Lenten Small Groups Form This Monthsee back cover

A Guide to the Month Ahead: January 2015

Super Bowl Pizza Orders Start NOW! Watch for Tables in West Passage, P. 6

Get Out of Town and Take Your Small Group with You! Try A “See. Serve. Surrender.” Trip, P. 10

Chili Cook-off P. 2

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Children

Youth

Emerging Adults

Adult Learning

Spiritual Life Center

Worship & the Arts January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s: a publication of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260317-846-3404 www.stlukesumc.comA PDF version of Connections is available at www.stlukesumc.com.

The submission deadline forfor the next Connections@St.Luke’s is Jan. 1

Outreach

Hours St. Luke’s office is open 8:30AM-5PM Monday-Friday. Our Prayer Chapel is available for silent prayer and meditation when the church is open. In case of a pastoral emergency, call 317-846-3404. After hours, leave a message including how you can be reached by the on-call pastor.

Frequent Needs ..........................Name, ExtensionAdult Class Registration ..................................... Terri Coe, 308Childcare Needs for Meetings/Events ............... Kristi Chamberlain, 307 Member Care/Death/Hospitalization Stephen Ministry Request ................................. Mary Katherine Schnitz, 365Membership/Births/Address/Phone Change .... Sylvia Forbes, 343Special Events/Room Reservation ..................... Heather Backus, 325Weddings ........................................................... Allison Flickinger, 370Baptisms ............................................................ Kristi Chamberlain, 307Pledge Balance/Information .............................. Faina Kleyner, 313Oasis Bookstore ................................................. Sharon Holyoak, 350Communication/Marketing Support ................. Patricia Case, 328Early Childhood Weekday Program ................... Mollie Smith, 844-3399The Garden ........................................................ Judy Tolley, 310

Email Staff email is last name followed by first initial, followed by @stlukesumc.com, for example: casep@stlukesumc.com

8 Care

13 Fellowship/UMW

21 New Here?

Lift Every Voice and Sing!

Congratulations to the St. Luke’s Worship and the Arts Department for a beautiful Christmas Concert. Not only did your music bless the listeners, but audiences contributed $12,000 toward the first year of operations of the new Crooked Creek Food Pantry. See page 11 to learn more about the food pantry.

Sunday WorshipSt. Luke’s is an open community of Christians, offering multiple worship opportunities designed to meet you where you are in your journey with Christ. To receive Tuesday & Thursday weekly e-devotions related to Sunday’s sermon – sign up for Pastor Rob’s Rev-elation e-newsletter: www.stlukesumc.com/e-newsletters.

Sermons At St. Luke’s Sermons on the Main Campus Series Topic – You Must Be Dreaming: Finding hope for Today’s Toughest ProblemsJan. 4 – Gender EqualityJan. 11 – Gay MarriageJan. 18 – Racial Equality, Part IJan. 25 – Racial Equality, Part IIFeb. 1 - Immigration

Messages at The Garden Jan. 4 – This is the YearJan. 11 – It’s a GiftJan. 18 – It Shouldn’t Hurt to be Different (guest speaker, Kevin Wanzer)Jan. 25 – Using our Outside Voices

Worship @8 & 9:15AM8, 9:15AM in the Sanctuary with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Senior Pastor – These services fea-ture relevant messages by our senior pastor, while engaging worshipers in a robust, clas-sic musical experience. Organ, Chancel Choir, and on the third Sunday of each month, a full Orchestra lift hearts and minds in praise of God. The classic style of liturgy, invites the worshiper into a setting that carries on traditions of the church in a time-honored, yet forward-looking fashion.

Worship @10:45AM10:45AM in the Sanctuary with Rev. Rob Fuquay, Senior Pastor – St. Luke’s expanded its family of worship styles to include a con-temporary service on Sunday mornings in the Sanctuary. It features relevant messages by our senior pastor along with amazing musical talent and a more relaxed, interac-tive environment.

Later @St. Luke’s6PM in Robertson Chapel with Dr. Marion Miller – Experience a multi-faceted worship that draws on cultural expressions of spirituals, Gospel, hymns and jazz music; featuring Later Band and Vocals, and a thought-provoking message. Communion is served every Sunday and is available to all persons. Light refreshments before and after worship.

The GardenNEW WORSHIP TIMES: 8:45 & 10AM at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre with Dr. Linda McCoy – The Garden is a satellite ministry of St. Luke’s providing non-traditional worship in a comfortable, casual setting. Music is provided by The Good Earth Band. The worship experience is hosted off campus at 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis. It is designed to reach out to those who might not otherwise engage with an established Christian community.

Taizé5-5:45PM Third Sunday of each month, by the baptismal font in the Sanctuary, with musical community and Rev. Kim King – This service of peace and candlelight offers a contemplative style of worship. Silence, scriptures, prayer and music combine to engage worshipers in a spiritual experience.

1Many Styles. Many Locations. One Community. St. Luke’s UMC.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Worship

Taizé Musical Community Small vocal and instrumental ensemble serving at monthly Taizé service (third Sunday, 5-5:45PM), rehearses one hour before each service. Contact Music Director Mark Squire at squirem@stlukesumc.com. Taize worship pictured above.

If You Love Tech, Check This Out!If you’re fascinated by stage lighting, love the behind-the-scenes place of audio cables, iPads and sound reinforcement, OR love the artistic possibilities of projection during worship, the AVMedia Ministry is excited to meet you! Director Jason Barnes (barnesj@stlukesumc.com) is expanding the team that creates so much of the production ‘magic’ at St. Luke’s, and is welcoming individuals of various levels of experience. Loving to serve is key. Contact Jason for more information and to explore the possibilities of service!

Worship Stage Team Needs You!There are lots of moving parts to our worship services – and plenty of wonderful people playing a variety of roles. Behind the scenes are the opportunities for individuals to serve as stage managers and stage technicians. These folks help direct traffic and make sure technical matters are not overlooked in the midst of all the spiritual and musical blessings of worship! A little theatre experience is helpful, but not required. Contact Fran Wyatt (wyattf@stlukesumc.com) to explore possibilities – and the best ministry fit for you!

Looking for Your Place to Serve?There are a variety of involvement schedules and musical levels where you can become involved with St. Luke’s Music Ministries. There are even non-musical needs to help support the hundreds of music makers. If you’d like to share your gifts in music ministry, contact Nancy in the Music Ministry Office at faithn@stlukesumc.com to learn more about the rewarding possibilities!

2

T h a T ’ s O n e h O T T i c k e T !

Sunday, Jan. 2510:30am-1:30pm

Great Hall

/perSon, $20/Family maxTickets in East and West passage starting Jan. 11

Besides heartburn, what is to be gained by this affair, you ask? Proceeds benefit the St. Luke’s Children’s Music Program, which provides first-class musical instruction, at no cost, to students ranging from 3½ years to high school. Funds will help cover costs for youth to participate in the Royal School of Church Music Summer Training Course in St. Louis and for new music equipment. Some of these talented youngsters will perform during the cook-off.

Students in this program learn to worship and serve God by sharing their music, including singing and performing with instruments in many worship services throughout the year.

Are you known as the “Champ of Chili” or the “Master of Mac & Cheese?” Then enter the Annual Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-Off, and take on last year’s “Top Chef” champion! Sign up to bring your top-secret recipe at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/8050548ACA72EA13-third

Questions? Contact: Debra Nethercott (nethercottd@stlukesumc.com) or Chili Cook-Off Chair, Melanie Walker

To learn more about becoming one of the musically trained assistants who support this effort with their time and talent, or to learn how to enroll your children in this program, contact Debra Nethercott.

