Message from the Pastor

Growing up, I used to hear the phrase "April Showers bring May flowers." Spring is upon us and everything is in bloom. Some of you are really showing off with your meticulous landscaping and cultivated gardens. Others are like me and have decided that weeds also deserve their moment in the sun. Whether or not I have a green thumb, I do love to watch flowers bloom. I used to have a silver necklace with an E.E. Cummings quote that said, "the earth laughs in flowers." While making a visit recently, I shared this with a member while looking at their roses and delighted that the earth must have gotten a case of giggles in their yard.

Last Wednesday, April 22nd, was Earth Day. Across the world, over 10,000 events were held including everything from community cleanups and tree plantings to town hall meetings. After the recent Artemis II mission, I hold this Earth Day even closer to my heart in recognizing just how special it is and how we are all called to care for it well. The astronauts on Artemis II shared similar thoughts alongside stunning photos. One such photo was of astronaut Christina Koch whose face was all aglow with the light of the Earth. She called it “Earthshine.” Sometimes we forget how truly precious the earth is. Last year while visiting the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Table Rock Lake, they had copies of “This Earth Is Precious” by Chief Seattle. In 1854, the “Great White Chief” in Washington made an offer for a large area of Indian land and promised a “reservation” for the Indian people. Each year I return to this piece to remember that creation is a sacred thing. Chief Seattle said “How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?” Here Chief Seattle speaks to our tendency to want to put a price on creation rather than take time to realize its inherent worth. A little later he says “The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man…there is no quiet place in white man’s cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect’s wing.”

As I visit your homes and walk through the pathways of your outdoor spaces, I am reminded of the hymn which sings “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.”

A recent reflection shared the following quote from George Washington Carver: “I love to think of nature as unlimited broadcasting stations, through which God speaks to us every day, every hour…. How do I talk to a little flower? Through it I talk to the Infinite. And what is the Infinite? It is that silent, small voice … that still, small voice.”

Do you sense that still, small voice within God's creation? Last night I listened to the book Velma and the Way Cool Butterfly with Adalyn. Just like the character Velma, she kept repeating big words like metamorphosis and migration so she wouldn’t forget them. ”Do a butterfly's wings really turn to dust if you touch them?" she wanted to know. Suddenly, she wanted to make sure that we plan a trip to a special place where butterflies are born. I love to look at the wonder of creation through her eyes. When she was little and we would take walks, we moved at a snail’s pace because she insisted on pausing to examine every leaf and rock. She paused to engage in wonder.

Within each bed of roses, each wisteria- wrapped arbor and each indoor house plant is more than just a pretty little something. Beneath the soil and around the blooms is the cultivation of hospitality brought forth by a deep care of creation. Richard Rohr shared a beautiful reflection this past week around the hospitality we extend towards the land we have been given to tend. He says “Hospitality is more than resistance, however; it is also a sacramental practice—a way by which we learn to recognize the holy in the wild lives around us…The practice of reconciliation ecology is an act in which we relate to the world in its sacredness, keeping ourselves from seeing it as a mere landscape or an interchangeable abstraction for our desires.

I think here of the Orthodox churches of Ethiopia, many of which preserve a belt of forest around their buildings to resemble a renewed Eden. Those sacred forests are now providing the seeds for restoration in the larger landscape, which has been decimated by extractive agriculture. What if we kept alive our yards, the marginal places in the midst of our cities, our places of worship and work, as sacred—not only as places of hospitality for the wild now but also as sources of hospitality for the future? What if each yard could host the future of the planet by holding onto the life needed to reseed the world when we finally wake from the delusions of our extractive ways of life?”

