Christmas Giving. Volume 49 December 15, 2013 No. 50. Robert Beckum

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1 (USPS # ) Published weekly except Christmas by St. Luke UMC 1104 Second Ave.; Columbus, GA Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Luke UMC P.O. Box 867; Columbus, GA Telephone (706) Fax (706) Ministry Center (706) Prayer Room (706) stluke@stlukeum.com Website: Volume 49 December 15, 2013 No. 50 Christmas Giving In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5) One way the light of Christ continues to shine in the darkness of human suffering and need is through our Christmas giving. In this season of sharing, there are several important ways you can direct the generosity of your heart through the ministry of St. Luke Church. (1) Your church Budget for Ministry and Mission. Each year, about 25% of the support for ministry and mission at St. Luke is given by St. Luke members in December. Each year, we consistently run behind in our budget giving, but December is always an important month for catching up in our annual giving. If you are behind in your giving for this year or if it is your tradition to give your annual support in the month of December, I hope you will prayerfully consider completing your giving commitment for this year. (2) Your estimate of giving for So far, 295 families have pledged $2,469,971 for ministry and mission in There are still 114 families who pledged and gave last year who have not made a commitment for If you have not returned your 2014 estimate of giving, please know your commitment is crucial for our planning to serve Christ in the year ahead. Commitments we make in this Christmas season can insure that the light of Christ shines brightly through all the months of the year. (3) Your special Christmas gifts supporting particular ministries at St. Luke. Special gifts of love, above and beyond our support of the overall ministry represented by our budget, can be especially meaningful at this time of year. Instead of struggling to find or buy gifts we don t really need this Christmas, consider a special gift to a St. Luke ministry of compassionate assistance, the Samaritan Fund or to St. Luke s mission at Naomi s Village in Kenya in honor or memory of a loved one. A very generous donation has been offered to match every dollar given to either the Samaritan Fund or Naomi s Village through our Christmas offering! Double the impact of your sharing by giving to one or both of these wonderful ministries. In any or all of the ways above, you can be the light of Christ through your Christmas giving. May Christ richly bless you and your family in this season of love and redemption. Robert Beckum rbeckum@stlukeum.com

2 ORDER OF WORSHIP 11:00 a.m. service streamed at and broadcast at FM Tape-delayed on WTVM Channel 9 at 10:00 a.m. December 15, 2013 Third Sunday of Advent 8:25 a.m. & 10:55 a.m. Color: Purple Invitation to Worship The Prelude (Duet)... O Come, O Come, Emmanuel...M. Burkhardt (Aesook Lim,Organ -- Cristian Cantu, Horn) Choral Introit (10:55 a.m.)... Emmanuel, Emmanuel...B. McGee The Lighting of the Advent Candles...(8:25 a.m.) Carter and J. Mize Family (10:55 a.m.) Doug and Deani Pahl Family *Sung respose... Who is He in Yonder Stall, verse 1...Number 190 Who is he in yonder stall at whose feet the shepherds fall? Tis the Lord, O wondrous story! Tis the Lord, the King of glory. At his feet we humbly fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all! *Hymn... Once In Royal David s City...Number 250 The Sacrament of Baptism (10:55 a.m.)...dwain Austin Hinman Son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwain Clarence Hinman As Christ s body, the church, we reaffirm both our rejection of sin and our commitment to Christ. With God s help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Dwain Austin with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his trust in God and be found faithful in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life. Solo (8:25 a.m., Shana Monteith)... In The Bleak Midwinter...G. Holst/arr. P.M. Holst **Anthem (10:55 a.m., Chancel Choir)... One Star, One Holy Night...D. Clark/M. Harris (Sean Meara and Ama Trear, Soloists) The Pastoral Prayer and Lord s Prayer...The Rev. Cindy Cox Garrard Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. The Children s Sermon (10:55 a.m.)...the Rev. Brett Maddocks Children (5 yr Kindergarten through third grade) are invited to go to the chapel for Children s Worship. *Hymn... It Came Upon The Midnight Clear...Number 218 The Offertory Prayer...The Rev. Beckum Offertory (8:30 a.m., Adleyn Scott, organ)... Once in Royal David s City...C. Callahan (10:55 a.m., Shana Monteith)... In The Bleak Midwinter...G. Holst/arr. P.M. Holst *The Dedication of Offerings... The Doxology...Number 95 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Written Word...Matthew 1:18-25 (p. 19, NT in pew Bible) The Spoken Word... AWAKING TO GOD S DREAM...The Rev. Robert Beckum *Hymn... Angels From the Realms of Glory... Number 220 *The Benediction Benediction Response... With Open Hearts, We Are Waiting...P. Choplin Postlude (Adleyn Scott, organ)... In Dulci Jubilo...J.S. Bach * Standing as able ** See Music Box There will be no bulletin mailed the week of December 29. The order of worship will be available online.

