St. Luke s Episcopal Church. The Northern Light. February 2018

Transcription

1 St. Luke s Episcopal Church The Northern Light The Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac: Being Communies of God s Mercy and Delight February 2018 St. Luke s Lenten Retreat Thursday, March 1, 9a 3p at Bjorklund In April, 1207 Francis stood in the Assisi town square with his father Pietro Bernadone. Bishop Guido II stood between them. To the astonishment of neighbors, Francis took off his clothes, renouncing his father and all he could inherit from the wealthy merchant. He announced that from that day he would serve only God. The bishop covered him with his cloak and he walked north toward the town of Gubbio. Today the Way of St. Francis is a Chris,an pilgrimage path linking Florence and Rome. It follows the spirit of the saint through the medieval hill towns and olive groves of central Italy. Join Mike and Marcia Eischen on March 1st at Bjorklunden, a 441-acre estate on the Lake Michigan shore just south of Baileys Harbor. They will explore where St. Francis and St. Clare lived and ministered. The Eischens walked part of the "Way" last October and have also walked sec,ons of the Camino de San,ago, the Way of St. James in Spain. They value the spiritual transforma,ons of the pilgrimage experience. Perhaps St. Francis will transform your Lenten experience, s,r your soul, and inspire hope. This will be a day apart based on travel photos, and medita,ons on the teachings and spiritual disciplines of St. Francis and the Franciscan Order he inspired. Lunch will be provided by Bjorklunden, cost is $ Sign-up in clipboard alley by February 18. Lent at St. Luke s Mother Barb I!!!"# As you know, Lent is fast approaching. Ash Wednesday is February 14th and our service (Holy Eucharist and Imposi,on of Ashes) will be at noon. There are a number of programs being offered during Lent, most of them are featured elsewhere in this newsle;er. In addi,on to the group reading Luke and Acts, we will offer our usual Wednesday movie series, beginning with a soup supper and ending with Compline. There will be an extra opportunity with the parish retreat on March 1. Also during Lent, as during this past Advent, the church will be open on Wednesdays from 11a to 12n for personal prayer. Someone from that prayer ministry will be there to offer sugges,ons and conversa,on about prayer, if desired. Or, perhaps this Lent would be the,me to try the weekly Lec,onary class (Wednesdays 1:30p) or the Thursday 10a class which is currently doing a video series on Chasing Canonical Characters. Each session stands alone, so you could drop in as your schedule permits. I an,cipate offering another series following this. It would be a departure form our usual subject ma;er. It's called "Effec,ve Communica-,on Skills." In these days of polariza,on when there seems to be great difficulty talking to those whose opinions differ from ours, it's my hope that we can figure out how to talk across all those differences that divide us. More in the March newsle;er, but please keep it in mind. Opportuni es to Serve p. 2 The Good Book / Prayer Service in Lent p. 2 Travel to Japan / Annual Mee ng p. 3 Learning Offerings / Book Group /Movie p. 4 Income Inequality / Poverty N. Door p. 4 Ministry Opportuni es at Scandia p. 5 Auf Wiedershen from Judy Bush p. 6 CHIP: Herbal Medicine p. 6 Birthdays, Anniversaries p. 7 Vestry Notes / Directory Updates p. 7 Handicap Van Drivers Needed p. 8 February Calendar / Lay Ministry insert Bishop Ma: s Reflec on on Loving Your Neighbor in an Age of Compassion Fa gue insert Mother Barb s Sermon on light, love and ac on insert

