Joyous Song Unending - St. Luke's UMC Christmas Program 2021

Joyous Song Unending St. Luke’s 2021 Christmas Concerts

Welcome to St. Luke's!

Welcome to St. Luke’s! We are honored and delighted that you have joined us for this year’s St. Luke’s Christmas Concerts. What a special blessing it is that we can once again gather to celebrate the birth of Christ through God’s gift of music!

Scripture tells us that all of time is connected by an unending song of joy. The “morning stars sang together” at the time of creation, and the dream Isaiah saw showed a glimpse of the unending heavenly song that will continue into eternity. While last Christmas season was different for us all, and it might have felt at times like we lost our connection to that unbroken song, we must always remember to tune our hearts for praise. There is no better time than when we celebrate Christ’s birth.

We invite you to join us now in the joyous song unending. Let's raise our voices in praise, fill our hearts with God’s love, and worship our newborn King!

Dr. Jeff Rogers

Director of Traditional Worship and the Arts

Concert Performing Artists St. Luke’s Chancel Choir Dr. Jeff Rogers, Director; Michael Conley, Accompanist St. Luke’s Orchestra Bob Zehr, Director New Song Kathrine Kouns, Director Contemporary Worship Voices Emory Quince, Director Wesleyan Ringers Rebecca Holt, Director St. Luke’s Children’s Choirs Karen Alessandrini, Director Joyful Rhythms Marsha Coyner, Director

Special Guests Carmel High School Choirs

Friday 7:30PM – Carmel Ambassadors Kyle Barker, Director Saturday 4PM – Carmel Accents Kathrine Kouns, Director Saturday 7:30PM – Carmel Select Sound Kathrine Kouns, Director

Joyous Song Unending

Pre-Concert Music Joyful Rhythms

Prelude

Greensleeves St Luke’s Orchestra Celebrate the Christ Overture St. Luke’s Orchestra; Herald Trumpeters from Noblesville High School Given by Bob and Sharon Zehr

Processional

O Come, All Ye Faithful Chancel Choir; Orchestra All Is Well Children’s Choirs; Chancel Choir; Orchestra Christmas Amazing Grace Children’s Choirs Masters in This Hall Wesleyan Ringers Away in a Manger Chancel Choir Given by Dick and Carol Tully Sussex Carol Chancel Choir; Orchestra Patapan Wesleyan Ringers

arr. Matt Riley arr. Camp Kirkland

arr. Mack Wilberg arr. Ronn Huff

arr. Kelsey and Caleb Grimm arr. Kevin McChesney arr. Jay Rouse

arr. Elaine Hagenberg arr. Cathy Moklebust

Christmas Blessing New Song

Phillip Stopford

Angels from the Realms of Glory New Song; Orchestra

arr. Dan Forrest

O Holy Night Michael Conley, Piano; Orchestra World Premier Commissioned for St. Luke’s UMC; Michael Conley, Organist

arr. Matt Riley

What Child Is This?

Chancel Choir; Orchestra Given by Jean Thompson - Dedicated to Ann Watson and Joey Roeder, best friends since 4th grade and singing partners for many years.

Mary Had a Baby Chancel Choir Given by Zach Waymire - Given in celebration of my parents, Kurt & Brenda Waymire, for their 45th wedding anniversary.

Offering - Noel (He Is Born) Contemporary Worship Voices

arr. Howard Helvey

arr. Phillip Kern

arr. Tommee Profitt

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Matt Riley Dr. Jeff Rogers, Guitar; Orchestra World Premier Commissioned for St. Luke’s UMC; Dr. Jeff Rogers, Director of Traditional Worship and the Arts.

Selections from Special Guests – Carmel High School Choirs (Selections listed on Screen) 12/3 7:30PM — Carmel Ambassadors 12/4 4PM — Carmel Accents 12/4 7:30PM — Carmel Select Sound Glenn Rudolph Whosoever on the Night of Christ’s Nativity Choirs; Lindsay Molnar, soloist World Premier Commissioned for St. Luke’s UMC Chancel Choir by Jim Winner in memory of Joyce Winner.

May the gift of this music honor Joyce’s life and her love of music and the Christmas season.

