August 2017 
         Newsletter                      
         Seek God, Serve Others, Share Life   

IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Church Events

August 2017

Weekly Recurring Events:
Sunday         9am      Sunday School (begins Aug. 13)
                     10am    Worship
                     3pm      Girl Scouts Troop 13778
Wednesday  5pm      WEB Meal (begins Aug. 16)
                     6pm      Cherub Choir (")
Thursday      1:30pm  Ladies Bible Study
Fridays         6:30am  Men's Bible Study
Saturdays     8am      Weekly Lawn Teams
                     
      Please refer to the  Church Calendar  on our webpage for further  information 
about upcoming events.

August Calendar
6  Sun.


10:00 am
11:15 am
Food First Sunday
Blessing of the Backpacks
Haugen Worship Service with Communion
Ex Comm Meeting
7 Mon.
Public Schools Begin
13 Sun.
9:00 am

10:00 am
Rally Day
Install Sunday School Teachers
Haugen Worship Service with Communion
14 Mon.. 2:00 pm
7:00 pm
Grace Healthcare Birthday Party
Church Council Meeting
16 Wed. 
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
Shady Oaks Board Meeting
WEB Meals Resume
Cherub Choir Resumes
Confirmation Review
19 Sat.
10:00 am
6:00 pm
Saturday Sisters Bible Study
Confirmation Banquet
20 Sun.

9:00 am
10:00 am
3:00 pm
Confirmation - Affirmation of Faith Service
Sunday School
Traditional Worship Service with Communion
More Than A Meal
21 Mon. 6:30 pm Worship Committee Meeting
23 Wed.
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
WEB Meal
Cherub Choir
26 Sat. 11:00 am Fantasy Football
27 Sun.
9:00 am
10:00 am
11:15 am
Sunday School
Haugen Worship Service with Communion
Youth Planning Meeting
30 Wed.
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
WEB Meal
Cherub Choir
Parents of Confirmands Meeting
31 Thur. 1:30 pm Women's Bible Study Group Resumes



AUGUST WORSHIP TIMES

Worship Service time in August will be 10 am!
Sunday School at 9 am!


A Message From Our Pastor

If you are like me, your parents would say things like;
 
"A good education is the key to a successful life."
 
 We have all heard how important it is to get a "good education." The value and worth of education is an important part of who we are, how we function and how we view the world. As Lutherans we value education not only for our children, and the children of our church, but for the adults of the church as well. I believe every church should provide lifelong learning opportunities.
 
Adult Christian education is vital if we are to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Education is not just for children, it is for all of us, at all ages of life. We will start our Sunday School Classes for the fall on Sunday, August the 13th.  As usual here at St. Luke we will provide classes for pre-school through adult.
 
We plan to have six adult classes this year. We will have our ongoing classes; Women of Faith, led Jennifer Carkeet, two Men of Faith classes (one led by Chris Carkeet and the other by David Wright) and Real Faith for Real Life. The Real Faith class is mixed men and women lead by Paul and Connie White and they study a book of the Bible.  This fall will be reading and studying the book of Acts. The women and men's classes tend to be topical. All classes are ready to add new students this fall.
 
We will have two new classes this fall for adults. I will facilitate a discipleship class that will review the three bible lessons that are read in church each Sunday. This is an excellent class for those wanting an introduction to the bible. The popular parenting class will be offered again this year. They will be studying boundaries with our children. It will include a short video and discussion of real life parenting situations.
 
I look forward to seeing our young and not-so-young members as we gather for Rally Day on August 13th at 9 am. We will all gather in the sanctuary and dismiss by our classes. Be a lifelong learner, and join a St. Luke Sunday School class!
 
In Christ,
Pastor Cliff

Church Council News
A Message from Our Council President

  August, 2017
 
Hello Fellow St. Luke Saints!

Well, summer is almost over; for our young ones.  Many of us are breathing a sigh of relief that they will soon be back to school and back on schedule.  I know that I am looking forward to school, Sunday school that is!  Just a few more weeks and classes begin again.  Rally Day is Sunday August 13, 2017.  There have been some changes to the classroom arrangements and Jennifer Wright is working hard to get things ready.  Jennifer, thank you for your dedication to our youth - and all the Saints !

