The episTleJune 13, 2016

Volume 51 Number 18

480 S. HighlandMemphis, TN 38111-4302

901.452.6262www.stlukesumc.orgUnited Methodist Church

“We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind, and hands of Jesus Christ with ALL people.”Mission Statement

Worship at St. Luke’sAll are Welcome

Sunday WorshipJune 19 & 26

Forward in FaithOne worship - 10:50 a.m.

Note: Summer worship schedule June 12 - July 31

One worship at 10:50

Sunday School Classes For all ages - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Contents:- VBS Blessings page 2- Upcoming Events page 3- Ministry News pages 4/5- Congregational Care page 6- Calendar page 7- Church information page 8

St. Luke’s StaffMichael Pence, PastorHarry Colter, EvangelismS.C. Toe, Music DirectorWes Kirkpatrick, OrganistBeth Ryan, Youth/Young AdultsMegan Warren, ChildrenAmy Turman, Day School/PDOAmy McDonald, ChallengersDavid Day, CLC/RecreationCarla Taylor, CommunicationsTim Taylor, FacilitiesVickey Hobbs, Finance

Notes from MichaelWords escape me this morning as I sit to write my final newsletter article at St. Luke’s. I would love to just write a reflection on how wonderful the past three years have been for my family and I. I would write about the great group of volunteers who serve this church in such a selfless way. I would write about the number of lives for whom I have witnessed transformation. I would write about the exciting work ahead of the church and the great opportunities you have to touch even more lives. I would write about the incredible worship our children and their leaders shared with the congregation yesterday as a way of completing an intensive week of Vacation Bible School. I would write about the leadership and activism of our Christian Homebuilders class, the quality of our music program, the depth of our youth ministry, the dedication of our staff. I would go on and on. However, my heart is shattered by the continued acts of violent hatred. I am just amazed at how much hatred one person could have for another person, let alone for a whole group of people. We hear time and time again following one of these mass killings, “Pray for ________ .” This time, we pray for Orlando. We have prayed for Paris. We prayed for San Bernandino, Oregon, UCLA, Charleston, Sandy Hook, and on and on the list goes. When will it stop? The stories are eerily similar, with one difference, the victims. But even the victims shared something in common. They were the target of someone’s hate. Maybe it’s time for the church to stop praying retroactively. Maybe we need to be lifting up our enemies and those who are the great persecutors of others who are all created in God’s image. Maybe it’s time for us to take a stand against violence and hate and fervently pray the prayer of Isaiah 2.4 - “The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.”Yes, we are privileged at St. Luke’s to be part of a great church. Yes, we have a great future in front of us. But it can be even brighter if we shine Christ’s light for the world to see. The work of the church isn’t about building up the church, it’s instead about loving and serving and caring for our neighbors with the love and grace of Christ. The world can’t get enough love and grace.In His Amazing Grip,

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St. Luke’sVBS 2016

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Patriotic Teddy Bear PicnicASP Celebration &

Farewell to the PencesSunday, June 26, 2016

5 - 7 p.m.

$6.00 per person / Children under 3 - Free / $25 family max$1.00 off if you bring a teddy bear

It’s time for St. Luke’s annual Patriotic Celebration!This year, our indoor picnic has a different twist. We’re going to the Fellowship Hall “Woods” for a

teddy bear picnic. So bring your teddy bear for an evening of

good food & entertainment as we: Celebrate the Fourth,

Welcome back our ASP teams and Bid a fond farewell to the Pence family.

Prizes will be given for Most Partiotic Bear, Oldest Bear, Cutest Bear and Most loved bear.

Please make your reservations at the Hospitality Desk or by calling the church 452-6262, by noon on Wednesday, June 22.

St. Luke’s Memphis Mission JourneyA Road to Transformation

July 18 - 21, 2016

St. Luke’s is a Partner Church with Project Transformation (PT) this summer.

