TIME-2011-01

JANUARY—MARCH 2011

METHODIST

lifeBreathing Life into MinistryPortrait of a Pastor's Sabbatical

Lent Comes to LifeExplore Jesuses You Have Known

LIFE Is GoodThe Little Document That Could

Heart Healthy

55458_jan11_mag:Layout 1 12/22/10 11:43 AM Page 1

ST. LUKE’S CLERGY STAFF: Kent Millard, Linda McCoy, Marsha Hutchinson,Marion Miller, Stan Abell, David Williamson,

Jamalyn Peigh Williamson

ST. LUKE’S STAFF: Kathy Alexander, Administrative Team Assistant

Jason Barnes, Director of AV/MediaDawn Bick, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry,

ElementaryBetty Brandt, Director of Spiritual Life CenterKristi Chamberlain, Childcare CoordinatorTerri Coe, Director of Adult Ministries

Marsha Coyner, Director of Joyful RhythmsLori Crantford,

Director of Communications, Marketing & DevelopmentKevin Davis, Director of Youth Ministries

Mark Dybala, FacilitiesSylvia Forbes, Membership & Care

Bertie Gilster, ReceptionistMary Hach, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry,

Early ChildhoodAdolf Hansen, Theologian in Residence

Leslie Hazelwood, FacilitiesMartha Heinrich, IT Manager

Carol Helmus, Special Event/Wedding CoordinatorSharon Holyoak, Oasis Bookstore ManagerJulia Johnson, Executive Director of MinistriesMike Keller, Director of Wesleyan Ringers

Faina Kleyner, FinanceBeth Lammers, Building Scheduler

Erica Lampe, Benefits/Development AssistantTujuianna Lockhart, FacilitiesRobert Lisenby, Facilities

Bobbi Main-Jackson, Director of Weekday MinistriesCharles Manning,

Assistant Director of Music MinistriesRyan McGee, Associate Director of Youth Ministries

Linda McGlothlin, Adult Ministries Janet Miller, Children’s Ministries

DeAnna Moran, Adult Ministries RegistrarDebra Nethercott, Director of Children’s Music

Sarah Nevin, Publications DesignJan Nichols, Coordinator of World Missions ProjectsJulie O’Connor, Administration & Celebration Team

Rich Potterf, Building & Grounds MinistryMary Katherine Schnitz, Director of Care Ministries

Cara Scott, ReceptionistKelly Scott, Facilities

Winnie Sibotshiwe, FacilitiesMark Squire, Director of Music Ministries

Tara-Lynne Sinicki, Director of Children’s MinistriesAlison Strawmyer, Assistant Director & Registrar,Weekday Preschool & Parent’s Day Out Program

William Taylor, FacilitiesJayne Moynahan Thorne, Director of Outreach Ministries

Chris Thornsberry, Associate Director of Adult MinistriesCheryl West, Director of New Song

Adra Wheeler, Director of Hospitality & VolunteersRich Wisman, Facilities

THE GARDEN CLERGY STAFF:

Linda McCoy, Stan Abell

THE GARDEN STAFF: Troye Kinnett, Director, The Good Earth BandSteve Whipkey, Director, Oak Hill BandJudy Tolley, Administrative Team LeaderBeth Fried, Communications & Worship Matt Peyton, Media Ministry Specialist

st. luke’s identityWe are an open community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation.

st. luke’s vision We envision being transformed by God

and transforming the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive,

Christ-like community.

in this issue | mission | staff together in ministry everyday

magazineSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church

100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260TELEPHONE: 317-846-3404 • FAX: 317-844-1034 • WEB: www.stlukesumc.com

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION STAFF: Editorial: Lori Crantford; Design: Sarah NevinCONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Betty Brandt, Kevin Davis, Marsha Hutchinson, Lynn Jackson, Nancy Jarosinski,Linda McCoy, Marion Miller, Nanci Patterson, Scott Semester, Chris Thornsberry, Jennifer Todd, TriciaTomson, David Williamson, Jamalyn Peigh Williamson. CIRCULATION MANAGER: Sylvia Forbes.

NEXT T.I.M.E. DEADLINE: February 21 for April—June 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:4 T.I.M.E.6 The Church9 Greg Mortenson11 World Missions12 Youth14 Clergy16 Lent17 Open House / Sundays in the South / UMW18 Green Ministry20 Community Ministries21 Thanksgiving Service Project22 Endowment / New Members23 Celebrations & Concerns24 Lent

6 The Church

14 Clergy

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Dear Friends:

Happy New Year! As we begin 2011, I invite you to start thinking about what it means to TrustGod... No Matter What. This concept will be our year-long Together In Ministry Everyday theme,and we will explore it in various ways throughout the course of the year.

What does it mean to trust God, no matter what? In thinking about this, I was reminded of anold story:

A man lived near the ocean when a hurricane approached and everyone was encouraged toevacuate their homes and move to safer locations. The man refused to leave his home, sayingthat he believed God would save him from any danger.

Rescue workers came by in a jeep and begged the man to come with them to a safer location. However,the man refused to leave, saying that he knew God would save him.

The water around the man’s home got deeper and he fled to the second floor of his home. Rescue workerscame by in a boat and begged him to come with them, but the man refused and told them that he was cer-tain that God would save him.

Eventually the rising water filled the house and the man had to escape to the roof. Rescue workers in ahelicopter came and offered to take him to safety, but again the man refused, saying his faith was in Godand he knew God would save him.

Finally the house was washed away, the man drowned and arrived in heaven. He was angry with God andsaid: “Why didn’t you save me?”

God said: “I tried. I sent a jeep, a boat and a helicopter, but you refused my help.”

We can trust God to always be there to help us in our times of need, but the help may not come in the formwe expected. When we trust God no matter what, we also need to be open to the wide variety of ways Godmay come to help us.

With Minnietta’s recent illness, we have discovered that God is exceedingly faithful and has come in manyways to help us. God has inspired people to pray for healing and to send us cards, gifts, e-mails and wordsof love and support, and it has all been received gratefully. God has provided people from our hands-onhealing prayer ministry to lay hands on her and pray for her, and it has been a blessing.

God has blessed us with wonderful, compassionate doctors, nurses and medical technicians who havegiven their love, their skill and their wisdom in providing excellent treatment. Having these experiences with these medical personnel has reminded us to give thanks to God for everyone who works in the heal-ing professions.

As we go into the future we trust God no matter what the future holds, because we know who holds the future and we know we are always in the loving hands of God.

During Lent we will be talking about the Jesuses I Have Known. The Jesus who has inspired me the mostis the Jesus who trusted God no matter what might happen in his life. Jesus trusted God so much he surrendered his life completely into the hands of God, regardless of the challenges and suffering he wouldexperience.

The ultimate sign of trusting God no matter what is the cross where Jesus’ last words were “Father, intoyour hands I surrender my spirit.” Out of that act of trust, Jesus was raised and still lives among us to remind us to trust God no matter what. When we trust God no matter what, God brings new life out of crucifying experiences and brings good out of evil.

As we begin a new year, remember to Trust God No Matter What and discover a peace that passes under-standing as we trust our lives, our loved ones and our future into the loving hands of God.

Grace and Peace,

Kent Millard

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JANUARY—MARCH from the desk


together in ministry everyday

I’m in ministry everyday. I bet you are, too.

I mean, I’m not a capital-M Minister—you’re probably not, either. But both you and I—all of us, really, whether we’re atchurch or out in the world—are ministers everyday.

In the United Methodist Church, ordained ministers (our pastors) have very specific, very important roles. And we, asmembers of the church, also have a very important role—each of us is called by God to serve. One of God’s gifts to us isthe opportunity to figure out how to serve in a way that feeds us and builds up others.

Not all of us are called to be ordained, and not all of us are called to speak from the pulpit—in fact, many of us wouldrather do anything at all than speak in front of a worship service with + people in attendance! But all Christians arecalled to show God’s love to others on an ongoing, intentional basis. ( :-)

In fact, we at St. Luke’s believe that we’re all called, all the time, to serve God and serve others,whether we’re at work, at home, volunteering, at school, in the car, at the grocery store, or wherever.That’s what T.I.M.E. —Together In Ministry Everyday—is all about.

A Look Back in T.I.M.E.In various ways and in different expressions, the St. Luke’s congregation has embraced this call toserve God and others since our founding more than fifty years ago. This intentional approach toservice, education and advocacy got organized under the T.I.M.E. banner in , when our clergy,staff and lay leaders convened to develop opportunities for us all to serve while exploring what itmeans that we’re all in ministry. And over time, the St. Luke’s congregation has devoted thousands of hours to serving the poor and the hungry and the oppressed, learning aboutthose different from us and those in need in our own backyard and all over the world, and work-ing to advocate for “the least of these” in central Indiana and beyond.

You might remember several T.I.M.E. Connection Expos that took place in the Narthex, when rep-resentatives of St. Luke’s ministries and community organizations offered opportunities to serve for Minutes in Days. Your family may have participated in one of the T.I.M.E. Mystery Trips toFletcher Place in downtown Indy, or the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincin-nati. Maybe you made a special commitment during the most recent Lenten season to participate in new disciplines during “Spiritual Spring Training.” All of these opportunities—and so manymore—have been developed under the T.I.M.E. programming umbrella.