A lot has happened this summer.  We said goodbye to our friend and music leader, David Potter.  You will be in our prayers as you move forward to pursue your degree.  We also said goodbye to dear friends as family, jobs and the dear Lord have taken them from Memphis, but not our hearts. 

Our high school youth traveled to Jamaica to take part with Mission Jamaica.  My daughter was one of the participants and is still talking about it today.  If you haven't heard about the trip, I am sure they will be more than happy to share their experiences, just ask.

The YMCA had another successful summer camp here at St. Luke.  Family Promise spent a week with us and thanks to all you Saints who donated your time and talent once again to make this ministry a success.

We are about to kick off our Legacy Campaign to reduce and potentially quickly eliminate the mortgage of St. Luke.  If you are interested in helping Gary Conway as he heads this up, please do not hesitate to reach out to him.  It takes many hands to make light work of such a great undertaking.   Please prayerfully consider offering your time, talents and treasures for this noble cause.  Remember, we are leaving a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Next month we will roll-up our sleeves to take part is "God's Work Our Hands" on Sunday September 10.  Watch the bulletin and announcements in the coming weeks for opportunities to serve.  If you have any suggestions for service opportunities, please let us know.

I would ask that each of you say a prayer or two for our teachers as they return to the classrooms to help grow our children to be great men and women.  Pray for our students.  They face many trials just being kids and they need all the love and support we as parents and a congregation can give them.

Matthew 19: 14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
 
Yours in Christ,
Priscilla Hughes

Church Council
The Church Council will have its next meeting on Monday, August 14 at 7:00 pm. At the August meeting the results of the worship survey will be shared and discussed. The fall worship schedule will be determined at this meeting. Comments and suggestions are welcome. 
Worship time will continue to be 10 am for the month of August.
ELCA News










Read and respond: ELCA social message on human rights 
The draft of a social message on human rights is now available for viewing and response on the ELCA website, ELCA.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Messages. Reviewing the draft gives you a chance to weigh in on the development of this important document. After reading the message, there are two ways to respond: Fill out the online response form found on the same webpage, or email comments to [email protected]. Both will be shared with the staff and consulting group that are preparing this message. The comment period closes August 31.

Pray, fast and act together
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, issued a joint statement in May inviting people to a time of prayer, fasting and advocacy. Their call was based on concern about proposals in Congress to cut federal programs that are essential to hungry people in poverty. On the 21st of every month, Eaton and ELCA Advocacy invite Lutherans to pray and fast. The 21st of the month was chosen because it's the monthly date when 90 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits run out for families. To learn more about the #PrayFastAct action, go to ELCA.org/PrayFastAct.



McKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center Dedication
Saturday, August 5, 2017
http://files.constantcontact.com/0f4236c9001/d63ff65d-abe8-4aca-ae0b-7680c9747ce4.jpg
10:00 a.m. Registration
11:00 a.m. Celebration and Dedication
12:30 p.m. Lunch 
2:00 p.m. Tours, Crafts, and Fellowship
 

Follow us!
Do you follow the ELCA on social media? Keep informed with church news, events, pictures and video across many platforms. We're on Facebook at Facebook.com/Lutherans@ELCA on Twitter@ELCA on Instagram and YouTube.com/ELCA. Join this online community of Lutherans!

Mutual Ministry
Your Mutual Ministry committee is working with the Worship Committee to identify and interview prospective candidates for the
Director of Music staff position here at St. Luke. If you have names or suggestions please contact Debi Erickson, John Behrends, Bev McGhee, Gary Conway or Pastor Cliff. 

Monday, August 7 through Thursday, August 10 Pastor Cliff will attend the ELCA Rostered Leaders Gathering in Atlanta, Georgia. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will lead this event for our ELCA pastors and leaders.

Worship Ministry

Dear Saints,

We have had several changes at St. Luke lately, not the least is the departure of
our wonderful music director David Potter to pursue his PhD at Michigan State.
At present our Mutual Ministry team is conducting a search for someone to fill
this position. It is not an easy task and they are taking this very seriously.

