TIME-2012-04

APRIL—JUNE 2012

APRIL—JUNE 2012

Seeing the Unseen 2012 Theme Lived Out by UMW, World Missions & Inclusiveness

Newell Post

Info on Upcoming Visit by J. Philip Newell

“I’ll Take Maundy for $1000, Alex” Become an Expert on Maundy Thursday (plus bonus Apostle trivia!)

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calendar

Highlights

together in ministry everyday

April 1-8: Holy Week (SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS) April 14: E-Waste Recycling Event, 9AM-1PM, Front Parking Lot April 15: Blood Drive, 7AM-1PM April 15: Purdue Glee Club Concert, 3PM, Sanctuary April 25-28: UMW Semi-Annual Rummage Sale May 2: Interfaith Miniversity: Bridging the Faiths Through the Arts 9:30AM-4PM, Northminster Presbyterian Church. K.P. Singh, Keynote Speaker

APRIL - JUNE

May 6: Youth Confirmation May 18-20: J. Philip Newell at St. Luke’s (May 18 and May 20) and CTS (May 19) May 28: Memorial Day—Building Closed June 7-9: Indiana Area United Methodist Church Annual Conference Convention Center, Indianapolis

E-WASTE RECYCLING EVENT

PURDUE GLEE CLUB

J. PHILIP NEWELL

scan to go to www.stlukesumc.com

st. luke’s identity We are an open community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the

love of God for all creation.

100 W. 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46260 TELEPHONE: 317-846-3404 FAX: 317-844-1034 WEB: www.stlukesumc.com EDITORIAL:

Lori Crantford Sarah Nevin CIRCULATION MANAGER: Sylvia Forbes DESIGN:

st. luke’s vision We envision being transformed by God and transforming the world into a compassionate, just, inclusive, Christ-like community.

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NEXT T.I.M.E. DEADLINE:

May 21 for July—September 2012

Find us on Facebook “St. Lukes United Methodist Church”

from the desk

APRIL—JUNE 2012

The Importance of Vision Erik Weihenmayer was the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest in 2001.

Shortly after, he was interviewed by Ted Koppel on ABC’s “Nightline.” In the interview, Koppel shared a quote from William F. Buckley on how irresponsible it was for someone so limited to risk life by climbing Everest. According to Buckley, it could have meant the deployment of rescue workers who would have risked their lives. Weihenmayer succeeded, but that didn’t make it smart.

Weihenmayer’s reponse? He said, “He has sight, but not much vision.” That story points out to me a key difference between the two. Sight sees what is. Vision sees what can be.

St. Luke’s is in the early stages of visioning for the future. In January, the Governing Board approved a group of people to serve as a Visioning Task Force to dream about the future of the church and bring back goals for the next 5-10 years. That group is: Sara Cobb, chair; Brad Fuson; Heather Hilbert; Nancy Lange; Jeff Peek; Charlier Russell; Scott Semester; and Jennifer Todd. Staff representatives are Julia Johnson, Dave Williamson and me. Doug Anderson, United Methodist pastor and national consultant who works with the largest churches in the Indiana Conference, is providing direction and counsel to the task force.

So far we are reading books and resources about strategic planning, healthy church models, and current trends in society and Christendom. We are also establishing our “road map” that will include input from larger audiences as well as regular updates to the congregation. The guiding question in our work is: What do we believe God wants for our church in the next 5-10 years?

That is an important question. It recognizes who the church belongs to. It is God’s. We are the stewards. The future belongs to the One who created the church. Our job is to seek how we can be a part of what God wants to do. The guiding question also assumes that our part in the church is to look for what God wants, not just what we want. The prophet Isaiah said, “God’s ways are not your ways.” Discerning the difference is what vision is about. Finally, the guiding question challenges us to walk by faith not by sight—to see what can be, not what is.

While we work to vision for the future, however, we are not idly sitting by! You’ll see in the pages of this issue of Together In Ministry Everyday that the people of St. Luke’s are actively seeking to be transformed by God in order to transform the world. And, as I write this today, just after the recent tornados that tragically destroyed so much in southern Indiana and elsewhere in the country, we are receiving car load after car load of much-needed supplies that are being loaded onto U-Hauls, Fed Ex trucks and semis. The response of the people of St. Luke’s, many other United Methodist churches and the community is the tangible result of God’s church in action today. After the darkness of Good Friday comes the light of Easter. We are Easter people!

Happy Easter,

Rob Fuquay

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together in ministry everyday

Maundy, Maundy

by Lori Crantford, St. Luke’s staff

Maundy Thursday. I’d never heard that phrase before I came to work at St. Luke’s over a decade ago, even though I grew up a pastor’s daughter. It sounded like a color, like Blue Monday, or a rock band, like Black Sabbath, or the name of a folk singer, like Maundy Thursday and the Banjo Pickers.

Today’s recipients of Royal Maundy (specially minted coins —see below), as many elderly men and women as there are years in the sovereign’s age, are chosen because of the Christian service they have given to the Church and community.

The ceremony takes place annually on Maundy Thursday. timesonline.co.uk

There’s been some discussion around St. Luke’s this year about maybe some other folks not being totally hip on Maundy Thursday either, even when we rename it the more easily pronounced Holy Thursday. What is Maundy Thursday all about? Why do we have a service that day? The disciples/apostles—who were they? (HINT: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen is not right.) And is someone really going to wash my feet at church? If so, is there a pedicure option? If I’m ticklish, should I stay home?