A T.I.M.E. to Look AheadEach year since we started this approach, we’ve organized several “cycles” of six to twelve weeks inlength, when we focused on a certain topic or ministry area. This year, we’re hoping to focus on allthe great things that have happened over the past five years of T.I.M.E. efforts.

T.I.M.E. Turns F veby Nanci Patterson and Scott Semester

“Time is the coin ofyour life. It is the onlycoin you have, andonly you can deter-mine how it will bespent. Be careful lestyou let other peoplespend it for you.” —

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In big and small ways throughout the year, we’llacknowledge and thank God for the many, many greatthings that are happening because of our members whoserve in ministry as volunteers, who serve in ministry asgreat moms and dads and uncles and aunts, who serve inministry as teachers and doctors and soldiers, who servein ministry as accountants and construction foremenand administrative assistants, who serve in ministrywherever they are, whenever they can. Later this year,we’ll a big, splashy celebration event to give thanks forthe continued success of the T.I.M.E. initiative. But thebiggest celebration of what T.I.M.E. is about will hap-pen when we continue to claim our call to ministryeveryday.

When we realize that the way we drive can show Jesus tothe world... When we realize that how we speak to ourspouse or kids can show Jesus to the world... When we realize that how we listen to a coworker can show Jesusto the world... When we realize that how we stand in lineat the grocery store can show Jesus to the world… Whenwe do all these things with a heart for God, for Christ,and for our neighbor (whoever he or she may be at thetime)… it’s THEN that we celebrate what it means to beTogether In Ministry Everyday.

So, in this year of celebrating T.I.M.E., let’s rememberthat God doesn’t call us to pat ourselves on the back.(Our bodies would probably be designed differently ifthat’s what God wanted us to do.) It’s not about awardsor recognition, and it’s not about declaring that we’vereached the finish line. Rather, the best affirmation of St. Luke’s T.I.M.E. and the truest expression of our gratitude for God’s call will be when we continue to rec-ognize—and act on—the knowledge that we are Together In Ministry Everyday. n

LEFT:

One of the original Mystery Trips

BELOW (L TO R):

T.I.M.E. for balloons!Servant Day brunchConnection Expo in the Narthex

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T.I.M.E. 2006-NOW

St. Luke's has utilized a thematic approach to invite the congregation to focus ona particular issue of human struggle and social concern, extending a compellingcall to everyday individuals to become everyday ministers, involved in opportuni-ties of learning, service, and advocacy. A wide variety of structured activities weremade available, or individuals were free to become engaged on their own in effortsof their choosing. Dozens of not-for-profit organizations were invited into thechurch to educate the congregation to their work and the ways men, women andchildren could volunteer. For many individuals, by dipping their toe into a new poolof volunteerism and ministry, they became passionately committed to new causesin the community.

The following Themes have been areas of focus since January 2006.

• Poverty & Socio-Economic Concerns

• Peace & Reconciliation

• Education & Literacy

• Health, Hunger & Wholeness

• Caring for Creation

• Bridging the Generations

• Our Health, Our World, Our People

• Creating Community

• Love, Serve & Care for One Another... Everyday...

• Experiencing Our Inner Soul

• Interfaith Connections

• In Our Own Backyard

• Now Is the TIME

• Spiritual Spring Training

• Turn the World Upside Down

• Summer T.I.M.E.: Time for Recreation & Re-Creation

• Back to Basics: Love God, Love Your Neighbor

2011: Trust God, No Matter What

JANUARY—MARCH together in ministry everyday


There is a very popular piece of paper floating around behind the scenes at meetings and retreats at St. Luke’s. It’scalled the LIFE document, and while you may not haveever seen it, it is quietly having an impact on the life of ourchurch home.

So what does this magical mystery document say, onemight ask. And where did it come from? And just exactlyhow is it making a difference around St. Luke’s? Those ofus who have been working with this document decidedmaybe we needed to bring it to light, introduce it around,give it a little coming-out party. It is called LIFE after all.You know. LIFE of the party. But, seriously...

The genesis of the LIFE document grew out of a St. Luke’sGoverning Board retreat in March of —with muchplanning and discussion leading into that strategic plan-ning retreat. Prior to that time (in and ), therewas a subcommittee of the board that met numeroustimes and worked up quite a bit of documentation relatedto strategic priorities for the church. During this process,there was continual affirmation of our Mission State-ment—particularly the IDENTITY (St. Luke's is an opencommunity gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share thelove of God for all creation), and the VISION STATEMENT(We envision being transformed by God and transformingthe world into a compassionate, just, inclusive, Christ-like

community). We believe that these statements get to theDNA of St. Luke's—they help define who we are and whatmakes us different as a church.

This subcommittee put together a "Request for Informa-tion" document which solicited input from church staffand members with the following questions: () What doyou envision for St. Luke's in three-five years? () Whatrole will it play in the lives of its members, in the sur-rounding community, in Indianapolis and in the globalcommunity? () What ministries will it provide? () Whatpeople will it reach? This was intended to be a dreamingdocument. The results of this survey were "bucketed" intocategories that paralleled the priorities of the UMC—worship, discipleship, evangelism, ministry, mission andfellowship, and were further broken down into affectedpopulations—elderly, adults, young adults, youth andchildren.

The response to this RFI ultimately helped to shape andfocus the planning for the March Governing Boardretreat. At that retreat, the board entered into an exercisecalled a SWOT analysis—(Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppor-tunities, Threats—both inside and outside the institution).Board members were asked to attack each of these areaswith their analysis of St. Luke's. The results of the SWOTanalysis were then categorized, and from those categories,certain themes emerged. Through the discussion, these categories fell into certain defined areas—Leadership, Engagement, Outreach and Foundation. If you look atOutreach as Impact in the community, city, state andworld... suddenly you had a very apropos acronym—LIFE.

Shortly after the retreat, the Governing Board requestedthat the Executive Team (as the Vision casters of thechurch - and the ones who would do the ultimate heavylifting of putting LIFE into action) put priorities withinthe LIFE document. They did this with input from theLead Team and from the Program Team. With that inputfrom senior staff, who carry the role of implementing thetenets of the LIFE document, along with input and sup-port of the Governing Board, the document was ready tomake the leap from big ideas to big results. It establishesour current goals and priorities, but is open-ended to beworkable into the future.

So, without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to theLIFE document, and give an example in each category ofhow life is being breathed into the words on the page. It isa little document that can—full of energy, ready for ac-tion, and able to provide inspiration for even bigger andbetter things down the road. n

Jennifer Todd is the St. Luke’s Lay Leader and Chair of theGoverning Board.

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To LIFE!by Jennifer Todd and Lori Crantford

the church together in ministry everyday


• CELEBRATING the life and work of our graduating Senior Pastor

• FINDING a new Senior Pastor who has the faith,gifts, and creative abilities to successfully leadthe congregation into the next chapter of its lifeand ministry

• DESIGNING & IMPLEMENTING the criteria and process by which a new and creative Lead Pastor of the Garden will be chosen to lead thecongregation into the next chapter of its life and ministry.

• CULTIVATING creative, entrepreneurial lay leaders who have the faith, gifts, and abilities

to successfully lead the congregationinto the next chapter of its life andministry

• DEVELOPING key leadership that is diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity

After Dr. Adolf Hansen made the decisionto retire from his part-time position on St. Luke's staff on December , , ourExecutive Team and Staff Parish Relations Committee decided to ask Rev. David

Williamson to serve as our Executive Pastor and assumethe leadership responsibilities previously held by Dr.Hansen. David will serve on the Executive Team (withKent Millard, Linda McCoy and Julia Johnson), will chairthe Clergy Team, and will co-chair (with Julia Johnson)the Lead Team. He will also continuehis work with Family Ministries, withthe United Methodist Men, leadingmission teams to Haiti, along withother pastoral duties.

“Rev. David Williamson is a gifted,faithful and compassionate youngpastoral leader,” says Dr. Kent Millard,“and we are blessed to have him serveSt. Luke's as our Executive Pastor while at the same timeserving as the pastoral liaison to our Men's and Familyministries programs.”

In addition to clergy and staff, identifying and recruitingqualified individuals into lay leadership positions is a priority outlined in the LIFE document. This includes thecreation of the new Nominating Form that was used lastyear, which seeks input from the congregation in nomi-nating potential leaders. The Lay Leadership Committeewill begin asking for that important input at the begin-ning of for those who are interested in exploring amore active leadership role at St. Luke’s.

• BEING OPEN to God to bring about personal transformation in and through the lives of those who are a part of our church and those in our community with spiritual need.

• PARTICIPATING with God in making a significant, positive, transforming influence in the lives of people throughout our community, state, nation, and world

• BEING A LEADING CHURCH in Indianapolis—and beyond—responsive to needs such as poverty, disease, hunger, education, and injustice

• ACTIVELY ENGAGING in building bridges among all faith communities

• INCREASING OUR PRESENCE and brand in a variety of evangelical ways throughout the world

For the past two years, St. Luke’s has been in partnership with the Interfaith Hunger Initiative,which is having a true impact on hunger in Indianapolis and for school children in Kenya.By being open to an interfaith partnership, we are building strong relationships with commu-nities of other faiths in Indianapolis while working together to fulfill the mission of helping endhunger for children and families. The shining moment of this partnership was the May visitto Indianapolis by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who applauded the interfaith movement. Over$, was raised for hunger that day through the largest interfaith event ever held in Indi-anapolis. The St. Luke’s congregation continues to be supportive of IHI in little and big ways all through the year. Interfaith friendships have been formed, strengthening our community,while more importantly, people who need food are receiving it, along with much compassion andunconditional love.

