Sunday, March 15, 2020
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
Over the past few days, the Session (governing board) of St. Luke has been discussing our worship plans in light of the Coronavirus, taking into account the directives laid out by Governor Newsom. That recommendation includes people over 65 not attending gatherings of more than 10 people without six feet of distance between them.
At this point, we’ve decided to suspend all in-person worship for the time being. This is not a decision that we take lightly. We recognize that there are as many opinions and perspectives as there are people. We know that we won’t please everyone with this decision.
As a community of faith, we also trust that we can maintain our connections in various ways. In addition to posting the week’s worship online through our newly established St. Luke YouTube channel, we will also post a script and invite you to read it as a form of devotion. The St. Luke YouTube channel can be accessed by hitting the link below. At the moment there’s no content, but there will be on Sunday by noon.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSfk7q8u59DZAFkmOmvljQ?view_as=public
These digital elements will help us continue to stay connected. As others have asked, in a time when many of us may feel isolated, how else can we connect across the distance? How can we keep our relationships, our faith connections, our fellowship thriving?
I will ramp up the emails, offering devotions and opportunities to engage over emails and group chats. I will make more phone calls and offer FaceTime for those who have that capability. There are Facebook live groups where people can talk in groups and Zoom gatherings where folks can converse and see one another’s faces. And I will make one-on-one calls in person as needed.
We make this decision not lightly but from a place of love and concern for those most at risk. We do this out of respect for our medical professionals who need our support in taking steps to slow the spread of the virus. And we do this out of love for our brothers and sisters whom Jesus calls on us to love.
Finally, our scripture this Sunday reminds us that Christ’s body is a temple. (John 2:13-21) Once Jesus died and resurrected, his body lives on in our bodies, making our own bodies temple’s in two ways:
One: Your own body is made of breath and water, the spirit of the living God.
Two: We together compose the Body of Christ in the world, working together to share love where it is most needed.
I encourage you to take care of yourself. Wash your hands, yes, but also take time to connect with your own breath. Your breath is life. It’s the Spirit of God flowing through you. It is life. Take it in and be grateful. And pray for those in need of love and care.
Yours in Christ,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to participate
Message from Michael Baranowski
Friends:
Unfortunately, I am withdrawing my call for help for the Street Chaplaincy St. Patrick’s Dinner on Tuesday. The coronavirus news does not get better, it only gets worse day by day and sometimes faster. To expose our volunteers to another compromised population like our unsheltered friends over dinner would not be wise at this time. Additionally, this gathering will exceed the CDC’s recommendations for group gatherings, so we’re stuck there, too. Perhaps the next cycle will see us back in the rotation.
As of late Thursday afternoon, the Tuesday dinner is scheduled to go on. The Street Chaplaincy board is meeting to discuss this and more, so the situation is fluid. If you are still comfortable with serving, you are more than welcome to join us. Please contact me via email separately at . Since dinner is still on (at least for now), I’m still seeking donations to help fund the corned beef, cabbage, and potato dinner. If you’re interested in contributing, please use the green envelope and we’re good to go.
Stay healthy and wash your hands! Thank you.
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, April 6th, Group B
St. Luke Prayer Shawl Ministry ~ Sunday, March 29th, 11:15 AM-12:30 PM
Today, knitters and crocheters of all faiths are creating handmade shawls for people in need, as gifts of comfort, hope, and peace. You can knit in the privacy of your own home or drop in to a monthly knitting group. If you knit or crochet and would like to contribute to St. Luke Presbyterian Church Prayer Shawl Ministry, please contact Skipper Cummings or
You do not need to be a member of St. Luke to participate.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Acoustic Sunday ~ This Sunday Online
A relaxed service with guitars, piano, and percussion where we blend secular popular songs and hymns.
New Members this Sunday ~ To be Rescheduled - stay tuned for a new date.
We will be welcoming four new members into the congregation. Mary Molander-Scull, Ronda Bouyea and Scott and Rebecca White. We understand membership as not a necessary component of faith life, but certainly, a way to deepen and enrich one’s commitment to their faith journey. Please stay after worship for cake and opportunity to warmly welcome.
Ada Endress’ Trip to India ~ To be Rescheduled
Ada will share a slide presentation on her recent trip to India. Ada has been studying photography for a few years and travels specifically to hone her skills. It should be both educational and visual pleasure.
The Universal Christ Lenten Book Study ~
During the Season of Lent, you are invited to join Nicole in a Lenten book study of Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ. We will meet the following Wednesdays from 6-7 in the conference room. Please purchase a copy of the book on your own and let Nicole if you plan on attending. You do not need to attend all discussions to participate.
March 25th - Chapters 10-14
GODSPELL ~
The free benefit performance of Godspell benefiting the Street Chaplaincy has been canceled out of concern for community safety. They are exploring live-streaming a show and will post details soon.
Women’s Gathering & Potluck ~ March 31st, 6:00 PM
Join us for fellowship, food, and fun as we “brainstorm” and plan for service and fellowship opportunities at St. Luke. Potluck details forthcoming! On the “table” for discussion will be Prayer Shawl Ministry, Hospitality Coordination, Women’s Association and ongoing women’s dinners/events.
Pizza & Theology ~ Tuesday, April 21st, 7:00 PM
Join us at Creekside Pizza & Taproom, 638 San Anselmo Ave. S.A., for pizza, beverages and engaging theological discussion.
There will be no Pizza & Theology in March.
Progressive Dinner ~ NOTE DATE CHANGE to April 25th
6:00 PM - Appetizers @ the home of Faye Blatt
7:00 PM - Dinner @ the home of Michael & Leighann Antieri or Deb and Bruce Bennett
8:00 PM - Dessert at TBD
There is still space available if you would like to attend. The cost per person is $50. Sign up with Laura Hislop after service or stop by the church office during the week.
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. For more info, please email John Bischoff at
St. Luke Men's Group 2020 ~ First Tuesday Every Other Month 6 PM
May 5th - Michael Baranowski
July 7th - John Lenser
Sept. 1st - Terri Mech
Nov. 3rd - Michael Antieri
Please email John at
if you’d like to offer assistance to the hosts.
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
St. Luke Women’s Bridge - 4th Tuesday, March 24th, 10:30 AM
Session Meeting - 4th Tuesday, March 24th, 7:00 PM
Deacons Meeting - 2nd Tuesday, April 14th, 6:00 PM