October 2, 2014 Explorer

The Explorer
Volume 9, Issue 19
Website: http://www.stjohnslubbock.org
2 October 2014
Fun, Fellowship, and
Fundraising at Blue Sky
Page 2
The Explorer
Recent weeks have included all sorts of new
beginnings for St. John’s.
 Justine Halamicek and Brent Wood set the
bar high and gave our children a memorable
experience as participants in this year’s
children’s musical. What an impressive and
meaningful performance our children gave!
 Sherida Hibbard has joined our staff as our
Open hearts,
new Director of Children’s Ministries. Her
Open arms,
enthusiastic creativity is reshaping children’s
Open minds
Sunday School and expanding children’s
ministries into Sunday morning worship and Wednesday evening
With open hearts, open arms,
programs.
and open minds, we welcome you to
 Ryan Sullivan has taken the helm with our Chorister’s program, our
St. John’s United Methodist Church
choral program for children and youth. Like Sherida, Ryan is
and invite you to join our community of faith,
for a day, a week or a lifetime.
expanding music ministries into Wednesday and Sunday evenings,
making top-flight musical experiences fun and accessible.
 Our Connexions team helped lead us through a rebranding process
Weekly Sunday Opportunities
that has now yielded, not only a fresh contemporary logo and look,
8:15 a.m.
Holy Communion
but a new website with communications tools that will enhance our
9:15 a.m.
Sunday School hour
connection. The new St. John’s t-shirts designed by April Baker10:30 a.m.
Worship service
Padilla are also a product of this thoughtful process.
11:30 a.m.
University meal
5:30 p.m.
United Methodist Youth  On Wednesday night we launched W ednesday Night Reconnect, our
weekly program that includes a Fellowship Meal, Community
1501 University Avenue
Prayers and Blessings, children’s programming, Choristers, and adult
Lubbock, Texas 79401
classes.
806-762-0123
 This past Sunday, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee announced
fax: 806-762-0130
the hiring of St. John’s new youth director, Chad Ewing. Chad comes
Email: [email protected]
to us as the perfect outcome of a nine-month-long search. Youth and
Web: stjohnslubbock.org
parents also participated in the long search for the right person for St.
John’s. We are confident that we found a winner in Chad.
Like us on Facebook!

There are other important strides that are taking place because of
Facebook.com/St.JohnsLubbock
leadership coming from our Finance and Endowment committees,
our Trustees, and other church leaders and members.
Saint John’s Staff
 The point is THINGS ARE HAPPENING that call for our gratitude
Senior Pastor: Kevin Young
and support. The challenges of the day are being met with
Associate Pastors: Daniel Echols and Ann Akin
commitment and faithfulness that are characteristic of the St. John’s
Pastor Emeritus: Ted Dotts
family.
Dir. of Music Ministries: Stephanie Council
Let’s keep pressing forward. Let’s keep trying to comprehend the
Organist: Clint Barrick
leadership of God’s spirit among us. Let’s keep moving, trusting that our
Facilities Supervisor: David Cranford
Dir. of Youth Ministries: Chad Ewing
work is pleasing to God and that our mutual commitment to St. John’s
Dir. of Children’s Ministries: Sherida Hibbard
United Methodist Church is forming us as disciples of Jesus Christ for
Childcare Director: Trisha Castillo
the transformation of the world.
Business Manager: Emily Johnson
Admin. Asst./Editor: Mary Ruth Thurmond
Grace and peace,
Kevin
If you know of any St. John’s church
members going into the hospital,
please contact the church office at 762-0123
or [email protected].
If you have changed your phone #, home or
e-mail address, call the church office.
Lectionary Scripture Readings
October 5: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19;
Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
October 12: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23;
Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
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Children’s Ministry Snapshot
Looking Ahead
I’ve previously expressed my love for music,
specifically Christian music, and will gladly share my
favorite songs and bands with anyone who asks. I have
also shared my love for dance and drama loudly and
frequently. It should come as no surprise that I am
overwhelmed with joy at the possibilities of a Drama and
Creative Movement (DCM) Ministry here at St. John’s.
