A monthly publication of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church - Kilgore, Texas
LOVE GOD
LIVE HIS WORD
SHARE HIS GRACE
March 2021
Issue 3
Lent is a season of cleaning. Just as many people spring clean their
houses, during lent we are called to clean out hurtful parts of our
lives. This is not easy and frankly, it is not something we altogether
like doing. The mess can be comforting and can be hard work to
fix, but still, as Christians preparing for Easter it is important.
During Lent we are examining the Seven Deadly Sins and how they
can become a big part of our lives without us knowing, but also
how we can root the problems out and truly experience
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Page 2
Our FaithfulnessPage 3 & 4
Easter At St. Luke’sPage 5
Upcoming EventsPage 6
From the Pastors Desk
Page 7 & 8
St. Luke’s Kids Mother’s Day Out
Page 9
St. Luke’s Youth
Page 10
News & Notes
Page 11
Snow at St. Luke’s
Page 12
Easter Crossword Puzzle
Page 13
Calendar
Page 14
Joys & Concerns Birthdays Anniversaries
Back Page
Guess Who Church Office (903) 984-3576 stlukesumc@stlukeskilgore.comRev. Ben Bagley
(903) 984-3576
Niki Chowdhury
Children & Jr. High Youth Dir. (903) 235-9401 nikichowdhury5@gmail.com Jennifer Powell Dir. of Communications (903) 984-3576 stlukesumc@stlukeskilgore.com Richelle Rathbun Hospitality Coordinator (903) 371-3499 Misty Shipman
Sr. High Youth Dir. (903) 240-4609
mdshipman@hotmail.com
James Vermillion
Music Dir. (903) 241-1447
Staff Contact Information
Like and follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/StLukesUMCKilgore/
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https://www.instagram.com/stlukeskilgore/
Subscribe to our YouTube page
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQl83akQH4YDK-LYlHM0QXQ
Sign-up to receive our emails
OUR Faithfulness
2
Financial News: February 2021
Needed to meet budget each week $8,000
Received 1/31
$25,068.36
Received 2/7
$8,025.72
Received 2/14-2/21
$13, 803.49
Received 2/28
$8378.54
Needed to meet budget
Through February 28
$72,000
Total received for budget
Through February 28
$73,996.20
Difference
$1,996.20
Did you kn0w?
While St. Luke’s UMC has many great ministry opportunities, there is also some cost that we are responsible for as good stewards of the buildings and spaces that we have. Did you know that insurance for all four of our buildings, as well as the three church vehicles, cost $27,000 a year? Your giving and contributions help us to have great ministries but also
Frequently Asked Questions about Tithing
What if I don’t have very much money?
That’s not really the point. Remember that tithing is 10% of your income. If you learn to give the “firstfruits” or first 10% to God it doesn’t matter if that equals $10 or $10,000. However, if you wait to tithe with what is left over at the end of the month you will probably find you never have enough to tithe. Tithing may require to you change some of your spending habits and even cut back on things you don’t really need. If we are all honest, we can find lots of things that we spend money on that we don’t need. Here’s something interesting to consider: people who don’t tithe often say “I don’t have any money” and those that do tithe say, “God always provides for all my needs and more!”
“But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:42-44)
Easter @ St. Luke's
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Palm Sunday
March 28
8:30am
Arise Worship (Sanctuary)
9:30am
Sunday School
10:30am
Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
All kids are invited to participate in a Palm Processional at
the beginning of worship.
Maundy Thursday
April 1
7:00pm
Communion Service (Sanctuary)
What is Easter about? Peeps, chocolate bunnies, colorful
eggs, and gifts? These things might come to mind, but
Easter is about so much more! This season bring your
peeps and come celebrate at St. Luke’s. You’ll hear the
powerful resurrection story and make memories with the
family. We have activities for all ages from a
Glow-in-the-dark Easter Egg Hunt and a family photo
booth to traditional sunrise worship. You don’t want to
miss it! We would love to see you there!
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We are excited about the
upcoming Easter plans but we
need your help. There are
several different ways you can
be involved.
• Volunteers for the Prayer
Stations
• Sponsor the movie cost
(approximately $600)
• Sponsor the
glow-in-the-dark eggs (approximately
$200)
• Bring Candy for the Easter
Egg Hunt
• Help greet and guide visitors
during the movie
If you would like to be involved
in any way or even sponsor a
portion of the cost, please let us
know in the church office.
