Deaths
___________
September 24, 2009.
___________
Margaret Isabel Sowell Ragland
September 21, 2009; mother of Ed Ragland and grandmother of Elizabeth, Mary Adeline, and McColl Ragland.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.
Sunday Lectionary Readings
October 4
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost,
Year B
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Clergy Thoughts
By the Rev. Rebecca DeBow
Still More on Conflict
and the Church
Years ago, Rich told me about a magazine that has a section called "Readers Write," where folks send in their own little column on a particular topic. One month the topic was neighbors. Carole S. from Three Rivers, Michigan wrote: "When my husband and I were a young married couple, we had a neighbor who was a single mother and needed a lot of support. She often came over to use our washer and dryer, or just to drink coffee and visit.
One day I hosted a committee meeting for a community group. The members were all older and more affluent than I was, and I wanted them to think highly of me, so I served dessert and coffee on my best china. Everyone seemed comfortable-until my neighbor walked in, with her bathrobe on, got herself a cup of coffee and pulled up a chair. Once I'd introduced her, she took over the conversation and proceeded to tell everyone about her troubles with her boyfriend, who was a boating enthusiast. She was thinking of breaking up with him. She said, 'He never seems to have any time for me. He's too busy with his boat-and his wife!'"
Eric G. from Los Angeles, California, sent this: "In the late 1960s I was a graduate student at Tulane University in New Orleans and founder of the Tulane chapter of the Students for a Democratic Society. I was not well liked in town, having organized a demonstration, counseled young men on alternatives to military service, and been arrested for antiwar activity. I suspected that government operatives followed me, tapped my phone, and even broke into my apartment.
I tried to avoid my next door neighbors, a poor family consisting of a sullen woman, three or four barefoot brats, and a loud, hard-drinking man who didn't seem to have a job. The decals on their front door said it all: a Playboy bunny and a Confederate flag. I figured they'd want nothing to do with me, a Jew who drove a Volvo with Connecticut plates. But one day when I pulled up in front of my house, my neighbor approached me. I was afraid he was going to point a gun in my face.
'Couple of guys around here looking for you today,' he said. 'One stayed in the car, and the other went up to all the neighbors, asking questions.'
'Wonder what all that was about,' I said, wanting to get inside my apartment and bolt the door as soon as possible.
'Listen buddy, I seen how those boys operate. They're federal agents.'
I tried to look surprised.
He said, 'Look, I don't know what you're doing, but don't worry. I didn't tell them nothing. You're safe with me. I'm in the Klan.'
Neighbors aren't people we get to choose. They can be very unlike us and that can be anywhere from unpleasant to downright threatening. Church is another place where we encounter people strange to us. The Holy Spirit blows people through the door, whether we like them or not.
I used to work at St. Stephen's in Cahaba Heights, with a priest named Peter Horn. Every now and then, I'd go into his office and complain about someone at church who had offended me in some way. Peter always told me something about that person, something noble, so I'd have to admire him or her. Or, he told me something funny, making that person dear, or something sad, so I'd feel compassion. He wouldn't let me get away with dismissing people, evicting them from my life. He always scratched their surfaces, just enough for me to see how loveable they were underneath.
There I was, working in a church, a "professional" Christian. How could I love my enemies, if I couldn't even love the people in my church? I believe Jesus teaches us that right-relationship with God goes hand in hand with right-relationship with our neighbors. We can't have one without the other. Somebody said, it's a good idea God didn't command us to like our neighbors! As hard as it is to live in community, I can't think of any other way to live. We need all the help God will give us, just to try to live that way.
And God does help us. That's a fact. God's very being helps us. God the Father, who had known only perfect intimacy with the Son for all eternity, allows his Beloved to suffer the agony and alienation of our sin. The Son sends his Spirit to comfort us, so that we could call God, Abba. We may not comprehend the Trinity, or be very good at loving our neighbor, but God reaches out to us and surrounds us with his Being and his love. What a wonder. God covers us and our sins with his grace, not just in church, not just when we're being good, but everywhere and in every moment-and in every relationship.
Are there any human beings who present difficulties for you? Of course we have responsibilities and obligations, but much more than that, we have the never-ending gift of God's love for us. There is no power greater than that.
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Thinking Of Someone Who
Might Be Good On The Vestry?
In the coming weeks, the vestry nominating committee will be assembling names for our upcoming vestry elections. If you have any suggestions for parishioners to be considered, please submit these names to Johnailla Wright (802-6208) by Friday, October 9. Our parish by-laws require that candidates be active, pledging, confirmed adult members, and if they have previously served, been off the vestry for at least three year.
