The Spire - St. Luke's United Methodist Church
The Spire - St. Luke's United Methodist Church The Spire - St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Two Sections, Section A • 076510 • Vol. 158 • No. 32 • December 23, 2011 An Edition Of The United Methodist Reporter In Matthew, the angel of God tells Joseph in a dream that Joseph’s son is to be named Jesus, the Greek form (the New Testament is in Greek) of the name Joshua, which means “I am salvation.” To Joseph, the angel even explains why: “because he will save his people from their sins.” Mary receives the same command from the angel Gabriel. Apparently, the name was an important part of this incredible miracle. But in Matthew, the conversation is complicated even more, because the very next verse, the text says What’s In A “All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord Name? through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” So which is it? Maybe Emmanuel was to be a middle name? “Jesus Emmanuel, son of Joseph?” It becomes even more complicated when we add in the Old Testament prophecies, which most of us know from Handel’s Messiah: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”… Isaiah 9:6 Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “the Son of God” and “the Son of Man.” And most often we use the title, “Christ,” as a sort of last name. Christ literally means, in Greek, “the anointed one,” and was used of Kings and Princes to denote they had been chosen by God to rule. Perhaps this is all so confusing because the God who came to live among us as a man, who chose to give himself away in life and death out of love for you and me, cannot be contained by a single name. How much we want to put God in a box, to summarize the Son of God with a single concept so we can understand him completely. We can never completely understand God; all we can do is experience the touch of the Almighty. So in this season, when we think of that tiny baby in a manger, I prefer to stick with the command of the angel. I will call him “Jesus,” because he is my savior. Holiday Service Schedule Recap of Holiday Festivities 2011 Advent Decorations 2 3 5 Practice Makes Perfect Sermon Series January 8-February 5 More on Page 2 Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027 Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074 StLukesMethodist.org 713-622-5710 The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter. PO Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275.
- Page 2 and 3: Awaken Embrace 2 Train Move Continu
- Page 4 and 5: Awaken Embrace 4 Train Move Caring
- Page 6 and 7: Awaken Embrace 6 Train Move 2011 Ad
Two Sections, Section A • 076510 • Vol. 158 • No. 32 • December 23, 2011<br />
An Edition Of <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> Reporter<br />
In Matthew, the angel of God<br />
tells Joseph in a dream that<br />
Joseph’s son is to be named Jesus,<br />
the Greek form (the New<br />
Testament is in Greek) of the name<br />
Joshua, which means “I am<br />
salvation.” To Joseph, the angel<br />
even explains why: “because he<br />
will save his people from their<br />
sins.” Mary receives the same<br />
command from the angel Gabriel.<br />
Apparently, the name was an<br />
important part of this<br />
incredible miracle.<br />
But in Matthew, the conversation<br />
is complicated even more, because<br />
the very next verse, the text says What’s In A<br />
“All this took place to fulfill what<br />
had been spoken by the Lord Name?<br />
through the prophet: “Look, the<br />
virgin shall conceive and bear a son,<br />
and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”<br />
So which is it? Maybe Emmanuel was to be a middle name? “Jesus<br />
Emmanuel, son of Joseph?”<br />
It becomes even more complicated when we add in the Old Testament<br />
prophecies, which most of us know from Handel’s Messiah: “For a child<br />
has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his<br />
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,<br />
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”… Isaiah 9:6<br />
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “the Son of<br />
God” and “the Son of Man.” And most often we use the title, “Christ,”<br />
as a sort of last name. Christ literally means, in Greek, “the anointed<br />
one,” and was used of Kings and Princes to denote they had been<br />
chosen by God to rule.<br />
Perhaps this is all so confusing because the God who came to live<br />
among us as a man, who chose to give himself away in life and death<br />
out of love for you and me, cannot be contained by a single name.<br />
How much we want to put God in a box, to summarize the Son of God<br />
with a single concept so we can understand him completely. We can<br />
never completely understand God; all we can do is experience the<br />
touch of the Almighty.<br />
So in this season, when we think of that tiny baby in a manger, I<br />
prefer to stick with the command of the angel. I will call him “Jesus,”<br />
because he is my savior.<br />
Holiday<br />
Service<br />
Schedule<br />
Recap<br />
of Holiday<br />
Festivities<br />
2011 Advent<br />
Decorations<br />
2<br />
3<br />
5<br />
Practice<br />
Makes<br />
Perfect<br />
Sermon Series<br />
January 8-February 5<br />
More on Page 2<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.<br />
Postmaster: Send address changes to <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> Reporter. PO Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275.