Good Friday
April 2
Easter Family Movie Night
6:30-7:30pm
Interactive Prayer Stations
7:30pm
Movie on the Activity Lot
9:00pm
Glow-in-the-dark Egg Hunt
Easter Sunday
April 4
6:30am
Sunrise Worship (Family Center Lawn)
8:30am
Arise Worship (Sanctuary)
9:30am
Easter Egg Hunt
No Children or Youth Sunday School
10:30am
Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
How Can I
be involved?
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
Holy Huddlers
We would like to invite and welcome everyone to eat and fellowship as the Holy Huddlers. We will meet twice a month (not always the same week of the month due to holidays) Supper will be on you, but the fellowship will be shared by all.
March 12
6:00pm
The Tackle Box, Kilgore
March 26
6:00pm
Dairy Queen, White Oak
If you have any questions, please call Miki Ellis at 903-987-2506.
Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, March 25
6:00pm
Do you have questions about what’s happening at St. Luke’s? Suggestions for new ministry opportunities? Join us for a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 25. We will meet in the Sanctuary at 6:00pm.
Serve Day
Saturday, March 27
10:00am-12:00pm
Join us for a day of service and fellowship. We will meet in the Family Center and divide up to complete several small service projects around our neighborhood and the community. Projects will include stuffing eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt, making and handing out blessing bags for our community, giving out invitations to the Easter Family Movie Night, and Random Acts of Kindness. We hope to see you there.
Youth Spaghetti Lunch
Fundraiser
Sunday, March 28
9:30am-12:00pm
Youth Chicken Spaghetti Luncheon - The youth will hold their annual Chicken Spaghetti Luncheon on Sunday, March 28. Take outs will be available in the family center from 9:30am-12:00pm. We ask for minimum $5 per person donation for each take out, which will include chicken spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. Full pans (feeds about 8 people) will also be available for purchase for $30. You can order online on our website and pay when you pick up. All proceeds will go toward youth summer camps and mission trips.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28
8:30am & 10:30am Worship
All Kids are invited to participate in a Palm Processional at the beginning of worship.
All worship moves back to the Sanctuary. We will still wear masks and social distance.
April Sermon Serie s
An important part of worship since the earliest days of the church has been the Affirmation of Faith. This is a time when we, as a congregation, lift our voices together and state what it is that we believe. It is not meant to simply be words or a declaration but something more. They are supposed to be words that flow from how we are and who God is. During April we will be exploring the Apostles Creed to better understand the words we believe and what they say about the God we serve. Join us as we dig deeper into what we believe.
Short-term Bible Study
Sundays, April 11-May 4
4:00pm
Pastor Ben will be leading a short-term Bible Study in April that will enhance the April sermon series about The Apostles Creed. All adults are invited to participate. We will have children’s and youth Bible Study and Activities at the same time.
Give your burdens to the LORD, and He will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22
When someone asks the question “How are you doing?”, what is your normal response? Do you say
fine, or something positive? Do you give a nice platitude? Do you ever answer the question with how
you are really feeling? When someone asks you on a bad day, are you honest and tell them, or
simply stay quiet? This question has come up in my last several devotionals and is interesting to
ponder. It goes beyond simple honesty. We do not lie when asked for the sake of lying, typically we
lie when asked this question because we simply think the other person does not care about how we
are really doing.
The passage above from Psalms 55 reminds us that even when we feel like others might not be
concerned with our feelings or how we are handling life, God does. God is there always willing to
listen and to offer grace when we are in need. This has been a great solace over the last several
months as we have faced untold issues and in many cases have been limited in who we have had to
talk to.
But I was also struck by the question of how we answer the question when reading an interview of
Mike Yaconelli. He had several great ministries in his life, but when he was asked about answering
the question of how life was going honestly, he said this about the church:
Mike reminds us that as a church our calling is to live out the same grace God has shown us. Just as
God listens and offers us hope, we are called to listen and offer hope to those that bring their
burdens to us. Your church and church family are here for you. No matter what you are facing or
dealing with, we are here to listen and offer hope.
Rev. Ben Bagley
Sr. Pastor
FROM THE PASTORS DESK
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“The church ought to be the one place where I’m so anxious to
get there because I can stop the pretending. When you ask,
‘How are you?’ I don't go ‘Praise the Lord,’ I say, ‘I’m in bad
shape.’ And you go, ‘Okay great. Tell me about it.’”
