Sunday Lectionary Readings
February 21, 2010
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13 |
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Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
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By the Rev. Stephen DeGweck
Ash Wednesday is upon us and with it the beginning of Lent. Lent has become associated through the ages with fasting and doing without. Thus many Christians give up something they enjoy for Lent -- some eat no meat, others no chocolate, etc. Such things are all well and good if they remind us to focus our hearts on God, but the real intent of Lent is that we should look inside our hearts. The prophet Joel writes: "Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing . . . ." Joel is saying to his listeners in Israel, "You people make a great show of repentance, enacting the rituals of penitence, tearing your clothes, wailing, weeping, and putting on a great act. But nothing changes. The next day you begin again to forget the Lord your God, and go your way, until . . .
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Ash Wednesday Services
February 17
Imposition of Ashes
6:30 am ~ 10:00 am ~ 6:30 pm |
Into God's Lap
Meditations for Lent 2010
Written by lay and clergy members of our Saint Luke's family, this book provides reflections, for each day of Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Easter, based on the scripture readings following the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer. Copies are $10 and can be purchased on Sunday mornings or during the week in Barbara Vandergriff's office. |
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Interfaith Dialogue Workgroup
Presents Sunday Evening Programs
At Saint Luke's
About six years ago, Bishop Parsley met with several Christian churches, and they agreed to create a sustained partnership involving top leaders and lay people from diverse faiths to nurture ecumenical relationships and respond faithfully to social issues in Alabama. Thus the Alabama Faith Council was born. Interfaith Dialogue is one of the eight workgroups of the AFC.
During four Sundays in Lent, the Interfaith Dialogue Workgroup will offer a program here at Saint Luke's, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in Room 232. These Interfaith Workgroup programs will be excerpts from Bill Moyer's Journal, and discussion will follow. All are welcome!
February 21 Can Spirituality Survive?
February 28 Faith in Politics
March 14 Sojourners among Us
March 21 Just Food |
Attention 20-Somethings!
All single members in their twenties are invited to join a Young Adult Lenten Bible Study. For interest and more information, please contact Chris Girata cgirata@saint-lukes.com. |
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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. Her talk will be on "Hearing the Voice of the Lord: From the Garden of Gethsemane to the Garden of the Tomb." We will listen to the words of Jesus and explore just what He is saying to each of us in the different phases of our lives. There is a cost of $10 for a box lunch. Please contact Shauna hard for a lunch reservation. shaunahard42@hotmail.com or 835-9928. If you would like to ride in the church van, please contact Jeanna Speegle (jspeegle@saint-lukes.com or 802-6218).All women of the church are welcome! |
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Attention Senior Adults!
Tuesday, February 23 ~ 11:00 am
Graham Hall
Richard Healy will present "Herbs in Alabama - Grow, Harvest, Store, and Cook!" Following the presentation, we will enjoy lunch prepared with various herbs, of course! If you plan to eat, reservations must be made no later than Friday, February 19 by calling Jeanna @ 802-6218. |
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Experience the Labyrinth this Lent
The season of Lent calls us to prayer, discipline, and an inward journey and reflection and self-examination. Many Christians have found blessing and renewal through the ancient spiritual practice of walking the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a series of intricate, inter-weaving pathways, laid out within a large circle. The pathways parallel our journey through life. Accompanied by soft music and a quiet, meditative atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection, walking the labyrinth can unlock the quiet places in our hurried souls, and cause us to focus on our journey towards God. It is relaxing, satisfying, and spiritually rewarding for anyone seeking a quiet place for peace and restoration. Walking the labyrinth requires no preparation and takes typically less than 30 minutes.
You are invited to enter this world of quiet peace and prayer by walking the labyrinth at St. Luke's this Lent. The labyrinth will be set up in Graham Hall and available on Friday, February 26, from noon until 7:00 p.m., and once again on Saturday, February 27 ,from 9:00 am to noon. There is no cost, and no prior reservation is necessary. If you have questions, please call Steve DeGweck at 802-6203 or Mary Ellen Calhoun at 733-1244. |
ECW First Monday
March 1
11:30 program: Our speaker will be Michael Calvert, President of Operation New Birmingham
12:00: Luncheon
Childcare is provided; all women are welcome! |
Need Some Spiritual Food?