2 The Northern Light Page 2 The Vestry David Skidmore, Sr. Warden Doug Schwartz, Jr. Warden Ralph Blankenburg (2019) Steve Ellio; (2019) Judy Bush (2020) George Hughes (2020) Carol Ann Osinski (2021) Karen Malzahn (2021) Diana Wallace, Vestry Clerk Vestry minutes appear monthly on our website at h:p://stlukessisterbay.org/ O0012" #! T1 S#23# Please don t wait to be asked if you want to get involved. We invite you to pray about serving and see what you discover. You can let any vestry member or Mother Barb know you are interested. Training is provided. Counters for Sunday Offering. Reading the lessons and/or the Prayers of the People during Sunday worship. Serve as a chalice bearer -- they offer the cup of wine, the blood of Jesus Christ. Some also assist at the table during communion. Altar Guild they prepare for worship services including communion bread and wine as well as flowers. Added bonus, great gatherings with scrump,ous food. Lay Eucharis,c Visitor (LEV) they take communion to parish members at Scandia. Providing transporta,on to church for members who live at Scandia. Speak with Ralph Blankenburg, Deacon Joy or Mother Barb. READ THE BIBLE WITH US DURING LENT/EASTER Episcopalians around the world will read the Gospel according to Luke during Lent and the Book of Acts during Easter,de in What is the Good Book Club? The Good Book Club is an invita,on to all Episcopalians to join in reading the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts during Lent-Easter Episcopalians will start reading Luke on Sunday, February 11 and read a sec,on of Luke s Gospel every day through the season of Lent. The en,re season of Easter will be devoted to daily readings from the Book of Acts. Already, individuals, congrega,ons, and organiza,ons are commi;ed to being a part of the Good Book Club, and we hope you ll join the journey too. Beginning February 12, we will meet on Mondays, 5p at St. Luke s. Sign-up Clipboard Alley or speak with Joanne Skidmore. THE JESUS PRAYER The Jesus Prayer is a simple way of praying. It is a phrase prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. It is used throughout the day, whenever we have,me for it, both in formal,mes of prayer and in odd moments and corners of the day. The Jesus Prayer has appeal for a number of reasons: Simplicity; Can be used at any,me of day and in any place; It is appropriate for use in,mes of happiness and joy and in,mes of trial; and, During our dry periods when God seems absent from us This prayer is an especially effec,ve means of praying when the mind is distracted, such as in,me of great pain or emo-,onal distress, when only the simplest of efforts to pray can be made. (excerpt from Forward Movement pamphlet, p 2-4). This pamphlet is available at St. Luke's in the rack adjacent to the Canterbury Room. PRAYER DAY Beginning on Ash Wednesday, and every Wednesday un,l Easter, the church will be open from 11 am noon. This is an opportunity to pray quietly in God s Presence as we journey with Christ on His path to the cross.

3 The Northern Light Page 3 Take a Journey to Japan with the Skidmores Wednesday, February 21, 5p Come for a light Japanese meal followed by David s presenta,on on their trip. Cost: food, paper goods or health items for the Door of Life Food Pantry (money works too). The meal prepared by David and Joanne will likely include sushi, miso soup, a chicken cream soup, potato and beef in panko (bread crumbs, s,cky rice and some other Japanese dishes. Both chop s,cks and silverware will be available. Sign-up in clip-board alley or them by Sunday February 11, so they can plan for the food and table seongs. Ques,ons, please speak with David and Joanne, or joanneskidmore@prodigy.net. St. Luke s Annual Meeting January 21st marked the annual mee,ng for St. Luke s. Mother Barb (ler) gave a brief report. Karen Schwartz, (bo;om ler) Treasurer, reviewed the 2017 financials and presented the 2018 budget which was approved at the mee,ng. Other business included elec,ng David Skidmore to Senior Warden, re-elec,ng Doug Schwartz to Junior Warden and, Carol Ann Osinski and Karen Malzahn to Vestry. Conven,on Delegates elected were Ray and Carol Ann Osinski, and David Skidmore. The mee,ng affirmed a proposed resolu,on to the parish by-laws reflec,ng current prac,ces. This needs approval at two consecu,ve annual mee,ngs before it changed. Reports were received and copies, along with financial informa,on, is available in the printed Annual Report. See Jane Weis for a copy or a copy of by-law proposed changes. Mother Barb recognized outgoing Senior Warden Betsy Rogers, who she said she so wanted to find a way to keep her on as Senior Warden, with a gir of the complete St. John s Bible. This is a mul,-volume Bible with stunning calligraphy and art. Below Karen Malzahn assis,ng Betsy with opening her gir. Jane Weis was recognized for her 20 plus years as Vestry Clerk. She is remaining as the volunteer secretary for the parish. Below right: Jane receiving a silver cross. She thanked outgoing Vestry members: Norma Bramsen and David Skidmore.

