Sunday September 16, 2018
This Sunday - Acoustic Sunday
Dear St Luke Community,
After Morgan was born, John and I began attending First United Methodist Church in Portland Oregon. Most of our time at that church is a bit of a blur to me now, with the exception of one meeting. I brought Morgan with me to the Pastor’s office and Morgan wiggled around on my lap as I said something like; “I’ve always been comfortable with God and Spirit, but I’ve never really gotten Jesus.” At that point in my life, Jesus was a name spoken by people who pounded their fists on pulpits, warning people to be saved. The name came with a kind of warning label that didn’t fit my experience of an all loving God, so I had never been able to reconcile the two. The Pastor suggested one thing. Just one thing. He said; “Ask for Jesus to reveal Himself to you and He’ll do the rest. All you have to do is ask.”
It wasn’t immediate and certainly, my experience of Jesus has grown far beyond that day in the Pastors’ office. But what wonderful place to start. Just ask.
Jesus, in Marks Gospel, reading this Sunday, (Mark 8:27-28) also asks a question. Who do you say that I am? It’s about as good as any question gets. Our theology, how we relate to God shapes our lives. So how we answer this questions lives itself out in everything we do, every way we think, and all the ways we show up in our relationships, both personal and worldly.
Maybe the best way to answer the question is to ask one in return. Just ask for Him to reveal Himself to you, and He’ll do the rest.
After worship, Dr. Gregory Love from SFTS, who is as good as any Professor gets, will speak about the many ways people have answered that question; Who do you say that I am? Some say mystic, others prophet, some say, zealot, some messiah. Who was this historical man and who is he to us today?
Eric Rowe, Beth Potillo-Miller and Erich Miller and I have lots of special music planned as well.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Deacon Ministry
5th Annual Pedal for Protein ~ September 16th -21st
Use the green envelope to donate. 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 and food justice projects, primarily for the provision of lean proteins. The ride is organized by The Hunger Task Force of the Presbytery of the Redwoods. Find information at www.imathlete.com/donate/
Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, October 6th, 8:00 AM to Noon
A non-profit, that provides furniture & household goods to people transitioning out of homelessness & poverty. For a list of needs visit https://gratefulgatherings.org/. Bring donations to St. Luke on Saturday, Oct. 6th between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. Please use the green envelope to donate Sunday.
For questions email:
Save The Date
St Luke Annual Fundraiser ~ Sunday, October 7th at 6:00 PM
This year, wear your beads and bangles to St. Luke’s Annual Fundraiser Dinner celebrating New Orleans with Zydeco fillet mignon, shrimp jambalaya, and pecan pie. Not to be missed and invite your friends now!
Announcements & Upcoming Events
All are welcome to attend
St. Luke Women’s Association Bridge Group ~
They are looking for people to play on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday in the months of September through May. Interested? Call Elaine 415-454-4851.
Fall Speaker Series ~ Who do you say that I am? A three-part series
September 16, 23, 30 after worship in the Bayview Room
The question of the historical Jesus has been one baffling scholar from the beginning of time. Join us as we look at different theories from leading scholars of just who this man Jesus was.
Was Jesus a Zealot, a militaristic figure looking to overthrow the Roman Empire? Or was he a mystic, in touch with the divine sphere of reality and wisdom of God? Or was he a political figure, prophet, and Messiah who succeeded in defeating evil and beginning the reign of peace?
Dr. Gregory Love, Professor of Systematic Theology at SFTS, will lead us in a discussion as we uncover why Jesus remains such a popular and controversial figure then and today.
Continuing Events
All are welcome to attend
St. Luke Women’s Association Bridge Group ~ Monday, Sept 17th, 10:30 AM
Then Tuesday, Sept 25th 10:30 AM (Play is on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday, September to May).
Pizza and Theology ~ Resumes Tuesday, Sept 18th, 6:30 PM
Creekside, San Anselmo. Thereafter on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Please email:
Bible Study Series ~ Wednesday, Sept 19th, 9:30 AM
Morning Women's Spirituality Group ~ Thursday. Sept 20thth, 9:00 AM
Session ~ Resumes Tuesday, September 25th 6:30 PM
Committee Meetings ~ Resumes Tuesday, Oct 9th, 6:30 PM
(Deacons, Building and Grounds, New Member)
St. Luke Men's Group ~ Tues. Nov. 6th, Location TBD
St. Luke Women’s Association ~ Thursday. Nov. 8th, 1:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE~ December 7th 1:00-3:00, Christmas Tea & Program.