Sunday, September 1, 2019 12th Sunday after Pentecost Communion Sunday 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Service 2:00 p.m. French Worship Service Monday, September 2, 2019 LABOR DAY - Office closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 7:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Bluebonnet Café 9:00 a.m. Online Newsletter DEADLINE 10:00 a.m. UMW Circle Meetings 6:30 p.m. Stewardship Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 4, 2019 10:00 a.m. Bible Study 5:45 a.m. Join Around the Table Dinner & Devotional 6:00 p.m. Youth Activities 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. ESL Classes Thursday, September 5, 2019 6:00 p.m. Prayer Group Friday, September 6, 2019 10:00 a.m. Second Chance Resale Shop Saturday, September 7, 2019 10:00 a.m. Second Chance Resale Shop 1:00 p.m. FWS Choir Rehearsal 4:30 p.m. FWS Intercession Sunday, September 8, 2019 13th Sunday after Pentecost 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Service - Bible Presentation & Teacher Appreciation Sunday 2:00 p.m. French Worship Service

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Open hearts, open minds, open doors St. Luke United Methodist Church 3200 Denton Highway Haltom City, TX 76117

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E-Messenger is published weekly online and The Messenger is mailed monthly the last week of each month. Deadline for submission of articles is 9 a.m. each Monday. The editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mel Bishara Editor: Susan Briles Phone: 817-838-6834 Fax: 817-838-7631 Website: st-luke-umc.net Email: office@st-luke-umc.com

Sunday Services: 8:30 and 10:45 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

NEWSLETTER ONLINE AT: st-luke-umc.net

DEADLINE FOR NEXT

MAILED NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 23 • 9:00 A.M.

THIS NEWSLETTER ESPECIALLY FOR:

Youth News:

Hey everyone! Hope you are staying cool out there! I want to say good luck to all our athletes for the season! I know you all will do well and I am so proud of you all! We had a great class of 6 on Sunday. Welcome Makenna, Edouard and Sarah to Youth! I’m so excited to have you all in our group! Looking forward to many amazing times together. Something to remember, we are all learning to be disciples of Christ. Every day we wake up is another opportunity to reach someone through our Christian actions. Pray and think before you act. Remember it is through your actions we can make an example of how Christians should react. We talked about Fall Fest. We have decided to do a “drive through prayer”, a bounce house, face painting, and a mini trunk or treat. We may add a couple of games and/or crafts. I need everyone to participate in this, please. We will also help with the Live Auction. I need 2-6 Youth to help with this. We are also greeters for the month of October. I have signed up people to do this and will post it. If you can’t make the Sunday I have signed you up for, please let me know asap. We are having a Halloween Party on October 30 in our classroom. We will have snacks and a movie that night. Lots of fun! Wednesday night this week we are watching Soul Surfer. It’s a wonderful movie about hope and faith. Looking forward to seeing you all there! Have a wonderful week! Peace and Love-Lisel

Open hearts Open minds Open doors

The people of The United Methodist Church

THE MESSENGER St. Luke United Methodist Church Volume 2019, No. 33 Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Available at: www.st-luke-umc.net

Upcoming Meetings

Sunday, September 8 3rd Grade Bible Presentation & Teacher Appreciation Sunday 10:45 a.m. Worship Service Join Us Around the Table

Dinner & Devotional

September 4 • 5:45 p.m. Cost: $5 Menu:

Meatloaf, Potato Casserole, Corn, Salad, Bread & Dessert

The Stewardship Committee will meet

Tuesdays, September 3 & 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the

PIF Classroom.

The Worship Committee will meet Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m.

in the PIF Classroom.

Meeting notices will be sent to the members of both committees.

Fall Fest Set-up Dinner

Thursday, October 10 • 6:00 p.m.

Fall Fest Workday

Friday, October 11 • 9:00 a.m. Fall Fest!!

Saturday, October 12 • 9:00 a.m.

