Evangelist
October 7, 2015
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Deacon's Bench

A new ministry opportunity

Recently I attended a two day meeting organized by our own Betty Guhman and sponsored by Governor Hutchinson about helping and men and women coming out of prison in our state. There are so many in our congregation who would be outstanding mentors to those coming out of prison looking for a second chance. I am wondering if this is a ministry that any of you would be interested in either by yourself or as part of the ministry of your group. This is an amazing opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life. I am attaching information about being a mentor to someone coming out of prison. Let me know if you might be interested and I can talk with you more and give you more information. Keep this in your prayers.

Joanna



Deb Cooper


Deb Cooper, now in her final year of the Iona Arkansas Initiative, will be returning to St. Luke's in October for her field assignment. She will be participating liturgically two Sundays per month through June 2016. In addition to her field work at St. Luke's, Deb's training for the diaconal ministry also includes working with the Greater Little Rock Organizing Committee (LROC).
The LROC is a newly formed local affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), which is the nation's largest and longest-standing network of multi-faith and community-based organizations. Its aim is to use a collaborative approach to make structural changes that solve social justice problems that concern the families and neighbors we serve. Deb's leadership role with the LROC officially starts in November when she will be attending a 5-day IAF leadership training course in community organizing.
In 2012, Deb founded the Little Rock Daughters of Abraham Interfaith Book Group whose mission is to overcome stereotypes and to foster mutual respect and understanding among Muslim, Jewish, and Christian women. She continues her relationship with this group, has helped start a second multi-faith group, and hopes to start more. Deb loves to talk about how the relationships that have formed within this group inspire depth in her own spiritual journey. So if it sounds like something you might want to know more about, let her know. In the meantime, you can get information about her group here:

http://daughtersofabrahamlr.blogspot.com/

Veterans' Dinner

The next VET'S DINNER is planned for Thursday, October 15.  This is the dinner that St. Luke's does for the veterans' that are housed at St. Francis House.  A menu of hamburger steak with gravy & mashed potatoes is planned. There is a sign up sheet in the narthex for things to help with, such as vegetable casseroles, salad & dressing, desserts, rolls, and, also, setting up, cleaning up, serving the dinner, The dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m.  If you signup to bring a dish, please try to have your food at the parish hall by no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the dinner.  If you sign up to help serve, please try to be there by no later than between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m.  If you have questions on this dinner, please feel free to contact Dan Dennis

Are you interested in becoming a member of Daughters of the King? 

Daughters of the King  is a religious order.  Our members take a vow to follow a Rule of Life, including a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service.  We support several parish ministries, our clergy, and each other. Our Mission is the extension of Christ's Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism.   If you would be interested in finding out more about the Order,  we invite you to  attend our monthly meeting on November 8 at 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall.  We look forward to seeing you!  

Carmen Quinn
Arkansas Cursillo:  A Journey #2 Accepting Applications Now

The Journey is a weekend retreat designed to enliven the Christian faith by discovering Jesus' will for your life. It is based on a method of living the Christian life hat has been presented in many denominations for over 70 years. It is a method that works! It focuses on how the resources of our faith strengthen and support our apostleship, and emphasizes those elements of doctrine and discipline which empower us to reach out. It also offers a method for ongoing support.
The weekend retreat will be held at Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean Mountain on October 23-25, 2015. It will be led by Eric Savage and a team of both clergy and lay persons. It is open to ALL adult individuals of ANY denomination. Those persons who have previously attended a 3-day weekend are welcome to attend. Attendees at the first Journey weekend gave it glowing reviews!
We encourage you to attend and to invite your friends from other denominations. More information about the weekend and an application form can be found here on the Arkansas Cursillo website. Cost for the retreat is $145 which includes all lodging, meals and materials.
FIRST FRUITS - OUR GIFTS TO GOD

The Stewardship Campaign for 2016 is upon us.  Our theme this year is "First Fruits - Our Gifts to God".  We are called to give our best back to God from the abundance he has given us, not just in monetary gifts but our time and talents as well. They are a cornerstone required for the continued growth of our church and ministries. By giving our gifts of time, talent and financial support, we are giving our "first fruits" of labor back to God (Prov. 3:9).

The campaign will kick off on October 18th and Stewardship Sunday will be November 15th. You will be receiving a pledge card, a pledge card for The Mortgage  Assistance Program, as well as information about areas where you can contribute your time and talent. The pledge card is also available online at the church website.  There will be several "cottage" (small group) meetings in the homes of some parishioners so that members who attend can learn more about the financial and plant needs of St Luke's and other areas where we may return God's abundant gifts. These meeting will be small groups of about 8 to 10 people and will be offered in locations around the area. There will be more info coming out about the meetings. 

We are blessed to have a wonderful church, but it cannot run on faith alone. We hope everyone will prayerfully consider how they can participate in this pledge to help our church, not to just continue the great programs and ministries we have, but to expand on what is offered. 

