“before youstart, don’t you want to read the directions?” · 2019-09-05 · ing our...
TRANSCRIPT
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Newsletter September, 2019
“Before youstart, don’t you want to read the directions...?”“Before you start, don’t you want to read the directions . . .?” Seth and I are very different in a few things. One of the most obvious is this: I read directions very carefully. Seth looks at them briefly only if something goes wrong. I have a vivid memory of this from midnight one Christmas Eve, when the parts to an indoor kiddie climber would just not go together. Seth wanted nothing to do with the directions, until those Christmas elves were in crisis. That’s when I finally convinced him to look at the directions. As we come to the beginning of another school year, when all of our church programs swing into high gear, let me suggest that we read the directions! The first set of those is the Scriptures, of course. Easy step-by-step directions (maybe sometimes not so easy) for the living of your life and the decisions you must make.Next, is the human plan, guided by those divine directions we just read. Here is our 1, 2, 3 of how we are to assemble the parts of our contemporary lives. First things first . . . We may do this at home with making priorities or setting a budget. We can also do this as a church, in the same way, for the sake of ministry.And so, August this year has been awarded an “A” for advanced planning! I hope you have noticed. We have volunteers preparing now for the Silent Auction in October. We have youth leaders plan-ning on bringing back the small group model from Junaluska to our weekly youth fellowship. We have our Wednesday Nite Bible School design team, picking out themes, lessons, setting dates and adding tweaks to this grant-winning project. We have had our Council keep-ing our ministries coordinated and in order. We are getting ready. Ready so that when the time comes for nurturing our members, welcoming in a stranger, growing closer as a family of faith, inviting in new people and ages to the Gospel, we can be faithful in the invitation we extend, both inside and outside the church. I invite you to do the same. Read the instructions God gives us in our Scriptures, and based on what you learn there, make a step-by-step plan for what you want to accomplish in your life, before summertime rolls around again. Let us all roll up our sleeves and get to work, for the most important instructions are ours, and if we follow them, there will be much to show for the year ahead!Blessings,Pastor Lisa
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Fa-ther in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
September, 8Youth will report on their retreat at Lake Junaluska.
BE INFORMED
http://www.vaumc.org
Keep up with all that’s going on within the Virginia United Methodist Conference by visiting —
St. Luke’s Face Book Page
https://m.facebook.com/St-Lukes-United-Methodis Church-486188658201339/
Make sure you like the St. Luke’s Facebook page to keep up with everything going on at church. Also, please like and share the posts and events. The more we share and like, the more others will see what a wonderful place St. Luke’s is -- and all the things that we are doing! Here’s a link to our page:
Off to a GREAT START!!! Congratulations to Aly and Cody Russell on the birth of twin daughters born on July 24th. Amelia Mare Russell weighed 3 pounds, 11 oz., and sister Annabelle Louise, 4 pounds, 4 oz.
Our preschool is off to a great start! We have our highest enrollment for the start of the school year at 115 children!! We have also received $1000 in grant money from RVA Back to Ba-sics Initiative to promote the powerful ways that parents can help their children to be happy and smart, just by doing the “basics”. Reading to children, maximizing love just by playing together, talk-ing, singing, counting and exploring movement outside are simple ways to give children a solid foundation in which to flourish! We’ll be hosting several parent workshops throughout the school year to promote “RVA Back to Basics”. If you’re curious about the program, you can check out the initiative at: https://rva.thebasics.org/
YOUTH TRIP TO LAKE JUNALUSKA – HEAR ALL ABOUT IT!We will receive our Junaluska Report from the youth on Sunday, September 8th. We give God thanks for the fantastic experience all those who went on the retreat had, growing nearer to God while away from it all, in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina!
SILENT AUCTION – OCTOBER 5th!Did you know this year’s fundraiser, our Silent Auction, is scheduled for October 5th? Right now, please help make the auction a success by seeking out a person or company who might make a donation to our item list. Donation request letters are available in the church office. Thanks for your help! Mark Oct. 5th on your calendar!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Yes, it’s that time of year when school supplies are being collected for Jacobs Road School. You may place your donations on the table near the carport exit door any time in August. The school supply list is on bulletin board going into the Sanctuary. Thanks for your help!