United Methodist Women Sunday

Guest Speaker: Dr. Starr Bowen Retired Clergy &

Missionary September 29

10:45 a.m. Worship Service

Lay Worship Leaders September 1, 2019

8:30 a.m. Lector: Lydia Acosta 10:45 a.m. Lector: Y outh

Acolytes: David Kasonga & Bud Myrick

Stephen Ministers Amy Bibb David Stapp Susan Bishara Betty Turnage Stephanie Gilfeather Virgil Van Schuyver

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK… Continued Prayer Concerns: Bill Duncan’s cousin, Sally Logee Neel; Toby Osborn; Debbie Diviney’s cousin, Donna Owens Carter; Mary Ross’ son-in-law, Keith Williamson; Scott Paris; the people of the Congo; Jeanne Anne Pharis; Luecille Kearby; Billie McDermott; Bill Henderson; Pat Farmer; John Benson; Bill & Pat Whisenant’s sister-in-law, Peggy; Doris Mobley’s son, Don; Dub & Lanona Stewart; Ina Hay; Dayna Cox’s mother; Paul Nickel’s sister, Wanda Phipps; Ed Wills; Mike Smith; Ben & Pat Burt; Beverly Bradley’s daughter, Lisa; Austin Cleveland; Ann Van Shuy-ver’s sister-in-law, Liz Hedrick; George Conant; Art Gordon; Ovella Russell & her son; Gloria Bailey; Bill & Toni Hood’s son-in-law, Steve Hughes; Tommie Martin’s sister, Margaret Roaland This Week’s Concern: Mimsy Nunlee-Henderson; Charles Crocker; Cathy Gordon; Mickie Fletcher’s mother; Carolyn Hames Military: Ryan Kelly Hampton; Ryan Jones; Kyle John-son; Sam Burnett; Crystal Calvert; Evan Hill; Matt Miller; Na-

Our Stewardship - August 25, 2019

By Our Presence Sunday School 130 Total Worship & Fellowship 218 8:30 a.m. Early Service 24 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship 106 French Worship Service 60 Wednesday Bible Study 11 Youth Activities 17

By Our Gifts Received for Budget $6952 Second Chance Resale Shop $356

In Christ’s service, Mel Bishara Holy Communion

September 1

If you’ve ever felt like you aren’t making progress or seeing the outcome you expected from faith you aren’t alone. For most of us, it doesn’t take long for faith to fall flat. Skepticism and doubt can leave us lonely. These are not a sign that your faith is dying, it’s not a sign that you don’t believe. Jesus affirms Nathaniel. Skepticism and doubt can lead us to curiosity or cynicism. Come and See Jesus said to Nathaniel. Doubt offers us an opportunity and an invitation to explore more. We have been invited even when we are not convinced, our job is not to convince people what to believe, but to invite them to experience. It is an invitation to experience more, not knowing more. It’s not about doctrines, not about reading about Jesus, it’s about experiencing Jesus, experiencing faith, experiencing Church, and finding community. John Wesley… was in despair and was about to give up... a friend of his told him “preach faith until you have it.” Come and see is an invitation to try a movement to explore, experience though worship, prayer, mission, study, and connecting where people are. Why? Because all people matter to God, you matter to God. Jesus’ mission was to help people find their way back to God, find hope, and find community. We discover the first recorded statements of Jesus in the Gospels… “What are you seeking? … Come and you will see.” Andrew, one of the first followers of Jesus, rushes immediately to tell his older brother about his new-found faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Christ). On his way north from Judea to Galilee, Jesus meets Philip and calls him to follow him. Philip immediately shares his “Jesus experience” with is friend Nathaniel. Nathaniel’s initial reaction is skepticism. Philip’s simple response was “Come and see.” We have all had connectors in our lives. Most of us have at some time and in some way have been a connector to others. This is what John the Baptist, Andrew and Philip were. The Gospels call us to become Connectors –helping people to meet and connect with Jesus, with each other.