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Donate Items to 55th Place
Ingathering, This Friday, October 2
Have your items ready for our Fall Ingathering for 55th Place the first Friday in October (October 2). All you need to do is gather your items and drive to the church! Volunteers will be stationed at the porte-cochere to help remove donations from your car between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. We will accept used household items, linens, small appliances, small furniture, kitchen items, clothing, and more. 55th Place is one of our Saint Luke's outreach ministries, and proceeds go to help the needy in Birmingham.
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Senior Adults to the Symphony!
Friday, October 2
Senior Adult Ministry is offering a ride downtown to the Alabama Symphony Coffee Concert on Friday, October 2nd on the Saint Luke's van. We will begin loading our van in the back parking lot at 9:45 am. You may use your season ticket or purchase one at the door. If you want to attend, contact Jeanna (802-6218 or jspeegle@saint-lukes.com
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Blessing of the Animals
This Sunday, October 4
3:00 pm
We invite you to bring your pets to the back parking lot to be blessed by our clergy. Please make sure your animal friend is on a leash or in a carrier!
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Holiday Market
On Sunday mornings in October we will feature our Holiday Market in the courtyard! You will have an opportunity to purchase the following items and benefit some of our Saint Luke's ministries.
9th-Grade Confirmation Class: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (presale)
PreSchool Partners: Pre-sales for barbecue, Christmas trees, wreaths, and garland
Saint Luke's Day School: Cheese straws and cookies
Parish Choir: Indian River Citrus Fruit
2010 Claypool Lectures: Tickets
ECW: Pre-Sale Advent Wreaths and booklets
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Choir Swap
This Sunday, October 4!
On Sunday, October 4, the Parish Choir (which normally sings the morning service) will sing at five o'clock in the afternoon and Crossties (the 5:00 Choir) will sing the morning service at 10:30 a.m. The 10:30 morning service will be the usual Rite II Eucharist, but the 5:00 afternoon service will be Choral evensong, with our Parish Choir joined by the Choir of Saint Mary's-on-the-Highlands Church to sing the music from the choirs' August European tour (Paris, Canterbury, and London). Get an extra dose of spirituality and come to both!
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ECW First Monday
Featuring Janet Hall!
October 5, 11:30 am
All women of the church are invited to hear award-winning journalist and news anchor Janet Hall talk about "Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World," on Monday, October 5, in Graham Hall. Janet is also an accomplished singer and songwriter, who will include music in her presentation about how women of faith find balance in their lives.
Fellowship time will begin at 11:15 am. The program, followed by lunch ($6), will start at 11:30 am. Come and bring a friend! If you will need childcare, please contact Barbara Vandergriff (802-6207 or bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com).
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For Flu Shots!
Wednesday, October 7
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Founders Room
Once again, we will offer flu shots for those eighteen years of age and older. The cost is $30. If you have Medicare, you will not be charged, but you must bring your card, so we can bill Medicare.
Please note: These shots are for the seasonal flu only; we do not have a vaccine for the H1N1 virus at this time. For more information, please contact Carol Pearce (802-6209).
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Enjoy BBQ for a Football Weekend
and Benefit PreSchool Partners
Saturday, October 17!
Fall, football, and real barbeque!! The men of Saint Luke's will set up their cookers in the church parking lot on Friday evening and will sell barbecue on Saturday morning, October 17! You may purchase sandwiches ($5 each) or by the pound ($10/pound). All proceeds will benefit PreSchool Partners. To pre-order your barbecue, contact Matt Sheffield (871-1109 or mvs2927@yahoo.com).
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Mark Your Calendar For Lessons and Carols at Sewanee
The Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols in the beautiful candle-lit chapel of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee is an experience to remember! Once again, Saint Luke's will provide an organized bus trip for those who wish to attend the service as a group. This year's service takes place on Saturday, December 5th. The cost is $85 per person and includes tickets for reserved seating by church group, motor coach transportation to the campus, all pick-ups and drop-offs, and a catered dinner at the Sewanee Inn. We will depart around 8:30 am that morning and plan to return same day by midnight. Due to prohibitive cost increases, it was decided that staying over Saturday night was not feasible this time.
We have been guaranteed thirty-five tickets, available to Saint Luke's members on a first-come, first-served basis. Your check for full payment must accompany your reservation in order for the reservation to be considered final. Tickets will be made available to church members only until October 1. If we have tickets left over at that point, they will be made available to friends and family of parishioners. The group will be hosted by Mark and Mary Sue LaGory and Steve and Dawn DeGweck. Checks should be payable to Saint Luke's with Lessons and Carols noted in the memo section of you check. You may give your check to Mark, Steve, or clergy secretary Barbara Vandergriff in the Church Office. Don't delay! Make your reservations today for one of our region's most memorable holiday experiences.