Have you ever considered caring for the patch of land you’ve been given as a restorative and sacramental? As a measure of God’s abundant grace opening itself before your very eyes? Sometimes caring for creation is also how we care for one another. When Jim and I moved into our first home together, we soon discovered there was another Jim in the neighborhood, an elderly man who lived across the street. The two Jim’s became friends and began to form an unspoken agreement of caring for each other’s yards. When Mr. Jim was no longer able to care for his yard the way he once enjoyed, my Jim would ride over on his mower and mow his yard for him. No one asked him to do it. He just saw land that needed caring for and took it upon himself to do so. Hospitality of the land overflowed into hospitality of neighbor. I am also reminded of stories of how Bette Simpson and Took would go around town and gather flowers to place in the church on Sundays. I’m not sure if they asked permission or if the town just knew better than to tell them no. Either way, they gathered from the bounty of the neighborhood each week to create beautiful arrangements, the laughter of the earth on full display.

What is it that has caught your attention this spring? What do you look around and notice as earthshine? How are you being called to extend hospitality to the land you have been given? So let’s take time to appreciate when the Earth laughs. Might we sing together: “For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light, Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.”

Delighting in God's creation with you,
Rev. Hannah

Pastoral Announcement

When I moved to the MS Delta three years ago, everyone said “well you know, the Delta is just …different.” When I inquired as to what made it thus, I was told I would eventually come to understand myself. I was coming off a rough year in ministry and wasn’t sure what sort of difference to expect other than mosquitoes I was told mutated every year to the size of small birds of prey. I found this to be fairly accurate.

Before I moved, I remember someone saying to me, “when we want our pastors to be loved on, we send them to the Delta.”

As I prepare to finish my third year here, I can say that I now understand what some of you meant. As a pastor in the United Methodist Church, we take vows to be itinerant or to go where we are sent. We are a people sent in the power of the Holy Spirit to love, lead and tend the flock entrusted to us with God’s help. Over these past three years, I have had the joy of loving, leading, and serving alongside you. In a time where many allow differences of opinion to divide, you reminded me of what it looks like when love has the last word. Each decision I have watched you make has been one guided by love of God and neighbor. Over time, I fell in love with your love of this place, your rich history, your soulful music, your pottery obsession, your sheer resilience, your willingness to serve, and the lengths you go to care for one another. I have watched you care in big and small ways, making long trips to take friends to doctor's appointments, visiting one another regularly, and never showing up empty-handed. You have shown me what it means to stay rooted to a place and its people.

Thank you for embracing my family and I with authenticity, homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, a few rounds of Dirty Santa games, and a seemingly endless supply of patience. Thank you for laughing with me, listening to my stories, nurturing my kids, and remaining open to different avenues of ministry. Living in the Delta has forced me to slow down, to take my time, and to pay closer attention to those “unforced rhythms of grace.” I needed time to remember my love of pastoral care and let go of "the hurry and the worry." You welcomed me into your homes, shared your stories, and made room for me to share life with you. The Delta is indeed different, a difference that I am truly grateful to have known.

This July, I have been appointed to a new season of ministry at Tupelo First United Methodist Church as an Associate pastor. I am looking forward to being back in my hometown and serving on staff with Rev. Keith Keeton and Rev. Karie Sue McCarty. I am also overjoyed to join in ministry with the faithful people of Tupelo First United Methodist as we seek to grow together in God’s grace. My last Sunday in worship with you will be June 14th.

Although I will be back and forth over these next few weeks, I invite us to lean into this liminal space together. Let's give thanks for what has been and welcome what will be. Let's spend time in worship and fellowship together and pray for who God will appoint to lead you and love you in the next season of ministry.

Please join me in prayer for my family and I as we prepare to move and for all who are in transition over these next few weeks. As we are sent forward once again, may we remember that “the best of all, God is with us.”

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Hannah

Lectionary Readings for May

Sunday, May 3 — Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14
Sunday, May 10 — Mother’s Day
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Sunday, May 17 — Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
Sunday, May 24 — Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 7:37-39
Sunday, May 31 — Trinity Sunday
Genesis 1:1—2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

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

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELONG

We will recognize all high school and college graduates during the worship service on May 3. 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. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite dish to share at the potluck! If you wish to give the graduates a gift or card, there will be tables set up in the Fellowship Hall for each graduate.

United Women in Faith presented six Special Mission Recognition certificates and pins on April 19 to Allyson Hardy, Beverly Jacks, Brent Rogers, Hannah Shempert and Tricia Walker. A $40 gift to mission was given for work with women, children and youth in honor of each person.