PreschoolJanuary 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

4

WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL & PARENTS’ DAY OUT REGISTRATIONReturning Families Registration: January 12-23, 2015 Church & Community Registration: February 10, 2015 in East Passage 9:30-10:30AMFor information regarding openings for the current school year or to register for the 2015-2016 school year please call 844-3399 or contact Mollie at smithm@stlukesumc.com or Alison at strawmyera@stlukesumc.com

PRESCHOOLClasses (9AM-1PM) for three to five year olds are offered in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. All teachers are experienced, qualified, well-trained and strive to maintain strong relationships with the children and their families. Preschool offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum where children may grow socially, creatively, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2015 to enroll for the 2015-2016 school year.

PARENTS’ DAY OUTClasses (9AM-1PM) are offered for children ages 10 months to 3 years. PDO was established to provide parents of young children time for themselves on a regular basis. Children participate in structured play in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. Opportunities are provided for children to learn beginning social skills while having fun. Children must be 10 months by September 1, 2015 to enroll for the 2015-2016 school year.

Bringing Baby HomeThursdays from Feb. 12-Mar. 12 (5 weeks) from 6:30-8:30PM at St. Luke’s For couples (pregnant & with children up to three years old); $125/couple childcare provided, scholarships available. Direct questions to Heather Hilbert, HilbertH@stlukesumc.com

The transition to parenthood for a couple can be challenging. Research shows that within three years after the birth of a baby, approximately 2/3 of couples will experience a significant drop in relationship quality and have a dramatic increase in conflict and hostility. The goal of the Bringing Baby Home program is to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening the parental relationship. By teaching couples how to build a strong emotional foundation in their family during the very early stages of a child’s life, children are raised in healthier environments. These benefits result in positive changes for families. Once this foundation is established in a family, research shows that children do better in school, adapt better socially, and are physically and emotionally healthier. The content of this program is designed to teach parents to:

• Increase friendship in their relationship• Deal effectively with conflict• Keep dads involved in infant care and parenting• Improve the quality of parent-infant interaction• Recognize the psychological and emotional needs of

their child• Co-parent effectively

The workshop will be conducted by Shannon Loehr, LCSW.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

SuNDAy MORNING OPTIONS:

Preschool at 9:15 & 10:45As we enter into the year 2015, it’s a time when many of us evaluate where we are and where we want to go. What do we really need to do this year? Where do we need to go? Whom do we need in our lives? I know Someone we ALL need. We all need Jesus. I need Jesus. you need Jesus. Even our little preschool friends need Jesus. And, that’s what we’re sharing with them this month.

Each week, our preschool friends will hear a story of someone who really needed Jesus— like in a very big way. The blind man needed Jesus to help him see for the very first time. (Oh, how preschoolers love the mud aspect of this story.) The lame man needed Jesus to heal him so he could get up and walk. Not to mention that he needed his four friends to get him to Jesus.

The deaf man needed Jesus to help him hear and talk. Can you imagine suddenly being able to hear and speak clearly having never done so before? How awesome!! The ten lepers needed Jesus to heal them, and He did. My favorite part of that story is the one guy who comes back to say ”thank you.” We made sure to include that part in the activities as we want our preschoolers to say “thank you” too.

All these men really needed Jesus to do some pretty big things. And, sometimes preschoolers need Jesus for some pretty big things, at least they’re big to them. What we want our preschoolers to know is that we all need Jesus, and He is there with us each and every day to love us and to help us. What an amazing Savior He is.

Elementary at 9:15 & 10:45 Have you never had to endure a child learning to play the clarinet? It’s pretty awful. It sounds more like a person strangling a duck than anything close to actual music. But that goes with any musical instrument, doesn’t it? To become great at playing an instrument, you need to practice … to rehearse. you need to commit to sticking with it even when you don’t feel like it.

Maybe you’re not really a “music person.” Maybe your interest involves the soccer field or basketball court. Or maybe you find yourself at home on the stage acting or dancing. Whatever your “thing,” you know firsthand that in order to get better—to master your sport or hone your craft—you have to put in the work and practice!

The same is also true for faith. It takes practice

to grow and mature in your relationship with God. It takes commitment. That’s why we’re spending the whole month of January to discover how commitment can show up in our lives as we practice our faith. Commitment is making a plan and putting it into practice.

Still, practicing isn’t something that comes naturally to any of us. That’s why we need a plan. And the best place to start is with spiritual disciplines; or what we call in the Orange world, “faith skills.”

At Orange, we have four faith skills that we think kids need to practice to know God better. We’re taking this month of commitment to dig deeper into these faith skills to help kids get a handle on what it means to practice their faith.

We use four simple words to help us remember these skills: HEAR. PRAy. TALK. LIVE.

Each week this month, we’ll focus on one of the faith skills as we talk about making a plan and putting it into practice.

Children’s Music MinistriesWe have many musical opportunities for children ages 3-1/2 through Junior High. For more information contact Debra Nethercott (“Miss Deb”) at nethercottd@stlukesumc.com.

Hospitality Volunteers

We need extra hands to help families with

children navigate our church building – to

greet new families with a warm smile,

to help them register their children for the

first time and to guide them to their new

classrooms. To be one of these important

people, please contact Heather

Hilbert at hilberth@stlukesumc.com.

@StLukesTrack or text “follow @stlukestrack” to 40404 stlukesumc.com/ministries/children St. Luke’s uMC - The Track

5Children

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Youth6

@LiveInTuneyM stlukesumc.com/youth Join our Facebook groups! @liveintunejh and @liveintunehs

Sunday Morning Middle School (5th-6th Grade)9:15-10:30AM @ The Modge (Modular building near Door 16) The newly renovated Modge is located between the main church building and Luke’s Lodge. Come early at 9AM for games, snacks, and hangout time! There is a high-energy time of worship, large group teaching, and breakouts into small groups with dedicated teachers.

Jr. High (7th-8th Grade)9:15-10:30AM @ Luke’s Lodge10:45-11:45AM @ Luke’s Lodge (5th-7th Grade)10:45 - Sanctuary (8th Grade)Teens can check out a fun, welcoming atmosphere at the Lodge! Come early for game systems, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and pool. First, we head to the chapel for a game, live worship, a message and small groups. See you on Sundays!

High School9:15-10:30AM, @ Luke’s Lodge 10:45AM, Sanctuary High school youth group meets on Sunday mornings in Luke’s Lodge for student-led worship, a brief message, small group breakouts, experiential learning, and time for hanging out with friends. Whether you’re already plugged in or new to high school youth activities, this is the place to connect! All high school youth and friends are welcome!

Events/ActivitiesYouth Winter Kick Off January 18Snow is in the forecast and winter is upon us! What a perfect time to get together and re-energize! Mark your calendars for the youth Winter Kick off Sunday, Jan. 18 from 6-8PM, Great Hall. There will be Carnival-themed food, life-sized games, sweet prizes and much more. Invite your friends and join us for a fun night together.

MLK Day of Service January 19In the spirit of Martin Luther King’s message of hope and peace we will serve in our communityon January 19 from 9am to 3pm. Please pack a lunch and join us for this day of service andappreciation for our community. Sign up online at http://www.stlukesumc.com/ministries/youth/

Watch for these Upcoming Events

Feb. 13-15 - High School Winter RetreatFeb. 15 - Grades 5 to 7 - Laser Tag Event!

