St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church

~Our Mission Statement~ St. Luke is called to proclaim the gospel, transform lives and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

~ Our Vision Statement~

Through the Holy Spirit, God is calling us to ministries of excellence which embrace and nurture children, youth, adults, and families to reach their God-given potential; to be advocates and prophetic voices in the “Community” for all oppressed peoples.

~ Our Core Values ~

We Celebrate Our African American Heritage and Culture

Dynamic, transformational, spirit-filled Praise and Worship

We Embrace Diversity and Inclusiveness

The caring and nurturing of “The Village”

We Educate Through Reflective Study of the Scriptures

Supporting Academic Excellence & Higher Education

We Dedicate Ourselves To Community Involvement

The Struggle for Liberation & Social Justice A Lifestyle of Stewardship, Prayer, and Spiritual Discipline

The Making of Disciples for Jesus Christ A Ministry of Excellence

October * Sunday, Oct. 3 - World Communion Day * Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm - Wednesday Night Live * Sunday, Oct. 10 - Children’s Sabbath Sunday * Friday, Oct. 29 - Male Chorus Concert * Sunday, Oct. 31 - Men’s Day

Autumn Dates to Remember

November * Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm - Wednesday Night Live * Sunday, Nov. 14 - Harvest Sunday * Wednesday, Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving Celebration @ 7:00pm

* Sunday, Nov. 28 - Unity Sunday & First Sunday in Advent

St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church

Rev. Tyrone Gordon, Senior Pastor * 5710 East R. L. Thornton Freeway * Dallas, TX 75223 Rev. Derek Jacobs, Campus Pastor, South Campus * 1615 N. Hampton Road Suite 140 * De Soto, TX 75115

Office Phone: 214. 821. 2970 * Fax: 214. 821. 3791 * Website: www.slcumc.org

Worship Celebrations 8:00 am * 11:00 am

Central Campus

10:00 am South Campus * De Soto

Pastoral Staff : Rev. Tyrone Gordon

Senior Pastor

Associate Pastors Dr. Lydia Waters Hamilton

Rev. Derek Jacobs Rev. Cottrell King

Dr. Michael Greene Rev. Bob Davis

Rev. L. Charles Stovall

Pastor Emeritus Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes

Stewardship Prayer for Our Church Family Gracious and loving God, your son, our Lord Jesus, teaches us that all that we are and all that we have are gifts from you. We praise you for your glory and give you thanks for the blessings you bestow upon us. We pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in the ways of Jesus and to use your gifts wisely, especially by helping and serving others. O, God, it is our faith in you and your absolute love for us that gives us the comfort to know that you will provide for us. With your guidance, we will strive to give our prayers, presence, gifts, service, witness and financial resources to build your Kingdom and spread the Gospel message of your Son. We ask for your blessings on all members of our St. Luke family, so that united as one body in Christ, we can do your work on earth, all in the

name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let the church say hallelujah, thank God and amen!

September 2010 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

Wednesday Night Live Packs the House with a Powerful Word Members & Friends Embrace the Message as Pastor G Empowers Our Minds

If you’ve been at “the Luke” on Wednesday nights, then you know that the return of the one-hour service has been re-branded with a new name, new format and new approach to sharing God’s Word. Wednesday Night Live launched on August 11 with Pastor G leading us through what it means to be an Acts 2 church. The service begins with a praise-filled period of worshipping God through music under the leadership of praise leader Carlton Dixon. It is followed by a powerful message delivered by Pastor G in the same spirited style as a Sunday morning message.

With attendance topping to a standing-room only crowd, WNL is moving members to think while motivating us to take action about what it means to embrace the elements of the first church as outlined in Acts 2. Imagine the responses from the audience when Pastor G posed the question: “If Jesus pulled you over for LUI, would you be guilty?” The answer was a resounding yes, because we all should be Living Under the Influence (LUI) of the Holy Spirit. This was from “The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit,” and we took a closer look at understanding Acts 2:4, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Tongues, we learned, means “glossary” or “words.” And today’s church needs to have the gift of tongues meaning we need to be able to communicate the Gospel in languages that people understand today. And that means making it digital, downloadable and on demand. Our WNL services will continue each week at 6:30 pm. Meet us after an exhausting day of being at work or school and bask in the praise-filled hour of inspiring music and an empowering message!

Married Couples Ministry

Rethinking Church

Thoughts From our Senior Pastor...

Continuing the Conversation: It’s Time to Rethink Church”

We are on the precipice of an

exciting time within the United Methodist Church. All across the denomination, we are exploring the concept of “rethinking church” in a way that is culturally relevant, reaches the people who are “pre-Christians” (those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior), and resonates with the younger generation so

that the church once more becomes the central focus of the community, and a place where souls are saved, lives are transformed and connections to Christ are made. St. Luke, we have an incredible opportunity before us. God is calling us to do things bigger and to be a church of great possibilities. He has given me the charge and the vision to lead us into the future, to be the church that truly reaches up to Him and into the community. We have made some amazing accomplishments and God wants us to do even more. Now is the time to rethink how we do church, what church looks like, and how to reach the end goal of saving lives and making disciples for Christ while restoring faith in our communities and re-engaging members on our roster. The question that was recently posed within the denomi-nation is: what if church was a verb?