Come And See SUNDAY SCHOOL HAPPENINGS & CHURCH NEWS

EMMANUEL CLASS: Our president, Adrianna, led the Emmanuel Class of 31. Mary Ross told of the heartwarming visit she had on her trip to visit relatives. Barbara Blair shared that a tree had been planted in Richard’s memory by the casket company. We always have laughs with Jerry. He said the Psalm was geared to the common man, reference Psalm 138, concerning having a relationship with God. Sometimes, all we have left is our prayers. Without God, we are in real trouble. We are not alone, for God is with us. Seeing clearly is something we all need to do. Jerry told the story of a former TCU player, Joe Don Looney and an elephant. He learned that kindness should be a way of life. We are one in the Bond of Love, God should be the center of our life. He encouraged us to read Psalm 138 this week and to be mindful of the importance of being alone with God. Thank you, Jerry. GENESIS CLASS: George continued his series on the commandments as we covered the 6th commandment, “You should not kill.” It was great having Art and Cathy back in class and missed many as attendance was low today. Kelly did a great job filling in for Claudia leading the class business since they were away witnessing their grandson’s baptism. Some date reminders: Wednesday night dinners start September 4, LNO will be September 5 at Niki’s Italian, and Fall Fest will be October 12…be thinking what you can bring for sweet shop or auction. Happy Birthday this week to Claudia and Bill Hoffman. Donuts on 9/1, Fletchers and 9/8 Paris I. Joys and concerns: Keep Cathy in your prayers as she has her second back injection on Monday. Also our continued prayers for Art as he continues on his long road to recovery. Keep Mickie Fletcher’s mother in your prayers as she has been placed on Hospice as well as Mickie, Terry and family during this difficult time. Keep Kelly’s son Matt in your prayers as his ship leaves this week for four months at sea. As always, we pray for our travelers’ safe return as well as all of those with concerns on their hearts.

HEBREWS CLASS: We had 8 people in class this week. Thank you so much to Mark Chandler for the breakfast and the great lesson!

This Sunday, our lesson discussed The Word. The word of God is where everything that we need to know is, we need to try our best to make our words, match his.

We referenced scriptures: John 1:1, Hebrews 4:12, Psalms 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 6:10-20, Luke 11

Always remember to pray up our Marines, Evan Hill and Logan Shatters; our Airman, Nathaniel Hill; and our cop, Cruz Rocha.

*Please sign up to be a greeter in November*

NEW COVENANT CLASS: We wrapped up the 8 part session with Andy Stanley today. He always has such insightful lessons to share. Several of us didn’t realize Paul traveled for 30 years spreading the word of God. As Cindy mentioned, today people name their sons Paul, Stephen, John and they name their dogs Nero and Caesar! Remember Elizabeth’s co-worker, Tommie’s sister and both Steve’s in your prayers this week.

PARTNERS IN FAITH CLASS: We were on the light side with only 14 PIF’ers in class this morning. Thank you to Bonnie for the great snacks. Very tasty! Thank you to everyone who came this past Saturday to form the assembly line for the Presbyterian Night Shelter sandwiches. Please remember the N.E.E.D. box we have in class. Thank you to those who have brought for N.E.E.D. The box is next to the piano. When we get a few more items we will take it to the N.E.E.D. Center. The class has scheduled a class breakfast on September 8. Make sure to bring your appetite and your favorite dish to share. Carolyn Hodge is celebrating one more year of gained wisdom to-day (Sunday). The World Famous PIF Chorus will sing to her the next time she is in class. Happy Birthday, Carolyn! We hope you enjoy your special day. Our class will be working the Fall Fest Silent Auction on October 12. More information to come. We were joyful to hear that Sandra had family come take her to lunch last week. We were also joyful to hear that Sammi, the Moore’s granddaughter, had a great time at lunch last week after purchasing college course textbooks. Always cherish that great family time! We were all a bit concerned to hear that Linda’s dad was up once again in the attic changing air conditioner filters after his tumble last year. During your daily prayer time this week please remember Carolyn Hames, Rick Starkey, and the people of the Congo. Have a great week! Snacks: Beverly

UPPER ROOM CLASS: Our attendance was pretty fair with the hot weather still with us, but all twenty-four members enjoyed the knowledge that Dr. Martha presented about the Twelve Apostles. We will continue our study of Luke starting with chapter six, verse thirty-nine next Sunday. Since Fall Fest is coming up on October 12 and our class is responsible for the "Store," we will be making the delicious "pecan tarts again, so information will be given to you Sunday. Also the Quilters have completed the Fall Fest Quilt and it will be displayed in the foyer with tickets available for your donation. Continue to pray for those with issues and those with other situations. Devotion: Nickel Coffee: Vinnedge

Calendar can be found on the website.

September Meetings & Events At A Glance

United Methodist Women Circle Meetings

Tuesday, September 3 • 10:00 a.m.

Stewardship Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 3 • 6:30 p.m.

Bible Study

Wednesday, September 4, 11, 18, & 25 • 10:00 a.m.

