T HE E PISTLE January 2, 2018 Volume 53 Number 7 480 S. Highland Memphis, TN 38111-4302 901.452.6262 www.stlukesumc.org United Methodist Church “We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind, and hands of Jesus Christ with ALL people.” Mission Statement Worship at St. Luke’s All are Welcome Worship on Sundays 8:30 and 11:00am Sunday School Classes For all ages - 9:30 a.m. Fellowship in Hospitality Hall 10:30 a.m. January 7 Confirmation - 11:00am Matthew 2:1-12, Rev. McKinney January 14 John 1:43-51, Harry Colter January 21 Mark 1:14-20 Rev. McKinney Contents: - Forward in Faith page 2 - Upcoming Events page 3 - Ministry News pages 4/5 - Congregational Care page 6 - Calendar page 7 - Church information page 8 St. Luke’s Staff Jim McKinney, Pastor Harry Colter, Pastoral Assistant Marcia Mittelstadt, Music Interim Wes Kirkpatrick, Organist Beth Ryan, Youth/Young Adults Megan Warren, Children & Community Connections Amy Turman, Day School/PDO Amy Lee, Challengers David Day, CLC/Recreation Carla Taylor, Communications Heather Persellin-Deere, Special Events Tim Taylor, Facilities Vickey Hobbs, Finance Elevate The Stress In many ways 2017 was a stressful year for me, as I know it probably was for many of you. I hope 2018 will be less stressful, but there are no guarantees. I was reading an article on stress last week, and the author kept mentioning the importance of elevating one’s stress, which is to say, do something positive with the stress in your life. Bring it to God, and God will give you the strength to turn your problems into opportunities. Don’t just try to escape the stress. Don’t just try to endure the stress. Elevate the stress...let it spur you to action. Use the stress to do something good for the cause of Christ. Stress can have some advantages. If some of us were never stressed we would likely never accomplish much. We would procrastinate. We would put things off. The stress serves as a friend to us. Remember the powerful words of the text in Matthew 11. Jesus says: “Come to me all of you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Then Jesus adds: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” A key word here is “yoke.” In a nutshell, it means “service” or “ministry.” What Jesus is saying here is this: “Put service to God and your fellow man first in your life. Let that be your number one priority, and everything else will fall in place for you.” Redeeming the stress, using the stress, letting the stress stir us to creative service for God-- -that is a key to Christian living. Remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian. Talk about a stressful life. He had been captured by the Nazi Gestapo and placed in one of those horrible prison camps or death camps. In that horrible situation, Bon- hoeffer wrote these words: “O Lord, whatever this day may bring, thy name be praised.” And how about the Apostle Paul. He had been beaten, flogged, imprisoned, and run out of town; he had been shipwrecked, had suffered from exposure while adrift at sea; he had been stoned, robbed, scourged, and criticized... talk about stress, and yet through it all he could say: “Bring it on, I’m ready for anything for Christ is my strength.” St. Luke’s family, can you say that and mean it? This is our calling as Chris- tians-- -not to only escape the stress, not to only endure the stress, but to elevate the stress, and use it to serve our Lord. Faithfully, A Message from our Pastor
Transcript
The episTleJanuary 2, 2018
Volume 53 Number 7
480 S. HighlandMemphis, TN 38111-4302
901.452.6262www.stlukesumc.orgUnited Methodist Church
“We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind, and hands of Jesus Christ with ALL people.”Mission Statement
Worship at St. Luke’sAll are WelcomeWorship on Sundays
8:30 and 11:00amSunday School Classes
For all ages - 9:30 a.m.Fellowship in Hospitality Hall
Contents:- Forward in Faith page 2- Upcoming Events page 3- Ministry News pages 4/5- Congregational Care page 6- Calendar page 7- Church information page 8
St. Luke’s StaffJim McKinney, PastorHarry Colter, Pastoral AssistantMarcia Mittelstadt, Music Interim Wes Kirkpatrick, OrganistBeth Ryan, Youth/Young AdultsMegan Warren, Children & Community ConnectionsAmy Turman, Day School/PDOAmy Lee, ChallengersDavid Day, CLC/RecreationCarla Taylor, CommunicationsHeather Persellin-Deere, Special EventsTim Taylor, FacilitiesVickey Hobbs, Finance
Elevate The StressIn many ways 2017 was a stressful year for me, as I know it probably was for many of you. I hope 2018 will be less stressful, but there are no guarantees.I was reading an article on stress last week, and the author kept mentioning the importance of elevating one’s stress, which is to say, do something positive with the stress in your life. Bring it to God, and God will give you the strength to turn your problems into opportunities.Don’t just try to escape the stress. Don’t just try to endure the stress. Elevate the stress...let it spur you to action. Use the stress to do something good for the cause of Christ.Stress can have some advantages. If some of us were never stressed we would likely never accomplish much. We would procrastinate. We would put