3 OPPORTUNITIES OF THE WEEK Sunday, December 15 8:25 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main) 9:00 a.m. The Nine, Contemporary Service (MIN) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Youth Sunday School Assembly ( The Corner Student Center, MIN) 10:00 a.m. Youth Sunday School (The Corner, MIN) 10:55 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main)/Broadcast over FM and at beginning at 11:00 a.m. 12:20 p.m. Worship in Spanish (Chapel, Main) 2:00 p.m. Hispanic Fellowship (Stockwell, Main) 4:30 p.m. Middle School Guys/Girls Bible Study ( The Corner Student Center, MIN) 5:30 p.m. Student Youth Life (Gym, MIN) Monday, December 16 Tuesday, December 17 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting (SD, MIN) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 11:30 a.m. BRIDGE Board Meeting (MIN, Nursery), Civitan Club (SD, MIN) 12 noon Finance Committee Meeting, (MIN Meeting Room) 6:00 p.m. Muscogee County Sheriff s Department Christmas Dinner (LD, MIN) 6:30 p.m. COLA Volleyball (Gym) Wednesday, December 18 9:00 a.m. Combined SLS Chapel (Sanctuary, Main) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 11:30 a.m. Lions Club (Meeting Room, MIN) 6:00 p.m. Children s Choir (Shaw and Crossroads Class) 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary) 7:00 p.m. Dress Rehearsal for 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary) 8:10 p.m. Hispanic Praise Team Rehearsal (Chapel) Thursday, December 19 10:30 a.m. Respite Christmas Brunch (MIN) 11:30 a.m. Exchange Club (Meeting Room, MIN) 12 Noon SLS Teacher s Christmas Luncheon (SD, MIN) 5:30 p.m. 1/15 Baker Co. Christmas Dinner (LD, MIN) 6:03 p.m. COLA Volleyball (Gym) Friday, December 20 - SLS and St. Luke Preschool 12 Noon Release 10:45 a.m. 7th Grade Party (Stockwell Hall) 7:00 p.m. Hispanic Christmas Dinner & Celebration (LD, MIN) Saturday, December 21 4:30 p.m. Longest Night Service (Chapel) Main (main building, where Sanctuary is)/min (Ministry Center) Contact the Ministry Center for information about booking rooms or scheduling events. Holiday Hours Respite Care Holiday Closings: December 20 - January 5 Respite opens January 6, 2014 ELC Holiday Closings: December 24 and 25 and January 1, SLS and Preschool Holiday Closings: December 23 - January 3 School reopens January 6, 2014 Church Office closes at 12 Noon December 24 (Christmas Eve) & is closed Christmas Day, December 25 & on December 26, The office is open December 27, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The office closes at 12 noon December 31 (New Year s Eve) and is closed January 1, YEAR-END CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINES In order for contributions to be posted to your 2013 Giving Record, the IRS requires that it meet one of three requirements: 1. The gift is received and posted to your account before December The contribution is dropped into the offering plate or delivered to a staff member on or before December 31, The envelope in which the gift is mailed is postmarked on or before December 31, Gifts of stocks and securities must be transferred before the markets close on December 31, The Business Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 27 and 30. The office will close December 31 at 12 noon. If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Business Office, Permit ST. LUKE (552680) is published weekly except Christmas by St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 Second Avenue, Columbus, Georgia Periodical Postage entered and paid at Columbus, GA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Luke, P.O. Box 867, Columbus, GA

4 Music Box Doyle Register, Director of Music Ministries, One Star, One Holy Night Dave Clark and Mark Harris It was just one star, it was just one light, shining over Bethlehem on a cold December night. A host of heaven s angels watched in wonder at the sight of one star, one holy night. It was just one star, it was just one light, reflecting heaven s glory through the newborn baby Christ. It glistened with the splendor of the Father s glorious light. One star, one holy night. One star, one holy night, shining out, burning bright, a candle in the universe with everlasting light. One star, one holy night. It was just one star for all to see, welcoming the wisemen as they followed faithfully. And when they saw the Savior, they marveled at the sight under one star; it was a holy night. One star, one holy night, shining out, burning bright, a candle in the universe with everlasting light. One star, one holy night. And in our hearts, from day to day, the light remains. And as it grows, we become united as one flame. One star, one