United Methodist Church

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1 The Epistle February 12, 2018 Volume 53 Number 9 A Message from our Pastor LENT United Methodist Church "Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2). Finally, some words of hope after some pretty depressing scripture that are the other readings for Ash Wednesday. This is the dichotomy and the blessing of Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. On February 14th we will come together as people who sometimes experience hopelessness. Yet with Christ we are a people with a hope that is certain. Lent, like Advent, is a season of preparation. Where Advent prepares us for the coming of Christ, Lent prepares us to remember anew his sacrifice on our behalf. Lent originated in the Roman church around the end of the third or beginning of the fourth century. It was a time for those adults who were to be baptized at the Easter Vigil service to enter into their final preparations, culminating the three years (yes, three years) of teaching and spiritual reflection required of them before they could become full members of the church. In those early days, Lent began with a spiritual humbling. Ash Wednesday was later given its name because the new members and other Christians who participated received ashes on their foreheads to remind them and others of their sin, mortality, and repentance. From the times of the prophets, ashes were the symbol of penitence and mortality. St. Luke's family, whether or not you choose to receive and wear the ashes as an outward sign of your faith and humanness, I encourage you to use Ash Wednesday as a time to reflect on your own relationship with God. On this day, we are reminded to look inward at our own hearts and outward toward Christ. Faithfully, 480 S. Highland Memphis, TN Worship at St. Luke s All are Welcome Worship on Sundays 8:30 and 11:00am Sunday School Classes For all ages - 9:30 a.m. Fellowship in Hospitality Hall 10:30 a.m. February 18 First Sunday in Lent, Mark 1:9-15 Basketball Recognition Sunday February 25 Second Sunday in Lent, Mark 8:31-38 Rev. Jim McKinney Contents: - Forward in Faith page 2 - Lent/Easter page 3 - Ministry News pages 4/5 - Congregational Care page 6 - Calendar page 7 - Church information page 8 St. Luke s Staff Jim McKinney, Pastor Harry Colter, Pastoral Assistant Terri Theil, Music Ministries Wes Kirkpatrick, Organist Beth Ryan, Youth/Young Adult Ministries Megan Warren, Children s Ministries & Community Connections Amy Turman, Day School/PDO Amy Lee, Challengers David Day, CLC/Recreation Carla Taylor, Communications Heather Persellin-Deere, Special Events Tim Taylor, Facilities Vickey Hobbs, Finance Mission Statement We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind, and hands of Jesus Christ with ALL people.

2 2018 is here and in full swing and now is the time to make changes! Forward in Faith is meeting every other month this year and during our nonmeeting months, we plan on talking with ministry leaders who are ready and eager to improve their ministries. We have 3 groups lined up for February and March and would love to talk to you too. We d like to help you evaluate and explore your connection with the community and brainstorm areas in which you d like to see your ministry grow. Take advantage of your Forward in Faith team we are here for you. How can we help your ministry - even those that appear to be thriving? Let s discuss how your ministry can meet the needs of the community, increase engagement, and welcome new people of all walks of life into our church family. We d LOVE to talk with you. If you already know you d like to meet with us and you re ready to do so, please contact Megan at megan.warren@stlukesumc.org Smorgasbord s Got Talent goes to Mardi Gras! The Light Night Kids and the Church Ladies Kazoo Band Parade Marshall Epiphany Parade Float -2- Staff Squirrel Skit!

