Volume 33, Issue 12 December/Deciembre 2018 WORSHIP

November 18, 2018 26th Sunday in Kingdomtide COMMITMENT SUNDAY

1 Samuel 1:4-20 Psalm 113 Hebrews 10:11-14 Mark 13:1-8

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

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel 4 PM - A Way Forward

November 25, 2018 Christ the King Sunday

2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-12 Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37

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

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

December 2, 2018 1st Sunday of Advent

James 2:14-18 Worship Theme—FAITH 8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

December 9, 2018 2nd Sunday of Advent Luke 4:16-19 Worship Theme—JOY

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

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service -Chapel

December 16, 2018 3rd Sunday of Advent

Psalm 131 Worship Theme —HOPE 8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service - Chapel

December 23, 2018 4thSunday of Advent

1 Corinthians 13 Worship Theme—LOVE 8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 9:30 a.m. Christmas Brunch - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service -Chapel

December 30, 2018 1st Sunday after Christmas Wesley Covenant Service

8:45 a.m. Awakening Service - Fellowship Hall 9:30 a.m. Christmas Brunch - Fellowship Hall 10:55 a.m. Blended Service - Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service -Chapel

From the Pastor’s Heart…

Dear Friends,

Over the next five weeks we will travel once again through season of Advent and Christmas. Listed below you will find many special services that are offered as one way to experience the specialness of this season. Most of all, it is my hope that your life will be touched by the power and

mercy of God, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and expectantly await Christ’s return. I look forward to seeing you in worship as we gather to give thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ.

Blessings, Pastor Joe

Wednesday, November 28th 5 PM “FEAST” – Advent Fair/Alternative Christian Market

Wednesday, December 5th 5PM “FEAST” – Church Volunteer Recognition

Wednesday, December 12th 5PM “FEAST” – Kids of the Kingdom present “It All Happened in the Country”

Wednesday, December 19th 5PM “Final FEAST for 2018” – CROSSFLAME Youth Choir’s Christmas “Three One Act Plays”

Sunday, December 2nd - Worship Theme “Faith” Scripture: James 2:14-18 Mission Focus: “Salvation Army” 7PM Messiah Sing – Sanctuary

Sunday, December 9th - Worship Theme “Joy” Scripture: Luke 4:16-19 Mission Focus: “Safe Harbor” 8:45 AM RUACH Cantata “Good News” 10:55 AM Chancel Choir Cantata “Small Dancing Light”

Friday, December 14th - 10 AM Child Development Center (CDC) Christmas Program in the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 16th - Worship Theme “Hope” Scripture: Psalm 121 Mission Focus: “Viewmont School” 9:50 AM Children’s Birthday Party for Jesus 6 PM Los Posadas in Family Life Center

Sunday, December 23rd - 9:30 AM Christmas Brunch in Fellowship Hall (Bring your favorite breakfast/brunch dishes to share) 8:45 a.m. & 10:55 AM Worship Theme: “Love” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13 Mission Focus: “Habitat for Humanity”

Monday, December 24th - CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5 PM Family Friendly Candlelight/Holy Communion Service in Fellowship Hall 7PM Traditional Candlelight/Holy Communion Service in Sanctuary Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Mission Focus: “Child Development Service”

Sunday, December 30th - Wesley Covenant Service—both 8:45 AM & 10:55 AM Guest Speaker: Ron Sinclair Mission Focus: “CROSSFLAME Choir”

Wedding Bells St. Luke’s Congregation celebrates the marriage of Nicole Danielle Davis and Patrick “Pat” McNamara on Saturday, October 20th in the Sanctuary. Rev. Ryan Spurrier officiated.

Welcome New Members

On Sunday November 11th during the 8:45 a.m. service, the congregations welcomed

Barbara Ellen Appling to the family of Christ at St. Luke’s. She comes to us from Church of the Good Shepherd UMC in Vienna, Virginia. She is married to Hugh Appling, has three grown sons and is a retired teacher. She likes hiking, reading, writing, gardening, and playing with grandkids. Barbara helps with CROSSFLAME and is part of the Monday night square dance group.

