Transitions
DEATHS
Barbara Knowles Wolverton, February 27, 2010; mother of Steva (Bill) Austill and grandmother of Avery, Will, and Hunt Austill.
Sue C. Caffey, March 2, 2010; mother of Susie Caffey.
John Howard Turnham, March 4, 2010; father of Phyllis (David) Hall.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. ________________
BIRTHS
Hannah Beth Stevens, February 28, 2010, daughter of Ann and Craig Stevens and granddaughter of Sally and Greg Bergquist.
As she grows in age, may she also grow in grace and in the knowledge of her Savior Jesus Christ.
Sunday Lectionary Readings
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
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By the Rev. Rebecca DeBow
Some People Like Surprises
The following sermon was preached by the
Rev. Rebecca DeBow on Sunday March 7, 2010,
and is based on Luke 13:1-9
Some people like surprises. Some don't. A friend of mine was given a surprise party on her fortieth birthday. She locked herself in the bathroom and wouldn't come out. She stayed there until every guest had gone home. I was away at seminary and people told me about it. I never asked my friend why she did that because it made sense to me. Who wants to be surprised by all her friends, holding black balloons that say "over the hill" and laughing at her shocked expression? (Read more) |
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Remember to
Spring Forward!
Set your clocks one hour forward before going to bed this Saturday evening (March 13). Also remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. We want you to be both prompt and safe as we enter Daylight Savings Time! |
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Holy Week and
Easter Services
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28
8:00 am: Blessing of the Palms & Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:15 am : All are invited to the courtyard for fellowship and Middle Eastern food, compliments of the Salem family! No Sunday School
10:30 am : Blessing of the Palms & Holy Eucharist, Rite II
(Prior to service, children are invited to gather outside the doors on Montrose Road leading to the Nave to receive palm branches and join the children's procession.)
5:00 pm : Blessing of the Palms & Holy Eucharist, Rite II
HOLY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31
6:30 pm - Children's Eucharist
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 1 - 6:30 pm
A Prayer Watch begins in the Chapel following the Maundy Thursday service. Individuals pray continuously through the night until 7:00 am on Good Friday. Please sign-up for a one-hour prayer slot on the board in the Commons.
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 2 - noon
EASTER VIGIL, APRIL 3 - 7:00 pm
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4:
7:00 am ~ 9:00 am ~ 11:15 am ~ 5:00 pm |
Saint Luke's Men & Boys Banquet
"A House Divided"
Thursday, March 25 6:00PM Graham Hall
Click here for details. |
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Saint Luke's Offers Grief Support Group
The burden of coping with grief and loss can at times be overwhelming and debilitating. Healing can begin within a caring and supportive group where each participant is encouraged to share his/her journey with others. Once again we are offering a six-week support group experience for interested adults who may be struggling with an experience of loss. The group will be facilitated by the Rev. Steve DeGweck and Betsy Smith and will meet for six consecutive Monday evenings beginning April 12 at 7:00 pm in the Tilson Room. The group will focus on a different theme or aspect of the grief experience each week. Members will be encouraged (not required) to share their experiences and insights within a safe, supportive, and prayerful fellowship. We will require a minimum of five participants in order to offer the group, and registration will be capped at twelve persons. Non-Saint Luke's members may attend on a space-available basis. Registration for Saint Luke's members only will be taken until April 1. After that date, any remaining spaces in the group will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, or simply to know more about the group, call Steve (802-6203) or send him an e-mail at sdegweck@saint-lukes.com. |
Education For Ministry (EFM)
Students or Graduates!
Saint Luke's would like to know who among us has taken E.F.M. anytime in the past. Please contact Livy Abele (586-6069 or livyabele@gmail.com ) with your name and approximately when you were in the program to help us compile this information. Education for Ministry (E.F.M.) is a four year study developed by the Theology School at Sewanee for Lay people to learn and prepare for God's call to us. Contact Livy Abele or Susan Hutson (sperkins8762@charter.net ) for more information about E.F.M. |
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ECW Program & Luncheon
Monday, April 12 Graham Hall
ECW First Monday will meet SECOND Monday in April due to the Easter schedule. All women are invited to join us!
11:30: Parishioner Meg Presley will talk about her volunteer work with Marion Medical Mission, a small, non-profit, ecumenical organization that works hand-in-hand with African villagers to bring clean, safe and sustainable sources of drinking water.
Luncheon will follow the program. Childcare is provided. |
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Interfaith Dialogue Workgroup
Sunday Evening Program Continues
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 Lent, the Interfaith Dialogue Workgroup Is offering 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!
March 14 Sojourners among Us
March 21 Just Food |
Seniors to the Symphony
Friday, March 12
The next coffee Alabama Symphony Coffee Concert is Friday, March 12. The Saint Luke's van departs at 9:45 am. for those who would like a ride. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Season ticket holders are also welcome to ride. Call Jeanna (802-6218) for your reservation on the van. |
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Come and See the
Lee Graham Interview
Wednesday, March 17
There will be a showing of the interview with Lee Graham in Room 232 on Wednesday, March 17 at 9:15 am. If you are interested, please drop by and see this thirty-five minute DVD, and have a cup of coffee and a Saint Patrick's Day treat. |
Ride the Van to the
Lenten Luncheons!
Our Senior Adult Ministry will offer a van ride to the Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten lunches every Thursday in the month of March. The van will depart from the back parking lot of Saint Luke's at 11:25 am and return about 1:30 pm. Reservations are not required; however, you can guarantee a seat by calling 802-6218. Otherwise, it will be first come, first served. The van will open at 11:15.
