Saint Luke's Episcopal Church
Weekly Announcements |
Bulletin Insert for February 21, 2010 Attendance last week: 141 Christian Study – Steven Grosse is offering an in depth study of whatever Christian related topic you might have interest. Right now I am seeing what interest there is and what times would be convenient. If you have wanted to learn more about, just as an example, the Old Testament and learn the importance of Covenant theology, read some of the second century Gnostic writings and the Christian response, read in depth the writings of the early church fathers, study a book of the Bible (Leviticus as a book of grace and holiness could be interesting), discuss the implications of the Orthodox view of the nature of God in an increasingly pluralistic world or even the problem of evil (always a challenging topic) let me know. Times and duration flexible. Email: segrosse@comcast.net Phone: 703-994-0327 Confirmation—Bishop Baxter is scheduled to make his annual Episcopal visit to our parish on June 20, 2010. During his visit he will confirm those who have been baptized in our tradition and receive those who have come to our parish from other denominations. There will be classes in preparation for confirmation beginning February 28, the first Sunday in Lent. In addition to its function as an adult affirmation of the vows many have made on their behalf at baptism, confirmation is especially important for those who would like to have a role on vestry or participate in the governance of the parish; these classes are also an excellent opportunity to learn about or remind ourselves of the central tenets of our faith. They will run for about ten weeks: if you have an interest in participating in them or of being confirmed during the bishop’s visit, please speak to Fr. Mark so the correct number of materials may be ordered. Thank you!
Thank you Bob for your years as church librarian and for keeping things so orderly. Also, the library is currently full and no longer accepting donations. Taize Sunday, February 28 – There will be a soup supper at 6:00 p.m. preceeding the Taize service next week. Flowers and Sanctuary Candles – It is the custom at St. Luke’s to use peace lilies in lieu of flowers during Lent. However, if you would like to have a flower memorial during Lent, you may still do so. The cost is $35.00. The Sanctuary Candle may be used as a memorial, or in Thanksgiving for any Sunday in the year. The cost is $10.00. Easter flower memorials or in Thanksgiving that you would like to be listed in the Easter bulletin should be handed in to the office (or work envelope in parish hall) by Sunday, March 21. The cost is $30.00. Use form in bulletin. When paying for altar flowers or the sanctuary candle please indicate in the memo line on your check so your account can be credited. Lectio Divina Workshop – The Centering Prayer group of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg will host a Lectio Divina Workshop, presented by Sr. Therese Dush of Contemplative Outreach and Bethany Retreat Center (Frenchville, PA) on Saturday, February 27th. Lectio Divina is an ancient way to pray by meditating on words of scripture, easily accessible by anyone desiring deeper friendship with Christ. This will be a one-day workshop held in Brindle Hall at St. Joseph Church—400 E. Simpson St. It will begin with registration at 9:30 and conclude by 3:00. Please bring a bag lunch. The suggested offering is $15. Pre-registration is encouraged. A few people from St. Luke’s will be attending. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Stock, 697-6210. To register, please contact Contact Shannon Olivetti at shannonolivetti@yahoo.com. Letter from Bishop Baxter regarding St. Barnabas Center for Ministry and how you can help.
For 16 years the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry has provided a safe, Christian setting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Uptown Harrisburg. At-risk children are given opportunities for intellectual growth, spiritual development, mentoring, and teamwork skills through the after-school program and 8-week summer rainbow day camp. Without a Program Director for St. Barnabas, the Board was still able to hold a very successful summer camp last year, but unfortunately the after-school program had to be temporarily put on hold. The Board of Directors is changing over to a working board, offering their expertise in obtaining grants, program development, marketing & fundraising. This is an opportunity for them to take a step back, leverage the history of the ministry, and to make improvements. Let me be clear that the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania will continue to support St. Barnabas in any way we can, both financially and with people’s time. In turn, I’d ask your church to consider doing the same. In particular to:
Committee members in areas such as Program Development, Fundraising, Partnership & Publicity are needed. • Walk: St. Barnabas is participating in Highmark’s “Walk for a Healthy Community” on Sat., May 22nd, 2010 on City Island. I hope you can plan to attend with a group from your parish. • Share Your Talents: Part of the summer rainbow program’s curriculum is to teach the children “life skills” such as gardening, cooking, fitness, etc. People are needed to share their time & talent. • Financial Support: Either through a monetary donation or a fundraising activity like St. Andrew in the Valley’s quilt raffle drawing, it’s always welcome and appreciated. For questions or additional information on how your church can get involved, please contact Carol Witzeman (763-9276 or cwitzeman@aol.com). The St. Barnabas Center has always been and will continue to be about “Giving Hope & Building Futures” for children. With the current state of Harrisburg, it’s needed more than ever. This has been a quiet ministry doing wonderful work to positively guide the children, and it’s of utmost importance that together we keep it not only going but growing. Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, D.Min., S.T.D., D.H.L., D.D. Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
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