So here’s a little amateur explanation on all things Maundy, the disciples, and Holy Week.

READER ALERT: I am not a Biblical scholar.

I only know how to use Google, and specifically Wikipedia, to regurgitate/rearrange/ reword gigabytes of information here for your edification.

Maundy Thursday Also known as Holy Thursday, this Christian holy day falls the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the 12 apostles. There is apparently some debate as to the application of the word “Maundy” in this scenario. Many scholars agree that the word “is derived through Middle English and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase ‘Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos’ (‘A new commandment I give — —

unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you’), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34) by which Jesus explained to the disciples the significance of his action of washing their feet.”

There is another theory that the name arose from “maundsor baskets” or “Maundy purses” of alms which the king of England distributed to certain poor at Whitehall before attending Mass on that day. Then ensues a hot debate among Latin scholars that goes something like, “You know, if it really came from mandatum, we would call the day Mandy Thursday, wouldn’t we? When everyone knows that “Maundy” really comes from the Latin mendicare, Old French mendier, and English maund, which either means to beg or refers to a small basket held out by maunders as they maunded!” “Says you!” replies another Latin expert.

And so on.

holy week

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LEONARDO DA VINCI’S LAST SUPPER

It’s Not Easy Being an Apostle While the apostles believed in the promise of eternal life with Jesus in Heaven, the way that 11 of the 12 original died wasn’t pretty. Even Judas’ replacement received the full apostle treatment: • Peter was crucified upside down in Rome c. AD 64.

• James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded in AD 44, first of the 12 to die (since the addition of Matthias) • There is no biblical record of the death of John, son of Zebedee. He is believed to have died of natural causes due to old age.

• Andrew, Peter’s brother, was crucified on a diagonal or X-shaped cross.

• Philip was crucified in AD 54.

• Bartholomew was flayed alive (skinned) and then beheaded.

• Matthew was killed by an axe in AD 60.

The Last Supper The Last Supper is significant, of course, as it is the final time that Jesus was with all 12 apostles prior to his arrest and crucifixion, and is the birthplace of the institution of holy communion. It is believed that The Last Supper was held on Thursday evening at the beginning of Passover, with Jesus gathering the 12 for the traditional Jewish seder meal. During the meal, Jesus spoke again of his impending death, invited the apostles to partake in the first communion, and washed their feet as an example of a servant attitude: “After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (john 13:12-17) Of course, as with any large family-type gathering, someone was accused of being a traitor, and someone else was accused of

• Thomas was killed by a spear in Mylapore, Madras, India in AD 72.

• James, son of Alphaeus, was stoned at age 90, then clubbed to death.

• Jude was crucified.

• Simon the Zealot was crucified in AD 74.

• Judas Iscariot, according to Matthew, hanged himself after betraying Jesus. In Acts, he is described as falling in a field and bursting open. Apologists explain this apparent discrepancy by presuming that he decayed on the tree, resulting in a bloating with gas and a weakening of the skin. Then when he was let down from the tree he burst open upon impact. [Hope you weren’t eating when you read this, but then you probably stopped eating after the flaying of Bartholomew.]

• Matthias, Judas’ replacement, was stoned and beheaded.

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together in ministry everyday

MAUNDAY, cont’d from page 5

impending denial. Then Leonardo da Vinci stopped by to paint a group portrait.

Disciples? Apostles? Who Were These Guys?

The 12 men whom Jesus called to be his followers are called by both terms—disciple and apostle—in the Bible. The term “apostle” is derived from the Greek apóstolos, meaning “one who is sent away.” In the case of the apostles, Jesus sent them away (in matthew 10:5-7) to convey the message that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Before sending them away, the apostles had been disciples, from Latin discipulus, one who learns. In essence, they got a promotion and were sent out to teach others to be disciples of Jesus. A big job for 12 guys whose day jobs used to be a lot different until they met Jesus.

1. SIMON PETER. Renamed by Jesus from “Simon” to “Peter,” he was a fisherman before following Jesus. Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew to be “fishers of men.” In Luke, Simon Peter owns the boat that Jesus uses to preach to the multitudes who were pressing on him at the shore of Lake

Gennesaret. Jesus then amazes Simon and his companions James and John by telling them to lower their nets, whereupon they catch a huge number of fish. Immediately after this, they follow him. In a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples (matthew 16:13-20), Jesus asks, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples give various answers.

When he asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus addresses Simon by what seems to have been the nickname “Peter” (Cephas in Aramaic, Petros [rock] in Greek) and says, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”

2. ANDREW. The brother of Simon Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman, and a former disciple of John the Baptist. Along with his brother, he gave up his livelihood to become a disciple of Jesus.

3. JAMES, SON OF ZEBEDEE. Also known as James the Greater. The gospels state that James and John were with their father by the seashore when Jesus called them to follow him.

James was one of only three apostles whom Jesus selected to bear witness to his transfiguration.

Other Quick Easter Facts • Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not a fixed date. The First Council of Nicaea established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere’s vernal equinox, which generally occurs around March 20/21 every year.

• While Lent is considered a 40-day period which may constitute fasting, penance, prayer or other spiritual practices, it is actually 46 days. Sundays are not counted as they are to continue to be a day of rejoicing and not penance. Whether or not you decide that means you can give up what you gave up for Lent on Sundays is up to you and your conscience.

• The week before Easter is known as Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday and including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. The week beginning with Easter Sunday is called Easter Week. We also then enter into Eastertide, the season of Easter, which lasts for seven weeks until the day of Pentecost. Also, the wearing of white shoes is now permitted.