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FAITH
Christmas Tree Sale!
Taking orders NOW
through November 15th!!
Pricing:
7-8 ft Frazier Fir $80 ($55 tax deductible)
8-9 ft. Frazier Fir $100 ($70 tax deductible)
9-10 ft. Frazier Fir $125 ($85 tax deductible)
25 ft. Fir/Pine Garland $25 ($15 tax deductible)
36 in. Fir/Pine Wreath $45 ($23 tax deductible)
Home Delivery - $35
Pick-up December 2 and December 5
at Saint Luke's Church
For more information or to place an order:
Lella Carl - 951-5151
Hunter Keller - 568-2563
All proceeds benefit PreSchool Partners, a preschool for at risk children and their parents.
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Subscribe to our NEW Podcast!!
You can now subscribe to the Saint Luke's podcast! Enjoy listening to sermons and teachings from the clergy of Saint Luke's, updated every week. Search for "Saint Luke's" in iTunes, or click here to follow step-by-step instructions.
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Volunteers Needed For Birmingham Hospitality Network
Saint Luke's will again host BHN families during the week of October 18. We need volunteers for a variety of tasks, such as preparing meals, serving meals, setting up rooms, laundry, spending the night, and more. To volunteer, look for the sign-up board in Claypool Commons on Sunday mornings, or contact Kim Kimberlin (kkimberlin@peds.uab.edu or 879-6937).
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2010 Claypool Lecture
Friday, January 22
Ron Hall and Denver Moore, the authors of Same Kind of Different as Me, will be our 2010 Claypool Lecture speakers. Purchase your tickets on Sunday mornings in the courtyard or from Barbara Vandergriff at the church during the week.
To become better aquainted with the authors, read their book about the unlikely story about the unlikeliest of friends! You may also visit www.samekindofdifferentasme.com
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Are You Interested In
Serving on the Altar Guild?
The Altar Guild is a vital ministry of our parish. These behind-the-scenes volunteers serve one week a month polishing silver and brass, arranging flowers, washing and ironing linens, and preparing the altar for Holy Eucharist and any other services. Would you like to join this group of faithful angels? For more information, contact Roxie Brown (877-4871 or roxiebrown@mac.com).
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A Spirituality & Recovery Retreat
God is in Charge
October 30 - November 1
The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Department of Recovery Ministries is sponsoring a retreat at Camp McDowell the weekend of October 30. The focus of the retreat is "God is in Charge" and Malachy McCool, an ordained Catholic priest, is the retreat leader. For more information, contact Sarah Sartain (715-2060, ext 314 or ssartain@dioala.org) or pick up a brochure and registration form in Claypool Commons.
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Please Save
Leftover Roll Pans
Soon the ECW will begin making Advent wreaths and need your disposable round roll pans. Please place them in the box behind the receptionist's desk. We want roll pans only; pie tins do not work. Thank you!
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Menders Needed for
Saint Martin's
Do you have two hours every month or so to help re-stitch hems, sew buttons, and do general mending for the residents of Saint Martin's? A group meets the first Tuesday of each month, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Saint Martin's. You do not need to be an experienced seamstress. If your fingers can sew on a button, we are happy to have you! For more information, please call Claudia Reach (960-6329).
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Rotation Schedule
Sunday, October 4th
1st grade Parable Place Drama Room #227 2nd grade Thou Art! Room #111 4th grade B.C. to P.C. Computers Room #211 5th grade HolyWood Movies Room #216 Rotation Canned Food Drive The first, second, fourth, and fifth graders will be collecting canned food items now until Wednesday, November 18th to benefit Bridge Ministries through the holidays. The bins are outside Mrs. Emily's office (220). Please feel free to bring by your cans and place them in one of the grade's buckets any time! Some suggestions of items to be donated are canned meat and fish, dried beans and peas, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, powdered or canned milk, oatmeal, rice and pasta. Third Grade Bible 101
If your child did not receive a Bible and still wants one, please contact Mrs. Emily (802-6211 or eboles@saint-lukes.com . Sixth- Grade Seekers
The sixth-grade class had a great start and plans to keep it up. If you are not receiving their class emails please contact Mrs. Emily ( eboles@saint-lukes.com). Their next fellowship outing will be Friday, October 2nd...Tailgating at MBHS from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the high school parking lot. Be on the lookout for an email with all these details and more. Hope to see you there! |
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Youth Announcements!