Katie and Autumn performed a very moving duet during the August 4 worship service
9/01/19 - Xylophones-percussion-singing choir organization - 9:15 - 09:45 - music office 9/01/19 - Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship - 10:00 - 11:30. Choir room and sanc.9/04/19 - Chancel Choir rehearsal. Choir room - 07:00 - 08:30.9/08/19 - Xylophones-percussion-singing choir training/ rehearsal - 09:15 - 09:45 - MO9/08/19 - Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship - 10:00 - 11:30. Choir room and sanc.9/11/19 - Chancel Choir rehearsal. Choir room - 07:00 - 08:30.9/15/19 - Xylophones-percussion-singing choir training/ rehearsal - 9:15 - 09:45 - MO9/15/19 - Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship - 10:00 - 11:30. Choir room and sanc.9/18/19 - Chancel choir rehearsal. Choir room - 07:00 - 08:30. 9/22/19 - Xylophones-percussion-singing choir train ing/rehearsal - 09:15 - 09:45 - MO9/22/19 - Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship - 10:00 - 11:30. Choir room and sanc.9/25/19 - Chancel choir rehearsal. Choir room - 07:00 - 08:30.9/29/19 - Xylophones-percussion-singing choir training/ rehearsal - 09:15 - 09:45 - MO9/29/19 - Chancel choir warm-up and lead in worship - 10:00 - 11:30. Choir room and sanc.
St. Luke’s Music Ministry Schedule
Upheld in our Prayers
Our MilitaryRobbie Bowen Aaron Frankey Holden Russell
Please keep the following in your prayers.
After General Conference, we pray for the unity of our de-nomination and the strength of its congregations and mis-sions around the world.
We extend our love and sympathy to Marcia Grubbs and fam-ily. Marcia’s uncle, Patrick Grissin, claimed the promise of the resurrection on July 6th, 2019. We extend our love and sympathy to Margaret Anderson and family. Margaret’s brother, George Munford, claimed the prom-ise of the resurrection on July 12th, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Shirley Weade and family. Shirley’s cousin, Mildred C. Atkins, claimed the promise of the resurrection on July 14, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Sue and Roland Fussell. Sue’s brother, Tom Bennett, claimed the promise of the resur-rection on July 26th, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Sherrie Thornton, one of our preschool teachers, and her family. Her father claimed the promise of the resurrection on August 1, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Elizabeth Butler and fam-ily. Elizabeth’s grandmother, Betty Carr, claimed the promise of the resurrection on August 13, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Karen Courtney and family on the death of her sister-in-law, Doris Courtney. Doris claimed the promise of the resurrection on August 16, 2019. We extend our love and sympathy to Doris Teeter and family on the death of her brother, Norman (Buddy) Tucker, who claimed the promise of the resurrection on August 20th, 2019.We extend our love and sympathy to Bobbie Armstrong and family on the death of his sister-in-law, Alice Armstrong. Alice claimed the promise of the resurrection on August 21st, 2019.Ron Halloran’s brother, Michael, claimed the promise of the resurrection in mid-August.
“Sorrow and Love flow mingled down”
Karla Lacy Brian Kaeser Dianne RustBernice Peatross Jean Richardson Jan Hall Wilmer Downs Laurie Edwards Debi ClementsMargaret Tucker Wayne Kinney Kerry MyersOpal Holshouser Dean Smith Andrew Schaeffer Marie Goodwyn Sharon Hoyle Sarah Schiltz Jessica Darnell Debbie Williams Kevin Leigh Brad Butler Lori Jones & Samantha Katherine & Raymond FayleJennifer Hedrick Divers
Committee members:Jerry Anderson, Zeb Saunders, Ray Kyle, Scottie Kyle, Rachel Kaeser, Nancy Taylor, Lisa Sykes
The committee did not meet in the months of June, July and August.
A financial statement has not been received from Virginia United Methodist Foundation since the endowment fund was invested with them so we are unable to report on the present return on our investment.The first quarterly statement should provide that information in October.We are in the process of signing up for on-line statements so we can access the account more frequently than quarterly.Our next meeting will be in September to discuss the wording in the endowment charter and clarify certain intent of the charter.Note that Tommy Herndon from VUMF will be speaking in September on endowment options available through VUMF to further support our church and ministries.For those in need of such a service, Mr. Herndon is also investigating the possibility of providing a service to the members of our congregation to have a simple will drawn up at a reasonable cost. Thanks, Jerry Anderson
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Endowment Committee8/26/2019
BOBBY AND BARBARA ARMSTRONG DISCOVERED THIS LITTLE FELLOW IN ONE OF OUR SYCAMORE TREESIN THE FRONT PARKING LOT SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. THIS HOLLOW TREE HAS BEEN HIS HOME, AND WE THINKHE’S WAITING FOR HIS LONG LOST OWNER.