Rev. David Williamson

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Dr. Kent Millard at the May 2010 Dalai Lama event

St. Luke's is anopen communitygathering to seek, celebrate,live and share thelove of God for all creation.

JANUARY—MARCH


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• PROVIDING abundant funding each year for staffing, program, facilities, and outreach

• PAYING OFF our capital indebtedness and increasing our endowment

• HAVING IN PLACE creative, forward-thinking anddedicated staff persons to lead the congregation(s)into and through the second decade of the 21st century, including those called to virtual ministry

• UPDATING our physical facilities to keep them current and welcoming

• HAVING STATE OF THE ART technological capabilities for information and ministry

saw a flurry of new, innovative worship services. At The Garden, a new service was started by Rev. Stan Abell called GardenUnplugged. It offers a more interactive version of The Garden’sworship experience, with time for small group sharing and feed-back. The topic is tied to that of The Garden’s services that day, andif that wasn’t all enough for you, now you can continue the conversation online at The Bluevine Collective. This new virtualchurch site also connects thematically to Garden Unplugged andThe Garden, and is a place for people across the country to engagein conversation, exchange ideas, and form community. As a way toengage children and their families together in worship, this fall anew worship experience, Family Fuel, kicked off on --. Led byRev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson and a cast of recurring characters,Family Fuel offers a setting that children enjoy while managing togive a biblical/spiritual lesson that speaks to kids and their parentsalike. Since the service is meant for families to experience together,they can continue the conversation on the way home in the minivan. After they load up on donuts, of course. You can always leadinto the future in new ways, but we rather doubt that you can everleave the donuts behind.

• INVITING people in creative ways to join in the life of the congregation

• HELPING people discern their passions and ways to utilize them, through participation and growth in worship, education, fellowship, care and service

• CREATING a culture in which every participant considers themselves “in ministry”

• DEVELOPING additional worship experiences that will reach new persons

• FOSTERING significant spiritual growth through all possible avenues

Take a look at some of what was offered at St. Luke’s during a week lastDecember. Can we engage, or can we engage? Nine different opportunitiesto worship on Sunday with four different types of services. Children’schoirs. Adult education classes. Youth groups on Sunday morning andSunday evening. Singles lunch out after church. Later@ St. Luke’s bandpractice. Mission Possible Kids. Daytime Bible and book studies. Night-time classes, care and support groups. Learn to meditate. Fellowship andspiritual growth opportunities for men. Fellowship and spiritual growthopportunities for women. Yoga, anyone? Basketball and volleyball. StephenMinistry. Green Ministry. Music Ministry. Become a church member.Cook breakfast down at Fletcher Place. Buy nuts for Brightwood. Donatemittens. Have breakfast with Santa for a good cause. Yoga, anyone? Gardenemployment connections. Walk the labyrinth. Enjoy a candlelight Christ-mas concert. Participate in a women’s Advent luncheon and study. Go ona one-day retreat with the senior pastor. Volunteer at Fox Hill Elementary.Have a birthday party for Jesus! Donate a gift to someone in need throughthe Whose Birthday Is It? campaign (hint: it’s Jesus’ birthday!). Play euchre with the Elderberries. Yikes, there’s a live camel in the Sanctuary!Yoga, anyone?

(L TO R): Family Fuel, Garden Unplugged, Bluevine Collective

the church together in ministry everyday


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Greg Mortenson’s visit to St. Luke’s had an enormous impact on our community and communities throughoutthe country. As co-chairs of the event, we would like toshare our story of his visit and the ongoing blessings.

Who is Greg Mortenson?Seventeen years ago this remarkable man figured out away to fulfill a promise made to children in a remote areaof Pakistan to build them a school. Since then, he has built169 more in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. More than68,000 students—including , girls—have been educated, maternal healthcare programs have beenstarted, and adult women are learning to read. Overseasoperations and management are being turned over to localelders and communities. Mortenson has written two bestselling books about his life work, Three Cups of Tea andStones Into Schools. He was invited to Indianapolis for twopresentations on Monday, September , .

Afternoon PresentationThe excitement began at at Shortridge Magnet Schoolwith a presentation to , students from the MuslimSchool of Knowledge, the Hebrew Academy, the Schoolfor the Deaf, the International School, Orchard School,Washington Township, Lawrence Township, IPS and others. Greg Mortenson’s charisma immediately capturedthe students. Teddy Root, a grader at St. RichardsSchool, wrote to the editor of The Indianapolis Star: “GregMortenson's recent visit to Shortridge High School helpedme appreciate the importance of education. Kids in oppressed countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistanhave to worry about being kidnapped or stepping on landmines on their way home from school, if they even have aschool. They have to worry about things that aren't even

in the back of our minds. This humanitarian works forneither fame nor money, but because it is the right thingto do. His message urges people everywhere to make a difference.”

While the school presentation was broadcast to five coun-ties via cable (thanks to Bright House Networks), therewere no limitations to the possible viewing via the web.We expected viewers throughout Central Indiana, andwere surprised when we received comments from Florida,North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Maryland.All in all, about , students were reported to haveviewed the program via web stream.

Evening PresentationThat evening the same magical energy filled the , peo-ple in the Sanctuary and Robertson Chapel. The eveningbrought an extraordinarily diverse audience. People from

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Nepal, India,Iraq, Iran, Senegal, England, Lebanon andKorea were there that evening, joining theirhands in friendship and their hearts in love.

Several universities were able to watch theevening presentation via web stream. These included several of IU’s campuses, Butler University, Ball State University, Anderson Uni-versity and Berea College in Kentucky. Berea’sstudent government president is a Muslim student from Afghanistan. The or so inter-national students at Berea must be in the bottom quintile of their country’s income leveland must intend to return to their home coun-tries to make their contribution to a betterworld. They are young women and men likethe students in Greg Mortenson's schools, andmany have had their earlier educations inter-rupted by war.

Approximately volunteers participated inthe afternoon and evening events. Soldiersfrom Camp Atterbury, where counterinsur-gency tactics are taught to soldiers, offered

support by directing traffic and providing security to Mr.Mortenson that evening. A Perry Township school dis-played one of quilts its students had made relating toMortenson’s work. Asrar Burney, a Pakistani photogra-pher, offered his photos for sale, with proceeds going toMortenson’s Central Asia Institute (CAI).

The committee chairs who worked so diligently to perfectthe event—Barbara Furlow, Judith Maas, Sue Gilfoy,Lynne Hurlbut, Shari Lipp-Levine, Carrie Sanders andBetty Brandt—were praised, thanked and hugged by agroup of people who have deeply touched our souls, thePakistanis. We will be forever blessed by the friendshipsthat have been formed.

Greg Mortenson’s Visit to Indianapolisby Lynn Jackson and Nancy Jarosinski

ABOVE: Kent Millard with soldiers from Camp Atterbury

cont’d on next page

JANUARY—MARCH special event


special event together in ministry everyday

LEFT: Nancy Jarosinski andLynn Jackson with BibiBahrami of AWAKEN

RIGHT: Mortenson graciouslysat down for an interview

with Rev. Stan Abell for theBluevine Collective

BOTTOM: Mortenson reflects on the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Bill Jarosinski, Nancy’s husband, works with Adil Ashary,who was born in Pakistan. A phone call to Adil early in theevent planning process was the start of this friendship between the planning committee and the Pakistan Amer-ican Friendship Association (PAFA). Adil rounded upabout Pakistan American volunteers who worked theevening of the event welcoming people, handing out pro-grams and collecting donations. Most importantly, theymade an incredible interfaith statement by sitting togetherdressed in traditional Pakistani clothing in the choir loft ofa Christian church.

These generous people led book studies prior to Septem-ber and decorated the stage areas of both St. Luke’s andShortridge. And PAFA made the single largest contribu-tion to CAI of over ,. Asif Ansari, the current president of PAFA, has a news media program that broad-casts in Pakistan with the following goal: “To promote thetrue spirit of Islam, which is to create peace, love and harmony among nations by building bridging betweencommunities and nations, through interfaith harmony

and dialogue.” His wife,Faiza, had this to say of theevening: “I have experiencedlove and peace like never before, and it makes me realize how much love Godhas for all his creation, and I have seen a portion of it in comparison to totality.”

Camp Atterbury The Thursday following hisappearance in Indianapolis,Mr. Mortenson made a visitto Camp Atterbury where

he engaged in conversation with several military com-manders who would soon be deploying with their troopsto Afghanistan. He talked about the Afghani people whofor centuries have been in tribal wars or other wars andknow war as a way of life. He shared with the command-ers that while the villagers might not agree with our military views, the American soldiers had one huge

advantage with these people - they are honored and re-spected as "warriors."

He mentioned the word “kitab.” It is an Arabic word andliterally means “book.” Like many other words, it is ashared word in Urdu, Persian, Turkish and other dialects.In the context of the Quran, “people of the book (Ahl al-Kitab)” are those religions that had a religious scripturebefore the Quran. Some scholars limit this to Christianityand Judaism; others have a wider interpretation. Mr.Mortenson believes that if you tell someone you are aChristian, it means nothing. But if you identify yourselfas Ahl al-Kitab, you are given great reverence.

