a note from pastor andystorage.cloversites.com/stlukesunitedmethodistchurch...after information that...

2 April 2015 Visionary St. Luke’s Lubbock

At the center of Paul’s heart and life was a core passion that drove him and defined him. This passion is what took him around the world sharing the Gospel of Christ. This passion is what empowered him to overcome continual obstacles and persevere through life-threatening persecution. This defining passion of a Christ-follower 2000 years ago is to define us in 2015 as well. In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul cries out,

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participate in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

Paul is crying out for, desiring a knowledge of Jesus. The knowledge that Paul desires is not simply information or facts, not simply 2 + 2 = 4. The knowledge he is seeking is not simply mental awareness of cognitive comprehension. Paul is longing for a profound understanding of, an intimate experience of three core realities.

First, Paul says he wants to know Christ. Again, he doesn’t want to know about Jesus but literally of Jesus. He’s not just after information that can be regurgitated on some seminary test; Paul is after an intimate connection with, an experience, an encounter with the Risen Jesus. He wants to know Him like I wanted to know Janey 33 years ago and still today. Paul wants to know His love, His grace, His very presence moving and working in his life.

Second, Paul says he wants to know the power of Jesus’ Resurrection. Again, Paul is not wanting to know about this power; Paul is desiring to possess this power. Paul is longing for the reality of God’s life-making, life-giving, death-overcoming power to be made real in his own life. Paul is literally asking God to give him the same power in

his day-to-day life that He gave Jesus when he brought him forth from the grave. The Greek word is “dunamais” which sounds a whole lot like our word dynamite. This Resurrection Dunamais is what gives us confidence in the face of death and in the face of life’s greatest obstacles. When we are in Christ, when Christ is in us, there is something greater than any earthly force at work in us. This Resurrection Power gave Paul both the motivation and the ability to preach Jesus to those who would stone him. This Resurrection Power allowed Paul to go forth to the very ends of the earth. Though his personal strength was weak and getting weaker by the minute, his ability to love and lead and influence others was extremely effective. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God tells Paul “My strength is made perfect in your weakness!”

Third, stop. Hold the presses! Wait a minute….Third, Paul says he wants to know what it is to participate in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. I don’t know about you, but I was right with Paul on Desire #1 and #2. But this longing to know what it’s like to actually participate in, share in the very sufferings of Jesus? This desire, this longing goes against the very nature of our humanity, the very core of our culture. All of us walking around Planet Earth have a survival instinct that entails flight from danger and avoidance of pain. Our American culture is all about pursuing creature comforts and the avoidance of suffering at all costs. Paul is living out Jesus’ teaching from John 15:20—“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Paul is also claiming Jesus’ promise from Matthew 5:10—“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of

A note from Pastor AndyEaster Power

St. Luke’s Lubbock April 2015 Visionary 3

righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Paul understood what most American Christ-followers of today have forgotten. There is a cost to following Jesus. The only way we can fully live in Christ is by truly dying to self. Paul said in Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” In Mark 8:34-35 Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For

whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

This Easter, this Resurrection Day, God is calling you and me not just to put on some new clothes, not just to be sitting in some church pew, not just to be present with family and friends. God is calling you and me to be completely defined by the desire to know Jesus, to know His Resurrection Power, and to know what it is to suffer with Him and for Him.

50 Shades of SinIn the past month, the movie “50 Shades of Grey” has grossed over $400 million

and the book has sold over 100 million copies and has been translated into 52 languages. These are impressive numbers to say the least. I have not seen the movie or read the book; nor do I intend to. I believe I’ve learned enough through media outlets to offer Godly advice and commentary. In our culture today, we mock the evilness of evil, and even glamorize it. Sin is dangerous and it slowly finds its way into our lives. Suddenly we realize the shiny thing we thought was a toy to enjoy turns out to be a deadly weapon that is killing us. This is certainly true of our entertainment culture in movies, music and magazines.

The issue at hand is far beyond the unhealthy sex and relationships in “50 Shades of Grey.” The issue is the emptiness of our souls that we are trying to fill with so many other things besides Jesus Christ. The more we chase the “other” glamorous attractions of the world such as money, fame, sex, etc…, the farther we grow from Christ. “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.” (Psalm 16:4) Think about all the times you tried to fulfill some desire in your life and then remember where it landed you.

