Volume 33, Issue 1 January 2018/Enero 2018

WORSHIP

December 24, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 SAMUEL 7:1-11, 16 LUKE 1:47-55 ROMANS 16:24-27 LUKE 1:26-38

The Giving Tree - Unconditional Love 8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

Christmas Eve Services

5 pm Fellowship Hall

7 pm Sanctuary

December 31, 2017

First Sunday after Christmas Day

ISAIAH 641:1-10-62:3 PSALM 148 GALATIANS 4:4-7 LUKE 2:22-40

Wesleyan Covenant Service 8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

January 7, 2018

Epiphany Sunday

ISAIAH 60:1-6 PSALM 72:1-7, 10-14 EPHESIANS 3:1-12 MATTHEW 2:1-12

8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

January 14, 2018

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

1 SAMUEL 3:1-10 PSALM 139:1-6, 13-18 1 CORINTH. 6:12-20 JOHN 1:43-51

8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

January 21, 2018

3rd Sunday after Ephipany

JOANAH 3:1-5, 10 PSALM 62:5-12 1 CORINTH. 7:29-31 MARK 1:14-20

8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

January 28, 2018

4th Sunday after Ephipany

DEUT. 18:15-20 PSALM 111 1 CORINTH. 8:1-13 MARK 1:21-28

8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

From the Pastor’s Heart...

Dear Friends,

In January of each year, I choose a Bible passage that serves as a theme for that year’s spiritual emphasis. This lesson is read daily in addition to devotional materials. In 2017 my scripture text was Philippians 2:1-11. As I have read this passage over the past twelve months, I have placed special emphasis on these words, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves…let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

Why repeatedly read these words? Because these are difficult words for me to live out in my life. Too often I seek to determine what is best for me, while not being mindful of others or God. However, Christ calls me to walk another path—a path of selflessness. I have also observed that I may not be the only person who struggles with this understanding of the Christian faith.

As you read the Bible, learn human history, and experience modern day life—selflessness is not often a priority for living. What matters most is self-preservation instead of seeking to follow God’s will in one’s life. I believe this may be the very reason John Wesley encouraged the church to start each New Year participating in the Covenant Prayer Service. Wesley wanted the church to remember what life in Jesus Christ looked like as they journeyed together in faith. So, on Sunday, January 7, 2018 together we will stand and read the following Prayer reminding us how to live as Christ’s disciples:

I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee. Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen . (The United Methodist Hymnal, page 607, 1989)

And may it be so in our lives as we serve together as Christ’s disciples in 2018 here at St. Luke’s and throughout the world.

Blessings, Pastor Joe

IN MEMORIAM

Leslie Reid Sherrill April 25, 1925 - November 2, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Leslie upon his homegoing..

Welcome New Members

On Sunday, November 12, 2017. Andrew Woods joined the congregation of believers at St. Luke’s transferring from Midway United Methodist Church, Lexington, NC,. He is our new Youth Director Nancy Lowder Hartsell joins us by transfer from Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover. Nancy is a retired school teacher and has already become involved with ministries here at the St. Luke’s.

Join us Wednesday evenings for F.E.A.S.T. (Fellowship, Eat and

Study Together) at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

MENU - January 3, 2018 - Traditional New Year’s Meal, Pork, Sauerkraut,

Black Eyed Peas, etc. January 10 - Chicken Tenders, 2 sides & Dessert

January 17 - Taco Night with all the fixin’s January 24 -Beef Stew, Rice, 2 Sides & Dessert

January 31 - Chili Cook Off - Bring your favorite chili and see whose is the best. IN MEMORIAM

Revaughn Taylor Snow March 21, 1938 - November 19, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Revaughn upon her homegoing.

IN MEMORIAM

Edythe Townsend Stevenson March 10, 1918 - October 31, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Edythe upon her homegoing..

IN MEMORIAM

Rufus F. Walker, Jr. November 26, 1946 - November 27, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Rufus upon his homegoing.

IN MEMORIAM

Janice Garrard July 16, 1948 - December 11, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Janice upon her homegoing.