3 A Lenten Journey This year as we journey through Lent we will move from light to dark and back to light again. We will tune into the darkening days of Lent each Sunday as a light is extinguished and then on Good Friday as the Christ candle that was lit on Christmas Eve is extinguished only to rise again on Easter morning. Use this time of Lent as a time of preparation for the coming of Christ as we bear witness to the triumph of the Resurrection over the darkness of death. Lent and Easter Schedule Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6:00pm, Sanctuary Christ s Lenten Journey - Sundays, Feb March 18, Worship at 8:30 and 11:00am, Sanctuary Palm Sunday - A celebration of Christ s triumphal entry into Jerusalem Sunday, March 25, 8:30 and 11:00, Sanctuary Maundy Thursday - Last Supper Communion Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm, Sanctuary Good Friday Tenebrae Friday, March 30, 6:00pm, Sanctuary Easter Sunday Sunday, April 1, 8:30 and 11:00am, Sanctuary -3-

4 Children s News LIGHT Night has started up again! We will meet Sunday nights until April 29, meeting from 5 7 PM for 4 yr olds - 5th graders. We are adding TWO NEW components to LIGHT Night this semester: - Bright LIGHTS: Our performance workshop last semester was such a success and a fun time for the children - we d like to offer up a time before LIGHT Night for children to sing and perform with our NEW Music Director. We began on Feb. 11 with 14 kids! We will meet every Sunday we have LIGHT Night from 4:30PM - 5PM. - Parents group for fellowship and discussion of topics relevant to parenting. Amber Wofford will be facilitating this gathering time. She will be in contact with those who express interest. This semester, our 4-year olds - Kindergartners are engaging in a fun and creative workshop with crafts, music, stories, and more. We have 2 exciting workshops for our 1st 5th graders: art and science 2.0! As a reminder, we begin each Sunday night with dinner, followed by a lively, creative workshop, and conclude with free play. Please register your children to ensure we have food for dinner and the appropriate number of leaders and materials. Register on the website: stlukesumc.org/ministries/children/light-night/ And please, feel free to invite a neighbor or friend. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Calvary Episcopal Waffle Shop starts this week! St. Luke s receives money for your shifts worked. Our days to work will be Tuesdays: Feb. 20, 27 & March 6, 13, 20. Also they need volunteers for Friday, March 2. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in Hospitality Hall. See or call Doey, , if you have questions. THANKS! Easter Clothes for Sherwood Students It has become a tradition for St. Luke s to provide Easter clothes for our adopted school. Many of you have generously participated in this project. The children have loved all the outfits. If you would like to provide a dress (sewn or bought) sizes 6 through 14, it will be much appreciated. Also, you might choose to purchase trousers and/or shirts sizes 6-14 for boys. If you prefer, monetary gifts to purchase clothes may be given to Vickey Hobbs marked for Sherwood. Clothes may be placed in the UMW room through March 25th. Any questions? Contact Barbara Caldwell YOUTH NEWS Hello everyone! Here s what we have coming up: Sun., Feb. 18-9:30- Sunday School 5:00-7:00 - Dinner and Youth Activities (Our last week about Stress!) Sun., Feb. 25-9:30- Sunday School 5:00-7:00 - Dinner and Game Night - Bring a Friend! Peace, Beth THANK YOU I could never say a big enough THANK YOU to Lynne McAlexander for all of her hard work and planning for the Smorgasbord! We raised $1085 for Summer Youth Activities and had a blast doing it! A huge THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers that made things run smoothly and the LIGHT Night kids and leaders who made floats for the parade. Also, to all of you who brought food and made donations and to our very talented St. Luke s