The PT mission is threefold: •Engagecollege-ageyoungadultsinpurposefulleadershipandministryexploration

•Supportunderservedchildrenthroughasummercampthathelpschildrenmaintainandimprovetheirreadingskillsandavoidthesummerslump

•Connectchurchestocommunitiesinneed

Here are the specific ways you can help:Donate Money: St.Luke’sprovidesa$1500stipendforoneinternduringthesummer.IfyouareunabletovolunteeryourtimethisisagoodwaytosupportthePTministrythroughSt.Luke’s.DonationsmaybesenttothechurchmarkedforProject Transformation.

Our intern is London Linson.SheisajuniormajoringinPsychologyattheUniversityofTennesseeinKnoxville.Donate Supplies: Duringthesummertheprogramusesmanysupplies.Thelistconsistof:HealthySnacks,Art/CraftMaterials,SportsEquipment,andTechnologyMaterials.Forafulllistyoucanvisitthewebsite:projecttransformation.org/tennessee/how-you-can-help/donate/wish-list/Donations may be placed in the bin marked PT in the north elevator lobby.

Dinner for the Interns* housedatChristianBrothersUniversitySt.Luke’sisscheduledtoprovidedinneronJuly18and20.Wewillpreparedinneranddrinksforabout18,servedbuffetstyle,at6:00p.m.eachnight.Dinnershouldbebroughtreadytoserve.Reading Volunteers*: Weneed10-12readingvolunteerseachdayMondayJuly18throughThursday,July21from9:15-12:15.Youmayvolunteerforall4daysoronedayduringtheweek.Youth13andolderarewelcome!AbuswillbeleavingSt.Luke’seachmorningat8:45totraveltoCentenaryUMC.SignupthisSunday-June12inHospitalityHallFamily Fun Night Meal*: St.Luke’swillbeprovidingthemealfortheFamilyFunNightonThursday,July21.ThemealwillbeservedatCentenary,buffetstyleat6:00p.m.Wewillplanonservingapproximately100people.*To volunteer for these activities please contact Carla Taylor - carla.taylor@stlukesumc.org or call 452-6262 #114PRAY for the churches, students, interns and volunteers involved in PT this summer.

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YOUTH NEWSChildren’s NewsHello everyone! Here’s what we have coming up:Sat., June 18 - Return from ASP in the eveningSun., June 19 - 9:30 - Sunday School No Evening ActivitiesSun., June 26 - 9:30 - Sunday School 12 noon - Meeting for Lake Junaluska parents

and participants 5-7 p.m. - Teddy Bear Picnic and ASP Slideshow!June 29-July 3 - Lake Junaluska!Sun., July 3 - 9:30 - Sunday School No Evening Activities Peace, Beth

Fall Retreat Save the DatePlan Now to Attend!

November 12 & 13th, 2016Growing and Resting in the Lord

Go ahead and mark your calendar now to reflect this opportunity for rest, fellowship, fun

and spiritual growth opportunities.See you there!

June 21, 5:30 p.m.YOLO Frozen Yogurt

559 Erin Dr, Memphis, 38117Bring some money to get

your frozen treat and enjoy fellowship with other Parents and Children!

Let’s Stay connected this summer!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR SHERWOODDuring June and July we will be collecting school supplies. We would like to provide each fifth grader with a cinch pack containing: 3 pkg.of wide-lined notebook paper2 boxes of #2 pencils, 2 red pens one 24 pack of crayons or box of colored pencilstwo 70 sheet wide-lined one subject notebooks2 black composition books3 pocket folders with brads1 box of fat colored markers3 flat pink erasers, 1 bottle of white glue

Boxes labeled Sherwood school supplies for your donations are in the elevator lobby on the 1st floor. Monetary donations are always welcome made payable to St. Luke’s designated for Sherwood school supplies. The cost of these supplies for each child is about $15.00. Thank you. Barbara Caldwell 323-0919

thank you!Thank you to all those involved in VBS this year!