things off. The stress serves as a friend to us.Remember the powerful words of the text in Matthew 11. Jesus says: “Come to me all of you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Then Jesus adds: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”A key word here is “yoke.” In a nutshell, it means “service” or “ministry.” What Jesus is saying here is this: “Put service to God and your fellow man first in your life. Let that be your number one priority, and everything else will fall in place for you.”Redeeming the stress, using the stress, letting the stress stir us to creative service for God-- -that is a key to Christian living.Remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian. Talk about a stressful life. He had been captured by the Nazi Gestapo and placed in one of those horrible prison camps or death camps. In that horrible situation, Bon-hoeffer wrote these words:“O Lord, whatever this day may bring, thy name be praised.”And how about the Apostle Paul. He had been beaten, flogged, imprisoned, and run out of town; he had been shipwrecked, had suffered from exposure while adrift at sea; he had been stoned, robbed, scourged, and criticized...talk about stress, and yet through it all he could say: “Bring it on, I’m ready for anything for Christ is my strength.”St. Luke’s family, can you say that and mean it? This is our calling as Chris-tians-- -not to only escape the stress, not to only endure the stress, but to elevate the stress, and use it to serve our Lord. Faithfully,
A Message from our Pastor
-2-
Show your St. Luke’s spirit - Stickers are just $1.00
Get your St. Luke’s T-shirt for the new year: 2 for $10 Contact Carla: [email protected] or look for
the items in Hospitality Hall during fellowship time.
COMMUNITYWe belong together. Everyone at St. Luke’s is needed to equip our church for God’s work in this community and the world. Thank you to everyone who has turned in pledge cards to support the ministries of St. Luke’s for 2018. It’s not to late to turn in a pledge card if you have not yet done so.We believe that we can reach our goals with the support of the St. Luke’s family. Remember that every and any amount is priceless to God.
2018 is finally here! Last November I asked each of you to explore and consider your goals for ministries in which you are involved. As we begin the new year, I’d like to reiterate those questions:
As a leader in your ministry, ask yourself these questions:- What is the ministry’s goal?- Does it meet the common goal of helping St. Luke’s to grow?- How can you adjust your goal to align with Forward in Faith’s goal to meaningfully grow and engage those in the church?
- Does the ministry go out into the community or do we expect the community to come to us?- Who do you want to reach?- What resources do you currently have? What resources do you currently lack? For example - outside-the-box ideas, volunteers, money.- What questions, ideas, concerns do you have for Forward in Faith related to your ministry?
How Forward in Faith can help you and your ministry:Once you’ve determined that you would like to revitalize your ministry and make it the best ministry it can be, here are some suggested steps if you would like help from the FiF Team:- Contact FiF to set up a time to talk at our next meeting (we typically meet once a month)- Meet with FiF (outline your thoughts, dreams, concerns and seek feedback on next steps)- Be prepared for this process to be involved and take some time. New things, great ideas – take discussion, planning, and preparation.
Forward in Faith would love to talk with you. If you’d like to meet with us, please contact Megan at [email protected].
-3-
CAN YOU HELP?If you really want to know what goes on during the week at St. Luke’s come be a volunteer at the front desk. We are a very busy place! There are many happy faces that come in our doors when parents drop off and pick-up children and many phone calls to inquire about our church and our outreach ministries. Due to reductions in staff hours that began in January, we are in desperate need of volunteers to help at the Hospitality Desk during the
week. The main responsibility is answering the phones. We have a security person here to help with visitors but they are not available to stay behind the desk to answer phones. The shifts run from 9:00am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:00pm each day Monday-Thursday. You can volunteer for one shift per month or more. Please contact Vickey Hobbs - 452-6262 or [email protected]
A free program designed for babies 0-18 months (older children may attend by permission of the instructor) that provides exposure to language through rhymes, songs, and books. Each session will also include free play time and crafts such as toys or baby book items.
Class times are Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00amWinter dates are January 10 - February 17, 2018Spring dates are April 18 - May 26, 2018 Attend one or as many classes as you wish.
St. Luke’s is located at 480 S. Highland (entrance off of Midland Ave.)For more information contact Marcy Mittelstadt: [email protected] fees - just come prepared to play and sing with your baby!
