(USPS # 552680)Published weekly except Christmas by St. Luke UMC

1104 Second Ave.; Columbus, GA 31901Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Luke UMC

P.O. Box 867; Columbus, GA 31902Telephone (706) 327-4343 • Fax (706) 327-4345

Ministry Center (706) 256-1017 Prayer Room (706) 327-4078E-mail: stluke@stlukeum.comWebsite: www.stlukeum.comwww.facebook.com/stlukeum

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Celebration Sunday November 18!

When we come to worship this Sunday, we come to celebrate the grace of God in our lives and the Spirit of God at work through St. Luke Church. We come to make a commitment of our financial resources for the purposes of Christ. We do this every year because:

1. We believe that all we have is from God’s hand, and we hold our possessions in “sacred trust.”2. We believe and celebrate that God has richly blessed us and called us to be a blessing to others.3. We believe that God has called us to share the love of Christ with the world through the church.

Commitment Cards were mailed to each family this week. I hope you will prayerfully prepare your heart to make a new or renewed commitment to the work of Christ in the year ahead. As you prayerfully prepare, please reflect on these three questions.

1. What is St. Luke’s ministry and mission worth to me?2. What does God want this congregation to do in the year ahead, and what will this require of me?3. What amount of money and what proportion of my income is God calling me to give for the work of Christ in the year ahead?

Prayerfully reflecting on these questions together means we all will be better prepared for a joyful celebration and a meaningful commitment truly reflective of our faith in God.

Celebration Meal: Following the 10:55 service, about 12:05, we will gather for Sunday dinner in the ministry center. The meal will be catered, not potluck. There will be no charge for the meal, just the sincere invitation to come in the spirit of the early church, “they broke bread and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” (Acts 2:46)

Remember our Vision St. Luke intends to unleash unprecedented amounts of compassion in our broken world in 2013 through mission, outreach and service. St. Luke intends to raise up children, youth and adult disciples of Jesus Christ who love God with all their heart, mind and strength and who are committed to fulfilling Christ’s great commission in our generation.

I look forward to celebrating with you Sunday!

Robert Beckumrbeckum@stlukeum.com

ACOLYTES: 10:55 a.m.: Libby Warren, Madison Mize.

ORDER OF WORSHIP 11:00 a.m. service streamed at www.stlukeum.com and broadcast at WRLD 95.3 FM

Tape-delayed on WTVM Channel 9 at 10:00 a.m.

November 18, 2012 Celebration Sunday

8:25 a.m. & 10:55 a.m. Color: Green

Invitation to Worship

The Prelude (St. Luke Wind Orchestra) ...... “Shaker Variants”.............................E. Del Borgo(Jim Evans, Director)

Call to Worship (10:55 a.m., James Turner).......“God and God Alone” ........................P. McHugh

*Hymn .............................. “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” ........................Number 694

The Affirmation of Faith ................. “The Apostles’ Creed”.................................Number 881I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick*** and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic*** church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*The Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father).............................................................Number 70Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen, Amen.

Solo (8:25 a.m., James Turner) .............. “God and God Alone ” ..............................P. McHugh

Anthem (10:55 a.m., Chancel Choir) ........... “Give Thanks” ...................J. Smith/arr. L. Larson

The Pastoral Prayer .................................................(8:25 a.m.) The Rev. Cindy Cox Garrard(10:55 a.m.) The Rev. Brett Maddocks

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Children’s Sermon (10:55 a.m.)............................................The Rev. Cindy Cox GarrardChildren (5 yr Kindergarten through third grade) are invited to go to the chapel for Children’s Worship.Please take the attendance pad on your pew and sign your name and contact information, then pass it down so that we may get to know one another better.

*Hymn ............................................ “We Gather Together” ................................Number 131

The Offertory Prayer.........................................................................The Rev. Robert Beckum

Offertory (SL Wind Orchestra) ................. “Abide With Me” ..............W.H. Monk/arr. J. Dawson

*The Dedication of Offerings ................ “The Doxology”.......................................Number 95

*The Written Word........................................................Matthew 25:14-30 (p.27, NT in pew Bible)

The Spoken Word.........“The Risk and Reward Of Stewardship”......Rev. Robert Beckum

*Hymn........................................ “Now Thank We All Our God”..........................Number 102

*The Benediction

The Benediction Response .................... “Amen” .......................................................Danish

Postlude (8:25 a.m., organist).............. “Let All Together Praise Our God” ....................J.S. Bach (10:55 a.m., Orchestra)........................ “Tis A Gift” ............................................A. Copeland * Standing as able *** quick means “living”; catholic means “universal”

DECEMBER FIRST SATURDAY EMERGENCY!!We have 121 volunteers signed up to help on December First Saturday. We need twice that number. Please sign up today by going to http://www.stlukeum.com/#/outreach-and-mission. Scroll down and “Launch form.” Please fill out completely, one per volunteer. Absolute deadline to volunteer is November 26. Thank you!

