December 24, 2020
announcements WORSHIP…
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS AT ST. LUKE’S! A WEARY WORLD WILL REJOICE TODAY AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH AND THE HOPE OF JESUS. BECOMING: WHO WE ARE MEANT TO BE Starting in January This series focuses on who God is calling us to be, as individuals and as a church. We’ll tackle questions like: How can we become difference-makers in the world? What can each of us do to become more generous to others? How can we grow in our faith? And, what can each of us do to make St. Luke’s the open, justice-seeking, antiracist church that God wants us to be? Through this series, we desire to move from the uncertainty we’re all experiencing to feeling known and valued by God so we can be a driving force of love, care, equality, and generosity in our world!
GROW in your faith… 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. MORE TOGETHER THAN ALONE Tuesdays, Starting Jan. 5 • 11AM • Zoom Discover the power and spirit of community with other women. Register at stlukesumc.com/group-finder.
JESUS FOR PRESIDENT Tuesdays, Starting Jan. 5 • 7PM • Zoom This young adult group will be meeting every Tuesday night at 7PM via Zoom, from January 5th through February 9th. This book goes past the questions of “Should I vote?” or “Which candidate should I pick?” and looks creatively at the issues of faith and allegiance. It offers an idea of what the church could look like if we placed our faith in God instead of in Caesar. Register at stlukesumc.com/group-finder. BECOMING NICOLE Wednesdays, Starting Jan. 6 • 8:30AM • Zoom Start your day with friends, prayer, light breakfast, and stimulating discussion on the extraordinary transformation of an ordinary family by Amy Nutt. Currently meeting via Zoom. Register at stlukesumc.com/group-finder. 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. BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS BOOK STUDY Sunday, Jan. 10 • 12:30PM • Zoom Come join a fascinating discussion to learn about the 400 year period between the Old Testament and New Testament when synagogues developed, rabbis came to the fore, and the Pharisees and Sadducees emerged, all setting the stage for Jesus. Signup at stlukesumc.com/group-finder. DIVORCE CARE | Mondays, Jan. 11-April 6 • 6:30PM • Zoom While divorce is always hard, many are facing additional obstacles due to the pandemic that makes this season of life all the more difficult. St. Luke’s wants you to know that you are not alone. We welcome you to our online DivorceCare that is on Monday’s starting January 11 and runs a total of 13 weeks. We will offer DivorceCare via zoom meetings with no registration fee. The only fee is your purchase of the workbook where you
pay DivorceCare directly. The cost is $15 for the workbook plus shipping. You can order by contacting DivorceCare directly by calling 1-800-489-7778. We do offer scholarships for the workbook, so please reach out if there is a need. Also, you can contact our pastoral care team through our emotional health hotline at (317) 643-2293. You can call this number if you would simply like a prayer, or to receive pastoral support. Signup at stlukesumc.com/events. DISCIPLE FAST TRACK Tuesdays, Starting Jan. 12 • 7PM • Zoom A deep-dive covering the entire Bible: starting with 13 weeks on the Old Testament and continuing with 13 weeks on the New Testament. Draws upon the work of scholars, personal Bible reading, and dynamic group discussion. 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. LIVING BEYOND DEPRESSION Fridays, 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 • 9AM-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, January 18 as we follow up with our Dream Keepers Panel of local leaders who will be talking about leaning into the Anti-racism Movement. Register at stlukesumc.com/wintersummit. 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.
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.
GO in service to others… 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. 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. MAKE A PLEDGE OR GIVE A GIFT By giving to St. Luke’s your not only investing in what God is doing through our church, but also in our community and in the future. Through online worship experience, kids, youth, and adult programming, outreach, and care opportunities, we’re reaching people all over the world in the name of Jesus. You can be a part of that by making a pledge for 2021 or giving a year-end gift here. Visit stlukesumc.com/give for more information.