Awaken Embrace 2<br />
Train Move<br />
Continued from Cover<br />
Practice Makes Perfect<br />
January 8<br />
January 15<br />
January 22<br />
January 29<br />
February 5<br />
Together<br />
Lay Aside Sin<br />
Persevere in the Good<br />
Look to Jesus<br />
Claim the Joy<br />
<strong>The</strong> series Practice Makes Perfect introduces<br />
training teams and the concept of a rule of life<br />
which people follow together in order to live as<br />
disciples. When people are ready to take that step<br />
from belonger to disciple, they need the tools and<br />
the accountability to take that step. Paul tells<br />
Timothy, ‘Train yourself in godliness.” (1 Timothy<br />
4:7) <strong>The</strong>re is a difference between trying<br />
and training.<br />
L.I.F.T<br />
Are you looking for a safe place to be real about<br />
your faith journey? Do you long to deepen your<br />
relationship with Christ by deepening your<br />
relationship with a few other faith seekers? Are you<br />
feeling called to be a “doer of the Word, not merely<br />
a hearer” (James 1:22)? <strong>The</strong>n a LIFT team may be<br />
the place for you.<br />
LIFT stands for Living in Faith Together, where<br />
trust, laughter, scripture and support coexist. Each<br />
Living in Faith Together Team is made up of four to<br />
12 people who devote one hour a week together,<br />
working on living like Christ out in the world, in<br />
your day-to-day real life. In your time together you<br />
will discuss a topic related to the current sermon<br />
series, considering how to actually practice in your<br />
life what’s being preached on Sundays. You’ll have a<br />
lesson that guides the group and offers practical<br />
tools and exercises, and you’ll check in with each<br />
other and pray for one another. In your time apart,<br />
although there is no actual “homework” or preparation<br />
required for each week, you will work to incorporate<br />
some of the practices into your real life.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s will be starting new groups in January.<br />
Sign up online stlukesmethodist.org/form_<br />
training-teams, to receive a special invitation when<br />
registration opens up at the end of December.<br />
wherenoonewalksalone<br />
A place to share our stories and pictures<br />
If you have a story, poem or picture to share, please send it to<br />
Sally Penning at spenning@stlukesmethodist.org<br />
Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him<br />
Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. Matthew 1:23 (NSRV)<br />
Holiday Service<br />
Schedule<br />
We can say with confidence that no one walks alone because God has chosen<br />
to come and walk with you and me.<br />
December 24, Christmas Eve<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
3 p.m. Children and Family Worship with the Encounter<br />
Band<br />
4:15 p.m. Children and Family Worship with Holy<br />
Communion and the Encounter Band<br />
6 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion and<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Cecilia Choir<br />
8 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion and<br />
Pure Sound Youth Choir<br />
11 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion<br />
and the Chancel Choir<br />
Childcare will be available for the 6 and 8 p.m. worship services<br />
for children ages 4 and under.<br />
Watch a Christmas Eve Broadcast from <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s on KUBE<br />
(Channel 57) from 8-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
7 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion<br />
Childcare will be available from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for children ages<br />
4 and under.<br />
December 25, Christmas Day<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
Christmas Day Worship, <strong>The</strong>re will be one worship<br />
service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. <strong>The</strong>re will be no<br />
Sunday School on Christmas Day.<br />
Childcare will be available for children ages 4 and under from<br />
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.<br />
Watch a Christmas Day Broadcast from <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s on KUBE<br />
(Channel 57) from 10-11 a.m.<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
Christmas Day Worship, <strong>The</strong>re will be one service at<br />
10:55 a.m. in the Sanctuary. <strong>The</strong>re will be no Sunday<br />
School on Christmas Day.<br />
Childcare will be available for children ages 4 and under from<br />
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.<br />
January 1, New Year’s Day<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
New Year’s Day Worship, Encounter Contemporary<br />
Service will be at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and<br />
a Traditional service will take place at 11 a.m. in the<br />
Sanctuary. <strong>The</strong>re will be no Sunday School.<br />
Childcare will be available for children ages 4 and under from<br />
