Message from the Pastor

Just this past Sunday, we stood together and proclaimed "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!"

That same day and in subsequent days, the President of the United States shared violent rhetoric around war and genocide. It was alarming and heaped fear on the backs of many people who are already in turmoil. Together the people of Iran formed a human chain around power plants and along bridges. My spirit has struggled to make sense of this chaos and bloodthirst. On Sunday I shared how we are called to live into the good news even as we exist between the already and the not yet. Part of living into this good news is seeking to live as peacemakers as we follow the true Prince of Peace. I echo the Easter message of Pope Leo XIV who made a plea for peace on Easter.

The Pope shared "In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them! We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel. There is an ever-increasing “globalization of indifference,” to borrow an expression dear to Pope Francis, who one year ago from this loggia addressed his final words to the world, reminding us: “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world!” (Urbi et Orbi Message, 20 April 2025). The cross of Christ always reminds us of the suffering and pain that surround death and the agony it entails. We are all afraid of death, and out of fear we turn away, preferring not to look. We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil! Saint Augustine teaches: “If you fear death, love the resurrection!” (Sermon 124, 4). Let us too love the resurrection, which reminds us that evil is not the last word, because it has been defeated by the Risen One."

I have been following the Artemis mission and have enjoyed seeing the stunning photos of Earth and our moon that it has provided. When you look at the whole Earth in one view, it has a way of shifting your perspective. I was heartened by pilot Victor Glover's words on Easter given from deep space. He said, "For me, one of the really important personal perspectives that I have up here is I can really see Earth as one thing. You have this amazing place, this spaceship. You are on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place to live in the universe in the cosmos. You are special. Just trust me. You are special. In all of this nothingness, you have this oasis, this beautiful place we get to exist together. This is an opportunity to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing and have to get through this together." On Easter Sunday, the pilot of the Artemis mission reminded us of our humanity, calling us back to remember who we are and the gift we have in sharing life together on Earth. A gift we forsake when we engage in war with one another rather than seeking to live in peace.

In the midst of wars and rumors of war, I am reminded of the hymn God of Grace and God of Glory that says:
"Cure your children’s warring madness;
Bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal."

And so this week after Easter in the space between death and resurrection, between war and peace, I offer you this prayer from Graham Sparkes with the organization Christian Aid. May we lament and cry out for peace together. Compassionate God, come quickly and cure our warring madness, lest we miss your kingdom's heart and goal.

Compassionate God
In the silence, we listen to the cries that are carried to us.
The cries of a child whose sleep is broken by rocket fire and the shouts of soldiers.
The cries of soldiers who know they are brutalized by what they have to do.
The cries of a family whose hearts are broken remembering those no longer with them.
The cries of all broken and scarred communities who long for peace.
Compassionate God, in the silence we cry out to you.
For our acceptance of violence as normal and everyday.
For our failure to seek peace and to make peace.
For our participation in powers and systems that oppress.
For our failure to speak for justice and live for justice.
Hear our cries of pain and lament- the cries in our hearts.
Come and heal us with mercy and grace.
Compassionate God, hear the cries of the world. Amen.

Rev. Hannah

Lectionary Readings for April

Sunday, April 5 — Easter Sunday
Acts 30:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10
Sunday, April 12 — Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Psalm 16
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
Sunday, April 19 — Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Sunday, April 26 — Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10

The Mission of St. Luke UMC is to be a Place to Belong, Believe, & Become Disciples of Christ

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG

The United Methodist Men is taking applications for their scholarships for the 2026-27 college year. Current high school seniors through current college juniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications can be picked up from either St. Luke or First UM church offices. Applications must be turned in to the First United Methodist Church office no later than April 13, 2025.

UWFaith Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the church library.

The UWFaith Lunch Bunch will meet at noon on Thursday, April 16, in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your lunch and drink, dessert will be provided. All women are invited for a brief devotion and fellowship!

We will recognize all high school and college graduates during the worship service on May 3. If you have a child or grandchild who will be graduating this year, please contact the church office by April 27 with their name, school, degree (if applicable), and future plans (for high school graduates).

