The episTleMarch 21, 2016

Volume 51 Number 12

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 WelcomeEASTER SUNDAY

March 277:30 Sunrise Service

10:50 Worship (one service)Sunday School Classes

For all ages - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Contents:- Easter & Holy Week 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 MichaelFaith Jumps On Easter Sunday, the world celebrates the biggest risk ever taken. The risk that changed the world. The risk wasn’t in whether Jesus’ going to the Cross would work. The risk was whether or not the world would receive the gift of salvation freely offered. God took a great risk for us in sacrificing His one and only son. We must, in response, become risk takers too.Over the next four weeks, we will be focusing on our response to God’s great grace. Are we willing to become risk takers for the sake of the Kingdom? On his 85th birthday, George Bush jumped out of an airplane. If we are going to take risks for God, we have to be willing to jump out of the plane. If we are going to do so, it is vital that we have a good parachute.- Deciding to follow Christ is a major decision in one’s life. It requires an element of risk taking. We have no way of knowing with 100% certainty that the things in the Bible are truth. We must trust and believe. We can’t be like doubting Thomas. Even though following Christ is a challenging, and at times a costly adventure, it is one that comes with great rewards.- If you are not an expert in the art of packing your parachute, you need to have someone experienced doing the job. After all, if you are willing to take the plunge from 10,000 ft. in the air, don’t you think you need to make sure your equipment is working? When it comes to our faith lives, who are the ones we entrust to pack our parachutes?- When you are parachuting, the wind resistance is your friend. If you fight the wind, you’ll get tired and be unproductive. As Christ-followers, we will face lots of wind in the world. We will have the choice to fight the wind or use it to our advantage and allow Christ to lead us through the wind. - Coming down is the hardest part. It’s like learning to ski. It’s not so hard to learn to go down a hill on skis. The hard part is learning to stop. A good landing is vital to the life of a Christ follower. If we are going to risk it all for the Kingdom, we have to know God’s limits and our own limits, so we can be prepared when our feet hit the ground.In His Amazing Grip,

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Are you ready to jump out in faith with the Risen Christ?Make your landing with us on

Easter SundayMarch 27

Sunrise Worship 7:30 a.m., CourtyardEaster Worship

10:50 a.m., Sanctuary

Holy Week Midday WorshipWorship in the Chapel at noon daily, March 21 - 25Light lunch provided daily, 11:15 in Fellowship Hall (donations accepted)Our speakers:

Monday - Dr. Cynthia Davis, Metro/McKendree District SuperintendentTuesday - Rev. Harry Colter, Minister of Evangelism at St. Luke’sWednesday - Rev. Diane Harrison, Minister from Grace Place Thursday - Rev. Jamey Lee, Minister from Jacob’s WellFriday - Donna Spencer, District Administrative Assistant and Candidate for Ministry

Maundy Thursday Communion: March 24, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration: Saturday, March 26, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m see more info in the Children’s News, page 4

This EASTER

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Wednesday Meals - 5:15 - 5:55 p.m. Stop by the Hospitality desk and add your name to the list if you would like to have dinner. The fees are as follows: $6.00-Adults/$4.00- Children under 12 & Students/$20.00-Family Max (5) Cancellations are requested by Tuesday Noon if you will not attend dinner.

It has been our practice to provide meals for those in need and college students. We would appreciate your support through sponsorships or by adding a “hallelujah” dollar to your meal.

Menus 3/30 Meatloaf/Corn/Lima Beans/Rolls/Angel Food Cake w/strawberries 4/6 Baked Ham/Sweet Potatoes/Green Beans/rolls/Peach Cobbler

WEDNESDAY NIGHTSPRING

Wednesday WorshipWe are going to continue our Wednesday Worship time for the rest of the Spring Semester Dinner - 5:15 - 5:55 / Worship - 6:00 - 6:40 Choir will begin at 6:45 to allow choir members to attend the worship time.

