The episTle

480 S. HighlandMemphis, TN 38111-4302

901-452-6262 • www.stlukesumc.orgRev. Jim McKinney, Pastor

May 12, Volume 56, Issue 5

United Methodist Church480 S Highland, Memphis, TN 38111

1 Timothy 6:10“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.”

Mark 10: 21-22“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”

The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into the problems associated with money. In his letter to Timothy, Paul’s younger co-worker, Paul said, “The Love of Money” is a root of all kinds of evil.”

So that’s one problem with money —that the love of money is the root of evil. Note that it’s not money that’s evil, but the LOVE of it.

But in the story of the rich man in Mark’s Gospel, there’s a more basic problem. God wants first place in our hearts, but money has a tendency to fill our hearts—crowding out everything else. That was the problem with the rich man who came to Jesus. Money was too dear to him. He wanted to be rich in THIS world—and rich in the NEXT world. He wasn’t willing to make any serious sacrifice to accommodate God.

So Jesus said:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the

kingdom of God.”

The disciples were astounded to hear that, because they had assumed that the man’s wealth was a sign of God’s approval. So they asked Jesus, “Then who can be saved?”

Listen carefully to Jesus’ answer. He said:

“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

That’s so important that I’m going to repeat it. Jesus’ disciples asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus answered:

“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

Why is that so important? It’s important for this reason. Just as it was, humanly speaking, impossible for that RICH MAN to be saved, so also it is, humanly speaking, impossible for ME to be saved. It is, humanly speaking, impossible for YOU to be saved. It is, humanly speaking, impossible for ANYONE to be saved.

Why? Because we have all sinned —not once or twice, but again and again. We can do nothing, humanly speaking, to undo our sins—to make up for them. Being sorry is a good start, but being sorry doesn’t make our sins go away.

But Jesus doesn’t leave us at that hopeless point. He said, “For God all things are possible.” That opens the door for us. It’s possible for Sunday School teachers to be saved. It’s possible for choir members to be saved. It’s possible for me to be saved.

And it’s possible for addicts, thieves and murderers to be saved.

And it’s possible for you to be saved —not by virtue of anything that you might do—but by the grace of God. Jesus says:

“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

Faithfully,Pastor Jim

Julia Harriet Johnston (1849-1919), who wrote the words to this song, wrote nearly 500 hymns or Gospel songs during her lifetime.

“Grace Greater than Our Sin” is the one that made its way into numerous hymnals during the 20th century. Johnston didn’t just write songs. She also wrote Sunday School materials for primary age children. David C. Cook Publishing Company published several of her works.

“Grace” is a key concept in the Christian faith. If it weren’t for grace, none of us could qualify for heaven. While most books of the Bible speak of God’s grace, the Apostle Paul is especially known for emphasizing grace. He said:

“Where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly, that as sin reigned in death,

even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20-21).

The problem is that, while we might believe in the theory of grace, most of us have difficulty believing that God will forgive us. Johnston captured this tension in her song. She spoke of sin and despair that threatens the soul. She spoke of a dark stain that we cannot hide. But she also lifted the cross of Christ as the remedy for our sin—as the prescription to relieve us of our guilt.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,Grace that will pardon and cleanse within,

Grace, grace, God’s grace,Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Chancel Choir will rehearse Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary through June 16. Contact Terri Theil at terri.theil@stlukesumc.org for more information.

Music Ministry

The prophet Amos declared, “Let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24) Jesus accused the Pharisees of neglecting justice. (Luke 11:42) John Wesley encouraged members of his class meetings each week to consider their acts of justice. There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible referring to justice, especially as it relates to poverty. So what does justice mean to God? How can we as individuals

Justice and the Churchand a church “do justice”? (Micah 6:8) If these are questions that interest you, please consider joining others at St. Luke’s as we explore the meaning of God’s justice and how we might live that out in the life of our church and community.

For more information, contact Linda Hensley 901-603-9534 or Phyllis Gay 901-485-8416. We are looking forward to where God may lead us!