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
New Year’s Day Worship, <strong>The</strong>re will be one service with<br />
New Year’s liturgy at 10:55 a.m.<br />
Childcare will be available for children ages 4 and under from<br />
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.<br />
Outreach<br />
reaching out to our community<br />
and the world<br />
Opportunities to Serve:<br />
Breakdancing Ministry: Join us as we establish<br />
relationships with young women and men in the Gulfton/<br />
Sharpstown area. <strong>The</strong> Holy Spirit is at work as we see God<br />
using this ministry of dance to change lives. <strong>The</strong> volunteer<br />
participation opportunities are simple. Bring and serve<br />
a quick, easy meal while getting to know the dancers.<br />
Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to set up. <strong>St</strong>ay for dinner, fellowship<br />
and cleanup around 8 p.m., or serve and leave as your<br />
schedule permits. Monday and Wednesday evenings<br />
at the Gethsemane Campus, 6856 Bellaire Blvd 77074,<br />
Canterbury Hall, park in east lot.<br />
If you’d like to visit, observe or serve please contact Lynda<br />
at lisensee@stlukesmethodist.org.<br />
Life House Houston, a Christ-centered ministry<br />
providing housing, healing and hope for those touched<br />
by an unplanned pregnancy, has a vast array of volunteer<br />
opportunities. Please contact Amanda Butler at 713-623-<br />
2120 or email info@lifehousehouston.org. You can also<br />
go to www.lifehousehouston.org.<br />
Apollo Mixed Martial Arts Club, AMMAC,<br />
greatly needs volunteers on Mondays and/or Wednesdays<br />
from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Sharpstown High School to help<br />
youth with after school activities. If you have a heart for<br />
youth and interest in sports, show up in sneakers ready to<br />
build relationships with teens. Please call Jasmine Young,<br />
Associate Director of <strong>St</strong>udent Ministries, at 832-922-9215<br />
or email jyoung@<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org.<br />
Small <strong>St</strong>eps Nurturing Center has a great need<br />
for volunteers to help with its “Thursday Night Support<br />
Group” program. <strong>The</strong>re are opportunities to share Bible<br />
stories, light meals, conversation and prayers. Please<br />
contact Verna at vnoack@ssnc.org.<br />
Woodworkers Ministry: Looking for a way<br />
to serve? Consider joining the <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s Woodworkers<br />
Ministry, a friendly group of men and women making<br />
classic-style wooden toys year-round (over 11,000 in<br />
2010) for children at agencies and orphanages, locally and<br />
abroad. <strong>The</strong>se folks also repair and build furniture, plus<br />
help with special projects for many nonprofits. Across<br />
from the church on Edloe, the Woodshop is equipped with<br />
all the modern tools to build most anything from wood.<br />
Please contact Alice at aking@stlukesmethodist.org for<br />
more information about volunteering on Monday and<br />
Tuesday mornings.<br />
Our God Is With Us - <strong>St</strong>ephen Curtis Chapman<br />
And our God is with us, Emmanuel<br />
And He’s come to save us, Emmanuel<br />
And we will never face life alone<br />
Now that God has made Himself known<br />
As Father and Friend, with us through the end<br />
Emmanuel<br />
Emmanuel—God with us.<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
Awaken Embrace 3<br />
Train Move<br />
March to the Manger on December 4 at the<br />
Westheimer campus was a special time for the<br />
children of <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s as they brought their gifts<br />
to baby Jesus. <strong>The</strong> gifts will benefit Jingle Bell<br />
Express, an outreach program of CCSC. Thank<br />
you to the Baird and MacRory families for<br />
participating in our live Nativity scene, and to<br />
the Reinertsen-Forehand family for<br />
coordinating this memorable event.<br />
Candy Guess Game<br />
A fun time was had by all at this year’s<br />
Christmas Brunch! <strong>The</strong> winners of the Candy<br />
Guess Game are Cazmyn Ray and Mary Eloise<br />
Buttram. Congratulations and enjoy!<br />
Las Posadas<br />
At Las Posadas on December 11, children<br />
experienced the Biblical journey of Mary and<br />
Joseph as they searched for shelter in<br />
Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. <strong>The</strong><br />
traditional Mexican Christmas celebration<br />
included shepherd dress-up, music, activities<br />
and Christmas treats. Alana and Eric Bethea<br />
portrayed Mary and Joseph, and baby Ellie<br />
joined them in the stable after<br />
Sunday School.<br />
March to the Manger<br />
Christmas Brunch<br />
Nora and Jillian White enjoy yummy breakfast<br />
favorites at the all-church Christmas Brunch on<br />
December 4.<br />
Bishop William<br />
Willimon Returns<br />
On January 8, the Gethsemane Campus will<br />
host Bishop William Willimon as the guest<br />