As I’ve begun working on the logistics of the ministry,
I’m reminded of the significant and meaningful impact
that music has on many.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible says “For everything
there is a season, and a time to every purpose under
heaven,” but I would take this one step further and say
that for every season there is a song—even for the verse
itself. Many significant events in our lives are marked by
music. Every birthday is brought in with a song; every
graduate moves on to new things with a song; and, our
final farewell is often accompanied by a song. All of
these important, sometimes life-changing, events, have
their own soundtrack that is unique to each individual.
However, it is not these large life events that I want to
focus on, but rather the everyday mundane things. What
would their song be? David was a man who knew the
value of a good song. In Psalms, he pours his fear,
anxiety, joy, and praise into music. It is from this
collection of songs that I found the inspiration and
Biblical backing for the DCM in the first place. David
says, “Praise his name with dancing.” (Psalm 149:3).
As we embark upon this new adventure together, I
want to be mindful of the impact that music has on
people. Music gives an opportunity to express our
deepest sadness or highest praise when words fail us.
While this will be an amazingly fun (and sometimes
exceptionally silly) ministry, the heart and soul of the
group will be to worship together through every season
and song.
The DCM will begin meeting in the Garden Room
on October 12, 2014, at 5:45 p.m. All children (young
and old) are invited to take part in this group. Guests and
visitors are always welcome. We will begin every
meeting with a short musically-based devotional,
followed by rehearsals for upcoming performances or
events. Each meeting will conclude with a brief time of
guided reflection and prayer. Please don’t hesitate to
contact me if you have questions or concerns. If you, or
your child, would like to be involved, please let me
know. As with everything I do, there is a place for
everyone regardless of skill, experience, or musical
talent. Come as you are and join us!
World Communion Sunday, October 5
by Sherida Hibbard
United Supermarket has a new rewards program and
you can donate your points electronically! As you earn
points at the cash register, just give them St. John’s phone
number, 806-762-0123! It’s that easy!!!
United Methodist Youth
Sundays, 4:30 p.m., Schola Cantorum;
5:30 p.m., snack supper; 6:00 p.m., program;
7:00 p.m., parents pick up youth.
Committee meetings (in Room 122, unless otherwise stated)
SPRC, Sunday, October 5, 5:30 p.m.
Church Council, Monday, October 6, 5:30 p.m.
Reconciling, Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 p.m.,
and Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. (in Room 115);
Connexions, Sunday, October 12, 5:30 p.m.
Benevolence, Tuesday, October 14, noon
Trustees, Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 p.m.
St. John’s on Tap, Page 6
United Methodist Women, Page 6
Fun Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli, Page 8
Wednesday Night Reconnect, Page 5
United Methodist Men’s breakfast
Thursday, October 9, 7:00 a.m., Room 122
Country-Western dancing, Page 5
Merry Mailers
Thursday, October 16, 1:30 p.m., Room 122
TTU Game Day Parking Fundraisers, Page 6
Funday, Page 6
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, Page 6
Finance Report
August 2014 budget contributions:
August 2014 expenses:
Shared giving year to date:
Shared giving commitment 2014:
$43,028.05
$52,125.55
$4,052.00
$85,727.00
St. John’s 101 is back! J oin us any Sunday fr om 9:1510:15 a.m., in the church library. Hosted by Rev. Young,
this class provides a casual no-pressure setting in which
St. John’s guests can ask questions and learn about St.
John’s and the United Methodist Church.
From the Editor: Thank you to Kevin Young and any
mystery photographers who shared their pictures on our
Facebook page! Thanks also to Kevin Young, Sherida
Hibbard, Emily Johnson, and Sandy Goodloe for
their contributions. Thanks be to God for the Merry
Mailers, Office Volunteers, Proofreaders, Minions, and
Scapegoats!
