Sunday, January 19, 2020
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday is Acoustic Sunday. In John’s Gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus asks two disciples what they’re looking for and the disciples answer with another question; “Where are you staying?” Jesus answers, “Come and see.” ( John 1:29-39)
Jesus could have answered any number of ways; I’m staying at a friends on the corner of 3rd and Main. Maybe he gave them a tour of the place once they got there. Or maybe, because this is John’s Gospel, none of this is to be interpreted literally, but instead with a spiritual bent.
If someone asked me where I live, spiritually, I might be inclined to answer very intimately with words but no wordy explanation would capture the essence of what I was trying to say. And if instead, I invited them to come and see by living with me, I’m still not sure that would do the trick. After a few hours they would get tired of my making sure they were comfortable and fed.
When it comes to seeing where Christ lives, wee see through experiencing, not by someone giving us an address and following a GPS. We don’t see or live with Christ by being given a doctrine or a set of beliefs, but rather by experiencing what it means to live with Him, in Him, and as much as we can, like Him.We experience Him by asking Him to show himself to us, by paying attention to the big and small manifestations of Him as we go about our beautiful and mundane lives.
It’s a beautiful journey. It’s a difficult journey. Someone may point the way for us, and we may point the way for others, but at the end of the day, it’s God who says most intimately; come and see for yourself.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
KIVA ~
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. Go to KIVA.org for information and to make a loan.
St. Luke’s Winter Food Drive Barrel ~
St. Luke is collecting canned proteins/meats: Beans, Peanut Butter, Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Ham, Chicken, Turkey, Beef. You may also donate using the green envelope with the notation FOOD DRIVE. $1 = 2 Meals!
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, February 1st, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM
GG is kicking off 2020 by fully furnishing “new” apartments of two formerly homeless single moms. Read about the families at https://tinyurl.com/gratefulgatheringsmarin-feb1. Also, there is a list of furniture and household items needed and sign-ups for donations. Bring donations to St. Luke on Sat. February 1st between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. GG provides receipts for your tax-deductible donation.
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
Acoustic Sunday ~ This Sunday and 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, January 21, 7:00 PM
Join us at the award-winning Creekside Pizza & Taproom, 638 San Anselmo Ave. S.A. for pizza, beverages and engaging theological discussion.
Congregational Meeting ~ February 2nd after worship
We'll gather in the Bayview room to discuss and vote on; Election of Elders & Deacons, review & approval of staff salaries, review and approval of annual budget and committee annual reports. Finger foods will be available.
2020 Per Capita ~
Please use the yellow pew envelopes for your $31.43 Per Capita. Please write “Per Capita” on the envelope and on memo line of your check. Per Capita connects Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. As the primary source of funding for the Office of the General Assembly (OGA), it is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church forward in the 21st century. The per capita contribution breakdown for 2020, General Assembly: $8.95, Synod of the Pacific: $5.22, Presbytery: $17.26.
“Per Capita is crucial to the overall health of the PC(USA), because it binds presbyteries, synods, and congregations together in one church.”
– J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly PC(USA)
First Presbyterian Church San Rafael Annual Crab Feed ~ Saturday, February 22, 5:00 PM
It’s Mardi Gras Time! Come celebrate with FPSR. Their sanctuary will be decorated for 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, a 13-piece all-women jazz band! Proceeds support this year’s Mission Trip to Nebraska (see below). Tickets are $55 per person, $25 for ages 16 and under. Reservations a must. Contact Ralph Purdy,
to reserve your space today.
Mission Trip Opportunity with SRFPC~
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 (canceled Dec.) - 3rd Tuesday, January 21st, 7:00 PM
St. Luke Women’s Bridge - 4th Tuesday, January 27th, 10:30 AM
Session Meeting - 4th Tuesday, January 27th, 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