St. Luke’s UMC presents...LIFE Group Opportunity Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 beginning January 11 for a study of Richard Rohr’s book, “Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps.” Father Rohr, a Franciscan friar, says that we are all addicted in some way. When we learn to identify our addiction, embrace our brokenness and surrender to God, we begin to bring healing to ourselves and our world. If you are interested in this healing process, please join us! Contact Linda Hensley, (901)603-9534, for more details.
CONFIRMATION IS THIS SUNDAY - JANUARY 7, 2018, 11:00 WORSHIPBe sure to join us this coming Sunday as we welcome our newest confirmation class into full
membership of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church! We have a great group of 9 youth this year who have been attending classes during the fall and are ready to make the commitment to St.
Luke’s. Those who will be joining the church are:
Kate Blount Liam CampbellKhristian Chaffin William EubankElizabeth Hensley Ross McKinneyAnna Kate Morrison Meredith PattersonAaron Ungberg
SAVE THE DATESmorgasbord’s Got Talent goes to Mardi Gras!
Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018We are looking for talent now!
Contact Lynne McAlexander - 550-3091All proceeds go to support youth activities.
-4-
Children’s News YOUTH NEWSHello everyone! Here’s what we have coming up:Sun., Jan. 7 - 9:30- Sunday School (Confirmands meet in the Sanctuary with your Parents)Noon- Luncheon for Confirmands and their families5:00-7:00 - Dinner and Youth ActivitiesSun., Jan. 14 & 21 - 9:30- Sunday School5:00-7:00 - Dinner & Youth ActivitiesPeace, Beth
YOUNG ADULTSAs always, please remember all of our students this school year. This week, we ask special prayers for Mary Page Pearson and Madison Petri. If you would like to write them a note, Beth will be happy to get you their addresses!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY 5:15 pm, Lounge “Half Truths” by Adam Hamilton God helps those who help themselves and other things the Bible DOESN’T say.Led by Pastor Jim McKinneyThere will be no dinner served on Wednesday nights.
Welcome 2018!We hope that one of your goals for this year include attending Sunday School regularly. We'd love to see you! Sunday School begins at 9:30 AM. Our amazing teachers have plotted out their lessons and activities accordingly to use the hour fully and fill the time with fun, engaging, and Christ-centered lessons. We ask that children arrive on time to minimize disruption to the students already present and to allow their children to be a part of the full program.Look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Happy New Year! from the Day School The Day School is excited to see what joy 2018 brings our way.We will start registering for the 2018-2019 school year at the end of this month. Current families enroll January 22-February 2 and new families can enroll on February 5. We are giving tours almost daily! If you know someone that is interested in our program, tell them to give us a call, 324-8271, and we will be happy to show them the great things happening at the Day School!
Our UMW circles will hold their meetings on schedule for January.Naomi Circle meets 2nd Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge.Mary Rachel Circle meets 3rd
Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Lounge. General meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month. Next General Meeting: Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Lunch to follow for $6.00. Sign up in the book at the Hospitality Hall desk for reservations.If your New Year’s Resolutions included more volun-teer services to women, youth and children please consider joining us for one of these meetings.Our Program material this year is entitled, Sacred Spaces: Encounters with God and Neighbor.New officers to be installed Feb. 6 are:Pat Anderson, PresidentBarbara Caldwell, SecretaryMary Lou Cushing, TreasurerBette Colter, Spiritual GrowthBettye Jo Masters, Membership ChairBetty Carter, Education and InterpretationMozelle Starks, Methodist Hospital AuxiliaryPhyllis Gay, Social ActionCome be a part of all the activities planned for 2018!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Calvary Episcopal Waffle Shop is right around the corner and volunteers are needed! St. Luke’s receives money for your shifts worked. Our days to work will be Tuesdays: Feb. 20, 27 & March 6, 13, 20. Also they need volunteers for Friday, March 2. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in Hospitality Hall. See or call Doey, 458-7942, if you have ques-tions. THANKS!
-5-
MUSIC NOTES Sports Shorts from the CLC
Join us for our Prayer Breakfast on Wednes-day mornings at 7:15 a.m. On the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays we will meet in Fellowship Hall, full breakfast is only $3.00 . The 2nd, 4th, & 5th Wednesdays of each month we meet at Perkins Restaurant on Park Ave.
United Methodist Men
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday mornings - 9:30am The Red Letter Class – Room 106, under the Sanc-tuary. Biblical based lessonsLoyal Stewards – Room 215, 2nd floor across from the Library. Lessons in Adult Bible Studies Parents Group – Room 211 (Church Library) This class provides a sharing of real life challenges for parents of young to teenage children.Christian Homebuilders - MB 108, under the Sanc-tuary. Biblical studies and speakers from the com-munity. All are welcome.Newman Class - Room 213, Follows the lectionary scriptures to prepare the group to hear the word that Pastor McKinney shares in his worship sermons.Young Adult Class - Meets in the LoungeCurrently studying the book, “Yes Lord, I have sinned but I have several excellent excuses.” taught by Jane RandallGrowing Disciples Class - Meets in 304 in the Main Building. Studies video lesson series and books based on biblical topics and current issues.
