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Summer Makeover Begins June 15Summer time is the time to get in shape. We get more exercise. We're outside more. We spend time on vacation–relaxing and resting. Karen and I eat better because we cook out a lot, rather than run through the drive-thru at the fast food places. It's also a good time to work on our Spiritual selves. Last year we did a Summer Makeover series and we focused on prayer. On June 15, we are going to start this year's makeover during the three morning services which we are calling "Grace Rocks." The four-week focus will be on forgiveness–in our relationship with God and one another. As was the case last year, we will make it as interactive as possible. You'll have an opportunity to follow the messages each week on Facebook and post your own thoughts and responses. We will be "tweeting" some of the key thoughts each week. The messages will be posted online, so if you are traveling and have to miss, you will be able to keep up. There will also be paper copies available on request. There will also be a "Digging Deeper" discussion group led by Nora Conner on Sunday evenings. The invitation is not to just join us for this series, but for us all to get in shape with our Summer Makeover: Grace Rocks starting June 15 and continuing through July 6 (and hopefully shaping the rest of your life) Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:10.

Mark GirardSenior Pastor

GET IN SHAPESummer Makeover: Grace Rocks

June 15–July 6 Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:10

Staff Reflections-AldersgateCasie Seifert Shines

Thank You NotesMinistry Updates & Farewells

Father's Day ThoughtsPrayer Opportunity

VBS InformationStewardship Update

JuNE 2014

St. Luke United Methodist ChurchLoving God, Growing as Disciples, Serving Others

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned to count on in my walk with Jesus, it’s that He works in mysterious ways. Through plenty of life’s surprises, I now find myself excited with anticipation to see what He has lined up for His children just around the corner. And when reflecting back on my own vocation and call, how I ended up with a guitar in my hands is right up the alley of unexpected. I can’t say it all started at Aldersgate Camp, but camp is where I received my clear-cut calling that music is the road God wanted me to walk down and that He’d been preparing me and would continue to prepare me to embark on a life full of music for His glory.

It was the summer of 2002. I had been out of high school for a year and frantically trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. My days leading up to this summer were working at UPS unloading boxes and playing guitar in my bedroom for hours. I had applied to be on staff at Aldersgate as a camp counselor, and got the job. Fast forward to about six weeks into summer and this is where my life took a drastic turn.

A day before the campers would arrive at camp, Lee Padgett, the camp director, pulled me aside and told me he’d like me to lead worship this particular week for the group of kids I would be working with. While I’d been playing guitar and singing for a little over a year at that point, I had never led worship before, and though I was a little nervous I gladly accepted his request. Little did I know that this worship leading would be a little different than what I expected. After accepting, Lee then told me that the kids I’d be leading music for were deaf. I remember thinking to myself, “Huh???” When evening worship rolled around, all these kids would come up to me, place their hands on my guitar and feel the different vibrations as I would strum each chord. This absolutely blew my mind and was seriously one of the coolest experiences I had ever had.

I remember it was a Wednesday evening, and once again we’d all gathered around to worship by the campfire. The kids came up and placed one hand on the guitar and one to the sky and, in the middle of that worship set, God spoke to me. I remember in that still, small voice Him saying to me, “Will, look at these kids. Look how they’re coming to Me. Look how I’m using you. I can do anything. This is what I want you to do with your life. This is where I will lead you, if you will follow.” I wept. For the first time in my life I felt like I knew what I was supposed to do. It was such an exciting and scary moment. I knew that it would take a lot of work and a lot of faith, but what else was I going to do? I’d read the Jonah story.

From that moment on, it’s as if the hand of God had swept me off my feet like a mighty wave, I got into Morehead State University, a college I had never imagined applying to, in order to study music. I then would later move to Nashville in 2005 and play, sing, write and worship there for six years. And now the adventure has taken me to St. Luke, which has been such a blessing.

Now, every time I travel those winding, one lane back roads along the Kentucky River, passing cow after cow on my way to camp through the town of Ravenna, I can’t help but think about where God has taken me and how exciting it’s been. And as I drive down that hill and see that familiar sign at camp that reads “Welcome Home.” I can’t help but thank God for how he chooses to move at Aldersgate.

