Sunday September 23, 2018
This Sunday
Dear St Luke Community,
Yesterday I attended Yom Kippur services with my dear friends the Epsteins. One of my favorite pieces of the Jewish tradition is the willingness to recognize death as a part of life.
But some people fear death, some think it’s depressing to talk about and some would rather avoid the subject altogether. I imagine that’s how the disciple’s felt in this Sunday’s scripture. (Mark 9:30-37) Jesus is talking about his plans again, the ones that include his own death and resurrection. Scripture tells us the disciples didn’t understand.
Then scripture jumps to the disciple’s arguing about who was the greatest. The jump leaves room for the imagination. What happened? How did the disciple's go from not understanding to arguing about who was the greatest? Can you imagine, these disciples, who have given up everything for Jesus being told that he’s going to be killed? And then rise again? Not only does it not make any sense but it’s just not what you sign up for when you change your life in order to follow a prophet, a savior, a Messiah who you believe will justly restore you homeland to its rightful place. They’ve seen Jesus perform miracles and healings. His words about death and resurrection make no sense. So they start talking about how it should go down. And that leads them into an argument.
Those words, should and shouldn’t get us into all kinds of trouble when it comes to plans. I suppose that’s why you hear people say so often, God has a plan. Well in the case of Jesus and this scripture, God/Jesus does have a plan. It includes death and resurrection. But then again, our own life includes those as well. So rather than ignore it, let’s talk about it, and in the process, embrace life.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
PS-We will honor and say goodbye to Edith and Hal this Sunday before their move to Hawaii. And we will also celebrate with the sacrament of baptism for Rich, Gabbie and Frankie. It should be a grand Sunday. And after worship, please consider sticking around for Dr. Greg Loves second Sunday with us.
Deacon Ministry
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/. To see the list of items needed, read about the families and sign up for donations, go to https://tinyurl.com/y764tuo7. 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.
Here are the two families we'll be helping ...
Family 1 is Mom, Alicia, her teenage son Ahmarik (18), and her 2 little daughters Dani (1) and Maya (2). Alicia and her children are new to California. Born and raised in Louisiana, Alicia’s been juggling motherhood and working while getting her AA degree over the last few years.
Family 2 is Mom Regina and her three children: son Rennan (16)—daughter Marina (11) and baby Samuel (4 mo). Regina recently returned to Marin County from out of state. Regina now has a part-time job as an Administrative Assistant.
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
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.
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.
Continuing Events
All are welcome to attend
Session ~ Resumes Tuesday, September 25th 6:30 PM
St. Luke Women’s Bridge Group ~ Tuesday, Sept 25th, 10:30 AM
(play is on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday, September to May). October 15th & 23rd
Bible Study Series ~ Wednesday, Sept 26th, 9:30 AM
Morning Women's Spirituality Group ~ Thursday. Sept 27th, 9:00 AM
Committee Meetings ~ Resumes Tuesday, Oct 9th, 6:30 PM
(Deacons, Building and Grounds, New Member)
Pizza and Theology ~ Resumes Tuesday, Oct 16th, 6:30 PM
Creekside, San Anselmo. Thereafter on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Please email:
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.