IN MEMORIAM

Charles “Andy” Andrews March 4, 1930 - December 12, 2017

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Christian Sympathy

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and congregation to the family of Kathy Causey in the recent passing of her mother Mozelle Keever of Hickory; to the family of Sharon Collins in the homegoing of her brother, Jay Randall Houston of Shallotte, NC.; and to the family of Vicky Villanueva in the passing of her nephew Jesus Castillo of Mexico; and to the family of Pat Margarita in the recent passing of her brother, Eddie Worley of Hopewell, VA.

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and the congregation is extended to the family of Andy upon his homegoing.

Sunday Mornings at St. Luke’s for Children has a new Name beginning February 4th—Disciple Street Here’s what’s happening

Travel down Disciple Street and check out the shops! Each week for 4 weeks your child will rotate through stations such as J.C. More (Art), Christ N Us (Games), The Garden of Eating (Cooking) and more….. Bible stories will come to life and experienced through hands on fun and learning! And Pre-School children 3-4years will Go DEEP BLUE as they learn and play learning God’s Word

By Our Attendance November 26, 2017 8:45 Awakening Service ............................. 65 Sunday School ........... 128 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 180 Westview ................... 65 Bilingual ...................................................... 11 TOTAL ........................................................ 291

December 3, 2017 8:45 Awakening Service ............................. 120 Sunday School .......... 155 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 223 Westview .................. 65 11 Bilingual .................................................. 15 TOTAL ........................................................ 423

December 10, 2017 8:45 Awakening Service ............................. 93 Sunday School ............ 177 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 366 Westview .................... 65 11 Bilingual .................................................. 25 TOTAL. ........................................................ 484

December 17, 2017 8:45 Awakening Service.............................. 99 Sunday School ............... 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 294 Westview ....................... 90 11 Bilingual .................................................. 21 Caroling ......................... 19 TOTAL ......................................................... 610 Las Posadas ................. 75 The Gathering . ............ 20

Eleanor Apple Emily McClamrock Susan Lyerly Jim Pendleton Martha Reese

Lee Jackson Jean Pollock Mary Bradshaw Dianne Thompson Peggy Hulick

PRAYER CONCERNS

(For ongoing prayer concerns, please go to House of Prayer List.)

By Our Service… Nov/Dec 2017 December 24, 2017

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

Sanctuary 10:55 am Richard Chevrier & Carolyn Henson, Co-Capt.

Dennis Bell Steve Brown Alex Corpening

David Craft Gary Henson Ernie Sills

Nursery - Sandy Fletcher

December 31, 2017

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

Sanctuary 10:55 am Joe Kerley, Capt.

Steve Brown Jeff Butler Richard Chevrier

Scottie Gray Bill Roberts Carl Starnes

Tom Wason

Nursery - Jennifer Richards

January 7, 2018

Altar Guild: Mary Renner Jane Pekman Beth Moore Cindy Herndon Sanctuary 10:55 am Joe Kerley, Capt.

Steve Brown Jeff Butler Richard Chevrier

Scottie Gray Bill Roberts Carl Starnes

Nursery - Judy Cain January 14, 2018

Altar Guild: Mary Renner Jane Pekman Beth Moore Cindy Herndon

Sanctuary 10:55 am Jeff Kerley, Capt.

Steve Brown Jeff Butler Richard Chevrier Scottie Gray

Bill Roberts Carl Starnes Tom Watson

Nursery - Kelly Walker

January 21, 2018

Altar Guild: Mary Renner Jane Pekman Beth Moore Cindy Herndon

Sanctuary 10:55 am Jeff Kerley, Capt.

Steve Brown Jeff Butler Richard Chevrier Scottie Gray

Bill Roberts Carl Starnes Tom Watson

Nursery - Jenny Winders

January 28, 2018

Altar Guild: Mary Renner Jane Pekman Beth Moore Cindy Herndon Sanctuary 10:55 am Stuart Deans, Capt.