Mar. 6-7 - Grades 5 & 6 - Superstart Conference

Our Mission: To welcome all youth and families into loving, Christ-centered relationships where they can get in tune with God’s amazing love and be empowered to transform the world!

Register for any event at www.stlukesumc.com/youth.

Kevin Davis, Director of Youth Ministry, davisk@stlukesumc.com; 846-3404 x326

Mindie Moore, Associate Director of Emerging Adults, Moorem@ stlukesumc.com, 84603404, x369

Heather Campbell, Associate Director of Youth Ministry, campbellh@stlukesumc.com, 846-3404 x346

Colleen Baumgartner, Administrative Assistant, baumgartnerc@stlukesumc.com. 846-3404 x323

Pizzas for Super Bowl Sunday!Pizza on Super Bowl Sunday is a given, so relax and let St. Luke’s youth prepare your cheese, sausage, pepperoni, sausage and pepperoni, veggie, and supreme (pepperoni, green peppers, onions and mushrooms) handmade pizzas! Stop by the tables in the East and West Passages on January 4, 11, 18, and 25 to sample and order your pizzas, then simply pick them up after the service you attend on the morning of February 1. All of these 14 inch pizzas are $10; cash, checks payable to St. Luke’s youth, and credit cards (minimum of two pizzas for credit card orders) are gratefully accepted. Out of town in January? Order online at http://www.stlukesumc.com/forms/r7s5z1/. Proceeds help St. Luke’s youth pay for mission trips, retreats, and other activities.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Emerging Adults 7

Connection GroupsTo give input into this ministry or launch a new group yourself, contact Mindie Moore, MooreM@stlukesumc.com.

VolleyBallMondays, 8:30-9:30PM, St. Luke’s Gym (Great Hall). unwind after a long day with a round of volleyball with friends. Led by Kelly Scptt (ScottK@stlukesumc.com).

Post-College Women’s GroupEvery Tuesday Night at 6pm. This group of women meets weekly for community and growing together in faith!

6:01 Happy Hour With a Twist: Every Thursday Night at 6:01pm at HopCat in Broad Ripple. COMING IN JANuARy! Come enjoy food, drink, and God talk with good people every week! Led by Jason Davidson and Dee Dee Addison.

Facebook GroupsCheck out our Facebook groups: “St. Lukes uMC - College Students” or “St. Luke’s uMC - young Adult Ministries” to stay updated on all events and to connect with other members.

It has been an incredible few months of Emerging Adult ministry! Some highlights from 2014 include defining our ministry focus to the 18- to 29-year-old community at St. Luke’s, a social event at Three Wise Men, Weekend Mission Trip to Chicago, Friendsgiving Dinner, and the development of new small groups! It’s been amazing to see this community grow and welcome new people every week. Our team has also had the opportunity to visit a couple college campuses to connect with our students who are away at school!

So, 2015 is sure to be a big year for Emerging Adults. Our main focuses for the upcoming year will be solidifying our small group offerings, creating more opportunities to serve our city with Outreach Ministries, making room to grow spiritually, and actively engaging our college students in our growing community.

Thanks to everyone who has supported this new ministry through prayer, volunteering, and participation!

Want to get involved? Contact Mindie Moore for opportunities!

One of our small groups feeling thankful at “Friendsgiving Dinner.”

Mindie Moore, Associate Director for Emerging Adults, moorem@stlukesumc.com; 846-3404, x 369

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

Grief Ministries Healing Under Grief Support 2PM Sundays in the Parlor, with dinner out at 4PMIf you have finished a small group grief support experience, HuGS may be a next-step group. This group is ongoing for anyone who has lost a spouse or significant life partner. Contact Marsha Hutchinson, marsha2944@gmail.com

HOPEMonthly, 2nd Tuesday, 7PM, Spiritual Life Center For any couple or single parent who has lost a baby to miscarriage, fetal demise, stillbirth, or early infant death due to genetic issues, S.I.D.S, or any other. For more information contact Marsha Hutchinson at marsha2944@gmail.com. A memorial garden is located on the west side of St. Luke’s for any perinatal or infant loss. Engraved plaques may be ordered and mounted on the brick garden wall. For information contact Marci and Jim Harenberg at 317-705-0771.

Men’s Spousal Loss Grief GroupEvery Thursday from 1-2PM in Luke’s Lodge (northeast corner of church property)This men’s group will meet for fellowship and support and to allow a safe and confidential place to “say it all” with other men who understand this complex journey. Whether you have lost a spouse recently or years ago, you are invited to join. For more information, call Bob Shive at 317-253-8184, or rlshive@yahoo.com.

Dad’s Child Loss Grief GroupFor any father who has lost a young adult child. The Dad’s group meets every Tuesday at 7AM for light breakfast at the Le Peep, 8255 Craig Streeet, Castleton area, and Thursdays at 7AM at Denny’s at I-65/Greenwood Exit.

Support GroupsChronic Pain Support GroupMonday, Feb. 16, 6:30PM, N101/102 A support group for patients with all types of neuropathic and fibromyalgia pain and for their families and friends. No registration is required. Questions? Contact Dr. Meg Frazer at 317-844-2903 or margaret.L.frazer@pfizer.com.

Family Support GroupWednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30PM, Conference Room Emotional and spiritual support for families who have a member abusing drugs or alcohol.

Adult ADD Support GroupThursday, Jan. 15, 7-8:30PM, W125. Support for adults with ADD. For more information call Mary Katherine at 317-846-3404 x365.

Caregiver Support GroupSecond Tuesdays of the month, 6:30-8PM Main Office Conference RoomThere are no rehearsals for this new role in which many find themselves caring for aging parents just as they prepare to be empty nesters. Contact Tina Voelker (dtsnag@sbcglobal.net) or Leanne Jackson (LRJackson57@gmail.com) for more information.

St. Luke’s Health MinistryA Chance to Care; a Chance to HealSpiritual, emotional and physical health are naturally connected. Whether you have time and skill to share or learn, or you are in need of health care services, Health Ministries & Parish Nurses offer services and programming that support the integration of a healthy lifestyle into the life of faith. Offerings include screenings, assessments, blood drives, and educational seminars that help individuals examine lifestyle choices that promote wellness. To volunteer or to register for classes or care, contact st.lukeshealthministry@gmail.com.

Need To Talk To Someone Who Cares?The winter months can bring on feelings of sadness or even depression, especially if you are dealing with difficult circumstances. If you have a burden that is hard to bear alone, we stand ready to accompany you. Please contact the Care Team at 846-3404 or email kingk@stlukesumc.com to arrange a time to share your concern.

Stephen Ministers Stand ReadyFeeling a little less than Happy about the New year? Our Stephen Ministrers are a trained group of care companions to help you remember that none of us is on this journey alone. Contact Mary Katherine Schnitz to learn more, SchnitzM@stlukesumc.com or call 846-3404 and ask for the Care team.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

8 Care

Free Blood Pressure Screening 9-10:30AMJan. 11Conference Room in Main Office (watch for signs)Join us for this free service on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

Blood Drive 9AM-1PMJan. 11Great HallQuarterly blood drive performed by Indiana Blood Center. Must be 17 years or older.

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

LOCAL OPPORTuNITIES

English as a New LanguageThe Fall 2014 Session of English as a New Language was very successful and we are looking forward to our 2015 session. This program is comprised of 54 ENL students, 75 children, eight volunteer teachers, 24 volunteer peer leaders, 24 North Central High School volunteers, and four volunteer cooks. As student numbers grow, we seek additional team members. Spring 2015 classes are Wednesdays, 6-8PM, beginning Jan. 7 and running through May 6 at St. Luke’s. Please contact Meghann Bowman (bowmanm@stlukesumc.com) for more information or to volunteer.

