Message from the Pastor

I want to thank you for joining me this year in looking at Lent through the lens of Beauty, Wonder, Meaning, Curiosity, Delight, Connection, and Self-Giving. I have encouraged you to try and seek out these words around you in daily life, to notice the details of awe and wonder around you.

Over the past few weeks, our Growing in Wonder group has leaned into these words through storytelling and reminiscing, playing games, choosing joy, sharing children's stories, and walking a finger labyrinth. A few weeks ago I asked everyone to describe some of their earliest memories of the love of God. Kate Bowler asks it this way, "Was there a time and place where you truly felt beloved?" After a few moments, vivid memories and descriptions began to pour forth. It was an honor to share these together. I wonder what that might be for you. Do you have a sensation or memory when you really felt the love of God for you?

As for myself, I think of how I felt when my parents would hug me as a child. It was all encompassing and tender and safe. When I think of sensing the love of God, I always return to the feeling of an embrace. While we were in Branson, my youngest daughter Adalyn hugged anyone and everyone. The waiter or waitress at a restaurant. The woman giving the cave tour. The random individual in the museum. Another family on vacation. It didn't really matter if you were ready for the hug or really wanted one. She put everything she had into the hug, sometimes catching the recipient off guard. Many times I would awkwardly smile and try to explain that she didn't understand personal space. Although I continued to try to instruct her that not everyone likes to be hugged and we need to ask first, it was to no avail. She was ready to hug the world.

Soon we will journey through Holy Week together, moving through many different phrases and emotions. We will go from "Hosanna" to "Love One Another" to "Crucify Him" to "He is Risen." And as we move through the week together, may the love of God linger with you, a God who doesn't know personal space, only personal grace.

Feeling God's Love
A blessing by Kate Bowler from her book Have A Beautiful, Terrible Day

God, it has taken a while to see it,
clouded as these days have been
with a vague sense of unease,
gradually coming to my awareness
that I need to feel your love.
Not generally. Not for the whole world.
But for the specific, particular me
that is here, now.
(Though it feels embarrassing to say so.)
But aren't we all at the center
of our own stories?
As heroes, villains, winners, losers,
or whatever fits the plot of the day?

God, rewind this story
back to the beginning,
when my eyes opened and, newborn,
I came into this world wholly loved.
You loved me.
Not for anything I had done,
but simply because.

And here, though my vision is blurry,
I do know what love feels like.
And that is life to me.

So remind me again, God,
how the world spins and the winds change
and the oceans churn and not a single fact
tells a different story
than your love for me.

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Hannah

Lectionary Readings for April

Sunday, April 6 — Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Sunday, April 13 — Palm/Passion Sunday
Palm Service
Luke 19:38-40
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Passion Service
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 22:14—23:56 or Luke 23:1-49
Sunday, April 20 — Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12
Sunday, April 27 — Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:27-32
Psalm 150
Revelation 1:4-8
John 20:19-31

The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG

The next meeting for the UWFaith Grace Circle will be on Tuesday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Library. Pastor Hannah will be leading the program. All women are invited to attend!

Everyone is invited to our Palm Sunday Potluck and Easter Egg Hunt on April 13 following worship service. Parents, please bring for each of your children a dozen prize-filled or non-melting candy-filled eggs. There will be a container in the Narthex for anyone from the congregation that would like to donate a dozen eggs. Parents can also place your kiddo’s eggs in the container. Be sure to invite a friend or neighbor to the event! Kids, don’t forget your Easter baskets!!

On April 20, during the 10:30 a.m. Easter Service, we will transform a mesh cross with flowers. Everyone will be invited to come up to the altar and help with the transformation. We will have fresh flowers available, but if you have access to some in your yard or garden please bring them to share.

Come and join us in singing Easter hymns as we go Easter Caroling on Monday, April 21. We will meet in the St Luke parking lot at 5:15 p.m. We will carpool to Azalea at 5:30, then to Indywood at 6:30 p.m.

UWFaith LUNCH BUNCH will resume meeting in May. Watch the bulletin for the date. Members are encouraged to attend Lenten Luncheons each Wednesday at First UMC.

Isabella Givens is our only St. Luke high school graduate this year and she will be honored at a Graduate Recognition & Potluck on May 4. If you wish to give Isabella a graduation gift or card, there will be a gift table set up in the Fellowship Hall for her.

The United Methodist Men is taking applications for their scholarships for the 2025-26 college year. Current high school seniors through current college juniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications can be picked up from either St. Luke or First UM church offices. Applications must be turned in to the First United Methodist Church office no later than April 14, 2025.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE

The Lenten Lunches have begun and meet at 1st UMC in their Fellowship Hall. These are lunch-time gatherings that feature a light lunch provided by different churches (donations collected go to a worthy cause), music and a devotional provided by different pastors, and an opportunity for fellowship. Please plan to attend on Wednesdays during Lent. The doors open at 11:45 a.m. and the remaining schedule follows: April 2 (meal provided by St Luke UMC), and April 9 (meal provided by Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church).

Mark your calendars to attend the Maundy Thursday service on April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at First UMC and Good Friday service on April 18 at 6:00 p.m. at St Luke UMC.

Please join us in the Courtyard at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, for Easter Sunrise Service. A finger-food type breakfast of donuts, muffins, and coffee will be available in the fellowship hall afterwards. We will have our traditional Easter service at 10:30 a.m. Hope you can join us for both!

OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES

If you would like to make a donation for a “Virtual Easter Lily” in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone who is special in your life, we are asking for a $10 donation per Lily. 100% of donations go to the Delta Children’s Advocacy Center. Forms are available on the table in the narthex and the church office. Place your form and donation in the offering plate or bring/mail to the office. Deadline to donate is Monday, April 14.

The United Methodist Men are having their annual “High on the Hog” Easter Pork Loin Sale. The pork loins are herb encrusted and slow smoked with select fruit woods to make these a perfect part of your Easter Sunday meal! Pick up at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at First UMC. Cost $30. Tickets are available in the First UM Church Office.

UWFaith No-Bake Sale will be starting soon. You will be receiving a letter in the mail with all the necessary information. Thanks to all at St. Luke who have believed in the mission and ministry of United Women in Faith and supported us with your prayers and your financial contributions. I know that we can count on you once again.

Worship Greeters are needed for May, June, and July. A Greeter is a very important part of welcoming people to our worship service and helps by passing out bulletins, helping people in and out of cars (when needed), directing visitors to pews or various areas of the church, and helps in other capacities of the service. If you feel called to volunteer and want to sign up, please contact Al Williams or the church office. A sign-up sheet will also be available in the narthex.

Don’t forget that on the second Sunday of every month we collect bags of apples, jars of peanut butter, and also canned goods for the Helping Hands Ministry. That day is also our Dollar Sunday, when you are invited to drop a dollar or two into the basket in the narthex to help support our Compassion Fund, which the pastor uses at their discretion to help those in need.

The 2025 Flower Calendar is available on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the choir room. If you would like to help provide an altar arrangement sometime during the year, please look over the calendar, choose a date or two, and sign up. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be fresh flowers, it could be a lovely silk arrangements, or even a nice plant. If you sign up for two consecutive Sundays, we have a “flower fridge” where we can store your floral arrangement during the week and re-use them the second Sunday. If ordering fresh flowers from a flower shop, please specify you would like them to last for two Sundays. Please contact Sandi Melton (Flower Steward) or the church office to sign up or for more info.

Holy Week Happenings

Snacks for The Well

PreK Play Group

We are excited about offering a PreK Play time (for children ages 1-3) on Wednesday mornings at 9 on April 2 and April 9. This will be a one-hour class led by Kelsey Elizabeth. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your little ones for social interaction and education in addition to getting to know other parents in town. Please share and invite others to join.

Run4Zoe 5K

Employment Opportunities

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is searching for an employee to fill our Music Director position and would welcome help from the congregation in spreading the word.

As you know, Beverly Jacks has served as interim Director for the past year or so. She does a lovely job and has been happy to serve our church with her gifts, but she would like a break if a suitable person can be found to lead the choir. Previous experience in a church setting is preferred but not required. Salary will be negotiable.

Please share this information with any suitable candidates you know who might be interested in working at St. Luke. Any further questions may be directed to Rev. Hannah or to Lisa in the church office.

The St. Luke Scene

Frankie Brewer’s Birthday at Indywood

Bridal Shower for Libby Bassie

Bridal Shower for Mary Jayson Rogers

PreK Play Group

Parks AR Party

Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper

Events in April

April 2, Wednesday
— PreK Play Group, 9-10:00 am (PreK SS Classroom)
— Lenten Luncheon, 11:45 am (First UMC)
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 pm (First UMC)

April 6, Sunday
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 5:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 7, Monday
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 12:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 8, Tuesday
— UWFaith Grace Circle, 10:00 am (Church Library)

April 9, Wednesday
— PreK Play Group, 9-10:00 am (PreK SS Classroom)
— Lenten Luncheon, 11:45 am (First UMC)
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 pm (First UMC)
— Church Council Meeting, 6:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 13, Sunday
— Second Sunday Mission for Helping Hands
— Palm Sunday Potluck, 11:35 am
— Easter Egg Hunt following Potluck
— Deadline for Virtual Lily: The Delta Children’s Advocacy Center
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 5:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 14, Monday
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 12:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 17, Thursday
— Maundy Thursday Service, 6:00 pm (First UMC)

April 18, Friday
— Good Friday Service, 6:00 pm (St. Luke UMC)

April 20, Sunday
— Sunrise Service, 7:00 am (St. Luke Courtyard)
— Easter Service, 10:30 am (Sanctuary)

April 21, Monday
— Church Office Closed for Easter Monday
— Easter Caroling, 5:15 pm (meet in St. Luke Parking Lot)

April 23, Wednesday
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 pm (First UMC)

April 27, Sunday
— “Holy Humor Sunday” Service, 10:30 am (Sanctuary)
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 5:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 28, Monday
— “Growing in Wonder” Study, 12:00 pm (Fellowship Hall)

April 30, Wednesday
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 pm (First UMC)

Events in May

May 4, Sunday
— Graduate Recognition & Potluck, 11:35 am

May 18, Sunday
— Confirmation Sunday, 10:30 am
— Finance Meeting, 11:35 am (Fellowship Hall)

May 20, Tuesday - May 22, Thursday
— VBS (First UMC) -more info to come

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April 2025

April 3, 2025St. Luke United Methodist Church

Message from the Pastor

Lectionary Readings for April