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Dr. Will CottonSenior Pastor

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Welcome to the December Edition of the St. Luke’s Visionary

St. Luke’s StaffSenior Pastor

Dr. Will Cotton

Associate Pastor / Lead Pastor SLSWRev. Matt Wolfington

Associate Pastor / Congregational CareRev. Don Kinder

Director of Music MinistriesDr. Andy Coward

Director of Christian Education - CentralSara Lattimore

Director of Christian Education - SouthwestKaren Carruth

Director of Youth and Recreational Ministries

Jeremy Smith

Director of ChildcareJennifer Thomason

Business Manager / BookkeeperFlorence Ann McVay

Graphic DesignerJoan Henegar

Senior Office Assistant - CentralShalah Smith

Office Assistant - SouthwestSherry Galvan

Director of Servant MinistriesLea Oberleas

Director of PreschoolDee Riebel

Director of Parent’s Day OutVicki Davidson

Custodial / Maintenance DirectorCurtis Borland

CustodiansDavid Cranford, Veronica Orosco

ChefAlphonza Duvall

Parish NurseSherilyn Pharr

SecurityFrank Anderson

A Message from Our Senior Pastor:

“Great Expectations”Advent 2009

Yes, many of us were required to read Great Expectations by Charles Dickens as part of our education, but for this Advent we’re talking about “Great Expectations” of a different kind. When Jesus came, the people in Palestine were already looking for a Messiah, a deliverer who would free them from the tyranny of Rome, take away their poverty, and restore their nation to the greatness of David’s time. The prophets had foretold it for centuries. But when Jesus came, he was not what the people expected.

The build-up for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season is also a time of high expectations...and high pressure. Our own Jennifer Thomason on staff has already completed her Christ-mas shopping. Humbug! Doesn’t she know that it’s all about waiting till the last minute (for me December 23rd is the tradition), so that the pressure amidst everything else (parties, budget meetings, end of year reports, funerals, etc) becomes unbearable? Actually, kudos to Jennifer. It’s also a season of high ideals: love at Christmas, peace on earth, hope for new beginnings, new birth in faith. That makes experiences that are opposite more painful: fam-ily conflict, ongoing wars and deployments, disappointments and losses and experiences of doubt and questioning. Quite often, we are glad to welcome December 26th, when the hype and the expectations become more reasonable, normal even (whatever that is!). Soon we will be lighting candles on our Advent Wreath and eventually celebrating the com-ing of Christ and passing the light at beautiful services. But if Advent teaches us anything at all, it is “expect the unexpected” - a Messiah born in a stable outside an overcrowded inn in a small village to poverty-stricken parents, with few people knowing it even happened. Maybe that’s the problem - that we look amidst the hype and noise at the center of our lives for that which will bless us and we are unable to find it. Don’t get me wrong. I love the decorations, the carols, the special musical productions, the gift-giving both in families and in special efforts like “Shoes for the City.” But Advent reminds us that God does his great-est work often at the unseen, less glamourous, quiet edges of our lives. So, what if we were to take some quiet time each day during this season and just allow God to visit with us? We might just find some very unexpected benefits. Have a great Advent. Sincerely in Christ, Will

Be sure to check out and hang on to the 2009 Advent Brochure that’s included in this month’s edition!

Finance Committee Holds 2010 Budget Hearings & All-Church Meeting in December...

Note the following gatherings for preparation & adoption of our 2010 Budget:

First Budget Hearing led by Kevin McMahon Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00PM - Central Campus Sanctuary at 45th and Memphis

Second Budget Hearing led by Barak Harlan Thursday, December 10th at 7:00PM - Southwest Campus Sancutary at 98th and Frankford

All-Church Meeting led by Kevin McMahon Thursday, December 17th at 7:00PM - Central Campus Sanctuary

This year’s budget is particularly challenging as we fund for expanded ministry at two permanent locations and begin payments on our new facilities at 98th and Frankford. Your feedback is welcome at each of the hearings, and your presence at the Budget Presentation on December 17th will be ex-

tremely important.

Be in prayer for our Finance Committee as they lead us in this effort.

