Meet George and Marli Howell

Marli joined St. Luke's in 1977, and her older son Chris was baptized that year by Dr. Carver McGriff. St Luke's was close to where she lived, and after having visited it and several other churches it felt like the best fit. George came to St. Luke's via a divorce recovery program 36 years ago, started to attend worship services with Dr. McGriff, and never looked back.

Marli and George met through the church and have been married for 34 years. They have a blended family with five adult children and nine grandchildren. George is a retired business professor who worked at Indiana Wesleyan University for more than 20 years. Marli is a retired social worker, having worked with children and families throughout her career.

In the many years they have attended St. Luke's both have been involved in multiple activities and ministries. Eve Circle was the first for Marli, then Fellowship Commission, Family Ministries, Outreach, and chair of Music Commission. Choir has been an ongoing activity for both Marli and George. Marli has sung under Don Martin, Charles Goehring, Mark Squire, Jeff Rogers and now Michael Conley. George initially joined the choir under Chuck Goehring but was in and out due to work travel. A break in their choir commitment came when Marli and George helped open The Garden at Oak Hill, a church plant started by Dr. Linda McCoy. Marli served as co-lead of Hospitality and George as lead for Tech for 5 years. George was also a member of the New Here Leadership team for more than 10 years and has been involved with Family Ministries and other programs. Both have participated in numerous classes and groups through the years. They have continued to attend through several moves, even traveling from Noblesville to be a part of St. Luke's.

The DNA of St. Luke's, with its openness and affirming statement that all are welcome, is of great importance to them. St. Luke's has always been a central part of their lives—the friendships, the ministers, the choir, the small groups, and other programs. The church's commitment to outreach to the community is also important. They appreciate the range of opportunities for spiritual growth through classes and small groups, and the chances to serve through the choir and outreach activities.

St. Luke's has been such a large and important part of Marli's and George's lives that it was a logical decision to include the church in their estate planning. It is important to them to ensure the financial stability of the church in the future, so St. Luke's continues to be a leader in the community and the faith. Their hope for the congregation is that it continues to be a voice of love and openness to all people who seek God's love and grace.

St. Lukes is grateful for the many ways George and Marli share their time, talents, and treasure, and for their thoughtful estate planning. The church is pleased to recognize them as members of St. Luke's Legacy Society. If you would like more information on how you too can become a member of St. Luke's Legacy Society, contact David Heetland, pastor of planned giving, at [email protected] or 317.399.6202.