Sunday Lectionary Readings
October 18
Saint Luke's Sunday
Ecclesiasticus 38:1-4,6-10,12-14
Psalm 147
2 Timothy 4:5-13
Luke 4:14-21
Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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Clergy Thoughts
By the Rev. Christopher Girata
Celebrating History
Young people are often chided for not being in touch with our history, whatever that history may be, but I have a confession to make - I'm a history geek. I love history and always have (ask my wife, she's suffered many of my excited historical rants!). My love of history is why I am extremely touched by the documents that have recently been displayed on the walls of the Founders Room here at Saint Luke's. These documents are a tribute to our Founders and a reminder that our Saint Luke's history is recent and rich, full of love and hope that we have all inherited.
Yet one piece in particular moved me. It is a letter, written by an unknown parishioner, to John Parker, a long-time sexton at Saint Luke's (who is also remembered with a picture and plaque near the doors of the courtyard). The letter was written in recognition of John's service to Saint Luke's, on June 6, 1971, the day the parish celebrated John Parker Day. The letter begins in an unassuming way, thanking John for his "...many years of faithful and loyal service," and remembering John as "the first employee of the church."
As the letter proceeds, it takes a poignant turn. The author writes, "This room is called the Founders Room to honor the members who started St. Luke's, and we now recognize you [as] a founder in long, loyal and faithful service."
What makes a founder? Our founders, here at Saint Luke's or in other areas of our lives, are most certainly those who began the church, or a movement, or a company, or a family. Yet a founder can be more than that - a founder is a person that makes the movement grow or lives the love and hope of a dream.
Saint Luke's Day is this Sunday. How wonderful is it that we are surrounded by founders here at Saint Luke's, and what a true blessing that they are recognized and loved in return. See you on Sunday as we continue to celebrate them all!
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Saint Luke's Day
This Sunday, October 18!
We will celebrate Saint Luke's Day this Sunday. The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral, will be our guest preacher at the 8:00 am and 10:30 am services. Reception to follow the 10:30 am service in the Commons. Please mark your calendars!
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People on a Journey Sunday School Class Hosts The Honorable Drayton Nabers
October 25, 9:15 am, Graham Hall
He will share his thoughts on meeting Jesus in prayer.
In order to welcome all who wish to hear Judge Nabers,
the class will meet in Graham Hall at 9:15.
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UTO Sunday Is Sunday, October 18
Boxes are on the table in the Commons. Please take one home, and whenever you think of one of God's blessings, drop a coin into the box. On October 18, bring your boxes to church to be placed in a special collection to be combined with United Thank Offerings (UTO) from other parishes across the country. In the past, these monies have built churches, made renovations, fed the hungry, clothed the poor, and provided shelter for the homeless. This offering is a wonderful way for all ages and families to praise God for His amazing love for us!
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Buy Your Tickets NOW for the
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. Tickets are on sale Sunday mornings at the Holiday Market in the courtyard or during the week by contacting Barbara Vandergriff (bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com or 802-6207).
To become better acquainted 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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Did You Miss Coming
To A Stewardship Supper?
We missed you and would like to invite you to a
Wine and Cheese Gathering
Sunday Evening, October 18
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Graham Hall
Come and enjoy fellowship with your Saint Luke's parishioners!
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There is Something NEW
in the Founders Room!
Have you always wondered why the Founders room is called the Founders Room when there has been nothing in there to indicate anything about them? Well your worries are over. Members of the Arts and Furnishings Committee have spent the last month poring over and sorting through box after box of memorabilia, photographs, historic documents, vestry minutes and the parish register to compile a permanent display for the Founders Room. This is a project that was always intended for this room since the renovation fifteen years ago. It just took a few years to get it accomplished.
This was a daunting task, but it is hoped that we have provided a timeline and an interesting historic overview of Saint Luke's history from it's inception in 1948/1949, through the Farmhouse years, the "Red Church" years and concluding with the first service in the present Church Building. The display is a potpourri of historic documents, newspaper articles, photographs and anecdotes of our history that are "snapshots" meant to be informative and at the same time, entertaining for our parishioners and others to enjoy. We would have loved to include everything we found, but we would need an entire building to display it.
We have also displayed a list of the Founders, who according to the signature of P.W. Smith, the first Senior Warden, documented in the Parish Register, were the Charter Members. These were the people who had transferred their letters of membership or who had been confirmed by Bishop Carpenter when the Charter was established. There were countless other people who were active and very instrumental in the actual founding of the church, but were not on the rolls as transfer members or confirmed members at the time of the Charter and we are sorry that all of their names could not be included. We thank them for their devotion in helping to mold Saint Luke's into what it is today.
Please stop by the Founders Room when you have some time. We guarantee that you will enjoy viewing and reading these valuable items. Thanks be to God for the vision of so many. Happy 60th Birthday, Saint Luke's!
--The Arts and Furnishings Committee
A special thanks to Suzie Dickinson, Karen Irons, and Jim Beaird for giving hours of their time to make this project possible!
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Coats And Jackets
For Grace/Woodlawn
Once again, we will collect coats and jackets for the families who use Grace/Woodlawn food pantry. Beginning November 1, please bring any used (clean and in good condition) coats and jackets to the closet in Graham Hall. As you enter Graham Hall from the Commons, the closet is located on the left side of the entrance. Please hang the adult coats, and place the children's coats in the marked box. All sizes of coats will be appreciated, both children's and adults.