AugustBirthdays
Anniversaries
September 1 Christi SotoSeptember 2 Sam Collier Brooks WarnickSeptember 3 Tom Fussell September 4 Frederick Toney Adam Bowman Courtney GoldSeptember 6 Shirley WeadeSeptember 7 Cindy DriskillSeptember 8 Jared Calfee Brittany PearseSeptember 9 Nancy PearseSeptember 10 Lori Webb Richard McElfishSeptember 12 Troy GarySeptember 13 Linda Engel Ashley Pearse Carol ShiffletteSeptember 14 Beatrice Bradner Reg Whitton September 15 Curtis Fry Sydney Kaeser September 16 Sarah Salisbury
September 1 Ronnie & Dixie BowmanSeptember 2 Chris & Kathy BowenSeptember 5 Steve & Terri EdwardsSeptember 6 Ron & Rose Kessler
September 19 William Fussell Jennifer Kay Ronald NunnallySeptember 20 Ashley Akers Dianne Johnson Wes SelfSeptember 21 Amanda JonesSeptember 22 Pat Wolking Eddie TharringtronSeptember 23 Amanda McElfishSeptember 24 Todd Gary Michael JonesSeptember 26 Sue Fussell Jesse Bowman Joe MurdockSeptember 27 Ben Hicks Hunter WhiteSeptember 29 Heather Burnett Latham Tad McGonigle Bob BrinkleySeptember 30 Robert Williams Gail Warnick Jennifer Pavlansky
September 13 John & Joan CrawfordSeptember 26 Clinton & Shirley GarySeptember 29 Mary & Pete Meador
We look forward to a Junaluska Report from our youth on Sunday,September 8 We give God thanks for the wonderful nearer-to-God experience our attendees benefited from while away from it all, in the lovely mountains of western North Carolina!
The Wednesday Nite Bible School Design Team met Au-gust 20th to map out themes, dates, and new ideas for our youngest disciples. Thanks to Becky (art), Michele (preschool director), April Osei (Music) and Carolyn (Chil-dren and Young Family Coordinator)! Picture from our Kuau lunch during the meeting provided by Becky!
ON AUGUST 24th, WAS WILMER DOWNS EVER SUR-PRISED! His family planned a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 80th! But how to get him to church where loads of well-wishers waited in the fellowship hall? Pastor Lisa was guilty of a little white lie, when—to get the birthday boy to church—she called him and fibbed, “Wilmer, there’s a leak in the kitchen and I really need you to come look at it!”
MISSION EMPHASIS SUNDAY (August 25th) Thanks to Ruth Wickstrom, our Missions Chair, our Mission Emphasis Sundays are all planned for this year! St. Luke’s guests on August 25th were Jill Gaynor and Helen Wood of United Methodist Fam-ily Services. We are grateful for our speakers and all the outreach being done by UMFS in Christ’s name.
ST. LUKE’S UMC PRESENTS WEDNESDAY NITE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Select Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7pm with kid-friendly family worship from 7-7:30pm
Parents, drop your kids off and go have dinner while the kids have dinner, stories, crafts and games! Return for a short family friendly worship with performances by your kids! AGES 3 (potty-trained) thru elementary school (older siblings welcome)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
Registration forms are available prior to each series: from the church of-fice, on hallway bulletin board or from Miss Carolyn.
Our calendar for the school year is as follows:David & Goliath ..................... Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23Christmas VBS ..................... Nov. 20, Dec. 4 & 11Brown Bag Nativity ............... Dec. 18 6:30-7:30pmThe Story of Creation ............ Jan. 15, 22, 29 Feb. 5, 12, 19Easter VBS ........................... March 11, 18, 25Jesus’ Love for Us ................ May 27, June 3 & 10VBS program is led by Pastor Lisa, Miss April (music), and other familiar preschool teachers .