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holy week

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GIOTTO’S CHRIST WASHING THE DISCIPLES’ FEET

4. JOHN. The brother of James of Zebedee, John and his brother ranked high among the 12 apostles. Jesus named both of them Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder.” It is suggested that this was because of their fiery tempers. While there are several books titled “John” in the Bible, “Tradition has come to associate the authorship of the fourth Gospel with the disciple John, mostly because in that Gospel John’s name is never used, but instead is referred to as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved.’ So either that’s his modest way of not naming himself, or it’s quite the opposite because he’s claiming to be Jesus’ favorite.” (Thanks to Rev. David Williamson for that info and helping me sort through the confusion.)

5. PHILIP. Philip was from Bethsaida, as were Peter and Andrew. He had strong connections to the Greek community and later preached in Greece, Syria and Phrygia.

6. BARTHOLOMEW. Also called Nathaniel. He was introduced to Christ through Philip. He is described as initially being skeptical about the Messiah coming from Nazareth, saying: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” but nonetheless follows Philip’s invitation. Jesus immediately characterizes him as “Here is a man in whom there is no deception.”

7. MATTHEW. Also called Levi. During the Roman occupation, Matthew collected taxes from the Hebrew people for Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. His tax office was located in Capernaum. Jews who became rich in such a fashion were despised and considered outcasts. It was in this setting that Jesus called Matthew to be one of the 12 disciples. After his call, Matthew invited Jesus home for a feast. The Scribes and the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. This prompted Jesus to answer, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (mark 2:17) 8. THOMAS. Also known as Doubting Thomas. In Thomas’ best-known appearance in the New Testament, he doubts the resurrection of Jesus and demands to touch Jesus’ wounds before being convinced. After seeing Jesus alive, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”

9. JAMES, son of Alphaeus. Also known as James the Lesser.

James is rarely mentioned in the New Testament, but he is sometimes identified with James the Just, an important leader in the New Testament church.

10. JUDE. He is also variously called Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. “Jude of James” is only mentioned twice in the New Testament: in the lists of apostles in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13.

11. SIMON THE ZEALOT. Simon was one of the most obscure among the apostles of Jesus. Little is recorded of him aside from his name.

12. JUDAS ISCARIOT. He is best known for his kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the hands of the chief Sanhedrin priests for a ransom of 30 pieces of silver. After his death, he was replaced by Matthias.

Wow, I’m So Informed! So Now What?

Well, now you can again, or for the first time, participate in the services and activities during Holy Week at St. Luke’s with more awareness of their significance. While at the Holy Thursday service, you can reflect back to the experi— —

holy week

MAUNDY, cont’d from page 7

ence of the Last Supper during communion, put yourself in the shoes (since they were available) of the apostles as Jesus washed their feet, feel the weight of Jesus’ burden as he carried the cross while you walk the Stations of the Cross at the 24-hour Prayer Vigil, know the agony of the apostles at the Good Friday service, and feel the absolute joy of resurrection and new life on Easter Sunday. And, to answer the biggest question of all, “Do you really wash feet at the Holy Thursday service?” No, we don’t wash feet. We wash your hands instead. Making you take off your shoes feels too much like going through airport security, which is not a holy experience.

together in ministry everyday

Super Bowl Human Tra

by Kathie Clemenz, Lori Chambers and Sandra Pirkle, St. Luke’s members and active leaders in UMW

Kathie Clemenz, a past Spiritual Growth officer on the board of St. Luke’s United Methodist Women, became interested in the problem of Human Trafficking after reading Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Pulitzer Prize winning reporters Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The book, a passionate call to arms against our era’s most pervasive human rights violation— the oppression of women and girls in the developing world—shows how a little help can transform the lives of women and girls.

After reading that, she heard that women had been brought to Dallas for the 2011 Super Bowl, so she brought the issue up at our UMW Board Meeting in light of the fact that Indianapolis would be hosting the Super Bowl this year. UMW got on board to learn more about this tragedy and social issue.

Now that off-putting terms like “Maundy” are explained, the threat of foot exposure eliminated, and you are on a first-name basis with all 12 apostles, we invite you to embrace Holy Week as you conclude your Lenten journey this year. As Jimmy Buffett kinda said, “Come Maundy, It Will Be Alright.” n

For a complete listing of Holy Week activities, see the back page.

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A workshop was presented on November 5 at St. Luke’s. The speaker was Abigail Kuzma, Director and Chief Counsel in the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. Human trafficking is a $32 billion global industry driven by trafficking profit. It is the fastest growing and second largest criminal activity in the world, just behind the drug trade.

According to the Trafficking in Persons Report produced by the State Department, approximately 12.3 million adults and children are trafficked across international borders into forced labor and sexual exploitation. The average age at which girls in the United States first become victims of prostitution is 12-14. [SOURCE: www. in.gov/attorneygeneral, from their Human Trafficking web page] She gave us a lot of good information about human trafficking and how we could get involved. We encouraged her to apply for a UMW grant (St. Luke’s UMW awards funds raised each year to grant applicants who meet the UMW priority of assisting women

united methodist women

APRIL—JUNE 2012

afficking Awareness: A FOCUS OF UMW and children) to purchase special lip balms which would be handed out and placed in areas that would be accessible to both men and women.