family who shared their wonderful talents with us! -Beth R. Our February General Meeting was presented by Pastor Jim on Sacred Places. Our Circles will continue this theme on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and the 3rd Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lounge. Everyone is invited to attend. The Metro District will be presenting the mission study entitled, Living as a Covenant Community led by Rev. Gregory Waldrop, Saturday, March 10 (I gave the wrong date at the meeting) at 9 a.m. Ellendale UMC. If you would like a ride please sign up at the Hospitality Hall so transportation can be arranged. There is a $10 charge for lunch. Registration forms are in the UMW Room (104). If you would like a book for this study please see Pat cost is $10. This quarter s Social Action is baby and adult diapers (all sizes). Homeless shelter needs twin size sheets, towels and pillows (gently used is ok). Please leave these items in the green container in the UMW Room 104. It is time for Easter clothes for Sherwood, boys and girls, sizes The deadline is March 25. Don t forget to sign up for Calvary Waffle Shop in Hospitality Hall or see Doey. We will be collecting Easter baskets for UMNC. List and deadline to follow soon. Coming April 22: A Taste of St. Luke s. Mark your calendar. Give your new recipes(not in cookbook) to Pat by April

5 MUSIC NOTES Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things Psalm 98:1 First, thank you so much for the warm welcome you have shown me the last couple of weeks. I am thrilled to be serving alongside you in ministry at St. Luke s UMC. Please continue to introduce yourselves as I pass you in the hallway, as I strive to learn your story. The Chancel Choir is busy preparing worship for lent and Holy Week. This fun group is committed to leading God s people in worship and song every week and we welcome anyone that would like to join us during this Lenten season as we remember our Lord s sacrifice for us. Even if you can only commit for a season, we welcome you! The Wesley Bells are preparing music for the upcoming area Handbell festival and service music. COME JOIN US! Terri Chancel Choir rehearsal Wednesday, 6:30-8:00pm, choir room Sunday, 10:30am, choir room Wesley Bells: Sunday 3:30-4:30pm For more information contact Terri Theil: terri.theil@stlukesumc.org United Methodist Men Join us for our Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. On the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays we will meet in Fellowship Hall, full breakfast is only $3.00. The 2nd, 4th, & 5th Wednesdays of each month we meet at Perkins Restaurant on Park Ave. MANNA BAGS The United Methodist Men prepare 40 Manna Bags every week for our Outreach Ministry. We would appreciate your help with donations of items: Vienna Sausage, Breadsticks w/cheese, HI C juice boxes, Cookies-4per pack,twinkies, Raisins, PB Crackers. Donations of cash are very helpful. Remember to pick up a bag as you leave each Sunday. For more information contact Steve Ragsdale or David Day. Women s Bible Study Beth Moore s Entrusted based on 2nd Timothy Tuesdays, 9:00-11:00am St. Luke s Library (MB 211) Feb March 27 JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday mornings - 9:30am The Red Letter Class Room 106, under the Sanctuary. Biblical based lessons Loyal Stewards Room 215, 2nd floor across from the Library. Lessons in Adult Bible Studies Parents Group Room 211 (Church Library) This class provides a sharing of real life challenges for parents of young to teenage children. Christian Homebuilders - MB 108, (under the Sanctuary) will begin Adam Hamilton s book, Final Words, Sunday Feb. 18 for the Lenten Season. Everyone is welcome to join us. Newman Class - Room 213, Follows the lectionary scriptures to prepare the group to hear the word that Pastor McKinney shares in his worship sermons. Young Adult Class - Meets in the Lounge Currently studying Faith in the Movies. Growing Disciples Class - Meets in 304 in