Congratulations again, Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

photos courtesy of brittanystrebeck.com

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The DesignerThe DesignerSt. Luke’s Southwest

Adult Sunday School News:The Disciple Class: November 22nd we will start “Christmas from the Back Side” by J. Ellsworth Kalas which will be led by Tim Ebelthite. Our lessons will be:Nov 22 “The scandal of Christmas”Nov 29 “ Three votes for an early Christmas”Dec 6 “Christmas comes to a back fence”Dec 13 “Celebrating Christmas in a hotel”Dec 20 “How the government helped the first Christmas”Dec 27 “Christmas and the impossible dream Jan 3 “ Christmas comes to a church”The lessons look at Christmas from an alternative angle and retelling the Christmas story from a differ-ent view. Please join us!

The Parables Class will continue with their Servant Leadership series led by James Carruth.

The Parenting Class will be continuing with Kevin Leman’s Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours.

Godly Play Class: Our Advent series will begin Sunday, November 29th, the 1st Sunday of Advent.

UPDATE: Starting Sunday, November 29th, our Godly Play Class will become two classes! The 3 & 4 year olds will move to Rm 1 to start their new class with leaders Kelly Wilken and Janice Lampe. The Kindergarteners will re-main in Rm 6.Live BIG Sunday School Classes: December B.I.G. Theme: The Messiah Is Born B.I.G. Idea: We believe that Jesus is the prom-ised Messiah. Dec 6 The Angel’s Message Dec 13 Mary Visits Elizabeth Dec 20 Journey to Bethlehem Dec 27 The Birth and the Shepherds

Children’s Worship:December’s Theme is Advent and the leader is

Karen Carruth.

Southwest Children’s Sunday School Options

Page 3Sam Salley, owner

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Bible Academy Class - Leader James Carruth, third graders: Paige Carruth, Emma Jansen, James Bentley, Rebekah Thomason.

Not pictured: Morgan Manwarren and Madison Abers

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our St. Luke’s Visionary!

Southwest gives a HARVEST of THANKS to...

Thank you to Wyatt & Melissa Crawford, Robin Wolfington and Amy Berry for leading Godly Play during No-vember. Thank you to Joey and Brent Manwarren, Craig Lampe and Mandi Patton for leading the 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School Class during November. Thank you to Sara Abers for leading the 3rd through 5th grade Sun-day School Class for November. Thank you to Andy and Sandy Jansen for leading Children’s Worship during November. Thank you to our childcare workers for always welcoming and caring for our children in the nursery!

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Project LinusOn November 1st, the Southwest campus in-vited the congregation to help make many fleece tie blankets for Project Linus.

Above: Morgan Manwar-ren, Madison Abers and Paige Carruth work together on a piece.

Above: J.C. and Kace Wilken work & eat cook-ies.

Right: Joey Manwarren takes a turn in front of the camera (finally) and puts together a blanket after successfully gathering the volunteers for the event.

Thanks for giving your heart and time in order to create tan-gible comfort and security for many children in need.

Central Campus Children’s Corner

Each year Elizabeth Cogan - a member of this congregation, but under a pseudonym - relished looking over Zale’s sale items for special customers in late November. Veteran’s Day, 2008 - this energetic, retired teacher with white hair swept up into a stylish bun, arrived at the store to look at the Season’s offerings. Anticipating the beauty she knew she would find and enjoying the uplift this type of shopping offers, she entered the door. It brought joy to her to find something special - a bit unusual or rare - for family members at Christmastime. As she entered the door, she noted that her favorite salesperson was busy with an attractive couple who were looking at rings for the lady. Elizabeth went straight to the display counter which held the items of interest to her.

As she looked at the case of multi-colored gems in their mountings of glittering gold and diamonds, she was awed by their splendor. Despite the number of beautiful rings in the box, there was one in the center that stood out - a lovely emerald cut pink sapphire with three diamonds on each side. She would check this one out as soon as Gloria, the sales clerk was free.