These lip balm tubes had information printed on them about how to reach out for help. Abigail applied to UMW for a grant to purchase lip balm to be passed out downtown to cabbies, hotel workers, restaurant workers, etc. to be given to those whom they suspected of being trafficked. “We encouraged her to apply,” says Kathie Clemenz, “since she said in her presentation that there was no funding for the work her group was doing to combat human trafficking during the Super Bowl.”

The grant request was awarded to purchase 1000 of the lip balms which were printed with this text: “If you have been forced to work and don’t have the freedom to leave, call: 1-888-373-7888.” Some of our UMW women went downtown on several different days to distribute the lip balm.

It was reassuring to learn that the city of Indianapolis was already working on preventing a recurrence of this horrific problem at a Super Bowl, and that the women of St. Luke’s would take an active role in helping to get the message out to the community. Shoe cards also became available to UMW with this same life-saving information provided in several languages.

Several presentations on this topic have been given in Indianapolis.

One was at the State House and was sponsored by the Indiana Conference United Methodist Women and Church Women United. There were

LEFT:

Valerie Schmitt interviewed

by Rev. Rob Fuquay.

RIGHT:

Lori Chambers passing out lip balm during Super Bowl week at The Huddle.

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united methodist women

together in ministry everyday

TRAFFICKING, cont’d from page 9

FAMILY, cont’d from page 9

Regan Summers, Valerie Schmitt and Kathie Clemenz distribute info regarding human trafficking.

speakers from the Human Trafficking task force, the Indianapolis Police Department, and a formerly trafficked woman. On Sunday, February 12, Rev. Rob Fuquay addressed the issue in his post-Super Bowl sermon, “When It’s No Longer a Game.” He interviewed Valerie Schmitt, Human Trafficking Outreach Caseworker with Exodus Refugee Immigration, Inc. (www.exodusrefugee. org), reinforcing the fact that it is our responsibility to be aware and engaged on behalf of these trafficked persons. “I’m proud we could personally take action on this issue,” said UMW member Regan Summers. “We talked about it last year, we became educated about it, we raised money and we help put a plan into action.”

If you would like more information on this topic, go to www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/act/trafficking. For statistics related to human trafficking activity here in Indianapolis during the Super Bowl, visit www.in.gov/attorney general/files/2012_Super_Bowl_Scorecard.pdf. n

A Day to Reflect, Rela

by Sandra Pirkle

The purpose of United Methodist Women is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

As we begin a new year with a new UMW Board, it is important to revisit the vital role United Methodist Women play at St. Luke’s. We serve as role models by supporting and participating in the various global ministries of our church.

We hope that all women of St. Luke’s realize that by making contributions, no matter in what area, they are members of United Methodist Women. Because of the challenges women face daily and the tremendous effort our women put forth supporting the many initiatives that come up throughout the year, the UMW Board felt the women of St. Luke’s needed an opportunity to enjoy a day just for themselves. We feel that for a woman to reach — —

APRIL—JUNE 2012

UMW SEMI-ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE April 25-28, 2012

The Rummage Sales are UMW’s largest fundraisers. It is from events like these that UMW awards thousands of dollars each year to grant recipients like Abigail Kuzma and her department’s work in the area of human trafficking, along with many other worthy causes.

Unsold items are distributed to charities. Donating and shopping at the Rummage Sale is a winwin for everyone! Start your spring cleaning and save clean items in good condition to donate.

• DROP OFF all donations (large and small) at the Great Hall Wednesday, April 25-Thursday, April 26, 8AM-6PM, and Friday, April 27, 8AM-Noon.

• SHOP the Members’ Sale Friday, April 27, 6-8PM, or the Public Sale Saturday, April 28, 8-3PM. • VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY from 8-6PM for sorting and set up. Bring a dish and join us Thursday morning for our Volunteer Pitch-in Luncheon in the Parlor from 11AM-Noon. Food sign up at http://www.mysignup.com/stlukesrummagesaleluncheon • CASHIERS AND WORKERS ARE NEEDED ON SALE DAYS. 5:45-8:15PM, Friday night and 7:45AM-3PM, Saturday. Be part of the clean-up crew Saturday 3-4:30PM. Youth volunteers are welcome after school, and can count the time as community service hours. Sign up for a two-hour shift at http://www.mysignup.com/stlukesrummagesale.

Questions? Contact Regan Summers, Betsy Amirhamzeh and Carly Roudebush at stlukesrummagesale@gmail.com

TOP:

Proudly showing off our beautifully finished dresses for Haiti.

BOTTOM:

ax & Rejoice

UMW ladies having fun during their icebreaker activity.

out to others and offer support, taking care of herself spiritually, physically and emotionally has to be a priority!

anger could be a positive reaction, and how we handle our very busy schedules and time management.

Approximately 50 women gathered at Luke’s Lodge for a oneday retreat to Reflect, Relax and Rejoice. When the ladies entered on that cold, snowy January day, they were treated to fruit-filled water and warm moist towels. After registering, they were guided to the hospitality table to pick up a packet of information highlighting various opportunities to become involved at St. Luke’s. The ladies had a chance to enjoy a light breakfast before meeting for the day’s agenda. A quick icebreaker set up a fun, positive tone for the day’s event, and Lori Chambers, immediate past president of UMW, showed a slideshow of the many UMW accomplishments.

Lunch and socialization, of course, were some of the highlights of the day. Ladies were also treated to 10-minute massages, and 30-minute Pilgrimage Healing was provided by the St. Luke’s Healing Ministry.