the Main Building. Studies video lesson series and books based on biblical topics and current issues. Feb April 15, 2018 Sunday mornings - 9:00-10:30am A nursery is available upon request. For more information contact Cindy Mullins at or sign up at Front Desk Volunteers Thank you to those who have volunteered to work at the front desk. We could still use a few more to fill in the gaps. The main responsibility is answering the phones. Also to have a friendly face to those who come in the door to drop-off and pick-up children. We have a security person here to help with visitors who need assistance but they are not available to stay behind the desk to answer phones. The shifts run from 9:00am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:00pm each day Monday-Thursday. You can volunteer for one shift per month or more. Please contact Vickey Hobbs or vickey. hobbs@stlukesumc.org -5-

6 Congregational Support Sympathy to the family of Grady Threadgill who died on Februray 2, 2018 the family of Helen Boening who died on Februray 3, 2018 Tamika Russell in the death of her mother, Mary Ann Bradford, Jackson, TN Gifts received in memory: Kathy McAllen from Rev. Paul & Barbara Scheirer, Vic & Carole Feisal; Marie Goodrich from Melissa and Kim Davis; Wayne Pyeatt from The Eubank family, Vie & Carole Feisal; Stan Bronson from Vic & Carole Feisal Helen Boening from the Craft Club, Maxine Turner, Loyal Stewards Class, Sue Gray, Rita Richardson, Dot Dickey, Mary Lou Cushing; Sam McHugh from Vic & Carole Feisal, Rita Richardson; Grady Threadgill from Jenniebeth King, Mary Lou Cushing, Jerry & Dorothy Carr, Vickey Hobbs Gifts received in honor: Eric & Liz Soard, Missionaries from John, Judy, & Reed Rossetti Rev. Jim McKinney from Ed & Nita Barlos Bettye Masters from the Red Letter Class Prayer Concerns of our St. Luke s Family Betty Fly, Donnie Hoffman, John Phillips, Megan Warren, David Randall Sr., David Randall, Jr., Laiyah Hicks, Drew Dacus, David Mills, Rebecca Likens, Jack Cushing, Akil Al-Chokhachi, Danny Hobbs, Pam Santi, Gil Herren, Jim Burch, Jr. Those recovering from a stroke: Kathleen Gillespie, Shirley Gardener, Vauneida Henton Those dealing with cancer: Oliver Strickland, Edna Poletti, Teresa Bobo, Brenda Blackwell, Clay Eaves, Bob Dunham, Jennifer Cottam, Janell Smith, Don Day, Mrs. Vick, Oma Strickland, Eugene Callaway Bishop Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent Deborah Smith Missionaries Eric and Liz Soard Our Schools, Teachers, and Students To add, change or remove a prayer concern please contact Janie Hendrix by prayer.request@stlukesumc.org or fill out a yellow prayer request card located in the sanctuary pew and place it in the offering plate during worship. An Encouraging Word Keep your face upturned to [God] as the flowers do the sun. Look, and your soul shall live and grow. Hannah Whitall Smith Congregational Care Ministry Part of our Congregational Care Ministry is sharing crocheted or knitted items with our church members or friends who are ill, bereaved or experiencing a troubling time. A prayer shawl, lapghan, afghan or baby blanket provides a tangible way to say we care and are praying for a friend who is hurting in some way. If you knit or crochet, please consider being a part of our ministry by making items to be shared with our church family. There is no particular pattern, color or item. If you would like more information on participating in this ministry, please contact Virginia Hathorn ( ) or Janie Hendrix ( ) Church Council Meeting Sunday, February 25, :00, St. Luke s Chapel This will be an important meeting to discuss and approve the budget for this year. If you are a member of the church council please make every effort to attend. Memorial Service A memorial service for Ted Williams, son of Joanne Williams, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:00pm in St. Luke s Chapel with a reception following in the Parlor. Missed a Sunday? Listen to the Sunday Worship Service online. The