The following will be preaching:
March 11th - the Rev. Joseph A. Gibbes, St. John's Parish, John's Island, S.C.
March 18th - The Rev. Dr. Mark Gignilliat, Asst. Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
March 25th - The Rev. John Zahl, The Church of The Holy Cross, Sullivan's Island, S.C.
Your name will be submitted in drawing for a free lunch each Thursday!
Thursday Menu Choices: Advent's Original Chicken Tetrazzini, Chicken Brunswick Stew, Pimento Cheese sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches |
Serving God In Church
By the Rev. Stephen DeGweck
Being part of a large church like ours can make it easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking that all the important programs and ministries which bless us and others just sort of "happen." We don't always know who plans them, carries them out, sets up, cleans up, follows up, etc., etc., and so we begin to take the programs for granted and assume that "someone" will always take care of things. We walk into a St. Luke's which teems with opportunities to grow, serve, learn, lead or follow, and too often lose sight of one very important fact: every program begins with someone's idea or vision, every ministry requires loving and willing hands to work its magic, and nothing - absolutely nothing - happens without the volunteers who give of themselves so freely and so regularly. Paid staff may steer the ship, but the ship's "crew" (that's all of us) carry out the work which makes St. Luke's a nurturing, caring, and enriching place for all who seek a deeper walk with God and all who bring the hurts of the world to our doorstep.
In a word, the church is not a place to which we go; it is something we are, or at least something we are called to be. Last month we began this series of spiritual wellness check-ups with questions like: How is my personal relationship with God? Do I really know God or just know about him? Am I seeking sincerely to walk with God and grow in my desire to please him? This month's spiritual check-up asks the next logical question: Am I actively serving God in my church?
I know, I know -- serving God doesn't just take place at church! We can serve God anywhere, and so we should. In later months we'll talk about serving God in the world, but for now, let's begin with our church. Ask yourself: have I volunteered to serve any ministry or activity in the last year? What are my gifts and how might my church's programs and ministries make use of them? If I have gifts or interests in a particular area and don't see a program related to those interests, have I talked with one of the priests or lay staff? A vestry member?
When we actively in serve our church's ministries, something happens to us. We begin to own the church, to feel it's ours. We cease being spectators in a theater and become actors in the play. We cease feeling like guests in the house, and instead become family with one another. We suddenly have a stake in our church and take pride in saying "we belong to Saint Luke's." We might begin to invite others to worship with us, and may even become concerned to make sure others feel welcome in our church. It can happen when we begin to take ownership, when the church becomes our church. Such a sense of belonging begins with getting involved. Even more than the church needs our service, it is we who need to serve. We need such involvement, something that takes us out of ourselves and puts us in service to others. Serving in one of the ministries of our church is a large part of our spiritual wellness.
Make 2010 the year you find a richer, fuller place in the life of Saint Luke's. There are scores of ways to become involved and lots of ministries that need you. If you don't know where to start, call me (802-6203) or Jeanna Speegle (802-6218). God has a place of service for you at Saint Luke's - let us help you find it! |
Saint Luke's Health Ministry:
Thoughts About Good Nutrition
March is National Nutrition Month and a good time to think about including more fruits and vegetables in you and your family's diets. National Nutrition Month is sponsored by the American Dietetic Foundation. Many of us know that as a nation we remain low in our consumption of the important nutrients and fiber that fruits and vegetables provide for our bodies. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, and prevent some types of cancer. You will find the following suggestions adapted from the American Cancer Society helpful in meeting your daily goals of increasing these healthful foods.
1. Breakfast- Add one half of a banana to your cereal. Get another serving from your juice by consuming 4 ounces of 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
2. Morning snack: Handful of dried fruit, 5 or 6 baby carrots. (you can always add a serving of low fat cheese if the addition of protein helps keep you from getting hungry before lunch)
3. Lunch- How about a pita sandwich loaded with some veggies? Include a hearty vegetable based soup or a small side salad.
4. Dinner: Add canned, frozen, fresh vegetables to your entrée. Feature new salad recipes with low fat dressing to keep your menu interesting.
Dessert ? What about some frozen berries in the blender with low fat yogurt or low fat frozen yogurt?
For detailed information including recipes as well as the quantity of fruits and vegetables you need to consume follow the links below.
As always consult your physician for guidance in dietary changes. Remember your physician is your partner in health and knows your medical history and current medical concerns. |
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. Meet in the Saint Luke's back parking lot at 7:00 am and work throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Lars (802-6212 or lporter@saint-lukes.com).
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. |
No Sunday School
on March 14!
Enjoy Spring Break!!
Vacation Bible School 2010!
June 7-10!
Vacation Bible School registration is now OPEN!!!! Go to www.saint-lukes.com/vbs.html for information and to register.
There are two ways to pay:
1) CHECK: Please make checks payable to Saint Luke's Episcopal Church and mail them to c/o Emily Boles at the church or drop them in the basket in the Children's Ministry Office.
2) ONLINE: Pay online using PayPal. You can access this option by visiting our VBS registration page listed above!
Attention parents and kids!
The Children's Christian Education portion of our website has been updated. The Just for Kids page and the Moms & Dads page now have fun and helpful information.
To visit the Just for Kids page click this link:
www.saint-lukes.com/childrens_ministry_kids.html
To visit the Moms & Dads page click this link: www.saint-lukes.com/childrens_ministry_mom-dad.html |
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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