There are certain smells that take me back to my childhood. The smell of cinnamon rolls baking takes me right back to my grandmother's kitchen.

I cannot hear the hymn, "Let all mortal flesh keep silence" without remembering being a third grader in the choir, trying to keep up with the older boys. There are certain songs, that take me right back to when I first heard them or an important time when they were in the background.

Tuesday morning, I heard a tone-poem, 'Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks' by Richard Strauss on KLRE-FM on their show, Performance Today. I was immediately taken back to fourth grade with my music teacher, Sr. Mary Benedict. I may not remember her exact words, but I definitely remember the storyline of this piece of music.

Tonal memory is very powerful thing. It can take us right back to where we are when we first heard something or an important time in our lives.

I am so very grateful to all of my teachers. I may not remember exactly what happened as I was in their classrooms, but I certainly learned. I know that as I teach, I may not be getting through each week, but I hope that what I am teaching at least gets through.

Thank you teachers.

God bless you.

Michael

PRAYER LIST

Carolyn Ford, Jim Howell, Katherine Herring, Rhonda Herring, Annette Gerace, Martinka Family, Cory Moses, Kendall, Diane Faust, Laura Dues, Pete Caro, Lawson Anderson, Anne Gontermann, Sheila Crim, Tim Woods, Mike Roh, Vince Roh, Bobbi West, Jamie Poole, Kate Toepfer, Valerie Baker, Nicholas, Martha Stroope, Mary Jo Ring, Kathy Rose, Thalia, Parker, Kathy, Christina, Lisa Williams, George Cline, Jim Ellwanger, Hannah Brown, the Acord Family, the Gontermann Family, Bill Spradlin, Mary Paal, and Forest Pollard.

Special Concerns:  All of the men and women of our Armed Forces, especially Jake, Justin, Bret, Joshua, Mark, Tim, Matt, Doug and Lance.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS 

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting and election of new vestry members will take place on Sunday, January 29 at noon immediately following the 10:30 service. There will be a potluck. Please look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to participate. 

YEAR-END REPORTS DUE JAN. 19 

It is time once again for Ministry Chairs to turn in their year-end reports for the Annual Meeting on January 29. All reports are due in to Caroline in the parish office by no later than January 19. If you have any questions, please contact Caroline at 501.753.4281 or office@stlukeepiscopal.org.

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VESTRY NOMINATIONS

Are you interested in helping to lead St. Luke's as we grow and develop?  Do you know other members who would make good leaders?  In January, we will be electing 4 new vestry members and we are now accepting nominations.  The members of the vestry are charged with the care of the property and business of the church.  Working with the rector, they exercise leadership in the development of the congregation.   

If you or someone you know is interested in standing for vestry, please call or email Caroline Brown in the parish office, 753-4281,

office@stlukeepiscopal.org.  You must obtain permission from the person(s) you wish to nominate.  Nominees must be at least 18 years old, confirmed Episcopalians, regular contributors of record, and attenders of record who have been connected to St. Luke's for thirty days prior to the date of the annual meeting. 

Vestry terms are for three years and members are expected to meet monthly in addition to attending an overnight retreat in early spring. Vestry members will be elected at the parish annual meeting on Sunday, January 29th.

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PRAYER C AT EUCHARIST

During Sundays in Epiphany we are using Eucharistic prayer C. The Episcopal prayer book for Rite II has four Eucharistic prayers among which to choose: Prayer A, which is used most often simply because it's first in line; Prayer B, almost as popular; Prayer D, especially nice for major feasts. And then there's Prayer C, quite different from the other three.

Prayer C shows its mid-1970s origins. Informally christened "The Star Trek Prayer" almost as soon as it was published, it begins with an intergalactic inventory of the creation that sweeps through galaxies, suns, planets until arriving at "this fragile earth, our island home." It calls for much more congregational participation than the other three, keeping all of us alert and on our toes to give our next response. Let us know your thoughts about this prayer.

Joanna

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HOLY SCRIBES   

Please note that the HOLY SCRIBES are back in action. We will be meeting Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 in the large classroom/meeting room on the first floor behind the sanctuary and below the choir room. Our goal is to learn calligraphy and enrich the spiritual life of the church with written prayers etc. We want to be sure each child will grow up with a personalized prayer hanging on their wall.

We also need people who are willing to cut mats and assemble the prayers when they are completed.

This is an opportunity that is open to the community so bring a friend and spread the word.

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BROTHERHOOD OF ST.ANDREW 

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will meet at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 18th in the Library Room.  Please join us.  For more information contact:

Dickey Mayland

835-6411

ddmayland@sbcglobal.net  

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ACOLYTE SUNDAY  

January 22 is St. Vincent's Day and the day to honor our Acolytes and everything they do. That Sunday, they will be presented with a cross, made possible by funds donated in memory of Jack and Ellen Flowers, and they and their families will be treated to a light lunch in the Parish Hall directly following the 10:30 service.

