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St. Luke's Episcopal Church
1101 Bay Ridge Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403
www.stlukeseastport.org
410-268-5419
e-mail: stlukes_2@netzero.com
The Rt. Rev. John L Rabb, Bishop-In-Charge
Parish Staff
The Rev. John T. Smith, Rector
The Rev. Charles E. Wilkerson, Deacon
Mr. Adam S. Graham, Director of Music & Organist
Kathy Kotowski, Secretary
Services
8:00 am Sunday: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
9:45 am Sunday: Children's School
10:00 am Sunday: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00 am 3rd Sunday of Month:
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Healing Rite
Senior Warden
Jay Munnikhuysen
Junior Warden
Mark Talbott
Treasurer
David Forslind
Assistant Treasurers
James Victor, Margaret Eder, Jeanette Delgado
Registrar
Helen Leitch
Ministry Contacts
Altar Guild: Jackie Walden (443-482-9665)
Communications: David Dent (410-956-8839)
Education: The Rev. Charles Wilkerson (410-721-2073)
Gardening & Grounds: Jackie Walden (443-482-9665)
Lay Ministries, Acolytes, Lay Readers: The Rev. Charles Wilkerson (410-721-2073)
Lighthouse Lunches: Mary Beth Dent (410-267-9394)
Memorial Garden: Helen Leitch (410-263-2783)
Music: Adam S. Graham (240-464-5319)
Nursing Home: Helen Leitch (410-263-2783)
Thrift Shop: Dawn Moorhead (410-268-2445)
Usher/Greeter: Jay Munnikhuysen (410-263-1984)
Office Open:
Tue - Fri: 9 am - Noon
Food Bank:
Tue & Thurs: 10 am - Noon
Thrift Shop: Friday, 10 am - 3 pm
Saturday, 10 am - Noon |
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A Personal Thank-you Note from Jeffrey Dowell
Dear Parishioners of St. Luke's,
Thank you so much for your donation! Your especially generous donation helped enable me to go to England, Ireland, and Wales as a Student Ambassador through the "People to People" program.
I had a wonderful trip on my voyage across the pond to England, then Wales, and after that, Ireland. I learned about each country as I went to lots of castles, saw many sights, and did many things. My favorite would have to be when we got to practice real sword fighting moves with real but dulled swords outside Warwick Castle in England.
Once again, I wish to thank you for your gift. This experience has been once-in-a-lifetime, and I thank you for your generosity. I will be glad to share stories and pictures with you whenever I can!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Dowell
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Special Kudos
Thanks to Mary Ellen Brooks and her team for organizing and establishing a Prayer Circle for our Parish. Her team consists of Dianne Crews, Jean Paterson, Sue Riley, Shannon Talbot, and Jack Wheeler.
Thanks to Shannon Talbott for making available Prayer Circle cards which now have been placed in the pews for your convenience. The card lists the members of the Prayer Circle with their telephone numbers for your convenience. If you have any private prayer requests, please feel free to contact any of these members. Confidentially will be honored.
Deacon Charles
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September Anniversaries
12 Fr. John and Barbara Smith
25 Mark and Shannon Talbott
September Birthdays
1 Dawn Moorehead
5 Mary Lou Lindsay
7 David Forslind
12 Arielle Champagne
Grady Pitts
13 Fred Sandford
14 David Graham
16 Ann Keller
23 Milo Lee
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Lessons for September's Wednesday Night Bible Study
September 5th
Jeremiah 18: 1-11
Psalm 139: 1-5, 13-18
Philemon 1_21
Luke 14: 25-35
September 12th
Jeremiah 4: 11-12, 22-28
Psalm 14
1 Timothy 1: 12-17
Luke 15: 1-10
September 19th
Jeremiah 8: 18-9:1
Psalm 79: 1-9
1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Luke 16: 19-31
September 26th
Jeremiah 32: 1-3a-6-15
Psalm 91: 1-6, 14-16
1 Timothy 6: 6-19
Luke 16: 19-31
Everyone is encouraged to participate in these weekly lectionary discussions. We begin at 7 pm and end at 8 pm. Come and join us!