Wednesday, September 30
All Senior High boys (10th-12th grade) are invited to attend the Wednesday morning Men's Bible Study and breakfast with Father Rich. Bible Study will start at 7:00 am and will be over in time to get to the High School!
Friday, October 2
Come join us at Mountain Brook High School for tailgating before the game! Look for the St. Luke's van in the parking lot around 5:30pm!
Sunday, October 4
Come to the annual Blessing of the Animals at Saint Luke's starting at 3:00 pm. EYC will be immediately following the Blessing of the Animals and will be over at 5:00 pm.
Mark Your Calendars!!
Jr. and Sr. EYC LOCK-IN
Friday, October 9th to Saturday, October 10th
It will begin after the Mountain Brook Home Football game that night around 10:00 pm and will end Saturday morning around 7:00 am. It will be a night full of fun and activity! You don't want to miss it!
**Parents please note that this will be a combined Jr. and Sr. EYC Lock-In instead of the original planned separate Lock-In. There will no longer be a lock-in the weekend of November 20th.**
Also, if you would like to help provide snacks for the Lock-In please contact Lindsay (ljoe@saint-lukes.com) Thanks!
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Supper: 5:30 to 6:30 - Graham Hall
Programs: 6:30 to 7:15, unless otherwise noted
Supper for the whole family begins at 5:30 pm in Graham Hall, followed by programs adults, youth, and children. Feel free to come for supper only if your schedule does not permit you to stay for the programs.
Nursery for Infants through Three-Year-Olds
Infants to 24-months Room 130A
Nursery for Two's and Three's Room 125
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
4K and 5K - Level I Atrium
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Room 220
6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Graders - Level II Atrium
Catechesis of the True Vine - Room 110
6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
4th, 5th, and 6th-Graders
Bible Games - Room 214
6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
Cherub Choir - Room 111
Five-Years through Second-Grade
Wednesdays - 5:45 pm to 6:25 pm
Carolers Choirs - Children's Chapel
Third-Grade through Seventh Grade
Wednesdays - 5:45 pm to 6:25 pm
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Both Junior and Senior EYC meet at 5:30 pm in Graham Hall for dinner with the parish. We have our very own EYC tables in Graham Hall! After dinner, we will have Bible study and fellowship: JEYC in Room 224, and the SEYC in the Lighthouse (3822 South Cove Drive).
ADULT PROGRAMS
Dinner and the Movies with Your Saint Luke's Family
6:30 pm - Graham Hall
Rather than "gather and scatter," we're asking Saint Lukers to eat supper and watch a movie together. Rob Bell's short films teach lessons and raise questions about faith with entertaining and stimulating images.
Financial Peace University
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm - Room 232
Please note time is different than other programs
In this video-based small group study, Dave Ramsey teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth, and give like never before. Learn how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, find bargains, and experience the joy giving out of abundance. Dave is funny as well as insightful, explaining sound personal financial principles with an entertaining style that is never dull. The cost for the course and materials is $99.51 per family. For scholarships, contact Rebecca DeBow (802-6202 or rdebow@saint-lukes.com). If you need childcare, please contact Barbara Vandergriff (802-6207 or bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com).
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NEW Adult Sunday School
Classes Begin
This Sunday, October 4!
9:15 to 10:15 am
Newcomers Class:
This ongoing class will be taught in a repeating, three part cycle, and will be available to anyone wishing to learn more about Saint Luke's and our various ministries. Classes will focus on the Episcopal Church, Saint Luke's, and finding a ministry. The goal is to help to assimilate and educate newcomers, casual visitors, and those considering a deeper commitment, such as confirmation. The Tilson Room, The Rev. Rich Webster
Studying Our Sunday Scriptures
Using a lecture/discussion format, Father Steve relates Sunday readings to their place in the themes of the season of the church year and to everyday Christian living. Discover how the Scriptures of the day reflect on each other and explore their historical context. Room 225, The Rev. Stephen DeGweck.
Faithful Parents Raising Faithful Children, II,
All are welcome to attend this class. Room 232, The Rev. Christopher Girata. Here is the schedule of speakers and topics for the month of October:
October 4 - CHILDHOOD TEMPERAMENT AND GOODNESS FIT; this Sunday's class will be most helpful for parents of preschool and early elementary-age children
October 11 - PARENTING MYTHS
October 18 - Dale Wisely, PhD.
October 25 Dale Wisely, PhD.
People on a Journey, Meeting Jesus in Prayer,
Guests will share their stories of experiencing Jesus' presence in prayer. Room 212.
