Sunday Lectionary Readings
May 9, 2010
Sixth Sunday of
Easter
Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Krakatoa Sky
This sermon was preached by the Rev. Richmond Webster on Sunday, May 2 , 2010 at the 8:00 am and 5:00 pm services.
Ever since the volcano erupted in Iceland earlier last month, that crack in the earth with the unpronounceable name spewing lava and ash and stranding travelers all across Europe and costing untold millions of dollars, I've really become interested in volcanoes.
(Read more) |
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This Friday, May 7
55th Place Spring Ingathering
On Friday, May 7, Saint Luke's will serve as a collection drop-off for 55th Place. We will accept used household items, linens, small appliances, small furniture, kitchen items, clothing, and more. Volunteers will be stationed at the porte-cochere to help remove donation items from your car between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. All you need to do is gather your items and drive to the church! 55th Place is one of our Saint Luke's outreach ministries, and proceeds go to help the needy in Birmingham.
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May 9th is Youth Sunday!
On this special day, we celebrate the ministry gifts of the fine young people in our parish. Our youth will participate in all areas of worship, from ushering to preaching. Adam Wilson will preach the sermon at the 8:00 am service, and Saunders McElroy will preach at the 10:30 am service. |
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Swimsuits for Sawyerville Day Camp!
Sawyerville Day Camp is a mission, sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, located in Hale County in the heart of Alabama's Black Belt. This year the camp has expanded to two weeks meaning that over 400 children in this underprivileged region will be served.
In the past, Saint Luke's has collected art supplies and goggles for the summer camp. This year, we are charged with collecting NEW swimsuits for the kids to wear during their favorite part of the day. Since there are specific needs with respect to sizes, we are approaching our collection with an "Angel-tree" philosophy. Look for the table in Claypool Commons where you will select a specific size of swimsuit to purchase. Once you purchase the swimsuit, please bring it to the bin located in the Commons no later than June 1st. Swimsuits may also be purchased in your honor if you would rather make a monetary donation. |
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Reminder for Searchers
Monday, May 10 ~ 10:30 am ~ Room 214 Remember to bring a sandwich.
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Gumbo Gala to Benefit Episcopal Place
This Saturday, May 8
11:00 am to 2:00 pm Caldwell Park
Enjoy Cajun food, music, entertainment, and fun as professional and amateur cook-off teams cook and serve gumbo and compete for the title of "Best Gumbo in Birmingham" at the annual Gumbo Gala. All proceeds will benefit Episcopal Place (one of our Saint Luke's outreach ministries), an affordable housing community near Caldwell Park.
For more information or to register for the event, please go online at www.gumbogala.com or call 939-0085 or e-mail kmueller@episcopalplace.org. |
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Acolyte Banquet ~ Wednesday, May 12
All Acolytes are invited to our annual banquet on Wednesday night, May 12th at 6:00 pm in Graham Hall. This special evening will be an event to thank you for all the work you have done throughout the year. Our Sunday services would not be possible without the vital role that you play, and we are grateful for all that you do! Please contact Lars Porter (lporter@saint-lukes.com or 802-6212) to let him know if you can attend. |
We Need YOU for a Successful Vacation Bible School!
VBS Registration Deadline is May 1st!!!! That is right around the corner!!!! Don't forget to register your child and yourself to volunteer!
Do You Know . . .
It takes approximately...
90 people to run an Extraordinary VBS at St. Luke's
50 people to a SUCCESSFUL VBS at St. Luke's
30 people to run an AVERAGE VBS at St. Luke's
To date, Saint Luke's has 20 people confirmed to work the week of VBS...
Where would you like to help?
Register to help by calling 802-6211 or
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UTO Sunday Is May 16
Look for the little blue boxes on the table in Claypool Commons. Please take one home, and whenever you think of one of God's blessings, drop a coin into the box. On May 16, 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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ECW Notes
Thank you to Lucia Tabb and Taylor Davis for planning and organizing our recent ECW Bunco Party. A great time was had by all! Our First Monday Luncheon meetings will resume in September. We look forward to seeing everyone in the fall. Have a great summer! |
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Upcoming Events for Seniors!
