The episTleAugust 7, 2017

Volume 52 Number 21

480 S. HighlandMemphis, TN 38111-4302

901.452.6262www.stlukesumc.orgUnited Methodist Church

“We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind, and hands of Jesus Christ with ALL people.”Mission Statement

Worship at St. Luke’sAll are WelcomeWorship on Sunday

August 138:30 - Message by David Day

Scripture - John 15:13-1510:50 - Worship will be led by the

Friendship SingersAugust 20

NEW TIME: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.Promotion SundayMatthew 15:21-28Rev. Jim McKinney

Sunday School Classes For all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Contents:- Forward in Faith page 2- Upcoming Events page 3- Ministry News/Events pages 4/5- Congregational Care page 6- Calendar page 7- Church information page 8

St. Luke’s StaffJim McKinney, PastorHarry Colter, Pastoral AssistantS.C. Toe, Music DirectorWes Kirkpatrick, OrganistBeth Ryan, Youth/Young AdultsMegan Warren, Children & Community ConnectionsAmy Turman, Day School/PDOAmy McDonald, ChallengersDavid Day, CLC/RecreationCarla Taylor, CommunicationsTim Taylor, FacilitiesVickey Hobbs, Finance

A Message from our Pastor“Who do YOU say that I am?Let me begin by asking you a question. If Jesus were to ask, "Who do YOU say that I am?" how would you answer? It would be easy to repeat Peter's answer found in Matthew 16. We too could say, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," and that would be a good answer. It was a good answer in Peter's day, and it is still a good answer today.But would we just be mouthing the words --- reciting Peter's words from memory without knowing what they meant. If we were to say, "Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God," what would that mean to us?Let's first ask what it meant for those first disciples --- what it meant for Peter.When Peter said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," he didn't completely understand the full meaning of those words. Peter thought the Messiah would recruit an army and re-establish Israel as a superpower. That's what he meant by Messiah. Likewise, I'm not sure he fully grasped what he meant when he said that Jesus was the Son of God.But after Peter said that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus began telling His disciples what that really meant. He told His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem, where the religious leaders were going to kill Him. What did Peter think about that? Peter said, "God forbid it, Lord." But Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, "You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."Then Jesus called the disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. If we really believe that Jesus is the Messiah, that's where we end up --- taking up our crosses and following Him --- living sacrificially for the sake of the kingdom of God.Those first disciples all came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Some of them, like Peter, would die for their faith. Some of them, like Thomas, would become missionaries to other lands. Still others, like Phillip and Bartholomew, would serve quietly in the background.I like that. I like knowing that some of Jesus' original disciples just served quietly in the background. Every church has a number of people who serve faithfully but quietly. I don't know what we would do without them.Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God? Do you believe that He came to save the world? If so, He will call you to serve --- maybe dangerously --- maybe uncomfortably --- maybe quietly. If you will obey your call, not someone else's call, but yours, you can be sure that your life will be a blessing to many, that you will contribute to the building of the kingdom of God, and that you will have a special place in the kingdom of God both now and forevermore.

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8. You talk more than you act.Most church leaders love to think and love to debate issues, which is great. Thoughtful leaders do that. But effective leaders add one more component. They act.Most church leaders I know (staff and boards) overthink and underact. If you acted on even a few more of your good ideas, you could possibly be twice as effective in a very short time frame. A B-plus plan brilliantly executed beats an A-plus plan that never gets implemented, every single time.9. You don’t think there’s anything wrong with your church.I still run into a surprising number of leaders and church members who love their church but can’t figure out why no one else does. What are other people saying that you’re missing? Church leaders who think there’s nothing wrong are on their way to soon having much more to lead than a stalled -out club for the already convinced.10. You’re more focused on growth than you are on God.Some leaders get so jacked up about growth that they forget it’s about God and his mission. This is a danger every motivated leader needs to keep in mind. We’re leading people to Jesus, not to ourselves or to our awesome church. Keeping the focus on Christ ensures that genuine life change happens and lasts.

Okay, so maybe this list stings a bit. Acknowledging the truth isn’t easy for anyone. But I think being honest with yourself is the first step toward lasting change. If you’re honest about where your church falls within these reasons, you’ll be primed to make a meaningful change. Having read the reasons, what reasons are true for St. Luke’s? What role do you currently play? How can you make changes individually, in a committee, or as a leader to mitigate some of these reasons?As always, please continue to be in prayer as St. Luke’s grapples with the reality facing churches today. Pray for creativity and courage to step out in faith. Pray for God to take aware our fears. Pray for humility, grace, and love in dealing with differing opinions. Pray that our St. Luke’s family fully understands that we’re called to outwardly focused sharing the love of Jesus with the community and the world.If you’d like to read more from “Lasting Impact – 7 Powerful Conversations That Will Help Your Church Grow” by Carey Nieuwhof, please contact a member of Forward in Faith and we’d be happy to loan you a copy.