Note: For those of you who have access to the internet, you can print out these Sunday readings by entering the words "The Lectionary Page." Then you simply click on the current month of the readings; locate the proper Sunday; and click on RCL (Revised Common Lectionary) where the readings for that Sunday are posted. Then print them out for your convenience.
Deacon Charles
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Semi-Annual Thrift Shop Bag Sale
All summer stock must be cleared! All you can fit into one bag will cost $1. Come in early for best selection.
Friday, August 31st and Saturday, September 1st
10 am to 3 pm
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Recycling Comes to St. Luke's
We are making every effort to be better stewards of our environment. Thanks to MaryAnn Kushubar, we now have in place a procedure for recycling at St. Luke's.
Please help with our recycling efforts. If you do not intend to take your Sunday bulletin with you, just leave it in the pew, and it will be recycled. Thank you!
MaryAnn and the ushers will be sure the bulletins are picked up and placed in the recycle bin.
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Wellness Day for
Caregivers
September 15, 2007
Renewing Your
Body, Mind, and Spirit
For more information
Contact Deacon Charles!
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Prayer Circle
If you would like prayers for
yourself or a loved one, please
contact any of our volunteers:
Mary Ellen Brooks
410-268-6845
Dianne Crews
410-268-9741
dmackcrn@aol.com
Jean Paterson
410-268-8835
Sue Riley
443-223-3293
imcmr@verizon.net
Shannon Talbott
410-798-7342
petvet02@yahoo.com
Jack Wheeler
410-224-3882
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Prayer List
Joey Stone; Margaret Eder; Iona Ogilive (Margaret Eder's sister); Peter Kushubar; Dr. Reginald J. Stambaugh (Valerie Robbins' father); Philip Greig; Nicole Lewis; Ned Hall; Barney Farnham (Priest); Stas Giermek; Dale Stringer; and Tommie Scott.
(This list will be updated each month. If a name has been removed, and you would like it reinstated, please call the office.)
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By the time that you read this article, Father John may have already returned from his three-month sabbatical. It has been a long three months for me, your deacon, for I have gained much insight into a rector's day-to-day routines and responsibilities. This experience has helped me to grow in patience, understanding, love and forgiveness which, of course, is the call for any baptized Christian. My three-month experience has been emotionally and physically draining on occasions due to added responsibilities, but these months have also been a time of personal, spiritual growth, and for that I am grateful indeed!
After all is "said and done," I have enjoyed this unique experience to serve you as a deacon, and I see it as a special honor and a gift from God, because I have learned a great deal about myself as a Christian and as an ordained person as well. I could have never experienced this level of spiritual growth had it not been for the support, understanding, patience and cooperation from so many of you.
It would be remiss of me not to give special attention and appreciation to the Senior Warden, Jay Munnikhuysen, for the support that he extended to me throughout this time period. From my perspective, Jay's leadership ability played a vital role in keeping this parish alive and well during the Rector's sabbatical, and for that I am grateful as well.
I look forward with joy to John and Barbara's return on the first Sunday of September. John+ and I will sit down together for a time of sharing and looking ahead. John+ will reveal what he sees as his vision for St. Luke's. He will then share it with the Senior Warden, the Vestry and then with you, the parishioners.
I look forward to seeing many of you coming back from your summer vacations, returning to your "spiritual home" here at St. Luke's to welcome back your "spiritual father" who will also be returning home to greet his parish family.
Let us all begin this Fall season with a renewed covenant to our God and the mission of his holy church proclaiming "by word and example the Good News of God in Christ" (The Baptismal Covenant, BCP, 304).
"Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3: 20, 21).
In love and peace,
Deacon Charles+ |
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| From the Senior Warden
It is with great regret that I advise you of the resignation of our treasurer, David Forslind. Dave and his wife Pat have made a commitment to care for Pat's aging mother and father who are in their late eighties and facing declining health. The last several months have been a burden on Pat in particular with the need to make daily trips to Brandywine to assist her parents. This has meant that they must sell their Annapolis home and buy a larger house on the Eastern Shore with the intention of having Pat's parents move in with them.