Our next Stewardship Sunday will be Sep-tember 29 at 10:30 am, with a great guest speaker, former District Superintendent Tommy Herndon. Tommy now serves on the Virginia United Method-ist Foundation. He will preach during worship and, afterward, tell us more about our Endowment and the work of VUMF. The Foundation serves not only UM churches, but also the needs of individual United Methodists through DevCo. Come find out about all that is offered. Please plan to bring a pot luck dish to share for our meal!
Stewardship Sunday September 29th
From Margaret Anderson
Thank You Note from the Chesterfield Food Bank
CALENDARSeptember, 2019Sunday, Sept. 19:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship 11:30 am Trustees (P)7:00 pm NAMI (F.H.)
St. Luke’s seeks to be a spiritual community where all God’s chil-dren experience Christ’s love and redemption and where we share this through worship, fellowship, education and mission for the community and the world.
PastorThe Rev. Lisa [email protected]
Shirley GaryOffice [email protected]
Bob FordMinister of [email protected]
Margaret AndersonFinancial [email protected]
Scottie [email protected]
Michele HartPreschool [email protected] www.stlukesumconthehill.org
Ray JenkinsSuperintendent ofSunday Schools
Sunday, Sept.89:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:30amFinance (P)4:00 pm-5:30 pmYouth (F.H.)7:00pm NAMI (F.H.)
Location Codes: F.H. – Fellowship Hall, P – Parlor,B – Basement, M.R. – Music Room, S – Sanctuary
Monday, Sept.2(Labor Day - Office closed)4:45 pmSafe Haven
LOOKING FORWARD
Thursday, Sept 266:30-7:30 pmGirl Scouts – Troop 5228 (B)
Tuesday, Sept 107:00-8:00 pm BPSA (Parlor)
Thursday, Sept.126:30 pm-7:30 pmGirl Scouts – Troop 5228 (B)
Wednesday, Sept. 1110:00 am-12 noonYoung at Heart 7:00-8:30 pmChancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Friday, Sept 139:00 am-12 noonQuilting (F.H.)
Sunday, Sept. 15(Sunday School Promotion) 9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:30 am Pastor/Parish (P)4:00-5:30 pm Youth (F.H.)7:00-8:00 pm NAMI (F.H.)
Wednesday, Sept. 186:30-7:30 pmGirl Scout Troop 337 (F.H.)7:00 pm-8:30 pmChancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Wednesday, Sept.410:00 am-12 noonSusannah Wesley Circle (F.H.)6:30-7:30 pmGirl Scout Troop 337 (F.H.)7:15 pmNominating Committee (P) 7:00-8:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Tuesday, Sept.246:30-8:30 pmBPSA (P)
Monday, Sept. 167:00-8:30 pmScouts (F.H. & Sanctu-ary - 4th Mon: Sanctuary)Cub Scouts (all rooms upstairs & basement)
Wednesday, Sept.257:00 pm-8:30 pmChancel Choir Rehearsal (S)
Tuesday, Sept. 175:15-6:45 pmDaisy Troop 3619 (F.H. tonight only) 7:15 pm Endowment Committee (P)
Sunday, Sept.29(Tommy Herndon speaking)9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:30 am Administrative Council (P) Potluck Luncheon (F.H.)4:00-5:30 pm Youth (F.H.)7:00-8:00 pm NAMI (F.H.)
Monday,Sept. 236:30 pm-7:30 pmU.M. Men (F.H.)7:00-8:30 pmScouts (Sanctuary 4th Mon. of month)Cub Scouts (basement)
Monday, Sept. 9(Preschool Begins)7:00-8:30 pmScouts (F.H. & Sanctuary)Cub Scouts (all rooms upstairs & basement)
Sunday, Sept. 229:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship 4:00-5:30 pm Youth (F.H.)7:00pm NAMI (F.H.)
October 5th - Silent Auction - 4:30-6:30 pm (meal follows)October 6th - Pete Moon, District Superintendent, PreachingOctober 6th - Charge Conference right after Worship
Friday, Sept. 279:00 am-12 noonQuilting (F.H.)
DATES TO REMEMBER
September 2nd - Labor Day (Office closed)September 8th - Junaluska Sunday (Youth sharing experiences)September 15th - Sunday School PromotionSeptember 29th - Tommy Herndon-VUMF, speaking (F.H.) Stewardship Sunday