Appalachia Service Project Update

We are continuing to plan our trip for June 19-26 and have been tentatively set to serve

in Knott County, Kentucky. This will be the 30th time St. Luke’s has sent teams to Appalachia in the summer! We have about 20 youth, young adults, and adults who have committed to go and serve. Please begin praying for our group as well as those we will serve! We also need individually packaged snacks for our lunches (chips, cookies, Little Debbie snacks) and can take those donations anytime over the next month.

We will not have any fundraising opportunities this year, but if you would like to contribute a monetary gift to help pay for fuel, supplies, or gatorade it would be so appreciated! Thank you so much for your support!

Youth Ministry Beth Ryan, beth.ryan@stlukesumc.org • 452-6262, ext. 119Youth Ministry

Youth MinistryThe Youth are continuing to meet

on Sunday afternoons for basketball followed by a time together. We are beginning Sunday School with our middle schoolers studying Ancestors: Old Testament and high school students engaged in exploring our commitments through the vows we take at our Confirmation.

Graduation RecognitionWe will honor graduates in worship on May 16

and celebrate their accomplishments! We are so proud of you! High School: Carson Blount, Sophia Carpenter, Louise Eubank, Isabelle Goebel, Emma Kaler. College: Logan Sanford

If you know a graduate we missed, please let us know so we can honor them!

In HonorMiller Delgadillo from Wally and Lynne McAlexander

In MemoryBob Hendrix from Wally and Lynne McAlexander,

Miss Brenda Spence and Pam Tyson, Betty and George Green, Ronda McCoy, Tom and Patty Burkett, Martha and Tom Eubank, Amanda and Jonathan Pennington

Emma Lee Mauldin from Linda Kay MyersMr. and Mrs. J.P. Reed from John, Judy and Reed

RossettiJerry Whitt from Wally and Lynne McAlexander

Since January, I have been visiting with St. Luke’s members who are in leadership positions in the Congregational Care Ministry. They are remarkably dedicated to overseeing and participating in their assigned ministry.

On top of that, they weave all these special ministries together into a strong congregational outreach which everyone at the St. Luke’s Church family daily participates formally and/or informally. Formally means in a designed fashion and informally defined as quietly given on one’s own.

This was not a surprising finding. St. Luke’s has a long faithful history in looking out for one another during stormy blasts within the church family as well as outside the church family. All I have called upon follow in the footsteps of dedicated laity and clergy who, over the years, make shepherd care a priority to follow in the Lord’s footsteps and in Jesus’ name.

I am delighted to become a part of the pastoral care visitation ministry once again at St. Luke’s. It will also be my treat to coordinate and support

Glad to be Back!the variety of ministries we offer. In addition, my responsibilities include sponsoring heart storming sessions otherwise known as “brainstorming” enabling others to share special outreach ministries that have been laid on their hearts by God to share: conducting educational events dedicated to growing our visitation ministry; providing care shops focused on our caring ways; and of course, there is the whatever else I’m asked to do!

I close by saying that I look forward to sharing with the church family what is primarily courtesy of what I’ve learned by the way of the residents, family, and staff of Wesley Senior Ministries. It’s been 41 years of providing ministry, but also 41 years of learning how to better care in Jesus’ name.

I’ve had the best of two worlds. The pleasure to minister as God led with leadership who trusted me and to have “teachers” showing me a better way, knowingly and unknowingly—for free, just as it was for me at St. Luke’s in my “green” years. I’m glad to be back home.

Next month’s article will be focused on stretching exercises related to Congregational Care, which will begin in mid summer and mid fall. Stay tuned!

• Need Transportation Sunday mornings? Transportation will be provided before Sunday School and after church. Call the office by noon on Thursday and leave your contact information.

• Sanctuary Stewards. Are you able to stay for a few minutes after worship on Sunday and help tidy up the sanctuary? Contact Rorie Read at rorieread@gmail.com for information.

• Prayer Shawl Blessing. Congregational Care is planning a prayer shawl blessing on Sunday, May 30. If you have prayer shawls, please bring them to the church by Thursday, May 27 to be included in the blessing.