Sunday radio broadcast ended on Dec. 31, The full worship service is available online. If you don t have internet access you can request that a CD and bulletin of the worship service be mailed to you each week. They will also be sent to homebound members and others who request them. If you know of someone who would like to receive a CD recording of the worship service, please contact Carla Taylor, or carla. taylor@stlukesumc.org The calendar in this Epistle is an abbreviated listing of activities. For a full listing of the most current calendar information visit our website: stlukesumc.org/google-calendar/ Current updates are posted on social media: Facebook: St. Luke s UMC, Memphis Instagram: stlukesmemphis #480forMemphis -6-

7 Wednesday, February 14 7:15 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast, Perkins Park Ave. 10:00am 12:00pm Babygarten, Lounge 6:00 7:00pm ASH Wednesday Service, Sanctuary 6:35-7:35pm Zumba, CLC Gym 7:00 8:00pm Chancel Choir 7:40 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball, CLC GYM Thursday, February 15 8:45 9:45am Sit & Be Fit, CLC Gym 9:30am 12pm Food Pantry, CLC :00am 12:00pm Small Group, MB :00 11:00am Al-anon prayer group, MB 213 (Newman) 12:00 4:00pm Craft Club, CLC, 103 6:00 8:00pm Young Adult Dinner, 3rd Floor 7:15 10:15pm Fisher of Men, Gym Friday, February 16 6:00 10:00pm Game Night, 3rd Floor 6:00 8:00pm UMM Sweetheart Banquet, FH 6:30 10:30pm Defender Friday League, CLC gym Saturday, February 17 9:00am 1:00pm Kairos Ministry, Fellowship Hall 9:00am 12:00pm Babygarten, Lounge 9:00 10:30am Junior Jammers, CLC GYM 11:00am 6:00pm ESCRA YOUTH BASKETBALL, CLC GYM 4:30 5:30pm Saturday Supper, FH Sunday, February 18 8:00 8:30am Community Breakfast and Devotion, FH 8:30 9:30am Worship, Sanctuary 9:00 10:30am Financial Peace Class, MB 311 9:30 10:30am Sunday School 10:30 11:00am Fellowship Time, Hospitality Hall 11:00am 12:00pm Worship, Sanctuary 12:00 3:00pm Basketball Recognition Banquet, CLC Gym 12:00 1:30pm SPRC Meeting, Library 12:00 1:30pm Welcoming Core Team, Lounge 3:30 4:30pm Bell Rehearsal, MB 207 4:30 5pm BRIGHT Lights Children s Choir, CB 213 5:00 7:00pm Youth Dinner & Activities, MB 3rd Floor 5:00 7:00pm LIGHT Night (Lounge,CLC, FH, CB) Monday, February 19 8:45 9:45am Sit & Be Fit, CLC Gym 12:30 2:30pm Staff Meeting, MB 311 7:15 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball, Gym Tuesday, February 20 9:00 11:00am Women s Bible Study, MB :30am 12:00pm UMW Mary Rachel Circle, Lounge 12:00 2:00pm Pickleball, CLC Gym 6:00-7:00pm Day School Board Mtg., MB 211 6:30 7:30pm Cub Scouts, Chapel/CB 2nd Floor 7:00 8:45pm Boy Scouts, Scout Hut Wednesday, February 21 7:15 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast, FH 6:00 7:30pm Memorial Service - Ted Williams, Chapel/Parlor 6:30 8:00pm Chancel Choir 6:35 7:35pm ZUMBA, CLC GYM 7:40 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball, CLC GYM St. Luke s Calendar Wednesday, February 14 - Wednesday, February 28 Thursday, February 22 8:45 9:45am Sit & Be Fit, CLC Gym 9:30am 12:00pm Food Pantry, CLC :00am 12:00pm Small Group 1, MB :00 11:00am Al-anon prayer group, MB 213 (Newman) 12:00 4:00pm Craft Club, CLC, 103 6:00 8:00pm PMT Leaders Meeting, Lounge 6:00 8:00pm Young Adult Dinner, 3rd Floor 7:15 10:15pm Fisher of Men, Gym Friday, February 23 6:00 8:00pm Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, FH 6:30 10:30pm Defender Friday League, CLC gym Saturday, February 24 9:00 10:30am Junior Jammers BB 2018, CLC GYM 10:00am 2:00pm Cancer Support Group, Lounge 12:00 5:00pm Sit & Sew, MB 108 2:00 6:00pm Kairos Ministry, Lounge 4:30 5:30pm Saturday Supper, FH 6:00 8:00pm Kairos Prison Ministry Dinner, FH Sunday, February 25 8:00 8:30am Community Breakfast and Devotion, FH 8:30 9:30am Worship, Sanctuary 9:00 10:30am Financial Peace Class, MB 311 9:30 10:30am Sunday School 10:30 11:00am Fellowship Time, Hospitality Hall 11:00am 12:00pm Worship, Sanctuary 12:00 1:30pm Church Council, Chapel 1:00 2:30pm Under 