Sunday, February 2, 2020
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
Are you tired of your pastor talking about love yet? It seems no matter what I read or how much I study, I return to love: love as a verb, as a noun and as the second person in the holy trinity.
Apparently Paul, myself and countless others have this drawn conclusion:
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Paul also recognized that in a world where power is measured by control over others in forms of status and wealth, love can appear on the surface to be a foolish choice. (1 Corinthians 1:25-31)
A symbol of crucifixion and of resurrection might seem a foolish choice to some. To others, our sacrament of gathering around a table to eat bread may also appear like a foolish waste of time.
But as Matthew would remind us in The Beatitudes, (5:1-12) when life falls apart momentarily, when grief and weakness dominates everything you once counted on, and you feel there is nothing left for you, God enters in to hold you, to lift you up and to bring you home into being the blessing you are.
It’s an upside down philosophy Jesus gives us and yet it’s the only one that I can find that holds this eternal truth: we are born as love with one purpose, to love. The world will call this foolish. But no matter how I look at it, this is all I can find worth doing, all I can find worth being, and all I can find worth following. Just call me a fool for love.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
PS - Yes, there’s an annual congregational meeting following worship in the Bayview Room. Light finger sandwiches will be provided.
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
St. Luke’s Winter Food Drive Barrel ~
This is the last week for Canned proteins/meats: Beans, Peanut Butter, Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Ham, Chicken, Turkey, Beef.
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, February 3rd, 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.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Congregational Meeting ~ February 2nd after worship
Call for the Presbytery Meeting ~ Saturday, February 8th, 9:00 AM
At Presbyterian Church of Novato. Go to www.redwoodspresbytery.org, under Members and Meeting Materials. Contact Pam at 707-224-5407 for the user id and password.
2020 Per Capita ~ $31.43, Please write “Per Capita” on the envelope.
Acoustic Sunday ~ February 16th
Please join us for a relaxed service with guitars, piano and percussion (and occasional surprises) where we blend secular popular songs and hymns.
Pizza & Theology ~ Tuesday, February 18th, 7:00 PM
Join us at Creekside Pizza & Taproom, 638 San Anselmo Ave. S.A., for pizza, beverages and engaging theological discussion.
First Presbyterian Church San Rafael Annual Crab Feed ~ Saturday, February 22, 5:00 PM
A festive feast of all the crab, salad and pasta you can eat, PLUS live dinner music and after dinner entertainment by Marylou’s Apartment. Proceeds support this year’s Mission Trip (see below). Tickets are $55 per person, $25 for ages 16 and under. Reservations a must ~ Contact Ralph Purdy,
Fat Tuesday Pot Luck Feast ~ Tuesday, February 25th, 6:00 -7:30 PM
The night before Lent begins, this traditional celebration brings rich and delicious food together in community. Look for the sign up board next week in the Narthex or email Joanne:
to sign up to bring one of the following to feed 10; 2 Entrées, 2 Salads, 2 Breads and 2 Desserts. Bring your own beverage of choice.
Mariner’s Interfaith Sunday ~ Sunday, March 1st, 10:00 AM
We gather in worship with the men and women who have shown their dedication in service to the ships and safety that preside over our cherished sea. The St. Francis Yacht Club’s, Sons of the Sea Men’s Chorus will bring the gift of music for this special occasion. Make reservations for the annual brunch at the Loch Lomond Yacht Club by emailing Deb Bennett at
.
Mission Trip Opportunity with SRFPC~ April 19th-25th
Last year SLPC members Carlene McCart, Skipper Cummings and Jim Tillson joined the First Presbyterian SR team on a mission trip to Texas. This year the group is going to Omaha, Nebraska, April 19-25. The work will be guided by Omaha Rapid Response and includes removing and replacing studs in walls, installing insulation and drywall, and laying flooring, etc., no construction experience is needed. Please email Ralph Purdy for more information at
Men’s Cursillo Weekend ~ April 23rd-26th
This is a weekend that will deepen your spiritual journey, deepen relationships and lead you into new friendships that could last a lifetime. It is one of those experiences that is difficult to put into words but will be well worth your while. For more info, please email John Bischoff at
St. Luke Men's Group 2020 ~
Mark your calendars! Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of every other month at 6 PM. Please email John at
if you’d like to offer assistance to the hosts.
March 3rd - John Bischoff
May 5th - Michael Baranowski
July 7th - John Lenser
Sept. 1st - hosted by Terri Mech
Nov. 3rd - Michael Antieri
Ongoing Events
All are welcome to attend
Bible Study - Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
St. Luke Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Women's Spirituality Group - Thursdays at 9:00 AM
Deacons Meeting - 2nd Tuesday, February 11th, 6:00 PM
Pizza and Theology - 3rd Tuesday, February 18th, 7:00 PM
St. Luke Women’s Bridge - 4th Tuesday, February 25th, 10:30 AM
Session Meeting - 4th Tuesday, February 25th, 7:00 PM
St. Luke’s mission: To practice love by following Jesus.
Learn more at www.stlukepres.org
Facebook ~ St. Luke Presbyterian San Rafael
Reverend Nicole Trotter ~
Office Admin., Joanne Trifoso ~
Office Phone: 415-454-2705, Office hours: M, W & Th: 10-1 & Tues: 1-4
Sexton, Carlos Araujo ~ Sunday 8:00 AM-Noon