Meet Barry and Margaret Wood

If you want to meet an active couple, look no further than Barry and Margaret Wood, long-time members of St. Luke's. in fact, Barry is a life-long member, or as he likes to say, a "womb to tomb" member, as his parents, Jim and Peggy Wood, were also members. Margaret was impressed by the sense of community at St. Luke's and began attending shortly after starting to date Barry. They've been married nearly 35 years so she too can claim to be a long-term member.

In addition to raising their son, and now enjoying the blessings of being grandparents, they both have had fulfilling careers. Margaret served as CFO for Arbor Homes for 22 years before retiring nearly six years ago. Barry still works for the state of Indiana, overseeing property tax assessments for the Department of Local Government Finance.

That hasn't kept them from sharing their time and talents at St. Luke's. Barry worked with the youth right out of college and again as their son was growing up. They both were involved in fundraisers for youth mission trips and in college outreach. Both have also served on the Lay Leadership committee. Today they both usher one month a quarter at the traditional service. And like many others, they plug into various volunteer opportunities such as I Love My City and Angel Tree. Of greatest importance to them personally is the year-round interactions with the small group they co-lead, which has become a life group for them.

Margaret has also served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Governing Board, and as treasurer for UMW (now UWF). She was on the search team that brought Rob Fuquay to St. Luke's. She currently helps with Midtown's accounting and budgeting, serves on the Outreach and Justice Council, helps with O&J data needs, and sews with the Projects With a Purpose group.

If they are not at work or at church, you might find Barry playing hockey or running. You might find Margaret reading, sewing, or walking in nature. Together they love traveling, Purdue sports, and Indy Car racing.

When asked what led them to include St. Luke's in their estate planning, their response is straightforward: "St. Luke's has been a place where we have grown and continue to grow and stretch our faith—through classes, book studies, sermons, relationships, and volunteering. We hope St. Luke's continues to grow and thrive, sharing the love of Jesus, and serving the community as a hub for hope. We want to help ensure, through our planned gift commitment, that the mission and outreach of St. Luke's continues well after we are gone."

St. Luke's is grateful for the many ways Barry and Margaret 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.