Weekly at St. Luke's
HAPPENING NOW November 19.... COMING UP
Stewardship Brunch
Everyone is invited to attend the annual Stewardship Brunch today from 8:30AM-12:30PM in the Great Hall. Come enjoy fellowship and a free brunch as the 2007 ”One by One” Stewardship Campaign concludes and the church expresses its gratitude for the support it receives by feeding you french toast, sausage links, fruit, coffee, juice, donuts and bagels! Brunch will be served by members of the Stewardship Commission and entertainment will be provided by John Powell, Barbara Hoster, Chuck Goehring and Beth Queisser. If you have not yet had the opportunity to return your Gratitude Card, they are available in the pew. All gifts make a difference and gratefully received.
St. Luke’s Orchestra Welcomes Youth “Side by Side”
Many young instrumentalists are playing “Side by Side” with the members of the St. Luke’s Orchestra in worship services this morning. This is the second year that orchestra director Bob Zehr has offered this unique opportunity to young musicians of St. Luke’s.
Tell Your “90 in 90” Story
As this 90-day period comes to an end, take time to share your experiences with others, claim the spiritual learning and celebrate how your gift of service has touched your life and the lives of others. Facilitated by Rick Lamberson. Sunday, Nov. 19, 11AM, C110. No registration or fee.
Share Your 90-In-90 Story: Apples & Bookworms
Two displays help us share our "90 Minutes in 90 Days" stories of being ministers of education and literacy now through the end of November. Stop by the display in the East Passage and write your story on an apple and put it up on the tree, or visit the display in the West Passage and add your story on a bookworm-segment and watch our bookworm grow!
Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless Sign Up
St. Luke’s Singles are once again coordinating a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 400 individuals and families in downtown Indianapolis. Individuals and families can contribute by providing turkeys, other food donations or by making a financial gift. For more info, stop by the table in the West Passage today.
Singles Pitch-In Luncheon
St. Luke’s Singles will host a pitch-in luncheon today at 12:30PM in Fellowship Hall for single men and women of all ages and stages of life. The gathering is a Thanksgiving celebration of the many blessings we experience. Turkey, drinks and table service will be provided. If your last name begins with A-F, we request you bring a salad to share. If your last name begins with G-L, bring a vegetable dish; M-R, bread or rolls; S-Z, desserts. No reservation required.
Contemplative Worship in the Taizé Style
Taize is the city in Southern France where a community formed after WWII to bring reconciliation to the world. The form of the service (based on scripture and prayer – no sermon), the chants and the desire for silence and peace are now available to us every 3rd Sunday at 5PM in Robertson Chapel. Tim Moore and a group of talented musicians lead this contemplative worship service. All are welcome!
United Christmas Service
United Christmas Service offers the chance to provide a joyous holiday season for local families in need. Join together with your family members, friends, or coworkers to adopt a UCS family this year. Or, if you would rather, make a donation to the UCS (make check payable to St. Luke’s and write UCS in the memo line). The deadline for forms to adopt a family is December 15. For more information, contact Bis Whitacre Feldmann at 846-3404 x461 or UCSStLukes@sbcglobal.net, or visit the table in the West Passage between services today, or pick up a Donor Group sign-up form in the church office.
It’s Time to Go NUTS for Brightwood
This year you can buy 1-pound packages of deluxe raw pecans, roasted/salted pecans, roasted mixed nuts (no peanuts) and cashews for $8/package. Nuts are available immediately from Flo Hardy at 255-0617 and will be sold in the West Passage on Sundays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 19. Monies raised will support programming at Brightwood Community Center. Sponsored by UMW and Community Ministries.
Fletcher Place Christmas Shopping
Collection for the Fletcher Place Christmas drive begins today and ends Monday, Dec. 4. Shopping lists are available at the Information Desk. All items must be NEW. Items should be placed in the collection bins in the West Passage. All items will be delivered on Tuesday, Dec. 5 by Eve Circle. Contact Elizabeth Keller at 594-9544 with any questions. Your donations make Christmas possible for some of Indianapolis’ neediest families.