holy night, shining out, burning bright, a candle in the universe with everlasting light. One star, one holy night. One star, one holy night, shining out, burning bright, a candle in the universe with everlasting light. One star, one holy night. Alleluia, how the angels sang. Alleluia, how it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, it was the birthday of a King. WORSHIP IN SPANISH: 12:20 p.m., Turner Chapel, The Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones, preaching. ALTAR FLOWERS: The beautiful flowers in the chancel area are given to the glory of God and in honor of the 30th Anniversary of the NOW Sunday School Class and Mrs. Mary Dale Kea (founder), by the NOW class. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY: To Mr. and Mrs. Gene (Kym) Harden in the death of her aunt, Mrs. Mary Jeanette Sellers, December 8, 2013, Ashville, NC. To Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Helen) Neal in the death of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Harlin, December 6, 2013, Nashville, TN. Mr. and Mrs. Brian (Mary) Johnson in the death of his grandfather, Mr. Victor Lelius Johnson, Sr., Box Springs, GA, December 7, OUR KNOWN SICK: St. Francis: Becky Cartledge, 17. Jack Hughston (Phenix City): Susan Martin, 407. ADVENT BOOKLET This year s Advent Devotional Booklet, Glory to the Newborn King, is written by the Rev. Brett Maddocks. Copies are available around the church or can be mailed to your home: contact Maggie, or Maggie@stlukeum. com. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ DECEMBER IS canned soup MONTH! Bring donations of canned soups to the donation tubs in Stockwell Hall or the Ministry Center. Remember that your financial gifts to the Food Pantry enable us to make purchases for $.18 (18 cents!)/pound. This is a significant savings! PRAYER LIST: DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL Please call the church office to add the name of your currently deployed friend or relative. Currently Deployed: David Cripe, Lee Pearce, Andrew Santee, Spence DeAurora THE LONGEST NIGHT December 21, :30 p.m. Turner Chapel Service of Scripture, music, reflection, Holy Communion, & Prayer ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Just Breathe CDs of soothing Southern hymns featuring Beth Parsons, Doyle Register, and Aesook Lim are available for $15. This benefits the Medical Ctr. Auxiliary s music program, which provides live or recorded music to enhance the healing environment.

5 Children s Ministry Loretta Dunbar, Minister of Children and Education, loretta@stlukeum.com Children s Worship Children age Kindergarten 3rd grade are invited to Turner Chapel for an extended time of worship. Rev. Brett Maddocks will be leading worship Jesus is Born Luke 2:1-20. Parent helpers: Anthony & Tanya Williams and Will & Tiffany Cunningham. Children ushers: Wilson Walker and Grace Williams. You are Cordially invited to attend the Birthday Party for Jesus Sunday, December 22, 10:00 a.m. In Stockwell Hall Games, Story, activities and Birthday cake Grade K - 5th grade MORAVIAN LOVE FEAST DECEMBER 29 10:00 a.m. Ministry Center Join us the Sunday after Christmas in the Ministry Center for a casual family service around the table. Children welcome; come as you are! A continental breakfast will be served, and we will share Christmas stories and songs from the heart. There will be no services in the Sanctuary this Sunday and no Sunday School. ST. LUKE SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP FOR SCHOOL YEAR St. Luke School opens its kindergarten round up for next school year at 9:00 a.m., Monday, January 6, Children who will turn five by September 1, 2014, are eligible. Parents interested in their child attending kindergarten at St. Luke School should come in and complete a waiting list card and pay the non-refundable fee of $25. Round up continues until Jan. 10th at 3:30 p.m. After that time, priorities will no longer apply, but we still encourage you to put your child on the list. There are 64 slots for Please see the school website for complete information or call Christmas Eve Services Prepare the Way of the Lord! December 24, :00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Services of Holy Communion, with Music & Word St. Luke Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. A Family Christmas Eve Service, a relaxed service of Holy Communion, with Music & Word St. Luke Ministry Center 11:00 p.m. Glory to God in the Highest Service of Word and Music, broadcast live on WTVM, FM and on the St. Luke website, St. Luke Sanctuary The artwork was painted by St. Luke School students of our art teacher Sietske Johnson.