The success of our “Trip to Egypt” was only made pos-sible by the numerous volunteers and dedication of our St. Luke’s family. We welcomed over 95 children and

raised over $300 dollars in offering for the ASP mission trip! Special Thanks to Lauren Daughtry, VBS Director, Samantha Pence, music & celebration time leader, and Lynne McAlexander, set builder & dinner coordinator, for taking such important leadership roles and going

the extra mile. Thank you Church Family for all of your help & support!

SANCTUARY STEWARD OPPORTUNITYWould you consider being part of a group of volun-teers who come on a rotating schedule to neaten the Sanctuary and have it ready for Worship services each week? This loyal team replaces Bibles and hymnals in book racks, restocks offering envelopes and attendance registers, collects used bulletins, and sharpens pencils. We currently have enough volunteers that each person’s name comes up only every 8 to 10 weeks. If you are already serving in this way and are willing to continue or if you will be a new volunteer, please call Virginia Hathorn at 327-3962 or email at Virginia.hathorn@stlukesumc.org.Thanks in advance for your help. Remember, if you are unable to volunteer at this time, it is a big help if you return your Bible and hymnal to the rack and take your worship bulletin with you after services or place it in the recycle buckets as you leave the Sanctuary.

CUB SCOUT NEWSCome join Pack 40 for our Rain Gutter Regatta on Saturday June 18th any time between 11am - 2pm. We will have build your boats, boat racing, food and other fun on the Greenspace at St.Luke's.

Cub Scouts supports boys going into grades 1-5, however all family members are welcome to join in the festivities. Cub Masters Lisa & Jonathan St.Gelais

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Sports Shorts from the CLC

The United Methodist Men prepare 40 Manna Bags every week for our Outreach Ministry. We would ap-preciate your help with donations of items or money.Vienna SausageBreadsticks w/cheeseHI C juice boxesCookies-4per packTwinkiesRaisinsPB Crackers

Donations of cash are very helpful. Remember to pick up a bag as you leave each Sun-day. For more information contact Steve Ragsdale or David Day.

UMW Book ReviewJuly 5th, 11:00 a.m. Fellowship HallPhyllis Gay will review the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and

Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. Bryan Stevenson, one of the most influential lawyers of our time, is the Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. JUST MERCY is at once an unforgettable account of an ide-alistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of justice. Those who attend will receive credit for having read the book. Bring your friends! Lunch ($6) will be served afterwards ... Be sure to sign up at the Hospi-tality Hall desk. The Executive Committee will meet at 9:45am in the UMW room. Hope to see you there.

On June 26th, the United Methodist Women are hav-ing a fundraiser bake sale with proceeds going to mis-sions. There will be cakes, cookies, breads, and other assorted yummies. Be sure to stop and buy some for your family. Social Action Project for June and July ... School supplies for Sherwood Elementary. Notebook paper, pencils, crayons, pens, spiral bound notebooks, etc. are needed to fill the backpacks. See the article from Barbara Caldwell on page 4 for a specific supply list. Please help us to continue this wonderful tradition with our partner school.

Join us for our Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays we will meet in Fellowship Hall - full breakfast is only $3.00 . The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month we will meet at Perkins on Park Ave.

United Methodist Men

QUILTING CHAOSMeeting the 2nd and 4th Monday each month from 2:30pm - 4:30pm in the Lounge. For those who love to quilt and those who want to learn to quilt. Everyone is Welcome to this class led by Pat Anderson.