The Future The Indianapolis community generously donated ,

—Mortenson's honorarium and travel (,), otherevent expenses (,) and a donation of , to CAI.In addition, the Pedal for Peace event on October ,

at the Velodrome raised over ,, with half of the pro-ceeds going to CAI (the other half went to AfghanWomen’s and Kids’ Education & Necessities, or AWAKEN,which has one school in Afghanistan). Furthermore, manyschools participated in Mortenson’s Pennies for Peace program in anticipation of his appearance. WashingtonTownship schools alone raised over , worth of pen-nies, which will go directly to building schools. All of thiswill create a future of “books not bombs” for the childrenof rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.

We are joining Betsy Fife, Betty Brandt and the St. Luke’sSocial Justice Commission to begin a follow-up project tothe Mortenson event. The goal will be to pay for the educational and living expenses of women high schoolgraduates in Afghanistan and Pakistan who wish to betrained as midwives, teachers, health care technicians anddietitians. If you would like to be a part of this excitingnew project, contact Betsy Fife ([email protected]). n

MORTENSON, cont’d from page


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JANUARY—MARCH world missions

In November, I returned to Haiti for a second time since the earthquake rockedthe small Caribbean country on January 12, 2010. I was there that day, alongwith a team of eight other people from St. Luke’s and Milroy UMC.

During my first visit back to Haiti in May 2010, I found that sitting with my neigh-bors and hearing their stories and sharing mine healed the deepest part of mysorrow. I needed to sit with them and mourn our losses. It was a different kind ofmourning I yearned for than what I experienced with the American team with meon that January day. With the Americans, we felt deep sadness on a different level.It was a sadness that involved statements like “Why can’t they just catch a break?”or “What will happen to them?” These were the questions we pondered as we leftthe country four days later on Air Force Cargo jets. We were freed from the seeingthe sorrow every day. Instead, we had the memories that haunted us.

For my neighbors in Fondwa, they were left to live with the sadness as it stood be-fore them each day in rubble and unanswered prayers about the whereabouts ofloved ones. In May I finally had a chance to sit with my dear friends -- the peo-ple I lived with for two years [Jamalyn and her husband, St. Luke’s associate pastor Rev. David Williamson, lived in Fondwa from 2003-2005]—and asked the questions I needed answers to. These questions were not rooted in us vs. them—but simply just us. January 12 is a date that is branded in my memory and is something we all went through together. As I sat with Bós, Jesula and Cine I heardhope for a new life—a new way. This told me that if their lives were able to moveon, then it was time for me to do so too.

Part of moving on meant leading another trip in November 2010. Prior to the tripI began to have bouts of anxiety when I thought of leading a team out to Fondwa.What if my sense of healing was a farce? What if I got down there and went straightfor the fetal position because the memories were too painful? Or worse, what if Igot to Fondwa and just felt nothing. What I found out was that I was fine. Goingback was like returning home after a long voyage. I saw my friends—shouted mybonjous as I walked down the mountain into the valley. People continue to beamazed that I come back. They also continue to be shocked that other peoplewant to come too!

Fondwa is a hub of constant activity right now. There were construction projectsbeing done in a number of places. A new clinic is set up with meds and even aweekly visit from a doctor. A new depot and kitchen was being finished for the orphanage. After nearly a year, the cooks can come out from under their tarp andcamp-out like conditions. One of the families who had lost their home in the earth-quake already had a newly built home with a beautiful front porch. At the school,I was shocked to find that the census was nearly back to the original number of600 students before the earthquake. Students were sitting two to a chair undertarps or shaded trees, straining to see the chalkboard—propped up against atree—at the front of the “classroom.” The learning environment is less than favorable, yet they come. They understand that education is the key to gettingout of their current situation. So they come and take notes and don’t complain.

Along for ride on this trip were Denise Jean-Claude and her son, Danny Chin. Bothare St. Luke’s members who have recently moved from Indianapolis, and theywere also on the trip with me in January. They came seeking healing and discov-ery. Danny was one of the few men at the school after it collapsed, trying to findthe masonry workers lost in the rubble. He located Bós and was able to help carryhim up the mountain (in the dark) to the area of the road where his family waswaiting. During our November visit, Bós and his wife Jesula invited the team totheir home for coffee. While we were visiting, Bós realized that Danny was theone who helped save his life. It was a goosebump moment of healing, restorationand wholeness when Bós embraced Danny. Bós said, “You gave me and my

TOP: New orphanage kitchenand depot construction

BOTTOM: Children crowd intoclassrooms eager to learn

Haiti, One Year Laterby Rev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson

cont’d on next page


world missions | youth ministries together in ministry everyday

Mission Trips Chanby Kevin Davis

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Last year I had the privilege of sitting next to Butler University’s Coach Brad Stevensat a membership dinner here at St. Luke’s. He was asking about youth ministry andthe activities that we had planned. I was telling him about our fun activities, our serv-ice opportunities and our mission trips. When I said mission trips he became veryinterested. Coach Stevens said that mission trips were the highlight of his church ex-perience growing up and truly shaped his life.

Today mission trips are still shaping the lives of teens and adults. Here are a few sto-ries from students from this past summer and their mission trip experience.

Brooke Hosfeld – grade, Carmel Middle SchoolWhen I found out I was going on a week-long mission trip to Eastern Tennessee withmy church group, I was extremely excited. Spending time with friends, hanging out,and helping others… what could be better? And then I went on the trip. It was defi-nitely better than I expected and had hoped for. While I was on the work camp, therewere about people from different churches and states. At the beginning of the week,the leaders of the Youth Works program separated all of the youth and adults intowork groups. Every day, these work groups went to a different location to help some-one new. For two days, each group was assigned to work with a group of kids for a cou-ple hours each day. When I worked with these kids, I realized that my attitude abouteverything I had needed to change. These kids had so little, but they were extremelyhappy all the time. As I worked and played with those kids, I thought about how luckyI am to have everything that I do, and I realized that I need to appreciate what I havemore. There are so many people that have so much, but they are never satisfied withwhat they have; they always want more. I try to remember how blessed I am all thetime, but I also try to think of how blessed those kids are, too. They may not have alot of money, or they may not have a very good situation at home, but they havelearned to be happy with the little things in life. The things that I may look over andtake for granted, they use and love with all their hearts. I was really able to learn a fewlessons from those kids, and I am extremely glad that I was lucky enough to experi-ence their love while I was in Eastern Tennessee.

Allie Wineland— grade, Northview Middle SchoolLast summer, our junior high youth group went to Newport, Tennessee for a mis-

sion trip. It was my first one. At first, I was really nervous because I thought we wouldbe working the whole time and then going straight to bed. But I soon realized it wasfar more than that.

Our long drive was broken up by a hotel stay, a dip in the pool, and some canoe-ing. We finally reached the school where were staying and met other people fromFlorida, Maine, Georgia and Missouri. We would spend the rest of the week with these

family a blessing that day. Thank you.” As they embraced we were standing on holy ground and ex-periencing God’s grace in that moment.

With all that is been shown on television lately, peo-ple are starting to worry about going to Haiti. But itis the most peaceful place I know. TV crews will godown and fish for a story to make it look like the Haitian people are violent and we would be riskingour lives to even step foot in the country. Each teamI take always has the same reaction when we get toFondwa: “This is not the Haiti we saw on CNN.” AsChristians I believe we are called to continue stretch-ing ourselves in the journey we take with God andwith each other. A year ago I thought my journey withFondwa had come to close. What I have figured outthis year is I am only getting started. n

In addition to the work being done in Fondwa, St.Luke’s has worked with and supported the HaitianMedical Academy in Port au Prince, as well as aschool and agricultural project in Jeremie, Haiti, forseveral years. Improvements in all these areas con-tinue on a slow but steady pace, and help is alwaysneeded. For more information on the work beingdone in Haiti, contact Jan Nichols, World MissionsCoordinator, at [email protected].

HAITI, cont’d from page

TOP: Classroom constructionBOTTOM: A day at school in Fondwa

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groups. Soon, we were all running through the halls together, hugging andhaving a great time with these kids we had just met. We were like a family.

On the first day there, we split into groups. My group went to Kid’sClub where we prepared different things for the kids to do while they werewith us. We literally picked these kids up off the streets and near theirhomes to bring them to Kid’s Club. When they got there, we sang songs,did crafts, read to them, and had snacks. They were about six to twelveyears old. Our group did this for the first two days.

On the other days, my group went to a woman’s home and we scrapedall the lead paint off the front of her house (the other group had finishedthe other sides) and repainted her house. You could just see the joy on herface when we were finished. It felt great to make someone so happy.

Every night after dinner, we would have “club” where we would singand do skits. We were all crammed into a classroom but we were havingso much fun that it didn’t matter. We also had some quiet time, too, wherewe could just pray and thank God for bringing us on this journey.

By going on this mission trip, I realized how good my life is. I alwayshave food on the table and clothes on my back, without worrying aboutwhen my next meal will be or that I won’t have a good education. I wouldencourage everyone that is able to go on a mission trip sometime in theirlives. It really makes you see God’s grace and all the great things He hasgiven us and how we can make this world a better place.