The Dream Isaiah Saw Choirs/Orchestra 2021 performance sponsored by Debra and Jeff Peek In honor of Laura and Matthew Yacko and Amanda and Steven Peek.

2021 orchestral score rental sponsored by Doug Day and Alan Hux Joy to the World Combined Choirs; Wesleyan Ringers; Orchestra

Postlude

Improvisation on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Michael Conley, Organist

Glenn Rudolph

arr. Mack Wilberg arr. Michael Conley

St Luke’s Worship & The Arts Ministry Staff Nifemi Adejumobi Videographer for Worship Karen Alessandrini Director of Children’s Music Michael Conley Organist / Accompanist Marsha Coyner Director of Joyful Rhythms Dawn Fitch Worship Coordinator Emerson Harper Director of Technical Arts Rebecca Holt Director of Wesleyan Ringers Kathrine Kouns Director of New Song Donita Murphy-Sims Director of Genesis Choir Dr. Ryan Poe Director of Worship and the Arts Emory Quince Director of Contemporary Worship and the Arts Dr. Jeff Rogers Director of Traditional Worship and the Arts Margaret Spilker Orchestra Coordinator Bob Zehr Director of St. Luke’s Orchestra

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Generous Support of Our Concert Patrons Garland: $2500+ • Anonymous — In appreciation to the leadership and staff of St. Luke’s for the fine job they’re doing during this time of pandemic.

• Pam and George Moffit Star: $1500-$2499 • Steve and Linda Claffey — Given in gratitude for the wonderful financial and volunteer support of Crooked Creek Food Pantry by the congregation of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

• Alice Shooter — In loving memory of her husband, David Shooter.

Noel: $1000-$1499 • Anonymous • Pat and Anne Burley • Classic Cleaners • Carol and Larry Franks — Dedicated to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for its dedication and endless time spent to prepare the 2021 Christmas Concerts.

• Jennifer Hawke — In memory of Don and Gillia Hawke and Lenora Hollon.

• Debbie Kilpatrick — With love and gratitude for her dear family and friends.

• Richard and Jan Lautzenheiser • Jason and Lindsey Mazeika • Bruce and Jamie McCaw • Susie and Ken Ryder — In honor of their new granddaughter, Aubrey Ryder.

• Dick and Carol Tully — In memory of Carol’s father, Walter Eck. Holly: $500-$999 • Anonymous • Judith Adams • Bill and Joyce Craigie • Yvonne Hammond — In memory of her husband, Bob. • Karen and Alan Hux — in loving memory of Mary and Clem Hux and Virginia, Howard and Eric Olson.

• Linda Polivick • Charles and Beverly Sawyer • Dennis and Cathy Southerland - In honor of their family.

• Mary Ann Thaman — In memory of all the St Luke’s Chancel Choir members who are now singing in the heavenly chorus. We love you and miss you. Until we meet again.

Bells: $1-499 • Anonymous • Judith Adams • Harry and Alice Curnow • Mary Eckard • Diane Hall — In loving memory of Tim Hall and their parents Wayne and Marijane Hall, Homer and Ruth Jump.

• Cheryl Harkins — In loving memory of her parents Irvin and Grace Harkins and Mary Van Allen.

• Paula Hertz — In honor of Grace and Grant Hertz.

• Jan Hirschman — In memory of Bob Hirschman.

• Diatra Jones • Susan Knoll • Pam and Ken Knowles • Carol Mattson — With love and appreciation for Michael Conley and Dr. Jeff Rogers.

• Beth Pope — In honor of her parents, Bob and Linda Pope.

• Bob and Linda Pope • Jim and Jan Rogers — With appreciation for the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir.

• Leigh Ann and Rob Stadt — In memory of her father, Clark (Jinks) Rector, and in honor of his mother, Sue Rector.

• Risa Stockton — In memory of Dr. And Mrs. James L. Rooker.

• Mary Sumners — In loving memory of her son, Talbott.

• Marilyn Updike-Summe • Sara Walling — In honor of Jeff, Kerrin, Larkin and Julian Walling, and Jill, Joe, Luke, and Lucy McGrath.

• Judy Williams — In honor of her 100 year old mom, Judy Kirchhoff.