Your Worship committee has been working to determine what direction you, the
congregation wishes to pursue going forward. Council commissioned us to
do a survey to help with the process. We are so grateful for your wonderful response  and thank you for helping determine our course of action. 

The survey  is over and Worship is sending the results, along with input given by members of  the congregation to Council. Council will meet on August 14th and approve any  changes to our worship schedule.  So this is where we need your patience and your understanding. 

In view of the fact that  at this time we have no music staff, we will do the very best we can to provide you  with a positive worship experience in the interim. We will continue to have our  10:00 AM service during the month of August.

The August Worship schedule is as follows:

August 6 -  Haugen - Now the Feast and Celebration 
                    Communion  Service 
                    Blessing of the Backpacks
August 13 - Haugen - Now the Feast and Celebration 
                    Communion Service  
                    Rally Day! Sunday School Orientation starts at 9:00 AM
August 20 - ELW Setting 4 - Communion Service
                    Confirmation (Affirmation of Faith)
                    Sunday School starts at 9:00 AM!
August 27 - Haugen - Now the Feast and Celebration 
                    Communion Service 
                    Sunday School starts at 9:00 AM!

To all the wonderful musicians who bless us with their talent - we need you!   If you can  provide a prelude or a special offering please email Pat Conway at
[email protected]. We would love to have you share your gifts!

Change is difficult but the Saints always rise to the occasion. Working together we can  do this and keep our community strong and joyful in the Lord.

Peace and Blessing from your Worship team and Pastor Cliff!
Pat Conway, Barbara and John Behrends, Karen McCracken, Bernice LaPorte




CHERUB CHOIR
Our precious cherubs, ages 4 years through 3rd grade will begin practicing on  Wednesday nights at 6pm beginning August 16.

Thank you to Jennifer Carkeet,Barbara Anderson, and Maggie Carkeet for leading this sweet group of kids.  

Our tentative Sunday singing schedule is :
     September 17
     October 22
     November 19
     December 17


Backpack Blessing, Rally Day 

August 6th - Blessing of the Backpacks
As summer comes to a close, come and prepare for your new school year with St. Luke! Let's start your school year off right with a  Blessing  of the  Backpacks ! Bring your new school  backpack  to church on Sunday, August 6th, and we will pray a  blessing  over you, your teachers, and your new school year! 


August 13th- Rally Day
It is time for our new Sunday School year to begin! Join us for  Rally   Day  on August 13th to find out about all of our Sunday School classes.  You will meet your teachers, find out where your classrooms are, and see all of your friends from last year.  We will meet in the sanctuary at 9:00am, then dismiss all classes individually so that you can follow your teacher to your room. All classes will officially begin on August 20th.


Sunday School Classes
PRESCHOOL
Cradle Roll (ages up to 2 y/o)  Nursery

2's and 3's                                  Room #113         Amy Wright
                                                                                Carol Mattison
                                                                                Meredith Watson

ELEMENTARY
Pre-K 4's, K 5's,1st and 
2nd grades                                 Room #111          Vikki and Dale Ernst

3rd and 4th grades                    Room #145          Terri and Richard Williamson
                                                                                 

YOUTH
5th and 6th grades                    Room # 154          Priscilla Hughes

7th and 8th grades                    Room # 142         Jim Allay
                                                                                 Britta Hall                

9th - 12th grades                      Youth Room          Jennifer and Paul Wright

ADULT
Women of Faith                  Room # 152          Jennifer Carkeet                              Study -  Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith by Beth   
                 Moore. 

Real Faith for Real Life    Room # 106/108  Paul and Connie White
      Study -  Book of Acts            (the new Community Room)                                            
Men of Faith 1                     Choir Room           Chris Carkeet

Men of Faith 2                     Room #135          David Wright                     
     Study - The Truth Project

Parenting Class                  Old Kitchen           
     Study - Boundaries With Kids

Discipleship Class             CFC                       Pastor Cliff
     Study - Each Sunday's Bible Lessons

Legacy Campaign


Proverbs 13:23 "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children."