Join Us Around the Table Dinner & Devotional

Wednesday, September 4, 11, 18, & 25 • 5:45 p.m.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation & Teacher Appreciation

Sunday, September 8 • 10:45 a.m.

Stewardship Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 10 • 6:30 p.m.

J.O.Y. Group & Luncheon

Thursday, September 12 • 10:00 a.m.

Worship Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 12 • 6:00 p.m.

Care Connection

Monday, September 16 • 9:30 a.m.

United Methodist Women Meeting & Luncheon

Tuesday, September 17 • 6:00 p.m.

Ples Stewart’s 100th Birthday Party

Saturday, September 21 • 1:00 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting

Sunday, September 22 • 5:00 p.m.

United Methodist Men Prepares Sandwiches for PNS

Saturday, September 28 • 9:00 a.m.

United Methodist Women Sunday

Sunday, September 29 • 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

Join us for fun, food, fellowship & Bean Bag Baseball!

September 12 • 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Starr Bowen Guest Speaker for UMW Sunday

September 29 • 10:45 a.m.

Starr Bowen is a recently retired missionary, pastor, and seminary teacher. He grew up in Hurst, Texas and graduated from L.D. Bell High School. After service with the US Navy, he graduated from seminary in Edinburgh Scotland. Following four years pastoring churches in South Georgia, he returned to further study at Duke University and St. Andrews Scotland, obtaining the Ph.D. in theology in 1983.

As a missionary with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, Starr served in Ecuador, Mexico, Chile, and Cuba. After 15 years in Latin America, he was assigned to the National Plan for Hispanic and Latino Ministries, and served 6 years in Cleburne, Texas as pastor of St. Paul UMC and Director of the Hispanic Advocacy Center. From 2002 to 2006 he was Conference Secretary of Global Ministries.

From 2007 until his retirement in June 2019, he served as pastor of Gordon and Santo United Methodist Churches, engaging in many diversified missions, at home and abroad. Starr still teaches four courses for the SMU/Perkins Course of Study in the Texas Conference.

Starr is married to Joy, a nurse. They have four children between them. Jordan is Head of Geriatrics at Oxford University Hospital, UK, Cara is a documentary film maker in London, John David is a fire line archaeologist for the US Forest Service and Jeremy is a river guide on the Colorado River. They also have 3 grandchildren, all living in England. They will all get together in October.

2019 Emmanuel Class Fall Fest Fund Raiser

Once again the Emmanuel Class is sponsoring a pre-Fall Fest fund raiser. For the last seven years the congregation not only has enjoyed some of the most unusual contests - such as “Kiss the Pig,” “The Greatest Legs,” “Wear a Wig Contest,” and “The Presidential Election of the St. Luke Achievers,” but they also dug deep in their pockets to support these contests for a grand total of $11,029.43 for Fall Fest Missions.

Get ready for the 2019 Contest - “Pie in the Face Contest” featuring Rev. Mel Bishara and Dr. Jerry Chism. The contest officially starts Sunday, September 15.

Who will get the pie in the face? Will it be Mel or will it be Jerry? The person with the most money in his jar will have the honor of doing that to the other!

N.E.E.D. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15

Thanks to all that gave a gift to the church in memory of Richard. Your love and kindness are wonderful. You all are so special and I love you all. Barbara Blair & Family Many thanks go to Mary Paris and Linda Schmidt for all of the time it took to purchase and organize the school supplies and backpacks bought for our children for the Blessing of the Backpacks and the back to school party on August 11. Please show these very special ladies your love and support! St. Luke UMC Family Many thanks to Dr. Martha Chapman and Ann Van Schuyver for the beautiful altar flowers. Your visit and news from the church meant so much to us. You uplifted our spirits. With loving thanks, Gloria and Byron Lechler Many thanks for the beautiful flowers from the church sanctuary delivered by Tommie Martin and Kay Stapp a few weeks ago. Also thank you Tommie and Kay for visiting Mike and I in our home. We love our church family. Mike and Linda Smith