Michael Wood— Freshman, North CentralIn my time here at St. Luke's, youth mission trips have to be one of thegreatest experiences that I have been a part of. Not only have I been ableto have fun and make new friends, but I have also been able to grow inmy faith. On these trips I've met many other youth and have really gottento know some of them very well. I have been able to surround myself withquality individuals of my age in situations where we can be a positive

influence on the incoming generation of church members. Mission tripshave helped me deepen my faith in God, too. On these trips I have dis-covered new beliefs within myself and have learned more about being aChristian. For example, I have become inspired to be a more outgoingChristian in places like school. Mission trips are something that I lookforward to every summer, as I have already been on three (soon to be four)trips. They are perfect for youth in how they are fun and spiritual at thesame time. While I will continue to go on these trips every summer, I hopeto see new faces, meet new friends, and spread the love and care of St.Luke's throughout the world.

Jeff Adams— Adult volunteerI volunteered to go on a work camp trip with my seventh grade daugh-

ter to Newport, TN last summer. I will admit after spending the first nightsleeping on a school floor with about early teenage boys, I wondered whatI had gotten myself into. That all changed after that first night.

Youth Works is the organization that puts on the camp, and they organize everything for us. They plan a very full day made up of meals,work, devotions, worship, social time and entertainment. There wereabout youth and adults from four or five other churches from otherstates. Each group is made up of youth and adults from other churches.Our group had the task of painting a local mission that served adults inneed and running a day camp for kids in the community. It was very rewarding to see our youth engage with the locals and offer their kind-ness and help. Though I tried not to be my daughter’s dad that week, it waswonderful to see her get so much out of serving others.

My job as an adult leader was to help guide and direct our youth, andonce and awhile provide damage control. One benefit of the trip is I gainedfriends from other churches that share similar values. This is definitely anexperience I would do again. Number 1 parent accessory: earplugs! n

BELOW (L TO R):

Sr. High group, Swan Quarter North Carolina

Michael Wood prepping to paint in very hot conditions!

Jr. High mission team, Eastern Tennessee

Allie Wineland and a group of teens leading kids in music

an

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THANK YOU for your continued support of our teens and youth ministry. Because of your

support this was a record year for pumpkin sales. We raised , of profit in three weeks!

This money goes to the students to help them on their trips. You can continue to support teens through

fundraisers, staying informed of what youth ministry has to offer, encouraging involvement, and praying

for teens and youth ministry!

Three summer Live in Tune Youth Ministry mission trips:

• Jr. High trip to Newport, TN, June 19-24 - Cost $440

• Sr. High trip to Lincoln County, WV, June 26-July 1 - Cost $450

• Sr. High trip to Fondwa, Haiti, July 9-16

JANUARY—MARCH

ge Lives


Looking Through the Generativity Lenseby Linda McCoy

—1—

Gen-er-a-tiv-i-ty (noun), the ability or power to generate or producesomething, a concern for others developed during middle age, esp. aneed to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the nextgeneration.

At a meeting of clergy and congregational representatives interested inapplying for a clergy renewal grant, Lilly Endowment leaders asked“What will make your heart sing?” The word that came to my mind al-most immediately was the word “generativity,” first made known by Erik Ericson in his description of the stages of psychosocial develop-ment. This term also came to life for me because of a book I had readshortly before, Second Journey by author Joan Anderson, who has writ-ten several books for and about women and their life journeys. Ander-son was about the same age upon writing the book that I was uponreading it, and I was intrigued by the similarities between her life ex-periences and what I was going through personally, and the reading plus my own experiences—along with the stage of The Garden’s life—helped shaped what was to become our request for funding for a clergyrenewal leave.

Several of us worked on preparing the grant application that had numerous components focused around the theme of generativity. Formy portion of the leave time, I proposed spending the first month ofmy time away in Ireland and Scotland to explore a newfound interestin Celtic Spirituality. The second block of time would be spent in literal generative time, focusing on quality time with my family, and

especially with our granddaughter, who was yet to be born when thegrant was submitted. (Madeline Grace Swike was born to our daugh-ter Erin and her husband Tim on April 6, 2009.) The third segment ofmy time away was to be spent in some personal time of reflection andpreparation, thinking about how my life could become generative whenmy time of active ministry comes to an end at some time in the future.At the same time that I was deepening my understanding of genera-tivity on a personal level, The Garden proposed that it do the very samething by looking toward the next five-ten years of its future to see howit might prepare itself to move into a new day.

It was exciting to receive the notification in the early summer of 2009that we had received the grant, and plans began almost immediatelyto implement it. A Renewal Leave Team, under the leadership of AndySpangler, was formed to chart the path for The Garden’s activities dur-ing my time away, including who would speak during Sunday Gardenservices, and the kind of work that would be done by Gardeners to en-vision a new future. The team secured Julia Johnson’s capable lead-ership to facilitate and guide two “Gatherings of the Gardeners” inJune of 2010, which began to identify the needs that had to be addressed in order to move forward, as well as clarifying The Garden’smission and vision.

Departure day for the first part of my journey came on April 30, 2010,as Erin and I left to spend the first week together in the Connemara region of western Ireland. We spent our time exploring the ruins of



11th and 12th century churches, wandering bogs and sheep pastures for historic remnants andcairns, and experiencing the food and culture of the Irish people. My husband, Mike, joined mefor a second week in Ireland, this time on the Dingle Peninsula, site of numerous bee hive huts,the Gallarus Oratory, and other well-known Celtic relics, as well as spectacular scenery. The lastpart of my first month was spent in Scotland, in an area around Oban, with the highlight beingseveral days spent on Iona, long known for its deep roots in Celtic Spirituality.

The second segment was time with family, especially with little Maddie. We went to the zoo, Chil-dren’s Museum, playgrounds and parks. We went out to lunch, and took walks, and enjoyed theleisure time that a grandmother who works full time does not typically have. For two weeks during this time, our family rented an RV and worked our way around Lake Michigan, reliving earlier experiences of “camping,” and discovering that times are far different today. Month threewas spent in the mountains of Colorado, where I thought about and began preliminary planningfor what my days beyond active ministry might be.

The impact of this time away? The Garden’s lead-ership team is beginning to process all that wasgathered during the summer and create a plan anda strategy for moving The Garden into a new day,even beyond my time of leadership. Thanks to Juliafor her superb work with Gardeners, the LeaveTeam, and The Garden’s Leadership Team for facil-itating this movement.

As for me—I’m still trying to process all of it, but letme begin by saying that it was extremely importantfor my spiritual well-being. The tenets of Celtic Spir-ituality resonated with my soul in a way that I cannot even begin to articulate, and being in thatland was very meaningful. Iona was a powerful experience, and to my surprise, it wasn’t the abbey on the tiny island, or the ruins of the old nunnery that set my soul afire; it was the beautyand majesty of the island itself. Like my experiences in the Holy Land, it is not the legendarysites of this happening or that one, but the land itself that holds a mystery and creates a mys-tical experience.

The time of literal generativity with my family was invaluable. Nothing’s better than hearing agrandchild call my name first thing in the morning! The joy of watching her grow and developinto her own person is a joy that others talk about and I can now fully affirm. Knowing that hergrandfather and I are going to have some impact on her life and her future gives us a renewedsense of meaning and purpose.

As for my future, I’ve narrowed the field of possibilities somewhat by revisiting what interestsme the most, where my skills lie, and some arenas in which I would like to have some influencein the church in the future. I can tell you that with my deepening faith and increased trust inGod, it’s no longer a dilemma for me. As I reflect on my life, I realize there’s no way I could haveintentionally planned to arrive where I am now, and so I find myself committed to being open towhere God will lead when the inevitable day of leaving The Garden comes to pass.

Meanwhile, I can only assure the wonderfully supportive staff and members of St. Luke’s andThe Garden that this time apart will reap an incredible harvest for The Garden and for me in theyears to come. Thank you, Lilly Endowment, for making this leave possible! n

LEFT: Reflection atop Dun I on the Isle ofIona in Scotland

TOP: Dingle Peninsula in Ireland

BOTTOM LEFT: Taking a lunch break on theRV trip

BOTTOM RIGHT: Maddie and Meme at thepumpkin patch

JANUARY—MARCH clergy

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Iona was a powerful experience, and to my surprise, it wasn’t the abbey on the tiny island, orthe ruins of the old nunnery that set my soul afire;it was the beauty and majesty of the island itself.


The quote above comes from a classic scene in the movie “TalledegaNights,” when the family of legendary race-car driver Ricky Bobby isgathering around for their evening meal. The conversation starts whenRicky Bobby (played by Will Ferrell) offers the blessing for the meal. Instead of praying to a generic “Lord,” Ricky likes to pray specificallyto “Baby Jesus.” Over the course of the scene, his supplications to “BabyJesus” get more and more elaborate: “Dear little eight pound, six-ounceJesus, lying in your little golden crib, looking at your baby Einstein mobile, learning your shapes and colors...” Eventually his wife can nolonger take it, and she interrupts: You know that Jesus grew into a man,don’t you? But Ricky Bobby defends his prayer: “Look, when it’s yourturn to pray, you can pray to whatever Jesus you want. But I like to think of Jesus as a baby, so that’s how I’m going to pray.”