Sin cannot be trusted. It sounds good and is very persuasive, but in the end it is dishonest and unfaithful. Sin talks a good talk and so many people buy into it. I know I have many times and it left me wounded and left for dead on the side of the road of life. The lie of sin is that it will fulfill us, but it never will. Sin knows it’s purpose is to separate us from God like the weakest animal in a herd and then kill us. “This is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (John 3:19) It is obvious that people like the darkness because they are willing to spend $400 million on a movie and buy 100 million books.

My opinion is they like the darkness because they have never experienced the true light of Christ. They have never experienced the power of our risen Lord in any area of their lives, including intimate relationships. Jesus is not just for church, He is for every part of our life. It is just a few weeks until we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I ask you to begin praying to be shown in what area of life you need him present.

Moving Mountains – one rock at a time, Pastor Matt

A note from Pastor Matt


Music MinistryThe Methodist Men did it again! Another successful Pancake

Supper to financially support the St. Luke’s Singers’ choir trip. Every year, the Methodist Men faithfully work together to provide a delicious meal that offers our church an evening of fellowship and mission. Many, many thanks for their support of the annual choir trip. But, it is fitting to also thank the entire church for purchasing tickets; individuals who purchased tickets as well as Sunday school groups who purchased bundles of tickets to give to our friends at Maedgen. This year, we saw many families from Maedgen attend the pancake supper. We even saw some attend Sunday school the next day. Let me give an additional thanks to those who minister to Maedgen through Beach Club and handed tickets personally to each Beach Club child. Praise God for the growth of this outreach and fundraiser.

With respect to the choir trip, the St. Luke’s Singers will be traveling to Alamogordo, NM, to sing at Grace United Methodist Church on April 11th and 12th. The last time we were there was five years ago! The children will be offering many pieces of music, some short and some long, which will encourage a discussion about liturgy in worship and answer the question: “what do we do in worship and why?” In today’s multifaceted, have-it-your-way worship services, this is a question on which we should all reflect as we gather every Sunday to worship God. It seems reasonable to have our worship to be God-driven rather than preference-driven. An even more basic question would be: “If God designed a worship service, what would it look like?” Interesting question, isn’t it?

Finally, I will finish with another thought about our participation in worship. Read closely and with an open heart what John Wesley says in his Directions for Singing (page 7 in our hymnal): “Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature.” Our Methodist father surely has a high view of singing in worship, doesn’t he? Where is your mind during corporate singing? Are you singing spiritually? Are you considering every word in each hymn? Are you pleasing God more than yourself? These are penetrating questions, but such reflection is necessary if we are to truly worship God with all of our being.

UPCOMING EVENTS4/5- Easter Celebration in all

worship services. Invite someone to come worship with you and your family.

4/11-12 – St. Luke’s Singers Choir Trip to Alamogordo

4/19 – St. Luke’s Singers Homecoming Concert at Central - 10:45 Service

5/9- Bellchoir Mother’s Day Concert at The Carillon Fireside Louncge - 4 pm

7/13-19- Summer Music Camp (share this with others!)

AREAS TO SERVE AND GROWChoirs, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Bells, Band, Sound Crew,

Media Crew, Librarians, Guitar Class, Drama

-Andy C.

Did you know that all sermons are available for you to listen to on the go?

St. Luke’s has sermon podcasts uploaded each

week from both campuses. You can find these under the “worship” tab on our website or by searching in the iTunes store for St. Luke’s Lubbock.


Ragamuffin YouthI have been a member of St. Luke’s since my family moved to

Lubbock nearly four years ago. During that difficult time, St. Luke’s became a second home for me. The youth group was a solid set of friends for me during that transition. The youth group soon went through many changes including several youth pastors. I see that as a test of the strength of the relationships within the youth group. We are stronger together now, and we had the privilege of learning from the views and experiences of a few leaders. Change is good; however, it has been a blessing to finally be led by one person who is here to stay. Since Kurtis Vanderpool has been our youth pastor, the group has seen growth as individuals and as a community of believers. I have been so blessed by the environment of this youth group. We challenge each other to be bold and to take ownership of our faith. The youth intern, Sarah Wigington, has also led this group in our journey. She teaches us new things about Christ, and she guides us individually as we learn how to grow. Together, Kurtis and Sarah have created an environment where all of the students can learn and grow into disciples of Jesus Christ.