ST. LUKE'S STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE, 

Chuck Holman
FESTIVAL OF THE SENSES 

On Friday, October 30, the St. Luke's Festival of the Senses will host the popular NPR broadcast Tales From the South.  Food trucks will be at St. Luke's to provide dinner and drinks from 5pm, and the show starts at 7pm -- "What happens in church..." Join us for some good eatin' and good old fashioned Southern storytellin' as we gather to hear tales that sound strikingly familiar: some sad, some happy, some uplifting, and some just plain ol' whack-a-doodle!  

Tickets must be purchased online in advance.  Seating is plentiful, but ultimately limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets soon!  Tickets are available at the
 link:  www.tales103015.eventbrite.com.


Vietnam War Veterans to be Honored  

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.  The Arkansas State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense has launched a state wide effort to identify and honor veterans who served between 1955 and 1975 in all branches of the military whether active duty, or reserve.
Individuals who served in auxiliary services, such as the Red Cross, are also to be included.  There will be a program and reception on Sunday, October 11, from 1:30-3:30 pm at the McArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History at which veterans will be honored with a certificate and a pin and our sincere gratitude.

Our own Dr. Robert Seibert will be speaking about his time in Vietnam in 1970-1971.

If you served during this time period, please email Deacon Len ([email protected]) or Karen Blissit ([email protected]) at St. Mark's or call St. Mark's parish office (225.4203) with the vet's full name, or preferred name, rank and branch of service.
Chairs For Sale

Help us raise funds for our Building and Grounds by buying a folding metal chair! Chairs are $10. Contact a building and grounds committee member or the office to purchase yours now. The sale ends October 31st. 
Serving Dishes in the Parish Hall

There are some serving dishes that were left in the parish hall after the last event. If they are yours, please go by and pick them up. If you do not have a key, see the church office or a vestry member for assistance. 
ST. LUKE'S IS GOING TO THE U.K.! 

St. Luke's is taking a trip to England in June 2016 and we hope you come! Be watching for more information and specific dates. If you are interested, please contact the church office.
Outreach Opportunities 

Blue Barrel: In keeping with the month for Blessing of the Animals, the famous BLUE BARREL in the narthex will be a collection point in the month of October for the youth project to help with animal shelters, in particular the Humane Society of Pulaski County.  Things needed that you can drop off include Purina dog/cat chow and Purina puppy/kitten food, play toys and chew toys (no rope toys, please), collars, bath towels, hand sanitizer, newspapers  stainless buckets for water, and office supplies (to help with administrative needs).  Things for horses are also welcome.  For a complete list, check the list on the side of the Blue Barrel or the Humane Society website.  Also, the youth have painted dog houses as part of this service project. [Many thanks to the men and parents of the parish, in particular, Fred Smith and Rick Pozza, for helping with the construction of these dog houses!]  These painted dog houses will be given to the Humane Society to help them auction off to raise money; watch the St. Luke's Facebook page for pictures of these dog houses!  For more information on the October project, contact Jennifer Green or Claire Green.

Donations for Homeless Shelter: We will continue to collect toiletries (e.g., toothpaste, shampoo, soap, hand cream, hand sanitizer, etc.) for area homeless shelters.  A small BLUE top bin is available in the narthex for you to bring things you would like to donate to help our area homeless shelters with.  For more information on this project, contact Tommie Williams. 
 
 
Prayer List

Anne Gontermann, Allen Baxter II, Jeff Spradlin, Hudson Woods, Paula, Helen Snipan, Caleb Jablonowski, Angela Corlett, Kate Toepher, Ryan Dillon Parker, Bill Moses, Gene DeLisa, Nina Goins, Edward Anderson, Cheryl Hall, Paula Kalina, Bryant Family, Ann, Cherie, Zill Coleman, Sydnie Reedy, Jake Harrell, Aaron Dutton, Bradley Stinnett, Charles Ray Kennedy, Barbara Coker, Chris Morehart, Lexi Probst, Kay Reiter, Leslie Westbrook, Louise Ahrens, Megan Elizabeth Hall, Carole Grant, Debi and Phil Palladan, Susan Haner, Betty Miller, Linda Hawkins, Chris Mikesell, Louis Jenkins, Carle Carrell, Row McLaughlin, Ty, Kyley, Myla Hood, Jean Belknap, Sarah Martin, Anthony Riggins, Pam Cox, Corey McBain, Tim Woods, Cash Clancy, Mary Rose, Gloria Holst, Pam Cox, Tammy Martin, Mailyn, Sue, Tracy, Curt, Tricia, Bill Shepherd, Caryl Hicks, Bobby and Gary Mackenzie

 

Special Concerns: For all the men and women of our Armed Forces, especially Justin, Joshua, Bret, Tim, Matt, Doug, Brian Mahoney, Brian Mennes, Frank Tate, Alex Schimelpfening, David Liem, Justin, John Landis, Lucas Kunce