Our Forward in Faith page concludes our look at “Ten Reasons Your Church Isn’t Growing (or Growing as Quickly as You”d Like)” from the book Lasting Impact - 7 powerful Conversations That Will Help Your Church Grow by Carey Nieuwhof.The first two reasons were in the Epistle from July 10* and reasons 3-7 were in the Epistle from July 24*1. You’re in Conflict2. You’re more in love with the past than you are with the future.3. You’re not that awesome to be around.4. You’re focused on yourself.5. You think culture is the enemy.6. You’re afraid to risk what is for the sake of what might be.7. You can’t make a decision. *past Epistles can be found online: stlukesumc.org/publications/newletters/

NEW WORSHIP TIME BEGINNING AUGUST 20We will have a new Sunday morning schedule beginning on August 20 which will allow us a time for fellowship between Sunday School and Worship. Instead of going directly to the Sanctuary after Sunday School please come join us in the Hospitality Hall to greet visitors or members that you may not know.7:45am - Community Breakfast8:30am - Early morning Worship9:30am - Sunday School for all ages10:30am - Family Fellowship - Hospitality Hall (This will move to the Parlor once renovations are complete.)11:00am - Worship in the Sanctuary

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Bridging the Gap VI

United Methodist Church

**100% of the proceeds benefit the St. Luke’s Food Pantry & Saturday Supper**

A Basketball Benefit for our Food Ministries

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

7:00PM - DEFENDER FRIDAY CHAMPIONSHIP

APPROX: 8:15PM - 3 PT CONTEST

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

9:00AM - 10:30AM - MORNING SESSIONS

2:00PM - 3:30PM - AFTERNOON SESSIONS

6:30PM - 8:00PM - EVENING SESSIONS

St. Luke’s UMC • 480 S. Highland • Memphis, TN 38111

Cordova Wolfpack • Duke's Creative ConcreteNashville Ayelook Israelites • Chicago Hoop Goon

Friday $7Saturday $6 each game or all day $15

TICKETS

ALL WEEKEND PASS $20 PER PERSON

Children 10 years & under FREE with Paid Adult admission

You are Invited!Saturday, Sept. 23: 10:00am - Service projects for our Community;

1:00pm, Food, Fun & Fellowship - please make reservations by Sept. 14Sunday, Sept. 24: 11:00am - Worship in the Sanctuary with reception to follow

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Children’s News

Challengers School is back in full swing, and so is our after school program. It is wonderful to have all of our children back after a fun and eventful break. Thank you for donating classroom materials. Our kids love having new supplies for the beginning of the school year. We are lucky to be in such a supportive and generous church!

Day School NewsWe are excited to start off a new school year today! On Friday, we had Meet the Teacher. This is always a fun time to see your new classroom and to meet new and old friends. We have so many new families this year, it is so exciting! The Back to School Bash was a huge success. Thank you St. Luke’s Church and Lynne McAlexander for all your hard work. The Day School families had a wonderful time kicking off the school year! We have several new teachers on staff this year. If you are in the building and see a new face, make sure to introduce yourself and give them a great welcome to our St. Luke’s family. We are so thankful for new beginnings, this is going to be a fantastic fall. Pictures needed for the 150th Anniversary

As a part of the 150th Anniversary Highland Homecoming on September 23 & 24, 2017, we are working on several opportunities for our congregation & community to see where we’ve been, who we are, and how we love & care for each other. Please send any photos you would like to share to Carla Taylor by Aug. 31. You can scan and email them to carla.taylor@stlukesumc.org or mail them to the church - attn: Carla Taylor.Here are the types of photos we are looking for:Weddings, Baptisms, Special Events and Ministry Fun such as trips or outings, Great PerformancesSweet friendships and photos that show what its like to be a part of this wonderful church.To protect your photos from excessive handling we will scan them and then return the originals to you right away. Please help by clearly labeling the name and contact information of where to return the photos. Also please include information regarding the photo date, who is in the picture and where it was taken.

