Meet Karen Wever
Karen Wever has been a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church for more than four decades. Since joining the congregation in 1982, she has found inspiration, encouragement, and a deep sense of belonging through the church's ministry. "If even one person can be as blessed as I have been while attending or being a member of St. Luke's," Karen says, "it will mean the world to me."
A retired accountant, Karen built a successful career spanning nearly 40 years. After graduating from Ball State University in 1982, she worked for a bank in Noblesville for 16 years before serving as Assistant Controller for a car company for 23 years. She retired in 2020, but retirement has only expanded her opportunities to serve others and pursue her passions.
Karen's love for animals and nature has been a lifelong calling. Today she shares her home with two cats, Steel and Charlize. Steel is known for riding around the neighborhood in his stroller, affectionately known as the "Steel Mobile," or perched contentedly on Karen's shoulder. Karen volunteers with the Hamilton Humane Society in Fishers and with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, helping care for animals in need.
Her commitment to service extends beyond animal welfare. For 20 years, Karen delivered Meals on Wheels during her lunch hour, and she later served five years on the organization's Board of Directors as Secretary. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, and gardening. Since retiring six years ago, she has also taken up woodworking--making benches, small tables, and charcuterie boards.
Faith has always played a central role in Karen's life. She credits her mother, grandparents, and their active involvement in their churches for nurturing her faith from an early age. Those strong family examples led Karen and her sister, Kathy, to join St. Luke's shortly after Karen graduated from college. Over the years, the church has become an important part of her spiritual journey.
Karen has participated in numerous ministries and outreach opportunities through St. Luke's. She volunteered on mission trips to Rosebud, South Dakota, serving the Lakota community through programs supporting children, seniors, and families. She also participated in a Habitat for Humanity home build and has marched with St. Luke's in the annual Pride Parade, reflecting her commitment to the church's mission of welcoming and serving all people.
Among the many things Karen treasures about St. Luke's, the music ministry stands out. She often recalls introducing friends to the church and hearing them comment on the beauty of the music. She is also grateful for the leadership she has experienced under three senior pastors throughout her membership-Dr. Carver McGriff, Dr. Kent Millard, and Dr. Rob Fuquay-each of whom has left a lasting impression on her faith.
When asked what inspired her to include St. Luke's in her estate plans, Karen points to both family tradition and personal gratitude. She remembers learning that her grandfather had included his church in his will and realizing what a meaningful way it was to support something that had shaped his life. She was also profoundly influenced by a conversation with Dr. Carver McGriff when she was in her twenties. During a difficult season, his wisdom and understanding helped her find hope and perspective. Decades later, shortly before his passing, Karen had the opportunity to thank him personally for the impact that conversation had on her life. "How often does one get to thank someone who had such an impact on their life so long ago?" she reflects.
Karen hopes her legacy gift will help St. Luke's continue to be a beacon of God's love and hope for people both locally and around the world. She believes deeply in the church's mission of inclusivity and its ability to reach future generations. "It is so important to have faith in your life," she says. "Time and again in my life, it has been a rock and provides hope when life gets difficult."
Karen's story is one of faithful service, compassionate generosity, and enduring gratitude. Through her volunteer work, her commitment to the church, and her thoughtful legacy planning, she is helping ensure that future generations will experience the same hope, belonging, and inspiration that she has found at St. Luke's.
St. Luke's is honored to recognize Karen Wever as a member of St. Luke's Legacy Society and grateful for her commitment to sustaining the church's mission for years to come. If you would like more information on how you too can become a member, contact David Heetland, pastor of planned giving, at [email protected] or 317.399.6202.