We also welcome Bill and Ann Weese to the family of Christ at St. Luke’s. They come to us from First United Methodist Church in Bentenville, Arkansas where they both were involved in Bible studies and church life. Bill and Ann have two adult children. They are retired.

Also at the 10:55 a.m. Service we welcomed three families. Robin Warlick Garrison joined by transfer from Christ United Methodist Church, Drexel, North Carolina. She has one daughter and is employed with Frye Regional Medical Center as a occupational therapist assistant.

Mike and Tina Lowman join with the body of Christ here at St. Luke’s from Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Connelly Springs, NC. She is employed with East Burke High School as the Chorus Teacher and he is Director of Pharmacy at CHS-Blue Ridge in Morganton. They have one son.

Jeff and Linda Eyre join us from Pennington United Methodist Church, Pennington, New Jersey. They have a daughter, Allyson, who is a freshman at NCSU. Jeff is a retired Director of Engineering and Linda is also retired.

Christian Sympathy

Sincere sympathy of the pastors and congregation to the family of Susan Cannon and her family in the homegoing of her sister-in-law, Sue Cannon in Rutherfordton on October 21, 2018; also to the family of Cindy Sills in the homegoing of her father, Rev. H. L. Wilson, Jr. of Asheville, October 30, 2018. Condolences of the pastors and congregation to the family of Ernestine Battle in the accidental death of her father, Victor Edwards of Minnesota on October 28th; and to the family of Brenda Watson in the recent homegoing of her mother, May Honeycutt of Statesville on November 8, 2018.

Welcome To Our Newest Member We rejoice at the birth of Emma Jane Windham to Adam and Caroline Windham on October 27, 2018.

We also rejoice in the birth of Stephen Galaes Moncada Reynolds to David and Hannah Reynolds-Moncada on November 10, 2018. He is the nephew of Josh and Jessica Stamey and the grandson of Rick and Yvonne Reynolds.

A SISTERHOOD OF GRACE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

St. Luke’s UMW, St. Luke’s Hispanic Women, Hartzell UMC’s UMW

St. Luke’s United Methodist Women invites all women to join them for a multicultural Christmas celebration of mission to be held on Tuesday, December 11th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. A group from Hartzell UMC will bring the musical entertainment following a covered dish meal. The joint Christmas Party of St. Luke’s UMW, Enterprising Women, and Hartzell’s UMW has been an annual gathering of our Sisterhood since being introduced by our first president of UMW’s re-chartering, the now Reverend Aryn Williams-Ruebels. This is a wonderful, fun event to learn more about United Methodist Women, show support for local and global mission work, and most importantly, to fellowship with our Sisters in faith. Please bring a covered dish to share and join us for this special Christmas gathering. St. Luke’s UMW has RADA products catalogs available for your Christmas shopping with all profits going to local missions. RADA has knives, kitchen utensils, and food mixes of excellent quality at reasonable prices, including gift box sets. Highly recommended are the tomato knife, the granny peeler, knife sharpener, and whisk. See Frances Garrard or any UMW member and treat yourself or a friend! A few beautiful UMW Inspirational Calendars for 2019 are still available in the Church Office at $8 each. St. Luke’s UMW greatly appreciates your gracious and generous support of their mission work with Viewmont School, the CDC, UMCOR, and national an international missions throughout the year.

Our New Staff Member The Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Marie Denig has accepted the position of Director of Music and Creative Arts, to succeed Ron Sinclair upon Ron’s retirement. Marie studied at Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma City University, and has over 17 years of experience as Accompanist, Assistant Music Director, and Music Director at United Methodist Churches in the Triad area. She is coming to us from Greensboro College, where she is the Musical Director for Musical Theater Productions. Marie will begin her new job with St. Luke’s on December 3rd and plans to visit for key meetings and rehearsals during November as well. We look forward to formally introducing Marie to the congregation in December.