YOUTH NEWSHello everyone! Here’s what we have coming up:Sun., Aug. 13 - 9:30 - Sunday School Noon- Youth Advisory Team Meeting! ALL Youth are welcome and encouraged to come help us plan! Lunch will be served. We will be finished by 1:30.

No Evening ActivitiesSun., Aug. 20 - 9:30 - Sunday School - Promotion Sunday! Welcome to our new 6th graders!Noon-6 pm - Trip to the Grove! Swimming, fun, and food with our new 6th graders joining us for the Metro Youth Gathering at the Grove. Please sign up as soon as possible and remember there are two forms to have filled out for this outing! Please bring a towel and a swimsuit (one-piece for girls and trunk style for guys!).Let me know if you have any questions!Peace, Beth

Join us as we kick-off a new Sunday School year!

August 20 - Sunday School 9:30 - 10:30 Our classes are led by dynamic & Christ-loving

leaders who share God’s Word in age-appropriate, creative, and engaging ways.

Children learn important concepts about God’s Love for them and how to love God & other people.

Parents, we have a place for you too! Our Parents of Children & Youth Sunday School class is geared toward ministering to parents and fosters

fellowship & deep, applicable Biblical learning.

YOUNG ADULTSAfter a fun summer of outings, we will resume our Thursday night dinner at church on August 10! Con-gregation, we need folks to cook or sponsor meals for this group! If you are interested, please be in touch with Beth Ryan for details! As always please remember all of our students this school year. This week, we ask special prayers for Ashton Allen and Caleb Anderson. If you would like to write them a note, Beth will be happy to get you their addresses!

Read to me. Sing to me. Love me.A free program designed for babies 0-18 months (older children may attend by permission of the instructor) that provides exposure to language through rhymes, songs, and books. Each session will also include free play time and crafts such as toys or baby book items.

Class times and dates for Fall 2017 are:Wednesday: 10:00 AM Sept. 13 - Oct. 18, 2017Saturday:10:00 AM Sept. 16 - Oct. 21, 2017

Contact Marcy Mittelstadt: marciam11@att.net

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MUSIC NOTES Sports Shorts from the CLC

Join us for our Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays we will meet in Fellowship Hall - full breakfast is only $3.00 . The 2nd and 4th Wednes-days of each month we will meet at Perkins Restaurant on Park Ave.

United Methodist Men

SCOUT NEWS

It is not too late to sing with the Chancel Choir. Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the choir room. If you want to join us in the chancel choir this year please do not hesitate to contact me! We would love to have you during this very exciting music 150th anniversary season.Also I am calling on all those that have served in the music ministry in the past to help us mark this 150th year in a special service September 24th . Please contact me for more information on how to be involved. S.C.Toe, Director of St. Luke’s Music Ministries samson.toe@stlukesumc.org

A special thanks to Nita Barlow for a wonderful book review last Tuesday.We packed 125 backpacks with school supplies for Sherwood

Elementary and delivered them on Tuesday. We also delivered 2 crates of yarn, cards, note cards and stamps to Grace Place to complete our Social Action project for April, May, & June. Our social action for August and September is new or used towels, washcloths and twin size sheets for a homeless shelter. Please place them in the green tote in the UMW room or leave in elevator room marked UMW.Four ladies traveled to Jackson, TN on July 27 and attended 3 mission studies at MissionU, Climate Justice, Covenant Community and Home Missionary Conferences. Stay tuned you will be hearing more about these studies.Circles are gearing up after a short summer break. Naomi Circle will meet Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m in the Lounge for Pot Luck. Bring your favorite dish and join us. This circle meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge.The Mary Rachel circle will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. The program will be presented by Pat Anderson. Please join us in the Lounge every 3rd Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us. The Hannah Circle meets quarterly please contact Betty Green for the dates and places.

YOUR FITNESS ROOM IS OPEN… It has air conditioning and a TV. Equipment is being repaired. Summer hours Mon-Fri - 7am-7pmDEFENDER LEAGUE BASKETBALLTuesdays and Fridays Admission $1Game times 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. Come out and see some of your local talent. All ad-mission fees go to our Community utility fund.BRIDGING THE GAP VIFriday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26This is a fundraiser for YOUR Food ministries.Mark your calendars to come out and support this event! Remember HIM Always, Coach Day

St. Luke's Craft ShowSave the Date

Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:00am - 4:00pmContact Pat Anderson if you would like to reserve

booth space - 489-3757

Cub Scout Pack 40 will be having their Welcome Back / New Recruit Open House on Tuesday August 22, 6:30pm on the Greenspace. We will have lots of games, activities and a campfire with s'mores for the kids to enjoy. Pack 40 serves boys grades 1 - 5. If your son, grandson, or friend is interested, please come and find out more!Cub Masters Lisa & Jonathan St.Gelais

Sizzlin’ Safaris

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017Theatre Memphis CREATIVE AGING PRESENTS SIDE STREET STEPPERSBus departs at 11:00am for lunch (on your own) at Dixie Café and returns right after performanceSign up at the Hospitality Desk by Monday Aug. 21.

