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VOICE of St. Luke's
September 18, 2011 |
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The Changing Face of Marriage | | |
In July, the Marriage Equality Act went into effect in New York State, granting gays and lesbians the right to marry. This action raises interesting questions for our St. Luke's church community:
- What are our current church policies regarding marriage?
- How might they change given this new law?
- How should St. Luke's respond both to gay and lesbian persons seeking marriage here, and to parishioners whose beliefs about same-sex marriage diverge across the whole spectrum of opinion?
- How can we remain a loving and inclusive community, even as we struggle together to deal with complex and potentially divisive issues?
- Can we find God in the midst of our discussions?
Bishop Franklin has given to each parish rector the freedom and responsibility to decide how to respond. I really want, however, to hear from all members of the church before making a decision that will affect all of us. I am therefore holding a two-part evening forum on the Changing Face of Marriage on Wednesdays, September 28 and October 5 from 7:00-8:30 pm. Refreshments will be served.
All members of the church are welcome to attend these sessions. Recognizing the sensitivity of this issue, all participants are asked to "speak the truth in love," "making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."(Ephesians 4:3) Those who do not feel comfortable speaking may submit their thoughts to me in writing (no anonymous notes please).
September 28: Marriage in the Episcopal Church
- Our theology of marriage from the Book of Common Prayer
- Current canon law and parish policies
- What can we do to strengthen existing marriages and families?
October 5: The Changing Face of Marriage
- What does the new state law mean for churches, especially St. Luke's?
- The bishop's pastoral letter and options
- Thoughts for the rector
Faithfully, Fr. Eric
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CHURCH SCHOOL's Great Beginnings: | | |
The Creation Story: Made in God's Image,
Caretakers of the Earth
Classes for kids in pre-school through 6th grade will begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 18. The theme of the year for grades Pre-K through grade 4 will be "Great Beginnings." We'll return to the very beginning with the Creation Story found in Genesis ch. 1. Not as a science text but as a God text, we'll look at God's love for the world and his declaration that it's all good.
For our kids entering grades 5 & 6, they will become "The Acting Apostles." We'll start in the Scripture Tent, and also have sessions for creating costumes, props, and rehearsing a song. They'll prepare one-act play to present at the 10 a.m. service every six weeks or so.
Star Students to receive Weekly prize!
Earn a special ticket for good behavior in class this year and pick a prize from the Prize Box after church. This year is going to be soooo good! Invite a family to join you at church this fall! We've got the gifts to grow, so let's go!
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The Creation -
Gen. 1 |
Sept 18 |
Sept 25 | |
Blue Group,
Pre-K & K |
Bible
Adventures |
Cinema
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Red Group,
grades 1-4 |
Bread of
Heaven |
Bible
Adventures | |
Acting Apostles,
grades 5-6 |
Choose saints;
Scripture Tent/
Drama Room |
Research;
Art Room |
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Join our list
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Calendar of Events: | |
Sun 9/18
Start Up Sunday
8am HE-Chapel
9 am Church School
& Adult Forum
10 am HE - Church
followed by
Ministry Fair &
Welcome CookOut
11:20 am
Care 4 Caregivers
4-6 pm ALL YOUTH
Groups; grades 3-12
Picnic @ Long Point
State Park; bring family & food to share!
MON 9/19
7pm Fictional Friends - Library
"The Postmistress"
TUES 9/20
9 am - 12 noon
Thrift Shop Receiving
WED 9/21
6:30 pm - Stage
Parkinson's Group
6:30-8:30pm
YOUTH GROUP
parish house
THURS 9/22
9 - 11 am 4th Street
Cafe - u/c
10 am - 2 pm
Thrift Shop Open
12:05pm Healing &
HE - Chapel
7pm Choir practice
FRI 9/23
10 am - 2 pm
Thrift Shop Open
6:00 pm
JOURNEY's Weekend
grades 6-8
SAT 9/24
10 am - 1 pm
Thrift Shop Open
Journeys Wkend
continues
5pm HE, Rite 1-
Chapel
SUN 9/25
8 am - HE - Chapel
9 am Christian Edu
10 am HE - Church
11:30 am
Youth Choir practice |
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Prayer List | |
Please include in
your prayers:
Pansy Martin-
McClean;
Elizabeth McIntyre;
Mac McIntyre;
Evelyn Bingham;
Carol Barr;
Joshua Budd;
Nichole Moore;
Joan Call;
Jack Sleigh;
Cheryl;Char;Mary; Jim; Mark; Kathleen; Benjamin; Patricia; Richard. |
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Join Bishop Franklin's Journey | |
You're invited to subscribe to the blog and comment on his posts. You'll find the subscription box on the blog's homepage at www.jerusalem-crossing.com. |
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YOUTH CHOIR SCHEDULE | | |
Sunday, September 25th - Rehearsal after church
Sunday, October 2nd - Rehearsal after church
Sunday, October 9th - Rehearsal at 9:30 am; Sing in church
Looking forward to see you all at rehearsals and working together as we sing!