preacher for the 10:55 a.m. worship service.<br />
Bishop Willimon is widely pursued as a speaker<br />
and lecturer, and is known for a humorous<br />
and engaging style of preaching. When he<br />
came to <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s for the Shamblin Lecture<br />
Series, Dr. Tom Pace said, “Bishop Willimon is<br />
among my favorite preachers and leaders.<br />
He challenges leaders and rank and file in<br />
the church to put behind us the sleepy<br />
institution, and become a community of<br />
people seeking to live a life that looks<br />
more like Jesus and less like the world<br />
around us. Bishop Willimon is the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> resident bishop of<br />
North Alabama. Prior to becoming<br />
a bishop, he served as the Dean of<br />
Duke Chapel and as a professor<br />
at Duke Divinity School. Bishop<br />
Willimon is the author of<br />
numerous articles and books,<br />
and also has a blog (http://<br />
willimon.blogspot.com)<br />
and a regular podcast.<br />
This weekend we will be<br />
celebrating, “<strong>The</strong> Mass of<br />
the Incarnation of God in<br />
Jesus Christ”…well that’s<br />
what the church used to<br />
call it. It was shortened to<br />
Christ Mass and then became<br />
known as Christmas. This<br />
time of year I always like to<br />
talk about how we came to<br />
celebrate this Christ Mass.<br />
Chi (x) and rho (r) placed<br />
next to one another were a<br />
common abbreviation used<br />
by early Christians to represent the first two letters of the<br />
word Christ as it is written in Greek. Likewise the X was<br />
used as a common abbreviation for the word Christ. <strong>The</strong>n<br />
we come to the “-mas” part. Christ Mass is supposed to be<br />
the Mass (or worship service) for the Anointed One. Mass,<br />
of course, is what we used to call (and some still do) a<br />
service where Eucharist (Communion) is offered. <strong>The</strong>refore<br />
the term mass always speaks about the receiving of Christ.<br />
During Advent we have prepared ourselves to<br />
receive Christ both in the telling of the story leading up<br />
to his coming as a child, but also in the reminder of what<br />
it means to prepare for his second coming. Now comes<br />
the day for the Christ Mass (Christmas) and then comes<br />
Christmastide (the 12 days of Christmas where we<br />
celebrate his coming into the world as King and celebrate<br />
the promise of his coming again).<br />
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive<br />
her King...We are joyfully reminded that God does<br />
not give gifts as the world gives...he gives us so<br />
much more in Christ Jesus, he gives us himself.<br />
Blessings,<br />
Christ’s Mass<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
Awaken Embrace 4<br />
Train Move<br />
Caring Ministries<br />
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace<br />
as you trust in Him. Romans 15:13<br />
As Christians, we are called to care and pray for one<br />
another.<br />
Cares and Concerns:<br />
Memorial City Hospital<br />
Linda Ledbetter<br />
Cindy <strong>St</strong>ang<br />
<strong>Methodist</strong> Hospital<br />
Barbara Bennett<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s Hospital<br />
Meade Wheless<br />
Memorial Southwest<br />
Mary Ann French<br />
Recently Discharged:<br />
John Barker<br />
Congratulations to:<br />
Kristine Marie Natural and Charles Marcus Ellis, who were<br />
united in marriage on December 10.<br />
Katherine Louise Anderson and Robert <strong>St</strong>even Salinas, who<br />
were united in marriage on December 17.<br />
Our Sympathy to:<br />
Carylon Moebes<br />
<strong>St</strong>eve Paxson<br />
Betty Broyles Petty<br />
Jess Petty<br />
Alberta Roberts<br />
Bill Roe<br />
Camille Simpson<br />
Jeannine Smith<br />
Ann Catlett Williams<br />
Carol Wolf<br />
Bill Yeoman<br />
Bruce Avedon<br />
Kent Hueter<br />
Yulduz Smith and <strong>St</strong>anton Smith on the death of Yulduz’<br />
husband, Kim Felix Smith, on December 6.<br />
Michael and Barbara <strong>St</strong>ryker, Michelle and Shannon <strong>St</strong>ryker<br />
on the death of Michael’s brother, William Joseph <strong>St</strong>ryker, on<br />
December 6.<br />
Family and friends of Marguerite House, who died on<br />
December 8.<br />
We Care!<br />
Are you or a loved one facing surgery or hospitalization?<br />
A crucial aspect of <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s Caring Ministry are the prayers<br />
we have with members prior to surgeries and during<br />
hospitalizations. Contact Karen Smith with details at<br />
713-402-5086 or ksmith@stlukesmethodist.org.<br />
Celebrating Lives<br />
ANN & RANDY SMITH SCHOLARSHIP<br />
In Memory of:<br />
Betty Benson<br />
Given Anonymously<br />
EDLOE WOODSHOP<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Susan Silvus on her retirement by:<br />
Jim & Belinda Weatherly<br />
Vic Sponenberg by<br />
Susan Sponenberg<br />
ELIZABETH DODGE SCHWAB SCHOLARSHIP<br />
In Memory of:<br />
Terry Park Dalton by<br />