Give a Kid a Chance. Tutor.Fox Hill Elementary School Teachers are available and Butler university students train tutors on the curriculum. Contact Tom Lange, Fox Hill Relationship Manager at tom.c.lange@gmail.com; or complete the online volunteer form at www.stlukesumc.com/ forms/z7p5q9/.

Fletcher Place Community CenterHelp break the cycle of poverty for Fletcher Place clients. Sign up to serve breakfast, Jan. 8, 13, 16 & 27, and Feb. 10, 12, 20, 24 & 31. (Contact: Lucretia Scammahorn, 317-299-9472) Cook, transport and/or serve dinner meals Jan. 28 and Feb. 16 & 25. (Contact: Kay Horton, 317-253-9833). FPCC is always in need of goods for its pantry, cash donations and with the Christmas season approaching there are many opportunities for volunteering. For additional information or to provide donations in support of Fletcher Place, please contact.

Feed Every OneFeed Every One needs volunteers to take unsold food from area grocery stores to Indianapolis shelters on Tuesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. (Contact: Vick Knapke at vlkchiro@sbcglobal.net.)

East 10th Street UMCChildren & Youth CenterDo you work downtown and wish make a difference in child’s life? The East 10th United Methodist Children and Youth Center which serves over 120 children in its daycare and after-school programs is looking for volunteers who can share an hour reading to preschool children or helping children in the after-school program with their homework on afternoons, 4:30-5:30PM. Please email Cathy Neal at cbneal@gmail.com or

call 317-417-9099 for more information.

St. Luke’s partners with the Center and E. 10th Street united Methodist Church in its outreach initiative. As part of their outreach, they serve Sunday Community Dinners. This is a free dinner offered to those in need in the E. 10th neighborhood, serving 80-100 people each week on Sunday evenings. St. Luke’s helped out last year and would like to do that again.

January 25, March 22, and April 26, 2015. Twelve volunteers are needed each date (children 3rd grade and older are welcome, there must be one adult per child). We will serve and provide the meal.

To volunteer for any of these dates visit http://www.stlukesumc.com/outreach/local/. The meal will be served with food donations we receive.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Outreach 9

Handy? Help Family Center

If you can swing a hammer or fix

stuff, consider this outreach opportunity:

Help Indiana Center for Children &

Families catch up on their “honey do”

maintenance list. Choose your own

hours, based on the daily facility schedule. Contact Sandi French at sfrench@mhai.net

for more information.

Welcome, MeghannMeghann Bowman will be joining the St. Luke’s team in January as the Associate Director of Outreach Ministries. Meghann is a recent graduate of Taylor university where she studied Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Business as Mission.

In her time at Taylor, Meghann had many experiences that prepared her well for her current role at St. Luke’s. Some of these experiences include teaching English as a New Language to immigrants and refugees, training micro entrepreneurs in sales and business practice, and helping to jump start a student-run business at Taylor university.

Meghann is a small town girl with big dreams. She was raised on a dairy farm in Hagerstown, Indiana where the word “diversity” was more applicable to the cattle population than the human population. She had her first cross-cultural experience in 2008 as an exchange student in Argentina and her love for cross-cultural ministry expanded from there. Since that time, Meghann has traveled to six foreign countries and worked with immigrants and refugees from all over the world.

Meghann would describe herself as having a “head for business and a heart for the world” and she is thrilled to join the Outreach team.

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’sJanuary 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

10 Outreach

New Outreach Partner:Jordan YMCAOutreach Ministries is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Jordan yMCA at 86th and Westfield.Jordan yMCA focuses on building community and creating positive change for families, singles, college students, new couples and empty-nesters. St. Luke’s will be partner with the yMCA through seasonal events like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Back-to-School Extravaganza (August). Watch for more details in 2015.

NATIONAL OPPORTuNITIES

Take your Small Group to the Next Level with ‘See. Serve. Surrender.’What would it be like if your small group (a class, or affinity group like singles, women’s circle or men’s gathering) challenged each other to learn first-hand about mission? That’s the idea behind the See/Serve/Surrender program at St. Luke’s. Participants pay about $250 for a weekend adventure in another city, designed to demonstrate what God is doing beyond the Metro Indianapolis area. See/Serve/

Surrender invites participants to see each of the target cities in a new light; to serve with existing ministries in those locations not only to help their ministry, but also to gain new insight into mission practices applicable for St. Luke’s; and to surrender time, talent and treasure. Training, commissioning and a followup session included. Plan now for your service learning adventure. Options include: Cleveland, OH – Feb. 14-16 Detroit, MI – Apr. 23-26 St. Louis, MO – June 4-7 Rosebud, SD – June 13-19 Nashville, TN – September Direct questions to Meghann Bowman at bowmanm@stlukesumc.com.

What Will Your Kids Remember About Your 2015 Summer Vacation? The Lakota, who are known for the value they place on community, will welcome their St. Luke’s tiyospaye (extended family) June 14-20, 2015 for a week of living, loving and learning. This experience is meaningful for children of God ranging from seven years old to great-grandparents. Experience native cooking, traditional powwows, ceremonial events, games and spirituality (including a sweat lodge experience) – as well as a little construction work around the reservation. Reserve a place for your family today with $125 deposit at www.stlukesumc.com/outreach. Direct questions to Wendy McNarney, wpmcnarney@hotmail.com, or Robb Eads, Robb@eadsfamily.us

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTuNITIES

Spend 2015 College Spring Break on a Beach with Friends – in HaitiThat’s right. Hop on a plane to a faraway place in the sun and make a difference on something besides your tan. “Impact Experience,” March 14-21, 2015,partners with Haitians to change their lives – and yours. you’ll learn more about life in Haiti through the eyes of Haitian families and orphaned children. While there may be a hands-on construction-related task, the main goal will be for participants to develop an awareness of life in Haiti. Hike in the mountains, shop at the market, visit the health clinic, spend a day at a Caribbean beach. Participation is limited to 20 people. Secure your spot with $200 deposit toward the $900 registration cost at at www.stlukesumc.com/outreach. Additional cost for transportation (expect about $650 - $700). Pastor Jamalyn Peigh Williamson can answer questions at outreach@stlukesumc.com.

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

Next Steps for the mid-January opening of Crooked Creek Food Pantry located at 6900 N. Michigan Rd., include signing up people to help stock and staff the new pantry.

The Crooked Creek Food Pantry (CCFP) seeks to serve and invest in the Crooked Creek/Pike Township community by operating a client-choice food pantry, providing nutritional education, and building relationships to support family needs.

Nate Montgomery is the President of the CCFP Board. Other St. Luke’s Board members include, Steve Claffey and Pastor Jamalyn Peigh Williamson. Maria Blake is the Chair of Operations and Linda Claffey is the Director of Community Engagement.

The Pantry’s yearly budget is $38,000, with an open-for-business schedule of eight hours a week for the first quarter. By October, CCFP hopes to be open 18 hours a week with evening and weekend hours included.

To join the effort to end hunger in the Crooked Creek Community, please sign up to volunteer today at www.stlukesumc.com/outreach/local.

Volunteers are needed to:• work with clients, • restock shelves, • clean, • translate, • fundraise and • offer hospitality.

If you have questions please contact Maria Blake at mariawblake@yahoo.com or Meghann Bowman at bowmanm@stlukesumc.com.