4 The Northern Light Page 4 Learning Opportunities Lenten Film Series Lectionary Conversation Wednesday, 1:30p The lec,onary group takes an in-depth look at the upcoming Sunday scriptures, including looking at the history and theology of a given passage. Needless to say, that makes listening to the sermon on Sunday a much more rewarding experience. This class isn t sequen,al, so feel free to drop in on any Wednesday. Thursday Bible Study: Chasing Canonical Characters We are viewing (and talking about, of course) a video from the Biblical Archaeology Associa,on in which Phyllis Trible from Union Theological Seminary presents a series on people from the Bible. It's,tled Chasing Canonical Characters. It should prove interes,ng! Thursday mornings beginning at 10. Book Club Feb. 23, noon The overall choice for February read is The Vanishing American Adult Hope you enjoy the book see you on the 23 rd! The Vanishing American Adult is a 2017 book by United States Senator Ben Sasse published by St. Mar,n's Press. In the book, Sasse describes Americans as a driring and aimless people awash in material goods and yet spiritually aching for meaning. He calls on parents to take control over their children's educa,on, argues that children need to learn to work hard, resist consumerism, read widely, and live for a while in a place different from their home - although it need not be far from home. Understanding Income Inequality St. Luke's, Ephraim Moravian and the Unitarian Fellowship are offering a program on Income Inequality. These sessions are held on Tuesday evenings, concluding on February 13th. They are educa,onal in nature and stand alone. They will be held at the village hall in Egg Harbor (Bertshinger Center at 7860 Hwy 42) from 7 un,l 9. Each look at how the U.S. got to this point and what can be done to lessen the income and wealth gap. Through short readings and videos, the workshops examine na,onal policy issues. The fee is $15, which can be paid at the door. For more informa,on talk to Mother Barb or contact Jim Black at jblackjd85@gmail.com. March 7 Invictus March 14 Romero March 21 Railway Man Come at 5p for light soup supper, movie follows. The evening ends with Compline. Sign-up in clipboard alley. Lenten Film Sneak Preview: March 7, Invictus Ma; Damon, Morgan Freeman. Clint Eastwood, Director Following the end of the destruc,ve and racist system of apartheid in South Africa, Mandela is elected as the na-,on s president. Although he has been elected with a huge majority, he is deeply aware that he does not have the confidence of many white South Africans. To realize his dream of South Africa as a rainbow na,on, Mandela decides to transform the conten,ous na,onal rugby team, the Springboks, into a symbol of na,onal unity as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match. Invictus" is La,n for unconquerable, invincible, undefeated. This quote from Roger Ebert, film cri,c: The achievement of Nelson Mandela is one of the few shining moments in recent history. Here is a man who was released arer 24 years of breaking rocks in prison and sleeping on the floor to assume leadership of the na,on that jailed him. His personal forgiveness of white South Africa was the beacon that illuminated that na,on's Truth and Reconcilia,on Commissions, one of the very few examples in history of people who really had much to forgive, and forgave it. Let us not forget that both black and white had reasons to grieve, and reasons to forgive, and that in many cases they were facing the actual murderers of their loved ones. Invictus By William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. By Mike Eischen Poverty In Northern Door Poverty seems like a hidden aspect of life in Door County. We now have three food pantries in opera,on. A povertyfocused group meets monthly, usually on the first Thursday of the month. This group is looking specifically at poverty in Door County. Several St. Luke's parishioners have been a;ending. If you are interested, speak with Mother Barb or Trudy Jischke, one of several St. Luke s people par,cipa,ng.