Will SolomonWorship Leader

lifeshaping moments...Staff Reflections on Aldersgate Experience

Page 2–June 2014

"I can’t say it all started at Aldersgate Camp, but camp is where I received my clear-cut calling that music is the road God wanted me to walk down, and that He’d been preparing me and would continue to prepare me to embark on a life full of music for His glory."

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Aldersgate Camp has made a huge difference in the lives of countless children, youth and adults. I am one of those people. As we approach summer camp season, I want to express to you just why, if I had the authority to do so, I would make a week at Aldersgate Camp mandatory for every young Christian at St. Luke. Here is a little bit of my story, which I know will reflect many of your own feelings about camp and I hope will draw those of you who have not experienced camping ministry to fall in love with Aldersgate Camp.

My first experience at Aldersgate was as a sixth grader. I was in youth group at First UMC in Lexington and our group took a middle school retreat to camp. It was during this weekend in 1996 that I experienced the presence of God for the first time. I sensed God was telling me He loved me no matter what. That summer I went to summer camp for the first time and once again experienced God loving me.

I went back to Aldersgate on retreats and summer camps all through middle school and high school and never once did I leave without experiencing God. As a sophomore in high school, I began going to Leisure Ministries camp at Aldersgate. This week is dedicated to giving older youth a time to experience the word of God in new and creative ways, and to equip them with things they can take back to their everyday lives to make an impact on the world around them. Mark Walz and I are now the leaders of Leisure Ministries and I strongly encourage all rising sophomores to college freshmen to attend. I have never experienced more authentic worship than at Leisure Ministries.

In the summer of 2003, I had the opportunity to work at Aldersgate Camp as a counselor. I’m very proud of Philip Brodersen who has had similar experiences at Aldersgate and is now going to be on the staff this summer at camp.

It was at Aldersgate Camp as a sophomore that I met Michelle Lynch (now Michelle Arnold). In a story that mirrors many others, a camp fling turned into a lifelong thing.

All these experiences and more have led me to be very passionate about camping ministry, specifically at Aldersgate. A week at Aldersgate Camp is more than just a time to get away from the distractions that come with being a child or teenager. It is more than just a time to hang out at the pool, in caves or on a zipline. Aldersgate is a place that God has been using for 50 years to raise up leaders in the church.

Jeremy ArnoldYouth Minister

No children in your house to experience Aldersgate Summer Camp? Please consider a financial contribution to help send children to camp. Aldersgate’s policy is that no camper will be turned away due to financial hardship. Let's help make this a reality for every child that applies.

"Aldersgate is a place that God has been using for 50 years to raise up leaders in the church."

Page 3–June 2014

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memorable experiences...Our own Casie Seifert is representing Team Kentucky at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, June 14-21! The team is made up of 38 athletes from Kentucky, and the games will bring together 3,500 athletes and 1,000 coaches from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Casie will be competing in the shot put, 400 meter walk, and team relay. When asked how Special Olympics has changed her life and what it and competing in the USA Games means to her, Casie says, “Special Olympics has given me the chance to participate in many different sports. I have made lifelong good friends. I am looking forward to meeting new people from around the country and seeing places I have never been before. I want to show the country what I can do. I will make Kentucky proud of me. I am very excited to be picked for the 2014 USA Games.”

Competing at Nationals is a very high honor, as many other athletes compete for the opportunity. The USA National Games are held every four years, and in order to be considered, athletes must have won a first place gold medal at the state level the year before. The 2014 Games will also feature a number of cultural activities, and Casie will have the opportunity to go on a dinner cruise around the Statue of Liberty while in the area.

This is Casie’s second trip to the Nationals. On her first trip in 2006, she won a second place silver medal. Here at St. Luke, Casie is a part of the Cornerstones Sunday School Class and participates in the Wednesday evening knitting and crocheting group.

Congratulations, Casie! We’re cheering for you!

