Sunday, August 11, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
As I was re-reading this Sunday’s scripture, I didn’t get past the first line. “Do not be afraid.” I just stayed there, because lately, I feel afraid. I’m afraid for so many people. I’m afraid for our country and for other places around the world, but when it hits close to home as it has these past few weeks, somehow fear gets reignited in new ways, and the words, “Do not be afraid” take on an entirely new meaning.
As I was searching, I opened a facebook post from one of the few people I read from time to time, The Reverend Scott Clark. Scott’s words hit home and I have his permission to share them with you.
From Scott-
That moment — after some weeks when the world feels like it has been spinning way faster than usual and life has been full— and you wake up in your own home after many miles, and you walk into the kitchen in the still of morning, and have time to smell and sip the coffee, and you sit down in your chair, and breathe — and find yourself weeping — like the full-body kind — not for any one thing— but for the whole of it — for all the sorrow, and all the joy, and all the injustice, and the loss, and the anger, and the love, and the death, and the healing, or not, and all the life. That moment. That moment.
Now, I’m OK. I don’t need (or really want) any words of comfort or reassurance. Really. But something told me to put this here because maybe you’ve felt that way too. And if you have or if you are, well me too. And if you need a hug, I’m sending you one. And if not, we can just sit here together. And when it’s time, we can get back up and get back at it.
Let’s gather this Sunday to worship, to sit together, to be reassured that we’re not alone and that God, who weeps with us, is powerful in ways we cannot even imagine. But let’s imagine anyway, as we lean into the Word, the love and the care of Jesus Christ.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
KIVA.ORG ~ St. Luke’s Women’s Association has supported KIVA for many years and they will be a Deacon’s Ministry in the Fall. 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.
Street Chaplaincy ~ August 20th, 4:30 PM
John Lenser will be the go-to on the evening. 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, EMAIL Michael B. at
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, September 9th, Group A
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.
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. 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. Use the green pew envelope (write GG) to donate today.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Memorial Gathering ~ Saturday, September 7th, 1:00 PM
Dear St Luke Community, Samantha, and George Tuttle would like to invite you to a memorial gathering for Samantha’s father Ebb on Saturday, Sept 7th at Paula and George Tuttle’s home at 1:00 PM. If you’d like to attend, please email Samantha
or George
.
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. If interested please email Nicole.
Acoustic Sundays ~ Upcoming August 18th & September 22nd
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, 4:00 PM
St Luke’s Christmas Concert followed by a reception in the Bayview room.
Summer Music Series ~ Guest Musicians
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 22~ Acoustic Sunday