Dave has been our treasurer for about three and one half years. During this period, he has done an amazing job in organizing a new accounting system for us using Quick Books. He has compiled a procedure manual that completely outlines each process that we go through in the course of a year and provides the necessary instructions for each task. Most importantly, he has provided the Vestry with an accurate monthly costs summary, which has allowed us to track budgetary issues. His wise counsel and innovative ideas will truly be missed by the Vestry.
Dave and Pat have closed on their new home and are in the process of moving. Dave will stay on as Treasurer of St. Luke's until October 31, 2007. For the immediate future they plan to commute from their new home in Ridgely, Maryland to be with us for Sunday services. Please wish them well.
Peace and blessing,
Jay Munnikhuysen
Senior Warden |
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From the Director of Music
Guess the Hymn
Although this hymnist had served the Lord for years, she still felt something was missing in her Christian experience. One day, she received a little book called, All for Jesus, which stressed the importance of making Christ the King of every corner and cubicle of one's life. Soon after, she made a fresh and complete consecration of herself to Christ. Not long afterward, she found herself spending several days with 10 people in a house, some of them unconverted. Others were Christians but not fully surrendered to Christ. She went to work witnessing, and before she left all 10 were yielded Christians. On the last night of her visit, too excited to sleep, wrote this great consecration hymn.
Hint: Philippians 3:8
Answer: To be posted in the next edition of House Call.
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Highlights from the August 21st Vestry Meeting
The Vestry, Registrar, and Treasurer met to measure performance on our summer goals and to address business.
Brochures for newcomers will be completed by Bill Jabine for review at our September 18th meeting.
Our tabulated congregational survey results arrived August 21st. They will be reviewed and disseminated during September.
Repairs continue on the lower level windows of the church and the roof replacement on the Rectory is in progress.
The Treasurer's report was received with concern for the third month in a row. The July financial report reveals St. Luke's is faced with a $1,700 shortfall. The report documents that pledges are down from last year, 41 to 38. The average pledge per person is lower, $2,290 to $2,039. The average collection on the payments of pledges has also decreased from 94% in the first half of 2006 to 92% in first half of 2007.
Realizing that all we have belongs to God, our discussion centered around the anticipation of an organized stewardship focus and campaign this fall. We look forward to hearing from the chair, Yvette Munnikhuysen, in October. The vestry agreed that we and our community would profit from an increased number of fund-raising events. These activities bring together our neighborhood and offer opportunities for us to share the Gospel.
Happily, the vestry learned from the treasurer's presentation that our operating expenses are only 2% below goal at mid-year.
Mid-year pledge statements have been issued to pledgers. If any inconsistencies in the statement are perceived, David Forslind should be contacted to resolve the discrepancy.
It was with exceeding regret that the Vestry received the resignation of David Forslind, our Treasurer. David and Pat's relocation from Annapolis is an additional regret. Although their transitions are a great loss to St. Luke's and to the Vestry, the Forslinds have the Vestry's complete understanding and prayers for their decision.
The return of our rector, John Smith, and Barbara, his wife, is anticipated on September 2nd with great joy. The Vestry discussed plans to host a special coffee hour on that date for the congregation and visitors to have a chance to speak with the Smiths and welcome them home.
Envelopes are now available in our pews for special gifts. In addition, there are cards listing names with contacts for members of the Prayer Circle. This group is available for urgent and/or special prayers to be handled with confidentiality, if that is the desire. Although Mary Ellen Brooks coordinates the Prayer Circle, any member can be contacted for this special need. Thanks go to the Talbots for production of these tools to ease communication and giving.
The organ dolly purchase is complete, and the installation will be concluded this month.
The vestry approved the appointment of the Reverend John Smith, Jay Munnikhuysen, Chuck Suhr, Amy Lewis, and Sue Riley to form the Parcel 181 Negotiating Committee.
This committee, to assess stewardship opportunities for the back of our property, was defined in the July House Call.
Lay Committees with Chairs have been listed, organized, and assigned Vestry liaisons. Dianne Crews presented the list for our review of committees that exist and to assess what more is needed. Additional consideration of specific duties will be reviewed with our Rector. The Vestry with the Rector will then re-visit the list.
The Diocesan Assessment for 2008 is $16,455, an increase of $1,391 from 2007. The Vestry voted unanimously to accept and honor the assessment as suggested by the Diocese.