St. Luke's Casie Seifert Shines in Special Olympics

Page 4–June 2014

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abundant thankfulness...Notes of Appreciation

To the Members of St. Luke,

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of you praying for me during my bout with Stage 4 cancer. It is my firm belief that Our Lord, coupled with prayers, has, without a doubt, been very instrumental in keeping me in reasonably good health. Although, I can participate in most activities, I am not out of the woods yet, so please continue your prayers. Thanks, again.

In God we trust,Richard H. Harrington

Dear friends at St. Luke United Methodist Church,

Once again KRM is saying 'thank you'! for your donation of needed items for refugees arriving in Lexington. Please share with your congregation our gratitude for the donation of 23 winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Even though we are officially in spring, there are days that still feel chilly to some of our new arrivals coming from very warm climates.

With gratitude,Dabney E. Parker Kentucky Refugee Ministries Resource Coordinator

Dear St. Luke,

Thank you for all the love, concern and support that you all have shown us during mom's illness and passing. Thanks for the cards, prayers and memorial gift to the Hospice Compassion Care Center. The center was a true blessing to us. We are blessed to have you all in our lives.

Carey and Carol Montgomery

Dear friends in Christ,

Your gift of $2,000 for Blue Gap UMC provided much-needed resources to our churches on the Navajo reservation.

We covet your prayers as we prepare for our next pastors' training and first mission trips beginning next month.

Blessings to you,Raquel MullFour Corners Native American Ministry

Page 5–June 2014

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ministry matters...Important updates & Notes

Page 6–June 2014

Ministry updateIn last month’s newsletter, Pastor Mark shared that Rev. Reid Buchanan, who has been serving in a part-time role as our Director of Build and Introduce, will soon expand his role and responsibilities here at St. Luke. Effective July 1, Reid, who is a Deacon in the United Methodist Church, will be appointed full time at St. Luke as our Minister of Outreach and Lay Mobilization. In addition to continuing leadership of the Build and Introduce area and taking on leadership of the Going Forth ministries, Reid, in partnership with our two Lay Leaders, will be developing our Lay Mobilization Ministry. (The Lay Leadership Team is in the process of identifying the second of our two Lay Leaders.)

This is an exciting time in the life of our church, as we believe that as the Lay Mobilization ministry leads us all in becoming fully committed disciples, it will have a tremendous impact not only on each person who is or will become a part of St. Luke, but also on the lives of those we touch as we continue to move toward our vision of Jesus Christ in Every Life. It is important that we recognize and celebrate the precursor to this, the Wholistic Christian Living Team (WCL) and the wonderful work they have done over the past few years. The commitment and service of the many people who served on that team has brought us to a place where it is possible to take a challenging and important step forward in our effectiveness in engaging all persons. WCL, we are grateful that you have shared your time, talents, and prayers. Please join me in prayer as we move into this vital next chapter.

In Christ,Nora Conner

Director of Ministries

A Note About Annual ConferenceThis year's Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is scheduled for June 9-11 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. Many of the staff members will be involved as well as several lay delegates. The highlight of the Conference for St. Luke will be Jeremy Buchanan receiving his Local Pastor's License. As well, Jeff Bramel, son of Paul and Diane Bramel will be ordained. The business of the Conference will include a proposal to significantly reduce the Annual Conference Budget by endorsing a five year plan that will eventually remove from the budget all Conference Funding for Higher Education and Campus Ministries, Camps (Aldersgate, Loucon and Kavanaugh) and Urban Ministries such as Nathaniel Mission. The expectation is that the responsibility for funding these ministries will be picked up by local churches. The proposal also includes the recommendation to reduce the number of districts, and District Superintendents, from 12 to 9. This year's mission offering has been designated for the Red Bird Missionary Conference which supports churches and ministries in the heart of Appalachia and The Blessing Home in Thailand, which is a home for at-risk children and is run by the Morrisseys, missionaries from Kentucky. We will receive a special offering for these ministries during worship on June 8 that we will take for the Missions Night offering at Conference. I know you will want to be in prayer for Annual Conference and our delegates–Joe and Cheryl Farmer, Susan Stivers, Nora Conner and Larry McPherson.

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That's right: Father's Day is just around the corner. But I'm here to tell you not to worry about that. I don't need anything. I don't need a shirt or golf lessons or a membership to “the best thing-of-the-month club." A handmade card is great. I don't even need you to be on your best behavior (but you should ALWAYS be on your best behavior). Just go ahead and take it easy.