Thank you!
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Holiday Market
Continues Through October
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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Candlelight Service of
Remembrance and Holy Eucharist
Thursday, November 5
On Thursday, November 5 at 7:00 pm, Saint Luke's will offer a Candlelight Service of Holy Eucharist and Remembrance in the chapel. This service, led by the Rev. Steve DeGweck, is especially intended as a ministry to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, and is open to member and non-member alike. The lessons, prayers, and homily will focus on the experience of loss and will lift up our hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. The liturgy will be taken from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
During the service, those desiring will be able to light a candle in memory of their loved one and as a testimony of our faith in Jesus as the Light of the World and our comforter in sorrow. Candles will be provided. No reservations are needed. For more information, call Father Steve (802-6203).
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Dolores Hydock
to be featured at November ECW Meeting
All women of Saint Luke's are invited to enjoy lunch ($6) and hear award-winning actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock tell a Thanksgiving story you'll never forget on Monday, November 2, at 11:30 am in Graham Hall.
Reservations are required for this special meeting. Contact Julia Willcox (970-0867 or juliewillcox@aol.com) to make your reservation by October 28. Feel free to bring a friend. Childcare is available.
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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. 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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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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Once again, we need of medical equipment for our loaner closet. This has become a ministry for our own parish as well as a community outreach for our most needy citizens. There has been great support for this project. At the current time we are low on the following items: Wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower benches and canes with the pronged feet (quad cane).These items can be dropped by the church during regular Monday through Friday hours. Due to safety reasons we do not except equipment with fabric that requires sanitizing or electrical equipment other than wheelchairs. Contact Carol Pearce with any questions - 205-802-6209.
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Rotation Sunday School
This Sunday, October 18th, the 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 5th will begin a new rotation doing a study of Moses. Below is the schedule for this Sunday.
1st B.C. to P.C. Computers Room #211
2nd Parable Place Drama Room #227
4th HolyWood Movies Room #216
5th Thou Art! Room #111
Third-Grade Sunday School...
will continue with Bible 101 in room 218. Don't forget to bring your Bible!
Sixth-Grade Seekers
This class will continue their walk through the Bible on Sunday morning in room 214. This Sunday afternoon, they will do their service project with Birmingham Hospitality Network.
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.
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Youth Announcements!
Don't forget Wednesday night programs! Dinner in Graham Hall at 5:30 followed by program at 6:30 (SEYC in the Lighthouse and JEYC in the Confirmation Room).
Sunday, October 18th
EYC Laser Tag!
Meet at the church at 5:00 pm to load the vans and head to Game Zone for Laser Tag and Pizza. We will return to the church by 9:00 pm. Please remember to bring $10 to help cover costs.
Monday, October 19th
Senior High Girls Bible Study!
Meet at the Webster's House! 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Sunday, October 25th
EYC Progressive Dinner
Meet at the church in Halloween Costumes at 5:00 pm. We will then head to different houses for food and fun! At the last house prizes will be given away for the costumes! We will return to the church by 8:00 pm.
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Adult Sunday School
9:15 to 10:15 am
Newcomers Class
The Tilson Room, The Rev. Rich Webster
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Studying Our Sunday Scriptures
Room 225, The Rev. Stephen DeGweck
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Faithful Parents Raising Faithful Children, II, Room 232, Barbara Johnson, PhD. and the Rev. Christopher Girata.
October 18 & 25 - Guest Speaker: Dale Wisely, PhD.
November 1 - PARENTING STRATEGIES: How to become a more effective parent (Focus: Parents of Pre-Teen Students)
November 8 - DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES THAT WORK
November 15 - DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD'S EMOTIONAL HEALTH
November 22 - SOLUTIONS TO SIBLING CONFLICT
November 29 - TEEN YEARS - LIVING WITH PARADOX
December 6 - TEEN YEARS - CONTINUED
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People on a Journey, Meeting Jesus in Prayer, Guests share their stories of experiencing Jesus' presence in prayer. Room 212.
October 18, John Douglas, Knowing and Doing: A Journey of Discernment
Chris Heckemeyer, Listening Presence: An Experience of Silent Retreat
October 25, The Honorable Drayton Nabers, Prayer
Anticipating a large crowd, we will meet in Graham Hall
November 1, Joe Howell, Ph.D. , Dreams and Prayer
A renowned psychologist speaks on this mysterious communication between God and humanity.
November 8, Janis Cole, Praying with Others;
Stories of Perseverance and God's Faithfulness
November 15, Rob Waudby, Fasting and Centering Prayer; Profound Blessing from Uncommon Prayer
November 22, Tina Darnall, Writing Prayer Can Reveal the Truth-about You and God
November 29 The Rev. Rebecca DeBow, Finding a Place to Pray
December 6, Vicki Gaston, Intercessory Prayer at Advent House
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Living the Questions
Founders Room, The Rev. Mark LaGory, Victor Darley-Usmar, Chris Heckemeyer,
and Sandra Watson
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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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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 Wednesday, October 28, following dinner at 5:30pm in Graham Hall. 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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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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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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