September 8: Tunica River ParkLunch at Blue & White Restaurant, cost $22.00Bus leaves at 9:30, Returns at 3:30

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The radio broadcast of Sunday Worship is on WREC 600 AM, 8:00am each Sunday.

Congregational Support

prayer ConCerns of our sT. luke’s family

Sponsor a broadcast in memory or in honor of someone special. The cost is $225 per week. Contact Vickey Hobbs for more information.

sympaThy To Family of Stuart Sullivan who died on Saturday, July 29. Kurt Knotts and his family in the death of his aunt, Gladys Gulley Mullins.

Gifts received in memory:Royce Bullock from Marcia Mittelstadt, Vickey Hobbs, St. Luke’s Chancel

Choir, Mary Lou Cushing, Rita Richardson, Carolyn GallowayBill Bell from Mary Lou Cushing, Vic & Carole FeisalSteve Colbert from Vickey Hobbs, Mary Lou Cushing, St. Luke’s Chancel ChoirEmily Stafford Matheny from Vickey Hobbs, Mary Lou CushingStuart Sullivan from Tom & Patty Burkett, Mary Lou Cushing

Gifts received in honor:Keith McCauley from Joe & Marty Cobb

Jack Cushing, Ashton Allen, Taylor O’Kelly, Eileen Spencer, Akil Al-Chokha-chi, Geri Stewart, Sam & Jean McHugh, Bill Morris, Jim Burch, Jr., Gil Herren

Those dealing with cancer: Herbert Montgomery, Brenda Blackwell, David Smith, Andre Jones, Don Day, Janell Smith, Clay Eaves, Mrs. Vick, Bob Dun-ham, Shirley Palmer

Homebound Members: Doris Eavenson, Dorothy Evans, Louise Fairfax, Avis Foreman, William Howick, Deloris Jones, Emma Lee Mauldin

Bishop Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent Deborah SmithMissionaries Eric and Liz SoardOur Schools, Teachers, and Students as a new school year starts.

To add, change or remove a prayer concern please email: prayer.request@stlukesumc.org or fill out a yellow prayer request card located in the sanctuary pew and place it in the offering plate during worship.

St. Luke’s offers many Sunday morning adult classes where you can learn and fellowship. Classes begin at 9:30am every Sunday morning. Sunday School is reinforcement for our faith. Yes it is sharing, learning and fellowship but more importantly, it is asking God to open our minds to scripture. Below is a listing of the current studies for each class.The Red Letter Class – Taught by Bettye Masters is studying a series on Discovering the Bible including:How this Library of 66 books was organized by content of histories, literature, and prophecy. Why it is important to read both Old and New Testaments. A visit to Temple Israel and attending a Messianic Jewish service is being planned.Loyal Stewards – The Adult Bible Studies, United Methodist Church, published by CokesburySummer topic is God’s Urgent Call which covers the Biblical leadership of five political leaders who accom-plished the work they were charged to do: Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Ezra, and Nehemiah. And, for contrast, the leader Jeroboan who failed and then considers Samson who had mixed results.Parents Group – is currently covering the book How to Talk so Kids will Listen & Listen so Kids will Talk. This class provides a sharing of real life challenges for parents of young to teenage children.Christian Homebuilders - A mix of teachers within the church as well as inviting speakers from Memphis social agencies, journalists, and government officials concerned with social justice. Guests for August: 13- April Carpenter, 20 - Lily Johnson - trip to Costa Rica, 27- Jonathan Lebo Warden West Tennessee prisonNewman Class - Follows the lectionary scriptures with Harry Colter as leader. These lessons can prepare the group to hear the word that Pastor McKinney shares in his worship sermons.

The family of Stuart Sullivan would like to express their most sincere thank you to the St. Luke’s family for the outpouring of love, prayers, cards, and food during this time of grief.Deborah Sanders wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards and calls during her recent illness.She is doing much better.

