Luke's log April 2007

St. Luke's Episcopal Church
224 Northwest D Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
(541) 476-2493

April 2008 Luke's Log
_____________________________________________________________________________

My dear friends,

Easter is the season of new life. For us in the northern hemisphere, the spring blossoms and flowers are a vivid reminder of the new life we have in Christ. The one is natural, the other supernatural.
            Our Diocese is entering upon a season of new life. As always, the “new” involves change, and therefore has elements of both loss and transformation. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Johncy Itty has responded to “personal, professional, and family” callings by leaving to join his family in New York. We pray him, and them, many blessings in their onward journeys. Bishop Itty will keep his title for the remainder of 2008 and will represent us in the House of Bishops and at the Lambeth Conference this summer.
            As of March 24, Easter Monday, the Standing Committee of our Diocese has become the “Ecclesiastical Authority” of the Diocese. They will exercise most, but not all of the
authority of the bishop’s office.   They are in the process of securing the part time services of a retired bishop to handle the day to day management of the Diocese. Various retired bishops will assist with parish visitations and ordinations.
            In addition to Bishop Itty’s departure, his executive secretary, Barbara Collins, and the
Financial Officer of the Diocese, Lanny Collins are retiring, and Canon Jonathan Weldon, the bishop’s Executive Assistant has resigned. Lanny will continue to work part time until his
successor is settled, and the Rev. Leroy Hannum will be the part time interim Financial Officer. Other diocesan staff members say they are not leaving, and business will go on as usual. The Board of Trustees is using reserve funds to cover the costs for an assisting bishop and for
consulting services during the transition. We will all be hearing more as time passes. The
election of our next bishop may be in November of 2009.
            Pray for the Standing Committee, the Diocesan Staff, and all in leadership, including me. I am a member of Diocesan Council, chair of its Mission Committee and a member of its agenda committee. Important work has been done the last few years on a “Diocesan Vision Plan” which was adopted at last November’s Diocesan Convention. Council will use it as a guide in its management of the program work of the Diocese, and developing the 2009 budget. In
addition, I am a board member of the Oregon Clergy Association which is encouraging the Standing Committee in aspects of its work, including seeking a fitting farewell event for Bishop Itty.
            What does that mean for St. Luke’s? Not much. The work of worship, service,
education, pastoral care, fellowship and Gospel proclamation continues. The issues involved in Bishop Itty’s departure are mainly personal. The life of the Diocese will go on. Our business is to be faithful day by day.

FOR ADULTS:

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Deacon Joani’s Wednesday morning Bible study will meet on at 10:00am in the Guild Room. Joani and the group are working their way through the Bible and are just beginning the Apocrypha. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
The Group will at the home of Al & Lucille Fitchell, 1258 Ironwood Cir, Grants Pass. New comers are welcome. Call Al or Lucille at 955-4623 if you have any questions or need directions to their home. They are currently studying the Gospel of John.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

April 11 – 12:              Healing Seminar by The Rev. Canon Mark Pearson
                                    St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Beaverton
April 17                       Substance Abuse Community Action Team @ 1:30pm
April 17                       Vestry Meeting
April 19                       City Clean-up Day
April 24                       National Day of Prayer Breakfast @ Fairgrounds 6:30am
April 27                       Choir Festival @ Grants Pass High Scholl 2:00pm

May 10                                    Spring Rummage Sale 9:00am—2:00pm
May 29                                    African Dinner @ St. Luke’s 5:30pm
May 31 – June 1          Middle School Overnighter
                                    Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Coos Bay
May 31—June 1          Stewardship Seminar @ St. Mark’s in Medford

June 26 – 28                Province VIII Conference – This years title:
“The Greatest Stories Ever Told”
                                    Monarch hotel & Conference Center, Clackamas
Detailed information regarding the above events is outlined inside

PROVINCE VIII CONFERENCE
“The Greatest Stories Ever Told”

This is the title of the 2008 Province VIII Stewardship, Evangelism and Congregational Development Conference to be held this year in Portland from June 26 - June 28. The conference will be a “multi-cultural, intergenerational, family friendly event.”

The conference runs from 11am - 6pm, Thursday, June 26; 7:30am - 8:30pm, Friday, June 27; and 7:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday June 28., and will be held at the Monarch Hotel and Conference Center, 12566 SE 93rd Ave., Clackamas, OR. (503) 652-151 or 1 (800) 492-8700.

