Transitions
DEATHS
Fred Taul
December 16, 2009;
father of Marianne (Charles) Howell and grandfather of Katherine and Charlie Howell.
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
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Sunday Lectionary Readings
December 27, 2009
First Sunday
after Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 147
Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
John 1:1-18
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; 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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By the Rev. Richmond Webster
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace... John 1:16
Dear Friends,
During this season of Advent we tried something new at Saint Luke's, inviting families to begin the 10:30 am service by lighting a candle on our Advent wreath. As I look back on this new tradition, I must conclude it was a pretty good idea (and no, it wasn't mine!). For starters, the children were so eager and bright-eyed as they held the taper to the candle, and I thought the families were beautiful as they processed with choir and clergy to the altar.
But the main reason I like this idea is the simple fact that families are an important symbol for our church. Of course, there are lots of families here, including generations of the same families, but "family" in the sense I'm thinking refers to something families do for each other, and it is here we discover something for all our members, both young and old, and regardless of whether we are married or have children or not. Families take care of each other; families support each other; families teach each other; families pray for each other; families celebrate each other. Saint Luke's is a family.
Christmas is also about family, in that profound sense of the word. Many families will worship together and this is the glory of Christmas Eve. But let us never forget the first gift, the gift of that tiny family in Bethlehem, the gift of a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. For this is the gift that continues, this gift of Jesus, present among us and in us and around us and binding us together as a family. Saint John once wrote, "From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace," which is another way of saying that this gift just never ends. We need only to look around.
May God bless our family called Saint Luke's, this Christmas and forever, and may you discover the baby who is our Savior! |
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Click here for schedule of services. |
Merry Christmas!
The Staff of Saint Luke's wishes each of you a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with God's peace. It is a privilege to work in this busy, holy place, and we are especially thankful for the many ways you lovingly serve the parish with your time, talent, presence, prayers, encouraging words, and resources. May the miracle of the Christ Child forever fill your hearts with His overflowing love and blessings! |
We Love Receiving Your Christmas Cards!
When you are sending out your Christmas cards this year, don't forget to send one our way. We would love to display all t he cards of our wonderful parish family! Send them to: Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Attn: Emily Boles, 3736 Montrose Road 35213, or bring them to the Children's Ministry office. |
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September Song
A History of Norwood
Now available is a memoir of early days in Norwood written by Bill Pogue, a former resident. It is called September Song and can be yours for a $25.00 donation to the Norwood Resource Center. These donations will enable the Resource Center to again provide free income tax preparation to members of the Norwood community. Please help support one of our Outreach projects and enjoy reading about a time in early Birmingham history. Copies are available in Barbara Vandergriff's office on second floor. |
Your Stamps Can
Be A Blessing!
Please save your cancelled and uncancelled stamps, and bring them to the reception desk in the Commons. A paraplegic young man supports himself by selling these stamps. ALL stamps can be used as long as the stamp is whole. This is an easy, inexpensive service project for your children, Bible study, or other groups. Please call John Bird (870-7407) if you need more information. |
Save the Date
ECW Retreat!
Watfords' Lake House
All women of the church are welcome!
Bring a friend. |
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2010 Claypool Lecture Series Presents
Ron Hall and Denver Moore
Authors of Same Kind of Different as Me!
Friday, January 22, 2010 6:00 pm
The Wright Center, Samford University
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Important Tax Information
To ensure the deductibility of your financial gift to Saint Luke's, do not file your 2009 income tax return until you have received a written acknowledgment from us of your contributions. Some of your contributions may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax return before receiving a written acknowledgment of your contributions to Saint Luke's. Also, please remember your contributions you wish to be tax deductible for calendar year 2009 must be received in our office by December 31, 2009 or postmarked no later than December 31, 2009. Thank you for your generosity. |
Consider Giving IRA Funds
On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed H.R. 1424 which extends the provisions for distributions of Individual Retirement Account assets direct to charity. For 2008 and 2009 only, anyone age 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account to a charitable organization.
The donor benefits by not paying income tax on the distribution as he would have if it had come directly to him. The distribution is excluded from taxable income as long as the gift is a qualified charitable contribution and the donor receives no goods or services in return. The gift must be transferred from the IRA directly to the charity.
At a time when charitable organizations face financial challenges in meeting the many needs of the constituencies they serve, this transfer offers a way to supplement budgets for worthy causes. Saint Luke's is no exception. Simply contact your IRA provider and request checks to the charitable organizations of your choice.
Saint Luke's is a qualified recipient of these assets and would be pleased to receive gifts, pledges, debt retirement gifts, or endowment funds from your distribution. Please call Betty O'Neil (802-6201) for more information and/or consult with your financial adviser before completing a transfer of assets. |
Sunday School Resumes on January 10!
9:15 to 10:15 am
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Two New Sunday School Classes
Beginning Sunday, January 10
The Case for Obedience
Why did God create us? What is our role in fulfilling God's purposes? Cultivating an obedient heart joins us to God's grace, the Holy Spirit and our Christian faith in a way that spirals upward to greater joy, peace and energy. Learn what the Bible says about obedience. Room 232, The Honorable Drayton Nabers and the Rev. Rebecca DeBow
Young Adults - The Sunday Paper
This class is for Young Adults by a Young Adult! We will be looking at the biggest news of the week and how those current events affect your life. Some of the issues we'll find in the Sunday Paper will address the biggest questions we face as Christians, such as: war, atheism, religious violence, social ethics, and more! Enjoy some coffee with old friends and new friends on Sunday mornings with the Sunday Paper! Room 212, The Rev. Christopher Girata |
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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