December 30, 2009; son of Mary and Jim Screws
Caroline Louise Gidiere
January 4, 2010; daughter of Caroline and Stephen Gidiere.
As they grow in age, may they also grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ
Sunday Lectionary Readings
January 17, 2010
Second Sunday
after The Epiphany
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
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By the Rev. Christopher Girata
The Young Adults had a fantastic class Sunday morning where we talked about technology in our culture and how it is reshaping our social structure, as well as where our faith and the Church fits into that transformation. We debated how we deal with technology at home, with our families and children, and how generations used to be defined by decades, and now the identity of a group or generation is developed in only a few years. The change is happening, and it's happening faster each day. Fundamentally, we tried to flesh out how we absorb and use that technology in ways that help us better understand the sacred faith we share... and how we tell others about it.
After class, and for a touch of irony, I tried to figure out how I might recap the class on Twitter, where I'm limited to only 140 characters... let's give it a try: (Read more...) |
Please note that the church offices will be closed on Monday, January 18
to commemorate the birthdate of the
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
All Bible Studies, Reunion Groups, fellowship groups, etc. are cancelled. |
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Coming Soon!
Be Sure to Purchase Your Tickets!!
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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Meet the authors of
Same Kind of Different as me
at a Book Signing!
Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am to noon
A percentage of any of your purchases will benefit
PreSchool Partners! |
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Attention Senior Adults!
Friday, February 5
Next Alabama Symphony Coffee Concert! Contact Jeanna (802-6218 or jspeegle@saint-lukes.com) if you would like to ride the church van. Tickets may be purchased at the door. |
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It's Cold Outside!! We Are Still Collecting Jackets
We will continue to collect coats and jackets for the families who use Grace/Woodlawn food pantry. 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. January 31 will be the last day to donate a coat until next fall. A warm thanks to all who have contributed! |
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Time Change For
Wednesday Evening Eucharist
Please note that our Wednesday Evening Eucharist will be held 6:30 pm, rather than 7:30 pm. |
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Are You A Caregiver Who Needs Some Support?
Do you spend much of your time caring for a loved one who is ill, disabled, or elderly? Once a month Saint Luke's offers a group where caregivers come together for support fellowship, and often exchange helpful information. An opportunity for family caregivers to give and receive support. We meet the fourth Monday of each month at 12:00 noon in the Small Dining Room. Feel free to bring your lunch. The next meeting is Monday, February 22. There will be no meeting in January. To learn more, call Gail Sharp (871-7025 or gailsharplpc@aol.com). |
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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. |
Stewardship of Creation
By turning off the water while shaving, approximately ten gallons of water will be saved. |
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ECW News
First Monday Program & Luncheon
February 1 ~ 11:30 am
Saint Luke's own Dr. Lori Smith will lead a discussion on women's health, physical and spiritual. Lori is a medical doctor with a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a cutting-edge physician knowledgeable in the area maintaining balance and a healthy lifestyle, both mental and physical. Luncheon will follow the program, and childcare is available. All women of the church are welcome. Feel free to invite a friend.
ECW Day Retreat
Saturday, February 20
The Drehers' Farm
The church van will leave Saint Luke's around 9:15 am and return about 2:45 pm. Our speaker will be Shirley Ann Stringfellow of the Advent. There is a cost of $10 for a box lunch. Please contact Shauna hard for a lunch reservation.
Thank You for Your Support!
Many thanks from the ECW to all of you who made soup for our Soup Sale, contributed items to our Green Reindeer Sale, contributed greenery and supplies for our Advent wreath project, bought wreaths, and made purchases at our December Christmas gathering. Due to your generosity and support, the ECW made more than $2,200 that will be used for both inreach (Saint Luke's youth program) and outreach (PreSchool Partners). |
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. |
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Happy and healthy new year to everyone. During the coming year Saint Luke's Health Ministry will provide you some guidance in the important areas of our lives that include health and well-being. Follow Father Steve's monthly articles on spiritual health and start the New Year off with a look at the ten guide posts for spiritual wellness. With a high degree of spiritual health it is easier to overcome life's challenges. Although we experience physical boundaries in terms of what our bodies can and cannot do, there is really no limit to the depth and richness of a closer spiritual walk with our heavenly Father.
Ten Guideposts for Spiritual Wellness by the Rev. Steve DeGweck
The themes of preventive medicine, self-care, and wellness are things we hear often these days. This time of year is often a time for taking stock of ourselves and making resolutions to better our lives in all sorts of ways. Spiritual wellness is no less important than the size of our waistlines or the shape of our portfolios. Exercising our souls and spirits should receive just as much attention from us as our regular visits to the gym or consultations with our doctors or financial advisors. Do we really pay attention to such things? I hope so.