Featured speakers include the Rev. Winfred Vergara, director of ethnic congregational development for the Episcopal Church; the Rev. Rebecca McClain, executive director of the Godly Plan Foundation; the Rt. Rev. Mark McDonald, national indigenous bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada; and the Rev. Eric Law, found and executive director of the Kaleidoscope Institute for Competent Leadership in a Diverse and Changing World.

Workshops will cover topics such as: Small Group Ministry, Lectio Divina, Sacred Dance, Congregational Ministry in a Diverse World, Stewardship, the Gospel in Four-Directional Thinking, Web Design, The Celtic Faith and Story Telling, and Stewardship through Photography.

Priority/Early bird registration is open until April 1. Children under 4 years are free, but there will be a charge for child care. For more information call (650) 941-6436 or go to www.provinceviii.orrg

**MIDDLE SCHOOL OVERNIGHTER **
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Coos Bay

HEY KIDS!!!! Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Coos Bay is sponsoring the an Overnighter on the beautiful Oregon coast Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, June 1, 2008! What could be better then worshiping God and being on the coast to do it.

For more information and registration forms, contact Jean in the office.

FROM THE ALTAR GUILD

Thank you to all of you who signed up for flowers and Sanctuary candles for 2008. The 2008 flower calendar is up on the door to the Parish Hall. The Sanctuary Light candle calendar is on the kitchen door. If you would like to give flowers or a candle for an anniversary, birthday, thanksgiving, or other remembrances, please sign on the date you choose. The cost for flowers is $35.00 and for candles is $5.00. Please call the office at 476-2493 so that it may be noted in the Sunday Bulletin.

TRACTS IN OUR NATHEX

Stop by the Narthex as you enter or leave the Church and check out the new items in the Tract Rack. You’ll also see other leaflets about church history, personal spirituality, and practical aspects of living the Christian faith. Some will answer questions about the Episcopal Church, some will address Christian marriage and parenting and others are suitable for giving to someone in the hospital or may be going through difficult times. Help yourself. Suggested prices are marked on each and you may leave your contribution in the labeled basket.

FROM OUR PARISH NURSE

Francis Osborne

Skin is the largest organ of the body. As usual, what we see the most we tend to take for granted and such is the case with skin. However, recent concerns about skin cancer, aging skin, and the effects of excessive ultraviolet light have led us to be a little more conscientious about taking care of our skin. Once skin problems develop, they are very difficult to treat.
            There are three things you can do to treat damaged skin. 1) You can kill the causative organism, 2) you can lubricate the offending patch of skin, or 3) you can suppress the lesion so that it will appear to go away. While you are doing one or more of the above treatments, you skin will be able to heal itself, which in the end, is what we are striving for.
            Good skin care and maintaining healthy skin start with prevention. Most important is keeping away from too much ultraviolet light, commonly called sunlight. However, it is not good to avoid all sunlight because it is the very light that is essential for making Vitamin D.
Nevertheless, as with anything, too much sun (ultraviolet light) can be harmful; it can age skin prematurely and cause skin cancer. Therefore, the key is moderation. Use sunscreen and/or protective clothing. Avoid prolonged sunbathing and tanning salons; both will guarantee that later in life you will have skin like shoe leather and may end up battling skin cancer. Apply sunscreen according to manufacturer’s directions on those parts of you skin that are exposed to the sun, and use a moisturizing or lubricating lotion or cream on the rest of your body.
            Being outside in the summer is a JOY; it is one of the things we all look forward to. Playing outside is a great moral booster that increases our sense of well being and gives us great pleasure. So, by all means go outside and enjoy the sun!! Just use a little common sense and some caution.

AVAILABLE DATES ON SIGN UP SHEETS
Sign up sheets for Coffee Hour and Sanctuary Candles are on the kitchen door.
Flower Chart sheet is on the Parish Hall door.

Coffee: 8:30 10:30
April 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 25

Candles:            April 13, 20, & 27                       May 4, 11, 18, & 25

Flowers:            April 27                                      May 18
                           June 8                                          August 31
                           September 14 & 21                     November 2, 9, 16 & 23

Coffee Hour is a wonderful way to meet new members of the Parish as well as see those we already know. It is also a great time to celebrate an anniversary or birthday. Cookies and coffee are always tasty and good and the celebration does not need to be elaborate.

WE REALLY NEED SOME VOLUNTEERS FOR COFFEE HOURS DURING APRIL AND MAY FOR BOTH SERVICES.