I believe that church is a verb at the same time of being a noun. It is a place for believers and “pre-Christians” to gather and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and then go into the community and do the amazing things that transform lives. Church is also a verb because we have to be about action. And in that action, it means creating a corporate worship service celebration that is more engaging, being on the cutting edge of technology and realigning our ministries to be even more effective. God’s message is timeless and remains the same, but we have to move with the times on how we deliver it and that means meeting people where they are in this age of digital technology. If you haven’t visited the website lately, check it out (www.slcumc.org) and listen to a podcast of one of our recent sermons, a new feature that we have introduced as part of being a church that embraces the technology that is all around us. I invite you to join me on this new and exciting journey as I share with you the vision and plan that God has given me. I ask for your continued prayers and support as St. Luke moves into action! Pastor G

Rethink Church - to take a fresh approach to the timeless text in a way that is current and culturally relevant , and that is in touch with cutting-edge technology, in an effort to reach all generations.

Rethink Church

Pastor Tyrone Gordon

“The weekend consisted of the perfect blend of fellowship, bible study and couple alone time.” – George and Debbie Cain Married Couples Ministry Weekend Getaway | A cord of three strands is not easily broken. –Ecclesiastes 4:12 By Olanikki Carroll The Married Couples Ministry hosted a Weekend Getaway on July 23-25 at Tangelwood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas. The goal of the weekend was simple - to supply couples with personal time to focus on what matters most - a commitment to the covenant of marriage; keeping God first; and honoring each other. The weekend kicked-off with dinner and warm fellowship at the local Cajun restau-rant. The next morning, couples gathered over a hot breakfast buffet and swiftly shifted into a dynamic bible study series on The Four Season’s of Marriage [by author Gary Chapman]. During the session, couples laughed, enhanced their marital tool boxes, and participated in prayer and meditation designed to inspire renewed focus on helping their spouses achieve their God-given potential. The afternoon was filled with one-on-one couple time. Several couples indulged in the rest and relaxation of spa and massage treatments, while others explored boating, golfing, horseback riding, and some even ventured offsite to the local movie theater. Each day ended with couples retreating to the villas for games and fellowship. The outcome: Couples went home recharged with a renewed commitment to out-serve each other in their marriage ministry and a continued focus on being woven together with Christ. As we partner together to accomplish God's work on this earth, let us be ever cognizant of our need to be woven together with Jesus Christ [in every marriage, every friendship, and every relationship]. For information about the Married Couples Ministry, our current marriage enrichment s e r i e s , o u t r e a c h e f f o r t s , o r u p c o m i n g e v e n t s , email: slcumcmarriedcouples@ymail.com.

Married Couples Ministry Spotlight

Marriage Takes Three by Perry Tanksley, 1984 I once thought marriage took just two to make a go, But now I am convinced It takes the Lord also. And not one marriage fails where Christ is asked to enter, As lovers come together with Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives, and homes are incomplete, Till Christ is welcomed there to help avoid defeat. In homes where Christ is first it's obvious to see, Those unions really work, for marriage still takes three.

Brian & Selena Alexander

Misty Tippen

Marvyn & Brenda Williams

Engaged Couples Workshop Mark Your Calendars!

Methodism’s Breadbasket Join us for our 40th Celebration on September 24

For I was hungry and you fed me… Methodism’s Breadbasket has been sharing the bread of life for more than 40 years. Founded in 1970 by Rev. John W. Tatum, Breadbasket provides food, clothing and other emergency services to our sisters and brothers in need in the Pleasant Grove, south and southeast Dallas neighborhoods. On Friday, September 24 at 11:30 am, you are invited to join us for a Luncheon of Appreciation benefitting Methodism’s Breadbasket. Tickets are $40 per person and $320 for a table. Additional levels of support are also available, along with ad space in the commemorative program book marking the significance of these 40 years of service.

Rev. Tatum, along with long-time Breadbasket supporter, Pastor Emeritus Zan W. Holmes, will be in attendance. To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact the Breadbasket office at 214. 887. 3926 or email the director, Cynthia Martin, at cmartin@slcumc.org. The continued support of the St. Luke family blesses us to be a blessing!

The next quarterly Engaged Couples Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 4 , continuing on Saturday, September 18. If you are being married by a St. Luke pastor or would like to attend the workshops, please contact Ellen Martin at 214. 887. 3922 or emartin@slcumc.org to register. Here is the schedule at a glance:

Quarter 3: Quarter 4: Saturday, September 4, Part 1 Saturday, December 4, Part 1 Saturday, September 18, Part 2 Saturday, December 18, Part 2 Registration cost is $60 per couple. Workshop sessions are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Meeting locations will be furnished upon registration. For additional information, email slcumcmarriedcouples@ymail.com

Family & Friends Day Join us for this special day on September 12

Share the spirited celebration of worship service with your friends and family

by inviting them to join us for a day dedicated to them. Sunday, September 12

is designed as Family & Friends Day. This is your opportunity to fill the pews

with all the people who you want to enjoy the awe-inspiring worship celebra-

tions at St. Luke.