Breakfast with Santa
Come join us on Saturday, December 9, from 8:30-11AM at St. Luke’s for Fresh Start of Indiana's 7th annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser event. Sponsored by The Garden, this fun holiday event has become an annual tradition for the St. Luke’s and Garden families! Proceeds will benefit families leaving abusive relationships. Unable to attend? Sponsor a Fresh Start family in your honor! Flyers and tickets will be available between services in the East Passage today and December 3. For more info call 541-1655.
Children’s Advent Calendars
Children’s Advent calendars are available for $2 outside the Children’s Education office. Pick up your calendar today.
Want to be a Published Author?
Instead of purchasing a Lenten Devotional for 2007 from an outside publishing house, the Spiritual Life Center plans to create its own devotional. You are invited to share your story of “transformation.” Pick up submission guidelines at the Information Desk or contact Betty Brandt. Deadline is extended until Nov. 27.
Get Your Decorating Groove On
Many hands are needed to help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas. Whether you can give one hour or several, your help is appreciated! No decorating experience necessary. Decorating schedule is today, 1-4PM; Monday, Nov. 20, 4-9PM; Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1-9PM; Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1-9PM, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 10AM-4PM. Contact Gail Newmark at 578-3355.
COMING UP November 20-25
Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
Dr. Kent Millard will be preaching at a community interfaith service on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 7PM at Second Presbyterian Church (7700 N. Meridian St.). This service is a partnership with the Indianapolis Hebrew congregation, Second Presbyterian, First Baptist, Northminster Presbyterian, First Congregational Church, North UMC, Muslim faith leaders and St. Luke’s. A special offering will be taken for Gleaners Food Bank. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Child of Wonder, Prince of Peace
St. Luke’s annual Candlelight Christmas concert “Child of Wonder, Prince of Peace,” under the leadership of Mark Squire, Director of Music Ministries, continues the rich tradition of inspiration and celebration of the holiday season. Two choral masterworks included in this year’s concert are Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata” and an excerpt from Honegger’s symphonic psalm, “King David.” In addition to the introduction of new pieces, beloved Christmas carols and songs and the reading of the Christmas story will be featured. The Indianapolis Youth Chorale, the Counterpoints from North Central High School and the children’s choir from IPS #20 will join the Chancel Choir, New Song, St. Luke’s Men’s Chorus, In Spirit & Truth, Children’s Choirs, Handbell Choirs, and the St. Luke’s Orchestra. An offering will be received in support of this concert and St. Luke’s commitment to IPS #20 families. Child care is available for children under the age of five. The concert dates are Friday, December 1 at 7:30PM, and Sunday, December 3 at 3PM.
Kids Giving to Kids . . . The Giving Tree
The St. Luke’s Children’s Commission is sponsoring an opportunity for children to experience the joy of holiday giving. New items of hats, mittens, scarves, underwear and socks are needed. Place your donations on or under the mitten trees located in the East Passageway or by Robertson Chapel on November 26, December 3, 10. Questions? Contact Anne Adams, 846-2745 x351.
ReachOut Christmas Dinner
The annual ReachOut Christmas dinner is a casual gathering of the LGBT community, their friends, family and supporters for a time of holiday fellowship and meeting new people. It’s a great way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays with community (not to mention the wonderful food). This year’s dinner will be Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 6PM at the home of Sharon Voigt and Shannon Ribnek, 8167 Upper Bay Lane, Indianapolis (Geist area). Please RSVP to 823-2597 by Wednesday, December 6. This will be a catered event, with a $5 suggested donation per person to help cover catering costs.
Holiday Homecoming – ReachOut Christmas Service
The annual ReachOut Christmas service is open to all in the LGBT community, their friends, family and supporters. This service provides an opportunity for those in the community to come together for worship and fellowship in a warm and welcoming environment. Delivering the message this year will be author, Quaker pastor and humorist Phil Gulley (If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person, The Healing Touch: Experiencing God’s Love in the Midst of Our Pain, If God is Love: Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World, The Harmony novel series, and others). Phil delivered a very emotional and inspiring message of hope and inclusiveness at this service two years ago. This year’s service will be Tuesday, December 12 at 7PM in the main sanctuary.
Fletcher Place Meals
Dinner dates are Monday, Nov. 20 andWednesday, Nov. 22 (for Thanksgiving). Need volunteers to cook, transport and serve or donate food items. See bulletin board in the hall between Robertson Chapel and Oasis for more info, or call Sue Stuart at 293-3535.