Rev. Marsha Hutcheson led small group discussions after the ladies viewed videos focused on appreciating our own talents and who we are, how to deal with anger and issues where

Our mission project of making pillowcase dresses to send to Haiti was a great success. Twenty-seven dresses were completed, with more to come. We ended the retreat with a guided meditation exercise led by Kathie Clemenz, and a delightful musical performance presented by Veronica Manges.

Our goal to provide the United Methodist Women of St. Luke’s a time to Reflect, Relax and Rejoice became a realization. We hope to set up a similar retreat for future January snowy days. n — —

inclusiveness ministries

together in ministry everyday

The Red Shirts Are Coming!

by Maria Blake, co-chair of the Inclusiveness Team

FAR LEFT: Digging in at the Indiana School for the Blind NEAR LEFT: Helping

On a hot summer day in August 2009, over 350 energetic St. Luke’s folks, wearing red t-shirts that identified them as “Together in Ministry Everyday,” dispersed throughout Washington and Pike Townships to provide a day of service to organizations in need of help. Every first Saturday of August since then has seen a similar gathering as the various work groups come together for a hearty breakfast and a rousing and prayerful send-off. They are families and singles and empty-nesters; preschoolers, young adults and seniors; black, white, Asian, Latino and a

community. Projects will be selected in keeping with this year’s theme, “Seeing the Unseen.”

melding of racial/ethnic groups. Some are seeking physically active projects; others are happy to write letters to St. Luke’s military personnel; still others spend their time interacting with adults who have developmental disabilities. Whatever the service project, everyone is spreading the love of God, and extending a warm welcome to join in worship at St. Luke’s.

stantly coming through our facility playing on our indoor PlayScape. St. Luke’s did an awesome job climbing through this obstacle to deep clean this area, which is extremely important so kids can stay healthy and safe. Thank you, St. Luke’s!”

There is no doubt that Servant Day activities make a difference. Mandy Garoutte from the Jordan YMCA, shared that “St. Luke’s Servant Day helped us tremendously last year. By this group coming in and organizing our preschool room, our teachers were able to effectively give lesson plans to the children because they could easily find things and quickly pull out games when necessary. Also, we have kids con-

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Recruitment and registration for Servant Day will begin in July; watch the Communion Monthly and www.stlukesumc.com for details.

The 2012 Servant Day will take place on Saturday, August 4.

organize at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center

This year will be no different. Servant Day, as this event is called, is sponsored by the St. Luke’s Inclusiveness Team, whose mission is to facilitate living out our focus on being an inclusiveness

Because of funding constraints, the Indiana School for the Blind has not been able to provide full-time groundskeepers. This has resulted in tangled vines, overgrown flowerbeds, and runaway weeds. The same hardy group has spent hours each Servant Day—under the broiling sun; under the pouring rain—clear-

community outreach

APRIL—JUNE 2012

Tom & Nancy Lange are Recipients of College Mentors for Kids Award

by Jayne Thorne, St. Luke’s staff

ing the grounds and beautifying the spaces around the buildings.

The Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center provides services such as after school and summer youth programs, a preschool, English-as-a-Second Language, GED and job readiness, and emergency food, shelter and utility assistance. The timing of last year’s Servant Day was perfect for them.

It occurred just after the summer sessions ended, and before the fall semester began.

St. Luke’s volunteers prepared classrooms, organized supplies, cleaned and sorted the food pantry, and completed building clean-up and repairs that would have overwhelmed the staff and teachers. This help gave the Center a “head start” into the school year, and allowed teachers to focus their attention on their students.

These organizations, and many more, will be on our service project list this year. Sign up, put on your red t-shirt, and join the fun! n

St. Luke’s members Nancy and Tom Lange were honored by receiving a prestigious Inspire Award in the Education and Nonprofit category from the College Mentors for Kids organization at a luncheon on February 29 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The 2012 Inspire Awards honored seven business and community leaders for their “dedication and selfless service to others through mentoring.” Erin Slater, CEO of College Mentors for Kids, said the organization is honored to have the opportunity to recognize these leaders in our community. “Mentors play such a pivotal role in a person’s personal and professional success,” Slater said. “The Inspire Awards were created to recognize the extraordinary mentoring that is happening in our businesses and communities, encourage individuals to think about those who have made a difference in their lives, and inspire us to both seek and become a mentor.”

The Langes were nominated by Kathy Levine, Principal of Fox Hill Elementary School, for their “outstanding mentoring efforts through St. Luke’s UMC.” Kathy further explained by saying, “I know that the Lange’s influence will run long and deep. The children have blossomed under their guidance.” The Lange’s mentorship grew from tutoring one student to working with the whole family. They have worked on transportation, budgeting and parenting skills. Nancy and Tom say their mentoring experience has been fulfilling, surprisingly “easy,” and the family has been extremely appreciative. They can’t imagine life without their mentee family.

Congratulations to the Langes for the recognition of the gift they give of their time, talent and treasure in this way. If you would like to become involved in St. Luke’s ongoing partnership with Fox Hill, contact Tom at tom.c.lange@gmail.com. n

Paul Lorinczi; Sean Taylor, Fox Hill Associate Principal; Tamara Lorinczi, Fox Hill Administrative Assistant; Marsha Reynolds, Director of Elementary Education, Washington Township Schools; Tom Lange; Nancy Lange; Nikki Woodson, Superintendent, Washington Township Schools; Jayne Thorne, St. Luke’s Director of Outreach; Susan Fuquay; Rob Fuquay, St. Luke’s Senior Pastor

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staff

together in ministry everyday

Jayne Reaches Out... to Retirement!

by Carol Helmus, St. Luke’s staff

Jayne Thorne, like so many on the St. Luke’s staff, started off as a volunteer. In July of 2002, she started her journey as the parttime Director of Community Ministries.

