My name is Katy Byrd, and I am a graduating senior this year. I am a third generation member of St. Luke’s, and could not be happier to have been born into such a loving community. I attended Sunday school throughout my childhood, and sang in the children’s chorus. When middle school came, I joined the youth choir and began attending small group meetings weekly. It was so amazing to have a community where I could make friends and grow in my faith at the same time. When I was in eighth grade, I began to go down [...]

My husband, Jake, and I, along with our three children, welcomed our newest addition, Elizabeth, to the family this spring. Shortly thereafter, we received a small package in the mail from St. Luke’s. The sweet gift inside was so touching – a soft, pink, silky lovey made just for her, embroidered with “St. Luke’s UMC.” While it’s true that by your fourth child you probably have all the “stuff” you need, it’s so meaningful for Elizabeth to have a few things that were given just for her and will be a keepsake that she (and I!) will tenderly [...]

A few years ago, my husband Eric and I made an on-going commitment to teach Sunday School for elementary aged children. The commitment was originally intended as a way to honor a St. Luke’s member who was very dear to our family. What originally started as a way to pay forward the incredible love, kindness, and guidance we received from him grew into us receiving just as much in return. From girls who remind me a lot of me when I was their age to boys who help us visualize the futures of our own boys, these kids [...]

Hi, my name is Parker Davis and I’m a graduating senior this year. I have been a part of St. Luke’s Student Ministries since the beginning of 7th grade. Being a part of this ministry has shaped me into the person I am today, and I couldn’t thank them enough for all they have done for me. Back in 7th grade, I couldn’t go on a retreat, and I was so bummed. It would have been my first church retreat and all my friends were there. It was disappointing, but God brought some good out of it. Once [...]

Personally, Scouting has had a profound effect on me, and I have watched as Scouting has influenced every boy that passes through our troop. As one of the oldest Scouts in the troop, I have the ability to step back and watch the development of boys into young men as they progress through the ranks of Scouting. From Tenderfoot to Eagle, every new rank signifies a vast increase in the Scout’s knowledge and experience. I know this because I have experienced it firsthand. When I first entered Troop 46, I was just a young, and probably quite annoying, [...]