JULIET Luncheon ~ Thursday, May 13: NOTE DATE CHANGE! We will meet at the church at 11:00 am and take the van to have lunch at the Bright Star in Bessemer. AARP Driving Course for Senior Adults
Saint Luke's will offer an AARP Driving Course for Seniors here at the church on Tuesday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 12 from 8:30 am until noon in Room 232. This is an opportunity to brush up on driving skills. The cost is $12. for AARP members and $14. for non-AARP members We still have some spots available, so call Jeanna if you're interested (802-6218).
Trip to Montgomery, Tuesday, June 15: There will be a chartered bus trip to Montgomery to tour Saint John's Episcopal Church and eat lunch at the Capitol City Club, accompanied by the Rev. Richmond Webster! Mark your calendar and look for details to come soon. |
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Might God be Calling You to Become a Stephen Minister?
Next fall we will launch a new training class for another group of Stephen ministers. Stephen ministers support the pastoral care ministry of our church, working alongside our clergy to provide Christian care, encouragement, and emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness.
The ministry is open to men and women. Candidates must be at least thirty years of age, confirmed communicant members of Saint Luke's for a minimum of three years, faithful in worship attendance and involved in the parish life of Saint Luke's. All candidates should understand that serving as a Stephen minister is a demanding but rewarding calling. A minimum commitment of two years is called for, which begins with the successful completion of a five month-long training class. The training consists of weekly classes and outside-of-class reading assignments. Once trained, a Stephen minister is paired with a care receiver, with whom the Stephen minister is expected to meet on a regular, usually weekly, basis. Stephen ministers also meet on two Tuesday evenings each month as a whole group for case supervision and on-going training. An annual weekend retreat is held.
Stephen ministers are a loving and close-knit community of servants. If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and especially for listening, and are prepared to meet the time requirements, we invite you to prayerfully consider whether God might be calling you to this challenging ministry. If you think you might be interested, or just want to know more, speak with Fr. Steve DeGweck (802-6203) who can provide you with more information and an application. Interviews will begin this summer.
The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations. Click here to view the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS website.
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Community Grief Support
Offers Groups
In addition to the grief support group offered twice a year by Saint Luke's, there are groups offered through the Community Grief Support Service in Homewood. These groups are professionally led and provide an excellent resource for healing and support for persons suffering loss. This is a community resource I highly recommend!
Groups being offered over the next few months include:
· Widowed persons of employment age, Tuesdays, May 4-Jul 13, 5-7:45 pm, S. Highland Presbyterian Church
· Widowed persons, retired, Wednesdays, May 5-Jun 23, 10-11:30 am, CGSS Office, 1119 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
· Loss of Adult Child, Mondays, May 17-Jul 5, 6-7:30 pm, CGSS Office, 1119 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
· Loss of Parent, Sibling, or Grandparent, 6-7:45 pm, Apr 29-Jun 17, Thursdays, CGSS Office, 1119 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood
The Community Grief Support Service is an interfaith, non-profit organization which affirms spiritual values and welcomes persons regardless of religious or denominational background. Call CGSS for more information at 870-8667.
--Father Steve DeGweck |
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Did You Know . . .
The Cadmium from a single cell phone is capable of polluting 158,200 gallons of water. |
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Attention Parents of rising 3k-6th graders
You should have received your spring mailer regarding the upcoming school year. Please note that we will have another parent information meeting, Sunday, May 16th at 9:15 a.m. in room 232. Childcare will be available for children 4 and under. Please come to discuss next year and to turn in your volunteer forms. |
June 1st is the deadline for Appalachia Service Project volunteers. This Senior High Mission trip is for rising sophomores through graduated seniors. The dates are July 3rd-11th. There are still spots available for male and female adult chaperons.
For more information, contact Lars Porter (802-6212 or lporter@saint-lukes.com).
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Day School Parents: Mark Your Calendars for these
Important Dates!
May 9 - PreK (4 year olds) Blessing at Saint Luke's Church @ 10:30 am
May 20 - Last day of school for students |
Subscribe to our 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. |
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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