Donny Brown Dan Causey John Everley Doug Holman

Mark Holman Steve Renner Tom Stewart Dave Willoughby

Tom Wason

Nursery - Donna Ferber

By Our Gifts - Financial Stewardship

YTD Income Actual $ 959,755.00 YTD Expenses Actual $ 983,350.00 <$ 23,595.00>

JANUARY Coffee Servers & Clean Up CORE & FELLOWSHIP Classes

Coffee Makers

Brian Marshall, Bill Roberts, Bob Suggs

Pastors On-Call (for emergencies) Joe (704) 310-1360 or Monica (828) 493-3179

The families of Edythe Stevenson, Leslie Sherrill, Revaughn Snow., Rufus Walker, Janice Garrard and Charles “Andy” Andrews Myrtle Curlee

Connie Pendleton Rick Bryant Margaret Jenkins Jeff Milam

STEWARDSHIP NEWS To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to make disciples of all people for the glory of God.

YEAR END GIVING According to the IRS, individuals are allowed to deduct charitable contributions from their income during the year in which the donation is delivered. We will need to receive your 2017 contributions in one of the following ways:

• You may bring your gift to the Church Office by 1:00 pm on Friday, December 29th

• Bring your gift and place it in the offering plate on Sunday, December 31st

• If sending by mail, please make sure the envelope is postmarked by Saturday, December 30th

• If giving through stocks and bonds, you must have the transaction in process by Friday, December 29th

Remember that you have access to Online Giving. If the transaction is made by December 31st, it will count towards your contributions for 2017. Go to www.slumc.org to give online. Thank you for supporting the missions and ministries of St. Luke’s!

On January 7th, We will be kicking off a new Youth Event!

MOSAIC will be the weekly gathering of all the Youth. We'll meet every Sunday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and have food, games, lessons, mission opportunities,

worship, and fellowship. This will be a great new event! Invite your friends, put it on your calendar, and get excited!!

January Calendar:

01/03: Small Groups start back

01/07: MOSAIC Kick off!! Bring your parents, invite your friends! 5:30-7:30

01/13: WNCC MLK Jr celebration day in Greensboro. Leaving the church at 8:00 A.M.,

returning at 4:00 P.M.

01/21: MOSAIC: Minute to win it games

01/28: MOSAIC: Family Game Night

Blessings, Andrew Woods

Director of Youth and College Ministries

St. Luke's UMC, Hickory, NC For more information call 828-327-9837.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Dec. 1 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Dec. 2 Mark 13:24-31

10 AM - Prayerful Stitchers

(131)

10 AM - Set up for Christmas

Breakfast (FH, K)

9 AM - Hispanic Christmas

Breakfast & Clothes GiveA-

Way (FH, K)

Tracy Lominac, Church Hostess

Joe Westfall, Senior Pastor Raymundo Villanueva, Hispanic Pastor Monica Childers, Associate Pastor Ron Sinclair, Director of Music & Arts Ministry Pat McKim, Director of Children’s Ministry Andrew Woods, Director of Youth/College Age Ministry Jessica Stamey, Associate Director of Music & Creative Arts Lisa Lail. Church Administrator Paulette Gregory, Church Secretary & Membership Cindy Schonewolf, Childcare Coordinator Dawn Huffman, Director of Child Development Center Tracy Lominac, Church Hostess Greg Knight, Pianist Tom Spiggle, Organist

K.I.C.K.S. (Kids in Christ Sing) Pre-School-2nd Grade Choir will meet

each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and will sing every 4th Sunday in worship

Para nuestros vecinos hispanos Miercoles 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Oracion

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Estudio Biblico en La Capilla

Domingo 9:45 Escuela Dominical en El Salon 305 Todos Los Domingos en la Capilla Servicio De Adoración - 11 a.m

Comida Y Compañerismo Cada miércoles, la cena comienza a las 5:00 p.m. Grupos pequeños de jóvenes y estudios bíblicos a

partir de las 6:00 pm.

Vigilia De Oracion En La Capilla, El 5 De Enero A Las 7:00 pm

Invitación Al Desayuno De Mujeres, 27 Enero del 2018 En Room 202 de 10:00 am—12:00 pm