St Luke’s Staff Parish Committee

By Our Attendance October 28, 2018 8:45 Awakening Service .............................. 83 Sunday School ............... 151 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 212 Westview ....................... 55 11 Bilingual ................................................... 14 TOTAL ............................. 364 November 4, 2018 8:45 Awakening Service .............................. 84 Sunday School ............... . 139 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 224 Westview ...................... 65 Bilingual ....................................................... 18 TOTAL ............................ 396

November 11, 2018 8:45 Awakening Service .............................. 103 Sunday School ........... 135 10:55 Blended Service ................................ 200 Westview .................... 61 11 Bilingual ................................................... 15 TOTAL ......................... 379

PRAYER CONCERNS (Also see House of Prayer List.)

By Our Service: November/December November 18, 2018

Altar Guild: Judy Cain Debbie Cashion Candy Sapp Jamie Smith

Sanctuary 10:55 am Stuart Deans, Capt.

Dan Carusey John Everley Doug Holman

Mark Holman Tom Stewart David Willoughby

Nursery - Donna Gerrard

November 25, 2018

Altar Guild: Judy Cain Debbie Cashion Candy Sapp Jamie Smith Sanctuary 10:55 am Keevan Johnston, Capt.

Jim Hollomon Ron Kyle Mark Romeo Andrew Straw

Nursery - Jill Docherty December 2, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers Sanctuary 10:55 am Keevan Johnston, Capt.

Jim Hollomon Ron Kyle Mark Romeo Andrew Straw

Nursery - Jeanna Kerley

December 9, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

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

Dennis Bell Steve Brown Alex Corpening

David Craft Gary Henson Ernie Sills

Nursery - Jill Kerley

December 16, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

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

Dennis Bell Steve Brown Alex Corpening

David Craft Gary Henson Ernie Sills Nursery - Kathy Marshall

December 23, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

Sanctuary 10:55 am Joe Kerley, Capt.

Roy Brown Mack McLeod Phillip Mosteller

Mike Smith Gary Stafford Doug Winders

Nursery - Sandy Fletcher

December 24, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers Fellowship Hall 5:00 p.m. Sanctuary 7 pm

December 30, 2018

Altar Guild: All Altar Guild Volunteers

Sanctuary 10:55 am Joe Kerley, Capt.

Roy Brown Mack McLeod Phillip Mosteller

Mike Smith Gary Stafford Doug Winders

Nursery - Roy & Bink Brown

SERVANT MINISTRY 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.

Christian Sympathy Sincere sympathy of the pastors and congregation to the families of Susan Cannon , Ernestine Battle, Cindy Sills and Brenda Watson.

Terri Hollomon Peggy Williams Tim Herndon Ernestine Battle Nancy Rudisill Phil Carter George Brown

Dinah Bryant Peggy Hulick Eleanor Apple Emily McClamrock Jim Pendleton Gerry Johnston

Marsha Hanes Jeff Milam Bill & Dot Jarvis Mary Bradshaw Dianne Thompson Lee Jackson

Join us for F.E.A.S.T (Fellowship, Eat and Study Together) Wednesdays

5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Menu for December (meal comes with all sides, beverage, desert and all the fixins): December 5 - BBQ December 12 - Chicken Pie December 19 - Special Fundraiser for CROSSFLAME F.E.A.S.T. begins again January 2, 2019

This Sunday, November 18th, is our Annual Commitment Sunday. You should have received your estimate of

giving card by now. Completing a card should be a very spiritual experience, involving prayer, discernment, and commitment. Think of turning in your card as an act of worship and a covenant between you and God. Your offerings are the first building blocks of Kingdom work. Our focus this year is “Take One Step”. If you do not currently give to the church, Take One Step and begin this year. If

you give sporadically, Take One Step toward giving consistently. If you

give a percentage of your income, Take One Step to the next percentage point. What would happen if each household at St. Luke’s made this commitment? Will you be one of the households who takes this faithful step?

November F.E.A.S.T. November 21 - ThanksGiving Meal

Come at 5:00 p.m. for a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings and join your

Church family for a time of fellowship, worship and a time of thankfulness!