As a senior, I am learning to take ownership of my faith because I will be going off to college in the fall. The most important thing I have learned in my years at St. Luke’s is the importance of being a part of a community of faith. In my trepidation about college, I can find comfort in the knowledge that I have been taught well, first by my parents and second by the strength of the youth group at St. Luke’s.

~Amy Page ~

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ragamuffin Sunday Sunday, March 29thLed by Amy Page

The Fire Within:Love, Dating, Marriage & Sex April 8th, 9th, & 10th The Fire Within is a 3-night event designed for students and parents to begin a safe, honest discussion about what it means to pursue our God-given design in relationships. It is a Biblical and practical look at the tools and perspectives necessary to rediscover and redeem the purpose for which we were created. Students, parents and church members are invited to join us for the FREE event April 8th, 9th, & 10th starting at 7 pm at Aldersgate UMC. Contact Kurtis Vanderpool or check out thefirewithin.info for more information.

High School BreakfastsThusday Mornings @ 7:30 amMarket Street - 50th & Indiana

Summer Camp Sign-ups See Pg. 10 for Dates and Registration information


Children’s MinistryWe need YOU to help with

Vacation Bible SchoolJune 1st- 5th • 9 am to 12 (noon)

Central CampusPlease consider volunteering for this huge outreach

program. It is only possible with your help!If you are interested in helping or would like more

information, contact Sara Lattimore.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Easter EggstravaganzaApril 4th

Created By God ClassStarts April 19th

VBS Central CampusJune 1-5th • 9am-12pm

Summer Camp Ceta CanyonSee Pg. 10 for Dates and Registration information

MEGA Sports Camp Southwest CampusJune 15-18th • 6-8pm

All Family Campout Southwest CampusJune 19th

Easter EggstravaganzaSaturday, April 4th10:00 am @ Central Campus10:30 am @ Southwest CampusJoin us for a fun filled morning of games, crafts and hunting for eggs!If you are able, please consider volunteering to help at the hunts. Contact Sara Lattimore for the Central campus event. Tessa Armes for the Southwest event.

Beach Club gave away 70 Bibles on March 12 to all the students

who have been attending this year! Thank you to all the

volunteers who have made this year so successful. We have 6

weeks left this semester. Your continued prayers and support

are greatly appreciated.

Mega Sports Camp will be June 17-June20 at SW from 6-8pmAll kids ages 4 years through 5th grade are invited to join us

for an exciting sports camp at the Southwest Campus. They will learn that God has a special and unique plan just

for them while participating in their favorite sport of choice: archery, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, or soccer.

So mark your calendar for an awesome week!

For more information, please contact Tessa at [email protected].


One Way 6-8th• June 15th-19th• $265 until April 15th

One Way 9-12th• June 22-26th• $265 until April 15th

One Way 4-6th• June 29th-July 3rd• $255 until April 15th

Lil’ Ceta (2nd & 3rd graders)• July 15th-17th• $150 until April 15th

Whoz-We-R (4th-6th graders)• July 20th-24th• $255 until April 15th

Register online atwww.cetacanyon.org. In order to receive a scholarship, please make a half payment online when you register and then turn in the confirmation receipt to either church office. Transportation is available for all campers, upon request.

Ceta Canyon Camp VolunteersWe would love to have adults who have a passion for Christ and students to attend church camp to serve as mentors. If this is something you would be interested in, please talk to Kurtis, Sara or Tessa.

Summer Camps

Half Scholarships Available for

all Camps!