LEGACY CAMPAIGN
At the Spring Congregation meeting you approved a new capital campaign aimed at retiring the mortgage by the end of 2019.  This is several years early and will save around $40,000 in interest.  However that is only a part of the benefit.  The real return is as an investment in the future by giving Financial Peace to our littlest Saints and beyond. 
We are calling this the Legacy Campaign.  A legacy is a gift handed down from the past and the best legacy that we can leave for each other and future saints is our beautiful facility unencumbered.  This should not be a daunting task compared to prior campaigns.  It is estimated that we need $130,000 averaged across the approximately 2-1/2 years to meet the 12/2019 target date. If lump sum gifts are given early than this number would be a little less.
So why now?  Part of it was opportunity - we were blessed with a significant gift of $50,000 that gave us a great kick start.  But beyond that we are enjoying a strong economy with unemployment as low as we have seen in a generation and a stock market that is at a record level.  So there was opportunity and hopefully for all of the Saints, better means than we have had in several years.
You will receive a letter and pledge card in August.  I hope that you prayerfully think about what St. Luke means to you now and/or has meant to you in the past; perhaps viewed as a child, a parent or a grandparent.  The cornerstone in the Narthex shows that the original building was dedicated in 1987 - 30 years ago.  We stand today upon the shoulders of those Saints who built the Sanctuary as well as those who invested in all of the enhancements since then.  Let's close the deal and set up St. Luke for the future.

Peace and blessings, The Legacy Campaign Committee

God's Work Our Hands Sunday


Wear Your Faith... Get your GODS WORK OUR HANDS 
T-Shirt!
God's Work, Our Hands day is the national ELCA day of service. Details of projects will be announced soon, but don't forget to order your God's Work, Our Hands T-shirt.  
 A shirt is not required for participation, but it helps promote us in the community.
 If you'd like a God's Work, Our Hands T-shirt to wear on September 10th this year (and anytime, of course!), please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, or email [email protected] no later than Monday, August 14th. Shirts will not be available after that date. The        T-shirts are $10 each, 100% pre-shrunk cotton. 
You may write a check payable to St. Luke and memo "GWOH tees." Payment is due by August 14th. 
 Sizes available are: Youth S, M, L Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL. 
Represent St. Luke Proudly!

 Spiritual Growth Ministry

Please be aware that our Discipleship and Property ministries  are working together to prepare for Rally Day and Sunday School classes on August 13.
Some rooms are being rearranged on the south end of the building. Room 111, on the south end building will now be the Pre- K, Kindergarten, First and Second grade class room. Vikki and Dale Ernst will be the teachers. The large room with the dividers that connects with the old kitchen will become the new Community Room/Church Council/Church Library room. The old kindergarten room will now be for 2 and 3 year olds. The nursery will stay the same.
 

Saturday Sisters Bible Study
Do you feel you are in a rut in your method of Bible study? Want to explore how to study more effectively and develop a n ew plan?  Come join us for coffee and conversation!   All ladies are welcome!
When:  Saturday August 19, 10am - noonugust 19 at 10:0M
Where: Pat Conway's house.
Study leader: Cindy Wright


The Women of Faith Sunday School  this fall.  
Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith - Bible Study Book  by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study based on Isaiah 43:10 that explores what it means not only "to believe in God" but "to believe Him." Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others as examples of persons who believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him.


Ladies Thursday Bible Study  
The  Women's Bible Study Group will start back up from their summer break on August 31.   Please join us as we continue with our study of Old Testament Characters.  We meet at 1:30 pm  in the Narthex.  Everyone is welcome!!!!


Evangelism Moment  
Evangelism Moment - Knitting Plus
         "God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the              other to give with."  Billy Graham
      
The following was written recently by a member of an online knitting group. It is particularly aimed at those who knit for others as do our members who knit for the children at St. Jude.  But it also is for all who give of their time to bring God's grace and comfort to those in need.
 
