December 13, 2020
joys & concerns CONDOLENCES TO: Sandy Harlan on the death of her sister, Sherry Whitaker Pam (Bob) Lyon, Bob (Michelle) Lyon, and family on the death of Betty M. Ellett Missy (Alex) Petersen on the death of her grandfather, Chuck MacKenzie Jenna (Chris) Stensland on the death of her grandmother, Doris Jean Anderson
announcements WORSHIP…
CHRISTMAS ON THE LOT | Dec. 17 • 7PM Join us for a drive-in concert featuring St. Luke’s musicians and special guests, Select Sound, from Carmel High School playing familiar Christmas tunes with a modern twist. The event is free and open to the public. Invite your family and friends for a truly unique, drive-in experience ringing in the Christmas season. LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE | Dec. 21 • 7 – 8:30PM • Online This year, everyone has lost a sense of normalcy, if not some other loss as well. Join us for a service of hope on the day of the year with the fewest hours of sunlight. This service symbolizes a move out of the darkness and is for anyone who has had a loss of any kind. You can participate in this service at stlukesumc.com/christmas and it will be available to view until Dec. 24.
GROW in your faith… ANCHORPOINT Don’t miss a special interview with Joel Smallbone from for KING & COUNTRY and Pastor Rob TODAY on AnchorPoint! This Sunday morning Bible Study is streamed each week at 8:45AM, 12:15, 3:15 and 6:15PM. Visit stlukesumc.com/live to watch AnchorPoint.
SILENCE & OTHER SURPRISING INVITATIONS OF ADVENT | Mondays, Now – Dec. 21 • 6:30 – 8PM • Zoom In beautifully written meditations for Advent, Enuma Okoro looks at the doubts and longings of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Explore their story and reflect on your own experiences of waiting and longing. Register at stlukesumc.com/christmas.
EVICTED: POVERTY & PROFIT IN THE AMERICAN CITY - BOOK STUDY | Mondays, Now - Jan. 4 • 7-8PM • Zoom This important book, written by Matthew Desmond, will open your eyes to the challenges of families experiencing eviction. Indiana is second only to New York in evictions each year and Indy is facing an eviction crisis in January when the COVID moratoriums are lifted. Sessions will be led by local landlord, Kelly Trimble. Expect special guests, videos, links to websites, articles, and more. Purchase and read this book for class. Register at stlukesumc.com/event/461. WHITE FRAGILITY CLASS | Dec. 15 • 7 – 8PM • Zoom Antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’. Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively. Register at stlukesumc.com/group-finder to be sent your Zoom link. Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline: If you would like to speak with someone from our Care Team, please call 317-643-2293 between 8:30AM and 5PM, Monday – Friday. Outreach Hotline: Our Benevolence Hotline can be reached Monday – Friday at 317-749-2129 or at outreach@stlukesumc.com.
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS - DIVORCE CARE Dec. 14 • 6:30 – 8PM • Zoom Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Christmas? Is it difficult to see what the Holidays can look like knowing that so much has changed? When thinking of the holidays do you feel overwhelmed or feel a sense of loss? Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are separated and divorced. You’ll learn how to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays, ways to give your kids a good holiday experience, and how to discover hope for your future. Learn more and register at stlukesumc. com/christmas. CLASS: THE PRACTICE OF AMERICAN ISLAM BOOK STUDY | Beginning Jan. 7 • 7PM • Zoom Each month we will focus on one chapter, bringing to you a panel of local Muslims to discuss their own practices and celebrations. Signup at stlukesumc.com/group-finder. DEATH & RESURRECTION CLASS | Jan. 14 • 11AM • Zoom This funeral planning class takes on a topic that many think about as they get older, but seldom know how to get started. This class helps you understand and plan your Christian service of death and resurrection. Signup at stlukesumc.com/ group-finder. CLASS: LIVING BEYOND DEPRESSION Jan. 15 - Feb. 19 • 10-11:30 AM • Zoom Living Beyond Depression is a 6-week class that seeks to give skills and tools to lessen the depression which debilitates, paralyzes, and robs us of vital life. You will receive a participant guide to follow along at home. No cost – high commitment. There is a Living Beyond Depression book that you can purchase as an additional resource to help walk you through this class. Signup at stlukesumc.com/group-finder.
WINTER SUMMIT | Jan 16 • 9 – 11AM • Zoom Join us as we look ahead to 2021 and our mission for St. Luke’s in the new year. We’re going to explore in depth what a justice seeking church looks like and how to become that church in our city and in our world. Then come back on Monday, December 18 as we follow up with our Dream Keepers Panel of local leaders who will be talking about leaning into the Antiracism Movement. SUPPORT GROUPS Are you looking for support groups on topics like grief, cancer, depression, infancy loss, single parenting, and more? Visit stlukesumc.com/group-finder to find a group that will walk alongside you and care for you in your greatest time of need. NEED PRAYER? | Wednesdays 11AM – 1PM • Sanctuary Are you in need of prayer? Join us weekly on Wednesdays so we can pray over you! Can’t make it in-person, we’d still love to receive your prayer requests. Visit my.stlukesumc.com/Prayer to submit yours.
GO in service to others… ANGEL TREE Join the field of angels as we deliver toys TODAY to over 300 children. Please sign up at stlukesumc.com/angeltree to either sponsor a child or deliver gifts. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS It is estimated that over 300,000 Indiana residents will be evicted from their homes on January 1st of 2021 when the moratorium on evictions is lifted. St.Luke’s wants to keep as many families as we can in safe and secure housing. We invite the congregation to keep families “home for the holidays” and donate to our housing assistance initiative. Our goal is to raise at least $50,000 and bless 100 families with rental assistance.
SPONSOR A POINSETTIA In honor or memory of a loved one, your dedication will appear on our website on December 22 and available through Christmas Day. 2021 MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP July 11 – 16 • Charleston, WV Days and nights will be filled with learning about the people, history and culture of this city, building relationships, and serving at a food pantry, soup kitchen or senior facility. We will partner with YouthWorks, which has partnered with this community since 2003. Cost: $400. Register at stlukesumc. com/middleschoolmissiontrip. 2021 HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP July 10 – 17 • Blue Ridge Mountains, NC Students and adults will experience the beauty of the people and nature in scenic small towns while participating in children’s ministry, completing work projects and supporting local ministries while connecting with people to address significant needs. Evenings will be spent exploring the great outdoors, engaging with community members and a community cookout! Register at stlukesumc.com/highschoolmissiontrip. Cost: $500.
CONNECTIONS GIFT & BOOKSTORE Our Connections Gift & Bookstore is now open Wednesdays from 10AM – 1:30PM through December 16. A Christmas catalog filled with gifts and goodies is also available at stlukesumc. com/bookstore. All proceeds support our benevolence fund, so consider beginning your Christmas shopping with us and supporting your community!