Financial Update

Debt Free0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

0

640,139

2,000,000

Building Debt ReductionFebruary 2015

Debt Free

Current Building Debt

Original Building Debt

Actual for February Actual YTD

Income $90,450 $179,702

Expense $103,835 $208,769

Surplus/(Deficit) ($13,385) ($29,067)


Income $90,450 $179,702

Expense $103,835 $208,769

Surplus/(Deficit) ($13,385) ($29,067)

Income

Income

Expense

Expense

(Deficit)(Deficit)($50,000)

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

St. Luke's 2015

Income & Expense


Income $90,450 $179,702

Expense $103,835 $208,769

Surplus/(Deficit) ($13,385) ($29,067)


Income $90,450 $179,702

Expense $103,835 $208,769

Surplus/(Deficit) ($13,385) ($29,067)

Income

Income

Expense

Expense

(Deficit)(Deficit)($50,000)

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

St. Luke's 2015

Income & Expense


AnnouncementsBackpacks for Belize

Do you want to be a part of Mission Belize, but cannot go on the trip?

A St. Luke’s mission team will be handing out backpacks this summer in Belize as they go door to door, building relationships with the people of the Concepcion community.

If you would like to share your gifts and help make backpacks, please join us at the Southwest Campus on Sunday nights from 6:00-7:00, starting January 25th.

There will be plenty for sewers and non-sewers to do. Come be a part of this life-changing mission!

Please contact Robin Wolfington at 794-2849 or [email protected] if you would like the backpack assembly instructions or if you have any questions.

Donations of cotton material would be

GREATLY appreciated.

Staff BirthdaysFrank Anderson (4-13)

Nancy Cook (4-21)

Staff AnniversaryRobby Wiginton (1 year)

Sunday Potluck at Southwest Campus

Sunday, April 12You are invited to bring

your favorite dish to share and stay after service for food, fun and fellowship. Did you know that simply

signing in at church assures you will be prayed for? Our

MPG (Monday Prayer Group) team prays for everyone who registers their attendance on Sunday, as well as any prayer requests. Also, joining MPG is a good way to stay efficient in

your prayer life, so come join us every Monday at Southwest at 9am for about an hour. It’s the perfect way to start your week. See Debbie Birchfield, Becky

Page, Tim or Susan Ebelthite for more info, or call church office.

MPG is also trying to gather names of all friends and family of St. Luke’s members that are serving in the military, so we

can keep them lifted in prayer. Please email Debbie Birchfield

at [email protected] with names and ANY prayer requests for the MPG group.

MPG is fueling St. Luke’s through prayer!

Do you love children?Are you looking for a way to serve in the church?

Would you like a part time job with flexible hours? The St. Luke’s Nursery is currently hiring!

To apply email a resume to [email protected] workers must be 18 or older to be considered.

Mostly evening and weekend shifts available.

Got Stuff to Sell? Belize Missions Garage Sale

Saturday, April 25th St. Luke’s Southwest

8:00am-2:00pm

You bring your stuff, you sell it, and you keep the profits!

Buy a spot for $20, and each additional spot is $15. Reserve

your spot online at stlukeslubbock.org

Donations will be accepted.Donated items need to be priced and brought to the church NO earlier than the

morning of the sale (7:15am). All proceeds from these

donated items will go towards the Belize Mission Trip.

For more informationcall 806-410-0684.


Upcoming Events

Bake Salefor Belize

Sunday, April 12th

Both campuses will host a bake sale to support the

Belize Mission trip.

Show your support by donating baked goods

and casseroles and staying after services to purchase

some goodies.

Created by GodWill meet at the Southwest Campus

Created by God...• Is a class on human sexuality for fifth grade students. • Is based on Scripture.• Affirms growth and change as part of God’s plan.• Recognizes and celebrates sexuality as a good gift from God.• Challenges all to make careful decisions.• Celebrates God’s love and forgiveness.• Examines the characteristics of intimacy, relationally and physically.• Gives guidelines for lifelong loving relationships, first with God, then with others.