Monday Night Bible <strong>St</strong>udy<br />
Group<br />
Kathleen Dissen<br />
Gene Graham<br />
Joanie Haley<br />
Sue Harrington<br />
Pam Holm<br />
Ann K. Johnson<br />
Carol Junell<br />
Franna Litton<br />
Kathleen Munger<br />
Peggy Roe<br />
Connie Seger<br />
Nancy Sharp<br />
Prissy Watson<br />
FRIENDS OF MUSIC<br />
In Honor of:<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s Music Ministry Team by<br />
Mr. & Mrs. G. F. Schudy<br />
GENE DECKER OUTREACH ENDOWMENT<br />
In Memory of:<br />
Carol Newton Brown by<br />
Nancy <strong>St</strong>ephenson<br />
Gene Decker by<br />
Betty & Bob Geary<br />
Nancy <strong>St</strong>ephenson<br />
Charles & Jane Szalkowski<br />
Alice Heaton by<br />
Betty & Bob Geary<br />
Charles & Jane Szalkowski<br />
William Byrd “Bill” White by<br />
Betty & Bob Geary<br />
GETHSEMANE YOUTH<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Gene Graham by<br />
Monday Night Bible Scholars<br />
GOD & GIRLFRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Laurie Noteboom by<br />
Cyndi Boyd<br />
Kristi Boyer<br />
Carol Buckley<br />
Linda Evans<br />
Jackie Godbold<br />
Amy Holmes<br />
Kristi Jeu<br />
Julia McKay<br />
Mary Schuler<br />
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Marlys Barry by<br />
Richard J. Brewer<br />
NICK FINNEGAN MINISTRY<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Scooter Smith by<br />
Amy Birchill<br />
ORGAN RENOVATION FUND<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Rob Landes by<br />
Thomas Reavley<br />
ST LUKE’S METHODIST CHURCH<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
In Memory of:<br />
Betty Mitchell Benson by<br />
Mildred Ganchan<br />
SUSAN SILVUS OUTREACH FUND<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Susan Silvus by<br />
Katie & Chris Fields<br />
Sally Penning<br />
Nancy <strong>St</strong>ephenson<br />
Archie Mary Williams<br />
Have You Completed<br />
Your Year-End<br />
Giving?<br />
<strong>The</strong> Finance Office reminds us that the<br />
fiscal year for the church ends<br />
December 31, 2011. Any gifts you<br />
wish included on your 2011 Record of Giving<br />
should be brought to the church office by<br />
Friday at 4 p.m. or postmarked by the post<br />
office no later than Saturday, December 31,<br />
2011. Thank you for your generous support of<br />
the ministries of Jesus Christ through<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s.<br />
Contact Roxi Dainty at 713-402-5026 or<br />
rdainty@stlukesmethodist.org for more info.<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
Awaken Embrace 5<br />
Train Move<br />
2011 Advent<br />
Decorations<br />
are dedicated to the glory of God<br />
and given<br />
In loving memory of W. Carter Grinstead, Jr. by his<br />
wife Linda Grinstead, Cindy and George Craft,<br />
Carter and Laura Grinstead and the<br />
grandchildren<br />
In loving memory of Dr. Claude C. Cody III by<br />
Muriel Cody and Claude and Anne Cody, Carol<br />
and Charlie Herder and the grandchildren<br />
In loving memory of Joseph L. McGregor by Mike,<br />
Shirley, and Ben Pearson and Elizabeth and<br />
Michel Bigelow<br />
In loving memory of brother Albert <strong>St</strong>ender, nieces<br />
Linda, Karen and Judy and dear friend,<br />
Ruth Mustill by Betty Kuhn Brouthers<br />
In honor of Ola Marsh by Joyce King, Patsy Kussman<br />
and Elaine DuBose<br />
In honor of Garth C. Bates, Jr. by Kaitlyn, Lauren, Lila,<br />
Miles and <strong>St</strong>ella Bates<br />
In loving memory of Agnes and Artie Wisecup by<br />
Bobbie Wisecup<br />
In loving memory of <strong>The</strong> Creekmores by Lucille<br />
Creekmore Gallman<br />
In honor of Gordon and Kay Dees, Sherry Ritcheson,<br />
Penny Brooks and Tom Perry by Sara Taylor<br />
In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Monroe and<br />
Ione Monroe Botts <strong>St</strong>range by Mr. and Mrs.<br />
Gerald Monroe Botts and Thomas Botts and<br />
Katherine Botts<br />
In loving memory of Jim Elkins by Nancy and<br />
<strong>St</strong>acy Owen<br />
In loving memory of Juanita Cole by Ed Cole<br />
In loving memory of Dottie Ann Goodloe and<br />
Florence Mae and Fred Schudy by the<br />
George Schudy family<br />
In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Blanks and<br />
Rick Blanks and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Bardwell by<br />
the Wayne Bardwell Family<br />
In honor of Beverly Watson by Patty, Ferguson,<br />
Robert and Douglas<br />
In loving memory of Catherine and Wilbur Hess by<br />
the Talbert family<br />
In honor of Jo Beth Haggard and in loving memory of<br />
Patricia and Wayne Bowman and Ward Haggard,<br />
Sr. by Dee and Ward Haggard<br />
In loving memory of Roger Schultz, Loma Schultz and<br />
Charles Matthews by Joan Schultz<br />
In loving memory of Harold E. “Bud” Rorschach by<br />
Kelly Rorschach and Ben and Sam Bliss<br />
In loving memory of George Russell by Bryant and<br />
Laura Lee Slimp<br />
In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Tom Pace III by Gayle and<br />
Bob Eury<br />
In honor of our grandmother, Rosellen Via, and in<br />