Our special guests Carmel High School Choirs

The Ambassadors have been in existence for 50 years and are one of the premier ensembles at Carmel High School. This advanced group of 56 singers has a rich history of success, performing both concert choir and show choir literature throughout Indiana and across the country. The Ambassadors are under the lead direction of Kyle Barker, assisted by Kathrine Kouns, and they are honored to be a part of this year’s St. Luke’s Christmas Concert.

The Accents have been in existence for over 40 years and are one of the premier ensembles at Carmel High School. This advanced group of 48 young women has a rich history of success, performing both concert choir and show choir literature throughout Indiana and across the country. The Accents are under the lead direction of Kathrine Kouns, assisted by Anna DeBard, and they are honored to be a part of this year’s St. Luke’s Christmas Concert.

Select Sound is Carmel High School’s elite acapella ensemble. This advanced group of 20 singers performs a wide variety of music ranging from classical and Renaissance to vocal jazz and modern pop. Select Sound performs throughout the Carmel and Indianapolis area for many events throughout the year. This group is under the lead direction of Kathrine Kouns, and they are honored to be a part of this year’s St. Luke’s Christmas Concert.

Our Charitable Partners

Crooked Creek Food Pantry (CCFP) CCFP fights food insecurity in Northwest Indianapolis. CCFP is a client-choice pantry working to eliminate hunger while building relationships to support the needs of families and persons it serves. Please consider the following facts: a food-insecure family of four is estimated to need the equivalent of nearly 100 additional meals per month (or 8 days worth of food); 19.4% of families in Marion County are food-insecure (that is one in five families); and 177,940 residents in Marion County are food-insecure. While food insecurity exists throughout Marion County, it is particularly high in the Crooked Creek area. CCFP volunteers currently serve 1300 families and individuals each month. Clients take home such items as milk, meat, cereal, eggs, canned tuna, beans, peanut butter, and fresh produce to fill in their food gap. The CCFP can always use donations of food, money, and volunteers.

Please join the fight against hunger in our community. Visit ccfpindy.org to learn more.

Exodus Refugee A core belief of our faith is to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” As thousands of refugees from Afghanistan became our new neighbors in the fall of 2021 we recognized an opportunity to put our faith in action. We invite you to join us in partnering with Exodus Refugee as we sponsor Afghan families who fled to the United States many with just the clothing on their backs. The funding we raise will help to provide housing, transportation, furniture, food, and other basic needs as Afghan refugees make Indiana home. Please give today as we love our neighbors as ourselves.

100% of all offerings received will be split between our two charitable partners

Holidays at St. Luke’s

The activities that bring you to St. Luke’s during this holiday season present an opportunity for you to get to know this faith community just a little better – and vice versa! We invite you to take advantage of our hospitality and the many opportunities we offer to deepen your holiday experience. Blessings on your faith journey; we hope it leads you back here soon.

Christmas Classics Concert with JoySwing Jazz Orchestra December 15 7PM | Robertson Chapel The Longest Night Service December 21 7PM | Robertson Chapel Christmas Eve December 24 3PM | Children’s Service | Robertson Chapel & Online 5, 7 & 9PM | Traditional Candlelight Service | Sanctuary & Online 5 & 7PM | Contemporary Service | Robertson Chapel & Online 11PM | Communion Service | Robertson Chapel

Come Back To St. Luke’s!

We welcome YOU to join us for worship online or in-person at St. Luke’s! We are an open, affirming, inclusive, antiracist Methodist church located in Indianapolis, broadcasting to over 39 countries on a weekly basis! No matter who you are or what your story is, we welcome you with unconditional love - exactly how Jesus does. Whether you’re a longtime churchgoer, someone in the midst of deconstructing their faith, or an individual exploring this whole Jesus thing for the first time, we are excited to have you join us. Because of this, expect to see diversity at St. Luke's in age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and life experience.

Worship Services at St. Luke’s every Sunday In-Person Traditional: 9:30AM Contemporary: 9:30AM & 11AM Online 9:30AM & 11AM Also streaming on YouTube & Facebook 9:30AM Traditional 11AM Contemporary Services are live-streamed on Sunday mornings and sermons are archived through our webpage: stlukesumc.com/live

See what’s ahead in 2022!