A unanimous vote enabled financial support of $100 to GAIN's (formerly Churches without Boundaries) October Festival at the Boys' and Girls' Club in Annapolis.
Our Food Bank volunteers, Deacon Charles and Shannon Talbot, informed us that we are averaging donations of 20 bags of food per week to our neighbors. Volunteer support from our congregation is increasing. Deacon Charles is attempting to organize commitment from two additional Eastport churches to support this neighborhood, ecumenical service to others.
Our vestry meetings begin and end with prayer as we attempt to keep before us our larger goals.
The vestry meets at St. Luke's at 7:30 p.m. each month on the third Thursday. All are welcome.
Sue Riley
Vestry Member |
Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer's Report is being revised. Copies of the August Treasurer's Report given to the Vestry on August 21st are available in the Church office. |
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Dare to C.A.R.E: About Vascular Disease ... tips from Dianne
Did you know:
1. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in this country?
2. If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is detected early and treated, over 95% of people survive?
3. Renal artery stenosis affects over 5 million Americans, does not produce symptoms and is rarely detected before complications occur?
4. Early detection and modifying the risk factors of smoking, hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol can improve the survival rate of people with peripheral vascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is the #1 health problem in this country. More than half of all Americans will die from complications of atherosclerosis, the root of cardiovascular disease.
EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY!!!!
If you are age 60 or over or age 50 or over and have a positive history of diabetes or smoking, you can have a free vascular screening. This examination is a non-invasive ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck, the aorta in the abdomen, and an evaluation of the circulation in your legs. Screenings are done at the Sajak Pavilion on Medical Parkway and take about 30 minutes of your time!
Call 410-573-9483 for an appointment. |
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Deadlines for House Call and Bulletin Inserts
In order for the editor of the House Call, Karen del Real, to publish monthly articles in a timely fashion each month, we have changed the deadline for submission
of articles: on or before the 28th of each month. This is a change from our earlier deadline of the 20th; hopefully, this will give everyone more time to submit monthly articles to the House Call, yet still time for them to be published in a timely fashion.
If you have any announcement that would be appropriate for the Sunday Bulletin Inserts, please submit them to Deacon Charles or to Kathy on or before Tuesday of each week. Bulletins Inserts/Announcements are prepared on Wednesdays and printed out Thursday mornings to be stuffed in the Sunday Bulletins. The Tuesday deadline will give us sufficient time to prepare the bulletins for our Thursday printing. If a name needs to be added to the Prayer List after the Tuesday deadline, please provide that name to Deacon Charles, and he will pass it on to the Intercessor to include during the Prayers of the People. We will make sure that the name appears on our Bulletin Prayer List for the following Sunday. We thank you for honoring these deadlines.
Deacon Charles |
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Lay Ministry Schedule for September 2007
September 2
LEMs: Yvette Munnikhuysen, Mary Beth Dent
Lector: Martha Odell
Intercessor: Pat Forslind
September 9
LEMs: Barbara Smith, Sue Riley
Lector: Richard Smith
Intercessor: Dianne Crews
September 16
LEMs: Andy Dowell, Dawn Moorehead
Lector: Hutch Robbins
Intercessor: MaryAnn Kushubar
September 23
LEMs: Sue Riley, Barbara Smith
Lector: Jen Pope
Intercessor: Mark Talbott
September 30
LEMs: Dawn Moorehead, Andy Dowell
Lector: Shannon Talbott
Intercessor: Hutch Robbins |
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September Book Review
Failing America's Faithful: How Today's Churches Are Mixing God with Politics and Losing Their Way, by
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
No matter your religious or political persuasion, I think you will recognize the challenges Kathleen Kennedy Townsend presents in this book on the future of America. Despite the problems she discusses, there is a spirit of hope and renewal in her message. The message stresses how we of faith can reclaim our religious traditions and transform our churches, our lives and our nation while addressing the ills of our society.
Mrs. Townsend is the eldest child of Robert F. Kennedy and the eldest child of her generation in this prominent, powerful, political and Catholic family. She writes about the influence her family members had on her commitment to her faith and her work for social justice. She talks about the personal tragedies in her life and the role her faith played.
