Saint Luke's News
The Season of Epiphany
Dear People of St. Luke's,
What are you giving up for Lent?
This question comes to mind as Lent rolls around, this year beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 22. Traditionally, people have given up something for Lent as a sign of repentance and self denial, chocolate, cigarettes, alcohol, gossip, television. A couple of smart alecks in my house say that they are giving up giving up something for Lent' for Lent! The question points to another question, however. The real question is not what am I going to give up, but rather, how am I going to use the 40 days of Lent to draw closer to God?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This year Ash Wednesday is February 22. In the opening bidding we are called to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance, by prayer, fasting, and self denial; by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 265) We may give up something. Abstaining from food or certain activities is a type of fasting, helping us focus our attention not on a substance or activity but on God. We also can take on something for Lent, a spiritual practice or a renewed intention. We can read a particular book with a spiritual focus, participate in a small group for prayer or study, take time for a service project at church or in the community, commit to a daily spiritual practice of mindfulness. The point is to honor the season leading up to the great feast of Easter by paying special attention to our relationship with God.
A few groups are forming, thus far, who intend to:
study the women who encountered Jesus;
reflect on basics of the Christian faith;
worship in a contemplative service of Celtic evening prayer;
collect money for people in need through the practice of "mite" boxes.
On Sunday, February 12, after the 10:30 service, we'll gather to talk about forming some covenant groups for Lent, groups that would meet even just once for spiritual support and nurture around a particular practice or topic. My hope is that we can support each other in our journeys of faith, especially during the 40 days of Lent, and that we can greet our Lord at Easter with faith strengthened and renewed.
May God's peace be with you,
~Patty
The Rev Patricia W. Mouer
Please join us for a service of
Celtic Evening Prayer
Sunday evenings, February 26 and March 25
6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
219 Chunn’s Cove Road
This contemplative service will include silence, prayer, and music in the tradition of the southern Appalachians.
On February 26 we will welcome award-winning Irish fiddler Andrew Magill as our guest musician, and on March 25 we will welcome Mary Sparks onhammered dulcimer.
We’ll gather for a simple soup supper following.
www.saintlukesepiscopal.com + 254-2133
God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
now and always.
Outreach Commission
The Outreach Committee will meet at St. Lukes on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4:30. Anyone interested in plan-ning the 2012 projects is invited. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Young.
The Holy Season of Lent Begins
Shrove Tuesday—Tuesday, Feb. 21st, Pancake Supper at Grace Episcopal, 5:30-7:00 p.m.; cost is $3 for kids 7 & under, $5 for adults
Ash Wednesday—is Wednesday, Feb. 22nd; Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 12:15 pm and 6:00 pm.
The pastoral Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 8, at 1:00 p.m. to prepare Valentine's cards for our shut ins. If you have a heart for reaching out to our homebound parishioners, please join us! For more information, please contact Sally Monroe.
Parish Profile: Wight, Hal, Hank, and Hyde Schuelke.
One of St. Luke's newest families is the Schuelkes: Wight, husband Hal, and their two sons, Hank, 6, and Hyde, 4, come to us from All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Wight, an accountant for small businesses, and Hal, a chef by training now working as a realtor for Preferred Properties, have also lived in Telluride, CO and Charleston, and are long time friends of the Palombis. Wight is an avid hiker and enjoys yoga; Hal loves to cook and play guitar, and their two boys love just about every sport: soccer, T-ball, and basketball. They have just learned to snow ski! Hank is a kindergartener at Claxton Elementary, and Hyde is in the pre-school program at Asbury Methodist Church in N. Asheville. The Scheukles have lived in Kenilworth for 8 years. We're glad that they have chosen St. Luke's as their church home!
Confirmation class begins on
Sunday, February 5
In preparation for Bishop Taylor's visit on April 15, we are beginning a class for people who would like to join St. Luke's through confirmation, reception or the renewal of baptismal vows. We'll meet on 8 Sunday mornings 9:00—10:00 to review the basics of our Christian faith. This is a great refresher class for long time Christians, as well! Using the Book of Common Prayer as our base text, we'll discuss God—father, Son and Holy Spirit, human beings, sin and redemption, the sacra-ments, the Bible, the Christian hope. Feel free to join us on Sunday mornings or contact Patty at 254-2133.
St. Luke's and Grace Episcopal EYC
February 2012 Calendar
(we will meet at Grace for this month unless otherwise noted)
February 1: EYC
February 8: EYC
February 12th - EYC Diocesan Ski Trip Grades 6-12, Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley, NC
***MUST PRE REGISTER WITH MOLLY***
February 15th - EYC
February 21 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 29 - EYC
Flowers to Adorn the Altar
During the season after the Epiphany we decorate the altar with fresh flowers and arrangements, often in memory of, or in thanksgiving for a loved one. If you would like to donate the flowers one week, or would like to create arrangements of your own, please sign up on the altar flower chart in the Parish House, or contact Sarah Cain. Arrangements from a florist generally cost $40 per arrangement but there are other beautiful alternatives! We hope to have people or families.