Food Pantry to be Stocked and Staffed by Mid-January

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

People received:

• $100 Kroger Gift Cards

• A “Home Essentials” basket filled with paper goods and other important items that cannot be purchased with Food Stamps

• Customized gifts for the whole family

• Personal assistance in the shopping experience on Dec. 21 at St. Luke’s

• Just a little more hope for each family.

You hung an ornament.You made a difference.

Just Ask our 53 FamiliesAngel Tree collections supported the Christmas wishes and basic needs of 53 families and 100 homeless teens last month. Amazing, really. Many thanks to all who participated with donations, time, shopping and so many expressions of care for the people we serve.

Outreach 11

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s18 Foster Children and

1 Miracle By Dan Carpenter

“They said ‘Don’t get attached, she’s not going to make it.’ They said she would never walk or talk or ever call me Mommy,” Donna says 39 years later.

Her daughter endures multiple health problems. She needs a heroic amount of care. She also is witty, vivacious, kind, courageous, a movie buff, a wizard at jigsaw puzzles, and by her mother’s description, “the star of the family” that includes eight grown siblings.

“She’s been a blessing,” Donna says. “We thank God for her every day.”

As it happens, “Blessing” is the same word she uses for the band of volunteers from SAWs who stopped by in September to build a multi-level ramp at the rear of the Weimers’ Southside house, ending a daily ordeal of coming and going.

Cerebral palsy inflicted in infancy has left Beverly with lifelong balance difficulties and impaired vision. The front and back stoops of the home were not hospitable to her wheelchair, and her parents – Donna, 68, and Chuck, 77 – have disabilities of their own that doctors say will have them both in need of wheelchairs down the road. Living on modest pensions, but caught in the no-man’s-land just above eligibility for Medicaid, they have been “eaten up,” as Donna puts it, by medical bills from Beverly’s CP, diabetes, heart problems, seizures and injuries.

Nevertheless, the Weimers hesitated

when a relative mentioned SAWs. They thought others might be more deserving. The organization found the family most deserving when Donna finally made the contact, and the result was a handsome two-directional ramp of about 20 feet in length.

“They did a great job,” Chuck Weimer said as Donna eased Beverly down the structure a few days after installation.

“And they were so sweet,” Donna exclaimed. “We’d just been praying for this.”

For Beverly, the breakthrough came not a moment too soon: “I didn’t want to do those steps any more.”

To Jim Burleson, project manager for the crew that placed the Weimers’ ramp, the appreciation is mutual. And the work is, well, fun.

“I always equate it to going out with the guys on a Saturday morning to play golf, except instead of playing golf you’re doing some good,” he says. “The payday is when that client takes the first ride down the ramp, the joy on their face – and the caregiver too, who’s been muscling that chair up and down steps all that time.”

Burleson’s crew performed the third and fifth parts of a five-part process: interviewing a household to determine need and financial eligibility; surveying to determine placement and obstructions, such as gas lines; gathering materials; prefabricating components, and assembly.

A registered nurse in the Community Hospital system in his day job, Burleson has been volunteering with SAWs 10 years and works on 20 to 25 jobs a year. SAWs is on track to exceed its record of 115 ramps this year in the metro Indianapolis area, according to Jim Hamilton, project coordinator for the area.

They’ll never meet a more grateful recipient than the Weimers, who’ve spent their lives being grateful for the opportunity to love and serve young people in need.

“I’m selfish,” Donna Weimer says of her focus on foster-parenting the disabled. “I wanted the ones who could give me the most.”

She does not mean money. There was very little of that from the government. “I always dressed them as well as my own kids. I wanted them to be equal to everyone. I wanted them to feel good about themselves.”

As for Bev, Donna says, “God knew we were going to be a mess, so he sent her to keep us in line. And she has done that. She’s a miracle.”

A pretty fine “mess” her family is, if you ask the men who came to help.

“She is more of a giver,” Jim Burleson says of Donna Weimer. “So it’s good that she can be on the other side of the fence.”

Donna Weimer has been a foster parent to 18 handicapped

children over the years, and there was one three-year-old

she was determined to adopt.

Forget it, the doctors told her. Beverly wouldn’t reach age 5.

Brain-damaged by injuries before her fifth day of life, she was best

left to institutional care for the short time she’d been allotted.

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

13Fellowship

ElderberriesMonthly Euchre GameThe monthly Elderberries Euchre game will be Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6:45PM in the Parlor. Please bring a snack to share. For more information on Elderberries events or to make reservations, contact Adra Wheeler at 317-253-4914 or 317-846-3404.

SportsMen’s Basketball Open GymFor adult basketball enthusiasts (16+) who are looking to play friendly pick-up games

on Thursday nights from 7:30-9:30PM in the Great Hall. Weekly emails are sent to confirm players for the week. Contact Chris Lemming at 317-595-8545 or email chris.lemming@anthem.com.

Co-Ed Volleyball6:30 or 7:30PM, Mondays, through April 27, Great Hall. Players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to join the fun. Games emphasize fellowship: competitive, but friendly (no spiking, blocking, overhand serves). If you are interested in playing and are not already on a team, contact Brent Scott, 247-2065 weekdays, 875-9382 evenings, or brentsco10@att.net. Registration is $25/player.

SinglesSunday Lunch BunchSundays, 12:15PM Join us for fun, food and fantastic times! For more information, contact Armen at aa737us@yahoo.com or 317-298-8913.

Singles Fork, Knife & Glass DinnerFork, Knife and Glass is a community group for anyone who would like to have dinner once a month at a local restaurant and enjoy conversation and laughter with other singles. Hosted by Armen Avakian, aa737us@yahoo.com or 317-298-8913.

ToastmastersTuesdays, 7-8:30PM, N101/102 Toastmasters International offers effective ways to improve communication and leadership skills. Guests attend for free. For information, call Cathy Baker at 317-334-7821.

VolleyballMost Wednesdays & Fridays, 6:30PM, Great HallSee the schedule online or check the volleyball status line at 317-721-3099 after 4:30PM. The cost to play is $2. For information, visit the Singles Meetup page: www.meetup.com/St-Lukes-Singles/events or email slsvb@ecnsltng.com. you can also leave a message on the status line and one of the team leaders will return your call.

Check the Singles calendar online at www.stlukesumc.com/ministries/adult/singles

UMW Reading GroupMonday, Jan. 26, 7-8:30PM, Parlor. We will explore issues of wage protections, housing policy and affordable higher education when we discuss The American Way of Poverty: How the Other Half Still Lives by Sasha Abramsky. Newcomers are always welcome – please read the entire book for our conversation. For information, contact Jennifer Todd at jtoddosu@aol.com.

Eve Circle First & Third Tuesdays: Jan. 6 & Jan. 20, 9:30-11:30AM, Parlor. We invite all mothers to join us for fellowship, service projects and spiritual growth. Jan. 6 – we will be working on a Pinterest project. No prior crafting experience necessary. Jan. 20 – our meeting will be with pilgrimage healers. Free childcare is available by contacting evechildcare@yahoo.com. For more information or to receive email updates, contact evecircle@yahoo.com.

Hannah Circle Hannah Circle welcomes mothers working or staying at home that need an evening

circle and support group one evening a month from 7-8:30PM, Sept-March. Free childcare is provided by emailing childcare reservations at least one week in advance. We hope to connect mothers for Faith, Fellowship, and Mission through the support of our uMW. For more information or to receive our emails, email Dawn Bick at hannahcircle@gmail.com.