Weird, right? As a kid, I never understood why my father, the grandfather none of you knew, never asked for anything for Father's Day, or for Christmas, or even for his birthday. For kids, gifts are everything, so when I was your age, not wanting any gifts simply did not compute. But now that I'm a dad, I finally understand my dad's mindset. When you become a parent, you quickly realize that the best gifts aren't in a box or an envelope. The best gift is the hug I get when I put you to bed, or the laughter I get when I tickle you, or seeing you become adults using the God given gifts in this world. None of those are premeditated, or holiday-specific; they're just you being you. And that's all I need, every day. Just because a Sunday in June is called Father's Day doesn't make it any different (for me). My sons and daughters make everyday a Father's Day.

Thank you for understanding my love, forgiving my failures and for making me proud.Love,Dad

a.k.a. Reid BuchananDirector of Build and Introduce

If I had a nickel for every time my dad woke my brother and I up early on a Saturday morning and said, "I need your help today, it will only take an hour or two," I would be a wealthy man. Many of those Saturdays ended with us building something at Aldersgate. Whether it was pouring the foundation for the new chapel, building the suspension bridge in the snow, or cleaning out the septic lines (more than once), some of my favorite memories of my brother and my dad growing up are from working on projects down at camp.

Happy Fathers Day!Jeremy Buchanan

Assistant Pastor

father & son reflections...ather's ayF D

Page 7–June 2014

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For a number of years Cheryl and I have had "Prayer Group" on our calendar every Wednesday Evening. As Pat Henderson wrote about the Tuesday Evening Group in the May newsletter, we too have been very blessed and have grown in our relationship with our Lord and each other. We have a time of fellowship and then a time of prayer each week.

We try to make sure that our church staff is lifted up and that God's Direction is requested for St Luke. We make sure that Sunday Morning requests for prayer and e-mail prayer requests are lifted up. Our country and other countries of our world are placed before the Lord with a request for His help. (We pray for the Nigerian girls and their families, the families affected by the Korean ferry disaster, the families of those lost on the airplane, for .... We ask for His best answer for those in need.)

We invite you to join us on Wednesday Evenings. When Wednesday.comm is in session, we meet at 7:15 p.m. in the Resource Room (the room behind Nora Conner's Office). When it is not in session, we meet, usually at 6:30 p.m., in one of our homes. Call me or Cheryl at 873-9269 and we'll make sure you know where to come. We never have too many praying.

Joe Farmer

prayer opportunity...Wednesday Group Always Welcomes New Members

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Matthew 18:20

Page 8–June 2014

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A Fond Farewell

Greetings St. Luke! Are you ready for Vacation Bible School? Weird Animals is a habitat filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch and even taste! Plus we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life. We need your help to make this a wonderful week for St. Luke kids and neighborhood children. What a great opportunity to change the world! Please prayerfully consider what your role in this super fun week will be. If you’re not available the week of VBS, don’t worry… there will be many opportunities to help during the next two months as we prepare to Take a Walk on the Wild Side! Please contact Renee Edington, VBS Director at renee.edington@uky.edu or 608-6959 for more information or to volunteer.

Mark Your Calendar!

July 27-31

St. Luke VBS

Recycling NotesPlease help St. Luke recycle. We recycle all boxes, empty water bottles and soda cans, also office papers and empty pizza boxes. Do your part–please break/flatten all boxes, so we have room in the Rosies for all our recyclables.

New Coffees in the CaféStop in the Café on Sunday and try a cup of our new coffees. Both regular and decaf are from Positively Java. These coffees are roasted and packaged in Winchester. Positively Java donates a percentage of their sales, not just their profits, to help children receive the most basic necessities of life–food, water, healthcare and education. There is a poster on the Café door that names the services which receive the donations. So, drop in and enjoy a cup of good coffee–let us know how you like it.