EWC (Episcopal Women's Conference)
The Asheville Deanery Episcopal Churchwomen will meet on March 6, 2012 at St. Luke's Episco-pal Church parish house at 10 AM. A study of the book "Seeing for Ourselves, Biblical Women Who Met Jesus," by Katerina Whitley will be the program. The Rev. Jane Smith will lead our discussion. All women from the churches in our deanery and others in the area are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, please contact Janice Priest, Asheville Deanery Chair Person.
It's Camp Henry Time Again!!!
Although it doesn't' seem possible, it's time to start thinking about summer…..and summer means Camp Henry! Camp sessions for 2012 are:
Senior High Camp, Gr. 9-12, June 17-23
Grades 3-5, June 24-30
Grades 6-8, July 1-7
First Timers Camp, Gr. K-3, July 8-10
Mini Camp, Gr. 2-3, July 11-14
Grades 4-6, July 15-21
Grades 7-9, July 22-28
Grades listed reflect the grade the camper has completed by June, 2012. Session prices are $535 for regular camp, and $325 for mini camp. Scholarships available from St. Luke's. For more information, contact Wendy Curley at wendy@lakelogan.org or check the web site at Camp Henry.
Finance Summary 2011
Total Budgeted Income $128,591.05 Total Income $159,362.00
Total Budgeted Expenses -121,232.74 Total Expense -136,114.85
7,358.31 23,248.11
Investments:
Scholarship Fund +$9,56.51
Diocesan Fund +$17,044.00
CD /Money Market +$942.74
Bequest:
Estate of Ruth Minnich $18,000.00
Plan for Bequest and Investment Income:
Scholarships $4,000.00
Outreach 2,200.00
Savings 9,900.00
Capitol Expense 9,900.00
Kneelers 8,000.00
Total $34,000.00
Pledges of financial support for 2011: Pledges of financial support for 2012:
41 pledges 38 pledges
$90,928.00 $87,348.00
Average Pledge $2,218.00 Average Pledge $2,299.00
Difference: $3,580.00
You can see from out total pledges there is a difference of $3,580.00 between 2011 and 2012. If you have not yet pledged or wish to increase your pledge, it is not too late. You can fill out a pledge form which you can get at church or you can send an email to Sherry If you ever have a question about the finances, please contact Sherry Shields for more information. The monthly financial report is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish House.
Family Service is Back!
On February 12, we will reinstate our monthly family service at 10:30, which is a kid-friendly, informal, abbreviated service. The children, instead of being in Sunday School, will worship with us, their church family. We look forward to welcoming our children! We will also welcome Mary Sparks, hammered dulcimer, as our guest musician at this service.
Parish Wish List:
* Small silver-plated items for children to pol-ish
*Narrow writing table for sacristy
*Sturdy bookends for the sacristy
Renovations
In the next month or so, renovations will begin on the parish office, upstairs bathroom and unfinished attic space. Renovation plans have been in the works for some time, hopefully they will be coming to fruition in the near future! Plans include cabinets and new work surfaces in the office, a handicapped accessible bathroom, and new, additional space in the old attic (which will have some built–in storage in the eaves) for Sunday school children to meet . This is being paid for through a bequest donated to St. Luke's for capital improvements. We aplogise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Chris Silsby, son of DJ and Owen Halpeny, is stationed in Afghanistan, his fourth tour of duty. It would mean so much to him to know people are thinking about him and praying for him. We would like Chris to receive a weekly note, card or letter to help keep his spirits up, so a sign up sheet has been posted in the parish hall. Please pick a week and take a moment to send good thoughts and wishes to Chris.
If you would like to write a note to Chris in Afghanistan, here is his address:
Silsby, Christopher
5-20 HHC IN BN
FOB Pasab
APO, AE 09370
Mail takes a regular 45 cent stamp.
Did You Know?
….that the words to ―All Creatures of Our God and King' were written by St. Francis of Assisi? St. Frances was born in 1182, the son of a wealthy merchant; he went to war, was captured, and, upon his release came to Christ. He loved nature and many stories spotlight his interaction with animals. Once as he hiked through Italy's Spoleto Valley, he came upon a flock of birds. When they didn't fly away, he preached a little sermon to them: ―My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and al-ways love Him. He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly, and all other things you need….Without sowing or reaping, you receive God's guidance and protection. It is said that the birds then flew off rejoicing.
That perspective is reflected in a hymn Francis composed shortly before his death in 1225, called ―Cantico di fratre sole—Song of Brother Sun. It exhorts all creation to worship God. The sun and Moon. All the birds. All the clouds. Wind and fire. All men of tender heart. All creatures of our God and King. Though written in 1225, an English version didn't appear until 1919, when Rev. Wm. H. Draper decided to use it for a children's worship service in Leeds, England.
But is it sound theology to exhort birds and billowing clouds to lift their voices in praise? Yes! ―All Creatures of our God and King simply restates an older hymn, Psalm 148, which says: Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light...You great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl….Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted...Praise the Lord!
From Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds' Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan; book courtesy of Sally Monroe
My Dear Friends of St. Luke's: I am grateful for your continual interest in and enthusiasm for my trip to India. It is coming up very soon (end of this month)! Naturally, I have a lot on my mind and myriad preparations to make, but I've realized that I am not nervous as I know that you are surrounding me and sending me off with God's love and light! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this support that is very palpable. I expect to have much to share with you when I return, after a taste of a culture that I'm told is magnificent and that will change my life! I hope that I can make a small contribution to the work that Bishop Probal Dutta initiated and has developed over the last few years---it has made a huge difference in the lives of the poor of Durgapur! Bless you all!
~Blair
Gettysburg College Choir Tour
Sarah Swann, our soloist of many years and a Gettysburg College graduate, is hosting the current College Choir on their spring tour which will take place in March. The choir will be performing at the First Congregational Church on Woodfin St. in Asheville on Thursday, March 15, 2012. There are approximately 50 people in the choir, all of whom need a place to stay that night. The 50 students are paired up, and we are seeking people interested in hosting pairs of students overnight. What this entails is providing transportation from the concert to your home, a place for them to sleep that evening, breakfast the next morning, and transportation back to their bus. If you are interested in hosting a pair of Gettysburg students, please email Julie Mascarella at jmascarella1226@aol.com.
Thank you to:
Paula Morrow for organizing our visit to church of the Advocate in December;
DJ & Owen Halpeny for organizing the potluck and for Ed Crenshaw, Jeanne Luther, Jan Trantham for helping out;
Sherry Shields for cleaning the bathroom;
David Priest for researching the re-placement for our downstairs heater;
Kathryn Brightbill for filing financial records.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Acceptance Group on their 31st anniversary of meeting here at St. Luke's. The Acceptance Group meets Monday through Friday from 12:30-1:30, and is one of eight recovery groups that meets at St. Luke's each week.
Recently asked in the 3-5 year old Sunday school room: ―Why do you love Jesus so much? What would be YOUR answer to this child??? (Submitted by Sally Monroe)
Jan. 2, 2012
Dear all, Thank you fro the nice gifts at Thanksgiving AND Christmas….We always enjoy getting them and appreciate each one. It's nice to be remembered in such a nice way. We are the lucky ones. Our deepest thanks to each of you. Warm wishes for 2012.
~Bernice Bradham and Lib New
St. Luke's Prayer list –February, 2012
We pray for...
Our parishioners:
Laure and Roman Ayling, Marrell Richardson, Lois Brown, Suzanne Tourtillott, Wanda Chaillett, Ed Crenshaw & Jonathan.
Those who are home-bound, especially:
Dot McGee & Gig Nelson
We give thanks for the birth of Felipe Roman Ramirez, son of Laure Ayling and Felipe Ramirez, brother of Jamie, Madeline and Isabella, and grandson of Suzanne Tourtillott.
We pray for our friends and family…
Frank deSaix, son of the Rev. Pete deSaix,
John Mascarella (uncle of Julie Mascarella)
Elizabeth Taylor (mother of Anita Metcalf),
Marough Gardner (son of a friend of Wight Schuelke),
Dick Coburn, friend of Terry Guthrie,
Carol Young (mother of Tammy Young),
Lori (cousin of Kathryn Brightbill),
Zane Rudolph (brother of David Priest)
Lib Trantham (mother-in-law of Jan Trantham),
Kinsley (daughter of a friend of Mike Johnson),
Rhonda Peterson (friend of Anita Metcalf),
Deb Crosby (friend of Anita Metcalf),
Les (friend of Jan Trantham),
Carl (brother of Blair Miller),
Ben Gillum (friend of Kit Schmeiser),
Kitty (friend of Sherry Shields),
Summer Kolsar (friend of Blair Miller),
Steve & Leesa Gibbs (friends of Jan Trantham),
Homer Luther (brother of Buddy Luther),
Cade (son of a friend of Margot Cain),
Delyn, Betty & Randy Shepherd (family of Toni Dillingham),
Brendon Andersen & Ryan Andersen (friends of Nancy Davis),
Jean Inglis (cousin of Maureen Mosher),
Flo (step-mother of Nancy Davis)
Lindsay (infant daughter of Sherry Shields' co-worker),
John Pope (father of Kit Schmeiser),
Jim (father of Miriam Fallon),
Kathy Fayssoux (sister of Alice Sluder), Rich Rice (friend of Steve Savage).
AA and recovery groups; those who are unem-ployed; those serving in the military & their fami-lies, especially the Silsby family (son of DJ Hal-peny).
We pray for those who have died, including Simpson Wilde, Jr., brother of Alice Sluder, and Catherine Willis, mother of a friend of Patty Mouer.
February Birthdays
Feb. 2 Charlotte Melson
Feb. 3 Miriam Fallon
Feb. 4 Kate Chason
Feb. 8 Kathryn Brightbill
Feb. 9 David Mosher, Gig Nelson
Feb. 11 Windee Bradley
Feb. 13 Rick Metcalf
Feb. 14 DJ Halpeny
Feb. 22 Sally Monroe
Feb. 24 Katy Palombi
Feb. 25 Ian Luther, Mike Johnson & Jennene Ellis
Feb. 28 Laure Ayling
Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 830)
February Anniversaries
Feb. 18 June & Rick Metcalf
O gracious and everliving God, you have created male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, p. 425)