March 30 - Hymn Sing / Special MusicApril 6 - TaizéApril 13 - ElementApril 20 - Communion / Lectio DivinaApril 27 - Hymn Sing / Special MusicMay 4 - What is God Doing - A Time of Sharing

Wednesday Night for KidsChildren’s Choir: 5:00 - 5:45 - Elementary Kids in the Choir room, Pre-school in the Chapel Children’s dinner plates will be available for pick-up so that they will be able to eat after choir.Children’s Play and Pray Time: 6:00 - 6:45 - During the Wednesday worship a time of activities, devotion and prayer will be offered for children. A nursery is available for children 3 years and younger.

Share a

Taste of St. Luke’sSunday, April 17, 2016

12:00 noon in Fellowship Hall$6.00 per person / $20.00 family max

Come and taste your favorite foods from our latest cookbook and some new recipe surprises!

Sponsored by the Women of St. Luke’sAll proceeds go to Missions

Cookbooks will be available for purchase - $10.00 eachor individual recipes for $1.00 each

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YOUTH NEWSChildren’s News

PRAYERS FOR STUDENTS & YOUNG ADULTSOur College students and Young Adults need your prayers! Please lift them up in prayer, and I would love for you to send them a note of encouragement in the mail. Please call me for their addresses or drop the note to them in my box and I will be happy to mail it for you! Our prayers this week are especially for: Sarah Wages and Jackson Wofford. I know they will appreciate your prayers and a note would be nice too! -Beth

Hello everyone! Here’s what we have coming up.Sun., Mar. 27 - Happy Easter! 9:30 - Sunday School No Evening ActivitiesWed., Mar. 30 - 5:00-6:45 - Dinner/WorshipSun., Apr. 3 - 9:30 - Sunday School 5:00-7:00 - Dinner & Youth ActivitiesPeace, Beth

Fall Retreat Date ChangePlan Now to Attend!

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

Please adjust your calendar to reflect this opportunity for rest, fellowship, fun and spiritual growth opportunities.

See you there! Oh yeah, and let’s not forget good food.

SUMMER AND LAKESHORE ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Camp at Lakeshore can be life-changing, but the cost can sometimes prevent families from registering (between $350 and $420). We will accept donations to defray the cost of camp for those who need assis-tance. If you have questions, feel free to contact Beth Ryan or Megan Warren. LAKESHORE CAMPERSHIPS If you need help with camp fees, please contact Megan Warren or Beth Ryan. Please plan ahead of time so we can be good stewards of what we’ve been given. Apply by May 15 if a campership is needed.

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Sports Shorts from the CLCT- Ball sign-ups are underway. Play will be in-house on the Green space. The cost is $40, which includes trophy, t-shirt, team photo and season ending party. The season will run from May 9 - June 27.YOUR fitness room is open!! Come and exercise!!REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS, Coach Day

The United Methodist Men prepare 40 Manna Bags every week for our Outreach Ministry. Donations of items or money to purchase items for the Manna Bags are needed to support this ministry. Remember to pick up a bag as you leave each Sunday to help others. For more informa-tion contact Steve Ragsdale or David Day.

Here are the Upcoming Events for UMW April 5th ... Call to Prayer and Self Denial ... Our guest speaker is Linda Hensley. General meeting is at 11am

with lunch served afterwards. Please sign up at the Hospitality Desk by Monday, April 4th.Social Action Project for April ... Kitchen shower for St. Luke’s kitchen. Dish towels, hot pads, oven mitts, potholders, & aprons. April 8th & 9th ... Spiritual Growth Retreat at Lakeshore UMA ... Registration forms are avail-able for those who are able to go. April 17th ... A Taste of St Luke’s It is not too late to showcase your favorite reci-pes for an addendum to our current St Luke’s cookbook. We would love for St Luke’s members (including the men) to cook their favorite dish and bring it for “A Taste of St Luke’s” fundraiser. Would you please submit your recipe by April 10th to Pat Anderson, UMW president, and bring your dish on April 17th? Cookbooks and individ-ual recipes will be for sale at the fundraiser. With so many wonderful cooks at St Luke’s, we want everyone to be included.

The Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class would like to invite everyone to join them on Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. in room 108, located under the Sanctuary. We have a variety of speakers each Sunday and our focus in April will be Understanding Poverty in Memphis. Come visit!March 27 - Easter: A Place at the TableApril 3 - Introduction to Understanding PovertyApril 10 - EducationApril 17 - CrimeApril 24 - PovertyMay 1 - GangsMay 8 - Community

Join us for our Prayer Breakfast on Wednes-day mornings at 7:15 a.m. On the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays we will meet in Fellow-ship Hall - full breakfast is only $3.00 . The

second and fourth Wednesdays of each month we will meet at Perkins Restaurant on Park Ave.

United Methodist Men

CONGRATULATIONS TO SAMSON!Memphis Youth Symphony names new conductor from “The Commercial Appeal,” March 18, 2016, John Beifuss

Samson Charrow "S.C." Toe is the new Youth Sym-phony Conductor for the Memphis Youth Symphony Program, an independent nonprofit arts organization that this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary.Toe officially will take the podium when the Youth Sym-phony's 2016-2017 season begins in the fall. He will be introduced at 6 p.m. April 23 when the Youth Symphony joins the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in its annual "Side-by-Side" concert, which will be held at the West Memphis Performing Arts Center at 501 W. Broadway in West Memphis.The Youth Symphony Program consists of four perfor-mance groups. The Youth Symphony, a full orchestra, is the premier ensemble of the bunch.Originally from Canton, Ohio, Toe came to Memphis just two years ago to serve as director of music min-istries at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 480 S. Highland. The Youth Symphony position is not a full-time job, and Toe will continue his work at the church.The Youth Symphony Program provides a performance home for many of the top young musicians in the Mem-phis region. About 200 students representing close to 50 middle schools and high schools in the Mid-South currently participate.

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

To add someone to the prayer list please call Pastor Michael Pence 452-6262 #112 or email michael.pence@stlukesumc.org

Congregational Support

prayer ConCerns of our sT. luke’s familySarah Jane Tice, Akil Al-Chokhachi, Sarah Poston, Karen Wilson, Doris Sigman, Bill & Nancy Morris, Bob Kermick, Steve Ragsdale, John & Helen Wofford, Bobby Mason, Laverne Statler, Evelyn Brady, Cwell Martin, Deloris Jones, Doris Eavenson, Blanche Miller, Sam McHugh, Kammy Montague, Kathy Bogle, Katherine Lambert Pennington, Danny Hobbs, Jeff Irwin, Robyn Bray, Dan Griffin, Jerry Hazelrig.Our Schools, Teachers and StudentsBishop Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent Dr. Cynthia DavisOur Memphis Conference delegates to Jurisdictional and General ConferenceOur Missionaries: Eric and Liz Soard in Tanzania

Sympathy to: the family of Loretta Rosenbush who died on March 8, Dennis Neenan in the death of his brother, David Neenan, Debbie Cargile in the death of her father, James Kelly the family of Scottie Brafford who died on March 7 Karen Kinney in the death of her sister, Jean Kinney Cobb, on March 11 Sheldon Dacus in the death of his mother, Jan Dacus, on March 12

GiftS received in memory:Mary Lou Talley from Jewell Scarborough;Walter Day from Joanne Williams;Nadine Hicks from Peggy Streiff, The Day Circle Ladies from First

Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Jeremy & Susan Schneider, Jewell Scarborough, Rorie Read;

Loretta Rosenbush from Donna Beck Smith, Brown, Smith & Wallace, William Lee, Ann V. McAnally, Avis Foreman, Betty Jordan, Ed & Nita Barlow, Stella Day, Janet Balzer, Carol Avery, Emily Markutsa, Mancy J. Beard, Gail Thompson, Mary Todd, Jewell Scarborough, Sue Gray, Opal Hill, Loyal Stewards Class, Patty & Tom Burkett, Bob & Janie Hendrix, Vickey Hobbs, Rorie Read

Jean Kinney Cobb from Bob & Janie Hendrix, Vickey Hobbs

GiftS received in honor:Rev. & Mrs. Harry Colter from Brenda HaleMai Davis’ 90th Birthday from Vickey Hobbs, Rorie ReadSam McHugh from Joanne Rutherfordthe Craft Club from anonymous.