Now they can experience the excitement for themselves! There is no greater

moment shared between friends and family than attending church together

and being blessed by the message.

Call, email or text your family and friends and let them know that we have a special day planned just for them! And who

knows...you might even help to bring someone to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

From the beginning, God entered into a covenant with the human family; with Adam and

Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Ruth and Jeremiah. Through baptism,

God calls us into the covenant and makes us ministers of Christ’s righteousness. With this

understanding in mind, St. Luke will celebrate Laity Sunday on September 26 and give the

non-clergy the honor to lead the Worship Celebration!

Our special guest preacher will be Dr. Maria Dixon Hall, Associate Professor of Corporate

Communications and Public Affairs at the Meadows School of Arts at Southern Methodist

University in Dallas. Dr. Hall’s primary research interests are in examining the manifesta-

tions of organizational power in corporate, non-profit and religious contexts.;

organizational culture and identity; and organizational communication pedagogy.

Dr. Hall holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Th.M. in Homiletics

and a M.Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a B.S. in Marketing from the Culverhouse

School of Business at the University of Alabama.

Laity Sunday Disciples Transforming the World - Through Presence

Join us for this special day on September 26

Dr. Maria Dixon Hall

Perspective College Care Packages

By Jennifer Luster

One night I was looking at prime time television - to be more specific, I was looking at the new cable program show, Memphis Beat. I saw a familiar face. It was Ms. Denise Lee. I was proud to see one of our “old St. Luke members “on a major network televi-sion program. When I saw her, the first thing I thought was, “You can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody that was a part of St. Luke.” The second

thing that came to mind was, “I wonder if anyone kept in touch with her through her journey from the Texas lottery commercials to prime time network TV.” It caused me to reflect and consider a few things. As a college freshman, I was very appreciative of the scholarship that my church family blessed me with. On my first day in college, I was so nervous, anxious, and a little sad. Mostly I was afraid of the unknown. Thankfully I saw a couple of familiar faces on my first day and that made me feel comfortable. And as you might have imagined, they were “old St. Luke members.” As the semester continued, I started to make myself comfortable and occasionally I thought to myself “Whatever happened to those care packages that St. Luke used to send?” I remember my older peers talking excitedly about how they remembered receiving these packages and how encouraging it made them feel. It was a wonder-ful thing to have when they were going through “the best times of your young adult life.” Growing up, I remember my family telling me that as children, and being the next generation, there is a certain level of greatness that is expected of me. In a way, a lot of us college students feel the same way and we understand how important it is. Yes, a lot of us are no longer living in our parents’ homes. Some of us came to rely upon St. Luke as being “our home.” Like a family, we should support each other through whatever we are experiencing. Personally, I know that experiencing college life makes you appreciative of many things like a gift card to a gas station, Target or Wal-Mart. As a freshman, worship service motivated me and it kept me encouraged through the school week. Even receiving a Sunday morning text message or phone call from another student who wanted to pray, really made the week a lot better. So did receiving sermons on DVD. It made me think of home and showed that I am not forgotten by my church family just because I am away at college. I know that we are in a recession and it is hard, but sometimes it seems to be a little harder on college students who just need a little push. I love my church family and I am forever grateful of how they helped to shape who I am today. Freshmen need help transitioning from home to college life and so do the rest of the college students. I have been blessed by my St. Luke family and to know that we are thought of, is a constant motivating and encouraging way for a student to make it through. Bless all of the graduates of 2010 and enjoy your entrance into college!

Perspective College Care Packages

If it’s shrimp etouffe, jambalaya, crawfish, and zydeco music that

you’re craving, you don’t have to leave Dallas to enjoy an authentic Cajun experience! The Men’s Ministry is hosting “Cajun Feast 2010” on Saturday, September 18, at the Zan Wesley Holmes Community Life Center, located at 6211 East Grand Avenue. The three-hour night of fun and entertainment begins at 6:00 pm and will be reminiscent of the flavor and feel that you’d expect when you hear the word “Cajun.”

Tickets to Cajun Feast 2010 are $15 for adults and $10 for children, ages 12 and younger. While you’re enjoying the evening, you will also help to support a worthy cause. Cajun Feast benefits the Methodism’s Breadbasket. Don’t miss this evening of good food and good company all in the name of a good cause. It is sure to be a night of relaxa-tion, laughter and holy fun! You can purchase your tickets on Sundays immediately following the Worship Celebration.

Cajun Feast 2010

Test your skills at Cajun trivia and amaze your friends! Q: What are the two musical instruments that are almost always used in Cajun (Acadian) music? A: The accordion and the fiddle

Laissez les bon temps rouler!