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  Week of May 30, 2010

In This Issue...
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
SAINT LUKE'S DAY SCHOOL
YOUTH MINISTRIES


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LINKS




Saint Luke's Links
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Sermons
 
Special Events
 
Calendar Parish Photos



TRANSITIONS 
 
Deaths
 
Earle H. Shugerman, May 18, 2010; husband of Sheila M. Shugerman

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

 Births
 
Cohen Brooks Smith,
May 15, 2010; son of Graham and Harrison Smith and grandson of Betsy and Ralph Smith.
 
As he grows in age, may he also grow in grace and in the knowledge of his Savior Jesus Christ
 
 
Sunday Lectionary Readings 
 May 30, 2010
Trinity Sunday

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


 




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FEATURED SERMON



Let the Fire Burn

This sermon was preached by the Rev. Stephen DeGweck on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010 and is based on Acts 2:1-11. 
                             
An Englishman named Geoff Burch, a sales trainer in England, tells a funny story he swears is true, about a salesman named Fred he knew in his younger days. Back in the 1950s Fred had been a traveling salesman hawking washing machines. This job paid commission only, but included a valuable perk in 1950s England: the almost unheard of luxury of a vehicle. At the beginning of each week Fred was sent off in his van with five washing machines. So long as all five were sold each week, Fred could keep the van. This he managed to do, week after week. But eventually a week came when Fred's magic touch abandoned him, and to his dismay, on Thursday evening he realized he still had three machines left in his van. Fred had only twenty-four hours until his van turned into a pumpkin.  
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robert and Lindsay Smith

Bring Stories of Mission to Southeast Asia

Sunday, May 30 ~ 9:15 am ~ Graham Hall

 

This Sunday, May 30th, Memorial Day Weekend,. we are pleased to welcome home Robert and Lindsay Smith to speak during the Sunday school hour. Robert, the son of Ralph and Betsy Smith, grew up at Saint Luke's. Robert and Lindsay spent a semester as missionaries in Southeast Asia, and they bring stories of what they saw God accomplishing among the people they met. They will talk about how they experience God's call to ministry, and they look forward to expressing their gratitude for Saint Luke's support of their mission. This spring, Robert finishes his second year at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and the couple hopes to be missionaries after graduation. They are happy to report that Lindsay is expecting a baby boy in October. Come enjoy breakfast and hear from these inspiring young people. Bring your questions and find out how you can be involved, even if only from a distance, in foreign missions.

An Opportunity to Advertise in the New Saint Luke's Directory and Information Book 

 This summer we will put together a Saint Luke's directory and information book. Because we publish pictoral directories only every three to four years, many of our current members are not included in our current directory. The information section of this guide book will contain a yearly calendar of events, Christian Education offerings, and information on various ministries. Our plan is to update this book annually, so the information will remain current. We have contracted with Guide Book Publishers for this project.
 
They have produced books for numerous churches nationwide and right here in Mountain Brook. They will offer local businesses an opportunity to advertise in our Saint Luke's Guide Book. If you want to learn more about this opportuinity, please contact the Rev. Christopher Girata (cgirata@saint-lukes.com or 802-6204). 
 

We Still Need 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. A warm thank you to all who have already donated a swimsuit!

 

 Partake of Some Mid Week Spiritual Refreshment This Summer!

Even though our Wednesday Night Supper & Programs are taking a summer break, please come for Wednesday Night Eucharist at 6:30 pm in the Chapel. This service is informal, contemplative, and offers an invitation to come into God's presence through the service of Holy Eucharist. All are welcome!

 


OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT

Community Furniture Bank

 

The Community Furniture Bank is a 501(c)3 non -profit organization, specializing in the pickup and delivery of donated furniture, appliances, and household goods. Clients include victims of natural disasters and domestic or substance abuse, as well as those simply needing a hand. Services are provided free of charge and offered with compassion.

 

Volunteers are always needed to assist with pickups and deliveries, as well as unpacking and sorting donations in our warehouse.

 

Funding for this project comes from individuals, corporations, charitable foundations, and churches. Grants, such as the one from St. Luke's, help defray operating expenses such as warehouse rent, utilities, and fuel for our truck. All donations are greatly appreciated as there is no other source of income beyond those listed here.

 

The Community Furniture Bank is an integral part of the local social service network, working in cooperation with other agencies and directly with our client families.

 

Thank you for your support. We can be reached at 942-2727, or via our website at www.communityfurniturebank.org

.

 

       Chris Yarboro, Director

 

PRESCHOOL
PARTNERS

PreSchool Partners = Success!

I'm often asked why PreSchool Partners is so effective in preparing families for kindergarten and what sets us apart from other programs.  I think one reason is that we have such high expectations for our parents and their children.  We expect great things from them, and they consistently meet or exceed these expectations. PreSchool Partners requires a parent or guardian to attend school every Monday morning with their child.  I am always asked how we get the parents to show up and the answer is simple - it's what is expected of them. The parents know when they register their child that parental involvement is a requirement - it is not an option.  This is a huge commitment for our families, but they want the best possible education for their children so they are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure their children's future success in school. I would like to think that if my children had been eligible to attend PreSchool Partners that I would have been the kind of committed parent who devotes every Monday morning to their education like the wonderful families I have the privilege to work with every week.