New Life Circle: Single Women Tues., Jan. 20, 7PM, Spiritual Life Center. We will gather for “Living Outside the Box” with Dr. Mary Rudy, inspirational author of Take Charge of Your Life. Share an evening with other creative women to see how to become the captain of your life, one day at a time.For additional information, contact Nancy at 341-5032 or email at nhopper@iupui.edu or Cathy at 334-7821. New Life Circle welcomes single, divorced, and widowed women of all ages.

UMW Soup Sales in FebruaryBegins Feb. 22. Soups will be $10 per Quart sold between services. Proceeds going to support missions.

United Methodist Women (UMW)

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’sJanuary 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

14 Adult Learning

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Adult Learning 15

9:15AM Sunday“On Being” Discussion - OngoingSundays, 9:15AM, Spiritual Life CenterIf you are a fan of Krista Tippett’s “On Being” radio show airing Sundays, FM90.1, then join Betty Brandt for a lively discussion of each week’s show. Krista interviews authors, spiritual leaders, storytellers, entertainers, scientists, and political activists. Listen to the show prior to class at www.onbeing.org. Podcasts of the show are posted on the Friday before the Sunday airing.

10:30AM/Later Sunday

Adult Sunday SchoolDoing the Right Thing Series – Sun., Jan. 4, 10:30-11:30AM, N101/102 – Come and explore the ethical and moral breakdown that is assaulting us from all sides. Join hosts Chuck Colson, Brit Hume, Dr. Robert George and a distinguished panel as they undertake a six-part exploration of ethics before a live student audience in Princeton, NJ. Examine and discuss these questions:• How did we get into this mess?• Is there truth, a moral law we can all know?• If we know what is right, can we do it?• What does it mean to be human?• Ethics in the Market Place• Ethics in Public Life

Empty Nesters - Ongoing Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Parlor This Sunday school class/social group started when participants were new empty nesters. They continue

to face post-empty-nest challenges together, and welcome others to morning studies and monthly dinner or other events beyond the classroom.

Sermon Discussion - OngoingSundays, 10:45AM, N103/104 Discuss the sermon after the 8 or 9:15AM service; class led by Craig Overmyer & Gary Chambers.

New Perspectives - Ongoing Sundays, 10:45-11:45AM, Spiritual Life Center A welcoming community of theologically diverse people seeking a place to respectfully share and explore ways to deepen their faith and increase understanding of what it means to be Christian. Expect DVD series with discussion led by Don Reed.

Singles Bible Study - OngoingSundays, Jan 4, 10:45-noon, E105We’ll be studying Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth. Books available in Oasis Bookstore.

Weekdays for WomenChristian Chat 2nd & 4th Mondays, 10-11:30AM, Spiritual Life Center Drop in for interesting discussions about Christian topics and to enjoy fellowship in this class designed for busy women. Each session is self-contained, and there is no homework. Join as your schedule permits, and come late or leave early as needed.

Women’s Bible Study Wednesdays, 1:15-2:15PM, E105 Join Leader Terri Coe and other women for lively conversations related to various Bible studies be they of a book of the Bible, theme-related, or character studies. Jan. 7 - Feb. 18, we’ll take up Noah Built His Ark in the Sunshine, an exploration of trusting God before the storm comes.

Whether you are new, returning or experienced in Christian faith, St. Luke’s Adult Learning Opportunities are designed to help you find the “next step” on your faith journey.

Registration & Child Care

Please pre-register if class description requests that and/

or if you would like to request our

complementary childcare, which is

offered for some of the classes. Visit

www.stlukesumc.com, type the class name in the upper

right search bar and then click on the link to the class.

If the Internet baffles you, call us

as 317-846-3404 and ask for help.

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’sJanuary 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

16 Adult Learning

Thursday Afternoon Book StudyThursdays, 1-2:30PM, ParlorJoin this group to read and discuss a diverse selection of literature. The Oleander Girl by Chitea Divakaruni is this month’s selection. Class facilitator is Phyllis

Bybee. Books are available in Oasis Bookstore.

Weekdays for All AdultsA Faith that Makes a Difference: An Introduction to Discipleship

6 Tuesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17, 6:30-7:30PM, Room E105 – Leader: Terri Coe, Director of Adult MinistriesWe all want to have a faith that matters but what does this mean? What are the life-changing beliefs and practices that help

us embrace God’s love and grace, follow Christ, and live life with meaning and purpose? Through scripture, story and conversation, explore next steps for your personal spiritual journey. The workbook, The Wesleyan Way: A Faith that Matters, will be a resource used in class and can be purchased in the Oasis Bookstore. To register, go to the homepage of our website www.stlukesumc.com and click on the icon you’ll find there. Childcare available upon request.

Morning Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30AM, The Forum at The Crossing An off-site senior adult Bible Study. Led by Terri Coe, Mary Katherine Schnitz and others.

Café ConversationWednesdays, 9:30-11AM, E105 Join Pastor Marion Miller for a conversation on a topic to be announced.

Pastors’ Book Study - OngoingWednesdays, 10-11:30AM, Parlor The Pastors’ Book Study has rotating staff members leading discussions on books throughout the year.

From Jan. 7 through Feb. 11, Pastor David Williamson will lead discussion on the book Playing God by Andy Crouch. Class coordinators are Judi Hosfeld and Sally Pearson. No registration necessary. Books are available in Oasis.

Celebrate Diversity Taught by Kevin Wanzer, Sunday, Jan. 18, 1-2:30PM, Fellowship Hall – (13 or older). Embrace various aspects of your identity, and explore how you really feel about differences in others. come prepared to play, move and interact fully. Sponsored by The Garden. Registration at www.thegardenonline.org.

Living the QuestionThursdays, through Mar. 5, 7-9PM, Garden Meeting Room C-124. Facilitator Barb Hale, MA-SF, with Rev. Linda McCoy on March 5th. On our faith journey we may encounter questions about God, Jesus or The Bible. This group will examine videos of 30 leading religious voices and discuss many of those the questions. Register: thegardenonline.org.

Retreats & TravelCivil Rights Pilgrimage March 5-9, Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham & Memphis. Register by Dec. 31, $950. Join this pilgrimage to the South led by Dr. Kent Millard, a Freedom Fighter during the Civil Rights Movement. Visit places made famous and infamous by the Civil Rights Movement, including Selma, Ala. on the 50th anniversary of the March for Voting Rights. Fee includes flights to Atlanta with return from Memphis, 4 nights at 4-star hotels, bus transportation, museum entry fees, daily breakfast and one group dinner. Register online.

Walk in the Footsteps of PaulTravel to Greece & Turkey, Fall 2015Travel with Pastor Rob and Susan Fuquay to Greece and Turkey in the Fall of 2015. Cities include Thessaloniki, Corinth, and Philippi, Athens in Greece and Ephesus and Santorini in Turkey. Learn more about the world Paul encountered, the people who

New Ministry for Special Needs AdultsSunday, Jan. 11, 4PM, N101/102 – Learn more about a new ministry for special needs adults at St. Luke’s. Contact: Susan Fuquay, FuquayS@stlukesumc.com.

Small GroupsAs St. Luke’s continues to grow its ministry, we continue to watch for opportunities for small groups of members and friends to gather in intentional groups that may start out by studying together, but soon find lasting relationship with one another. To learn more about small groups, contact Susan Fuquay, Associate Director of Adult Ministries, fuquays@stlukesumc.com

May 2014Connections@St.Luke’s

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Real Moms, Real Jesus What does Jesus know about the peanut-butter-and-jelly life of a mom? Plenty! Jill Savage, founder of Hearts at Home, introduces the real Jesus to real moms. Jill brings Jesus right into the laundry-filled, sticky-fingered days ev-ery mother knows. In Real Moms...Real Jesus, Savage continually reminds the

reader that Jesus is not an unattainable deity, but a Friend who understands. Books in Oasis Bookstore. Led by Heather Hilbert. Meets in the Parlor.