St. Luke’s Kids & MDO
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on all the great things
happening in children’s ministry and at St. Luke’s MDO
St. Luke’s Kids
https://www.facebook.com/ stlukeskilgorekidsSt. Luke’s MDO
https://www.facebook.com/ stlukesmdo7
When race car drivers hear the call to “start your engines,” the
mission is clear, and they are ready to go, go, go! The same can be said for those of us who follow Jesus. Jesus is calling each of us to start our engines and go do what He has prepared us to do. His call is to “love each other the way I have loved you.” Yes, the mission is clear, and it’s time for us to help our preschoolers get ready to go, go, go and love, love, love— like Jesus! And, how do we love like Jesus? We put others first and are a good friend. We share with others, help others, and say kind words to each other. When we do these things, our light shines bright and the love of Jesus shines through us. Preschoolers want to show everyone that, “I can do it. I can put on my shoes. I can make my bed. I can carry heavy things.” Let’s help them add, “I can love like Jesus,” to that list. Join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 to start your engines!
Lakeview Church camp
2021
Registration is now open!
Visit our website to sign-up
http://stlukeskilgore.com/churchcamp2021
Session 4: July 5-July 9, 2021
Cost: $440
Church camp is open to those who
have completed the 2nd-12th grades
MARCH EVENTS
March 7
Acolytes return to worship
APRIL EVENTS
April 1
Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm
Sanctuary
April 2
Easter Family Movie Night 6:30pm-9:00pm
Activity Lot
April 4
Easter Sunday Worship 6:30am, 8:30am, & 10:30am Easter Egg Hunt
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Elementary will be learning about the connection between patience and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Waiting is a part of life. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait on our own. God can help us experience the patience we need to wait well. After all, God is patient. God is in control and knows what’s best for us. Even though God’s people had been waiting for years for the promised Savior, at just the right time, God sent Jesus. As we are created in God’s image, we can reflect His patience in our lives. We can be patient when we remember what God has done and trust God, no matter what.
If you are unable to come to church, be sure to check out our lesson videos on our website at www.stlukeskilgore.com/ childrensvideos
It's hard to believe that it's already time to start planning for the upcoming school year. Registration for the 2021-2022 school year will open to currently enrolled families on March 24th. We will open registration to the public on April 5th. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about our wonderful program.
This month in Chapel, we will learn what it means to love like Jesus. His call is to “love each other the way I have loved you.” How do we love like Jesus? We put others first and are a good friend. We share with others, help others, and say kind words to each other. When we do these things, our light shines bright and the love of Jesus shines through us. Preschoolers want to show everyone that, “I can do it. I can put on my shoes. I can make my bed. I can carry heavy things.” Let’s help them add, “I can love like Jesus,” to that list.
“Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
In His Service,
~
Misty Shipman
DOWNLOAD
THE PARENT CUE APP
ACOLYTE NEWS
We are starting Acolytes back in worship March 7, during traditional worship!!! This is a great opportunity for you older children to serve in worship. If your child is interested, please let Niki Chowdhury know.
Thank you to our wonderful acolyte coordinator, Carolina Bryant, for scheduling this ministry opportunity for our children.
EASTER CANDY NEEDED!
I love seeing all the kiddos during Easter hunting eggs and the excitement on their faces as they open them all . All of this is made possible through your generous donations of wrapped candy for our Easter Egg Hunt! This year we will have TWO Easter Egg Hunts. One on Friday, April 2 and the other on Easter Sunday, April 4. Please drop off candy at the church office. Many thanks for your help.
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St. Luke’s Youth
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on all the great things happening with St. Luke’s Youth.
St. Luke’s Youth
https://www.facebook.com/
stlukesyouthkilgore
@sly_srhigh
Sr high Bible Study
Do Something
Whether it’s the kid being bullied at school, the children in other countries without enough to eat, or someone in their neighborhood being judged by the color of their skin, chances are your student has witnessed or experienced injustice in the world around them. And it’s probably caused them to stop and think, “Someone should do something about that!” All the questions they’re asking about why it’s happening, what they should do, and where God is in the midst of it? In this series, Do Something, we’re going to try and answer those questions as we discover how much Jesus cares about injustice and how we can see something, say something, and do something in response.
~
Misty Shipman
Jr high Bible Study
Do Something
This month the Jr High Youth’s new series, Do Something, is a series designed to help middle schoolers listen, learn, and lead in response to injustices in the world around them. This can be a difficult topic to talk about as your middle schooler may not recognize injustices they see or experience in the world. And if they do, chances are they may feel overwhelmed at the thought of trying to help! The goal of this series isn’t to motivate them to a one-time response, but rather, to help open their eyes to what injustice is and how they can be a part of the solution in listening, learning, and serving throughout the course of their lives.