What ensues is a hilarious discussion of all the ways that the familymembers picture Jesus. One little boy likes to picture Jesus as a vam-pire, while his brother prefers to think of Jesus as a wrestler, jumping offthe top rope, complete with spandex tights. And, as noted above, Ricky’sbest friend Cal likes to picture Jesus in a tuxedo T-shirt, ready to party.

Of course, the scene is over-the-top silly. But I find that the scene alsomakes a pretty smart theological observation (one that I’m not sureWill Ferrell intended). Namely, the scene speaks to the truth that we allhave this tendency to “remake” Jesus into our own image—maybe notso that he looks just like us, but so that he fits our needs and desires.Now this is understandable and to some degree unavoidable, but ifwe’re not careful we end up with a caricature of Jesus, instead of thereal thing. As John Eldridge notes, we often remake Jesus to look like“Mr. Rogers,” the ultimate nice guy whose mission was to soothe asmany feathers as possible. (And there would be those who would levythe same argument against Eldridge’s characterization of Jesus as a “war-rior.”) The point isn’t to say that any one perspective of Jesus is wrong,as much as to say that they’re all incomplete.

So if we want to answer Jesus’ question well—“Who do you say that I am?”—we needto sort through our own experi-ences of Jesus while at the sametime acknowledging others’ experience as well. We need to wrestle with different perspectives on Jesus’ identitywhile we work to define ourown perspective. We need toread not only the passageswhich confirm our belief inJesus, but also those storiesthat challenge and stretch ourconception of him.

In his book Generous Orthodoxy, Brian McLaren titles one chapter as“The Seven Jesuses I Have Known.” I like that title, because it resonatesin some ways my own faith journey. As a child I knew Jesus as a comforter, kind of like a big security blanket; as a teenager I “asked himinto my heart,” and I knew Jesus as a personal friend; in seminary I discovered the “historical” Jesus—my eyes were opened to the politi-cal and social challenges of his day, and I was inspired by his concernfor the outcast and downtrodden; as a pastor I keep coming back to the depths of his healing and grace. And the truth is, I don’t think I’mdone “discovering Jesus”—I’m confident that I’ll look back on my pres-ent level of understanding some day and think, “Wow, I didn’t knowthe half of who Jesus was!”

So I simply ask you: What “Jesuses” have you known in your life? Howhas your conception of Jesus evolved over time? What new aspects ofhis character or identity have you recently discovered? Are you stillsearching to know Jesus better? During the season of Lent, we’ll be exploring different perspectives on Jesus—Jesus as a healer, Jesus as ateacher, Jesus as a prophet, Jesus as the Messiah. I am convinced thathow we see Jesus says something about how we view the needs of ourworld, how we view God, and how we view salvation. Our hope is thatyou will not only hear your own experience of Jesus named and affirmedin this series, but that you’ll encounter a new perspective that youhaven’t considered before, one that will stretch your understanding ofwhat it means to proclaim him as “Lord” and what it means to be“saved.” Our hope is that when that question is raised for you—“Whodo you say that Jesus is?”—you’ll have a more full and complete answer.

I don’t think Jesus ever wore a tuxedo T-shirt, but he did hang outwith the partiers from time to time. And I can’t picture Jesus as awrestler, but he was hit across the back with something far worse

than an aluminum chair. And I’d like to do something withthe vampire image, too, but all I can come up with

is something about Jesus giving up his ownblood, and that just seems too corny, so I’llstop there with the “Talledega Nights” im-

ages. Point is, as Ricky Bobby’s wife re-minded him, Jesus did grow up, andif we want to grow with him—if wewant to arrive at a mature and fullfaith—we need to be willing to setaside our narrow categories andcomfortable conceptions in order

to look at the full picture of who Jesus is. And hopefully then, we’ll be able to grow

into the kind of disciples that he has called us to be. n

lent together in ministry everyday

The Jesuses I Have Knownby Rev. David Williamson

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Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” ( :)

“Me, I like to picture Jesus in one of those tuxedo T-shirts, you know? Like on the one hand, it says, ‘I’m classy,’ but on the other hand, it says, ‘I’m ready to party.’” —Cal Noughton, “Talledega Nights”


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ST. LUKE’S Open HouseJanuary 9, 2011 is the date for the next St. Luke’s Open House.Plan to tour the building and learn more about the ministries and programs offered here. There will be gifts and prizes awardedthroughout the day.

Ministry representatives will be available from 9AM-1PMto answer your questions. Take advantage of this fun and educational opportunity to know more about St. Luke’s!

JANUARY—MARCH sundays in the south | open house | umw

Our Sarah Circle — Angels Unawareby Rev. Marsha Hutchinson

With aprons in hand and trays of yummy sandwiches, casseroles, pies and cakes, theUnited Methodist Women from Sarah Circle can often be seen on the front lines ofministry following funeral and memorial services at St. Luke’s. There is little doubtthat the comfort of food and a smile of kindness can be like a “balm of Gilead” tothose whose lives have been turned upside down following the loss of a familymember. Because few homes can accommodate the number of funeral attendeeswho want to spend time with the family, the St. Luke’s Parlor or Great Hall make awarm and open space for the reception of funeral guests, and the Sarah Circlewomen make sure the offering of hospitality and good food is graciously extended.

When a funeral luncheon or dinner needs to be planned, it is usually scheduled intwo or three days. The luxury of planning ahead is not possible, but that doesn’tbother those flexible Sarah Circle ladies who come to the aid of our congregation.Like firefighters, they are ready and willing to jump into their “boots” to cook, serve,and clean up at a moment’s notice.

Sarah Circle is in need of other caring groups or compassionate individuals who would be willing and eager to helpthis cause now and then. They are hoping to share this ministry with people whose schedules may not permit aweekly volunteer position but who would enjoy helping out by cooking, baking or serving whenever possible.

We thank the women of Sarah Circle for their continuing dedication to families in grief, and hope there are others in our church who would like to volunteer in helping with this important endeavor. Sarah Circle also appreciates financial donations for the purchase of food to be made and served. If interested, call Pat Amrhien at --. n

Sundays in the SouthOnce again, St. Luke’s members and friends can attend their home church away from home, in the sunny climate of southwestFlorida. Come worship at North Naples United MethodistChurch in Naples, Florida on four Sundays at 11AMwith other St. Luke’s folks.

Many thanks to the staff and congregation of North Naples UMC for extending this hospitality to us year after year.

THIS YEAR’S DATES ARE:

JANUARY 16 with Dr. Kent Millard Bob Zehr, music & Habitat Singers, special music

JANUARY 23 with Rev. Marsha Hutchinson Mark Squire, music & Ken Knowles, special music

JANUARY 30with Rev. Jamalyn Peigh WilliamsonBob Zehr, music& Pat Bacon, special music

FEBRUARY 6 with Dr. Linda McCoy, music TBD

Sarah Circle members serving a funeral lunch


green ministry together in ministry everyday

Stories of people who seem to be just like me encourage me to look at my habits and make important lifestyle changes. After reading the surrounding personal stories from members of the St. Luke’s community, hopefully you too will be able to add new habits in 2011 to your expanding “green lifestyle.”

If They Can Do It, I Can Too!!!!by Betty Brandt

Marion TewksberryI have changed most of my light bulbs. I pullout plugs when not in use. I turn off my computer when finished instead of letting it run.I use a reusable bottle with filtered water fromthe fridge instead of bottled water. I carryreusable bags into the grocery store, and I recycle newspapers, mail, bottles and cans. I lower the thermostat at night and raise thetemp during the day. I have also exchanged three toilets for thelow-flush kind. My next projectis a rain barrel to water flowers and grass. I considerthese minimal things that every-one could do, if only we realizedhow necessary it is to do so.

Pete FritzI decided to have a healthy mid-life crisis several yearsago. Instead of buying a little red sports car, I became a

bicyclist. Commuting by bike to work inDowntown Indianapolis from our home nearCastleton several days a week resulted in my loggingaround 2000 bicycle miles per year. Not only has my ridingkept me healthy, but it has also saved lots of wear and tearon our cars, saved us money we would have spent on gasand parking, and helped reduce all the automobile-related pollution that Central Indiana suffers from. I have made lots of bicycle buddies over the years. Thissupport group and my biking hobby helped keep me positive

during 18 months of recent unemployment. The good news is that I am back towork now. After being a bicycle advocate for years, I now am following my passionby working at the Indiana State Department of Health as their Healthy Communities Planner, where I help local communities promote a healthierlifestyle, including more bicycling. And yes, I am still riding my bicycle to work!

Kelly FritzI was voted best dressed in my graduatingclass at NCHS in 2009. My favorite placesto shop are St Luke's Rummage Sale andGoodwill! Just goes to show that you don'thave to spend a lot of money to look like amillion bucks. Buying used can only betopped by trading and borrowing yourclothes from your friends and sisters (a practice my AuntMonica and my momstill engage in).

Amy BarnesI am an avid organic gardener, growing eggplant, Swiss chard, spinach, peppers and,of course, tomatoes. I have taken the “PlasticBag Pledge” to use no more plastic bags. I bring my own bags to the store instead. I amactive on the Conference Indiana CreationCares, a network to assist all the UMCchurches in Indiana to develop Green Teams.

