Sunday August 12, 2018
This Sunday
Dear St Luke Community,
This Sunday we hear only a part of the story of the prophet Elijah who did a great many things. But the portion you will hear this Sunday is of a forlorn Elijah who retreats to be alone and asks God to take his life. 1 Kings 19: 1-15.
This prophet who had followed God and in his own words, been “zealous” for the Lord, now wants to throw in the towel. I know all about wanting to throw in the towel. The news is not good. This Sunday marks the one year anniversary of last years event in Charlottesville. The hatred coming from the White Supremacy Movement is so overwhelming, it’s enough for me to lose faith in human beings, and like Elijah, I want to retreat from all hope.
But God sends an angel with food. The angel tells Elijah to get up and eat. I can think of countless times my Italian Grandmother said the same thing. Especially the eat part as if food could make it all better. But here’s the thing, when the food comes from God, it can make everything better. Even if you eat it slowly, one bite at a time. The scripture continues, and God shows up asking this question twice. “What are doing here?” God can’t afford to have all hope lost. If we belong to God than we have a responsibility to help, to heal, to repair and to love.
Sometimes, in those moments, when all feels hopeless, all a person can do is the next right thing. And sometimes that looks an awful lot like getting up and eating something. And remember why we are here. There’s work to be done. There’s a world in need of love. What are you doing here? Get up and eat something. And do the next right thing.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
PS-Mark Trotter (Charlotte and Morgan’s Grandfather) gave an extremely important sermon a few Sunday’s ago as a guest preacher at his daughter’s church in San Diego.
Click here to listen should you be interested.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
All are welcome to attend
St. Luke Women’s Association Bridge Group ~ They are looking for people to play on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday in the months of September through May. Interested? Call Elaine 415-454-4851.
Street Chaplaincy Fellowship and Food ~ Tues. Aug. 28th 4:30-6:30 PM
Similar to the REST program so many of you provided for, under Michael and Kathleen’s leadership, St Luke will be providing side dishes and dessert for 50-60 homeless men and women in conjunction with Marin Interfaith Council and Marin Street Chaplaincy. Our presence, as well as our food supply, are welcome. Please let us know if you’d like to drop food off and/or join us for the actual meal.
Please sign up with Kathleen or Michael by emailing them at or
New Member Inquiry Gathering ~ Sept 9th after worship (note date change)
Frequent attendees interested in learning more about St Luke’s history, The Presbyterian Church and the Reformed tradition.
Fall Speaker Series ~ Who do you say that I am? A three-part series
September 16, 23, 30 after worship in the Bayview Room (note date change)
The question of the historical Jesus has been one baffling scholar from the beginning of time. Join us as we look at different theories from leading scholars of just who this man Jesus was.
Was Jesus a Zealot, a militaristic figure looking to overthrow the Roman Empire? Or was he a mystic, in touch with the divine sphere of reality and wisdom of God? Or was he a political figure, prophet, and Messiah who succeeded in defeating evil and beginning the reign of peace?
Dr. Gregory Love, Professor of Systematic Theology at SFTS, will lead us in a discussion as we uncover why Jesus remains such a popular and controversial figure then and today.
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, October 6th, 8:00 AM to Noon
A non-profit, that provides furniture & household goods to people transitioning out of homelessness & poverty. For a list of needs visit https://gratefulgatherings.org/. Bring donations to St. Luke on
For questions email:
Save The Date
St Luke Annual Fundraiser ~ Sunday, October 7th at 6:00 PM
This year, wear your beads and bangles to St. Luke’s Annual Fundraiser Dinner celebrating New Orleans with Zydeco fillet mignon, shrimp jambalaya, and pecan pie. Not to be missed and invite your friends now!
Continuing Events
All are welcome to attend
Bible Study Series ~ Will resume in September.
St. Luke Women’s Association ~ Will resume in September
Then every other month on the second Thursday of that month at 1:00 PM.
Morning Women's Spirituality Group ~ Will resume in September.
Pizza and Theology ~ Taking July and August off
Will resume in September on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM, at Creekside Pizza, San Anselmo. Please email Nicole
.
The St. Luke Men's Group ~ Future Men’s Group meetings: September 4th TBD, November 6th at the Lenser’s.
Deacon Ministry
5th Annual Pedal for Protein ~ September 16th -21st
Supports food bank pantries & projects to help feed the hungry in Northern California. Use the green envelope to donate. Trade Fair date TBD.