From Stephanie to a group of volunteer knitters...
      "I know a lot of you volunteer your time, energy, money, and skill to donate baby hats and blankets for hospitals. I just want to take a moment to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
On Saturday morning my dear cousin delivered a beautiful, precious, seemingly perfect, stillborn baby boy. They named him Owen. I live far from my family and wished I lived closer so I could get a hat or blanket to her. I can't imagine their grief. My aunt mentioned that the hospital gave them a hand knitted hat and blanket to wrap him in as they held him, cried, grieved and said goodbye. She said it brought great comfort to wrap him in those sweet gifts donated by wonderful knitters like you!
So if you ever wonder if it's worth it, I'm here to tell you, it's worth more than you may ever know. So again, thank you. ((HUGS))"

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.


Stephen Ministry Moment 
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, and pray with and for you. Stephen Ministers have been specially trained to meet your emotional and spiritual needs; male Stephen Ministers are always matched with men, and female Stephen Ministers are matched with women. If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders.  Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!    
 (Call the church office, Paul White or Nancy Lendman)


Social Ministry

WEB MEALS RESUME AUGUST 16
Join the Saints for Wednesday Evening Believer meals at 5-6:30pm on Wednesday nights.  Headed up by Bonnie Dolph, she would like someone (or several someones) to help.  Please contact her, Mary Grace Summers, or Esther Allay if you'd like to help!

As MIFA's Meals on Wheels program continues to grow---we are serving 2200 seniors daily---the need for volunteers grows with it!  This is especially true in the summer, when many of our regular volunteers are on vacation.
In addition to providing vital nutritious meals and friendly visits for our clients, Meals on Wheels volunteers experience the blessing of expanding their horizons, learning more about their neighbors, and helping seniors in need.  MIFA's vision of uniting the community through service plays out daily in our Meals on Wheels program.  
An excellent way to learn more about MOW is to ride along with a current volunteer.  For more information or to schedule a route, call Isaiah Swanson at  (901) 529-4521 or e-mail at  [email protected].   Thank you!



NEW LUTHER MOVIE
Mark Your Calendars - Buy Your Tickets!
Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world in the 1500's - with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day.  This film tells the great adventure story of his life.  At the same time, it examines his quest for truth-questions we all must face-including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose" and "How do I get right with God?" Watch the movie trailer by clicking the picture below... Join us on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm for a special screening of the movie "Martin Luther - The Idea That Changed the World." The movie will 
be shown at Malco Forest Hill Cinema in Germantown. We need to sell 100 tickets for this screening to take place - please share with your family and friends and purchase your tickets as soon as possible.





HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Our fall Habitat for Humanity Build dates will be September 16 and October 7.  Work day is 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Sign up sheets and maps will be available soon.  St. Luke members and friends are invited to help build.
 


Who's Ready For Some Football?
St. Luke Lutheran Church Annual Fantasy Football Will Begin With The Draft Saturday August 26 th
 
Anyone Interested Please Sign-up Or Contact       Eric McKinney Or Paul Wright.  Once We Get All    The Names We Will E-mail The Draft Invitation      For The Draft
 
We Will Have A Tailgate Draft Party In The Nave, So Everyone Bring Your Favorite Tailgate Dish To Share.  If You Can't Make The Party, DO NOT WORRY!!!!  You Can Draft From The Comforts Of Your Own Home.
We Look Forward To Seeing You.  Now.....LETS PLAY SOME FOOTBALL!



SCHOOL SUPPLIES 
Remember how much fun it was to get new school supplies?  You could spend hours and hours sorting and resorting and organizing them to fit just right in your backpack!  Let's help some special children we know have that same kind of fun!  We will be collecting, once again, supplies for the upcoming school year.  They will be distributed to children in the Peace Lutheran neighborhood.  While out shopping, please consider grabbing a few extra items and place them in or near the grocery cart in the Narthex.  Deadline is August 13 th
.  Thank you for your support!!



SUNDAY SNACK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Fellowship is looking for volunteers to help with Sunday morning snacks.  If  you are int erested, please see Esther Allay, Mary Grace Summers, or Bonnie Dolph.  There's also a  sign-up sheet outside the main office on the bulletin board .  Thanks for helping!  