loving memory of Guy Via and Sara and<br />
Jack Matthews by Elizabeth Matthews Duffin,<br />
Catherine Matthews Washington and<br />
Jack Matthews<br />
In loving memory of Bill Briscoe by William and<br />
Brad Briscoe<br />
In honor of Donna and Jon Thorne and in celebration<br />
of Megan Green’s 25th Birthday by Richard,<br />
Carrie and Mark Leader<br />
In loving memory of Helen and Gordon Leader by<br />
Richard, Carrie and Mark Leader<br />
In loving memory of Jane Smith, Brian Smith and<br />
Belton Griffin by Gary L. Smith and Carol Griffin<br />
In loving memory of our son Glenn Michael Walters<br />
by Joan and Jim Kachtick<br />
In honor of Kay Crooker and in loving memory of<br />
John H. Crooker, Jr. by Linda, Barry, Ryan and<br />
Kelly Hunsaker<br />
In loving memory of Anthony J. Emmite by Lisa and<br />
James Baker<br />
In loving memory of John Mason Mings VI by Kara,<br />
Mason and Kaylie Mings<br />
In celebration of the birthdays of Jennifer Atkinson<br />
Hernandez and Mark Hutcherson and in<br />
celebration of the baptism of<br />
Arthur Campbell Atkinson and in loving memory<br />
of Lamar S. Clark by Mr. George Atkinson and<br />
Mrs. Jan Clark Atkinson<br />
In loving memory of Helen and Fay Munger,<br />
Leila Fisher Thomas and Kathleen and<br />
Joe J. Fisher by the Derek Munger family<br />
In loving memory of Ann and Joe Flack and<br />
Joan Rudolph by Kate and Woody Scott<br />
In honor of Jo <strong>St</strong>evenson by <strong>The</strong> Horton Family<br />
In loving memory of Arthur Platt, Jr., Judge and<br />
Mrs. John Arthur Platt, Sr. and<br />
Mrs. Midge Powe by Mrs. Gaye P. Platt and<br />
Arthur Platt, Jr. family<br />
In loving memory of George W. Russell by<br />
Marilyn May Russell<br />
In loving memory of Joe and Margaret Akin and<br />
James and Mary <strong>St</strong>ewart by Jamie and<br />
Kathy <strong>St</strong>ewart<br />
In honor of our children and grandchildren and in<br />
loving memory of Grace E. Jones by Cynthia and<br />
<strong>St</strong>ephen Brown<br />
In the Spirit of the Season by Tonya, John, Jack and<br />
Claire Anderson<br />
In honor of our grandchildren, Ewan, Ashley and<br />
Ansley McCary by Tonya and John Anderson<br />
In loving memory of Eloise and Joe Blades by<br />
Peter T. Conner Family<br />
In honor of Katie and Joe Blades II by the<br />
Peter T. Conner Family<br />
In loving memory of Andrea Simmons Dowlen by<br />
Andrea Ruth Dowlen<br />
continued on page 6<br />
senior adults<br />
Make a New Year’s Resolution to join with<br />
friends old and new each month at the<br />
Mainstreamer Day program and luncheon!<br />
Mainstreamer Day: January 12,<br />
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Parlor<br />
Michelle Shonbeck, Executive Director,<br />
Christian Community Service Center,<br />
(CCSC) will be reviewing the book, A<br />
Framework for Understanding Poverty, by<br />
Ruby Payne, Ph.D. This book explores the<br />
differences between generational and<br />
situational poverty, how poverty shapes<br />
one’s behaviors, decision making skills and<br />
communication styles, and also shares the<br />
hidden rules among different<br />
socioeconomic classes.<br />
CCSC is an award-winning community<br />
based non profit organization serving the<br />
inner city Houston community.<br />
Incorporated in 1980, it has grown to<br />
encompass a coalition of 43 churches<br />
united in service. With the help of 1900<br />
volunteers, CCSC currently offers services<br />
through the following outreach programs:<br />
Emergency Services, Gethsemane Food<br />
Pantry; JobNet, Martha’s Way, Jingle Bell<br />
Express, Back To School, <strong>The</strong> Louise J.<br />
Moran Vision Care Project, and Sunshine<br />
Resale Shop. Buffet Lunch at Noon ($10)<br />
Call: 713-402-5139 for reservations.<br />
AARP Safe Driving Class for<br />
Insurance Reduction<br />
January 23, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.<br />
in the Parlor<br />
You can expect to learn current rules of<br />
the road, defensive driving techniques, and<br />
how to operate your vehicle more safely<br />
in today’s increasingly challenging driving<br />
environment. You’ll learn adjustments to<br />
accommodate common age-related<br />
changes in vision, hearing and reaction<br />
time. Registration is required. Cost is $12<br />
for AARP members and $14 for others. Call<br />
Kathy Neely, 713-402-5139, for<br />
reservations.<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
Awaken Embrace 6<br />
Train Move<br />
2011 Advent<br />
Decorations<br />
continued from page 5<br />
In loving memory of our parents, Jean and<br />
Lud Kucera and Polly and Marvin Andress by<br />
Lilly and Thurmon Andress<br />
In loving memory of Michael Brooks Smith by<br />
Mike, Lynn, Jordan, Sheridan and <strong>St</strong>ephen Smith<br />
In loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Taylor C. Walker, Dr.<br />
and Mrs. Granville T. Walker, Taylor Walker, Mr. and<br />
Mrs. J. B. King, Mike King and in honor of Katie King<br />
by Jeanne and David King<br />