DEFENDER LEAGUE BASKETBALL JUNE 3rd /JUNE 7th . St Luke’s UMC Defender League is back for its 2016 summer session. On Tuesdays and Friday nights come and see former college and NBA players compete against each oth-er. Come on out and see some exciting basketball. AND IT’S FREE!!!!!BRIDGING THE GAP VI is set for the weekend of August 26 -27, 2016. Teams from Memphis, Nash-ville and Dallas play in charity games to raise funds for our food ministries. Times and cost will be an-nounced soon.Summer Zumba classes are every Wednesday from 6:30pm -7:30pm. There is child care for infants available. Please call the church desk 24 hours ahead to make your reservations for child care.YOUR FITNESS ROOM IS OPEN!!!!!! Remember HIM ALWAYS, Coach Day

Save the Date: Saturday, October 8, 2016PRAISE the SPIRIT CONCERT featuring the Award winning gospel group THE FINCHERS!This is a fundraiser for the United Methodist Men of St Luke’s. A BBQ dinner will be available prior to the concert. The cost will be $10. Look in future Epistles for detailed information about this awesome event.VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Transportation Team consist of three scheduled drivers and one relief driver to cover pick up and take home on Sundays for two buses, one of the buses transports wheelchair assisted members. We are in need of one or more non driving persons to ride on the Lift bus with the driver on Sunday morn-ings. It is an ideal learning situation for students in the Health care disciplines or anyone wanting to help others. This connection, no doubt, also strengthens our inter generational desires as a group of Christ believers. Through attrition, we lost all but one of our much needed back up relief drivers. Please be in prayerful consideration for these openings. For more informa-tion contact Mary Lou Cushing or Warren Morrison.

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The radio broadcast of Sunday Worship is on WREC 600 AM, 8:00am each Sunday.

ToaddsomeonetotheprayerlistpleasecallPastorMichaelPence 452-6262#112oremailmichael.pence@stlukesumc.org

Congregational Support

prayer ConCerns of our sT. luke’s family

Help St. Luke’s minister not only to our homebound community but also to the entire Memphis area. Our weekly radio broadcasts are heard by many people in our community. For $225 each week you or a group of people can help by sponsoring a broadcast in memory or in honor of someone special. Contact Vickey Hobbs for more information.

May Gordon, Milton Anderson, Diane (Debo) Tompkins, Akil Al-Chokhachi, Sarah Jane Tice, Doris Sigman, Bob Kermick, Steve Ragsdale, John & Helen Wofford, Bobby Mason, Evelyn Brady, Cwell Martin, Deloris Jones, Doris Eavenson, Blanche Miller, Sam McHugh, Kathy Bogle, Katherine Lambert Pennington, Danny Hobbs, Jeff Irwin, Robyn Bray, Mike Rebich, Ken Phillips, Sr., Whitney Carter, Jim Burch, Jr., Kirk Smith, Peter Budd.Our new minister: Jim McKinney and FamilyOur Schools, Teachers and StudentsBishop Bill McAlillyDistrict Superintendent Dr. Cynthia DavisMemphis Annual Conference - June 19-22ASP Mission trip and work teamsOur Missionaries: Eric and Liz Soard in Tanzania

Gifts received in memory:Mary Sanford Myatt from an anonymous donor;Hank Nabers, my father, from Deborah Sanders.

Greeter Ministry schedule:June 19: Glenda Turner, Patty Burkett, Jo Anne Rutherford, David TurnerJune 26: Denise Hensley, Ruth Sanford, Sue Whitt, Judy Green, Bob HendrixJuly 3 : Shirley Robinson, Barbara Caldwell, Mary Clyde McKnight, Diane HayneJuly 10: Lisa Farrell, Carolyn Galloway, Alice Roberts, Tom Poletti

The Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class would like to invite ev-eryone to join them on Sunday morn-ings at 9:30 a.m. in room 108, located under the Sanctuary. We have a variety of speakers each Sunday from our local community. Come visit!June 19 - Mayor LuttrellJune 26 - Jimmy OgleJuly 3 - David Smith (Memphis Annual Conference report)July 10 - David Day

BAKE SALE FOR SHERWOOD

JUNE 26The UMW is sponsoring the annual bake sale to raise money for school

supplies for Sherwood. Please BAKE, COME, AND BUY.

