Sunday, July 28, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday will be a theologically controversial Sunday. We continue our Sermon Series “Upon Request.” The requested scripture is from John’s gospel. 14:1-6. Those who are in bible study on a regular basis have heard my take on this scripture, but I’ve been asked to extrapolate, particularly on verse 6; Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
This verse has been used over the centuries to hurt a lot of people. This verse, when understood as excluding every other religion as wrong in the eyes of God continues to hurt others but also Christianity itself. If you believe that what is written in the bible has to be taken at face value, end of story, then please consider other verses from the bible that have also done great harm throughout history; “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22) “Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel.” (1 Peter 2:18)
If we read bible verses out of context without examining them we are checking our God-given brains at the door. Understanding their historical context doesn’t make the biblical experience less true, nor does historical inaccuracy diminish the power of Jesus Christ today.
I look forward to unpacking how I understand this verse of Jesus in context of when it was written, why it was written and what Jesus might have meant in context of the rest of his life, teachings and actions.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, July 27th 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.
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
This is our first call for volunteers to help serve on the evening. John Lenser will be leading the charge and be the go-to on the evening. Once John has finalized his menu, another email will go out with food needs for the evening. 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
July 28~ Christopher Pilcher, Bass Baritone
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, Horn/Stringed Bass
September 8~ Erich Miller, Percussion
September 15~ Acoustic Sunday