St. Luke’s Bicycle Collection Drive
Clean out that garage and take your used bikes to volunteers who will refurbish them and donate to needy kids in time for Christmas! Bikes can be dropped off from Nov. 20 through Dec. 15 from 10AM to 1PM at Old Centrum Foundation (home of Central Ave. United Methodist Church), 1202 N. Central at the corner of Central and 12th Streets. Evening and weekend hours can be arranged with Marie Beason by calling 637-4408. Call John Rosner, Chair, (595-0195) for more information.
School 20 Needs Tutors!
School 20 is still in need of tutors and mentors. All would take place during/after school hours (8:30–5:30). Opportunities are now available for those that can come weekly, bi-weekly or travel in the winter (calling all snow birds!). Also, teachers need volunteers to help copy, organize, cut and/or grade. Interested? Contact Julie Hunt at school20partnership@stlukesumc.com or at 872-6818.
Young Artists Needed
Children in grade 1 and above are invited to help create a mural to be presented to School 20 in honor of this season’s “90 In 90” initiative. We’ll meet from 5-6:30PM on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and Tuesday, Nov. 22 in E130. Call Lorie Lee at 846-2745 x328 for questions. We’ll be working with acrylic paints on canvas, so wear appropriate clothing. Adult volunteers are welcome, too!
Eve Circle Hosts Children of the Bible Book Study
Eve Circle will be hosting the second part of the UMW Mission Book Study, "Children of the Bible - 12 Stories" on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 9:30AM-12:30PM in the Parlor. The study is open to all wishing to attend - even if you were unable to attend the last meeting or have not read the book. A light breakfast will be served. Free childcare is provided by emailing evecirclechildcare@yahoo.com by Nov. 12. Questions? Contact Janet Harris at 842-8320 or harrisjk@comcast.net. For more info on Eve Circle, the UMW circle for mothers of young children, contact evecircle@yahoo.com.
Sarah Circle
Sarah Circle will meet on Monday Nov. 20 at 1PM in the Parlor. The program will be given by Dottie Purdoe who will speak on "Hats." Join us for the meeting, program, devotions, and refreshments. For more info call Mary Cole at 846-4137.
Attention Single Women
Experience “The Path to Abundance” with Rev. Mary Rudy on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7PM in the Spiritual Life Center. Rev. Rudy will share practical and spiritual tools from the book Feng Shui of Abundance by Suzan Hilton, showing us how to attract grounded prosperity into our lives. For more info, call Nancy at 255-1226 or Teena at 258-6598. Leah Circle is open to single, divorced and widowed women of all ages.
Israel, Jordan Trip Scheduled for Spring 2007
Join Dr. Kent Millard as he leads a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, April 30-May 9, 2007 with three options for extended tours in Petra, or the Sinai and Cairo, or mission work in Bethlehem. The ten-day trip -- led by Dr. Peter Miano, Director of The Society for Biblical Studies -- includes places such as Amman, Jordan; Mt. Nebo; Nazareth; and a visit to the prophet Elias’ Community College in Ibillin. Additional sites include the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, Masada, Qumran, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem, including Bethlehem Bible College, the Garden of Gethsemane and Jerusalem. For more information, contact Terri Coe at coet@stlukesumc.com or 846-3404 x308, or plan to attend a luncheon with Peter Miano on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 12:15PM in the Great Hall. Cost is $10/person. Contact DeAnna Moran, 846-3404 x367, for reservations.
Annual Medical Caravan Honduran Mission Trip
February 21-March 4, 2007. Openings for medical and non-medical team participants are available. This brigade will be traveling through the mountains in Honduras bringing medical relief to hundreds in countryside villages. Cost is $1600. For more info contact Bob Blackburn at 842-1227 or Beth Kline at 962-5809. Over-the-counter medications are needed; see list on the World Missions’ bulletin board.
East Naples Habitat for Humanity Work Project
January 14 – 19, 2007. Cost is $100 plus transportation and evening meals. Accommodations may be provided on a first-come first-serve basis. Contact Jamie McCaw at 844-5444 or Barb & Steve Jackson at 844-9405 by November 1. Information meeting, Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30 AM in E212.