The following is adapted from materials published by the C.S. Lewis Institute, an ecumenical organization of Christians devoted to encouraging discipleship of the heart and the mind. They've published a ten-point checklist which takes us through a thorough evaluation of our spiritual wellness, with practical helps for nourishing our spirits and drawing us closer to our Creator. I'll list them here with a minimum of description. Then, during the coming year, I'll go back and cover each one month by month, going into a little more depth in each area. They really are a wonderful summation, not only of what it means to be a faithful Christian, but of ways to stay a faithful disciple of the Lord through all the distractions, temptations, and pitfalls of daily life. Look them over, pray about them, and visit your Dialogue again month by month for a deeper look at each of these spiritual gems.
1. How is my personal relationship with God? Am I spending appropriate time with God in worship, in prayer, and in scripture reading and study?
2. Am I actively serving God in some way in my church's life?
3. Am I growing in my desire to give sacrificially to God's work at Saint Luke's and in the wider world? Am I teaching my children about sacrificial giving and resisting materialism?
4. Am I living in a spirit of humility before God, my family, and my friends?
5. Is there evidence of grace growing in my life? Do I thank God daily for his love and mercy? Do I recognize the face of Christ in others?
6. Am I loving and serving my family as I should?
7. Do I cultivate a forgiving spirit? Is there anyone I am refusing to forgive, or anyone from whom I should be seeking forgiveness?
8. Am I growing in fellowship with other believers? Are there any on-going relationships at church that are helping me grow in my walk with Christ?
9. Have I shared my faith with anyone in the past year? Am I prepared to tell someone what faith in Christ means to me? Am I being salt and light in my home, neighborhood, and workplace?
10. Does a part of my time and money go to help the disadvantaged? Am I teaching my children the importance of helping the poor?
Those who are saved by grace are called to grow in grace. Jesus says that if we love him, we will obey him, and he calls us to grow in grace and love, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let your heart and mind be open to these questions, and use them to make a plan for growing in your walk with God. Stay tuned for more help with these "ten guideposts" for our growth in God's grace!
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You probably are encountering people on a daily basis now who are discussing the need to eat healthy or begin or resume a new year's exercise program . If you need to check and see where you are and what changes you need to make, the American Cancer Society offers an interactive tool that will help you with that assessment. Click here.
Did you know? Many different areas of research show that keeping a record or journal regarding your areas of intended change can make a difference in promoting and maintaining that change. For example schedule your quiet time with God and put it in on your daily calendar. Write down your dietary intake daily. You really are looking for a pattern of change over time. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find that this can help you make those changes you desire.
Note: The health related information presented is not intended to take the place of qualified medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting a new health regimen. Your physician is your best partner in making healthy life style changes. Saint Luke's Health Ministry always strives to provide health information from reliable sources and links. However, Saint Luke's cannot guarantee that there are not inaccuracies. Please use information in conjunction with the advice of your physician. |
Rotation Schedule, January 17
1st HolyWood Movies Room# 216 2nd B.C. to P.C. Computers Room# 211
4th Thou Art Room# 111
5th Parable Place Drama Room# 227
3rd grade
Take a look online to see the students who memorized the books of the Old Testament! Start working on memorizing the books of the New Testament!
6th grade
The next Pizza & prayer will Sunday, January 24th
Attention 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders and parents...mark your calendars for Instructional Eucharist on Monday, January 25th at 5:30 p.m. More details coming soon.
Attention 5th & 6th Grade Parents
Created By God will be Friday, February 5th & Saturday, February 6th. The program will only be available to Saint Luke's attendees. Watch for registration forms. The parent meeting will be Sunday, January 31st at 4:00 pm in the Founders Room. Questions? Call Emily Boles or Ashley Monachelli at 802-6211.
Save the Date for VBS 2010!
Vacation Bible School 2010 will be June 7-10. Registration will begin soon... Adults, be thinking about how you can help!
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New Year's Resolutions and Church
When thinking about New Year's resolutions the normal list usually comes to mind; lose ten pounds, exercise more etc. But I began to think about ways to make our home life more peaceful. Instead of searching for shoes and socks every Sunday, maybe we could avoid that morning craziness!
I read an article that helped mr think about making Sunday school and church a priority. It was by a mom who was reflecting on all the things that she had paid for over the years for her children. Her list included ballet lessons, Tae Kwon Do, drum lessons, and all the various sports they played throughout the years. None of her children became professional athletes or musians, but they did become adult human beings. So she began to wonder, what is the job description for an adult? What do adults learn at church that they cannot learn anywhere else? That is a question that all of us could answer in different ways. But we must admit to ourselves that we learn something different at church then they we learn anywhere else. As Christians we need each other. We need people to support us, pray for us, laugh and cry with us. Being a Christian is not easily done in isolation! So as we begin to fill our calendars with all of the activities that will busy our children's lives, please pencil in Sunday mornings, I don't think we will regret it!
Practical Suggestions for making your Sunday mornings more peaceful!