A PRAYER FOR PROJECT TRANSFORMATION

IN MEMPHISIn you God, all barriers are broken. We pray for unity among Your people in Your ministry through PT in Mem-phis. We pray for unity in diversity, in bro-kenness, in growth, and in love.We ask your blessings on the chil-dren participating in Project Transfor-mation. That they experience effort-less joy, see glimpses of Your love, for safety and security, for carefree moments and new possibilities. We pray for the PT interns, that they will bring fresh energy. As they welcome children, may they ask, “How can we love?” As they sit with mentors, may they ask “What can we learn?” As they explore their futures, may they ask, “How can we serve?” We ask that in all things these interns will be strengthened, that your chil-dren will feel your love and that your volunteers will experience the joy and freedom that comes from loving neighbors. May all of us be transformed into Your empowered, unified people. All glory to you, Amen.

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St. Luke’s CalendarWednesday, June 15 - Wednesday, July 6

Wednesday June 15 7:15am–8:00am UMMPrayerBreakfast-FH9:30am–11:00am WorshipPlanningMeeting-MB2036:30pm–7:30pm Zumba-GymThursday June 16 9:00am–10:00am Sit&BeFit-CLCGym9:30am–12:00pm FoodPantry-CLC10812:00pm–4:00pm CraftClub-CLC,1036:00pm–9:00pm YoungAdultDinner-3rdFloor7:15pm–10:15pm FisherofMen-GymFriday June 176:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGYMSaturday June 189:30am–2:00pm CubScoutsRaingutterRegatta-Greenspace4:30pm–5:30pm SaturdaySupper-FHSunday June 19 7:45am–8:15am BreakfastandSunshineService-FH9:30am–10:30am SundaySchool10:50am–12:00pm Worship-Sanctuary12:15pm–2:30pm TeacherTraining-LoungeMonday June 20 9:00am–10:00am Sit&BeFit-CLCGym12:00pm–4:00pm CraftClub-CLC,1035:30pm–7:30pm GladHelpersPrayerGroup-Parlor7:00pm–9:00pm CoinClub-Lounge7:15pm–10:15pm JesusisLordBasketball-GymTuesday June 21 12:00pm–2:00pm Pickleball-CLCGym6:30pm–8:45pm BoyScouts-ScoutHut6:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGymWednesday June 22 7:15am–8:00am UMMPrayerBreakfast-PerkinsonParkAve.9:30am–11:00am WorshipPlanningMeeting-MB2036:30pm–7:30pm Zumba-GymThursday June 23 9:00am–10:00am Sit&BeFit-CLCGym9:30am–12:00pm FoodPantry-CLC10812:00pm–4:00pm CraftClub-CLC,1036:00pm–9:00pm YoungAdults-offsite7:15pm–10:15pm FisherofMenBasketball-GymFriday June 24 6:00pm–10:00pm Sr.HighandYoungAdultGameNight-MB3116:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGYMSaturdayJune25 11:00am–2:00pm CancerSupportGroup-Lounge4:30pm–5:30pm SaturdaySupper-FHSunday June 26 7:45am–8:15am BreakfastandSunshineService-FH9:00am–12:15pm UMWBakesale-CLCHallway9:30am–10:30am SundaySchool10:50am–12:00pm Worship-Sanctuary12:00pm–1:00pm MeetingforLakeJunaluskaTrip-MB3115:00pm–7:00pm TeddyBearPicnic-FellowshipHall