Wednesday Evening Dinner and Bible Study

Beginning on September 6 a bible study will be offered on Wednesday evenings that will focus on selections from the Gospel of John.Dinner will be served beginning at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Please make reservations for dinner at the Hospitality Desk.Bible study will begin at 6:15 in the Lounge.

Surf’s Up Thank You!Thanks to all the wonderful vol-unteers who made this year’s Back to School Bash a smashing success. We had our best atten-dance ever with over 250 people. What a fun way to get to now other St. Luke’s families! Thanks again for everyone’s help!

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St. Luke’s CalendarWednesday, August 9, 2017 - Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Wednesday August 9 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - Perkins on Park Ave 6:30pm - 8:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room 6:35pm – 7:35pm Zumba - CLC Gym 7:40pm – 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball - CLC GYMThursday August 10 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 12:00pm Food Pantry - CLC 108 10:00am – 11:00am Al-anon prayer group - MB 213 (Newman) 12:00pm – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 6:00pm – 9:00pm Young Adult Dinner - 3rd Floor 7:15pm – 10:15pm Fisher of Men - Gym Friday August 11 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 6:00pm – 8:30pm Friendship Singers Reunion dinner - FH 6:00pm – 10:00pm Game Night - 3rd Floor 6:30pm – 10:30pm Defender League - CLC GYM Saturday August 12 9:00am – 1:00pm Kairos Walk - FH 12:00pm – 2:30pm Friendship Singers Picnic - Greenspace 12:00pm – 5:00pm Sit & Sew - Lounge 2:00pm – 4:00pm Magnolia Prayer Group - MB 304 3:00pm – 6:00pm Friendship Singers Rehearsal - Choir Room 4:30pm – 5:30pm Saturday Supper - FH Sunday August 13 7:45am – 8:15am Community Breakfast and Devotion - FH 8:30am – 9:30am Worship - Sanctuary 9:00am – 10:00am Blood Pressure Check - CLC, 104 9:30am – 10:30am Sunday School 10:50am – 12:00pm Worship - Sanctuary 12:00pm – 1:30pm Youth Advisory Team Meeting - 3rd Floor 12:00pm – 2:30pm Friendship Singers Lunch - FH 1:30pm – 3:30pm Under 12 BB Practice- Coop 3:30pm – 5:00pm Basketball Practice-Sanford - CLC GYMMonday August 14 8:30am – 11:00am Veterans - FH 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 10:30am Security Staff Meeting - Lounge 12:30pm – 2:00pm Staff Meeting - MB 311 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - Gym Tuesday August 15 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 10:30am – 12:00pm Mary Rachel Circle - Lounge 12:00pm – 2:00pm Pickleball - CLC Gym 6:00pm – 7:30pm Forward in Faith Team - Lounge 6:30pm – 10:30pm Defender League - CLC GYM 7:00pm – 8:45pm Boy Scouts - Scout Hut Wednesday August 16 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - FH 6:30pm – 8:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room 6:35pm – 7:35pm Zumba - CLC Gym 7:40pm – 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball - CLC GYM Thursday August 17 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 9:30am – 12:00pm Food Pantry - CLC 108 10:00am – 11:00am Al-anon prayer group - MB 213 (Newman)

12:00pm – 4:00pm Craft Club - CLC, 103 5:30pm – 7:00pm Challengers Board Meeting - Library 6:00pm – 9:00pm Young Adult Dinner - 3rd Floor 7:15pm – 10:15pm Fisher of Men - GymFriday August 18 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 6:30pm – 10:30pm Defender League - CLC GYM Saturday August 19 9:00am – 1:00pm Kairos Walk - Lounge 10:00am – 3:00pm ELP- Basketball - CLC GYM/103 Meeting Rm 2:00pm – 4:00pm Magnolia Prayer Group - MB 304 4:30pm – 5:30pm Saturday Supper - FH Sunday August 20 7:45am – 8:15am Community Breakfast and Devotion - FH 8:30am – 9:30am Worship - Sanctuary 9:30am – 10:30am Sunday School 11:00am – 12:00pm Worship-Promotion Sunday - Sanctuary 12:00pm – 6:00pm Youth - The Grove Metro Youth Gathering 1:30pm – 5:00pm Basketball Practices- CLC GYM Monday August 21 9:00am The Epistle newsletter deadline 9:00am – 10:00am Sit & Be Fit - CLC Gym 5:30pm – 7:30pm Glad Helpers Prayer Group - Parlor 6:00pm – 7:30pm SPRC/Staff Meeting - Lounge 7:00pm – 9:00pm Coin Club - FH 7:15pm – 10:15pm Jesus is Lord Basketball - Gym Tuesday August 22 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 12:00pm – 2:00pm Pickleball - CLC Gym 6:30pm – 7:30pm Cub Scouts - Greenspace/FH 6:30pm – 10:30pm Defender League - CLC GYM 7:00pm – 8:45pm Boy Scouts - Scout HutWednesday August 23 6:30am – 8:00am Morning Basketball - CLC GYM 7:15am – 8:00am UMM Prayer Breakfast - Perkins Restaurant 6:30pm – 8:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room 6:35pm – 7:35pm Zumba - CLC Gym 7:40pm – 9:10pm Young Adult Basketball - CLC GYM

