Meet Jim Winner

Jim and Joyce Winner were only together for 24 years, yet they shared a lifetime of memories. As youngsters and lifelong friends, they both attended the same Church of God camp in Hubbard, Ohio for many years. It was at a camp reunion in 1995 that Jim and Joyce reconnected.

Living in Sharon, Pennsylvania from 1995 until 2006, Jim and Joyce were both involved in owning and operating several businesses. Jim and Joyce both graduated from Anderson University. Jim served on the Board of Trustees for multiple terms and Joyce was an active part and former president of the Anderson University Alumni Association. Joyce's sister, Sue, a former St. Luke's member, lives in Carmel. "The more time we spent in Carmel, the more we really liked it," remembers Jim. In 2005 they decided to relocate and retire to Carmel. The Village of West Clay has been home since then.

They attended a local Church of God for the first year they lived in Carmel. Their joint love of music caused them to visit St. Luke's on Palm Sunday 2008. "We instantly knew we were home. The welcoming spirit of the church, the excellence of the music department, and the values and mission of the church were what we wanted," said Jim.

Joyce sang in Newsong and the chancel choir from then until her passing in 2019. Jim continues to sing tenor in the choir. The choir was and is a church within a church for them both. Some of their dearest friends are friends they made at St. Luke's. They participated in four international trips with the choir. They were also part of the Disciple study groups.

Sadly, Joyce died of cancer in June of 2019. The support of the church, its staff and people was crucial in their lives. "St. Luke's was amazing during those days. I will be forever grateful and thankful for how we were loved and cared for. The church showed up and kept showing up. No one understands the value of this unless they've personally walked the road," noted Jim.

Jim has named St. Luke's to be the recipient of a considerable portion of his estate. It is often said that a person's treasure follows their heart. Jim and Joyce planned this gift before her passing. "The mission of the church, and the service it provides thousands of people in the community, is vital. We wanted, and I still want, that to continue after both of us are gone," added Jim.

In closing, Jim shares the following reflection: "If you want to know where a person's heart lies, follow their money. It's my belief, and it was Joyce's belief and desire, that we support St. Luke's as best we can. We want our estate gift to be placed in the general endowment fund, with no restrictions. The church knows what they need, and needs may change. It's an honor and a privilege to include St. Luke's as part of our estate plan."

St. Luke's is grateful for the ways Jim and Joyce have shared their time, talents, and treasure since joining the church in 2008 and for their thoughtful estate planning so that the church will continue to spread the love of God well into the future. The church is pleased to recognize Jim and Joyce 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 and stewardship, at [email protected] or 317.399.6202.