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ADULT FORUM | | |
"What in the World is Going On?"
There have been copious amounts of discussion regarding what is happening globally ... weather-wise, cultural-wise, and social-wise. "Natural" disasters seem to be occurring more frequently and with great damage. There is war and hatred everywhere we turn. All of this led the Adult Forum Committee to wonder - "What in the World is Going On?"
We will begin a series on this topic starting Sunday, Sept 18 with presentations and discussions by Bill Tucker, Executive Director of our local Red Cross chapter and Larry Senn from WCA Hospital regarding disaster preparedness. (This series opener comes on the heels of our discussion regarding what has changed since 9/11/01.)
On Sunday, September 25, the Adult Forum will continue this series with Richard Stineman, retired Biology teacher from Jamestown High School. In this session we will take a look at "natural" disasters that have been occurring - are they actually happening more often and with great damage or are we just more aware of these events? Be sure to join us each Sunday morning at 9 o'clock on the stage area in the undercroft. |
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YOUTH GROuP | | |
Youth Group Kick off picnic!- We are having our Annual Kick-Off picnic at Long Point State Park on Sunday, September 18th from 4 - 6 pm. We'll meet at the PARK at 4pm in the parking lot closest to the swimming area. The whole family is invited! Bring a side dish to share!
Youth Group is back in Session!-Every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm meet us on the 3rd floor of the parish house! (for teens grades 7-12)
Youth Group Fall Retreat!
Friday, Oct 7-Sunday, Oct 9
October 7th- 9th St. Luke's Youth will enjoy a retreat at Camp Mission Meadows. This is a time of rest, discussion, and discovery, exploring what it means to be a family. We'll leave on Friday, Oct 7th and return on Sunday after lunch. All meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday are included. We need your commitment to attend with a $30 deposit by Thursday, Sept 22nd! (Yes, I know that's soon.) The cost for this retreat is $89 per person. Don't let the cost hold you back from attending; scholarships are available, speak to Miguel. Ask for a registration form today!
Journeys-It's still not too late to attend the Journeys weekend, sponsored by the Diocese, if you are grades 6-8! Journey's weekend is September 23-25. Registrations are available at the church office. For more information talk to Miguel or Mother Susan.
--Miguel
S.L.Y. Jr. for grades 3-6, coming soon!
The new S.L.Y. Jr. will meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month after the 10 am worship service. Lunch will be provided. There will be separate programs for grades 3-4 and 5-6. We begin the regular program schedule on Sunday, October 2nd. |
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JOURNEYS WEEKEND # 2 for grades 6-8 | |
St. Luke's is hosting the 2nd Diocesan JOURNEYS weekend, a retreat experience for youth in school grades 6-8. The weekend will be held September 23-25 in the undercroft and the kids will join us for church that Sunday at 10 am. We are putting together the team right now. If you are currently in grades 6, 7 or 8, sign up to attend the weekend and have FUN!
This is a wonderful opportunity to have a diocesan event here in Jamestown. Let's make it a great one and show some Southern (Tier) hospitality! |
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COMPUTER TUTORS: | | |
Are you afraid of the computer? Do you have trouble using your email? Do you know which brower you're using, or how to chat on FaceBook? We make it easy for you to learn!!
For help with computer set up and training contact Jason McEntire (eldest son of our friend, Ron McEntire) and Lori Duckett - (716) 487-2222, or email computertutors@hotmail.com
They'll answer your questions and help you with "hands on" instruction time. |
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The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Bishop of Western New York. The Rev. Eric M. Williams, Rector. The Rev. Susan Anslow Williams, Associate Rector. The Rev. Deacon Cathleen Smith. The Rev. Barbara Baxter, Priest Associate. The Rev. Sandra N. Dower, Associate. Miguel Covarrubias, Youth Minister. Kim Johnstone Mann, Parish Secretary. Barbara Bumsted, Director of Adult Formation. Andrew Schmidt, Director of Music. Paula Pickett and Donna Phillippi, Wardens.
Office: 410 North Main St., Jamestown NY 14701
Phone (716) 483-6405 * Fax (716)483-6406
Learn more about us on our website: http://www.stlukesjamestown.org |
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