Are you a “glass half empty” or a “glass half full” kind of person? It is easier for some people to see the challenges of a situation rather the positive aspects of it. Take the reports we have heard over the past few weeks regarding the shortfall that is anticipated at the end of June, which is the end of St. Luke’s fiscal year. How have you heard those reports? Glass half empty or glass half full?

It is certainly an important issue. Representatives of the Council have reported on the status of giving to the general fund in support of our congregational ministry. This information indicated that, even though expenses are under the budget that was approved for this year, there would be a shortfall. Those who were sharing information indicated that utilizing interest from endowments would not cover the expected shortfall. This, they explained, would necessitate accessing principal as well as interest of the Multhaupt Fund, which would reduce the amount of interest that would be accrued and available next year. Glass half empty?

It is certainly a challenge. It could give rise to questions about how long we can follow that practice or what will be the impact on our congregation’s ministry if this becomes a trend that is not turned around. These challenging questions could easily make for dampened spirits when we have gathered to worship in spirit and in truth. There’s just something about “half empty” kind of thinking that doesn’t seem to inspire us in worship; doesn’t reflect the “cup runneth over” kind of God we know in scripture or in our personal lives; doesn’t bring the joy of generosity and sharing. It could leave you not only with a “glass half empty” it could leave you with a feeling of “worship half empty” or even “spirit half empty.” This is a much greater problem than a shortfall in the general fund.

So how can we possibly see a “glass half full” when we look at the current challenge? Well, I am glad you asked! St. Luke’s is indeed blessed to have experienced the “cup runneth over” kind of God we read about in scripture. We have been blessed abundantly by the generosity of saints who have gone before us. Without the support of accumulated endowments, our congregational ministry would not be a shadow of what we continue to be able to do today. We must remember that! And in remembering it, we must allow it to inspire us to be faithful stewards of what we have received and to dedicate ourselves to the continued ministry of our congregation in the years to come by our faithful and generous giving.

Another “glass half full” perspective becomes clear when you look not only at the shortfall but the way so many have responded to the recent reports. Weekly giving has increased! Our members have responded to the challenge with generosity that fosters not only our mission but our spiritual resolve and dedication. We will not be discouraged. We will not be content with a “glass half empty” ministry. Shucks, we won’t even rest with a “glass half full” ministry. Our God is “cup runneth over” God and St. Luke’s remains determined to be a “cup runneth over” kind of congregation with a “cup runneth over” kind of ministry!

Speaking of “cup runneth over” kind of support, in the midst of reports of budget shortfalls, there is yet more good news to share. St. Luke’s was blessed to receive a memorial gift from Ella Maria Sehrt. The gift of $70,000 will be divided between the Program Fund and the Church Improvement Fund. This is a gift that will bless the memory of Ella Marie in the ministry that is yet to come at St. Luke’s. A ministry, that by working side by side, each of us doing what we can, will continue to be a “cup runneth over” kind of ministry. Thanks be to God!

May it be understood that any pictures/videos taken during any church event may be used for promotion. If you are not in agreement with this notify the church office.

The deadline for the next Outlook will be July 19, 2019

THE OUTLOOKTHE OUTLOOKTHE OUTLOOKTHE OUTLOOK

Rev. E. Paul Emily, Pastor Nanette Moore,

Administrative Assistant & Director of Christian Education

Margie Foley, Organist/Pianist David Lyon & Ralph Koch,

Pastor Emeriti

St. Luke's United Church of Christ 727 N. Main Street, Independence, MO 64050

Phone: 461-0302 Pastor’s Phone 816-379-5726

e-mail: stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org www.stlukesuccindep.org

June 30, 2019June 30, 2019June 30, 2019June 30, 2019

SUPER SUMMER FUN AND VBS

Save the dates for all the Super Summer Fun Sundays and VBS

For Summer Fun: July 14th & August 11th,

AFTER WORSHIP—1:30 PM

VBS will be July 20th from 10 AM—1:30 PM

This program will be for the kids and will not include an adult class this year. RSVP the church office or online.

BE A SNEAKER SEEKER

What? St. Luke’s is collecting money and NEW tennis shoes for Tabitha’s Closet. (Shoes should be youth size 6—men’s size 15)

Why? During the 2018-19 school year, Tabitha’s Closet gave out 1500 pairs of new tennis shoes to kids in the Independence School District. They had a contract through Payless Shoes for $10/pair but that ended when the company went out of business. Now, shoes will cost even more.