November 28 ADVENT FAIR/

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

St. Luke’s Missions Alive

Westview Fellowship is a ministry collaboration between St. Luke’s and Westview UMC to provide a safe space for individuals and families living on the margins to come and experience a safe space to fellowship, share a meal, and have a devotion together. In August the Design Team introduced a new devotion format in which trained Table Leaders sit with a Table Family to build trust and help facilitate honest and open discussion each week. We still need 6 Table Leaders to ensure every table has a leader. If you have a passion for listening, building trust, and helping people toward a life of change, contact Pastor Monica to discuss opportunities. We are gearing up for the Christmas giveaway at St. Luke’s. This year each Westview family member will receive a hygiene kit (provided by Westview), hat, scarves, and gloves. Our goal is to make 100 bags. Please drop off any donations of hats, gloves and scarves in the church office or designated baskets in the church narthex and Family Life Center Lobby.

Qué esta pasando Estudio Biblico En El Edificio de Los

Jovenes #501 Iglesia Lunes 6:30 pm Para Mas. Informacion Llamar a José Vazquez

828-838-6465.

Cada Lunes 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Clases De Español En El Salon #213 De La Oficina.

Invitación Al Estudio Biblico Llamado Familias Fieles Comiendo Saludable

Cada Martes de 6 - 7:30 p.m. en El

Edificio de Los Jovenes. Para Mayor Informacion vea a Beth Osbahr

The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever and however we can. When you give locally, you ensure that the people in your community get the help they need. Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Las Posadas, (Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States

between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to

Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find

lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable, where the Christ Child was born.

Posada at St. Luke’s will be December 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The Quinceanera is a Mexican tradition that allows girls of age fourteen or fifteen to become women. It is believed to be a

sexual coming of age for girls as well as a symbol of adulthood and newfound maturity.

Altar Guild Christmas Poinsettias Help decorate our worship areas, the Fellowship Hall and the

Sanctuary, for the Christmas season. The cost of one poinsettia is $12, and payment should accompany your order. Fill out the form

below and return to the Church Office by Tuesday, December 11th.

(Please PRINT your information clearly.)

Name _____________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________

No. of Red Poinsettias for FH _____________ x $12 = ______________

No. of Red Poinsettias for Sanctuary__________ x $12 = ___________

In Honor of_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

In Memory of _______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Given by __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Payment CASH _____________ CHECK ____________

(Make checks payable to SLUMC, Memo: Poinsettia.)

Poinsettias may be picked up on Christmas Eve after the 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Service and after the 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Service.

ADVENT BIBLE STUDIES Adam Hamilton helps us imagine Jesus from

Mary's point of view—proud of her son, in awe

of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him

as a person and so much more. Lead by

Pastor Monica Childers.

Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, beginning

November 8th and continuing to

December 20th in the Church Library,

Room #213, Administration Building

Offered also Sunday evenings, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Church Library

Room #213, beginning November 18th and continuing to

December 16th (time will be 4 to 6 p.m.). For more information,

contact Pastor Monica.

On Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m.,

Conference Room, beginning November

14th, Angela Vandett will lead an Advent

study called The Journey, written by Adam

Hamilton.

Travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this

fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ.

Using historical information, archaeological

data, and a personal look at some of the stories

surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will

become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Call the

Church Office to register or contact Angela.

Mosaic Youth For December A big thanks to the whole congregation for an amazing pumpkin patch season this year! We sur-passed our sales goal and were able to net over $12,500 for our youth missions efforts! Thank you for shopping with us, sharing pictures of our patch, and volunteering to help us run the patch! It was a great success by all standards and we’re so excited to do some amazing good with the money raised! -Andrew Woods and the Mosaic Youth

Special events:

Dec 21: Mosaic Youth Christmas Party (5:30-8:00PM)

Sunday night youth:

Dec 2: Advent Lessons

Dec: 9: Advent lessons

Dec 16: Los Posadas (6-8PM)

Dec 23: Christmas Caroling (4-6PM)

Small Groups

Dec 5: Mission Project night

Dec 12 Lessons on Love

Dec 19: CROSSFLAME Christmas Play

No events on Dec 26th or 30th.

WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS BUREAU?

CAN YOU HELP THOSE IN NEED

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS? The Christmas Bureau is a program sponsored by the Catawba County United Way and the Salvation Army

along with a united effort among local citizens, other agencies, and sponsors in Catawba County to coordinate the sharing of Christmas gifts with those in need. Information is shared among agencies to help

prevent duplication of services in order to reach more families in need during the Christmas Season.