The glittering beauty of the sparkling stones in the box reminded her of a unique light on that first Christmas - reflecting the holy beam of a single lead star that stayed over the place where Jesus lay. This prompted her to think of the great wisdom the Magi displayed in seeking out King Jesus to worship and to bring him gifts on that star-studded night. Oh, to be as wise as they, she thought, in selecting gifts for family; and to be able to look at the whole spectrum of Christ’s birthday, the family and the season in perfect balance. As she toured the store, exploring the contents of the various cases, she began to hum softly: We, three kings of Orient are; Bearing Gifts, we traverse afar…Field and fountain, moor and mountain, .Following yonder star.

“Mrs. Cogan, may I help you,” Gloria interrupted her thoughts.

When Gloria had removed the ring from its case, Elizabeth could not wait to put it on her finger, viewing it in the mirror and modeling it with various waves of her hand. To Elizabeth, it was breathtaking… meant just for her!

“You better be careful; they will get all your money!” Thinking the gentleman was talking to someone else, she ignored the remark, but when he repeated it, she turned and agreed with him. She then showed him the beautiful pink sapphire ring in the case, and suggested he buy it for his wife for Christmas. After a few more pleasantries, Elizabeth left with one more quick admonition that he really had better consider the pink ring for his wife’s Christmas gift. Continued on Page 6...

Holy Moments by Vicki Colwell“A Gift of Splendor”

A big thanks to Dee Reibel for the beautiful curtains she made for the nursery, and also thanks to Vicki for her good eye and organiza-tion for helping to put the nursery together. And thank you to all the Central Campus volunteers!!. Our volunteers for November were Chris Thomason, Mary Gonzales, Shalan Inmon, DaLinda Rodriguez, Aaron Lattimore, Michelle and James Pitman, Darlene Bentley, Tina Thompson, Janet Copeland, Brandi Strong, Fanni Coward, George & Kay Buchanan, and Gencie Houy.

Friday, December 4th from 6:30 - 10:30p.m.(NOTE THE DAY CHANGE, the first Friday) Reservations are due Dec. 2 at Central by 4pm and Nov. 29 if paying at SW. The theme will be “Jesus Birthday Party” and the

Blackmon family will be hosting.

The Central Campus Children’s Sun-day school has been collecting money to donate to the “Shoe’s for the City” proj-ect. The children have been encouraged to bring spare change and money that

they want to donate so that other Children can have a new pair of shoes. As of Sunday November 8th the Children have collected $82.94. Their goal for the next month is to reach $120.00 which would help purchase about 8 pairs of shoes.

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Holy Moments... Cont’d from Page 5As she started for her car, the idea of the gift selections by the Wise Men stayed with her - gold, frankincense and myrrh – gifts that were appropriate for kings - gifts that represent adoration, quality and love - gifts that came from the heart! Now in the car, she could sing, and did “O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding. Guide us to thy perfect light”

Elizabeth had a call from Gloria when she arrived home; but, upon answering it, she was told Gloria was with a customer. About to leave her number, Elizabeth heard Gloria say, “Wait, I want to talk to Mrs. Cogan,” but before Gloria reached the phone, a man’s voice - Bruno Salazar, the gentleman who was shopping with his wife - was saying, “Mrs. Cogan, you need to come in and pick up your ring. We just bought the pink sapphire ring for you. It is paid for and ready to pick up. We want you to have it for Christmas.”

Stunned beyond belief that someone would do something so nice for someone they did not know, Elizabeth was silent for quite a long time! “Imagine me, one who has never lacked for words, completely speechless,” she thought. Elizabeth continued to search for the proper words, but instead said rather definitely, “Oh no, I cannot accept - such an expensive gift - of course, I can’t accept it. Are you sure you can afford something like this?”

“Yes, I am sure. All you need to do is say ‘thank you’, and come pick it up.”

Elizabeth waited for a full hour before she called Gloria, but when she was convinced this was a couple who just wanted to do something especially meaningful for someone for Christmas, she accepted the gift. When she picked up her pink treasure, she found a card on the box with the signature, Lucy and Bruno Salazar, along with their address and phone number.