• Upper Room Devotionals are available at the Hospitality Hall Desk or by calling the office.

• Volunteers are needed to answer the phone at the front desk. There are two shifts: 9:30-12:30 or 12:30-4:00. Work when you are able! Call Vickey Hobbs at the church office for more information.

Thank you for your Support of the Ministries of St. Luke’s UMC

Donations made at www.stlukesumc.org go to our general fund and are completely confidential. You may also use our giving app “Give Plus Church.” If you would like to make a special gift, memorial, honorarium, or support a specific fund, please contact Vickey Hobbs at 901-452-6262.

etc . . .

We are BACK! Word and Wonder,

Sunday School, and Children’s Worship returned May 2! It was so wonderful to see our children in worship! With all the activities comes the need for more volunteers. Working with children can be so rewarding! Please consider helping us in this ministry! Contact amy.pearson@stlukesumc.org for more information!

Amy Pearson, amy.pearson@stlukesumc.orgChildren’s Ministry

The Scouts from Troop 40 have been busy the last few months. They went on a 6-mile hike in Shelby Farms in March. They attended Chickasaw Council Spring Camporee at Camp Currier in April and competed against fellow scouts from other troops in the area. They are now working on fund raising by selling camp cards to help pay for Summer Camp at Kia Kima in June.—Jonathan St. Gelais, Scoutmaster Troop 40

VBS Looks a Little Different! Many students will still be in school through the

middle of June, so the Children’s Council decided to put a different spin on VBS this year. During the month of July, we will have “Wonder Wednesdays” from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VBS will be one day a week for the month of July. More information will be coming, but go ahead and mark your calendars for July 7, 14, 21, and 28.

St. Luke’s Day School “Q and U” Wedding, Kite Day and Pastries for Parents—WHEW!

Have I mentioned how awesome our teachers are? Ms. Holly, our SK teacher, presided over the

wedding of “Q” and “U” because they always go together in words. The boys got to dress as quarterbacks, other classes were invited to the ceremony and ALL of us will forever remember that Q and U go together!

Ms. Sheridan and Ms. Kim’s class enjoyed a Kite Day along with parachute fun and a picnic lunch. I think everyone slept well that night! The day was full of old-fashioned fun and so much joy!

“Pastries for Parents” was a great success. The weather was perfect and so many parents expressed gratitude for getting to be together with other families in a safe way (spread out in the Green Space and Courtyard). We have all missed person to person interaction.

“There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place”By Miller Delgadillo, Worship Chair

That’s how I feel when I come to St. Luke’s!

At our regular meeting, our worship team began its meeting with a devotion that featured this gospel song from our Methodist Hymnal: “And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord” that we sang together.

We invite you to join us at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday morning as we sing praises to God, learn about the love of Jesus, and fellowship with our church family.

On May 2 we welcomed our church family back to Sunday School. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces! On May 6 our sanctuary was open for the National Day of Prayer. It was a quiet and humbling time to pause and pray for our country and our nation’s leaders

On Mother’s Day, May 9, we honored mothers and recited this beautiful liturgy:For our mothers, who have given us life and love, that we may show them reverence and love.For mothers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope, and their family and friends

support and console them.For mothers, who have been unable to be a source of strength, who have not responded to their children and have not

sustained their families.Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church.Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine

forth.Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.On May 16 we will recognize our seniors who will be graduating. On Pentecost Sunday, May 23, we

remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. May 30 is Trinity Sunday when we celebrate the doctrine of the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

“Sweet Holy Spirit, sweet heavenly Dove, Stay right here with us, filling us with your love;

And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been

Revived when we shall leave this place.”

See you in the sanctuary and online this Sunday. Our ministry together going forward will drive us all closer to God. We look forward to the journey with you.

Worship Assistant Training for Youth Volunteers

We are so grateful to our youth who serve as Worship Assistants in Children’s Church. They do an amazing job with our children in grades Jr. kindergarten through third grade. With the restart of Children’s Church, we will be having a training update. If you are volunteering in this way, or would like to get more information, plan to attend Worship Assistant Training on Sunday, May 16 at 4:30 in the Lighthouse (Room 213). For more details, contact Amy Pearson at 452-6262 or Lynne McAlexander at wmcalex974@aol.com.