The Christ-Centered Woman Kimberly Reisman helps women to find balance at every age and stage of life. Confronting the daily chaos of com-peting demands, she asks not “How do I juggle my responsibilities?” but “How do I make choices that reflect my

relationship with Christ and his direction for my life?” Focus-ing on Ephesians, Chapter 3, women explore what the Bible teaches about Christ-centered living and how to contem-plate, sort, and prioritize our lives. Books in Oasis Bookstore. Led by Debra Peek. Meets in E212.

The Gifts of Imperfection In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené

Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholeheart-ed living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. Books in Oasis Bookstore. Led by Bev Gallagher. Meets in E213.

Twelve Women of the Bible This video-based Bible study is based on the stories of twelve women in the Bible. Discover new insights and be challenged, encouraged, and empowered to face trials in your own life by drawing nearer to God. Register online. Study guide available in Oasis Bookstore. Co-Led by Wanda Thompson and Linda Roberts.

Meets in N101/102. This group is made up of wonderful grandmothers.

Moms of Young Children Small Group This is a friendly group of mothers with younger children who meet together and discuss the sermon from the previous Sunday. Led by Lindsey Rabinowitz. Meets in the Spiritual Life Center.

lived there and the ancient culture from which they came. Email Bob Zehr at zehrb@stlukesumc.com for more information.

Women’s Retreat Sponsored by The Garden Plan to attend this Women’s Retreat “An Altar in the World.” The retreat will begin Fri., May 15 at Waycross Retreat Center in Brown County, Indiana, with the evening meal and end at noon on Sunday. you may contact Judy Tolley, tolleyj@stlukesumc.com to express your interest.

New 6-Week Classes starting January 8 – February 12, 2015! Women meet in the church parlor on Thursday mornings for coffee, refreshment and fellowship at 9:15 and then move into one of the following classes from 9:30 to 10:45. Childcare is provided. Register online at www.stlukesumc.com or call Adult Ministries at 317-846-3404 with questions. All ages of women are invited.

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Creation CareJanuary 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

18

Creation Care Leadership TeamJan. 14, 5:30-7PM, C110Contact Eric VanSteenberg, naturemaneric@gmail.com, to learn more about how this team strives to raise awareness and engagement in Caring for Creation through St. Luke’s.

Caring for Creation Series Every 3rd Wednesday, through March 2015, 6:30-8PM, Parlor. Come learn about a subject that is mainly out of sight and out of mind-storm water run-off, aging pipes and septic systems in the city. A representative from the Dept. of Code Enforcement will be present to answer questions about Indianapolis’ water infrastructure.

Computer Collection Drive and E-Waste Recycling Event Saturday, January 3, 11AM-2PM in the back parking lot, door #7.Donate your no-longer used computer equipment to Wings for West Africa, a local non-profit that refurbishes and ships computers to schools in West Africa. Hard drives are professionally wiped and tax receipts provided. We are also accepting anything with a cord to be safely recycled by RecycleForce Inc. For a complete list of what can be recycled at this event go to www.stlukesumc.com. Tell your friends and neighbors! Cans, bottles and cardboard also accepted. Fee is collected for TVs.

Interested in learning more about current important social issues? Every 3rd Wednesday, 6:30PM, Parlor. Come for dessert and conversation, then break into Creation Care and Social Justice groups at 7PM.

You Have the PowerAnd the Power to Choose

In the united States, nearly everyone has access to electricity. It’s easy to take it for granted. you have the power, whenever you want, wherever you want. But every choice has a consequence.When I first arrived in Indianapolis in 2000, I was amazed at how

beautiful downtown was – until I saw the smokestacks. It made me wonder, “How much of that is a result of what I do?”

Each of us has a carbon “footprint” – the amount of atmosphere-harming greenhouse gases produced either directly or indirectly by our daily activity. Fossil fuels like coal are among the worst offenders. According to the EPA, nearly one-third of the total greenhouse gases emissions come from electricity production. Coal generated electricity also leaves behind solid waste or ash. Recently coal ash storage “lagoons” have been linked to water contamination in Indianapolis and Indiana has more of these lagoons than any other state. If we believe this is unacceptable, we are obligated to act (James 4:17).

using less electricity would certainly help but quite honestly, I often forget to do the things I need to use less – turning off unused lights, unplugging unused phone chargers and the like. So using options that don’t actually require lifestyle changes, those “set and forget” alternatives, have been a focus area for me.

using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal are far less harmful to the environment. And the best part is, choosing to use renewable sources can now be done just with a click of a button. Green energy options are available from most power providers including IPL (Green Power Option) and Duke (GoGreen Power) for less than 3 cents per dollar. We have the power – let’s use our power to choose!

– Nolan TaylorIU Kelley School of Business faculty in Indianapolis (IUPUI), production team leader for Later @ St. Luke’s, & member of St Luke’s Creation Care Ministry.

Spiritual Life Center SPIRITuALITy AND THE ARTS

Prayer Shawl MinistryTuesdays, 1-3PM, Luke’s Lodge Prayerful volunteers who like to knit or crochet and love the fellowship of working together make prayer shawls for those needing to be wrapped in God’s healing love. New knitters welcome. Led by Helen Vriesman.

Photographer Exhibit January “Identity” Gallery –View the photography of Jeff Kahn whose strong affection towards lifestyle photography tells one’s real life events and situations. Artist’s Reception: Sunday, January 18, 10AM-12:15PM, “Identity” Gallery.”

Studio 3 Art MinistryThurs., Jan. 22, 10 to 11:30AM, C122 – Reserve a spot for a watercolor workshop taught by award winning Indiana watercolor artist Sandy Ezell. Contact Karen Campbell (317) 514-3470 bKarenjo52@aol.com after Jan. 8, 2015

Crochet Guild of Indianapolis1st Saturday of the month, 10AM-Noon, E107/109Learn to crochet and contribute to on-going projects. Contact Edie Huffman, 317-228-0496.

St. Luke’s at the Movies “Herman’s House”Friday, Jan. 16, 7-9pm, ParlorHerman Wallace may be the longest-serving prisoner in solitary confinement in the united States — he’s spent more than 40 years in a 6-by-9-foot cell in Louisiana. Imprisoned in 1967 for a robbery he admits, he was subsequently

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

Spiritual Life Center 19

Find SLC On Facebook

“St. Luke’s uMC – Spiritual Life Center.”

sentenced to life for a killing he vehemently denies. ”Herman’s House” is a moving account of the remarkable expression his struggle found in an unusual project proposed by artist Jackie Sumell. Imagining Wallace’s “dream home” began as a game and became an interrogation of justice and punishment in America. The film takes us inside the duo’s unlikely 12-year friendship, revealing the transformative power of art.

BODy/MIND/SPIRIT

Gentle Yoga ClassMonday & Thursday 5:30-6:30PM, N103/104, $8/sessionOpen to all ages and abilities, this gentle yoga class welcomes those not flexible enough to sit on the floor (chairs provided) as well as those who can sit on the floor (bring a mat and a blanket). Taught by Carol Holden.