ALUMINUM CANS WANTED
Please bring your clean, empty aluminum drink cans to the c h urch.  Jane Johnson cashes them in and is saving the money for some re modeling!  We have currently collected $302.63.  Keep 'em coming!!!



Family Promise Thanks You!  
Social Ministry and the Family Promise guests want to extend a huge thank you to all of the Saints for supporting this ministry that is so 
vital in addre ssing the homeless issue in our city.  We want to especially thank all of those that volunteered throughout the week in the many varied positions that make this possible.  You have had such a positive impact in the lives of our guests.  

Youth Ministry News

August 20th -   Confirmation Service

Our Affirmation of Faith Service for youth who have completed Confirmation classes will be Sunday, August 20th at 10am.



August 27th- Youth Planning Meeting
Want to know what activities we have planned for  SLY ? Have some ideas to share? Join us on August 27th at 11:15 for our  SLY   Planning   Meeting .  All  Sly  groups (5th-12th grade youth and parents) will meet in the Sr  SLY  Room to  plan  out the rest of our  2017 calendar.  We have some great events planned for this fall. If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Wright
 (jennifer@stlukememphis .org)


August 30th- Confirmation Parent Meeting
We will have a Confirmation Parent meeting on August 30th for 7th graders and 8th grade Confirmation students.  We will go over our schedule, lesson plans, expectations for students and parents, and answer any questions that you may have. Students are welcome to join us for this meeting. Thank you for your part in  this important faith formation experience for your child. If you have any questions please  contact Jennifer Wright ([email protected]




Interested in giving money to the Youth but low on cash or don't know how? With every purchase through Amazon Smile and Kroger, money is donated to the Youth to fund more adventures! Check out the links below to learn how to partake in these free programs!
Amazon Smile                                            Kroger Plus Card





In June a group of our Senior High SLY went to Jamaica for a life-changing mission trip.  Maggie Carkeet made a wonderful video to share their experience. Thank you Maggie for sharing your talents with St. Luke. Click on the link below to watch the video and please consider joining a future Mission Jamaica team.


Camp Lutherock
In July our Confirmation youth headed to Camp Lutherock in Newland, North Carolina. They had an amazing week in the mountains learning about God, worshiping outdoors, sleeping under the stars, zip lining, and having fun and fellowship with each other. 



Save the Date!
The youth of St. Luke will be having a huge Church-wide 
Yard Sale on Saturday, September 16th. All proceeds will go to help send our youth on their 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering trip. 

Start saving your items to donate! More information about dates to drop off donations will come soon!


Parish Talk

Recent Baptisms!



Pete and Britta Hall presented 9-month old 
Cooper Michael Hall for Baptism on June 18. Godparents are Jodi and Tyrel Witcher.
Congratulations Cooper!







Hunter and Taylor Bourland presented 4-month old Easton Gray and 1-year old Jaxon Layne for Baptism on July 23.  Easton's Godparents are Blake and Anna Miller, and Jaxon's Godparents are Zach and Tori Engel.  Dad Hunter was baptized on May 21!





Rachael Smith and Kevin Olsen and their top 10 finish at the Memphis in May BBQ Festival.  Way to Go!!!

 





Ben Roman is in Baptist Hospice House in Collierville.  1520 West Poplar Ave, 38017.  If you can, drop by to visit or send him a card of encouragement.


Parrish Talk 

Lucky Lansing!  Sadly we say, "Farewell and good luck" to Erin and David Potte r,   who are continuing their life journey in Lansing, MI.  They have been such gifts to St. Luke, sharing their love and talent with us - what a blessing they've been! We will miss them like crazy but understand how important it is to follow God's plan for them. Many thanks to both of you and please know our doors are always open to you, should you pass this way again.


Asha's Refuge:  "A place of hope."  Jamie Jones was our guest in June, to tell Asha's story and what a story it is!

 Jamie has done extraordinary things to help refugees in Memphis, starting with Asha.  It's one thing to get out of a horrible existence and another to make a new life in a strange country, plunged into strange mores and a confusing language.  This organization makes that transition as easy as possible, so those in need can live a happy, healthy life.  If you would like to volunteer in this effort, training is available.  Orientations occur on a regular basis and the next one will be in July.  Please call Jamie at 901-500-9200 (office) or on her cell (901-292-3101).  Thanks!