Jayne Thorne

Jayne works a ministry fair TIME booth with some of the Servant Day crew

Many local ministries have come and gone, but now in addition to two of the original programs (Fletcher Place and Meals on Wheels), St. Luke’s has passionate volunteers leading Construction Ministry/SAWS; Habitat for Humanity; our school partnership with Fox Hill Elementary; Outreach, Inc. for homeless young people; and Refugee Assistance Ministry that works with our Nora refugee population.

In 2004, Jayne took on another role as Executive Director of Celebration of Hope, a city-wide collaboration of diverse churches that created opportunities to celebrate each other’s cultures and worship styles while building positive relationships.

Sometime around 2007, Jayne wasn’t sure about the actual year (as you may have experienced—the more seasoned you are—the faster

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time goes), Dr. Kent Millard wanted to move St. Luke’s to be an even more outwardly focused church. A new position of Director of Outreach Ministries was created,and Jayne was chosen to lead this area, which includes Community Ministries, World Missions, the Global Health Commission, the Social Justice Commission and the Inclusiveness Team, as well as the T.I.M.E. (Together In Ministry Everyday) initiative. Jayne has been so inspired by the lay leaders and the volunteers who are truly the hands and feet of God, demonstrating love, care and service to our neighbors near and far.

Jayne’s true passion is in the work she and others have done in the area of racial reconciliation. It was through Jayne’s commitment and vision that St. Luke’s started race relations study circles in partnership with Barnes and Scott UMCs. After 10 years, this project is still on-going and has grown to be a part of the Race & Cultural Relations Leadership Network, a sub-committee of Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) community-wide effort. This city-wide group has done tremendous work in the area of examining white privilege and structural racism—two very important, but sensitive topics. St. Luke’s is a real leader in this work.

The top highlight in her service to St Luke’s has been the amazing people she has met and worked with in so many areas—from leaders at St. Luke’s and in other faith-based organizations. Being a part of the outward focus vision of the church has been a gift. “Jayne has been invaluable to St. Luke’s during the past nine years in guiding and dealing with the myriad of details to keep St. Luke’s focused on ‘transforming the world,’ says Julia Johnson, Executive Director of Ministries. “Being charged with that part of our vision statement can be overwhelming, but Jayne has helped individuals and organizations

world missions

APRIL—JUNE 2012

Seeing the Unseen

by Kathie Clemenz, St. Luke’s member

“On each side of the river stood the Tree of Life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” revelation 22:2

When I first heard the theme for 2012, Seeing the Unseen, I immediately thought of the American Indians living among us as well as on reservations. These proud people of the First Nations have become the unseen as they have been pushed off their lands and assimilated into white culture. American history with regard to the Native Americans is shameful and convicting.

St. Luke’s has stepped out boldly in an attempt to bring the unseen into the light. For the past six years, St. Luke’s has been represented by approximately 140 individuals on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. The Tree of Life Ministry oversees work done by mission teams on the reservation in an attempt to build a bridge of friendship and respect between the great Sioux Nation and the Church. While sponsored by the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, the mission was independently established as a 501C3 Relief Agency.

Tree of Life Ministry began in 1985 to establish a Christian presence there. Over the years, several pastors saw the deplorable condition of most of

the homes. Many harsh Dakota winters were the cause of Lakota or Dakota Sioux people freezing to death in these inadequately heated homes. In 1995, small volunteer work groups were organized to make repairs to reservation homes.

Volunteers-in-Missions began coming from all

Rosebud work team

JAYNE, cont’d from page 14 live it out in ways that have touched children, teens, adults, refugees and the homeless, and inspired our members to always look for ways to be involved in our own backyard.

Jayne has served on Lead Team with clergy and other ministry directors as a colleague and friend,” Julia continues. “Her guiding hand and always perceptive questions will be missed by us all. Thank you, Jayne, for saying ‘yes’ and being open to the next new thing. Enjoy your next adventures!”

Jayne is looking forward to spending more time with husband, Jim, children and grandchildren, and will be starting off retirement with an open ended driving trip to the East Coast and NYC. I know you are thinking—how can I get Jayne to join my ministry area?! She has wisely decided to take the next six-eight months to discern where God is leading her next... so call her in September. n — —

world missions

together in ministry everyday

UNSEEN, cont’d from page 15

The 2012 Rosebud Family Mission Team is scheduled to work on the Reservation June 24-30.

Cost is $300 plus transportation.

For information, contact Kathie at 317-845-5655 or kkclemenz@ sbcglobal.net.

around the U.S. as word of this ministry spread, and today groups from over 20 different states and 12 different denominations arrive on the reservation to work.

In 2006 St. Luke’s sent its first family work team to Rosebud. This mission experience was offered in order that families could experience such a life-changing opportunity together. Several of the adults and all of the children on the team held a Vacation Bible School in the United Methodist Church there where Bible stories, crafts, games and singing were a part of the day.

Each day began with lunch served to the Lakota children who attended the VBS. Since the rate of poverty is very high due to unemployment (80%), it may have been the only meal the children received that day.

Several men on the team did construction work on the homes. A few of the men roofed the home of a Lakota woman. She had lived for eight years with a hole in her roof. The only protection from the elements was a tarp which barely covered the hole.