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE WEEKSunday, November 18 8:25 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main) 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service (MIN) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School/Youth Sunday School Assembly (The Corner, MIN) 10:00 a.m. Youth Sunday School (The Corner, MIN) 10:55 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary, Main)/Broadcast over WRLD 95.3 FM and at www.stlukeum.com beginning at 11:00 a.m. 12 Noon Consecration Dinner (LD, MIN) 12:20 p.m. Worship in Spanish (Chapel) 2:00 p.m. Hispanic Fellowship (Stockwell Hall) 4:30 p.m. Youth Choir (Choir Room) 5:00 p.m. 3rd-5th Grade Choir, K-2nd Fellowship (Stockwell Hall) 5:30 p.m. ALPHA (Shaw Classroom, Main) Student Youth Ministry Worship (The Corner) 5:45 p.m. Children’s Snack Supper (Stockwell Hall) 6:15 p.m. K-2nd Choir, 3rd-5th Drama (Stockwell Hall) 6:30 p.m. College House Worship (College House)Monday, November 19 - No SLS or Preschool1:30-6:30 p.m. Blood Drive (LD, MIN)Tuesday, November 20- No SLS or Preschool 7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (SD, MIN) 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting (SD, MIN)/Women’s Bible Study (A&C, MIN) 10:00 a.m. On-Site Respite (1021 Third Ave.) 10:30 a.m. Circle 2 (Room 110, Main) 11:30 a.m. Private Event (A&C, MIN)/Private Event (SD, MIN) 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Choir Suite)Wednesday, November 21 - No SLS or Preschool 11:30 a.m. Private Event (LD, MIN) 12 Noon Private Event (A&C, MIN)Thursday, November 22 - SLS, Preschool, Church, ELC, Ministry Center closed for Thanksgiving Holiday 7:00 a.m. Hispanic Sunrise Service (Chapel)Friday, November 23 - SLS, Preschool, Church, ELC, Ministry Center closed for Holiday Saturday, November 24

Sunday, November 25

Main (main building, where Sanctuary is)/MIN (Ministry Center)/“Private Event” indicates times when facilities are rented to outside organizations. Contact the Ministry Center for information.

St. Luke Preschool is now on Facebook! www.facebook.com/stlukeumpreschool

or check out our web pagewww.stlukeumpreschool.com

BIDS NOW ACCEPTED: The St. Luke Youth Ministry has received the generous donation of two cars, 2005 Ford Freestar Van- minimum bid: $4,600 and a 1999 Mercedes E320 Station Wagon--Minimum bid: $6,800. Please contact Gene Cone at the church for more information and submit your sealed bid to the church office. The highest bid over the minimum bid will be able to purchase the car. Sealed bids should be submitted to Gene Cone by December 30, 2012. All proceeds go to the Youth Fund (activity scholarships, mission projects, and outreach).

CONGRATULATIONS to the Ft. Benning

Police Officer of the Year, our own

Mark Hammer.

WORSHIP IN SPANISH: 12:20 p.m., Turner Chapel, The Rev. Dr. Ivelisse Quiñones, preaching.

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE: 9:00 a.m., Ministry Center, the Rev. Robert Beckum, preaching. The Rev. Brett Maddocks, worship leader.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The flowers on the altar are to the glory of God and in honor of Mrs. Mary Pat Beckum by Mr. Jonathan Beckum.

ALTAR FLOWERS DATES: If you are interested in having flowers in the Chancel area in 2013, please contact Erin Knight for available dates.

OUR KNOWN SICK--St. Francis: George McCluskey, ICU. Medical Center: Rhonda Romeo, 1021.

CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY: To Mr. Edgar Golden in the death of his brother, Mr. Curtis Lee Golden, November 10, 2012. Edgar is on staff at St. Luke.Mr. and Mrs. John (Betty) Brantley in the death of his sister, Ms. Frances Lu Roberts, Oct. 28, 2012

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Katherine) Turner come by transfer of their membership from another United Methodist Church. They have two children, Mac (5) who attends Brookstone and Will (3). Their address is 314 Barschall Dr., Columbus, GA 31904.

Music BoxDoyle Register, Director of Music Ministries, doyle@stlukeum.com

St. Luke uMCDeCeMber FirSt SaturDay

December 1, 2012

“Here am I, the Servant of the Lord” (Luke 1.38).

Volunteers register by November 22, 2012

“SERVANT” TSHIRTS: $6/EACH

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ACTIONFIGURES

OUR PHONE NUMBERS Church office, 706-327-4343 • Preschool, 706-327-4343

St. Luke School, 706-256-1301 • Early Learning Center, 706-322-2703 Ministry Center, 706-256-1017 • Respite Care Ministry, 706-256-3117

Please go to http://www.stlukeum.com/#/outreach-and-mission and register by following the directions under the December First Saturday tab. You will get a confirmation that you have registered.