12/14- BB Practice- Coop 3:30 4:30pm Bell Rehearsal MB Bell Room 4:30 5:00pm BRIGHT Lights Children s Choir, CB 213 5:00 7:00pm Dinner & Youth Activities 5:00 7:00pm LIGHT Night (Lounge,CLC, FH, CB) Monday, February 26 9:00am Deadline for the Epistle newsletter 8:45 9:45am Sit & Be Fit, CLC Gym 7:15 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball, Gym Tuesday, February 27 9:00 11:00am Women s Bible Study, MB :00 2:00pm Pickleball, CLC Gym 4:30 5:30pm Girl Scouts, CLC 103 6:30 7:30pm Cub Scouts, Chapel/CB 2nd Floor 7:00 8:45pm Boy Scouts, Scout Hut Wednesday, February 28 7:15 8am UMM Prayer Breakfast, Perkins- Park Ave, 7:15 5:45 6:30pm Wednesday Bible Study, Lounge 6:30 8pm Chancel Choir 6:35 7:35pm ZUMBA, CLC GYM 7:40 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball, CLC GYM Calendar Room Key MB-Main Building FH-Fellowship Hall HH - Hospitality Hall CLC-Christian Life Center CB-Children s Building -7-

8 The Epistle St. Luke s United Methodist Church 480 So. Highland Street Memphis, Tennessee PERIODICALS POSTAGE PD MEMPHIS, TN The EPISTLE (USPS # ) is published twice monthly POSTMASTER send address changes to: by ST. LUKE S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 480 So. Highland, Memphis TN Mid-South Christian Writers Conference Lighting the World with Our Words Writing can be a lonely endeavor, but you don t have to tackle it alone. Join other creative types for inspiration, education and God s glorification during the fourth annual Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, March 16 17, 2018 at Collierville First Baptist Church in Collierville, Tennessee. The conference theme is Lighting the World with Our Words and will include nine workshops with experienced faculty, one-on-one mentoring sessions with authors, publishers and agents and fellowship with other writers. The key-note speaker for the conference is best-selling and award winning novelist Brandilyn Collins, who is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense, fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. Collins also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. The Mid-South Christian Writer s Conference kicks off Friday, March 16, 2018 with a workshop led by best-selling indie author Hallee Bridgeman, who will teach Seven Steps to Successful Self-Publishing. Conference registration is $90. Early bird registration continues through February 24, 2018 for $80. The price includes a Friday evening meet and greet, nine workshops (choose three), appointments with faculty, box lunch and a bookstore. The optional Friday workshop is $55 per person or $35 with conference registration. For more information, visit: midsouthchristianwriters.com or contact April Carpenter, Conference Director, at midsouthchristianwriters@gmail.com or The Phi Mu Sorority at the University of Memphis will be holding their annual Spaghetti Dinner at St. Luke s on March 1, They will be serving between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Plates are $10 at the door and all proceeds go to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. -8- RECORD OF LOYALTY Sunday School 1/ / / Worship Attendance - January 28 Sunshine breakfast 68 8:30 Worship 42 11:00 Worship Worship Attendance - February 4 Sunshine breakfast 74 8:30 Worship 36 11:00 Worship Worship Attendance - February 11 Sunshine breakfast 77 8:30 Worship 42 11:00 Worship Gifts & Tithes Received January 28 $44, February 4 $13, February 11 (includes e-giving) $19, The next Epistle deadline is Monday, February 26, 2018, 9:00 a.m. Beginning in March we will move to a once per month printed Epistle. We will continue to have announcements in the Sunday bulletin and an ed newsletter that may happen more frequently. The Epistle will be assembled on the 4th Monday of the month so as to have the calendar and events for the next month. This will begin on February 26. Please be aware of this change so that you will have all events for March ready to be publicized by Feb. 26.