SIGN UP SHEETS ARE ON THE KITCHEN DOOR

Thank you to all who contributed to Easter lilies.

Mike & Audrey Dawson in memory of Anne Kervyn deLittenhoue
Theron & Jean Middleton in memory of departed family members.
Don & Gloria Edmon in memory of loved ones.
Lloyd & Laura Dunwald in memory of Ross, Cliff, Stan & Gwen Dunwald and Deleane Pryle.
Bob & Sharon Simpson in memory of Sophia Shea & Laura Simpson.
Frank & Sheilah McCrackin in memory of departed love ones.
Fr. Jim & Pam Boston in memory of loved ones.
Tom & Minnie Francisco for family.
Helen Vanard in memory of Bob Vanard and loved ones.
Kristine Michael in memory of family memories.
The Terry Calvert family in memory of Annabel Calvert, Andrew Bonde & Sherry Kohns.
The Sloan Family in memory of Gordon Sloan, Ann Gallamore, Robert Evans, and thanksgiving for Virginia Evans.
Pat Soles in memory of Tom Soles.
Sally Smith & Robert Pugh in remembrance of loved ones.
Natalie Sabransky in memory of Allen & Margaret Sabransky.
Susan & Les Hall in memory of Hugh & Grace Hall.
Dan & Joan Collins in memory of loved ones.
Bill & Carmella Menke in memory of Parents and Siblings
Bob & Flo Graham in memory of loved ones
Dan & Helen McVay in memory of Bert McVay.
And all those individuals who gave anonymously.

We also want to thank the Lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Guild, Acolytes, Ushers, Bell Choir, Office Workers, Members, and Clergy for Easter Sunday Services.

Additionally, a huge thank you to David Flick and Michael Anzalone for playing their trumpets on Easter Sunday.

**HEALING SEMINAR **
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Beaverton, OR

St. Bartholomew’s is sponsoring a healing seminar to be held on Friday, April 11th, and Saturday April 12th, 2008. The Rev. Canon Mark Pearson, will be the leader and teacher for the weekend. He will be teaching on the practice of Christian Healing and at the end of the conference there will be a time for healing and anointing prayer.

Canon Mark is founder and president of the Institute for Christian Renewal in Plaistow, New Hampshire. He has been in the ministry of healing for a number of years and has given many conferences and teaching missions on healing, both in the Episcopal Church and in may other venues. He is the author of Christian Healing; A practical and Comprehensive Guide.

If anyone is interested a registration form is available in the office. Or, you can copy a form directly from the St. Bartholomew’s web site at www.saintbarts.net.

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

The spring rummage sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 from 9am to 2pm. We will be setting up on Friday, May 9 from 12:00 noon to 3 pm. We can use lots of help on both days. Please start to look for you donation of (clean and in good repair) household goods, linens, clothing, children’s toys and lots more.

You can start bringing things to St. Luke’s about MAY 1st. Help us recycle unneeded things by making them available at a reasonable cost to others who need them. The Vestry has designated the proceeds from the Rummage Sale to be donated to the Gospel Rescue Mission for their “Matching Grant Fund”.

EASTER BRUNCH

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!! To John Kirschner, Mimi Johnston and the crew who provided a wonderful and delicious Champagne Brunch on Easter Sunday. Those who assisted John with this endeavor include: Pam Calvert, Dick & Michelle Kyle, Monica Allen, Dan Collins, Dennis James, Elizabeth Reynolds, Richard Hughes, Thea Samson, Torrey Samson, Scott Swindells, Adrian Swindells, Frances Osborne, Don & Beverly Kane, Mike Dawson, Joe Hungate and Pat Morlan.

UNITED THANK OFFERING

PRAYER
Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy: we pray, these outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all the life. Keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenge that come our way. Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach of the United Thank Offering. This we ask through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ.

Remember that the United Thank Offering Ingathering will be in May this year. The UTO blue boxes are available in the Narthex. It’s a wonderful part of the Episcopal Church’s mission and should be a regular part of our giving.
Thank you Patricia Hayes (UTO Chairperson 2008)

If you would like more information about UTO, call Pat Hayes at 474-4491 or the office at 476-2493.

ST. LUKE’S SCHOLARSHIP

St. Luke’s offers a scholarship each year to parishioners who are pursuing education beyond high school. As an attempt to encourage people to receive training at the college level or at a trade or technical school, scholarships are given. Awards may be renewed for a total of 3 years. Parishioners who wish to apply must contact Lynn Hughes for an application. All applications must be submitted no later than May 15th. Eligibility requirements include being a St. Luke’s communicant on a regular basis.