Hey, Mon!  The team that went to Jamaica (including our youth!) came back with tales of great experiences and lots of fun.  It was a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and do as Christ asked us to do:  change the world through service.  Many thanks to all of them and to Maggie Carkeet who created a wonderful video of the trip and to Jennifer Wright for organizing everything.  To quote Jennifer, "I love you and am proud of you!"  Each and every one of them is a blessing to St. Luke and others.  

We had a lovely visit with Linda Marks, who told us about MIFA and thanked St. Luke for all our support.  Their mission statement is "Uniting the community through service."  MIFA was created after the death of Martin Luther King, nearly 50 years ago.  Next year will be t
his very special anniversary and lots of plans are being made to celebrate the contribution of those who serve and make Memphis better, every day.  Service projects will be coordinated all over Shelby county, with individual churches and churches teaming up for their ventures.  Linda asks us to continue praying for them.  We can certainly do both!
Lutherock Rocks!  Pastor Cliff and 6 of our youth participated in a week of adventure at Lutherock, in July.  We were treated to a very enthusiastic song and saw pictures of the incredible journey our youth went on.  These young folks showed incredible strength and endurance and are great examples of 5 promises:  Live by Word and deed, Hear the Word and Good News, Proclaim the Word of God, Serve all, and Strive for justice.  You all make us so very proud and you are wonderful examples for all of us!
From Living Water Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND
Dear St. Luke Lutheran, Thank you so much for allowing our youth group to stay at your beautiful facility while we traveled from Florida back to Fargo. We are so grateful for your hospitality. It was a pleasure meeting Roberta and Jennifer - their kindness will forever be on our hearts. If you all ever need anything in Fargo, please reach out. We are praising God for you today and always! Hope

Cliff Notes:
  Pentecost Sunday.  The Holy Spirit came in fire and wind.  Many nations came together, just as refuges have come to Memphis.  Lutherans across the U.S. have resettled more refuges than any other group!  (Yeah us!!).  It's all about people caring about people.  Remember, we were all refuges, at one point; this is embedded in our history.  Even Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were refuges, if you think about it.  Disciples went out to all nations, to spread the message of the Good News.  This is still our mission.  The Holy Spirit equips us, comes to us as an advocate to guide us.  Great things happen when the Holy Spirit comes!  We are advocates to others, part of God's life.  We love as God loves.  (Again I say, Yeah us!)
Cliff Notes 2:  The face of Christ is in those who serve (see paragraphs above!  So true...). We daily face the conflict of the desires and temptations of the flesh vs a life of service.  The former can isolate us and hold us captive.  Paul tells us to set our minds on the Spirit, which leads us to a life of peace.  We do this as a community, since we are better together as the body of Christ.  St. Luke leads the way for us through the many service opportunities we offer:  MIFA, Family Promise, More Than A Meal, Habitat For Humanity, Mission Jamaica, our weekly food drive, birthday parties at Grace Health Care, and providing hospitality for the mission groups that travel through Memphis.  We do make a difference in our community and beyond.  
More Cliff Notes:  As individuals we often wonder how to separate the good seed from the bad, sometimes in our own families.  The answer is:  don't!  In Christ there is no separation and we are not to judge.  We're all a combination of good and bad and we all fall short at times.  The line between good and evil cuts a line in the heart of everyone.  As we mature in faith, we learn from our mistakes and know that God will wash us clean.  Each one of us is a work in progress and we are to love both saints and sinners.  This releases us from our demons.  God is our judge and redeemer.  Thanks be!  
Paul's Wise Words:  Read Romans 7:15-25 if you are struggling with sin in your life.  When we are lost, we tend to push on and get even more off course, rather than ask for help.  Fear can be a paralyzing emotion.  He told his disciples to not be afraid, but to spread the Gospel.   He does not bring peace, but a sword!  Living a Christian life can be very difficult, but Jesus assures us that we are very valuable.  We are to strive for the Kingdom and not worry about tomorrow.  How can we do this?  God resides within us so we must take up the cross and follow Jesus, not just believe In Him.  We are to be disciples of Christ and our worries will melt away when we are loving and serving.   Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary... and I will take on your burden."  Our lives are filled with choices that aren't easy to make.  All people have a difficult path in life; we were never promised a life free of difficulties.  God will help us carry the load!  When we are blessed by Him (which is constantly), we are to be a blessing to others.  Our blessings energize us! Remember that Jesus bears the heaviest part of our burden, if we turn to Him.  He wants to do this so we can enjoy life and love others.  We are not alone, come to the Lord.  
Ok, here's an FYI:  guess who is related to the new head of the FBI?     Christopher Wray is George Malone's cousin!  (SO --- if you get into trouble, call George, right George?)
August Anniversaries
  