April 19 @ 5:30—Parent & Student SessionApril 19 @ 6—Student SessionApril 26 @ 5:30—Student Session

May 3 @ 5:30—Student SessionMay 10 @ 5:30—Student SessionMay 10 @ 7—Parent & Student Session

Holy Week EventsSunday 3/29Palm Sunday

Monday 3/30 — Friday 4/3Brown Bag Lunch

12 pm • Central Fellowship HallMaundy Thursday 4/2

MessiahA dramatic and entertaining Gospel short film

about the birth of Christianity.6 pm • Central Fellowship Hall

Good Friday 4/3Worship Service

6 pm • Southwest CampusSaturday 4/4

Easter Eggstravaganza10 am • Central Campus

10:30 am • Southwest CampusEaster Sunday 4/5

7 am • Sonrise Service • SW8:30 am • Traditional Service • C

10:30 am• Contemporary Service • SW10:45 am • Experiential Service • C

11 am • VidaAbundante Worship & Lunch • C


(806) 765-7877Fax: (806) 765-8109

Jim Potts

JIM POTTS AUTO GLASS, LLC

2204 Avenue J Lubbock, Texas 79411

1-800-319-3405www.jimpottsautoglass.com

PATTY JONESREALTOR

[email protected]

*Ad space in the newsletter highlights your business and helps underwrite the cost of printing & mailing the newsletter. If you are interested, please contact us at [email protected]

Death Knocking, Life Calling:THE AMAZING TRUE STORY OF

RANDY AND MARY ANN GALLAWAY

Now available at Amazon.comand Hastings

Other books by BEAR MILLSTHE ECUADORIAN DECEPTION

ASSASSIN: BOOK TWO IN THE ECUADORIAN DECEPTION SERIES

Bear [email protected]

432-559-8339 Facebook: Bear Mills Author

PIANO SERVICE

The Piano ManP.O. Box 6392 Lubbock, TX 79493

Bill CarrellOwner-Technician (806)787-4252

CARRELL’S

(806)785-8293office(940) 704-2219 cell(806) 794-4334 [email protected] site: www.westfallrealtyinc.com

Looking for a way you and your family can connect to St. Luke’s?

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If you would like your special event published on UBelong, contact Reba at the church office or via email at [email protected].

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CARRELL’S

SENIOR PASTORDr. Andy Hurst

ASSOCIATE PASTOR/LEAD PASTOR SOUTHWEST

Rev. Matt Wolfington

ASSOCIATE PASTOR/CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Rev. Don Kinder

VIDA ABUNDANTEHISPANIC PASTOR

Rev. Jorge Jorge

MINISTER OF MUSICDr. Andy Coward

PRAISE & WORSHIP LEADERSouthwest - Ashleigh Brewer

ORGANISTKaren Dawson

CHILDREN’S PASTORSCentral - Sara LattimoreSouthwest - Tessa Armes

STUDENT PASTORKurtis Vanderpool

MEDIA COORDINATORReba Underwood

BUSINESS MANAGERFlorence Ann McVay

CENTRALMINISTRY ASSISTANT

Shalan Inmon

CENTRAL & SOUTHWESTMINISTRY ASSISTANT

Nancy Cook

PARISH NURSELinda McMurry

AFTER SCHOOLPROGRAM DIRECTOR

Kelcee Linnenkugel

DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOLMrs. K

DIRECTOR OF PARENTS DAY OUT

Vicki Davidson

MAINTENANCE/CUSTODIALSUPERVISOR

Stephen Sessums

CUSTODIANSVeronica Orosco

Joe Ortiz

SECURITYFrank Anderson

Contact

Worship OpportunitiesCentral Southwest

8:30 am Traditional Service9:30 am Sunday School

10:45 am Experiential Service11:00 am Hispanic Service

9:30 am Sunday School10:30 am Contemporary Service

visit us onlinewww.stlukeslubbock.org

[email protected]

3708 45th StreetLubbock, TX 79413

797-4393 [phone]797-4395 [fax]806

Office Hours

C e n t r a l

Monday - Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

5805 98th StreetLubbock, TX 79424

771-0555 [phone]797-4395 [fax]806

S o u t h w e s t

Office Hours Monday - Friday9:00 AM - NOON

“St. Luke’s Lubbock”“St. Luke’s Southwest”“St Lukes Youth”

@stlukeslbK@Stlukeslubbock@MattPastor2u

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St. Luke’s United Methodist Church3708 45th St. • Lubbock, TX 79413

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a note from pastor andystorage.cloversites.com/stlukesunitedmethodistchurch...after information that...

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