The deadline for bulletin announcements is always
Monday at 4:30 p.m.
Next newsletter deadline:
Friday, October 10
Keep the Good News coming! mrt
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Chancellor Robert Duncan
The Explorer
David Weaver, CEO, South Plains Food Bank
Mayor Glenn Robertson
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Wednesday Night Reconnect (for mer ly Wonder ful Wednesdays) is her e! Rev. Kevin Young is facilitating
“Embracing an Adult Faith,” a five-session study by Marcus Borg. Join us for the Fellowship Meal (Bring your own or
RSVP for $7. Families capped at $30). Come for the fellowship meal and community prayers even if you are not
participating in the 6:15 programs. Or come for the 6:15 programs only. Wednesday Night Reconnect is meant to be
just that—a time for us to reconnect and experience community. Stay as long as you like or leave when you must.
October 8
(Please note Fellowship meal is at Jason’s Deli this week only.)
5:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Fun Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli, 4001 S. Loop 289
Study: “Embracing an Adult Faith” (Room 122)
Theology Group (Room 212)
Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 116)
Hosanna Choir (Music Suite)
Joyful Noise (Music Suite)
Chancel Choir rehearsal (Music Suite)
October 15
5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Fellowship meal (Garden Room)
Menu: Cornbread and soup catered by Honeychild’s
Children’s Ministries/Programs (Room 211)
Prayer vigil (Larry Hatten)
Community Prayers and Blessings (Garden Room)
Study: “Embracing an Adult Faith” (Room 1122)
Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 116)
Hosanna Choir (Music Suite)
Joyful Noise (Music Suite)
Chancel Choir rehearsal (Music Suite)
Country-Western Dancing
Country-Western dancing is back in full swing! All ar e welcome to join the
fun every Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the Garden Room! Bring a pair of leather-soled
boots or shoes and come on out for a boot-scootin’ good time! Please contact
Oren Grossman with any questions: [email protected] or
214-912-8375. YEE-HAW!!!
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The Explorer
St. John’s on Tap
On Sunday, October 5, please join us for St. John’s on Tap,
our off-site discussion group that looks at current events
from a faith-based perspective. Do you know someone who
enjoys talking theology but doesn’t have an outlet for
authentic and judgment-free conversation? All are welcome
to attend, whether you are coming from a specific faith
tradition, or perhaps are more philosophical in your
approach. Grab an interesting headline, invite a friend, and
come hang out on the first and third Sundays of each month,
7:00 p.m., at The Lantern Tavern (3502 Slide Rd.).
United Methodist Women
The UMW general meeting will be on Wednesday,
October 8, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 122. Betty and Ted Dotts
will lead the spiritual growth study, “Living Sacramentally
and Walking Justly.” The Lubbock District annual meeting
will be at Friona FUMC on Saturday, October 11.
Funday
Funday will be Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m., in the
Garden Room. Herb Tavenner will give the devotional,
Helen Price will bring morning snacks, and Janet Snively
will bring dessert. Join us for fun, games, fellowship, and
good food. RSVP by 5:30 p.m., Monday, October 13, for a
light lunch ($5). A good time will be had by all!
Prayer Vigil
The People of Faith Against the Death Penalty will host a
prayer vigil for Larry Hatten on Wednesday, October 15, at
5:45 p.m., here at St. John’s. All are welcome to attend.
Game Day Parking to Benefit
Youth and Church Budget
We are using our parking lot again on Texas Tech game
days to fund youth activities and the church budget. Each
space is $10 per space per game. Last year we netted more
than $12,000 in profit from this fundraiser. We have made
$4,564 to date! This money will be divided into three parts.
The youth who work will earn money toward youth events,
such as Spirit Wind, summer camp, or youth trips. The
remaining portion will be divided in half. One part will go
directly to the church to pay bills and the last portion will
go into parking lot maintenance with a goal of resurfacing
the entire lot. The church portion of the earnings will
directly reflect the hours worked by church members. We
have to work to earn! The next home game will be
Saturday, October 11, against West Virginia, and there’s
one adult spot left. The Kansas game on October 18 has
five adult spots left. For this project to run smoothly and
for the greater church to benefit financially, we need your
participation! Please sign up in the church office to work
the parking lot this football season.