· Choose and set out church clothes the night before. Include socks, shoes, belts, hair bows, etc...
· Encourage independence: show children how to dress themselves. By age three, most children have the ability to put on socks, velcro shoes, pants, and pull-over shirts.
· Choose what breakfast you will eat the night before, or plan to come to church and eat!
· Arrive at church a few minutes early.
· Let your words reflect what you and your child are doing this morning: entering into a time of Christian formation and spiritual renewal.
God's Peace,
Ashley Monachelli |
Sunday School Resumes
9:15 to 10:15 am
Click here for all adult classes. |
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Mid-Week Offerings
MONDAY
Classes will NOT meet on January 18.
Women's Bible Study
Session I: Kay Arthur's Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Practicing a Powerful Pattern of Prayer: A five-week, interactive, discipleship study that helps women grow in a love for God's Word and in a desire to communicate with Him. Learn what the Lord's Prayer teaches about effective prayer and how to put into practice its timeless principles. Kay Arthur says of this study: "We are going to learn God's basic precepts on prayer - principles that will give you a biblical understanding of prayer. . .yours to put into practice for a lifetime, just as Jesus intended when He taught His own disciples how to pray."
Session II: Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God: Having a hard time knowing what God is saying versus what others are saying? This six-week Bible study is designed to help participants know the voice of God: His language, character, and tone of voice. By growing closer to God through His Word, participants will be able to discern God's voice from the voice of strangers.
9:30 am to 11:00 am, Warren Cain and Diane Weatherford, Room 224 OR 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Janis Cole and Lynn Callahan, Room 224. Books may be purchased from Barbara Vandergriff (802-6207 or bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com).
Seasons: This study and support group is open to all mothers with young children (through preschool age). For information contact Lisa Beck (lbeck@capitalsouthbank.com or 879-6818). Childcare is available. 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: DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders. This thirty-four week overview gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. The study draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. For more information, please contact the Rev. Rebecca DeBow (802-6202 or rdebow@saint-lukes.com). 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Small Dining Room, Hans Watford.
TUESDAY
Men's Bible Study: Dreams and visions, handwriting on the wall and a fiery furnace-explore the strange, apocalyptic world of Daniel. Newcomers are welcome to join us at any time. Call Al Smith for more information (967-0593). 6:30 am, Tilson Room.
Good Samaritan Bible Study: How to Be a Good Samaritan. Watch presentations by well known authors, such as Rob Bell, Bishop Tutu, and Philip Yancey that will inspire Christian action and encourage discipleship. This course lasts six weeks. Tuesdays, 9:00 to 11:00, Joe Palmer and Betsy Smith, Room 224.
Second Seasons: A Bible study and support group for mothers of elementary age school children. Everyone is welcome to bring a lunch. For more information, please contact Livy Abele (586-6069 or livyabele@yahoo.com). Noon, Room 214.
Women's Bible Study: Spend some quality time with Sunday's Scripture. Women of all ages and stages enjoy studying the lectionary. 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Tilson Room.
WEDNESDAY
Men's Bible Study and Breakfast: This group is studying The Acts of the Apostles. Breakfast is served, and the Bible study will conclude by 8:00 sharp. 7:00 am, Graham Hall, The Rev. Richmond Webster
Listening Hearts Book Study and Breakfast: Drawing on centuries of Christian literature and "the silence of prayerful listening," this book shows how to recognize and define God's call. It explains how to eliminate barriers and prepare one's heart to receive that call while remaining faithful and attentive to God's voice. It also tells how a faith community can be a source of support to those who are discerning what God is saying to them. Breakfast is $3. Class size is limited. Contact Rebecca (802-6202 or rdebow@saint-lukes.com) to express interest. 7:00 am, Small Dining Room, The Rev. Rebecca DeBow and John Douglas.
Wednesday Night Program: Supper for the whole family begins at 5:30 pm in Graham Hall, followed by programs for youth and children. A contemplative service of music and Holy Eucharist begins in the Chapel at 6:30 pm.
THURSDAY
Bishop's Bible Study (Led by Rector): Named in honor of the late Bishop Furman Stough, this class is led by the Rev. Richmond Webster. Our study is The Acts of the Apostles. The same study is also offered during the Men's Wednesday Morning Bible Study. All women are welcome. 10:30 am, Room 232. |
A Word from Lars
New Director of Youth Ministries
My first Sunday was awesome! I met about sixty kids and answered all their questions in a "get-to-know-you" session. I was asked everything from my most embarrassing moment to how I proposed to my wife. This group doesn't waste any time getting to the important questions! I can't wait to get to know everyone better and really begin working with them.
This weekend we are headed to Beach Mountain, North Carolina for our annual ski trip. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We will have pictures for the Dialogue and web in a couple of weeks.
Remember, on Sunday mornings, our youth will sit together in the chapel for anyone interested in joining us. |
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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