My focus on environmental sustainability andsocial justice has inspired me to become botha facilitator and trainer for several environ-mental and social justice programs. “Hope andAction” is a program developed by the UnitedMethodist Church on poverty, the environmentand war. I have facilitated this class at St.Luke’s and want to train others to facilitate (interested?). I am also a presenter for “Awakening the Dreamer,” an international organization with a mission to develop an envi-ronmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling,socially just human presence on earth. Lastly, I am a facilitator for Joanna Macy’s “The Workthat Reconnects” which allows individuals tomove from a place of despair and numbness toa deeper sense of clarity and compassion andempowerment in the healing of the planet.

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Jim MellowitzI organized a Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.(KIBI) planting of 20 trees at Washington Township Northview Middle School, in partner-ship with the PTO and administrators there. We got a club to volunteer to take care of water-ing and had 50 kids and 10 parents and teachersout one school morning planting trees in front ofthe school. A lot of these kids had never held ashovel. It was good! Jerome, the KIBI guy, talkedabout how these trees will be standing 50 and100 years from now and these kids can tell theirkids which trees they planted.

Gary LarsenMany people don’t like to think about planting trees in the fall when faced with cleaning up the season’s leaves. Yet autumn is a great time for planting. Trees provide so many benefits such as cleaning the air we breathe, moderating summer heat, adding value to property, giving habitat forwildlife, and sequestering carbon. Our planet’s CO2 level is are now over 390 ppm, and scientists have determined 350 ppm is the maximum level for sustaining our climate. So as part of St. Luke’s

350.org celebration on 10/10/10, I planted four Common Ninebarks at theeast end of our daylily labyrinth. A small tree native to Indiana, Ninebarkscome by their name because of their shreddy, peeling bark. Slow to leaf out inthe spring, they seem dead, but soon are covered with two-inch blooms, as ifthey have nine lives. I hope these trees will bring an added appreciation forthe beauty of God’s creation for those who enjoy the labyrinth this spring.

Julie TowleI spend a few minutes onSunday mornings providinggood old-fashioned coffeemugs for your morning javain Fellowship Hall. Cleaningup mugs after morning coffee or tea eliminates the expense of disposable cups and landfill space taken by plastic, paper or styrofoam. Taken one step further, it is a visible reminder that each of us can make a difference conserving our natural resources each timewe choose to reuse! Thanks for using those mugs!! You could evenbring your own mug when you come for a meeting.

Bobbi Main-JacksonIn April 2010 my husband Tom, daughterJocelin and I started a raw food businesscalled Raw Gourmet Delights. We preparefresh, whole, organic raw items for pur-chase, and we are vendors at farmers’markets. We made a commitment to uselocal, seasonal produce when possible andcreate as little waste as possible. We com-post all peelings, trimmings, etc. (we juice35 lemons per week!) and use recyclablepackaging for our products. Our goal is tonot only provide a healthy alternative andpromote the benefits of raw foods, butalso to be environmentally responsible.

Tom and I are strict vegetarian “foodies”and choose to not eat fast food. When wetravel by car it can be quite a challenge,so we usually solve it by taking food withus. If the weather is nice we can stop at arest stop and have a picnic. It reminds meof when I was a child and when we traveled we always took a meal with us(there were no fast food restaurants backthen anyway!). We take foods we enjoy,plates, utensils, cloth napkins andreusable beverage bottles. We can rinseeverything off and put it back in the bag totake home for thorough cleaning. We leaveno footprint behind!

Sharon ChambersHave you noticed the black recycling bins around the church? The Green Ministry has been recycling around the church campus for over a year. Twice aweek the six bins located around the church are emptied by me, my husbandMike, and Bobbi and Tom Jackson. Have you ever thought about what happens to all the donuts boxes? How about the pizza boxes and drink cans

generated by Brooke’s Place? Then there are the two-liter bottles and plastic cookie containers generated by practically every meeting held at St Luke’s. All of these itemsfind their way to our recycle bins (they are for internal building use only). As youplan/go to meetings at church, won’t you join our recycling efforts?

K.K. FritzI am a coffee snob, so I was torn when my husband's sister gifted us with a fabulous Kruegcoffee maker. It makes fantastic coffee in an instant (I am so not a morning person), but thereis a lot of packaging involved, with the

individual "cups" you brew from. I'vebeen able to appease my guilt byusing organic "Fair Trade" K-cupsand then tearing our cups apartwhen I'm done. The grounds go

into our composter, while the foilseal and plastic cup are recycled.

——

JANUARY—MARCH


community ministries together in ministry everyday

Fox Hill Elementary School

——

Parents' English Lessons Help Children

Students in Washington Township speak different languages.

With a diverse student population, also comes a melting pot of parents.The Far-Northside district, like many in Indianapolis, has a growing pop-ulation of families who don't speak English as their first language.

They come from countries around the globe for various reasons—work,family or to escape life-threatening situations. Schools have programs forchildren to integrate into their new society, but adults can be left behind.

After difficulty communicating with their peers, Fox Hill elementary par-ents established English for Families in . Targeting those who speakSpanish, it's a program for adults to learn basic English vocabulary, sothey could navigate the school, said Julie Sommers Neuman, a parent whohelped establish the six-week instruction.

A grant funds the program, which will start up again next semester. Families come as a unit for dinner. Then parents go to class while adultvolunteers from Fox Hill or their partners at St. Luke's United MethodistChurch help students with homework, play games or read.

Six adults have "graduated" from the Fox Hill program and have enrolledin English class in the district's adult education division, which is housedat Northview Middle School. They took a placement test last school yearand started the more difficult English classes in July, said Elaine Cuevas,

English as a Second Language orientation coordinator. State and federalgrants fund the classes.

“It's a free program for any adult who wants to learn English,” Cuevassaid. “No student is too low, but some test too high. We focus on life skillsand preparing for work.”

While the adults are in class, a grant pays for child care for the Fox Hillparents, Neuman said.

Crispina Maya is one of those parents who started at Fox Hilland now goes to the adult education classes. She understandsbasic English to hear or read it but is working on her confi-dence to speak.

“I am learning the words that I need to help the children withtheir school work and to read their books,” she said throughCuevas who acted as an interpreter. “Now I understand enoughto make an appointment or go to the hospital, but sometimesif you go without an interpreter, it's a long wait.”

Maya got a percent on a quiz last week and was the onlyone in the class with a perfect score. Even though she doesn'thave a driver's license, Maya has perfect attendance thanks to Nancy Lange. Lange volunteers at Fox Hill through thechurch partnership and took Maya and her four childrenunder her wing.

“Last year over winter break, I wrote the boys a letter asking ifthey wanted to continue working on their math,” Lange said.

Since then, she's taken them to the Children's Museum, a Pur-due football game stopping to look at farms along the way anddrives Maya to class two nights a week. Lange even bought carseats for her vehicle for Maya's children.

“I began to see this family as a unit,” Lange said. “She's improved on writing and can listen but is still hesitant to speak. It's easyto integrate them into what you're already doing.”

Learning English will help Maya get involved in her children's schoolworkand help her just to be able to read a book to them in English, Lange said.

In the car, Lange, Maya and the kids play word games, such as findingthings that start with the letter M, rhyming words or naming fruits.

Once students successfully complete all of the English courses, they areencouraged to take the General Educational Development test. n

Kathy Levine, Fox Hill principal, expresses her thanks to St. Luke's for the contribution of treasure to support these programs, and to Julie Sommers-Neuman, Tom Lange and Nancy Lange for contributing their time and talents.

St. Luke’s and Fox Hill have been in partnership since the fall of . This October ,

article about Fox Hill is reprinted with the permission of the Indianapolis Star.

Mariano and Victor Maya receive tutoring, support and friendship from the Langes


Thanksgiving Service Projectby Chris Thornsberry

——

Every year, starting in September, David Mitchell and I begin the discussion of St. Luke’s annual Thanksgiving service project at theCathedral Kitchen in downtown Indianapolis at 14th and Pennsylvania.However, this year was a little different. In years past, this project wassponsored only by our Singles Ministry. This year, not only did the Sin-gles Ministry sponsor this project, but they worked in conjunction withthe multi-cultural/ethnic Sunday evening worship service, [email protected]’s, and Mission Possible Kids. The three ministries began meet-ing mid-September to discuss their plans on feeding close to 1,000people on Thanksgiving Day.

As the end of October came and went, it was time to gather the massesto ask for volunteers, food, and financial donations. By the time theweek of Thanksgiving rolled around, we had gathered around 120 vol-unteers, received 96 turkeys (our goal was 80), many food donations,and close to $4,000 in financial donations. The turkeys, food andmuch of the financial donations went toward feeding the homeless ofIndianapolis and taking meals to those who could not make it out. Partof the financial contributions went to our benevolence fund to con-tinue to feed those who are hungry for the rest of the year.

After everything was collected, Linda McGlothlin, Assistant to AdultMinistries, and I went to work organizing all of the volunteers and mak-ing sure everyone knew where they were going and what they weredoing. The volunteers began to show up during the Thanksgiving weekto help Chef Dave cook and carve the turkeys. The agents, as they call

the kids at Mission Possible Kids, led by Cathy Robinson, took thetime to design and decorate placemats for those eating at the shelter,and greeting cards for those who were receiving to-go meals. Once allof these things came together, our Singles Ministry organized a caravan to take all the food and supplies down to the kitchen theWednesday night before.