20 EVENTS

We have tons of great ways for you to connect at St. Luke’s and with the community!

Get details and signup at stlukesumc.com/events.

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk | Friday, December 31 | 5 - 7PM | Fellowship Hall Winter Leadership Summit | Saturday, January 8 | In-person & Online DreamKeepers Panel | Monday, January 17 at 11AM

Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra’s Gospel Choir | Saturday, February 19 at 3PM | Sanctuary George Tompkins’ Memorial Service | Saturday, March 12 | 11AM - 12PM | Floral Park Cemetery, 425 N. Holt Rd Stations of the Cross | April 3 – April 16 | During Church Hours Easter Eggstravaganza | Saturday, April 9 at 10AM Easter | Sunday, April 17 | Times Are TBD

Kids Vacation Bible School (VBS) | June 6 - 10 Middle School Mayhem | June 20 - 24

Holy Land/Greece Spiritual Pilgrimage | September 26 - October 10

CLASSES

Classes are short term opportunities to study a topic with a group for a set amount of time. See individual descriptions for class times, locations, and length at stlukesumc.com/group-finder.

022 Steps: A Faith Journey | Week of January 9 - February 13 | Various Days/Times/Leaders Making Sense of the Bible | Sundays at 9:30AM | Room E213 & Zoom Open Circle | Sundays at 11AM | Room N101/N102 & Zoom God Talk | Mondays at 10:15AM | Room C122

Subversive Witness | Tuesdays at 6:30PM | January 11 - February 15 | Room E212 & Zoom Intro to the Bible | Tuesdays at 6:30PM | January 11 - February 15 | Room C123 & Zoom

Great Books Christians Love to Read and Discuss | Monthly on Tuesdays | In-person & Zoom Black Authors Book Club | Monthly on Tuesdays | Room E213 & Zoom Faith After Doubt | Wednesdays at 6:30PM | Room C115 & Zoom

Brian McLaren hosts Learning How to See Podcast: Wednesdays at 6:30PM | January 12 - February 23 | Room C122 & Zoom

Immersion Bible Study: Ezekiel/Daniel | Wednesdays at 6:30PM | January 12 - February 16 | Zoom Lifelong Learners | Thursdays at 6:30PM | Zoom

GriefShare | Wednesdays at 6:15PM | Beginning March 2 - May 25 | Community Room The God Nobody Knows | Wednesdays at 6:30PM | Beginning January 12 Gospel Music 101 | 11AM – Noon | February 5 | Fellowship Hall

DivorceCare | Mondays at 6:30PM | January 10 - March 14 | In-Person

GROUPS

Groups are short-term or ongoing times for you to gather with others around a central topic. See individual descriptions for class times, locations, and length at stlukesumc.com/group-finder.

Lenten Small Groups | Week of March 6 - Week of April 5 Sunrise Book Study | Wednesdays, 8:30 - 10AM | Zoom New Earth Book Study | Thursdays, 7 - 8:30PM | Zoom Tuesday Women’s Spiritual Book Study | Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30AM | Spiritual Life Center Thursday Afternoon Women’s Book Study | Thursdays, 1 - 2:30PM | N101/102 Pastor’s Book Study | Wednesdays at 10AM | N101 or Zoom On Being Sunday Discussion Group | Sundays, 9:30 - 10:30AM | N103/104 & Zoom New Perspectives | Sundays, 11AM - 12PM | N103/104 & Zoom Richard Rohr’s On-line Meditation Discussion Group | Thursdays, 11:45AM - 12:30PM | Zoom Mindful Community | Mondays, 4 - 5PM | Zoom Studio 3 Art Ministry | Thursdays, 10AM - 12PM | C122 Exploring Religion and Mysticism | 2nd Thursdays, 10AM - 12PM | Zoom Friends in Faith | 3rd Saturdays, 11AM - 12:30PM | Zoom Community Yoga | Tuesdays, 6 - 7PM | Clubhouse HUGS | Sundays at 1PM | Community Room Single Parents | Wednesdays at 6:30PM | In-Person & Zoom Young Adults | One Thursday a month | Donuts and Dragon

Inclusive, Justice Seeking, Loving Like Jesus

@STLUKESINDY

100 W. 86th Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317.846.3404 | stlukesumc.com