THANK YOU,
FROM THE
GOSPEL RECUE MISSION

Dear Friends,

How blessed is your care and financial concern for all of us at the Gospel Rescue Mission. I know that I might sound trite but, nonetheless it is true, without your financial support all the work that goes on here simply could not be done.

You allowed us to successfully finish 2007 by providing opportunities for hope to 96 men, woman, and children on a daily basis. Of that, 93% of them came to us from a prior residency in Josephine County. You are making it possible for us to care for our own folks first.

Your caring financial support of $773.60 received from your rummage sale was most needed and appreciated.

You humbled me by your great generosity! May the true light of the Gospel continue to shine brightly through all of you as, together, we labor for Him. He is worthy.

By His Grace,
Keith O. Heck
Executive Director

CHURCH GROWTH AND STEWARDSHIP SEMINARS

            St. Mark’s Church in Medford will sponsor two seminars, one on church growth, and the second on stewardship, on May 31st and June 1st. Reverend Canon Steve Wendfeldt from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will conduct both seminars. The cost for one or both seminars is $15.00. For more information call (541)941-1971, (541)773-3111, or stmarks@stmarks-medford.org.

            The Saturday morning seminar focuses on becoming a welcoming church to newcomers. The afternoon session focuses on transforming parish vision and habits, so that newcomers are incorporated into the “whole” life of the parish. Lunch will be provided.

On Sunday afternoon Canon Wendfeldt’s seminar focuses on stewardship, how we nurture generosity, year-round, and move from scarcity to abundance. He said, “Stewardship should lead us to a place where we hear God’s kingdom call to live out of the abundance that God provides, rather than the scarcity which the world provides.”

Last year I heard Rev. Canon Steve Wendfeldt speak about evangelism at a Province VIII gathering in Sacramento. I was so impressed by what he had to say that I asked him to come to Medford on May 31st. He agreed to do so. I have attached some information about his talk on evangelism on May 31st, as well as information on his talk about stewardship on June 1st. He talks about how congregations can grow by becoming “welcoming parishes.”

I hope that several members of your congregation might be able to attend this very valuable seminar.

Steve was in marketing in business for many years before becoming a priest. This gives him a very unique perspective on how one can bring about church growth. Many of his suggestions are very simple things that we often forget. I am sure that you will find this seminar rewarding.

Bill Dames
St. Mark’s Stewardship Committee
541-941-1971

From Fr. Jim
I encourage all to go, especially all in leadership roles. I can help with the registration fee and carpooling. Do try to go.

            The nationwide National Day of Prayer is on Thursday, May 1st. Because of the busy schedule of our guest speaker, we are holding the breakfast a week early this year.
            We would like to invite you and friends at St. Luke’s to our annual, upcoming prayer breakfast, to be held this year in the Pavilion building at the Josephine County Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 24, 2008.
            As you know, this is a very important year for Christians to be aware of our American heritage and how it affects us in the voting process. We are excited to announce that our guest speaker this year is David Barton, Founder and President of Wallbuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis to restore strength and honor to this nation’s moral, religious, and constitutional heritage. Wallbuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, Wallbuilders seeks to energize the grassroots efforts to strengthen our communities, states, and nation.
            Doors open at 6:30am with breakfast served at 6:45am, and the program begins at 7:00am.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $14.00 at the door. You may purchase your tickets at Evangel Family Bookstore, River Valley Community Church, KAJO/KLDR Radio Stations and Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce. Fr, Jim has several tickets in the office as well.
            For more information you can call the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce at 7 476-7717.
                                                                   The Grants Pass National Day of Prayer Planning Team

            The Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and the Grants Pass Visitors and Convention Bureau presents its annual CITY CLEAN-UP DAY on Saturday April 19th. Community members are needed to pitch in and help clean up the streets of Grants Pass.
            All are invited to meet at 9:00am on Saturday, April 19th, in the parking lot behind the Grants Pass Welcome Center on 6th & G Streets.
            Clean-up will begin on downtown streets and then branch out from there to include some of the most visited areas of the community. Trash bags, gloves and refreshments will be provided. The event will last until approximately 12:00pm or until clean-up efforts are completed.
            For more information or if your group plans on attending, please call Carrie Knight at the Grants Pass/Josephine County Chamber of Commerce at 955-7144.