~
Niki Chowdhury
Chicken Spaghetti Fundraiser
Youth Chicken Spaghetti Luncheon - The youth will hold their annual Chicken Spaghetti Luncheon on Sunday, March 28th. Take outs will be available in the
family center from 9:30am-12:00pm. We ask for minimum $5 per person donation for each take out, which will include chicken spaghetti,
salad, and garlic bread. Full pans (feeds about 8 people) will also be available for purchase for $30. You can order online on our website and pay when you pick up. All proceeds will go toward youth summer camps and mission trips.
SERVICE EVENT
Youth to serve at East Texas Food Bank in Tyler on Wednesday, March 31. Meet at the church gym at 4:20pm, please eat before you come. We will return around 8:00pm. Please sign up with this link from the East Texas Food Bank http://
stlukesmethodistchurch.etfbvolunteercenter.volunteerhub.com/.
MARCH EVENTS
March 28
Chicken Spaghetti Fundraiser 9:30am-12:00pm
Family Center
March 31
Youth Serve at East TX Food Bank 4:20pm-8:00pm
Meet at the Gym
APRIL EVENTS
April 1
Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm
Sanctuary
April 2
Easter Family Movie Night 6:30pm-9:00pm
Activity Lot
April 4
Easter Sunday Worship 6:30am, 8:30am, & 10:30am
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2021 Board Members
Ginny Anderson
Michael Barnard
Carla Branson
Sheryl Caraway
Tommy Farnham
T.J. Gillen-Hall
Wendell Holcombe
Keith Hooks
Andrea McGilvray
Garry Mount
Lydia Rathbun
Denise Reinert
Karen Wilson
Syrena Witt
News & Notes
Heritage Team
We have a lot to celebrate over the next few years. In 2022 we will celebrate 90 years of worship in our historic Sanctuary and in 2023 we will celebrate 150 years of ministry in Kilgore.
Here’s how you can help
1. Share your memories with us
We would love to see your photos and hear your stories about St. Luke’s. If you were baptized, confirmed , or married at St. Luke’s; or if you just came to VBS or youth events, share a photo with us. Photos can be emailed to the church office (stlukesumc@stlukeskilgore.com), texted to Jennifer
(713-306-4274), or stop by and we can scan a copy of it.
2. Join the Heritage Team
If you love history, research, or planning fun events we want to see you on the Heritage Team. We have lots of ideas to celebrate these amazing milestones in our church history, but we are going to need your help planning them. If you would like to be a part of the Heritage Team please contact Jennifer in the church office or join us for a planning meeting on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:00pm.
Some things the Team will be doing
1. Collecting and organizing historical documents, photos, and video histories to create a full picture of our past.
2. Plan celebrations for 2022 & 2023.
3. Plan and create a visual timeline of St. Luke’s history
Music News
Last fall the Board of Stewards hired Lydia Lim as our interim organist. She was a gifted pianist and began working on her skill with our historic organ. It did not take long for her to be able to bless us with the sounds of the organ as it accompanied our weekly traditional service. In January, because of her skill and dedication, the Board of Stewards made Lydia our permanent organist. We are pleased that she is willing to be a part of the worship experience at St. Luke’s UMC .
Community Prayer Net
Have you seen stopped by the prayer net? We want to be a congregation that prays. You are encouraged to leave a prayer request on the pink cards provided at the Prayer Net so that our Prayer Team can pray for you.
Be on the lookout for a prayer net in your neighborhood. Several families have volunteered to host Prayer Nets in their yard.
S n o w at S t. L u k e ’ s
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Snow Day
This year has already thrown us several
curveballs, with the most spectacular
being almost a foot of snow. It was great
seeing the church covered in snow and
also a blessing that we received minimal
damage from the storm. Two small pipes
burst at the church, but all water drained
down a large drain. We are grateful for
the snow and the minimal damage to
the church campus.
