The Evangelist
What is going on at St. Luke's this week.

Become a friend of St. Luke's on Facebook (St. Luke's Episcopal Church North Little Rock ) and follow us on our website at www.stlukeepiscopal.org
 
 
Good Thoughts
 "All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired."


 

VESTRY of St. Luke's

Gary Dunwoody

Senior Warden

 

Dan Dennis

Junior Warden

 

Becky Terry

Clerk

 

Sally Lumpp

Treasurer

 

Class of 2009

Debi Fricks

Gary Dunwoody

Dan Dennis

 

Class of 2010

Sherry Furr

Gay Hensley

Carmen Quinn

Jerry Hodge

 

Class of 2011

Jason Reynolds

Pat Loomis

James Terry

Ed Seward

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Friday

9 to 5

Friday, closed for lunch 12-1

 

 

 



CAREY'S CONVERSATIONS

"Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best."

Henry van Dyke

  

It is such a joy to welcome new people into our congregation! Recently, I had the opportunity to hear from a newer member what a good job St. Luke's is doing with welcoming new people.

 

They had attended another church in our area for about three years. During their entire time there they said that only about eight people greeted them and tried to make them feel welcome (sad but true). Upon their arrival a few weeks ago here at St. Luke's they received more than eight greetings in their first visit! As I met this person they said the following, "I have visited around the Little Rock/NLR area and St. Luke's is the friendliest!" I was so proud of you!

 

Let's keep our hearts open and our hands extended towards one another and to those the Lord brings through our doors!

Yours in Christ,

Carey+

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Deacon Symbol 1 

DEACON'S BENCH

 

New book starting in Wednesday book group February 8

 

"Wednesday Book Group by the Fireplace" at Joanna's house, 27 River Ridge Road, Little Rock, at 10 am during Lent and Easter will be studying two CS Lewis books, The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce. The Screwtape Letters study will begin Wednesday, February 8. Newcomers are welcome. Email Joanna for more information [email protected].

 CS Lewis

 Clive Staples Lewis (1898 - 1963) was a renowned scholar, Christian apologist and author of more than 30 books, including The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters - a wry and insightful correspondence between an old devil and his younger apprentice.

The Screwtape Letters first appeared in London's Guardian newspaper during the dark days of World War II. In 1942, the letters were published in book form in England - dedicated to Lewis' friend J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Great Divorce is C.S. Lewis's Divine Comedy: the narrator bears strong resemblance to Lewis (by way of Dante); his Virgil is the fantasy writer George MacDonald. Upon boarding a bus in Hell, the narrator is taken to Heaven with a group of others in Hell. The question is who in Hell decides to stay in Heaven.

 

Joanna

 

 

 

 

 

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organ 5

FROM THE ORGAN BENCH

This week's offertory anthem at the 10:30 service is a setting of Ubi Caritas by Ola Gjeilo. The text of Ubi Caritas is:

 

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart

 

This ancient hymn is usually sung during the foot washing on Maundy Thursday. This verse speaks more about our common Christian community.

Mr. Ola Gjeilo is a new composer that is really finding his voice. If you have a moment or two check out his other compositions on YouTube; O Magnum Mysterium and Dark Night of the Soul.

I hope you enjoy experiencing Ubi Caritas as much as the choir enjoys sharing this with you.

 

God Bless,

Michael

 

 

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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, Susan Ware, 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.

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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. 


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VESTRY ELECTION: WHO CAN VOTE

 

Vestry members will be elected at the parish annual meeting on Sunday, January 29th following the 10:30 service.


At the parish meeting all worshipers of 16 years and older who are regular contributors of record or members of family groups which are regular contributors of record and who have been connected
to the parish for 30 days prior to the annual meeting may vote. You must be present for your vote to be counted. Absentee voting is not allowed. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Church Office at 753.4281 or by email at [email protected].

    


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VESTRY NEWS

 

Please help us extend a special thank you to our outgoing treasurer Sally Lumpp for her faithful service and dedication during these times of transition.     


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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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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  

Classes on the 29, 5, and 12 will meet  

in the Parish Hall. 

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 5 and 12: 

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. The items will be on sale following the 10:30 service. 

 

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  

 


 140TH DIOCESAN CONVENTION 
LOgo 

The Diocesan Convention will be held on February 17th and 18th with St. Mark's in Little Rock being host on Friday and Episcopal Collegiate on Saturday. This year's delegates from St. Luke's are Sherry Furr and Gay Hensley with Jerry Hodge as alternate. 

 

Childcare will be provided for infants to age 12 at the Episcopal Collegiate School. If anyone has a Pack N Play that can be lent for use in the nursery, please call Wanda Dunwoody at 501.412.3998.  

 

For more information on the convention, please go to http://episcopalarkansas.org/index.php/convention/.  

 

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OPEN LETTER FROM BISHOP BENFIELD


MEN OF THE HOUSE FUNDRAISER   

  

 

Bishop Letter 

 

 

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MEN OF THE HOUSE FUNDRAISER   

   

It's almost time for the annual MEN OF THE HOUSE 2012 event. Make your plans to attend now by going to http://menofthehouse2012.eventbrite.com/.  

 

This year's event will be held at Trinity Cathedral on February 16th, the eve of the Diocesan convention. Bill Valentine will be the featured speaker and we will have great fun, food and libations just for the men from all over the diocese. The proceeds will go to support St. Francis House, which strives to do the work of helping those people in need as referred to by Christ in the gospel.

 

Also, there will be unique, one of a kind door prizes and auction items.

 

You may purchase your tickets online at the above website or by calling St. Mark's at 501-225-4203.


 

 

 

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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

[email protected]

501-920-5706

 

 

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                              WINTERSTAR 
Winterstar is the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas' annual Winter retreat.  The weekend is divided by grade with Jr. High March 2nd-4th and Sr. High Feb. 24th-26th.  The Bishop Larry Benfield will be presiding at Sr. High Winterstar.  

The weekend begins at Camp Mitchell Friday at 8pm with Registration, and ends Sunday at 10:30am with a closing service.  The Diocesan Youth Commission will be meeting to plan to weekend and it  is always a great weekend. Please click here to register and for more information:
 
 
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