October 4: Tina Tynes will present, "Laying a Foundation for Family Prayer."
October 11: Tom Garrett will present "Was That Real? Stories of Answered Prayer and Not"
Living the Questions
Living the Questions is a video/ discussion series intended as an alternative to studies that supply all the answers; instead it sees faith as a journey. Facilitators, with the help of videos and a directed discussion, will create an environment where participants explore faith as a personal journey relevant to lives in the 21st century. As course materials suggest "it hopes to expose people to the ideas and concepts that have been taught and discussed for generations in our seminaries, but don't usually get discussed in churches." Living the Questions is for those yearning for something more than the shallow platitudes that often pass for theology. It's for those who want a class that encourages questions and dialogue. The class explores the best of modern theological thought in an open, accepting environment that invites people to share their thoughts and experiences safely. Each film segment is self-contained and deals with an important aspect of our faith journey. Theologians such as Borg, Brueggeman, Crossan, Fox, Kung, and others, offer their thoughts on a range of topics from reading the Bible, the life of Jesus, Paul's message, the Rapture, social justice, the reality of evil, prayer, the meaning of kingdom, etc. Founders Room, The Rev. Mark LaGory, Victor Darley-Usmar, Chris Heckemeyer, and Sandra Watson
Inquirers' Class
Begins November 1
Are you interested in being confirmed or received as an Episcopalian? Taught by the Rev. Richmond Webster.
See meeting dates below:
Sundays, November 1 and 8, 9:30 am to 10:15 am; Chapel
Wednesdays, November 4 and 11, 6:30 pm; Room 232
Sunday, November 15,
Instructed Eucharist and Dinner 6:00 pm. Claypool Commons
Confirmation Sunday is December 6.
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Adult Christian Education
Mid-Week Offerings
MONDAY
Level I Catechesis Training
Room 225
Beth Moore Bible Study
Monday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00 and Monday evening from 5:30 - 7:00, Room 224.
Seasons: A study and support group for mothers with young children. 10:30 am to 11:45 am, Tilson Room. This class does NOT meet the first Monday of each month.
Becoming a Disciple through Bible Study: A thirty-four week overview of the Old and New Testaments. 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Small Dining Room.
Men's Bible Study:
6:30 am, Tilson Room.
Short Term Disciple Bible Study:
Invitation to John
Tuesday mornings 9:00-10:30 am.
Second Seasons
A Bible study and support group for mothers of elementary age school children. Noon, Room 214.
Women's Bible Study
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Tilson Room.
WEDNESDAY
Men's Bible Study and Breakfast
7:00 am, Graham Hall.
Listening Hearts, Book Study and Breakfast.
Class size is limited. Contact Rebecca (802-6202 or rdebow@saint-lukes.com) to express your interest.
Wednesday Night Supper & Programs
5:30 pm in Graham Hall, followed by programs adults, youth, and children.
Financial Peace University
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Room 232
THURSDAY
Bishop's Bible Study
A Bible study for women led by the Rector.
10:30 am, Room 232.
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Cystic Fibrosis Mini March
Saint Luke's Day School will host a mini march October 9 to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. All children/parents participating will bring their bikes/trikes/strollers/wagons to school on October 9 and will have the opportunity to ride around the parking lot during school hours. Please come out and support our school and this great cause. You can also sponsor a child participating in this mini march. All children riding bikes/trikes must wear a helmet. Please contact TaraKy (tbarnes@saint-lukes.com or 871-3453) if you have any questions.
Fall School Pictures
CandidKids Portraits will be here October 13-16 to take fall individual and classroom pictures. Please look for your child's classroom specific day and time as it gets closer.
Speech and Language Screening
Over the Mountain Speech, Language, and Learning Services will be at our school October 15 to offer Speech and Language Screening for your child for a small fee. Please look for a sign-up sheet the week of the screening.
Child Safety
Guard-a-Kids will be at our school October 22 to offer an opportunity you to have a digital child identification system. Each parent will receive a complete identification and safety package for each child. More information will be available closer to the date of the event.
Trunk or Treat
Mark your calendars for the Day Schools 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat on October 28. This is a fun and safe way to allow children to "trick or treat" in a closed in and supervised area. If you are interested in hosting a space and opening up your trunk to children, please call the Day School at 871.3453 and talk to Cheryl or TaraKy.
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New Email Address?
So you won't miss any of the Saint Luke's digital newsletters, be sure to let Nancy Cain in the office know if your email address changes. Contact her at (ncain@saint-lukes.com or 802-6200).
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