Later that evening Elizabeth called to say that they had made this a Christmas she would never forget; and that she was making a box of goodies for them as a token of her appreciation. Lucy told her of a surgery, scheduled for the following Monday and requested that Elizabeth pray for her. This created an opening to pursue what has now developed into a beautiful friendship. Elizabeth learned over time that Bruno’s mother had died just ahead of their making this unusual gift. Elizabeth believes that missing his mother prompted the desire to buy the ring - something they might have done for their Mother, if she were alive.

Elizabeth experienced the greatest gift she could have in the indescribable generosity from a couple who expected noth-ing in return. Christmas still exists today in the hearts of those who have discovered that real joy comes from giving, rather than from receiving; and it was in the spirit of creating happiness for someone else that Bruno and Lucy Salazar gave the ring. Greater still, the sparkling ring is a reminder to Elizabeth that King Jesus is the true Gift of Splendor; and He, through the Holy Spirit, is implanted into every person who chooses to follow His Star.

Matthew 2:1 – 11 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him………When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy…….They saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him;….they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

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Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

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OFFICE: (806) 793-3668FAX: (806) 792-6664

2802 50th Street797-0837

Sealy, Serta, andTempur-pedic Mattresses

Daybeds - Futons - Lift Chairs

St. Luke’s Mailbox

Dear Church Family, We just want to say that we have seen Christ in your faces during the past few days as you’ve blanketed us in your love. Each act of kindness - cards, calls, flowers, memorials, and food - have helped us to cope with the void that is left; we appreciate you all.

You truly helped us celebrate Tanda’s life. Love, Vicki Colwell and Family

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United Methodist WomenTuesday, December 1st

Gil Solano from Odyssey Health Care will present

“Hospice 101”All women invited to attend. 9:30a.m. in Central Rm 34,

followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

Call Jo Ann Smith for info.795.1434

United Methodist Men Celebrating

100Years!

Celebrating 100

Years!

United Methodist Men

Steve & Kathy WaldronPatty Jones

North Kingsgate82nd & Quaker806-791-5410

Open Mon-Sat 10-6

Steve & Kathy WaldronPatty Jones

North Kingsgate82nd & Quaker806-791-5410

Open Mon-Sat 10-6Feel better, work better, live better

Human Touch™Perfect Chair Recliner

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Visionary!

(above) Aaron Lattimore gets attacked by stickers when helping the children make posters...

Southwest Campus LIVE B.I.G. Class’ Avery Baldree and Clara Robinson

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Choir Parents Social

Wednesday,

Dec. 2nd at 4:30p

Central Campus Parlor

Choir Parents Social

Wednesday,

Dec. 2nd at 4:30p

Central Campus Parlor

Worship OpportunitiesCentral: 8:30a.m. Traditional Service9:45a.m. Sunday School11:00a.m. Blended Worship Service

Southwest:9:30a.m. Sunday School10:30a.m. Contemporary Service

Contact Information:Central Location3708 45th Street, Lubbock, TX 79413806.797.4393806.797.4395 (fax)office hours: M-F 8:30a-4:30p

Southwest Location5805 98th StreetLubbock, TX 79424806.771.0555806.771.1912 (fax)office hours : M-F 9:00a-1:00p

Preschool: 806.797.4396Parent’s Day Out: 806.797.8353Web: www.stlukeslubbock.orgEmail: sl@stlukeslubbock.org

Shoes for the CityChristmas Missions Focus

Contributions due by Monday, Dec. 14th

We’re over halfway there!

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As we prepare our 2010 budget, please remember to complete &

submit your Stewardship Commitment Cards

to the office if you have not already done so.

Thank you!

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 3708 45th Street Lubbock, Texas 79413

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PaidLubbock, TX

Permit No. 106

Be sure to get your poinsettia orders in by the

Nov. 29th deadline.

Be sure to get your poinsettia orders in by the

Nov. 29th deadline.

The St. Luke’s Lubbock Visionary, Volume 11, Issue 12 www.stlukeslubbock.org

Many Thanks to our sponsor:Danny Leake State Farm Insurance and Financial Services