Happy New Year!!!! This is a great time for anyone, with an interest, to join one of our music groups. Below is the schedule for January 2018. If you have any questions you may con-tact me at [email protected]. January 3: 6:30 – 8:00, Chancel Choir returns to regular Wednesday night rehearsalsJanuary 14: 3:00 – 4:15 pm, Hand Bells begin regular rehearsals in the bell room. We still have a few spots available for ringers. If you have a general knowledge of music reading, you are ready to join us. We will teach you the rest. Please contact Marcy before coming to rehearsal to reserve your space.January 28: 4:30 – 5:00 pm, “Light Night Beacons” for grades 1 – 5. This is a continuation of the arts ministry we began in Fall 2017 with the children.Babygarten Winter Classes:
Wednesdays: January 10 – February 14 10:00 AM LoungeSaturdays: January 13 – February 1710:00 AM Lounge
A free program designed for babies 0 – 18 months old (older children may attend by permission of the instruc-tor) that provides exposure to language through rhymes, songs and books. Please share this information with all friends with babies. You are our best marketing tools.We have an exciting and busy January waiting for you. Come join the fun!!!!Marcy, [email protected]
Welcome back….. Just a reminder of what goes on in your CLC. Just during the time from December 9 - December 22 we had approximately 1100 people enter the doors of the Christian Life Center. From Chair Aerobics, Pickle-ball, basketball practices and games, your CLC is a busy place. During the next several weeks I will be highlighting activities and events of what goes on in your CLC. This building was built to enhance the lives of our church family and our community. I, along with our Recreation committee, will inform you of what goes on here. I invite you to come and visit. There are basketball games in your gym every Sat-urday through February 17th. Come and check out these young athletes. Your Fitness room is open Monday – Friday 6:30am-7pm. Come and work off those holiday pounds in a warm cozy atmosphere. By the way, from my family to yours may 2018 be a safe and blessed year for all of you.Remember HIM Always, Coach Day and Renee
Sit & Sew is celebrating its 10th year of doing cloth-ing repairs, alterations, sewing lessons plus com-munity service projects. Yippee!!! I really do wish that more St Luke's members would participate. We meet every 2nd Saturday from noon to 5pm in the Lounge here at St Luke's. One doesn't have to stay the entire time. Starting in 2018, we will add an additional Satur-day (4th Saturday of each month) to have more time to work on community service projects in keeping with our mission of ministering to those in need. We will be making basic pillows for the homeless who sleep outdoors. It will provide them a small level of comfort and when they lay their head down on the pillow, it is my hope that they will know that God cares for them. Our meeting dates for January, 2018 are Jan 13 and Jan 27. Hope to see some new faces at that time. You don't need to know how to sew to come and help. Praise God for His blessings today.
sympaThy To the family of Bill Branim, who passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16the family of Rose Owen, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 18the family of Kathy McAllen who passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Gifts received in memory:Elton Watlington from Barbara Caldwell, Betty Carter, Barbara Ball from Barbara Caldwell, Stella Day, Mary Lou Cushing, Christian
Homebuilders Class, Rose Owen from Vickey Hobbs, Claire Kermick, Maxine Turner, Rita
Richardson, Rehobath UMC, Ronnie & Linda Craig, Stephen & Rona Craig, Melanie, Lynn & Craig Parker, Shelby, Cordale & Brantley Robertson, Sue Gray, Mary Lou Cushing, Loyal Stewards Class, Bob & Janie Hendrix,
Kathy McAllen from Rita Richardson, Bob & Janie Hendrix, Sue Gray, Mary Lou Cushing, Christian Homebuilders Class, Barbara Caldwell, Vickey Hobbs,
Norman Thomas Camp from Harry & Bette ColterLoved Ones from Sue Gray
Gifts received in honor:Hayden Elizabeth Parker, my first Great-Granddughter from Nan SmithOur Sunday School Teachers from Loyal Stewards ClassLinda Hensley & Susan Dacus from a friendBeth Ryan from anonymousBob & Janie Hendrix from Patsye and Jack DulmerOur Shut-ins from Mary Rachel UMW CircleShirley Robinson, Vickey Hobbs, George & Betty Green, David & Denise
Hensley, Mary Lou Cushing, and Pat Anderson from Barbara Caldwell
David Mills, Lisa Nunis, Darlington Blayon, David Dlugach, Betty Carter, Marty Cobb, Dalton Al-Chokhachi, Sam McHugh, Rebecca Likens, Gavin Bell, Jack Cushing, Gil Herren, Danny Hobbs, Pam Santi, Akil Al-Chokhachi, Jim Burch, Jr., Vauneida Henton, Kathleen Gillespie, Shirley Gardener, Posey Smith
Those dealing with cancer: Edna Poletti, Teresa Bobo, Brenda Blackwell, Clay Eaves, Bob Dunham, Jennifer Cottam, Janell Smith, Don Day, Oma Strick-land, Mrs. Vick, Eugene Callaway
Homebound Members: Berenice Perry, Wayne Pyeatt, Deborah Sanders, Elsie Schoof, Elmer Yancy, Helen Boening, Mary & Grover Bowles
Bishop Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent Deborah SmithMissionaries Eric and Liz SoardOur Schools, Teachers, and Students
To add, change or remove a prayer concern please contact Janie Hendrix by email: [email protected] or fill out a yellow prayer request card located in the sanctuary pew and place it in the offering plate during worship.