Group Exercise ClassesIt is time to get up and get moving St. Luke’s!

The schedule is Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. for Chair Aerobics; Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. for Chair Yoga. Each class costs $2 or we accept the Silver Sneakers

benefit. These classes are for every age and every “body.”

For more information call Katie Taylor at 901-846-7368 or email groupex@stlukesumc.org.

Terri Theil, terri.theil@stlukesumc.orgMusic Ministry

As the director of church choirs for many years, there are four functions that explain why the church choir exists and this helps determine the choices that our music ministry makes.

1. The church choir leads the congregation’s song.Without a congregation, there could not be a

church choir! Choral musicians know that we become what we sing. When we take words and put them to music, it becomes part of who we are. Therefore, it becomes important that we connect the spoken word with the singing of hymns and anthems for the congregation as much as possible. By providing the congregation many singing opportunities, we empower them to embody God’s Word through music.

2. The church choir sings music that the congregation cannot.

There’s lots of great music that needs to be sung that just cannot reasonably be done by a congregation because of its skill level. There are some texts set to challenging music that congregations need to hear, whether it is comforting in times of crises, praising in times of joy, or inspiring in times of apathy. By spending the time and effort to rehearse each week, the choir provides a great service to the congregation by opening up the amount of literature the congregation can be exposed to.

3. The church choir serves as a small group within the church for faith formation.

I imagine that we all have memories of small group settings in the church where we remember taking care of each other or holding someone up in

a time of need. When we sing together, a bond is created that unites us unlike any other. In a church choir, this function can be intentionally formed. Because we meet together once a week to prepare for leading the congregation in worship, taking care of each other is a responsibility.As the leader of this

small group, I feel it is my responsibility to give spiritual direction. That doesn’t mean I solely provide spiritual guidance but allow for an environment where we can feel free to share and show Christ’s love to our fellow singers. I have been blessed that our choir members lift each other up in prayer, show genuine signs of care and concern by providing flowers and cards for those that are bereaved or sick, and take the time to share devotional moments that have inspired them throughout the week.

4. The church choir sings beautiful and challenging music to praise God and edify the congregation.

This is where the majority of our rehearsal time is taken up, because singing challenging music beautifully is difficult to do and takes lots of practice. It is important that when we sing, we sing beautifully, because it touches people’s hearts. The reason that we work so hard to create beautiful music together is so that we can glorify God and lead others to worship. Unprepared singing can be distracting and therefore prevent people from having a worshipful experience.

This framework is used simply to express the importance of the church choir and be an advocate for music ministry. Encouraging congregational singing has a strong impact on the faithful discipleship of your church choir.

The Chancel Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.

The Scouts from Troop 40 have been busy the last few months. They went on a 6-mile hike in Shelby Farms in March. They attended Chickasaw Council Spring Camporee at Camp Currier in April and competed against fellow scouts from other Troops in the area. They are now working on fund raising by selling camp cards to help pay for Summer Camp at Kia Kima in June. —Jonathan St. Gelais, Scoutmaster Troop 40

Thank you to everyone who made Restart and Reconnect Sunday a success!

We are called to love one another and it was certainly wonderful to witness the many expressions of joy and love on May 2.

Love in action is reaching out to fellow classmates, volunteering to clean classrooms, and letting others know that they have been missed in a variety of ways. We hope that this Sunday allowed you the opportunity to reconnect, or in some cases to connect with a Sunday School class. By sharing the joys and the hardships of the past year, learning about our faith, and helping each other to put that faith in action, our church can continue to have the spirit of love, encouragement, and family that truly is St. Luke’s.

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

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.Worship: 10:00 a.m.www.stlukesumc.org

T H E TA B L E Third Wednesdays: May 19, June 16 and July 21

5:45 to 6:30 p.m. • Fellowship Hall

Join us for an intimate, informal gathering of faithful friends for a time of contemplation through Peace” through music, meditation, and communion. All are invited.