Yoga for StressMondays, Jan. 5-Feb.23 (except Jan. 19) 9:30-10:45AM $84Thursdays, Jan. 8 - Feb. 26, 8:30-9:45AM; $96All classes in N103/104 – Walk-ins $15/classEnding with a 15-minute guided deep relaxation, this class will help you gain balance, strength and flexibility in your body and peace and calm in your mind. All levels are welcome to join. Register/pay online, www.stlukesumc.com. New classes begin Mar. 9 & 12, respectively.

PRAyER AND MEDITATION

Moving MeditationThursdays beginning, Jan. 15, 10:30-11:30AM, Luke’s Lodge - $10/session Meditation creates balance and helps the body heal and relieves stress. This class will practice a form of standing meditation which can be done in a chair if needed. Equip yourself to serve by taking good care of your body/mind/spirit.

A Year of Prayer ContinuesEvery Tues., Jan. 13-April 28, 6:30-7:30PM, Brandt Lounge, Luke’s Lodge. Join this growing community - put prayer at the center of your life in 2015! Learn new prayer forms, develop a personal prayer practice and pray for other group members. Led by Elisa Jenkins, Jacquie Reed and Roger Frick. Come when you can. Registration suggested, no fee.

February 2014Communion

Ongoing Meditation GroupMondays, 6:30-7:30PM, Spiritual Life CenterNo fee or registration. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to join in a 30-minute discussion followed by 30 minutes of Christian meditation. you will find support for your practice, new ideas and a community of others who welcome silence. Led by Merri Leffel.

Soulful Breathwork Classes1st & 3rd Mondays, new participants meet at 6PM, all others meet 6:30-7:30PM, Modular BuildingSoulful Breathwork is a practice of active conscious breathing that heals and rejuvenates physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The method is gentle but extremely effective because it activates the intrinsic intelligence of the body to heal and generate cumulative and permanent changes. It is an excellent tool for self-discovery, often leading to a more integrated and authentic experience of self and increased compassion toward self and others. Work done lying on the floor. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow. Led by Lynn Tisza. No registration, $20/session or package of 5 sessions for $80. Co-sponsored by the Health Ministry and Healing Partners.

HEALING MINISTRy

Empowering the Healer Within Sat., Jan. 17, Noon to 1:30PM, Spiritual Life CenterLearn the power of essential oils, how they are formulated and how to use them to create balance in your life. Sample oils and ask questions. $15 per participant. Registration suggested. Contact Betty Brandt, BrandtB@stlukesumc.com.

Healing Partners AppointmentsSessions to re-energize and relax persons to enable their own natural resources to deal with

illness or injury. Process honors all faith traditions. Call 317-846-3404 x442 for a daytime or evening appointment. No fee, donations appreciated.

Pilgrimage Healing Process TrainingSat., Feb. 21 8:30AM-4PM –If you feel called to bring the healing power of God’s love to others, you may be interested in joining our St. Luke’s Healing Ministry. you can be trained in this hands-on-healing modality. The training includes background of the Pilgrimage Healing Process, learning the steps, being both receiver and giver and a discussion of your role as healer. Registration required. Fee of $150 includes training manual, DVD and lunch. Experiencing a healing session in preparation for the training is required. Call 846-3404x442 to schedule a healing session appointment. Contact Betty Brandt, brandtb@stlukesumc.com, 846-3404x339, to express interest and ask questions.

BOOK STuDIES & WORKSHOPS

Sunrise Book StudyWednesdays, 7-8:30AM, Parlor. Start your day with friends, prayer, a good book, stimulating discussion and personal enrichment. Contact Betty Brandt at 317-846-3404 or brandtb@stlukesumc.com.

Women’s Spiritual Book StudyTuesdays, 1-2:30PM, Spiritual Life CenterGroup meets weekly to discuss meaningful and sometimes controversial books. Contact JoAnne Waeltz, 317-872-0895.

New Earth CommunityThursdays, 7-8:30PM, Spiritual Life CenterThis study group discusses innovative and challenging spiritual books. Contact JoAnne Waeltz, 317-872-0895.

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Spiritual Life Center’s BlogThe Spiritual Life Center now has a blog at slcblog. stlukesumc.com. Watch for posts about trends in spiritual development, interesting spiritual journeys, new ideas, poetry and comments from Spiritual Life Center classes and events. If you would like to be a contributing writer, please contact Betty Brandt at brandtb@stlukesumc.com or 317-846-3404 x339.

Lunch with the PastorsSunday, Feb. 8 • 12:15-1:30PM - Bring the family and meet St. Luke’s ministers, including Senior Pastor Rob Fuquay. Learn about our vision and mission - and how to find your way at St. Luke’s. Lunch is on us! Other gatherings that are especially helpful for new guests include:

Exploring Membership ClassSun., Jan. 11, or Mar. 1, Noon-3PM - Learn Pastor Rob Fuquay’s vision for St. Luke’s and what it means to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God. you’ll also learn what it means to be a member.

Discover Your God-Given GiftsWednesdays, Jan. 14 & 21, 2015, 6:30-7:45PM • E212 – Each of us is given purpose and gifts empowering us to match our deepest passion with the deepest needs of our neighbors. Take an inventory to identify your God-given abilities. Grow in your understanding of the ministry of the church and your role within it. Discern where you can make a difference.

Get Acquainted with the United Methodist ChurchSundays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22, 10:45-Noon, E213 - Join united Methodist pastors and gain an overview of the movement and the ways of the Wesleys - John and Charles. Questions welcome.

Church TourWed., Jan. 21, 2015, 7-8:30PM - We offer a guided tour of all the nooks and crannies of the facilities in this look behind the scenes at St. Luke’s.

January 2015Connections@St.Luke’s

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To register Go to www.stlukesumc.com and type the event name in the search box on the top right. Many of our materials are available for purchase in the Oasis bookstore just inside Door #1 of the church. Childcare is often available; just indicate needs on registration.

Let Us Help You Find Your Next Steps

Welcome to St. Luke’sWelcome to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church! We are so glad you are here. As you get to know this faith community, we hope you will discover that we are an open and welcoming body of believers, that lives out our mission: “to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation.”

We strive to be the kind of community that wants to know what God cares about, so we can learn to care about it, too; a community that does the right thing even when it’s hard; a community that smooths the path for those who are curious about how to have a strong and life-giving relationship with a loving God. We strive to be the kind of faith community that reflects the light of Christ to the world around us.

Maybe this sounds like the kind of faith community you have been looking for – but you really need to know more about us. We understand. That’s why we have developed some opportunities to help you take next steps with us. These opportunities help you learn more about us and our relationship with God, even as you try to strengthen your own relationship with God. If you have young people in your family, we can introduce you to age-appropriate programming that’s available for them. We have a robust children’s, youth and young adult ministry at St. Luke’s.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch with Terri Coe, Director of Adult Ministries, Coet@stlukesumc.com or (317) 846.3404, ext. 308.

St. Luke’s is an open community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation. We envision being transformed by God and transforming the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive, Christ-like community.

Take Your Mark • GeT SeT • Go!Join the 2015 Lenten sermon and small group experience! We will explore the exciting life we run as followers of

Jesus Christ. We’ll engage followers of ALL ages for this weekly experience through the 40 days of preparation for Easter that we call Lent. Consider serving as a small group leader.

Contact Susan Fuquay for more information: FuquayS@stlukesumc.com. Sign up begins Jan. 15. Groups begin Feb. 18.

Learn LeSSonS froM JeSuS’ DiScipLeS

prepare • Train • enDure • perSevere • finiSh WeLL

ST. Luke’SSignup begins Jan. 15 • Groups begin Feb. 18