Our story is Easter Resurrection from Matthew

"He is not here. He was raised, just as he said."

n  Matthew 28:6

Adult Forum is taking on a theme for the month on May.  Each week we will be featuring a member or members of our parish.  Last week Dan Anderson spoke with us about outdoor opportunities in our area and how much they mean to him and what part the outdoors plays in his faith. 

On May 15, Shauna Anderson and Cathy Smith will be our featured guests.  They will be talking with us about their recent Hospice trip to Tanzania.    What is a Hospice trip?!  Come and find out...Forum begins at 9:00 am on the stage area of the undercroft

On Sunday May 22, Tom Rankin will join the Forum to discuss his position as Chautauqua County Public Defender.

For our J2A students and all others who are interested in confirmation, reception in the Episcopal Church, or reaffirmation of your baptism promises, the first class will be held on Sunday, May 15th, following the 10 am service, on the stage in the undercroft.  Meet with Mother Susan and classes and times will be deteremined.  You are welcome to attend the classes even if you are not intending to be confirmed or received, or if you are just thinking about it.

The Right Rev. R. William Franklin, our new Bishop, will make his first official visit to St. Luke's on Sunday, July 17 for a service of confirmation at 10:00 am.

The Men of St. Luke's  will enjoy a day of nature with outside work "Paul Bunyan" style beginning at 9 am on Sunday, May 15th at Dan Anderson's, Mahanna Road, Bemus Point. Bring saws, gloves, and a desire to 'lay up wood' for God's service.  Firewood will be distributed to those in need of it. We meet for our morning Eucharist, then enjoy a leisurely lunch.  All are welcome to attend.  Even if you choose not to actively participate in preparing the firewood, come to give us moral support and advice! You can enjoy lunch, the Eucharist, the beautiful surroundings and an  opportunity spend time with the guys!

Usher Chairman Rich Pinciaro is calling a meeting of all ushers for Sunday, May 22 at 11:30 am on the stage area of the undercroft.  Please make every effort to attend as we need to redo some of the usher teams and go over some procedures.

 Are you looking for a chance to refocus spiritually during the week?  Would you appreciate a quiet service with time for reflection?  Are you yearning to experience God's healing grace in your life?  Well, look no further.  You are invited to come to the chapel on Wednesdays at 12:05 pm for our weekly healing service and communion.  The service lasts 30 minutes and is followed by an optional salad lunch in the undercroft.  Come check it out.

Have you heard the buzz about "Love Wins?"  It is a new book by evangelical pastor Rob Bell and is subtitled, "A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived." Rob Bell addresses one of the most controversial issues of faith-the afterlife-arguing, would a loving God send people to eternal torment forever...? With searing insight, Bell puts hell on trial, and his message is decidedly hopeful-eternal life doesn't start when we die; it starts right now. And ultimately, Love Wins.  Fr. Eric will be leading a discussion of the book for four Tuesday nights beginning June 7^th.  You can buy the book online or at most book stores and we will have some copies available at church.

This year, the annual Parish Picnic (June 12) falls on the feast of Pentecost - adding extra "holy mischief" to our fun at the lake!  Members of the Junior Youth Group will present a skit during the service, called "The First Parish Meeting of the Church of Jerusalem."  It's a humorous take on Pentecost by our favorite Christian dramatist Tom Long, whom we brought to St. Luke's about nine years ago and who wrote the scripts for our past Easter pageants, "Tale of Three Trees" and "Rescue in the Night."  Rehearsals for the skit will take place during Sunday Youth Night and at Church School on May 29 & June 5.  Kids in 3^rd thru 6^th grade are invited to join the show! Talk to Mother Susan for more information.

Summer Youth Camp schedule  

Senior High Conference -- June 26 through July 2 

Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center

Junior High Camp -- August 7-13

Dunkirk Conference Center

Sleep Away Camp (3rd - 6th grades) -- August 14-17

Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center  

Please visit www.eyouthwny.org for more information.

Registrations with health forms are available on line at www.eyouthwny.org  or at the church office.

Through a generous gift from the Thrift Shop, scholarships are available to St. Luke's members for church camp. 

Speak to Fr. Eric if you are interested.