 

I believe another reason for our success is our exceptional staff. The teachers at PreSchool Partners truly love teaching and instill a love of learning in their students. Our teachers are the most devoted and enthusiastic people who genuinely care about each and every student and their potential. I can assure you that they are not in it for the money! Being a small non-profit, we can't compete with the city or county schools pay scale, but our teachers are worth their weight in gold, and we are so fortunate that they have chosen to work at PreSchool Partners!

 

I can state with confidence that PreSchool Partners fulfills its mission of preparing at-risk preschool children and their families for kindergarten. I see it everyday and with every passing year. I hear from former families constantly about the success their children are having in school.  A former student who is now in the first grade came to the school last week to pick up her brother who is in one of our four-year-old classes. I asked her how school was going and if she was making all A's and B's. Anissa quickly corrected me saying, "I'm making all A's, Miss Lella!" Well, I guess she told me! I have an entire file full of outstanding report cards from our graduates full of A's and B's. Our former students are winning math derbies and spelling bees.  Their parents are the presidents of their PTA's and remain active participants in their children's education.  You'll even read in this newsletter about one former PreSchool Partners student who is headed off to college. In short, PreSchool Partners is more than the finest preschool in our city, more than a place to bring families together. PreSchool Partners is a place of great expectations, a place where children, teachers and parents exceed these each year! Thanks to all who make this special place possible.

 

- Lella Carl

 Director, PreSchool Partners

 


STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION

Did You Know . . .

 

While various reports estimate that electronic waste is less than 4% of the total solid waste stream in the United States, electronic waste is growing two to three times faster than any other waste stream (i.e. paper, yard waste). In 1998, of the 20 million computers taken out of service, only 2.3 million (slightly more than 10%), were recycled or e-cycled, and most of those were from large businesses and institutions!

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS

May is American Stroke Month

There are few of us who have not observed firsthand how a stroke can affect individuals and families. Recently our vice president's forty-one-year-old son was diagnosed with a stroke which brings this disease into the national spotlight. Since May is American Stroke Month, it is a good time to review the warning signs and how to react to these signs.

                     Warning Signs:

* Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

* Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Call 911 if you experience these warning signs. Remember time is critical so you must seek early treatment within three hours to reduce the risk of damage.

(From the American Stroke Association)

 

How can you learn more? Talk to your doctor, or contact the American Stroke Association (1-888-478-7653 or www.strokeassociation.org).  


CHILDREN'S
MINISTRIES

Instructional Eucharist for Children

This Sunday May 30  9:15 am to 10:15 am  Nave

All children (4K through 2nd-grade) and their parents are invited to an instructional Eucharist!

For more information, please contact the Rev. Rebecca DeBow (rdebow@saint-lukes.com or 802-6202).


SAINT LUKE'S DAY SCHOOL

Lemonade Stand Earns $1300 for Christ Church and St. George's

 

day school lemonade standSaint

 
day school lemonade 2 

Luke's Day School teachers Nan White and Stephanie Beatty keep their four-year-old pre-kindergarten class informed about current events.  The children were very distressed to hear that Christ Church, Albertville, lost their church in a tornado and that St. George's in Nashville suffered major flood damage. Realizing that money would help with recovery efforts, the children came up with the idea to sell lemonade and divide the profits between the two churches.

           

 

The people of Crestline couldn't resist the young children, holding signs and calling out to them.  Cars turned around and returned for a cup of lemonade, leaving generous donations for our brothers and sisters who need our help.  Saint Luke's is very proud of her children.  May God bless their ministry!

 

 At Saint Luke's Day School, Nan White and Stephanie Beatty have kept their four-year-old pre-kindergarten class informed about current events.  The children were very distressed to hear that Christ Church, Albertville, lost their church in a tornado and that St. George's, Nashville, Tennessee, suffered major flood damage.  Realizing that money would help with recovery efforts, the class decided to sell lemonade and divide the profits between the two churches. The people of Crestline couldn't resist the young children, holding signs and calling out to them.  Cars turned around and returned for a cup of lemonade, leaving generous donations for our brothers and sisters who need our help.  Saint Luke's is very proud of her children.  May God bless their ministry!


YOUTH
MINISTRIES

  

appalachia service project

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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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).

Phone: (205) 871-3583        www.saint-lukes.com    Fax: (205) 802-6219

You can access and correct your personal identification and demographic information that we collect online and maintain by calling Saint Luke's at (205) 871-3583 or by sending e-mail to Nancy Cain at info@saint-lukes.com. You may also request that Saint Luke's remove your name from its mailing lists, both traditional and electronic. If you have concerns about the Saint Luke's privacy policy or its application, please email Betty O'Neil at info@saint-lukes.com.