The St. Luke UMC Chancel, Youth, andChildren’s Choirs

Present With Chamber Orchestra

Christmas

festival ConCertSunday, December 9, 4:00 P.M.

St. Luke Sanctuary

Children’s MinistryLoretta Dunbar, Minister of Children and Education, Loretta@stlukeum.comHannah Ayers, Children’s Music and Arts Director, hayers@stlukeum.com

Children’s Worship in Turner Chapel for children K – 3rd grades following children’s sermon. Rev. Cindy Cox Garrard leads today’s worship “The Israelites Cross the Jordan River” Joshua 3:1 – 4:24. Parent helpers: Nick & Tanya Mayfield and Bray & Brantley Manderson. Children ushers: Sarah Cartwright & Hinton Rice.TOYS,TOYS,TOYS: We are collecting toys for December 1st Saturday. We especially need doll (ethnic), toys for boys (all types), games, books, balls, and toddler toys. Please bring your donation to the education office. Financial contribu-tions may also be made to help cover the expenses of some toys that are bought wholesale.Children’s Choir: Join us this week as we continue to work on our Christmas Music! We will NOT meet Sunday, Nov. 25, due to the Thankskgiving weekend.Remember Sunday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. is our Christmas Concert!Puppets: Please see Hannah if you need a CD for the December 1st Music. Past puppeteers (middle schoolers) may join us Wednesday, Nov. 28, to practice for Dec. 1st Saturday.

Jonathan and Lisa Moore, Directors of Student Youth Ministriesjmoore@stlukeum.com

THE CORNER STUDENT MINISTRIES (6th – 12th Grades)

Souled Out Winter December 29-January 1! Annual winter retreat for Middle and High School Stu-dents!!! Worship will be led by Moore! Speakers are Lee McBride and Ed Newton! $199 Cost covers registration/

housing/4 meals. Skiing is optional; rental and lift pass is $50 extra. Bring extra money for travel meals (3-4). We want you involved! Scholarships are available!!! Contact Jonathan at jmoore@stlukeum.com or on Facebook for details! Sunday School, 10:00 – 10:55 a.m. @ The Corner! Doughnuts, drinks, friends, great teachers, and most importantly BIBLE STUDY!Student Worship @ the Corner!!! Sundays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.! We are growing in numbers and in our walks with Christ! Food, games, worship, a relevant message, and the incredible Corner Worship Band! Come be a part of the revival that God is pouring out @ The Corner! R•U•N•A D-GROUP? You need to be! Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. We have Discipleship groups for Middle School Guys…Middle School Girls…High School Guys…High School Girls (Sisters With A Goal=SWAG). LEE MCBRIDE: Sunday, November 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Big Lee McBride, Comedian/Evangelist is our special guest at The Corner for our worship service that night! Bring everybody you know and let’s pack out The Corner!!! December 7: Lock-In, 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.!!!!!

Phone Book RecyclingStudent Council is participating in a Telephone Book Recycling Project. Please help Student Council and the Earth by recycling your old telephone books. Place your old telephone books in the designated blue bins around campus, not in Food Pantry baskets. Thank you for recycling!

DID YOU KNOW that St. Luke has a Telephone Sunday School Class which meets every Sunday? Members of the class can talk with one another and with the teacher. This class is open to St. Luke members and friends who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend Sunday School “in person”. If you or someone you love is a candidate, please contact the Rev. Loretta Dunbar at 706-327-4343.

HURRICANE RELIEF!Thanks to St. Luke School and the Jesus is Lord Fellowship for leading the way in donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s effort to assist those af-fected by “Superstorm Sandy.” Over $1,000.00 has been collected so far! To donate, make your check out to St. Luke and mark it for “hurricane relief.” Remember, every penny you give through UMCOR goes to help those in need!

-Respite Care-“Caring for loved ones and caregivers.”.

Carol Boers, Director of Respite Ministry, 706-256-3117 or cboers@stlukeum.com

NOVEMBER MUFFIN MIX!Please bring donations of Muffin Mix to the St. Luke Food Pantry donation tubs around the church.

St. Luke Free SpiritSTuesday, Nov. 27th

PORT COLUMBUS NATIONALCIVIL WAR NAVAL MUSEUM

COST: $6Reservations: 706-327-4343 or

kym@stlukeum.com

prAYer LiSt: DepLOYeD MiLitArY perSONNeL

Please call the church office (706-327-4343) to add the name of your currently deployed friend or relative.

