for the stock funds is quite high and the return of the bond funds is low, although the risk factor for the bond
funds is low.
• The investments can be changed at any time and the performance will be monitored by the committee in the coming months.
• The $500.00 parsonage loan payment each month will be alternately invested in these funds each month.
• Ameriprise will be notified of our decision and the funds transferred to VUMF. • Mr. Herndon was approached about participating in our stewardship program in September to discuss further endowment options and services available through VUMF.
• Mr. Herndon informed the committee of a new endeavor of VUMF to provide legal services to church congregation members so they can have a simple will prepared at a reasonable cost of
around $50.00 to $70.00, this is still in the works and he will advise us with more information in the near future.
• With the endowment financial situation resolved the committee will concentrate on an amend- ment to the charter to clarify the intent of the charter as to the use of endowment funds.
Over the last few weeks the church has experi-enced several extra expenses making it difficult to pay all of our bills in a timely manner It would be greatly appreci-ated if you would consider giving a little extra at this time. Thank you for supporting your church so generously.
Scottie Kyle
Treasurer, St. Luke’s UMC
If You Are Able...
“Sorrow and Love flow mingled down”Our sincere sympathy to Cody Russell whose friend, Specialist Sean Cloutier,
claimed the promise of the
resurrection on Sunday, May 19th.
Karen Courtney in honor of Pastor Lisa
Gary and Ofelia Dunlap in honor of Lydia Ledesma
Gary and Ofelia Dunlap in memory of Dorothy Dunlap
Chris Halloran in memory of Lorraine Halloran
Chris Halloran in memory of Jane Myers
C. W. Rice in honor of Kelly Rice
C. W. and Kelly Rice in honor of Diane Rust
C. W. and Kelly Rice in honor of Nancy Rice
Woody and Debbie Smart in memory of
Dorothy Hickman
Woody and Debbie Smart in memory of Thelma Smart
Bobbie Strum in honor of Rhea Strum
Bobbie and Rhea Strum in memory of Mary Hale Strum
Bobbie and Rhea Strum in memory of Mary Hedrick Strum
Bobbie and Rhea Strum in memory of Margaret R. Mahan
The Sykes Family in honor of Karen Courtney
Audrey E.Vogen in memory of Evelyn W. Everette
This Mother’s Day, the special candle upon the altar was dedicated by:
Name of Person Making this Dedication:
Name of man/men to be listed:
Please Check One: In Honor Of:In Memory Of:
Deadline: June 9, 2019 On your check indicate Father’s Day Candle Burning. All proceeds will go toward United Methodist Missions and Ministries.
Father’s Day Candle BurningJune 16, 2019What do you give to a Father who has everything? Remember your Father or a special man this Father’s Day by dedicating the burning of a special Father’s Day Candle. Names will be listed in the bulletin to honor/remember a
CAN’T YOU JUST SEE IN THESE FACES WHY ST. LUKE’S was once again awarded a top spot for Richmond Preschools by Style Weekly? We are honored, and so proud of our staff and teachers! Kudos to Ms.
Michele and Ms.Vicki who daily oversee the nurture and early childhood
education of 120 children.
Praises as Pastor Lisa
leads the children in
chapel songs, includ-
ing “He’s Got the Whole
World in His Hands!”
After our preschool baccalaureate
service, Preschool Sunday contin-
ues with a cold covered dish meal
and the always popular petting zoo!
NEW TRADITION On May 19, St. Luke’s began a new Sunday morning tradition of preschool baccalaureate! Our Preschool Graduates came down the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance, and delighted us with their wisdom and song. This tradition is sure to be continued.
Celebration and praise on Preschool Sunday!
Proud St. Luke’s Preschool graduates pose for picture.
July 14-18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School
Don’t miss the best week of Summer. next to vacation.Reserve your spot now. Just click the link below:
Volunteers may register on the same site. (Background checks andChild Protective Policy Training required of all adult volunteers.)
Come share in the adventure and learn that even though life can be wild sometimes, no matter what, God is al-ways good, and God is always with us!
Our Bible School Celebration will be on Sunday July 21from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
https://vbspro.events/p/events/slumc-lcos
CALENDARJune, 2019Saturday, June 11:00 pm-4:00 pm
Cub Scouts (F.H.)
St. Luke’s seeks to be a spiritual community where all God’s chil-dren experience Christ’s love and redemption and where we share this through worship, fellowship, education and mission for the community and the world.
Sunday, June 29:15 am (Graduate Recognition Sunday)9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:30 amGraduate Reception11:30 am-12:30 pm Trustees (P)12:30-5:30 pm Bob Ford, S & F.H.4:00-5:30 pm Youth (F.H.)7:00 pm NAMI
Location Codes: F.H. – Fellowship Hall, P – Parlor,
B – Basement, M.R. – Music Room, S – Sanctuary
Monday, June 34:15 pm Safe Haven
7:00-8:30 pmScouts & Cub Scouts
(F.H. & all rooms upstairs)Cub Scouts (Basement - 4th Monday of month) DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, June 239:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship 7:00 pm NAMI
Monday, June 246:30 pm-7:30 pmU.M. Men (F.H.)7:00-8:30 pmScouts & Cub Scouts
(Cub Scouts Basement & Sanctuary 4th Mon. of month)
Sunday, June 9(Day of Pentecost-Wear Red)9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:30amFinance Committee (P)4:00 pm-5:30 pm Youth (F.H.)7:00pm NAMI
Tuesday, June 115:00 am-8:00 pmElection Day (F.H.)7:15 pm Administrative Council (Parlor)
Sunday, June 16(Father’s Day Candle Burning)9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship7:00 pm NAMILake Junaluska Retreat (Youth)
Monday, June 107:00-8:30 pmScouts & Cub Scouts
(entire building)(S)
Tuesday, June 18Lake Junaluska
Retreat (Youth)
Wednesday, June 510:00 am-12 noon Susannah Wesley Circle (F.H.) 5:30pm-7:30 pm Wednesday Nite Bible School
7:30 pm-8:45 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Thursday, June 136:30 pm-7:30 pmGirl Scouts – Troop 5228 (B)
Wednesday, June 196:30 pm-7:30 pmGirl Scouts – Troop 337 (F.H.)
Friday, June 14(Flag Day)9:00 am-12 noonQuilting (F.H.)
Monday, June 177:00-8:30 pmScouts & Cub Scouts
(F.H. & all rooms upstairs)Lake Junaluska Retreat (Youth)
Wednesday, June 1210:00 am-12 noon Young at Heart
– at Saunders’ home
5:30 pm-7:30 pmWednesday Nite Bible
School
7:30 pm-8:45 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Tuesday, June 256:30 pm - 8:30 pmBPSA (P)
Tuesday, June 47:00 pmAnnual Conference
Orientation. Good Shepherd UMC
Thursday, June 20Lake Junaluska (Youth return)Annual Conference – Roanoke
Friday, June 219:00 am-12 noonQuilting Group
Annual Conference - Roanoke
Wednesday, June 265:30 pm-7:30 pmWednesday Nite Bible School