Congratulations!     

Jerel & Betty Blair 8/8/1970
Dale & Vikki Ernst 8/10/1974
Darin & Priscilla Hughes 8/16/1998
Mike & Donna Lee 8/19/1978
John & Barbara Behrends 8/20/1983
Roger & Nancy Lange 8/22/1959
Jon & Andrea Thompson 8/25/1984
Les & Jodie Morley 8/28/1951
Bob & Marybeth Hetherington 8/31/1985

August Birthdays
Sept Happy Birthday

Gene Meili 1-Aug
Dylan Wallace 1-Aug
Nicole Weiss 1-Aug
Kathryn Anderson 2-Aug
Taylor Allay 2-Aug
Michelle Feuerborn 4-Aug
Bill Parker 5-Aug
Paul Wagner 8-Aug
Wade Davis 8-Aug
Dale Ernst 8-Aug
Cameron Metz 9-Aug
Donna Meili 9-Aug
Kyle Sitko 10-Aug
Burk Renner 11-Aug
Andrew Wadovick 11-Aug
Andrea Steadman 12-Aug
Kevin Harris 12-Aug
Roger Lange 14-Aug
Nathaniel Oakley 17-Aug
Mason Grissom 18-Aug
Madeline Grissom 18-Aug
Betty Byington 19-Aug
Gianna Malanga 20-Aug
Patricia Conway 21-Aug
McKenna Duncan 22-Aug
Sarah Cowles 22-Aug
Tammy Anderson 23-Aug
Erick Rochette 24-Aug
Mary Lou Todd 25-Aug
Judy Millican 25-Aug
Jacob Dolph 26-Aug
Elvin Carlson 27-Aug
Paul Wright 28-Aug
Tanya Bolkcom 30-Aug
William Smith-Olsen 30-Aug
Mike Sampson 31-Aug

Lawn Schedule
   
   August 5 -  GREEN
   August 12 - GOLD
   August 19 - PURPLE
   August 26 - BLUE


Looky what we got!!!  Property purchased a new John Deere lawn tractor for use on the grounds.  Thank you Lawn Teams for your awesome service to St. Luke!
















And thank you Pastor Cliff for "breaking it in" for us!

Good Stewards
 

Click on this link to access the schedule:  


The Good Stewards schedule is also found on our church website under Calendar and Events from the "Get Involved" icon.


Financial Update
July 30 Contributions to General Fund
This Week 4,347
Budget per Week 8,173
This Year YTD 251,219
Budget YTD 253,365
Last Year YTD 259,836
2017 Financials Through July 31
Income
  General Fund 251,219
  Other 15,837
    Total 267,056
Expenses 247,319
Surplus/Deficit 19,737
Cash Position as of July 31, 2017
Total Cash 108,012
Designated Funds 17,308
  Roof Replacement 0
  Other Designated 17,308
Undesignated Cash 90,704


STEWARDSHIP


You now have the option to give to St. Luke by scanning our QR code with your Smartphone!  
The code will be on the back of the bulletin each Sunday.  Thank you for supp orting the ministries  of St.  Luke!
 
St. Luke Lutheran Church
2000 Germantown Parkway N.
Cordova, TN 38016
901-756-8850
 
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