Monday June 27 9:00am–10:00am Sit&BeFit-CLCGym12:00pm–4:00pm CraftClub-CLC,10312:30pm–2:00pm StaffMeeting-MB3111:00pm–3:00pm SmallGroup2-MB211(Library)2:30pm–4:30pm QuiltingChaos-Lounge7:15pm–10:15pm JesusisLordBasketball-GymTuesday June 28 12:00pm–2:00pm Pickleball-CLCGym6:30pm–8:45pm BoyScouts-ScoutHut6:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGymWednesday June 29 7:15am–8:00am UMMPrayerBreakfast-FH8:00am YouthleaveforLakeJunaluska6:30pm–7:30pm Zumba-GymThursday June 30 9:00am–10:00am Sit&BeFit-CLCGym9:30am–12:00pm FoodPantry-CLC10812:00pm–4:00pm CraftClub-CLC,1036:00pm–9:00pm YoungAdults-offsite7:15pm–10:15pm FisherofMen-GymFriday July 1 1:00pm–7:30pm ChallengersPerformance-FellowshipHall6:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGYMSaturday July 2 4:30pm–5:30pm SaturdaySupper-FHSunday July 3 7:45am–8:15am BreakfastandSunshineService-FH9:30am–10:30am SundaySchool10:50am–12:00pm Worship-SanctuaryMonday July 4 Church ClosedTuesday July 59:00am TheEpistledeadline9:45am–11:00am UMWExecutiveMeeting-MB10411:00am–1:00pm UMWGeneralMeeting-FH12:00pm–2:00pm Pickleball-CLCGym6:00pm–7:30pm TrusteesMeeting-MB1066:30pm–8:45pm BoyScouts-ScoutHut6:30pm–10:30pm DefenderSummerLeague-CLCGymWednesday July 6 7:15am–8:00am UMMPrayerBreakfast-FH9:30am–11:00am WorshipPlanningMeeting-MB2036:30pm–7:30pm Zumba-Gym

Calendar Room KeyMB-MainBuilding,FH-FellowshipHall,

HH-HospitalityHall,CLC-ChristianLifeCenter,CB-Children’sBuilding

Thisisanabbreviatedlistingofactivities.Forafulllistingofthemostcurrent

calendarinformationvisitourwebsite:www.stlukesumc.org/calendar

Facebook:St.Luke’sUMC,Memphis

The episTleSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church480 So. Highland StreetMemphis, Tennessee 38111-4302

TheEPISTLE(USPS#569-280)ispublishedtwicemonthlyPOSTMASTERsendaddresschangesto:byST.LUKE’SUNITEDMETHODISTCHURCH,480So.Highland,MemphisTN38111-4302.

PERIODICALSPOSTAGEPDMEMPHIS,TN

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RECORD OF LOYALTY

Sunday School 6/5 169 6/12 133

Worship Attendance - June 5 Sunrise Worship 98 8:30 worship 47 10:50 worship 186 331

Worship Attendance - June 12 Sunshine breakfast 87 10:50 worship 207 294Gifts & Tithes ReceivedJune 5 (includes e-giving) $24,809.00June 12 $3,457.00

eGIVING

Giving faithfully every month helps your church keep the budget and bills in check. It is easy to do

with e-giving. Forms are available on-line: stlukesumc.org/churchinformation or from Vickey Hobbs.

The deadline to submit events and articles for the next Epistle will be

Tuesday, July 5, 9:00 a.m.

Parking Lot SecurityDue to several incidents in our parking lot the Board of Trustees has instituted an new policy to help keep us safe. On Sunday morning the south gates will re-main closed and the wooden door will remain locked until 9:00 a.m. This will give us a better way to direct and control traffic through our parking lot. This will remain in effect until we resume 8:30 worship in August. If you have questions or concerns please contact David Turner.

It’s time to start thinking about the Delta Fair!The Craft Club will again be entering crafts for the Delta Fair Crafts show. All prize money will be do-nated to St. Luke’s Food ministries. The entries will be taken to the fair on August 27. There are many op-portunities to show off your crafting or culinary talents.Here are just a few examples:Culinary

Best Chili, Best Cupcake, Best PieCrafts

Holiday decorationsKnitting/Crocheting/WeavingQuilts, Sewing & StitcheryRecycled ArtsWood Crafts

If you would like to participate contact Mary Clyde McKnight or Joanne Rutherford.

Sign-up to be a Volunteer! A sign-up chart will be in

Hospitality Hall this Sunday.

A Love Offering will be given to the Pence fam-ily at the June 26th celebration. If you would like to contribute you may send your gift to Vickey, marked Pence Love Offering.