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NEW TABLES 

We have ordered 8 new rectangle tables for the Parish Hall. These are light weight and will be a great addition. If you offered to donate one please send in your check for 80.00. As a Thank You gift, you are welcome to take one of the older model tables. Without your generosity these new tables would not of been possible. The whole congregation will appreciate these for years to come along with the people that have to move them. Thank You once again.

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UTO GRANT  

The UTO Grant, prepared and submitted by Lalia Zakrzewski has been successfully received by the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Lalia extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who assisted her with this grant. Awards will be announced of August of this year.   

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EPIPHANY HAPPENINGS

Sunday Classes

Adult and Young Adult and Children classes 9:15  

Adult Class: After Christmas we will continue with "Monumental Tombs in the Time of Jesus". Don't wait to join us in our continuing adventure; we will hold a seat just for you next Sunday, starting at 9:25 a.m.

2012

Epiphany

Sundays

Inquirer's class:  Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12 ...Six sessions

Youth and those considering confirmation or anyone who would like a refresher on what it means to be an Episcopalian will join young adults for Inquirer's Class at 9:15.  Those attending the class who have been confirmed may be sponsors and may be received.

Class Information:  

1. Week one January 8 St. Luke's Story led by  Mary Jane Hodges
2. Week two January 15 Anglican Church Music led by Michael Monnikendam
3. Week three January 22 Anglican Church History and Beliefs led by Carey Stone
4. Week four January 29 Anglican Spirituality led by Joanna Seibert
5. Week five February 5 The Book of Common Prayer and Sacraments led by Carey Stone
6. Week six February 12 Finding our Ministry, Using our Gifts led by Carey Stone and Joanna Seibert
7. Week 7 February 19 Visit of Bishop Benfield and Confirmation

February 19:  Bishop Benfield's visit:  adults, young adults, youth meet with the bishop.  

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH  

January:

• Coat Drive: It's been a mild winter so far, but that will not last! So on the last three Sundays of this month - January 15, 22, and 29 - we will be collecting coats to donate to St. Francis House. Please bring your gently used, clean coats to church on those days. A collection box will be placed in the narthex for this purpose.
• Stock the Pantry Sunday: Please bring in your non-perishable food items on January 15.

February:

St. Luke's is in the process of scheduling our annual jewelry and craft sale for African Team Ministries during the month of February, and the dates will be announced as soon as we can confirm them. African Team Ministries is a Christian ministry working as an intermediary between African and American churches. They provide handcrafted carvings and jewelry for parishes to sell. With help from Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, they provide funding for orphan and refugee relief missions and evangelism in East Africa.  The support they receive is sent directly to partnering Bishops to provide school fees, tuition, books, and uniforms. This support ensures that the children receive an education and a measure of stability.

By participating in these projects, St. Luke's makes a difference in the lives of the needy in our immediate community and around the world!

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CHRISTIAN FORMATION 

Classes are Sunday mornings at 9:15 am.

2012-2013 Christian Education Classes

3 year olds:        Brouke Reynolds, Guide

                            Paula Benson, Assistant

Catechesis I:       Beth Maze, Guide

(4-6 year olds)    Paula Volpe, Guide

                            Martha Cross, Assistant

Catechesis II:      Ginna Simmons, Guide

(7-9 year olds)    Ellen Moses, Assistant

Catechesis III:     Kimber Barber-Fendley, Guide

(10-12 year olds) Laura Woford, Assistant

Teenager:           Wanda Dunwoody, Co-teacher

(13-18 year olds) Suzzette Patterson, Co-teacher

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Nursery Care is provided for all activities on Sunday mornings.

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EVENTS  

OPEN LETTER FROM BISHOP BENFIELD

MEN OF THE HOUSE FUNDRAISER   

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STATE HANDBELL FESTIVAL  

It's time again for the State Handbell Festival.  It is on Saturday Feb 25, 2012, and is being held at Lakewood United Methodist Church here in NLR (a very convenient and comfortable location).  The clinician is John Behnke, who was here about 3 years ago.  He writes much of our music and gives a great festival.  It generally lasts from about 8:30 to 3 pm.  We need to register by Jan 31 to preserve the $30 per person fee. The fee includes lunch on site.  It has always been a treat.  Also available is a festival tee shirt at $16 each. We meet at the church about 7:30 to gather what tables and bells we need.  It does not take a whole choir as the room is full of choirs and the parts are always covered.  It is a great learning session with a "concert" at the end.  Family and friends are welcome for that.

Please contact Debi Fricks ASAP if you plan to attend the festival on Sat. Feb 25 and let her know if you would like a t-shirt and if you have special dietary requirements. They usually serve Barbeque or have another sandwich venue cater lunch. 

I encourage all of you to attend even if you not currently a member of the handbell choirs.

Blessings to you all in this New Year.

Debi

debi.bells@att.net

501-920-5706

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