Early on Thanksgiving morning, Chef Dave and I, along with numerousvolunteers, rolled up our sleeves and started prepping containers of traditional Thanksgiving chow, making sure that everyone had more than enough food to eat that morning. At 10AM the doors opened tothe dining hall for everyone to come and eat. Volunteers packed theserving lines, the kitchen, greeted those coming in from the cold to eat,and sat at tables talking and praying with those who were dining. Mean-while, a volunteer crew was busily working in the back room preparing300 to-go meals for those who were unable to come eat at the shelter.The next thing you know we were greeted by Mayor Ballard, who graciously came to pay us a visit, shake some hands, and thank thosewho were serving.

At the end of the meal we had fed 832 people at the shelter, and manymore through our to-go meals. Everyone walked away thankful for theopportunity to serve and be served. It was a great expression of what canhappen when we give of our time, talent and treasure. Thank you toeveryone who made this project possible this year by giving of your time,donating food, making a financial contribution, and praying for us. n

TOP: Chef David Mitchellbriefs the servers before thecrowd hits

BOTTOM LEFT: Workers prepover 300 dinner for delivery

BOTTOM RIGHT: Dad and sonsheading out to deliver meals

JANUARY—MARCH community service


WELCOME! new members

The following persons completed the OCTOBER & DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP CLASSES

Kevin Davis, Todd Davis, Stephanie Eft, Alex Egan,Rachel Egan, Julie Graham, Richard Lethander,

Barbara Lethander, Chad Lothamer, Melissa Manson, Ryan McGee, Megan McGee,

Jeff Olson, Karlon Olson, Alice Roff, Jay Strauch,Laura Strauch, Sherree Strauch, Jennifer Strauch,

Julie Strauch, Brooke Winings

Timothy Craig, Natalie Craig, Matt Hernley, Chelsea Anderson, Robert Holden, Miriam Holden,

Rick Lighty, Robert Long, Renee Atwood Long, Rob Neal, Cathy Bonser-Neal, Matthew Neal,

Meagan Neal, Marsha Orlando, Craig Overmyer,Becky Overmyer, Lou Sellars, Brett Sizemore, Kate Sizemore, Raymond Smith, Becca Smith,

Jennifer Stewart, Bruce Watson, Barbara Watson

The next opportunities to join St. Luke’s are:Thursday, January 27, 6:30-9PM • Wednesday, February 23, 6:30-9PM • Thursday, March 17, 6:30-9PM

Contact Sylvia Forbes at 846-3404 or [email protected] to register.

endowment together in ministry everyday

Gifts for a Future Generationby Tricia Tomson

As we start another new year, fresh off the holidays, we can’t help butstill be mindful of the spirit of giving that surrounds the holiday sea-son. Generosity is seen as people donate last year’s coat to a homelessshelter, drop spare change into the Salvation Army bell ringer’s redbucket, and purchase a toy for the Toys for Tots program. Many of usalso make year-end contributions to our favorite charities, as well ascommit to philanthropic pledges for the coming year. We would like tothank you for your generosity and commitment as a congregation toSt. Luke’s and for your continued support.

Your annual contributions to the church are vital in helping sustaineveryday operations and programming. We would also like to invite youto consider making an additional gift to the Endowment. St. Luke’sEndowment was founded over 20 years ago by members who had thevision and passion for securing our church’s future for generations to come. Over the years, the Endowment hashelped build and sustain programs such as:

• The Garden• Staff and Parish Fund• Sowers Fund• Deaf Camp Fund• Carillon Fund• Christmas Fund• Jean Bepko Children’s Resource Fund • Christian Life Scholarship Fund• Orchestra Music Fund• Seminarian Scholarship Fund

Endowments allow congregations to live through tough times and survive through those times with vitality. They are the catalyst forchange and provide sustainability, allowing congregations to continueprograms and create new services to better the community. Endow-ments are about expressing passion and sharing that passion with future generations. Gifts to the Endowment can be directed through avariety of financial vehicles, including estate planning and cash gifts.While some may consider establishing a new fund at St. Luke’s, giftsto an existing area do not have to be large and can be designated to thefund of your choice. It does not take a large contribution to leave alegacy and help shape the future. Any and all gifts are welcomed, andundesignated gifts will be allocated to the General Fund. We would like to invite you to join the Endowment Society by making a gift... agift for a future generation.

If you are interested in making a contributionto an existing fund or establishing a newfund, or would simply like to learn moreabout how you can leverage change and leaveyour legacy at St. Luke’s, please contact JimPrice, St. Luke‘s Endowment CommitteeChair, at [email protected], 208-3726 (office) or 466-0112 (home). n

——

PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Schnitz


——

CONDOLENCES TO:

Jon & Carolyn Hodgin on the death of their son

Mark Hodgin

Eric Kouka on the deathof his father John Kouka

Jim Winner on the death of his father

James Winner

Cora and Arlene Nunn,Brooke Nelson and DebraNethercott on the death ofdaughter, sister and friend

Linda Nunn

Cheryl Carden on thedeath of her motherWynona A. Carden

Jo Zehr and Bob Zehr and family on the death of husband and father

Bud Zehr

Chuck Jennings on the death of his mother

Beatrice Antrim

Debbie Shook on the death of her son

Ryan Shook

Miriam Woodcock on the death of her brother

August Atchley

Bridget Eaton Flannagan on the death

of her husband Michael Flannagan

Family and friends ofTom Schinbeckler

Bob Lyon on the death ofhis mother Mary Kepler

Bruce Causey on thedeath of his granddaughterLindsay Stout

Chris Black on the death of his grandfatherLowell Black

Melissa Smurdon on thedeath of her stepfatherJim Everroad

Betsy Clark on the death of her motherShirley Robbins

Bob Stephenson andRehea Harlan on thedeath of wife and motherBarbara Stephenson

Mary Clifford on thedeath of her husband Bud Clifford

Bobbi Main-Jackson on the death of her fatherRobert Elliott

Helen Stahl on the death of her husbandArnold Stahl

Jeff Slipher on the deathof his wife Sara Slipher

Friends and family ofKaren Slabaugh

Friends and family ofGrayce Andersen

Mary Campbell on thedeath of her brotherCharles Crowe

Alan Moberly on the death of his wife Bonnie Moberly

Friends and family of Bill Ertel

Pat Harris on the death ofher father James D. Harris

Ron Downey on the death of his mother Christine Downey

Dale Eastin on the deathof his mother Anne Eastin

Friends and family of Joni Dalton

Julie Artman and NancyWolgemuth on the deathof mother Ruth Artman

Families of MichaelDugan, Jim Dugan andAnne Skiles on the deathof father John Dugan

Linda Etherton on thedeath of her brotherHarry Cooper

Martha and Beth Hippensteel on the deathof husband and fatherDavid Hippensteel

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Charles & Stacey Yeo,Brenda Richmond, Robert

& Paula Richmond andThomas Yeo on the birthof daughter and grand-daughter Vivian Grace

Nick & Alex Stark, Doug Stark and Suzanne

Stark on the birth ofdaughter and grand-

daughter Annalise

JJ & Beth Semester andJim, Barb and Scott

Semester on the birth ofdaughter, granddaughter

and niece Ellie Marie

Bradley & Megan Hustedand Ken & Peggy Williams

on the birth of their son and grandson

William Chase Husted

Chris & Brenda Pickettand Dr. Robert Pickett onthe birth of son and great-

grandson Samuel Doyle

Denton Jacobs & MelissaDaniel and Steve & Susan

Jacobs on the birth ofdaughter and grand-

daughter Francesca Elise

David & LeeAnn Gustinand Joe & Sue Gustin on

the birth of son andgrandson William George

Stella Brickel & Thomas Hardy on their

wedding of September

Courtney Linder & Bradd Evers on their wedding of October

Grace Copas & Ryan McMenamin on

their wedding of October

Vicki Nunery & Max Hittle on their wedding of October

Erin Zgonc & Chris Irickon their wedding of October

Erin Chase & Dan Yoheon their wedding of October

Arielle Pechette & Bob Markley on theirwedding of October

Stacey Hissong & Mark Dybala on theirwedding of October

Erin Park & Brian Hayeson their wedding of October

Tara Smith & John Michels on theirwedding of October

Jennifer Zehr & Christopher Beth on theirwedding of October

Tara Driskell & JonathanThompson on their wedding of October

Abby Kenline & Ryan Mooney on theirwedding of November

Debbie Allen & Joseph Wagner on theirwedding of November

Lacy Holloway & Casey Crafton on theirwedding of November

Kari Muller & Todd Morarity on theirwedding of November

Carla Liebrich & Charlie Crouse on theirwedding of December

Danielle Paul & Gregory Bulin on theirwedding of December

JANUARY—MARCH concerns & celebrations


NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAIDINDIANAPOLIS, INPERMIT NO. 1569

JANUARY—MARCH

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church • West Street • Indianapolis, Indiana

Address Service Requested

Lent begins in March!KICK OFF WITH THE ANNUAL

Fat Tuesday Pancakes & JazzTuesday, March 8, 6-8PM in the Great Hall Great pancakes, sausage & jazz music for

that New Orleans experience!

THEN START YOUR LENTEN JOURNEY

Ash Wednesday service Wednesday, March 9 at 7PM

Robertson Chapel


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