This calendar is an abbreviated listing of activities. For a full listing of the most cur-rent calendar information visit our website:
stlukesumc.org/google-calendar/Facebook: St. Luke’s UMC, Memphis
Service online.The Sunday radio broadcast ended on Dec. 31, 2017. Beginning in January the full worship service will be available online. If you don’t have internet access you can request that a CD and bulletin of the worship service will be mailed to you each week. They will also be sent to homebound members and others who request them. If you know of someone who would like to receive a CD recording of the worship service, please contact Carla Taylor, 452-6262 or [email protected]
Keep up with what’s happening in the Memphis Conference by subscribing to the eNews. This weekly newsletter is delivered to your email inbox every Wednes-day morning and has news about the many great things going on in our conference as well as news from the United Methodist News service. Sign up on the confer-ence site: www.memphis-umc.net and click on “sign up for enews” in the upper menu bar.
An Encouraging Word“Let prayer be not only the utterance of your desires, but a fellowship with God, until you know by faith that your prayers are heard.”
Andrew Murray
After Sunday School, be sure to join us in Hospitality Hall for fel-lowship and enjoy a fresh Gibson’s donut and a cup of coffee.
-7-
St. Luke’s CalendarThursday, January 4 - Wednesday, January 24
Thursday January 4 8:45 – 9:45am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 12:00pm Food Pantry - CLC 108 12:00 – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 5:45 – 7:15pm Under 16 BB Practice- McCauley - CLC Gym 6:00 – 8:00pm Young Adult Dinner - 3rd Floor 6:30 – 7:30pm Oak Ridge Neighborhood Assoc. - Lounge 7:15 – 10:15pm Fisher of Men - GymFriday January 56:30 – 8:00am Morning Basketball, CLC Gym3:00 - 4:00pm Kathy McAllen Memorial Service, Sanctuary6:30 – 10:30pm Defender Friday League, CLC Gym
The episTleSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church480 So. Highland StreetMemphis, Tennessee 38111-4302
The EPISTLE (USPS #569-280) is published twice monthlyPOSTMASTER send address changes to: by ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 480 So. Highland, Memphis TN 38111-4302.
The next Epistle deadline is Monday, January 22, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
We are #480forMemphisUse this hashtag on all of your social media posts if you tag St. Luke’s. Look around the University neighborhood and snap a picture of something great and let the community know that St. Luke’s is for Memphis and the University District.
Sunday, January 218:00 – 8:30am Community Breakfast and Devotion, FH8:30 – 9:30am Worship, Sanctuary9:30 – 10:30am Sunday School10:30 – 11:00am Fellowship Time, Hospitality Hall11:00am – 12:00pm Worship, Sanctuary1:00 – 4:00pm Basketball Practices, CLC Gym3:00 – 4:00pm Bell Rehearsal, MB 2075:00 – 7:00pm Dinner & Youth Activities
Monday, January 229:00 – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit, CLC Gym5:45 – 7:15pm Under 10 BB Practice -Wofford, CLC Gym7:15 – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball, Gym
Tuesday, January 236:30 – 8:00am Morning Basketball, CLC GYM12:00 – 2:00pm Pickleball, CLC Gym5:45 – 7:15pm Under 8/10 Basketball Practice, CLC/GYM6:30 – 7:30pm Cub Scouts, Chapel/CB 2nd Floor7:00 – 8:45pm Boy Scouts, Scout Hut