6 -Abiding Gifts- If you wish to honor or remember someone, please attach to your check the name of that person and the address to which you wish the acknowledgement sent and mail or bring to the Church Office. Contact Memorial Maintenance: In memory of Mr. Lovick Corn, Mrs. Libba Neal, and Mrs. Mildred Wright by Mr. and Mrs. Bev Howard. In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. and Mrs. Houser Pugh, Ms. Margaret Bergeron, Mrs. Melinda Hunter, Mrs. Eleanor Harrington, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Sargent, Ms. Dee Rainey, and Ms. Lynda Worthington. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore by Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Harcourt. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore by Mr. and Mrs. Houser Pugh, and Ms. Lynda Worthington. In memory of Mr. D. Abbott Turner, II by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Neal and Mr. and Mrs. Houser Pugh and Ms. Lynda Worthington. In honor of Ms. Emma Mae Reaves by Ms. Rose C. Pezzeti. Food Pantry: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harrell, Mrs. Claudia Harman, Dr. A. J. Kravtin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles William Burgin, and Mr. Billy Cunningham. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore and Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. and Mrs. George Adams. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore by Ms. Olivia Binns. In honor of Mr. Pat Robinson by Ms. Nancy Pedersen. Respite Care Ministry: In memory of Mrs. Libba Neal by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harrell. In memory of Mrs. Janet Randall, Rev. William O. Powell, Mrs. Mamie Moore and Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mrs. Linda Phillips. Naomi s Village: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mrs. Susan Martin, Ms. Martha Dodson, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Robinson, Mrs. Mary Faith Glass, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Turner, and Rev. and Mrs. Mike McAfee. In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Lee McCluskey by Rev. and Mrs. Dick Reese. Meals on Wheels: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. and Mrs. Mote Andrews. Music Scholarship Fund: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mrs. Mary Reed. In honor of Dr. and Mrs. William J. Arthur by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register. In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register and Mrs. Aesook Lim by the Free Spirits. In memory of Mrs. Thelma Dawson by Mr. Steve Scott. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Erling Pedersen and in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register by Ms. Nancy Pedersen. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore by Dr. and Mrs. Joe Carter. Fellowship Class: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. Monty Thorne. Music Fund: In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mrs. Mildred Rivers and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Bunn. In memory of Mrs. Mamie Moore by Mr. and Mrs. Charles William Burgin. UMCOR: In honor of the Brian Johnson Family by Mr. Patrick Robinson. First Saturday December: In honor of the Officers of the Discovery Sunday School Class by Mr. and Mrs. Phil Kimble. Samaritan Fund: In memory of Mr. Bradley Driver by the NOW Class. In memory of Dr. Gilbert Ramsey by Mr. and Mrs. Don Williams. In honor of Mrs. Kay Denes by Ms. Nancy Pedersen. Youth Fund: In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Moore by the Free Spirits. Building Fund: In honor of Rev. Robert Beckum by the Free Spirits. -Respite Care- Caring for loved ones and caregivers.. Carol Boers, Director of Respite Ministry, or cboers@stlukeum.com It is not too late to get your Christmas cards-original artwork by our ministry. Package of 12 for $10. Contact Carol Boers at Thank you. The Respite Christmas Brunch is Thursday, December 19, in the Ministry Center! There will be no support group meeting this month. We resume in January, VIP Host Week January 5-12 Outreach Ministry serving homeless families Weekend volunteer opportunities available. Training required. To register, contact Kay Denes ( ) or kaybiker61@bellsouth.net Jonathan and Lisa Moore, Directors of Student Ministries, jmoore@stlukeum.com Merry Christmas everybody from the Corner! 2013 has been INCREDIBLY BLESSED, and we are closing out with a bang! Here is what the month of December looks like for us at The Corner: December 15: Sunday School 10 A.M., Student The Corner 5:30-7:30 P.M. ALL MONEY IS DUE FOR SOULED OUT WINTER. December 22: Sunday School 10 A.M., Student The Corner 5:30-7:30 P.M. Christmas The Corner bring a $5 gift and we ll have a gift exchange. December 29: No Sunday School or Corner Worship. We leave for souled out winter! There are still a few spots left for Souled Out Winter! We have 81 signed up so far and have a few spots left. Please call me or me asap so we can get your spot on the bus reserved! Souled Out Winter is an intense 3 Day Conference with a lot of Worship/ Speaking/Small Groups/1 day of skiing for anyone wanting to go/movie for everyone else in Black Mountain, N.C.! Cost is $199 per student or $250 if you want to ski! Jesus holds us together, jmo