Trunk or Treat 2014
GAMES, CANDY, PRIZES and FUN for all ages!
Friday, October 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m., here at St. John’s.
Questions? Call the church office at 806-762-0123 or
e-mail [email protected]
Our New St. John’s Shirts!!!
The deadline for ordering St. John’s shirts is Thursday,
October 9. There will be a table set up after late service
on Sunday, October 5. For more information and/or an
order form, please contact April Baker-Padilla at
[email protected].
LUBBOCK DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK:
AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR LUBBOCK AREA UMCs
The Lubbock Disaster Relief Network is comprised of churches, ministries and businesses within the Christian
community of the Greater Lubbock area to form a disaster relief alliance to help those in need in times of disaster.
Their vision is to serve Christ by establishing a church network in the Greater Lubbock area that will meet the
emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those affected by disasters. They will accomplish this vision by building a
communication infrastructure that will enable and empower the Body of Christ to organize, mobilize, connect,
prepare, train and respond quickly in the event of a disaster, great or small.
Charlie Brown, Lubbock District Disaster Coordinator, will have two meetings to explain the work of the LDRN
and give churches/persons a chance to better understand what this group is about and whether a church or individuals
from a church might be interested in participating in the LDRN.
Attendance at this meeting doesn’t commit your congregation in any way. That would be for your church to
decide at a later time after your representatives learn more about the LDRN. We see involvement ranging from
simply being on the “LDRN” mail/contact list should a disaster occur, to being a very active member/participating
church with the LDRN, helping make policies and implementing the Disaster Plans.
The two identical meetings will be held as follows: Sunday, October 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m., at Oakwood UMC,
Fellowship Hall (2215 58th St.), and Tuesday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Lakeridge UMC, Room 40 in the
Basement (4701 82nd St.)
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Church Calendar
New on the prayer list: Deborah Bratcher, David Perrin, John Moore, the
families of Juanita Kelly and Billie Cook Loftis, and Justine
Halamicek and family.
Juanita, mother of Mary Crites, died Thursday, September 25, in Austin.
Billie, sister of Lucille Sedgwick, died Sunday, September 21. Justine’s
grandfather died two weeks ago in Pennsylvania.
You are invited this Sunday morning to participate in a new study entitled
“When Christians Get It Wrong” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Some of the
topics include when we are unchristian, when we speak of other religions
and when we talk about bad things, and when we get it right. Sine
Nomine and New Beginnings have combined Sunday School classes and
will meet at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday. The team of facilitators will be Roger
Saathoff, Kara Wischmeyer and Donna Echols. Please get a beverage in
the Garden Room and join this journey for growth in our faith.
The Nurture and Care Committee is looking for volunteers for two
ministries: Transportation Ministry and Flower Ministry. We need drivers
to bring people to church who don’t have transportation. We don’t want to
offer this service unless we have volunteers. If you enjoy the beautiful
altar flowers each week, would you be willing to visit two or three of our
homebound or hospitalized members one Sunday each month? Please
contact VelvetLee Finckbone for more information on either (or both!) of
these opportunities.
Do you know the mailing addresses for any of these members: Natalie
Bradshaw or Adam and D’Ann Dunn? If so, please e-mail the
information to [email protected] or call the office,
762-0123. Thank you!