United Women in Faith spring No-Bake Sale is scheduled to end on May 10. If you have not already responded, we really need your help to meet our goal. Included in the UWFaith budget are Helping Hands, DSU Wesley Foundation, and Zoe Ministries. We send money to Rust College, Bethlehem Center, Wesley House, Methodist Children’s Home, Choctaw Mission, and Moore Community House – all in Mississippi. We support our Frances Perry Scholarship Fund which gives college scholarships to those preparing for the ministry and other church related professions.

You received a stamped, self-addressed envelope to make your response a bit easier. Maybe it’s still in that stack of mail on your desk. If you didn’t get an envelope or have questions, contact Jackie Pennington at jackiebill@tecinfo.com or 662-719-5064.

UWFaith Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the church library. Women who are interested in the work of this wonderful organization and who are not otherwise engaged on May 12 are invited to join us. We are always finished by noon, and sometimes earlier.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BELIEVE

Please join us for Sunday School on the last few Sundays remaining before we take our summer break. We have children’s/youth classes for pre-K through high school and there’s always something fun going on, from Bible stories to arts-and-crafts projects to songs and games. Our two adult classes follow the lectionary passages for each Sunday and lively discussions are the norm. Sunday School is a fundamental way to learn more about God’s world and our place in it, and YOUR place is in Sunday School. The Coleman Class will continue to meet through the summer, but the last Sunday School classes for children, youth, and the Young Adult class will be May 17. Sunday School will resume after school starts in the fall - date to be determined.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME DISCIPLES

May Mission Focus — We will have a special offering during the month of May for Peace with Justice. Donations will enable the United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs. The special offering benefits peace with justice ministries in the annual conference and through the General Board of Church and Society. We achieve peace with justice efforts by working with the World Council of Churches, interfaith and ecumenical bodies, and secular organizations for social-justice policies and programs that seek the wholeness of shalom for all of God’s people. Your gift, joined with the gifts of others makes a significant impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

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 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.

Graduation Sunday

VBS

Please click the links below if you would like to help with VBS or have a child/children to register.

volunteers:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CACA82AA3FAC70-63525347-vbssnowball

kids:
https://www.fumc-cleveland.org/#new-page-1-section

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.

The St. Luke Scene

Holy Humor Breakfast Church

Events in May

May 3, Sunday
— Graduate Recognition & Potluck

May 6, Wednesday
— Confirmation Class, 3:15 p.m. (First UMC)

May 7, Thursday
— Trustees Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Fellowship Hall)

May 10, Sunday
— Second Sunday Mission for Helping Hands

May 12, Tuesday
— UWFaith Grace Circle, 10:00 a.m. (Church Library)

May 15, Friday
— Memorial Service for Frankie Brewer, 11:00 a.m. (St. Luke)

May 17, Sunday
— Confirmation Sunday
— Last Day for Kids, Youth, & Young Adult Sunday School for Summer
— Church Council Meeting, 11:35 a.m. (Fellowship Hall)

May 25, Monday
— Church Office Closed for Memorial Day

May 29, Friday
— Toddler Playgroup, 9:00-11:00 a.m. (Preschool Room)

May 31, Sunday
— Finance Meeting, 11:35 a.m. (Fellowship Hall)
— Youth: Top Golf, 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events for June

June 3-5, Wednesday-Friday
— MS Annual Conference (Jackson at Millsaps)

June 7, Sunday
— Youth: Pickleball, 5:00 p.m.

June 14, Sunday
— Youth: Delta Dairy, 5:00 p.m.

June 14-17, Sunday-Wednesday
— Vacation Bible School, 5-7:00 p.m. (First UMC)

Memorials and Honorariums

By:
Jackie Pennington

By:

Memorials for:
Frankie Brewer

Honorarium for:
n/a

Attendance and Offering Report

Contact Us

Newsletter Blog

May 2026

April 30, 2026St. Luke United Methodist Church

Message from the Pastor

Pastoral Announcement

Lectionary Readings for May