However, most of all, she describes how "the church" historically was in the forefront of social progress, but is now failing in that arena. She traces the movement of the religious right--mixing politics with personal issues. She chastises traditional church leaders and members (including her own!) for ignoring this politicizing of religion. She expresses concern that churches are emphasizing more individual salvation than working for the greater good. She worries that tenets of faith that are breeding fear and intolerance will divide our sense of unity and community.
The author aptly uses scripture, church history and references to famous church leaders and politicians to justify her point of view. She also leaves us with many examples of hope, inspiration and good will. Although I think it is a scholarly endeavor, it is written for all to understand and enjoy.
She ends her book, "It is time we started allowing faith to breathe freely and speak honestly, seeing the holy in our fellow human beings and our duty to one another on God's earth."
Dianne Crews |
Interfaith Spiritual Sharing Circles
Divine Light shines in and through each of us in such different and rich ways. Our formal religious affiliations often mean we are surrounded by those who "think like us." An opportunity to form interfaith spiritual sharing circles of 4-6 individuals from various faith backgrounds has arisen in Annapolis. These circles would make a commitment to meet once or twice a month from fall through spring to share our spiritual resources and journeys. Circles would listen openly and lovingly to our different experiences of God, share worship activities, pose questions for deep reflection, discuss readings or meditations, and provide spiritual support for one another's growth. The initial group has been meeting for three months, attended by members of the Annapolis Friends, the Islamic Society, Baha'i Faith, Joy Reigns Lutheran, St. Anne's, St. Margaret's and St. Luke's (Dianne Crews).
If this prospect answers a seeking in you and you wish to learn more, contact Barbara Thomas (410-867-2473, bthomas60@comcast.net) of the Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network and of Annapolis Friends Meeting. We hope to form additional circles in September. |
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September 2007 Calendar
1 Saturday 10 am-3 pm Thrift Shop Bag Sale
11-12 noon, Annapolis Convalescent
Center Service
2 Pentecost 14 8-9 am Holy Eucharist
10-11 am Holy Eucharist
3 Monday LABOR DAY
Office Closed
5-7 pm AA
4 Tuesday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
6-7:15 pm, Choir Practice
7-9 pm Severn House Meeting
5 Wednesday 7-8 pm Bible Study
6 Thursday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
7-9 pm Cub Scouts
7 Friday 10 am-3 pm Thrift Shop
8 Saturday 10 am-12 noon Thrift Shop
9 Pentecost 15 8-9 am Holy Eucharist
10-11 am Holy Eucharist
10 Monday Office Closed
5-7 pm AA
11 Tuesday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
6-7:15 pm, Choir Practice
12 Wednesday 7-8 pm Bible Study
13 Thursday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
7-9 pm Cub Scouts
14 Friday 10 am-3 pm Thrift Shop
15 Saturday 10 am-12 noon Thrift Shop
16 Pentecost 16 8-9 am Holy Eucharist
10-11 am Holy Eucharist
11:30 am Seminar on Living Wills
17 Monday Office Closed
5-7 pm AA
18 Tuesday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
6-7:15 pm Choir Practice
7:30-9:30 pm Vestry Meeting
19 Wednesday 7-8 pm Bible Study
20 Thursday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
7-9 pm Cub Scouts
21 Friday 10 am-3 pm Thrift Shop
22 Saturday 10 am-12 noon Thrift Shop
23 Pentecost 17 8-9 am Holy Eucharist
10-11 am Holy Eucharist
24 Monday Office Closed
5-7 pm AA
25 Tuesday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
6-7:15 pm Choir Practice
26 Wednesday 7-8 pm Bible Study
27 Thursday 10 am-12 noon Food Bank
7-9 pm Cub Scouts
28 Friday 10 am-3 pm Thrift Shop
29 Saturday 10 am-12 noon Thrift Shop
30 Pentecost 18 8-9 am Holy Eucharist
10-11 am Holy Eucharist | |
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NEXT ISSUE
The deadline for articles or announcements for the October House Call is Friday, September 21st. Your submission may be left at the office or e-mailed to Karen del Real at karen.delreal@verizon.net. | |
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