Greeter Ministry schedule:March 27: Denise Hensley, Ruth Sanford, Sue Whitt, Judy Green, Bob HendrixApril 3: Shirley Robinson, Barbara Caldwell, Mary Clyde McKnight, David SmithApril 10: Lisa Farrell, Carolyn Galloway, Alice Roberts, Tom PolettiApril 17: Glenda Turner, Patty Burkett, Jo Anne Rutherford, David Turner

Church Health CenterWalking as One

Saturday, April 23, 2016$15 entry fee but free to members of

Church Health Center Wellness. Children are also free.

The Church Health Center will host its Third Annual Walking as One event, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. Walking as One is a 1.5-mile walk and interactive health fair, featuring live music and activities focused on the Church Health Center’s Model for Healthy Living.To register visit: walkingasone.org or contact: carolanm@churchhealthcenter.org.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Easter

Baskets for the United Methodist Neighborhood Center. St. Luke’s was signed up for 10. However, due to the generosity and caring of our congregation we exceeded our number to 18!! They were beautiful! Thank you so very much.Jamille Laughlin

The Radio Broadcast for the weeks of March 20 to May 22 are given to the Glory of God in memory of

Frances Brown Pattersonfrom her family.

Flowering Cross for EasterWe will once again have a cross decorated with fresh flowers that will be displayed on Easter Sunday. If you would like to add flowers to the cross you may bring them to the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning or bring them before Worship on Sunday and feel free to place them on the cross

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St. Luke’s CalendarWednesday, March 23 - Wednesday, April 6

Wednesday March 23 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - Perkins on Park 11:15am – 12:00pm Holy Week lunch - FH 12:00pm – 12:45pm Holy Week noon worship - Chapel 6:30pm – 7:30pm Zumba - Gym / Zumba Kids - CB 1st Floor 6:45pm – 8:45pm Chancel Choir - Choir Room Thursday March 24 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 12:00pm Food Pantry - CLC 108 10:00am – 12:00pm Small Group 1 - MB 211 11:15am – 12:00pm Holy Week lunch - FH 12:00pm – 12:45pm Holy Week noon worship - Chapel 12:00pm – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 6:30pm – 7:30pm Maundy Thursday Communion - Sanctuary 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - Gym Friday March 25 11:15am – 12:00pm Holy Week lunch - FH 12:00pm – 12:45pm Holy Week noon worship - Chapel 7:15pm – 10:15pm Defender League Friday - CLC GYM Saturday March 26 9:00am – 11:00am Easter Egg Hunt - FH and grounds 9:00am – 1:00pm Elite Level Prep - CLC GYM 11:00am – 2:00pm Cancer Support Group - Lounge 4:30pm – 5:30pm Saturday Supper - FH Sunday March 27 Easter Sunday 7:30am – 8:00am Sunrise Worship - Courtyard 8:00am – 8:30am Community Breakfast - FH 9:30am – 10:30am Sunday School 10:50am – 12:00pm Worship - Sanctuary 3:00pm – 4:00pm Wesley Bells - MB 207Monday March 28 Easter Monday - Church Offices Closed 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - Gym Tuesday March 29 12:00pm – 2:00pm Pickleball - CLC Gym 12:30pm – 2:00pm Staff Meeting - MB 311 6:00pm – 8:30pm Memphis Youth Symphony Rehearsal - FH 6:30pm – 7:30pm Cub Scouts Gathering - Lounge 6:30pm – 8:45pm Boy Scouts - Scout Hut 7:15pm – 10:15pm Defender League Basketball - CLC GYM Wednesday March 30 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - FH 5:15pm – 6:00pm Wednesday Night Dinner - FH 6:00pm - 6:40pm Wednesday Worship 6:00pm – 6:45pm Children’s Play and Pray Time - CB 213 6:30pm – 7:30pm Zumba - Gym / Zumba Kids - CB 1st Floor 6:45pm – 8:45pm Chancel Choir - Choir Room