Click here to listen or read a brief Christian meditation, including scripture, prayer, times of silence, and lasting no more than ten minutes! A new one will be posted each week. |
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Volunteer at the Crisis Center
If you have a strong desire to help others and a willingness to listen, this may be the opportunity for you. The Crisis Center of Birmingham is always looking for volunteers to answer their phone lines. You receive complete training and can then sign up for shifts that fit your own schedule. It is possible to answer: the Crisis and Suicide line, Kids' Help Line, TeenLink, or the Senior Talk Line. For more information go to www.crisicenterbham.com or call 323-7782 (option 3). If you would like to know more about what it is like to volunteer at the Crisis center, please contact, Betsy Smith at 322-7056. |
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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). |
Stewardship of Creation
We promote conservation and recycling at Saint Luke's. With the help of the Saint Luke's staff, we have phased out styrofoam cups, and we recycle church bulletins and mixed paper from parish offices. Blue recycle containers are available throughout the parish, and a ninety-six gallon recycle bin is picked up weekly.
Dialogue e-mailing saves Saint Luke's approximately $10,000 annually, which reduces our carbon footprint by the paper, ink and energy saved.
Stewardship of Creation
2010 Lenten Calendar
Calendars are also available during the week in Barbara Vandergriff's office or you may download it by going to www.saint-lukes.com; click on link on the front page. |
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Saint Luke's GIFT Guide is Available On-line!
Saint Luke's Health Ministries is committed to helping our members and the community prepare for the future. The G.I.F.T. Guide - Gaining Information For Tomorrow - is a comprehensive program to help you put your affairs in order. The GIFT Guide is now available on-line. Click HERE.
For more information, contact Carol Pearce (802-6209 or
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A Word from Lars
Director of Youth Ministries
Letter to Parents
With my first month behind me, I am pleased to tell you how much I am enjoying getting to know the youth. I have mailed out a letter asking you to describe your kids to me. I want to follow up this request by offering it online. Click HERE for letter. My goal is to really get to know the young people, what drives them, and what you are most proud of. They have shown me that they are a special group with a variety of special gifts. I want to make sure that we use those gifts to the best of our ability.
Habitat for Humanity
Before our summer mission trips, we thought we would take a day to prepare. The Youth will be helping with the Alabama Diocese Habitat House on March 20th. This will be a great chance for anyone returning from Spring Break a few days early to serve in the Birmingham community. More details will be coming.
Summer Mission Trip Dates
We have mission trips planned for both Junior High and Senior High students. Click here to learn about these great opportunities. |
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Sunday, February 21 - Rotation
1st Thou Art! Room # 111
2nd Holywood Movies Room #216
4th Parable Place Drama Room# 227
5th B.C. to P.C. Computers Room # 211
Third Grade Bible 101
This week we will be learning about the birthday of the church so come prepared to celebrate!
Sixth grade Seekers
Sunday School meets in room 214.
Pizza & Prayer this Sunday, February 21st in room 232...don't miss out!
Father/Son Bowling
This Friday, February 19 - 6:00 pm There is still room for Father Son bowling THIS Friday, February 19th. Let Mrs. Emily know ASAP if you can make it!
Where: Brunswick Riverview Lanes - Next to Target off of 280. Cost: $30.00 per pair, $10.00 extra for each additional child. Cost includes 3 games, shoes, and dinner. **Don't forget to wear socks!** Reserve your spot by Friday, February 12 by contacting Emily eboles@saint-lukes.com or 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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Open enrollment for the Day School's Fall Registration is going on now. Please contact the school at 871.3453 or click here to print the registration forms. Priority is given to families already enrolled, then church members, and then to the community. You may also register for summer now. Please contact the school to inquire about our program. |
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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