Goal? $5611 Why this goal? An Instagram account called “Preacher N Sneakers” started posting pictures of trendy preachers, their sneakers, and a price tag for the shoes. A South Carolina pastor was shown in a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October high-tops—which come with a price tag of $5611/pair.

How do I donate? Add it to you offering and mark it “shoes”, use the Give+ app, put a check or cash in the can in the hallway or bring new tennis shoes and put them in the container in the hall. If you donate shoes, please put either your receipt or the amount spent in the can so that we can keep a total.

Dates? Now thru August 4th, when we will wrap it up with lunch, raffle, and ice cream

social after church. Save August 4th for food, fellowship, fun and a time of giving.

Watch for the footprints to make their way down the hall and into the sanctuary. Each footprint represents $20 donated.

A pair of these shoes cost $5611

LUNCH, ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND RAFFLE

On August 4th, following worship, we will conclude our Sneaker Seeker fundraiser with a freewill offering lunch, ice cream social and raffle. If we meet our goal, Pastor Paul has agreed to let someone throw a pie at him and also do something fun on a special Sunday (to be determined). We need the following items to make this a huge success: 1. Pies to be served with the ice cream (sign up

on the sheet in the hallway) 2. A few items to be raffled. Suggestions include: gift baskets with things like coffees/teas,

lotions/soaps, bbq/grilling items, game night, etc; additional pies (besides those donated for the ice cream social), gift cards. Please bring items to the church office or let us know what you are donating by July 28th.

3. Donations of new tennis shoes and/or money.

So, mark you calendar and plan to attend this fundraiser with food, fun, and the joy that comes with giving.

ATTENTION ST. LUKE’S WONDERFUL

& TALENTED FOLKS!

We are looking for people of all ages to sign up to perform at Special Music time this summer during

the worship service. If you play the piano, an instrument or sing, please contact Margie Foley and

schedule a Sunday to share your talents in our worship service. Margie will be happy to accompany

you if needed.

YOUTH WEEK AND YOUTH SUNDAY

The youth and their leaders, leave on Sunday, July 28th for a week of “Wayfinding”. They will be staying at the Lake of the Ozarks and will work on leadership skills, have lessons, devotions and fun.

They will cap the week by leading the worship on Sunday, August 4th. Mark your calendars,

it is a day you won’t want to miss.

Through May, our Current Expense offerings including Sunday School totaled $146,215. The Knapheide/Twiehaus Fund contributed an additional $16,069 toward our Current

Expenses. These contributions resulted in a shortfall of $27,426 when compared to our

budgeted Current Expenses. This is an increase in the deficit of about $5,000 in one month. There is one month left in our fiscal year. We are projecting to be about $7,000

under budget in actual expenses due primarily to savings in the music director

position and pastor's package (low mileage expenses and no continuing education

expense). The Multhaupt Fund will earn about $17,850 this year that can be used

toward the deficit. The amount of principal that would have to be used at the end of May

is $2,575. Since there are five Sundays in June, our deficit will probably increase by $5,000 - $7,000 unless some extra offerings over and

above the normal amount are received. Every additional dollar that is given will reduce the amount of principal we will have to use. Thank you for your ongoing support of St. Luke's!

The family of Ken Bergman Louise Ahrens Romadeane Rudzik

Frank Rohlfing Rhonda Smart Coeanna Obermeyer Chelsea Arnold Connie Smith Vic Monteleone Jim Lucas Marguerite Adair Wini Baker Jason Smart Evelyn Fifield Brandon Borgman Julie Filbeck Evelyn Thomas Helen Koch Wes Darneal

Alberta Franciskato Faith Wildschuetz Timothy Wilder Burdette Obermeyer Jim Dillie Peace for our World

Our Sympathy is extended to the family

of Ken Bergman

upon his death on June 18, 2019

Our Sympathy is extended to Paul Rochowiak &

family upon the death of his mother,

Anne Rochowiak

on May 23, 2019

Thank you to all those that helped take care of me

after my episode at church a few weeks ago.

Thank you also for the cards, thoughts, and prayers. They

meant so much to me. God Bless,

Larry Franciskato

ELLA MARIE SEHRT BEQUEST

The estate of Ella Marie Sehrt has gifted St. Luke’s UCC with

endowments for the Memorial Funds totaling $70,677.12.

The Church Program Fund received $38,649.12 and the Church Improvement Fund received $32,028.00

Thank you to the family of Ella Marie for honoring St. Luke’s with these gifts.