As has been previously announced, at the end of June we will be saying goodbye to two staff members. Dawn Beamish, our Minister of Discipleship Development will be leaving to pursue other opportunities for ministry, and Yohan Hong, Worship Leader for the Multicultural Service, is receiving an appointment in the North Alabama Conference. We are grateful for the service of these two wonderful witnesses to the presence of God and send them off with our prayers. They will be missed. Jenny You (Johan's wife) has also been serving as our Prayer Coordinator and we will certainly miss her leadership in the prayer ministry. God's blessings on all of these.

Page 9–June 2014

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Reach Beyond Campaign updateWe are constantly in awe of God’s timing. Just after St. Luke voted to move forward with the construction of our Life Center, we began to experience the results of one of the worst recessions in our country’s history. God knew that we would need to increase our capacity to meet the needs of the additional God’s Pantry patrons who would come to our doors. He knew there would be more kids coming to our doors who needed a hot meal, help with homework and Christian love. He knew that there were refugees who would come to our doors to seek help with learning English and tutoring. He knew that we would welcome numerous adults and children to participate in God-centered competitive sports. For some of these people, this might be there only contact with Christian love. God’s timing is miraculous!

Our congregation has responded to the notices published about the Reach Beyond campaign that is winding up at the end of June. From January through April, we collected $19,203.50 in Reach Beyond contributions. The first three weeks of May, since we began publicizing the campaign, we have collected $12,235.

Now as we wrap up our Reach Beyond campaign we need your support to help us reach our financial goals for the Life Center. We still need $87,616.51 to reach our original pledged amount of $792,933. To reach our goal of collecting enough to fund the “8-Year” plan ($785,003.67) we need to collect $79,687.18. If you are suffering from the effects of the recession and are behind on your pledge, just give as you can. If you are financially able to complete your pledge or to even give more than you pledged those gifts would certainly be welcome. If you never made a Reach Beyond pledge now would be an excellent time for you to lend your support to all the wonderful outreach we are experiencing through the Life Center.

In addition to your financial gifts, please pray that we will continue to seek His guidance for all the wonderful ways we can open our doors to those around us who are seeking Christian love.

This campaign is scheduled to end in June 2014 and we have received pledges of $792,933 for this campaign and as of 5/18/2014 we have received $ 705,316.49 for Reach Beyond.

Page 10–June 2014

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Budget Needs for April, 2014 $ 96,910.48 Total Income for April, 2014 $ 92,406.12Deficit for the month ($ 4,504.36)

Budget Needs Year-To-Date (as of 4/30/2014) $ 411,869.54Total Income Year-To-Date (as of 4/30/2014) $ 374,182.81Deficit for the year ($ 37,686.73)

Alms Donations – April $ 3,113.39

Reach Beyond Contributions – April $ 4,996.36Total Reach Beyond Contributions as of 4/30/2014 $ 690,490.59

Mortgage Balance as of 4/30/2014 $3,013,313.30

*(Total Income includes contributions, building use fees and Kroger card receipts.)

E m p h a s i s

Electronic GivingSt. Luke accepts online contributions. A page on our website entitled the “Giving” page, lists all the many ways you can contribute to the church and it has a link to a site from which you can make an online gift. With your smart phone or pad, you can click on the QR Code that appears on the church bulletin or on this page to go to the new “Giving” page.

Online Giving is an easy, secure and convenient way to present your tithes and offerings. Your gifts can be given anywhere at a time that is convenient for you. This method of giving allows you to give an electronic check (with your bank routing number and your account number), your bank debit card or your VISA/MC/Discover/AMEX credit card. Please keep in mind that credit card acceptance is for your convenience. St. Luke United Methodist Church promotes sound financial management and does not encourage anyone to enter into debt in order to make a contribution. We suggest this option not be used unless you plan to pay off your credit card balances in full each month. If you have questions, you can contact the Church Business Administrator.

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"I believe it is every man’s religious duty to get all he can honestly and to give all he can."

–John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839-1937)American industrialist and philanthropist

Page 11–June 2014

Summer StewardshipAs you are away from church during the summer months enjoying time with family and friends, please do not forget your St. Luke church family. Electronic giving is available for those away from home to eliminate the hassle of tracking down a post office. As an active and growing church, we rely on your faithful tithe year–round.