In loving memory of Courtney Scott Massey by Gayle<br />
and Bill Barnett<br />
In loving memory of Harrison Joseph Delvin by the<br />
Luedde Family<br />
In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Farrile S. Young and<br />
Farrile S. Young, Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. Mobley E. Cox, Jr.<br />
In celebration of Mary Evelyn Barrett’s 8th birthday by<br />
Julie and Seth Barrett<br />
In loving memory of Mary Alice and Paul Harrington<br />
and Marjory and Ned Price by Mr. and<br />
Mrs. Ned Price, Jr.<br />
In loving memory of our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles<br />
Hamm and Mr. and Mrs. LeGrande Byrd by Kathy<br />
and Julian Byrd<br />
In loving memory of Emma Lou and Charlie Johnson<br />
and Elaine and Allen Leighton by Debby and<br />
Bill Leighton<br />
In honor of Dr. Tom Pace and his family by Erich and<br />
Agatha Brann and Kyle Young<br />
In loving memory of Jodie and J. T. King,<br />
Rev. John T. King, and Bee and Frank Coleman by<br />
Hank and Kathryn King Coleman<br />
In loving memory of our beloved teacher and mentor<br />
Dr. Eugene Decker by the members of the<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s <strong>St</strong>udy Class<br />
In loving memory of Dale Mabry by the <strong>St</strong>iles Family<br />
In honor of Sara and Tom Taylor and in loving memory<br />
of Robert and Bonnie Fisher Goehrs by Kay and<br />
Gordon Dees<br />
In honor of Jack and Becky Browder by the<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s Radical Hospitality Team<br />
In loving memory of Mary Frances Platt by Marcia and<br />
Ben Mathes, Cynthia and Gary Poole,<br />
Jean and Randolph Watson and Melissa, Alan,<br />
Nicholas and Celeste Watson<br />
In loving memory of Dr. O. F. Schoenvogel and<br />
<strong>St</strong>uart Hawkins Toomey by their loving family<br />
In loving memory of Gene Decker by Jill and<br />
B. J. Mulloy and family<br />
In loving memory of Bill and Michael Ruez and<br />
Mary Alice Foster by Harriet and Joe Foster<br />
In honor of Jim McKinney by Mr. and<br />
Mrs. C J. Misenheimer<br />
2011 Christmas<br />
Offering<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s recognizes the importance of our church<br />
walking with children and youth. That is why this<br />
year’s Christmas offering is supporting programs<br />
for young people, both in our community and in<br />
our world.<br />
Through 10 years of association with <strong>Methodist</strong><br />
ministries in Kenya, <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s missioners have<br />
seen firsthand the miracles performed by the Zoe<br />
Ministry. Its Hope Companions Empowerment<br />
Project unites orphans and child-led families<br />
into strong, mutually supportive communities.<br />
Through mentoring, vocational training, incomegenerating<br />
activities, and HIV/AIDS education,<br />
children are empowered to live free from the<br />
cycle of poverty and dependency. <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s gift<br />
of $50,000 can provide essential life skills for as<br />
many as 240 orphans in this project.<br />
Youth Advocates is a non profit organization that<br />
goes to the streets, meeting young people in their<br />
own environments. Caseworkers then build solid<br />
relationships with these youth and use those<br />
relationships as the springboard for larger life<br />
changes. <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s members enjoy performances<br />
by Youth Advocates Break Dancing group, which<br />
meets at both <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s campuses. <strong>Church</strong> volunteers<br />
serve as role models while visiting with<br />
the group and preparing a meal for them. <strong>The</strong><br />
Christmas offering will be used to provide this<br />
organization with a van to provide transportation<br />
to sporting events and other functions.<br />
Envelopes for Christmas offering donations are<br />
available in the pews or church office. Donations<br />
can be made in honor/memory of a loved one.<br />
Learn more or make a donation online.<br />
For more information contact Alice King at<br />
713-402-5067.<br />
Baptisms<br />
Alexander Turner<br />
Teshoian and Katherine<br />
Hart Teshoian, children of<br />
Mark Turner Teshoian and<br />
Courtney Hart Teshoian on<br />
December 11.<br />
Dominic Monk Peduzzi,<br />
son of Dante Tolvanen<br />
Peduzzi and Jodi Monk<br />
Peduzzi on December 18.<br />
Regan Elizabeth Sanders,<br />
daughter of Scott R. Sanders<br />
and <strong>St</strong>ephanie Palczer<br />
Sanders on December 18.<br />
Henry Rains West and<br />
Chandler Rains West, sons<br />
of Kollen Chandler West<br />
and Hollie Rains West on<br />
December 18.<br />
Looking for a gift idea? <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s<br />
logo charms are available in sterling<br />
silver for $25 at the <strong>Church</strong> Offices on<br />
both campuses.<br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
Awaken Embrace 7<br />