HELP WANTED: David Lamb-Vines cares for Jim, an elderly
individual with Parkinson’s, at Carillon. He will be out of town, October
11-29. Jim’s primary caregiver, Pat Lacewell, has asked him to try to find
a replacement during that time. He works Monday through Thursday,
eating the noon and evening meal with Jim, and providing assistance and
companionship for a total of three hours, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 5:006:30 pm. Meals are provided. Circumstances may be such that help may
be needed over the two weekends as well. The pay is negotiable. Jim is a
retired career Army staff sergeant, and while tough as a younger man, is
now gentle and sweet. Over the last year, Jim and David have become
good friends. David can provide training for the person providing
assistance in his absence. Pat’s mobile number is (806) 787-1698. She and
David’s parents live in the Windsong apartment building, and are good
friends. Anyone interested may call David at (806) 771-2727 or Pat for
details.
First United Methodist Church’s Vesper Concerts begin Sunday,
October 12. This first concert will feature the St. Louis Brass, who will
present music from Renaissance and Baroque to jazz and light-hearted
music with humor. The concert begins at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free,
childcare is provided, and there will be a reception following the concert.
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2014
8:15 a.m. Communion service
9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour
10:30 a.m. Worship service
11:30 a.m. University meal
4:30 p.m. Schola Cantorum
5:30 p.m. United Methodist Youth
5:30 p.m. SPRC meeting
7:00 p.m. St. John’s on Tap
Monday, October 6, 2014
5:30 p.m. Church Council
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
9:00 a.m. Staff meeting
12:45 p.m. Sanctuary time for FV clients
1:30 p.m. Tuesday Food Vouchers
6:30 p.m. Reconciling Committee
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
9:30 a.m. UMW general meeting
5:00 p.m. Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli
6:15 p.m. Wednesday Night Reconnect
6:15 p.m. Theology Group
6:30 p.m. Joyful Noise
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal
Thursday, October 9, 2014
7:00 a.m. United Methodist Men’s breakfast
9:30 a.m. Quilters
Friday, October 10, 2014
7:00 p.m. Country-Western dancing
Saturday, October 11, 2014
TTU v. West Virginia Parking Fundraiser
Sunday, October 12, 2014
8:15 a.m. Communion service
9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour
10:30 a.m. Worship service
11:30 a.m. University meal
4:30 p.m. Schola Cantorum
5:30 p.m. United Methodist Youth
5:30 p.m. Connexions work group
5:45 p.m. Drama and Creative Movement Ministry
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
9:00 a.m. Staff meeting
12:00 p.m. Benevolence Committee lunch
12:45 p.m. Sanctuary time for FV clients
1:30 p.m. Tuesday Food Vouchers
5:30 p.m. Trustees meeting
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
9:00 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Funday
Wednesday Night Reconnect
Prayer vigil (Larry Hatten)
Joyful Noise
Chancel Choir rehearsal
Thursday, October 16, 2014
9:30 a.m. Quilters
1:30 p.m. Merry Mailers
6:30 p.m. Reconciling Committee
Friday, October 17, 2014
7:00 p.m. Country-Western dancing
Saturday, October 18, 2014
TTU v. Kansas Parking Fundraiser
THE EXPLORER
St. John’s United Methodist Church
1501 University Ave.
Lubbock, TX 79401
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #513
Lubbock, TX
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
St. John’s United Methodist Church
Mission Statement
The mission of St. John’s United Methodist
Church is to worship and serve God with open
hearts, open arms, and open minds. To
respond to this calling, we will nurture each
other in the Christian faith, we will work so
that all people can experience God’s love, and
we will examine critically and respond
prayerfully to the difficult issues that face us.
Come Support St. John’s at Jason’s Deli!
Where: J ason’s Deli, 4001 South Loop 289
When: Wednesday October 8, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
How it Works :RSVP www.gr oupr aise.com/events/4191. When you purchase
your meal, simply drop your receipt in the GroupRaise.com donation box at
the restaurant, and 15% of your meal will be donated back to St. John’s
United Methodist Church.
Why We’re Group Raising: Our fundr aiser s will suppor t the var ious
ministries of St. John’s United Methodist Church including food vouchers and
hygiene pantry, emergency food pantry, Family Promise, shelter for homeless
families, and Volunteers in Mission Trips.