Currently Deployed:David Cripe • John T. Newman

Thomas Holliday • Carole HouseAdam Fink • Russell Necessary

-Abiding Gifts-If you wish to honor or remember someone, please attach to your check the name of that person and the address to which you wish the acknowledgement sent and mail or bring to the Church Office. Contact erin@stlukeum.com.Memorial Maintenance Fund: In memory of Mrs. Sarah (Weezie) Turner Butler by Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Sargent and The Pastoral Institute. In honor of Rev. Robert Beckum and Mr. Glenn Albright by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Callaway.Music Fund: In honor of Mrs. Marjorie Newman by Mrs. Carol Boers.Samaritan Fund: In honor of the Bereavement Ministry Volunteers by Ms. Nancy Pedersen. In memory of Mr. Steven Wagner, Mr. Lamar Hendrix and Mrs. Florence White by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Montgomery.1st Saturday December: In honor of Rev. Cindy Garrard by Mrs. Gladys Pitts. In memory of Mrs. Florine Beckum and Mr. John Jones by Mr. and Mrs. Ben Holton. In honor of the New Beginnings Class and St. Luke Circle #2 by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Montgomery. Prayer Room Ministry: In memory of Mrs. Margaret Isaacs by Mr. and Mrs. McAllister Isaacs.St. Luke Capital Campaign: In memory of Dr. Allen Kerr by Mrs. Nancy Powell.Meals on Wheels Fund: In memory of Mr. Ed Dodson by Mrs. Joanna Dodson Gay.U.M.C.O.R.: In memory of Mrs. Mariann Hancock by Rev. and Mrs. Michael McAfee.Music Scholarship Fund: In memory of Mr. Charles Henry by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Register.

UNITED METHODIST WOMENCircle 2: Tuesday, Nov. 20, 10:30 a.m., Room 110, Main.

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGINGSt. Luke volunteers are encouraged to ring bells for the Salvation Army on December 3, 4, 5 and 8 at Columbus Park Crossing, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. One or two-hour shifts available. Parents and small children are en-couraged to volunteer for after-school hours. For information or to volunteer, contact Becky Bickerstaff, 706-323-8426, or Marian Young, 706-324-6115.

Refresh: A Gathering for Women of St. Luke

Friday, January 4, 20136-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 5, 20138:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Speaker

Maria Owens

with a message of fresh encouragement in the new year!

FREE SPIRITS

Christmas Music Extravaganza and

Luncheon Tues., Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.

Delicious meal and wonderful entertainment, $10, Ministry Center

Reservations: 706-256-1017

We welcome Leanette Roberson to the Respite Volunteer team! Respite Care will be closed November 21-22 for Thanksgiving. Respite Care Christmas note cards and all occasion are available. These cards are original artwork from the Respite Care Ministry. A Package of 12 for $10. All proceeds benefit this ministry. Thanks!

photo used with permission by Kimberly Taghon

Refresh: A Gathering for Women of St. Luke

Friday, January 4, 2013 • 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 5, 2013 • 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Welcoming speaker

Maria OwensWith a message of fresh

encouragement in the new year!

Maria Owens, bible study leader, regional speaker, and former banking executive encourages women of all ages and all walks of life to "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Her greatest joys, along with loving her family, are found in teaching from God’s word and sharing her own love story with Christ. Her blend of sincerity, humor, and straight-forward talk leads women to take stock of their many blessings and to deepen their trust in the Lord.

Refreshed by Living Water:Do you feel dry, parched, and thirsty for a fresh touch from God? Refresh will help you to identify specific areas where dryness is creeping in and where God wants to fill them up again. It is ideal for all women of St. Luke, no matter the age or stage. Do you want to connect with other women of St. Luke on a more intimate level?

AbOut MAriA OwensMaria Owens, bible study leader, regional speaker, and former banking executive encourages women of all ages and all walks of life to "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Her greatest joys, along with loving her family, are found in teaching from God’s word and sharing her own love story with Christ. Her blend of sincerity, humor, and straight-forward talk leads women to take stock of their many blessings and to deepen their trust in the Lord. Maria, a graduate of Clemson University, is the wife of Reverend Ken Owens, and mother of Matthew. They reside in Blythewood, SC.

reGister by COMpLetinG tHe fOrM beLOw AndYour registration fee of $25 covers Friday’s supper and Saturday’s breakfast. Complete the registration form below or you may call the church office at 706-327-4343 to register over the phone. Your payment of $25 confirms your registration. Deadline December 21, 2012. Sorry, we cannot refund your money.

Name: ________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________Email: _________________________________________________Phone: _______________________________________________

I will need a spot in the nursery for

Children’s names and their ages:

Friday:____________________________________ age________

Friday:____________________________________ age________

Friday:____________________________________ age________

Saturday:_________________________________ age________

Saturday:_________________________________ age________

Saturday:_________________________________ age________

Please know that food is not provided for children in the nursery. Bring them already having had their supper and/or breakfast.