This year the gifts will be given out at the American Legion Fairgrounds on Dec. 17th and 18th. Last year in Catawba County approximately 1600 children were served in addition to 360 teenagers.

Thank you very much for all the wonderful support St Luke’s members provided last year and the many donations. It was great!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Sign up by calling United Way to set up the Toy Shop at the Fairgrounds. Set up dates are December 10th through the December 14th.

Assist parents of children as they “shop” for their children on December 17th and December 18th. Call United Way to sign up. Individuals who speak Spanish are especially needed.

Pick 1 or more “Angels” from the Angel Tree located in the Family Life Center and buy gifts.

“Ring the Bell” at the Salvation Army Kettles during November and December, helping the Salvation Army not have to pay individuals to ring the bell.

Take slightly used coats of all sizes to be cleaned free of charge at participating dry cleaners. The coats will be picked up by Salvation Army staff.

Fill Christmas Stockings with toys for children aged 0 to 13. Stockings with instructions are available on the desk located in the Family Life Center.

Give money for Teen Christmas so that volunteers can buy new clothes and “toy” items for the teenagers. Make checks payable to Catawba Co. United Way and earmark for Teen Christmas. Financial assistance is needed because no other funds are available except by donations.

Rose Arant (828-495-1291) and Julia Hudson (828-459-1094) coordinate

Teen Christmas and will take donations for Teen Christmas.

Coy Hudson (828-459-1094) coordinates Bell Ringing,

Christmas Stockings, and the Angel Tree Program.

Deadline for all items and money is Sunday, December 9th.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS VERY IMPORTANT

MINISTRY IN CATAWBA COUNTY.

If you have any questions, contact one of the people above.

An interactive area for children in

worship at the 8:45 a.m. Awakening

Service in the Fellowship Hall!

Worship education for K-3rd graders following children’s moments and participation in worship on 4th

Sundays. Children’s worship education bags are also available in the Narthex

at 9:45 a.m. Disciple Street is themed Bible Stories shared in 4 to 6 week rotations of Science, Games, Art, Cooking and more (9:45-

10:45 a.m. Sunday mornings). Children’s Building Rooms 401 and 403. The theme for December is “The Gift of Jesus” “But the angel said to them. Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 Contact Pat McKim pmckim@slumc.org or call the Church Office 828-327-9837 Ext. 216

December

Family

Newslet ter

Time Capsule Quilt Still in the Making! During our 60th Anniversary Celebration, quilt squares were provided and families were invited to place a picture of their family in the photo pocket and include their name, age of the children, favorite scripture, etc. We are still accepting these in order to make a larger quilt! If you have one of the quilt squares at home and do not plan to use it, would you please return it? If you would like to include your family information in the time capsule, please let Pat know pmckim@slumc.org. The time capsule will be buried just outside the playground.

Shop Early for the Best Christmas present ever!!! At Give your spouse flowers and a gift certificate to our 2019 St. Luke’s Marriage Retreat May 3-5 at Montreat Retreat Center Black Mountain N.C. for only a $50 deposit per couple. Contact Pat McKim to place your order and chose your delivery date!!!!

Speaking of Marriage... Great Date Nights begin January 12th and continues every second Saturday of the month through April. Childcare available on request. Our book for couples this year is “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. Reserve your copy by calling the Church Office.

BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS - Sunday, December 16th at 9:45 a.m. in the Children’s Building. Meet Mary and Joseph and bring gifts for Baby Jesus that we will share with Viewmont Elementary School... Kleenex and Hand Sanitizer are items needed right now. Cake and games and wonderful surprises wait for our children!

Monday, December 24th—CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Family Friendly 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Parents and grandparents and children of all ages are invited to a Living Nativity Pageant. Hot Chocolate and Coffee to warm you with fresh baked cookies!

Everyone has an opportunity to join in the Christmas story. Headpieces and costumes will be available to wear and as your character is shared in the telling of the Christmas story, you are invited to join in the live nativity as it becomes a living picture. Carols and commun-ion will also be part of our time together. This is a wonderful service to attend for those who are hosting family with children in town and children with earlier bedtimes.