5 The Northern Light Page 5 ACTIVITY VOLUNTEERS FOR WOODVIEW ASSISTED LIVING As many of you know, Scandia Village has played a major role in St. Luke s spiritual life and journey. This rela,onship has thrived for more than twenty years beginning with worship services in the Meadows Gathering Room. Over this,me, many St. Luke s members have lived, or are living, in the various facili,es: Villas, Meadows apartments, Woodview Assisted Living, Birchwood (Alzheimer s wing) and long-term care. Deacon Joy is Scand s chaplain. A tremendous opportunity to share, and lead, ac,vi,es with the Woodview residents is available to those who wish to volunteer. Judy Bush began a book club, currently reading The Greatest Genera,on; Joanne Penney started a gardening group; and watercolor pain,ng is held once /week. Volunteers are needed to call Bingo; provide manicures; play word games; assist in exercise programs; set-up movies (currently watching roman,c comedies!); and play the piano for sing-a-longs. Tuesday evening, February 13 th we are planning a Fat Tuesday pancake dinner. We will need cooks, servers and people looking for an entertaining evening mee,ng some of Door County s silver-haired residents with interes,ng stories to tell. If anyone is interested in helping with any of the ac,vi,es listed, or has other ideas to brighten the resident s days, please let Judy Bush or Kathy Blankenburg know. Thank you A Prayer for Ash Wednesday Merciful God, you called us forth from the dust of the earth; you claimed us for Christ in the waters of bap,sm. Look upon us as we enter these Forty Days bearing the mark of ashes, and bless our journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth. May our fas,ng be hunger for jus,ce; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts. Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers

6 The Northern Light Page 6 Judy Bush Bids St. Luke s Auf Wiedershen It is with very mixed feelings that I leave Door County and go "home." I was born in Madison, but I will be living in Middleton effec,ve March 1. There are good reasons for me to make this move: that area is my hometown - I have spent most of my life there; I have friends and family there; our church home there is where George's ashes are and where mine will be someday. As the years accumulate, I know that if I do not go soon, it may well be too late for me to make a major move. I will miss St. Luke's and all of you more than I can say. This is the very sad part of my decision. I wish I could just scoop you all up and take me with you. That not being possible, I will stay in touch as much as I can; and I will hold you in my heart and in my prayers. It is the leaving of people that I love that is so difficult. I will return for visits, and so I will close this note, not by saying good bye, but by saying Auf wiedersehen - un,l I see you again. In Christ, Judy Judy s new address is on page 7, Directory Updates. COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION PROGRAMS WHEN: Sunday, February 18 at 4:00 pm WHAT IS A COMMUNITY HEALTH INFORMATION PROGRAM? It is a series of presenta5ons covering a wide variety of health-related subjects and is available free of charge. These C.H.I.P.s are now being held on Sunday a8ernoons at 4:00 pm at the First Bap5st Church in Sister Bay. For more informa5on, visit their website at They also provide informaon on other services such as blood pressure screening and transportaon. HERBAL MEDICINE WHERE: First Bap,st Church, Sister Bay SPEAKER: David LaLuzerne, Graduate of WI School of Pharmacy, and previous owner of Green Earth Natural Medicine in Madison. Topics covered will include: Recogni,on and Use of herbs. Please join us! Getting your newsletter in the mail? Consider geong it in color on-line. You can print out only what you need plus enjoy a more vibrant newsle;er. Send an to: stlukescommunica on@gmail.com Please include your name and address. Sign-up for E-News list as well. Want to be in the Know? Sign-up for E-News to get weekly and special updates on what is happening in our faith community. This is our primary means of ge4ng news out to people in the most 5mely manner. All we need is your address and you will be in the know. Send Carol Ann Osinski an at rcosinski@gmail.com Preparing for Sunday: Sunday Readings with Commentary Go to our website at h:p://stlukes -sisterbay.org/ and click on the icon. Clipboard Alley Clipboard Alley is where a number of things are posted on clipboards including sign-up sheets for serving, Sunday flowers and other events. Clipboard Alley is located along the hallway that leads to the stairs. When entering St. Luke s, the hallway is immediately to your right as you walk towards the worship space.