Thursday March 31 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 12:00pm Food Pantry - CLC 108 10:00am – 12:00pm Small Group 1 - MB 211 12:00pm – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 5:30pm - 7:00pm Finance Committee - Lounge 6:00pm – 9:00pm Young Adult Dinner - 3rd Floor 6:15pm – 7:45pm First Works - Gym/FH 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - GymFriday April 1 7:15pm – 10:15pm Defender League Friday - CLC GYM Saturday April 2 9:00am – 1:00pm Elite Level Prep - CLC GYM 4:30pm – 5:30pm Saturday Supper - FH Sunday April 3 7:45am – 8:15am Breakfast and Sunshine Service - FH 8:30am – 9:30am Worship - Sanctuary 9:30am – 10:30am Sunday School 10:50am – 12:00pm Worship - Sanctuary 3:00pm – 4:00pm Wesley Bells - MB 207 4:00pm – 5:00pm Guitar Club - Chapel 5:00pm – 7:00pm Dinner & Youth Activities Monday April 4 9:00am The Epistle deadline 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 12:00pm – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 1:00pm – 3:00pm Small Group 2 - MB 211 (Library) 5:30pm – 7:30pm Glad Helpers Prayer Group - Parlor 7:00pm – 9:00pm Coin Club - Lounge 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - Gym Tuesday April 5 9:45am – 11:00am UMW Executive Meeting - MB 104 11:00am – 1:00pm UMW General Meeting - FH 12:00pm – 2:00pm Pickleball - CLC Gym 5:00pm – 6:30pm Girl Scouts - Scout Hut 6:00pm – 7:30pm Trustees Meeting - MB 106 6:00pm – 8:30pm Memphis Youth Symphony Rehearsal - FH 6:30pm – 7:30pm Project Transformation Training - Lounge 6:30pm – 7:30pm Cub Scouts - CB 2nd Floor 6:30pm – 8:45pm Boy Scouts - Scout HutWednesday April 6 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - FH 5:15pm – 6:00pm Wednesday Night Dinner - FH 6:00pm - 6:40pm Wednesday Worship 6:00pm – 6:45pm Children’s Play and Pray Time - CB 213 6:30pm – 7:30pm Zumba - Gym / Zumba Kids - CB 1st Floor 6:45pm – 8:45pm Chancel Choir - Choir Room

Calendar Room KeyMB-Main Building, FH-Fellowship Hall,

HH - Hospitality Hall, CLC-Christian Life Center, CB-Children’s Building

This is an abbreviated listing of activities.For a full listing of the most current

calendar information visit our website: www.stlukesumc.org/calendar

Facebook: St. Luke’s UMC, Memphis

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

The EPISTLE (USPS #569-280) is published twice monthlyPOSTMASTER send address changes to: by ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 480 So. Highland, Memphis TN 38111-4302.

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE PDMEMPHIS, TN

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RECORD OF LOYALTY

Sunday School 3/13 147 3/20 164

Worship Attendance - March 13 Sunshine breakfast 89 8:30 worship 51 10:50 worship 208 348

Worship Attendance - March 20 Sunshine breakfast 84 8:30 worship 50 10:50 worship 196 330Gifts & Tithes ReceivedMarch 13 $11,375.13March 20 $6,961.00

eGIVINGGiving faithfully every month helps your church keep the budget and bills in check. It is easy to do with e-giving. Forms

are available online: stlukesumc.org/churchinformation or from Vickey Hobbs.

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

Monday, April 4, 9:00 a.m.

St. Luke’s Memphis Mission JourneyA Road to Transformation

Coming this Summer!July 18 - 22

How will you be a part of the journey?There will be different stops along the way that provide

many volunteer opportunities. More information will be coming soon.

Holy Land ToursBishop and Mrs. McAlilly are inviting us to join them on a Holy Land Tour. There are two opportunities this time.1. 10 Day Bible Land Exploration: Jan. 31 - Feb. 9, 2017 The theme of this tour is “Jesus, His Life, His Times, His Land and His Hebrew Faith. The cost of this all inclusive tour with airfare from Memphis is $3,298. Optional extensions are available.2. A 2 week cruise: Sept. 20 - Oct. 10, 2016 This tours theme is “Highlights of Paul’s Missionary Journeys.” The all inclusive cost of this tour, including airfare from Memphis is $3,996. The deadline for registration is June 1, 2016.If you are interested in either of these travel opportuities please contact: Vida McClure, 270-853-1603 or email: vmcclure070962@gmail.com