Train Move<br />
New Members<br />
Brad and Sara Lamb join <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Luke’s by profession of faith.<br />
He is an associate process<br />
engineer with Worley Parsons<br />
and she is a process specialist<br />
for S & B Engineers.<br />
John and Leslie Pitts<br />
transfer to our congregation,<br />
he from another<br />
denomination and she from<br />
another <strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong><br />
church. John is an attorney/<br />
associate with Simpson,<br />
Thacher & Bartlett LLP and<br />
Leslie is a homemaker. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are the parents of Mary<br />
Margaret Walker Pitts, age<br />
5 months.<br />
Shirlee Avedon unites<br />
with our congregation<br />
by transfer from another<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> church.<br />
She joins her daughter,<br />
Linda Avedon, and her<br />
son, Bruce Avedon, in the<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Luke’s membership.<br />
Not Pictured<br />
Clayton Dallas and Ava<br />
Jones join <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s by<br />
transfer, he from another<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> church<br />
and she from another denomination.<br />
Clayton and<br />
Ava are financial analysts<br />
with Wells Fargo. <strong>The</strong>y are<br />
engaged to be married.<br />
New Year, New<br />
Financially Savvy You<br />
Kick Off 2012 with Dave Ramsey’s 13-Week Finance<br />
Improvement Workshop<br />
<strong>The</strong> New Year brings with it a fresh start and<br />
the perfect time for a financial makeover. Dave<br />
Ramsey’s Financial Peace workshop begins January<br />
30 providing tools about how to get and stay<br />
out of debt, to save more and to give more! Volunteers<br />
are needed to help facilitate the groups,<br />
and payment plans are available.<br />
Meetings are held Monday evenings from<br />
7-9 p.m. and will be facilitated by Derek Prins.<br />
Materials are $100 and can be kept after the<br />
workshop ends. Child care is available by making<br />
a reservation with a minimum of one week’s<br />
notice. Call 713-402-5046 to register for the<br />
workshop, to request child care or to volunteer.<br />
We welcome Lind <strong>St</strong>evens, who transfers to <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s from another denomination. She is an Occupational<br />
<strong>The</strong>rapist with Cizik Eye Center.<br />
Robert Bell unites with our congregation buy transfer from another denomination. He joins his wife, Karol Bell,<br />
and his in-laws, <strong>St</strong>anley and Patsy Kirk, in the <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s membership.<br />
We welcome Tom Thompson, who unites by transfer from another <strong>United</strong> <strong>Methodist</strong> church. He joins his<br />
daughter and son-in-law, Tamyra and Mike Palmer and family in the <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s membership.<br />
Daniela Mills unites with <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s by transfer from another denomination. She is an insurance broker with<br />
Marsh & McLennan.<br />
Kyle and Nicole Louvar unite with <strong>St</strong>. Luke’s by profession of faith. Kyle is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch<br />
and Nicole is a natural gas trader with Citigroup. <strong>The</strong>y are the parents of Blake Elizabeth Louvar, age 7 months.<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
8:30 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship<br />
with Holy Communion*<br />
8:45 a.m. Sunday – Encounter Worship, Fellowship Hall<br />
9:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday – Traditional Worship*<br />
12 p.m. Holy Communion, Chapel<br />
* Sanctuary<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
8:30 a.m. Sunday – Blended Communion service<br />
9:45 a.m. Sunday – Servicio en Español – Spanish Worship<br />
10:55 a.m. Sunday Traditional Worship<br />
Sermon videos, podcasts and corresponding study guides are<br />
available online at:<br />
<strong>St</strong>lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org/Sermons<br />
December<br />
25<br />
Christmas<br />
Rev. Peter Miller<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
Rev. Justin Coleman<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
<strong>The</strong> altar flowers are dedicated<br />
to the glory of God.<br />
Janurary<br />
1<br />
<strong>The</strong> Year of the Lord’s Favor<br />
Isaiah 61:1-4, 10-11<br />
Dr. Tom Pace<br />
Westheimer Campus<br />
Rev. Justin Coleman<br />
Gethsemane Campus<br />
<strong>The</strong> altar flowers are dedicated<br />
to the glory of God<br />
Scan the code to read the e<strong>Spire</strong><br />
Westheimer Campus: 3471 Westheimer | Houston, Texas 77027<br />
Gethsemane Campus: 6856 Bellaire Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77074<br />
<strong>St</strong>Lukes<strong>Methodist</strong>.org<br />
713-622-5710
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