7 The Northern Light Page 7 Vestry Notes December 2017 Peninsula Music Fes val has requested to plant a tree on our property in memory of Sarah Wright in August. The vestry suggested that the tree be planted in the spring and to have the dedica,on in August. Accoun ng Reviews The Execu,ve Council is changing the accoun,ng review procedures; there will be on-site reviews every two years, alterna,ng with years in which congrega,ons submit financial informa,on to the diocese by mail. Treasurer Karen has announced that she is willing to con,nue as treasurer for another year, but in 2019 the church should plan on replacing her and it is not too soon to begin this process. Thank You from Fr. Sle:o Barb received a thank you le;er from Fr. Sle;o regarding their organ which they received from the organ company and which was our old organ. They are very pleased to have it. Hauser Discernment Commi:ee has met and John is taking part in the life at St. Luke s. Financials The Balance Sheet as of November 30, 2017 indicated total assets of $366, The financial report YTD balance reflected a total net income of $203, and total expenses of $120, indica,ng a surplus of $82, Amazon Smile David will set up an Amazon Smile where St. Luke s would receive.5% of the cost of items purchased. Proposed Policy for Jr. Wardens The Vestry put in place a policy that the Junior Warden can expend any amount less than $500. An amount of $500 - $5,000 must come to the Vestry for approval and anything over $5,000 must have a second es,mate and then must come to the Vestry for approval. Van Availability from Scandia Ralph spoke to Michelle Notz, Execu,ve Director of Scandia who expressed liability concerns. Karen checked with our insurance company who indicated that we are completely covered. The vestry is willing to consider paying a nominal fee for the use of their van and Ralph will consult with Michelle again. New Business Norma or David will place our policies on the website. RECTOR: The Rev. Barbara Sajna, 2100 Ridges Road Baileys Harbor, WI Home: Cell: Church Phone: (920) Deacon: The Rev. Joy Zakrzewski joylael@charter.net Home: Cell: Parish Staff: Treasurer: Karen Schwartz stlukestreasurer77@gmail.com Secretary: Jane Weis jnjweis@charter.net Organist: Sue Raye Hughes meowyldy2@gmail.com E-News Editor: Carol Ann Osinski rcosinski@gmail.com Newsle:er Editor: Joanne Skidmore joanneskidmore@prodigy.net Website Editor: Norma Bramsen nabramsen@aol.com Parish Nurse: Roberta Thelen robertathelen@live.com Feb 2 Dick Ann Egan Feb 3 Stephen Christy Jr. Feb 6 Ted Nancy Laitner Feb 7 Mary Magnin Feb 11 Karen Schwartz Feb 16 Jim Lee Hickey Feb 17 David Holmquist Feb 17 Sandy Zapffe Feb 19 Lin Christ Judy Bush 6720 Century Avenue, 307 Middleton, WI Cell: Feb 4 Jerri Lee O Malley Feb 4 Mary Beth Murphy Feb 6 Jean Berkenstock Feb 24 Mary Ann Sandstrom Feb 27 Jack Wisner Are we missing your birthday or anniversary? Have we given you a new one by mistake? If so, please call the church office and let us know. Mary Beth Murphy 3104 Elm Tree Lane Raleigh NC bethcomp69@gmail.com

8 St. Luke s Episcopal Church 2336 Canterbury Lane PO Box 559, Sister Bay, WI Church Phone: (920) stlukesdoorcounty@gmail.com Website: h;p://stlukes-sisterbay.org/ Bishop Ma;hew Gunter, The Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac Mother Barb Sajna, Rector Deacon Joy Zakrzewski Celebrang, Deepening and Sharing our Commitment to Christ A Prayer for Lent O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from us our sins, and mercifully kindle in each of us the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from us our heart of stone, and give us each a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and enjoy you. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. We are looking for volunteers to learn how to operate one of Sandia's lir vans on Sundays and for special events. This is so we can bring Scand residents to church with greater ease. See Ralph Blankenburg if you are interested. Hearing Loop System A reminder that the church has two Sound Loop receivers with headsets available. See George Hughes if interested (he is usually by the organ). St. Ambrose of Milan (AD )