The Commission on a Way Forward You are invited to a conversation with Pastor Joe regarding the work of “The Commission on a Way Forward.” We will meet on Sunday, November 18th from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Administration Building Conference Room. Our purpose will be to learn about the history of the UMC related to matters of human sexuality as we review what will be presented at General Conference in February 2019. Our time together will also include prayers for the upcoming General Conference.

The 4 Pianos N Sync Concert

Saturday, December 1st First United Methodist Church, Hickory

with Greg Knight, concert pianist and

Van Cliburn competition finalist (Morganton),

Sylvanna Fraga.

International concert pianist (Valdese),

Rene Shatley, music teacher of the year

(Connelly Springs)

and Rhonda Smith, pianist,

organist and composer (Hudson).

FYI...

Selected music from “The Messiah” Sunday, December 2nd

7:00 p.m. St. Luke’s Sanctuary featuring area musicians including Greg Knight!

Christmas With Rooted!

Sunday, December 20th

7:00 p.m., J.E. Broyhill Civic Center

A live concert featuring the NC Band “Rooted” as well as Poovey’s Chapel Baptist Church Choir.

The event is to support various groups including Bibles for the African Boys and Girls, New Shoes

too African Students in Need. Call Box Office 828-726-2407 or call Joseph Gray at 828-201-9884

General Admission $13.00

A Note From Addie Jo Schonewolf... For two weeks in early January, I will be travelling with a dozen or so of my fellow seminarians and other community members to South Africa on an intercultural immersion. Immersions are a required part of the Masters of Divinity curriculum for students at Wesley and while immersions to everywhere from the US-Mexico border to Liberia have been offered, this South African immersion offers me a unique opportunity to not only experience a new culture, but to hold a mirror up to our own.

There is so much inspiration to be drawn from those leaders in South Africa who, when apartheid had ended, chose forgiveness and reconciliation over continued hate, but who also worked as long and as hard as they could to resist evil and injustice in the forms in which they encountered it.

I am eager to be immersed in these stories, to draw encouragement from them, and to learn every lesson that I can. I expect each experience to be profound and moving, and I look forward to sharing them with each of you when I return.

We will be doing more than investigating South Africa’s past; we will be engaging with South Africa as it is now, in this post-apartheid era. We will be meeting with religious leaders in South Africa, visiting townships and community centers, and seeing the work that is being done to preserve not only South Africa’s history but also its wildlife and nature. By all accounts from those who have gone on this immersion in the past, these are deeply enriching expe-riences that give you a broader picture of life in South Africa beyond apartheid.

As you can imagine, a trip like this carries a not insubstantial cost. Between airfare, accommodations, entry fees, and expert guides, the total cost comes to more than $5000. While I have received substantial support already that has paid for more than half of the cost of the trip, there are still more funds to raise. Every little bit helps and I will be deeply grateful for whatever you can give.

Of course, this experience is not something I want to keep just for myself. While I’m travelling, I will be updating my blog at allowedandawaiting.blogspot.com with descriptions of the day’s events and reflections on what I’m gleaning from the trip. I am also hoping to do a short presentation at St. Luke’s at some point after I return for any who are interested in hearing about the trip and asking questions about my experience. Beyond that, though, I expect this immersion to impact my ministry for the rest of my life, emboldening me to live more fully into my baptismal promises and encouraging others to do the same.

I look forward to sharing the fruits of this journey with you all! Addie Jo Schonewolf

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 & Membership Secretary Cindy Schonewolf, Childcare Coordinator Dawn Huffman, Director of Child Development Center Tracy Lominac, Church Hostess Greg Knight, Pianist Tom Spiggle, Organist

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tel .(828) 327-9837 Fax: 828-327-4043 web: slumc.org Church Office Hours…..Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 am til 5 pm CLOSED FRIDAY

Join with your community as we worship together at the 50th Anniversary

Community Thanksgiving Service

Thursday, November 22, 2018, 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary at

Corinth Reformed Church (next door). Several special speakers and representatives

from our varied religious com-munity will participate. You will

truly be blessed!

A Season of Hope and Anticipation