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Calendar
Also Scheduled…
March 95:30pm-6:30pm Drive-Thru Communion
March 12
6:00pm Holy Huddlers at The Tackle Box
March 14
Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 15-19
KISD Spring Break
March 17
NO Wednesday Night Activities March 25
6:00pm Town Hall Meeting (Sanctuary)
March 26
6:00pm Holy Huddlers at Dairy Queen (White Oak)
March 27
10:00am-12:00pm Serve Day
March 28
Palm Sunday
All Worship returns to the Sanctuary
9:30am-12:00pm Youth Chicken Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser
March 30
6:00pm Heritage Team Meeting (Parlor)
March 31
4:20pm-8:00pm Youth serve at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 1
7:00pm Maundy Thursday Communion Service (Sanctuary)
April 2
Easter Family Movie Night (Church Grounds)
6:30pm Interactive Prayer Stations 7:30pm Movie & Popcorn
9:00pm Glow-in-the-dark Egg hunt
April 4
6:30am Sunrise Service (Family Center Plaza) 8:30am Easter Worship (Sanctuary)
9:30am Sunday School
NO Children’s or Youth Sunday School 10:30am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
Sundays, April 11-May 2
4:00pm Short-Term Bible Study All ages
Recurring Weekly:
Sunday
8:30am
Arise Worship*
(Gym)9:30am
Sunday School*
10:30am
Traditional Worship *
(Sanctuary)
Monday
9:00am-2:00pm Mother’s Day Out
9:00am-9:45am Exercise
(Family Center)Tuesday
11:45am
Lunchtime Bible Study
(Family Center)
Wednesday
9:00am-2:00pm Mother’s Day Out
9:00am-9:45am Exercise
(Family Center)6:00pm
Children’s Bible Study
Children’s Music
Youth Bible Study
Adult Bible Study*
6:30pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
6:30pm Arise Band Rehearsal
Friday
9:00am-9:45am Exercise
(Family Center)* Nursery provided for this event. ** Nursery can be arranged for this event.
Call Niki Chowdhury, 903-984-3576.
A complete schedule of events including scouts and private events can be found on
Joys & Concerns
14
Prayers for our members
March 1 Chet Garner March 2 Cindy Venable March 4 Brendon Hoberecht March 5 Joyce Northcutt March 6 TJ Gillen-Hall Misti Tuck March 7 Randy Holder Art Morchat March 8 Cody Sprayberry March 9 Trace Buyher Lydia Rathbun March 10 Billie Barton Cole Hatchett J. Woolley March 13 Leeland Hatt Michael Rabius David Reeves Angela Thompson March 14 March 16 Anna Rohde Laura Vermillion March 17 Brian Hoberecht Garry Mount March 20 Mack Monday March 21 Jay Dean Joyce Morris March 22 Sadie Tuck March 24 March 25 Hollie Boone March 27 Kathy Brown Peggy Medford March 28 Gabriel Reinert Cassie Stephens March 29 Judy Banner Sam Witt March 30 Robbie Thurston March 31
March Birthdays
Please say a prayer for our church family on their special day.
If we missed your date, please call the church office (903-984-3576).
Prayers for our family & friends
Elena Anzualda………...niece of Daniel & Misty Shipman
Babby Carroll………….…….………...……...….sister of April Watson
Chris & Pam Cross…………...brother & sister-in-law of Dan Cross
Cindy Frederick………..…...…...sister of April Watson
Lucas Yang Li……….grandson of Doug & Mona Effler
Edith Williams……….…..……….…...friend of many Kim Worl……….………...…………..sister of Shelia Cross
March Anniversaries
Name
Date
Garry & Cathy Mount
Mar 2, 1979
Anthony & Kristi Boone
Mar 8, 2003
Pat & Angela Thompson
Mar 10, 2012
Michael & Charlotte Allen
Mar 14, 1997
William & Amber Watkins
Mar 16, 2014
Doug & Mona Effler
Mar 17, 1984
Keith & Paula Hooks
Mar 18, 1978
Brian & Jaleesa Hatchett
Mar 23, 2002
Brian & Tara Hoberecht
Mar 24, 2011
James & Charlotte Reynolds
Mar 24, 1988
Joys & Concerns
Please keep us updated on your loved ones. People will remain on this list for one month. Please let us know if they need to be on longer, 903-984-3576.
Marian Clemens E.J. Chowdhury Tommy Freeman Jacque & Todd Gibbs Sandra Holley
Sam Holley
Ronnie Jobe
Wilma Jones Wilbur & Kay Yates
We Extend our Sympathy to...
The family of Dr. Wayne Fortson. Dr. Fortson passed away on January 29.
We Share Joy with..
Doug & Mona Effler on the birth of their grandson Lucas Yang Li.
March Prayer Focus
The Caring Christians Class Chandler Elementary School First Baptist Church
E-Mail: stlukesumc@stlukeskilgore.com Office: 903-984-3576 Web Site: www.stlukeskilgore.com
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