Thank you for the beautiful flowers delivered to me by Dr. Martha and Ann Van Schuyver. I was so pleased to know that these flowers were given by Michael & Clau-dia Turner to honor the volunteers who worked this year at Vacation Bible School. What a special group of friends and volunteers we have here at St. Luke UMC. I have been fortunate to enjoy a membership at St. Luke’s since 1950. What a blessing! Mary Ruth Ellis Thanks so much Marilyn Smith & Leslie Duncan for the sanctuary flowers and for Dr. Martha for giving them to the glory of God. We enjoyed the visit very much. Our church family is the best. Thanks again. Love, Art & Cathy Gordon Flowers make a home look brighter. A visit with Ann Van Schuyver and Martha Jean Chapman made our home look brighter. Thank you for the visit and the flowers. Betty and Ross Longeway Thank you to Barb Burnett for delivering the beautiful bouquet of flowers from the church altar, Upper Room and Senior Living newspaper. Always a joyful visit. Evelyn L. George Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. They were such a nice surprise. It was so sweet to think of me. Thank you again. Cathy Henderson

The church office will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance

of the Labor Day holiday.

The United Methodist Women begin meeting again for Circle Meetings Tuesday, September 3

and the General Meeting with a Luncheon on Tuesday, September 17.

Both meetings start at 10:00 a.m.

Please be in prayer for our children, teachers, school administrators and

staff as they begin a new school year this fall.

Ples Stewart is turning 100!

Everyone is invited to Ples’ birthday party at

St. Luke UMC Saturday, September 21

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall

October 10 • Fall Fest Dinner Set-up • 6:00 p.m.

October 11 • Fall Fest Work Day • 9:00 a.m. October 12 • Fall Fest! • 9:00 a.m.

The Fall Fest Committee is asking all groups who want to request funds from Fall Fest to submit those requests in

writing to the church office by October 3.

LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS Fall Fest Live & Silent Auctions are a great opportuni-ty to shop for yourself, that special someone or knock out some that long list of Christmas gifts! The AUCTIONS offers wonderful items from a variety of places, some homemade, some not, some eatable, some not, but ALL are something you would love to have! The auction is always fun and we have our auctioneer, George Angle behind the mic! Grab your “number plate” and be prepared to get lots of exercise raising that arm vying for something you just can’t live without!

PIE IN THE FACE CONTEST Once again the Emmanuel Class is sponsoring a pre-Fall Fest fund raiser. Get ready for the 2019 Contest... “Pie in the Face Contest” featuring Rev. Mel Bishara and Dr. Jerry Chism. The contest officially starts Sun-day, September 15. Who will get the pie in the face? Will it be Mel or will it be Jerry? The person with the most money in his jar will have the honor of doing that to the other!

CHILDREN’S AREA The Youth Department will sponsor a Children’s Area with a Mini Trunk or Treat! area in the parking lot, a Bounce House (cost $1 for every 15 minutes), Balloon Darts, Face Painting and a Drive-Thru Prayer Station.

SONIC CARDS Buy Sonic Cards for free food items with purchase or discounted items. One card is $2 and three cards are $5. Please note, these cards expire December 31, 2019.

LUNCHEON Amy West and her volunteers are sponsoring the Fall Fest Luncheon. Coming back this year is Leslie Duncan’s stew recipe. The menu has not been completed, but the newsletter will be updated as soon as more information is available.

FALL FEST QUILT The Fall Fest Quilt is on display in the foyer for four Sundays. The quilters this year are Libby Conant, Leslie Duncan, Randy Fox, Roberta Reeves and Joyce Seat. Opportunities will be available for your purchase at $10. The purpose of Fall Fest is to raise money for items that are not in the budget. We appreciate your support!

COUNTRY STORE & SWEET SHOP

The Upper Room Class is responsible for the Sweet Shop and Country Store during Fall Fest. We are asking for donations from our church members to supply our shelves with delicious baked goods and crafts or other items to sell at the Country Store. Items for the Country Store can be homemade or bought items.

RESALE SHOP

The Second Chance Resale Shop behind the church will be open during Fall Fest from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Proceeds from both Friday and Saturday that weekend will benefit Fall Fest. Help from anyone in the church for an hour or so will be appreciated. If you have questions, text Marylou Moore 817-718-4176 and she will call you back ASAP.

HEALTH FAIR Vaccinations will be offered at Fall Fest from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. A portion of each vaccine administered will be donated to St. Luke UMC. Health Insurance will be accepted for injections, expect for Tetanus and Pertussis.

Flu Shots $29 PV23 Pneumonia $119 Tetanus $49 Prevnar 13 Pneumonia $229 Pertussis $69 High-Dose Flu Shot $69