Calendar Room KeyMB-Main Building, FH-Fellowship Hall,

HH - Hospitality Hall, CLC-Christian Life Center, CB-Children’s Building

This calendar is an abbreviated listing of activities. For a full listing of the most current calendar informa-

tion visit our website: stlukesumc.org/google-calendar/

Facebook: St. Luke’s UMC, Memphis; Instagram: stlukesmemphis; Twitter: @stlukesmemphis

#480forMemphis

INVITE A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR TO CHURCH THIS WEEK!

The episTleSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church480 So. Highland StreetMemphis, Tennessee 38111-4302

The EPISTLE (USPS #569-280) is published twice monthlyPOSTMASTER send address changes to: by ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 480 So. Highland, Memphis TN 38111-4302.

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE PDMEMPHIS, TN

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RECORD OF LOYALTY

Sunday School 7/30 151 8/6 157Worship Attendance - July 30 Sunshine breakfast 88 8:30 worship 39 10:50 worship 207 334Worship Attendance - August 6 Sunshine breakfast 82 8:30 worship 31 10:50 worship 217 330Gifts & Tithes ReceivedJuly 30 $14,644.00August 6 (includes e-giving) $18,263.16

DONATE ONLINE!Visit the website - stlukesumc.org The online donation button is in the upper right corner of the homepage. You may make one-time gifts or choose to make a recurring gift. You can also choose the optional: “give an extra 2.75% to offset the service fee” button to help cover the transaction cost. This information remains confi-dential and only Vickey is notified of your gift.

The next Epistle deadline is Monday, August 21, 9:00 a.m.

Finance Committee ReportAs reported in the July 10th Epistle, seven percent ($72,000) of St. Luke’s 2017 spending budget represents apportioned funds. St. Luke’s giving for apportionments is our sharing with other United Methodist Churches both domestic and international. Many have said it is this “connection” that allows us to do what no single church could do. United Methodists have been recognized as very generous with their giving. Memphians have been recognized as very generous. An article in the July 8, 2017 Commercial Appeal ranked Memphis among the most generous in the nation. St. Luke’s has 150 year history that witnesses to its generosity over the years. When we place our gifts in the offering plate we are making a difference and build-ing relationships. Although this article concentrates on apportionments, our giving, both in gifts and service, represents so much more than seven percent. Some of the areas supported by our 2017 apportionments include: World Service Fund, Africa University Conference Leadership and Episcopal Fund Missional Salary Support Clergy Wellness CommissionThe World Service Fund is the essential core of our global outreach ministry, underwriting Christian mission around the world. It helps develop new congregations, pay missionaries’ salaries and the list goes on. The Africa University Fund supports the only United Methodist related, degree granting university on the continent of Africa. On June 11, 2016, the university graduated its largest class, 841 students from 22 countries in Africa. St. Luke’s also recognizes special Sundays with designated offerings such as the Lenten World Hunger and Golden Cross Sunday. Several of our members and some of our Sunday School Classes directly support these areas with their designated gifts. Beginning in 2018 the formula for determining the amount of apportionments will change. The new formula proposes 10% of income, which is a movement away from the apportionments formula to a tithe.The Finance Committee will work with Pastor Jim and Vickey to meet our responsibility and allocate proper funds for our tithe. As we pay our tithe we should all think about the value it brings to the overall spiritual well-being of the church. ----Reference July/August 2016 Interpreter, pages 28-31

New CD Ministry to begin January 2018A motion from the Communications Ministry team was presented and approved at Church Council on Aug. 6 to discontinue the radio broadcast at the end of 2017. A CD ministry will take its place where a CD and bulletin of the worship service will be mailed each week to homebound mem-bers and others who request them.