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presenters share in programs that help to erase ignorance and promote respect for the Sioux culture. Some may teach traditional crafts or games; some explain how their regalia show their identity; others speak about history through their eyes; some tell stories or relate their experiences in Christian boarding schools; others teach an appreciation for Native American music.

As team members work among the Sioux people, they are encouraged to invite the Native American family members to join them, teaching them their skills and making friends. Removing ignorance removes fear and opens the door to friendship. It also opens the opportunity for a discussion about Christ when someone asks, “Why are you helping us like this?”

One of the highlights of our Rosebud experience has been eating foods cooked by Lakota women.

We have enjoyed buffalo stew and burgers, Indian fry bread, Indian tacos, venison stew and wojapi (a delicious berry dipping sauce).

Since this first experience, the number of individuals interested in participating in this outreach ministry has grown. Each summer since then, family teams have traveled the 2000mile round trip to Mission, South Dakota, where we stay in air-conditioned comfort on the grounds of Tree of Life. Over 25 children have engaged in this exciting venture, with several returning year after year.

Another highlight has been the participation in a sweat lodge ceremony. This ceremony is a very serious part of the Lakota traditional worship.

It is a time for cleansing the body and spirit and a time for prayer. Those from our team who have participated have found it to be a very moving experience.

Not only do we have the opportunity to engage with the Indians on the reservation, but we also have the opportunity to learn about the Lakota culture. Each evening, a variety of cultural

Besides construction and VBS, we have stocked shelves in the Food Pantry, sorted and hung donated clothing in the Warm Welcome Thrift Shop, sewed curtains for homes being repaired,

family ministries

APRIL—JUNE 2012

A Day of IMPACT

by Amy Myhand, St. Luke’s staff

and worked with children at the Boys and Girls Club. Some of our team members have tutored in a summer program at one of the schools on the Reservation.

Over the years that our teams have worked at Rosebud, we have learned the importance of our “ministry of presence.”

Bitter feelings between our cultures are being healed as we work, eat, worship and share together. When we meet face to face and begin to know each other as individuals, barriers are broken down and

stereotypes destroyed. Who knows? Perhaps our team members have been like the “leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations.” n

ABOVE: Children from the St. Luke’s

Rosebud mission team recreate Vacation Bible School with the Lakota Reservation children

On Saturday, February 25, over 100 parents gathered at St. Luke’s to make an investment in their families and refuel at “IMPACT 2012: Parenting with Purpose.” The conference, described by one attendee as “a wonderful, instructional, insightful experience,” began as a dream in the hearts of Revs. David and Jamalyn Williamson. They envisioned a day where parents could learn more about what it means to be the spiritual leaders in the home and partner with St. Luke’s to make a greater impact on the hearts of their children than either entity could make working alone. The St. Luke’s children’s department, The Track, embraces the Orange philosophy that when the church partners with parents, the two influences can work together in the fight for their children’s hearts to stay centered on Christ. The home is the red zone—representing the heart of family. The church is the yellow

Parents engage to add new skills to their toolboxes. zone—representing the light of Christ. When the two worlds intersect and work together in unison—you get orange, a color much more distinct and vibrant.

As the crowd assembled in Fellowship Hall on Saturday for the opening session and enjoyed a continental breakfast and coffee, Rev. David Williamson outlined the strategy for the day: to come up out of the “foxhole” that is parenting and use the following hours as a strategy session. Parents were challenged to rethink their game plan and align with their parenting partner to put the new insight they gained

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family ministries

together in ministry everyday

IMPACT, cont’d from page 17 from the day to work for them in their families. Scott Semester energized the crowd with music and led everyone in singing a handful of worship songs leading one participant to comment, “I like how the conference integrated worship and spirituality rather than just information.”

The inaugural parenting conference welcomed Carey Nieuwhof, Pastor of Connexus Community Church in Ontario, Canada as the keynote speaker. Nieuwhof co-authored the book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity with Reggie Joiner, founder and CEO of Orange, the organization that designs the curriculum used by The Track at St. Luke’s (www. whatisorange.org). The theme International speaker and of Nieuwhof’s keynote address, pastor Carey Nieuwhof “Five Family Values,” was a represents his keynote address minder that as parents, we have “Five Family Values.” less time than we think, but more influence than we realize. He highlighted the scripture, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children…” (DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9) Referencing this Old Testament commandment, he explained that the church only has 40 hours of influence on children per year. But parents have approximately 3000 hours per year to “impress” upon their children the same Godly principles. He then outlined the Orange philosophy that two combined influences have a greater impact than just two influences.

In the remainder of his message, Nieuwhof introduced five family values that parents could immediately embrace and put into practice in their homes. He spoke of the importance of widening the circle of influence

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around your children and creating strategic relationships between parents and church leaders.

Believing it to be of particular importance, Nieuwhof also led morning and afternoon breakout sessions around one of the family values: fight for the heart. In this session, Nieuwhof described how during a child’s life, the parent’s role transitions from having total control to eventually having only influence. So the key to retaining that influence as they grow older is to fight for their hearts and maintain a good relationship while you have them at home. The session outlined some key principles for fighting for your children instead of fighting with them.

The other seven breakout sessions featured the expertise of church and community members. The St. Luke’s youth leadership team conducted a session on “Help for Hurting Teens.” The topics of sibling rivalry, single parenting, the love languages of children, bullying, and coping with children and technology were also focused upon by subject matter experts in separate sessions so that parents could choose topics relevant to their current experience. The day was carefully constructed so that there would be something for everyone, because as one participant put it, “It’s always helpful to be with parents going through the same thing.”

