Sunday, June 23, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday we hear from Paul and his letter to the Galatians and boy is he mad. It seems there’s been a lot of fighting going on about circumcision. Back in Genesis, God told Abram he would make him father of all nations. But there was just one condition. Every male must be circumcised as a sign of this everlasting promise. Now, fast forward to Paul, who is Jewish, following Jesus who was Jewish, and Paul is preaching that the ritual is no longer necessary to enter into the covenant. Paul wants everyone to understand faith in Jesus Christ as enough, more than enough to enter into a covenantal relationship with God. That is the Gospel according to Jesus Christ according to Paul. Everyone is in. And to say anything else is false or “perverted gospel” as Paul calls it. So what’s the perverted gospel of our day? What do we witness in the name of God that is in direct conflict with what we understand as the Gospel of Jesus Christ? That’s a question worth exploring.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
P.S. We welcome Mike Varnum officially into membership this Sunday. Mike joined the church from a hospital bed when he was experiencing the worst of health challenges. Back on his feet and with a great team of doctors, support and prayers, Mike is looking forward to this day almost as much as I am. Please come and support our newest St Luke member.
Deacon Ministry
6th Annual Pedal for Protein ~ September 22nd – 28th, Let's ride!
A ride for a cause! Supports food bank pantries & projects to help feed hungry people in Northern California. 100% of all donations go to food projects. The ride is organized by The Hunger Task Force of the Presbytery of the Redwoods. For information and to donate go to pedalforprotein.com or imathlete.com/donate/PedalforProtein5.
KIVA.ORG ~
St Luke’s Women’s Association has been supporting 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 of the world. The loans are made to people working in retail, clothing, services, agriculture, and food. It is determined how much the recipient needs to start or expand a business, and then people can sign up to provide the loan amount. (It takes many people to fund one loan.) The recipient pays the loan back in a pre-planned manner. We have made 24 loans in 22 different countries and all have been repaid then we’ve loaned the money again.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Special Music ~ June 23rd
The two songs by Morten Lauridsen were written for his friend the poet Dana Gioia, who wrote the first poem in this set. The first poem and both songs were written after the death of Gioia’s young child. The second poem is by James Agee. In the first song, we hear the desolation that could only be experienced in such circumstances; the loneliness within the images, the anger at God, and yet the prayer for God to still look after his (the poet’s) son. The second song is an embracing of faith. Not necessarily religious faith, but the experience of faith renewed. Perhaps faith in the gift of life itself, and the embracing of life that remains, even after desolation. “High summer holds the earth, hearts all whole….”
Summer Sermon Series “Upon Request" ~
For three Sunday’s July 21, 28th and August 4th, Rev Trotter will preach upon request. Perhaps there’s a scripture, topic or question you’ve always wished you could 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.
Summer Book Clubs ~
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 by July 12th.
Summer Special Music Program ~ June 23rd to September 8th
June 23rd – John Baron, June 30th – St Luke’s Women’s Choir
St. Luke’s Men’s Group ~ Tuesday, July 9th, 6-8:30 PM
John Lenser home, 511 San Pedro Cove. The topic of discussion is disaster preparedness, what each of us can do to at a community level and our household level. The “big one” is coming… Michael Baranowski will talk about CERT(Community Emergency Response Training). Bring friends, it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to St. Luke and the Men’s Group. Questions? Contact John Lenser H-415.485.4333, C-415.446.8418 or email
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, July 8th GROUP A
The first Monday of each month Group A or Group B, consisting of 12 volunteers in each group, is assigned a meal item to provide. The volunteers bring a different food item every other month. This is a terrific way to get involved with a small commitment every other month dropped off at Mill St in San Rafael. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Stacy Bischoff at
or 415-233-3406 for more information.
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, July 27th 8:00 AM-12: 30 PMGG Mission: To bring hope to families in need. When a family transitions from homelessness or crisis into a new home in the Bay Area, we help them furnish it. Bring donations to St. Luke on Saturday, July 27th between 8:30-10:30. Use the green pew envelope (write GG) to donate today. For information visit GG’s website at gratefulgatherings.org/upcoming-gatherings-2/
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
Pastor Emeritus Rev Dan White preaches ~ June 30th, 10 AM
Pastor Emeritus Reverend Daniel White will give the sermon teaching.
Upcoming Acoustic Sundays ~ July 21, August 18th, September 15th
Fall Speaker Series ~ September 8th, 15, 22 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.