August 4, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday we continue our Summer Series “Upon Request.” I received not one but three requests. The good news is that they all work together. Our scripture comes from Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy. The letter is appealing to church leaders and the verse I’ve been asked to preach on is; “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Discipline and Discipleship are related in meaning. As disciples of Christ, baptized into Christ and leaders of the church we are called to be disciples. What does it mean to be a disciple? This is the heart of the second request I received. If being Christian is not just a ticket to heaven or about being saved, then what does it mean to be a Christ follower? What are the biblical values of Christ that we are called to embody in the world?
And what happens when we find ourselves with people who call themselves Christians but are not living into the values we define as biblical or as befitting someone who claims to be a disciple of Christs? This is the third request I received. How do we engage with people who are hateful and racist but define themselves as Christian?
So you can see, these three requests all blend together very well.
The Spirit of God gives us power, love and self disciple. As disciples, what does it look like in practice to embody the power, love and self discipline of Christ? And what do we do when others are practicing the opposite of we understand to be those values and calling themselves christian in the process?
I am grateful to those who made the requests. I have my work cut out for me and have been praying for guidance all week. Please join in as we worship God and learn together ways in which we can live into discipleship together as a church.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, August 5th, Group B
The first Monday of each month Group A or Group B is assigned a meal item to provide (fruit, milk & bread, main, salad, vegetable, dessert). The volunteers bring a different food item every other month. Please contact Stacy Bischoff at
for information.
Street Chaplaincy ~ August 20th
John Lenser will be the go-to on the evening. We’re looking for people to contribute: Salad makings, Bread, Tortillas, Cookies & Cupcakes. If you can’t serve but would like to donate, please bring something from the list below to church on 8/18 for collection. (please plan on 3 dozen of each): Tangerines, Bananas, Apples, Nutrition bars, Slim Jim’s, Chomps, etc. If you’re interested in serving, please EMAIL Michael B. at
KIVA.ORG ~ St. Luke’s Women’s Association has supported KIVA for many years. KIVA is a San Francisco based non-profit that offers individuals or groups the opportunity to make a $25 or larger loan in many countries. KIVA will be a St Luke Deacon’s Cause in the Fall.
6th Annual Pedal for Protein ~ September 22nd – 28th, Let's ride!
Supports food bank pantries & projects to help feed hungry people in Northern California. Organized by The Hunger Task Force of the Presbytery of the Redwoods, 100% of all donations go to food projects. Fundraising Goal: $60,000 YTD raised is $1500. “Gal. 6:9 Let us not become weary from doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” PEDALFORPROTEIN.COM. for information.
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, October 26th, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
GG Mission: To bring hope to families in need. We help furnish homes when a family transitions from homelessness or crisis into a new home. Information about this month’s families is on the GG website gratefulgatherings.org. Bring donations to St. Luke 8:30-10:30. Use the green pew envelope (write GG) to donate today.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Greener Church? ~ Would you like to see St. Luke do a better job of being conscientious concerning recycling? Are there other ways you’ve observed we can do better? As God’s called caregivers of this planet, we can always do a little better. Please email Nicole if you’d like to help.
Summer Book Club ~ Rev. Trotter will be reading Holy Envy, Finding God in the Faith of Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor. She invites others to purchase the book and join her for a discussion and social time over brunch on August 25th. (Place to be determined) If interested please email Nicole.
Summer Sermon Series “Upon Request" ~ July 21st, 28th & August 4th
Rev Trotter will preach upon request. Perhaps there’s a scripture, topic or question you’ve wished to hear addressed in a sermon. Just email Nicole your request and there’s a good chance it will be the topic of one of those Sunday sermons.
Acoustic Sundays ~ Upcoming August 18th & September 15th
A relaxed service with guitars, drums, and keyboard where we blend secular popular songs and modern easy to sing hymns.
Ongoing Events
All are welcome to attend
St. Luke Groups ~ The following ongoing groups will resume in September: Bible Study, St Luke Choir Rehearsal, St. Luke Women’s Bridge, Morning Women's Spirituality Group, Pizza and Theology, Session and Deacons.
Save The Date
All are welcome to attend
Fall Speaker Series ~ September 8th, 15th, 22nd after worship. Professor Greg Love returns for a Fall Speaker series on ‘The Change Towards Wholeness.” Looking at opposing views of how we change.
St Luke’s Annual Fundraiser Dinner & Auction ~ October 6th
St Luke’s Christmas Concert ~ December 8th, 4 PM
St Luke’s Christmas Concert followed by a reception in the Bayview room.
Summer Music Series ~ Guest Musicians
August 4~ Ann Davis Nilsson, Piano
August 11~ Hymn Sing
August 18~ Acoustic Sunday
August 25~ Diane Yermack, Mezzo Soprano
September 1~ Courtney and Kelsey McGiver
September 8~ Erich Miller, Percussion
September 15~ Acoustic Sunday