The conference was attended by both St. Luke’s families and visitors from other area churches and the community. Rev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson said, “One of the greatest compliments we received was from one of our own St. Luke’s parents who wrote on their evaluation form they were ‘very proud to be a member of the host church for this event. It was such a great contribution to the St. Luke’s parent community.’ We hope to maximize the momentum created by the conference to take the next step forward in joining forces with the parents of St. Luke’s to win the hearts of their children.” n

special event

APRIL—JUNE 2012

J. Philip Newell Brings the Wisdom of Celtic Spirituality to St. Luke’s

by Betty Brandt, St. Luke’s staff

J. Philip Newell—

A WEEKEND WITH Sponsored by the The Spiritual Life Center, The Garden & Christian Theological Seminary. Philip will be lecturing on Celtic Spirituality at St. Luke’s on Friday, May 18, 7-8:30PM in Robertson Chapel ($15 at the door). On Saturday, May 19, 9AM-4PM, Newell will be offering a day-long retreat based on his most recent book, A New Harmony: the Spirit, the Earth, and the Human Soul. The day will end with Newell’s Mass for Peace. This event will be held at Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis. Reservations are required; you may register online at www.stlukesumc.com or 317-846-3404x367. Cost for the CTS event is $60. Then on Sunday, May 20, Newell will be preaching at all three morning services at St. Luke’s. Don’t miss this weekend! You will be richly blessed and challenged to experience God and all creation in a more profound way.

Why would two otherwise sane, intelligent, professional women travel by plane, van and rented car to the Poconos in the middle of January? Ski trip? Certainly not a honeymoon trip! Some might call us groupies; others might call us spiritual seekers; we call ourselves curious. The object of our curiosity was J. Philip Newell, the Scottish writer/theologian who is best known for his connection to Celtic Spirituality. We made the journey to Kirkwood Retreat Center to attend a weekend retreat led by Newell. We were not disappointed. The hours spent with him only stoked the fire of interest in all things Celtic, and a year later we spent another weekend with Newell in retreat at New Harmony, IN. We were hooked and dreamed of bringing him to St. Luke’s.

Our dream comes true May 18-20, 2012.

Philip Newell (see right) is Canadian born but has lived in Scotland for decades and has the accent to prove it. He is ordained by the Church of Scotland but now spends his time leading retreats and writing. His best-known book Listening to the Heartbeat of God describes the development of Celtic Spirituality including the “takeover” by the Roman Catholic Church in 664 when much of the tradition was forced underground and did not reemerge until the 20th century. Celtic spirituality has a deep respect for the feminine, a great love of mysticism, storytelling and poetry, recognition of the sacredness of all creation and an acknowledgement of the interrelatedness of the seen and the unseen. “J. Philip Newell is an inspiring teacher of Celtic Spirituality. Philip’s expression of the oneness of all creation is an inclusive and comforting representation of God’s word for us today” writes Merri Leffel, a member of Spiritual Life Center Commission and long-time friend of Newell’s.

In recent years, Newell has turned his attention to promoting peace among all faith traditions, particularly among the Abrahamic traditions. His hauntingly beautiful CD, “Chanting for Peace: Praying with the Earth,” accompanies his prayer book for peace by the same name. “J. Philip Newell leads us to be one with all humanity and dwell with God in the gift of God’s Creation” says Connie Dillman, my co-traveler to the Poconos. n

WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER

That in the elements of earth, sea and sky I may see your beauty, that in wild winds, birdsong and silence I may hear your beauty, that in the body of another and the intermingling of relationship I may touch your beauty, that in the moisture of the earth and its flowering and fruiting I may smell your beauty, that in the flowing waters of springs and streams I may taste your beauty, these things I look for this day, O God, these things I look for.

—from “Sounds of the Eternal”

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together in ministry everyday

APRIL—JUNE 2012

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 1569

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church • 100 West 86th Street • Indianapolis, Indiana 46260

Holy Week

APRIL 1:

Address Service Requested

Palm Sunday

APRIL 2-6: Breakfast Devotional Series 7:30-8:15AM, Parlor

Join Kent Millard (MONDAY), Carver McGriff (TUESDAY), Linda McCoy

(WEDNESDAY), Bishop Mike coyner (THURSDAY) and Rob Fuquay (FRIDAY)

for a light breakfast, scripture and a 15-minute devotional.

Reservations are suggested—online at www.stlukesumc.com or call

846-3404 x367. Suggested donation of $5/day.

APRIL 5:

APRIL 5-6:

Holy Thursday Service 7PM, Robertson Chapel Holy Week Prayer Vigil / Stations of the Cross

24 hours, 8PM-8PM Sign up for individual prayer time by emailing

morand@stlukesumc.com or calling 317-846-3404 x367.

Good Friday Services

Noon & 7PM, Sanctuary

n Noon, THE GARDEN at Beef & Boards (9301 N. Michigan Rd.)

APRIL 6:

APRIL 8: EASTER SUNDAY Sunrise Service 6:30AM, Robertson Chapel Worship Services 8, 9:30 & 11:15AM, Sanctuary

n 8:15, 9:15 & 10:15AM, THE GARDEN at Beef & Boards n 10:15AM, THE GARDEN at Oak Hill (5801 E. 116th St.) Later@St. Luke’s 6PM, Robertson Chapel — —