Farewell to Tapes
The St. Luke’s Media Ministries announces a fond farewell to the duplication of sermons onto audio and video tapes. Orders for tapes will be filled through the end of November; thereafter, services will be available only on CD and DVD format, just in time to put a CD/DVD player on your Christmas wish list. Questions? Contact Kit Williams at 846-3404 or williamsk@stlukesumc.com.
St. Luke’s Support Groups
St. Luke’s Care Ministries reaches out to those struggling with life’s challenges through a variety of support groups. Groups meeting in the next two weeks: ••• Adult ADD Support Group. Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7PM in W125 (just inside Entrance #4). Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Craighead offers support for adults with ADD. The group meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. For more info call Mary Katherine at 846-3404 x343.••• Jesse’s Street. Monday, Nov. 20, 6:30PM in the Parlor: Q&A session with “The Sensory Center.” For parents who have a child with a physical, mental or emotional disability. Register for childcare by calling Sylvia at 846-3404 x343. ••• Breast Cancer Networking Group. This group is an opportunity for sharing, support, and reaching out to others. Family members and friends are also welcome. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 5:30-6:30PM. For info, call Rev, Marsha Hutchinson at 846-3404 x315. ••• HUGS (Healing Under Grief Support). Find yourself needing fellowship and support as you journey through the weeks, months, and years following the loss of a loved one? ••• Dad’s Grief Group for Young Adult Loss. Meets Tuesday mornings for breakfast at 7AM at the Hilton Indianapolis North Hotel, 8181 N. Shadeland Ave. For information call Dr. Adolf Hansen, 846-3404 x450. ••• Mom’s Grief Group for Young Adult Loss. Meets three times a month. For info call Rev. Marsha Hutchinson, 846-3404 x315.
Adult Education and Spiritual Life Center Opportunities
Unless otherwise stated, register online or DeAnna at 846-3404 x367 or morand@stlukesumc.com, or visit our website at www.stlukesumc.com. For a full listing of courses, pick up a copy of the Winter/Spring 2006 Offerings catalog. The Oasis Bookstore and Giftshop is located next to Fellowship Hall inside St. Luke’s.
- Transitions Sunday School Class. The Transitions class enjoys lively discussion of current issues in exploration of our individual faith journeys. They meet at 11AM in the Parlor.
- Quilting Ministry Meeting Dates. Because of the holidays, the Quilting Ministry will meet only once more in 2006 – on Dec. 7 at Trish McComas’s home. Contact Trish, 471-8625, for directions. Plan to join this exciting ministry when the regular 1st and 3rd Thursdays meetings resume in January 2007, 6:30-8:30PM in E212.
- Sunrise Book Study to Read Friedman. If you don’t get enough of Thomas Friedman by reading his column once a week in the Star, join this group of early-rising women to read The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Every Wednesday come for prayer, lively discussion and yummy treats, 6:30AM in the Parlor. Contact Ruth Morrison, 257-7512, for more info.
- Animal Communication Readings. Mary Marshall “talks” with the animals and as a medical intuitive helps you better understand your pet’s conditions. Come with your pet or pets. Thursday, Nov. 30, 4-7PM, appointment required (call DeAnna), $25/15 minute reading.
- Drumming Circle. Drumming is an ancient spiritual practice open to everyone. Drums are provided or bring your own. Every 4th Wednesday, November 22, 6:30-7:30PM, Modular Building. Led by Dane McCullough. $5/session
- Contemplative Advent Retreat. The busyness of the holidays distracts us from our prayer disciplines. Advent is a time to return to God rather than be lost in the commercialism of the mall. The rhythm of the morning will be spending the first hour learning with Dr. Millard about the power of contemplative prayer, followed by time to practice and discuss the experience. Barb Hale will facilitate the discussion. Saturday, December 16, 9AM-Noon, Spiritual Life Center. Registration suggested, no fee.
- The Spiritual Practice of Giving and Receiving. As you enter this holiday season take time to use the labyrinth to explore the lessons of both giving and receiving. Workshop led by Dhyana Raynor on Saturday, Nov. 25, Fellowship Hall, 9:30AM-Noon. Registration suggested; fee $10.
- Yoga and Nia Classes Continue in November. We are all body, mind and
spirit. Take advantage of one of the movement classes beginning the week of November 13 that will help you relax, focus and breathe during the holidays. Contact DeAnna for times and locations. Walk-ins accepted.