This year we have two St. Luke members who will be graduating from high school: Zane Hardy and Charli Woods. We will honor these two at a Graduate Reception/Potluck following worship service on May 3. If you wish to give them graduation gifts, there will be gift tables set up in the Fellowship Hall for each graduate.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for these meaningful Holy Week services:
• Taizé Tuesday – March 31 at 6:00 pm at St. Luke
• Maundy Thursday – April 2 at 6:00 pm at St. Luke
• Good Friday – April 3 at 6:00 pm at First UMC

Easter Service: We will not have an Easter Sunrise Service this year, but we hope you will join us at 10:30 a.m. on April 5 for our traditional Easter worship. During the service, we will take part in a beautiful tradition as we transform a mesh cross with fresh flowers. Everyone will be invited to come forward to the altar and help with the transformation. We will have flowers available, but if you have blooms in your yard or garden, you are welcome to bring them to share.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES

April Mission Focus — As followers of Christ, we are called to love, learn, and uplift one another in faith. On Native American Ministries Sunday, we have an opportunity to do exactly that—by recognizing and supporting the incredible contributions of Native American leaders, churches, and ministries within our United Methodist family. This special offering helps fund Native American ministries, provide scholarships for Native American students pursuing ministry, and support impactful outreach programs. It’s a tangible way for us to acknowledge and honor the sacred traditions, wisdom, and leadership of Indigenous peoples in our church and beyond. Prayerfully consider making a donation and be a part of this collective effort. Together, we can make a meaningful difference! Donations can be given anytime during the month of April.

Worship Greeters are needed for the months of June, July, August, October, November, and December! A Greeter is a very important part of welcoming people to our worship service and helps by passing out bulletins and attendance forms, helping people in and out of cars (when needed), directing visitors to pews or various areas of the church, and helping in other capacities of the service. If you feel called to volunteer and would like to help, a signup sheet is available in the narthex or you may sign up by contacting the church office. If you need more info on what all being a greeter entails, please see Bob Card, Mike Gressett, Jim Shempert, or Al Williams.

Don’t forget that on the second Sunday of every month we collect bags of apples, jars of peanut butter, and also canned goods for the Helping Hands Ministry. A blue bin designated for Helping Hands is available in the narthex where you can place your food items.

The second Sunday is also our Dollar Sunday, when you are invited to drop a dollar or two into the small basket in the narthex to help support our Compassion Fund. This fund is used by the pastor at their discretion to help those in need.

The 2026 Flower Calendar is available on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the choir room. If you would like to help provide an altar arrangement sometime during the year, please look over the calendar, choose a date or two, and sign up. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be fresh flowers, it could be a lovely silk arrangement, or even a nice plant. If you sign up for two consecutive Sundays, we have a “flower fridge” where we can store your floral arrangement during the week and re-use them the second Sunday. If ordering fresh flowers from a flower shop, be sure to inform them you would like them to last for two Sundays. Please see Melanie Williams or contact the church office for more info or to sign up.

Holy Humor Breakfast Church

Mahjong Fundraiser

VBS

More Opportunities to Help

Parks Elementary Partnership

1) PBIS Closet- Parks keeps a closet filled with goodies for students who do well with their positive behavior system. This includes items such as fidget toys, slime, and other small prizes. When the children meet their goals, they are able to shop this closet as a treat and means of positive reinforcement. You may contribute to this cause or purchase items and bring them to the church office.

2) Feminine Hygiene supplies- Parks has an area in the office dedicated to storing feminine hygiene supplies for girls who need them. Specifically, they try to keep a current stock of pads (no tampons please) and girls underwear in all sizes. You may bring these items to the church office as well.

3) Reading with students- Do you like to help students with their reading? If you had 1-2 hours a week to give during school hours, the students at Parks could use your help. Reading with students is a proven way to help raise their AR scores while also providing quality time with these children. If you are interested in this, please let Rev. Hannah know.

Employment Opportunities

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is searching for an employee to fill our Music Director position and would welcome help from the congregation in spreading the word.

As you know, Beverly Jacks has served as interim Director for the past couple of years or so. She does a lovely job and has been happy to serve our church with her gifts, but she would like a break if a suitable person can be found to lead the choir. Previous experience in a church setting is preferred but not required. Salary will be negotiable.

Please share this information with any suitable candidates you know who might be interested in working at St. Luke. Any further questions may be directed to Rev. Hannah or to Lisa in the church office.