St. Luke's-by-the-Sea

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February 2016 1//7 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Vicar s Letter Waldport, Oregon 541-563-4812 Journey from Epiphany to Lent St.

1 February //7 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Vicar s Letter Waldport, Oregon Journey from Epiphany to Lent St. Luke s by-the-sea Interim Vicar Peter Fones Deacon Senitila McKinley Bishop Michael Hanley Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Ministers All the people of St. Luke s Our journey through the church's season of Epiphany is drawing to a close. We are transitioning from a period of celebrations of Jesus being revealed to us as the Christ, to a season of deep reflection grounded in the sometimes difficult lessons of our faith. I encourage you to use this time to strengthen our bonds as members of this faith community in recalling Jesus life, death and resurrection. Come and worship together in this fellowship of divine love that seeks to renew our hearts and commit us to minister in Christ's name. During this time we are also experiencing many challenges in our larger community as we seek to proclaim the Good News, sharing from our abundance of time and resources. Discerning what is truly important, and seeking ways to meet the needs that are present. May the light of Christ that is revealed to us guide us forward and inspire us as we ponder our work in God's creation. The five Sunday's of Lent will focus on the following themes present in the gospel readings: 1st Sunday - Jesus temptation in the wilderness 2nd Sunday - Difficult teaching by Jesus about those who reject his message 3rd Sunday - Jesus invites followers to repentance 4th Sunday - The parable of the prodigal son 5th Sunday - The parable of the wicked tenants I pray you all a blessed Lent as we are guided towards the joy of the Easter resurrection.

2 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 2 of 8 of of of St. Luke s People A Special Invitation St. Luke s 2016 Bishop s Advisory Committee Dutch Fortmeyer Brian Hanna Tiffany Miner Sue Niddrie Jeanne St. John Ruth Werner Fawn & Kempton Hewitt are still in Arizona enjoying sunshine and hiking in the desert when he s not teaching or preaching. They send their love to all the household of faith. Health Updates Karin Bigler is recovering from another knee surgery at Riverbend Hospital in Eugene. She s home now and will appreciate your cards and calls until she and her marvelous voice can rejoin us on Sundays! Kae Bates continues to recover from the most intense part of her chemo, and to please her doctors and family with her increasing energy and vitality. She s very grateful for all the prayers, cards, meals, and loving support of all the St. Luke s family. Plea for Quiet Before the Service Some of us need quiet time to settle in, to quiet our minds and open our hearts before the service. We are so fortunate to have dedicated and talented musicians. Caroline and MaryLee plan with Peter+ and the Liturgy Guild, and then practice for our services. Too often we talk over our weekly Five Minute Meditation Music and lose an opportunity to enrich the whole worship experience. Let s save our socializing for coffee hour otherwise known as the Second Service, and one of the best parts of St. Luke s community and fully experience the beauty of the prelude, the opening music. The BAC will hold its retreat on the weekend of Feb. 19 & 20. On Friday evening, Peter+ will teach BAC 101 to prepare our leaders for all of the aspects of their jobs that will be required during this crucial year of transition, hiring, and many legal requirements. On Saturday, Feb. 20, the retreat will focus on learning the basics of the Enneagram, a tool for understanding ourselves and others more deeply and compassionately. The nine basic personality types are focused in three centers and separate us from our own highest Self, from others and from God. Those types are also a key to knowing and loving ourselves and others and drawing closer to God. Because the Enneagram will be even more useful to St. Luke s if others in our church community all learn together, the BAC invites you to join us on Sat., Feb. 20 from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information and to RSVP by Mon., Feb. 15, contact Jeanne at jstjohn1@charter.net or (See p. 6 for more information) Lenten Services Lent is early this year, beginning on Wed., Feb. 10 with Easter on Sunday, March 27. Some of the services include: Ash Wednesday St. Stephen s 12:15 & 7 pm St. Luke s 5 pm Stations of the Cross Friday at 4 pm Weekly beginning on 2/19 Watch for additional services and events in weekly reminders and the March newsletter.

3 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 3 of 8 BAC Update Highlights from the January meeting: Finance Committee reported on their extensive and intensive work with Ryan to reconstruct the records for 2015 and to create a simplified yet more detailed plan for 2016 and beyond. Ruth, Doug, and Sherri worked with Ryan to create a whole new model which will serve St. Luke s for many years to come. The BAC expressed great appreciation and satisfaction with the outcome of their hard work! Outreach will become an even larger focus for St. Luke s. The BAC adopted a plan to tithe 10% of the previous year s pledge income to Outreach in addition to current expenditures for Seashore, Community Dinners, and Yachats Food Pantry. The total of approx. $7500 will be distributed to local and international efforts. The BAC will hold an Outreach study session in March to inspire a fresh approach to our reaching out. Liturgy Committee Lent, which begins February 10, with Ash Wednesday services at both St. Stephen s and St. Luke s. Intern Joyce Atchley will lead Stations of the Cross at 4 pm each Friday beginning Feb. 19. BAC Retreat will be held at St. Luke s on Fri., Feb. 19 and Sat., Feb. 20 when others in the congregation will be invited to participate in an Enneagram workshop led by Deb Lyman, MSW. Directory Update On the credenza there s a copy of our current directory with revisions we know about. Please review your entry and note any changes that need to be made or mark OK so we know your entry has been reviewed. If you want a printed directory, please indicate that with a Y next to your entry. The directories will be printed soon. St. Luke s Annual Meeting In his first Annual Meeting at St. Luke s, Peter+ reflected on his process of learning and engaging which is ongoing - new things and people revealed even as we are engaged in the church s day-to-day ministry. This work seems more intimate than that of more urban places, and relationships closer. I am in awe of the efforts to reach out to those on the margins and meet their basic needs, especially of food. So much swirls around cooking and serving, eating together and the fellowship that grows from those opportunities to share a meal. This community does that well. Sr. Warden Jeanne reflected on our excellent farewell to Susan+ and the smooth transition to Peter+ and his fresh perspective. She recalled the recent scripture and sermon that reminded us that we are all members of the one body, and each a precious child of God. Our new Finance Committee gave a very timely and informative report about the condition of St. Luke s finances using their new format for income and expenses. Thanks to Ruth, Doug, and Sherri for working with Treasurer Ryan to update and improve our system! Reports from the many ministries of the church were highlighted and appreciation was warmly expressed. Bunny Wright and Tiffany Miner will soon receive Service Award Crosses. Outgoing BAC Members Barbara Smith-Huggins and Elizabeth Walters- Brown were thanked, and new BAC members Dutch Fortmeyer and Sue Niddrie were elected. Delegates to the Diocesan Convention will be Ray Winward and Jackie Wolfe-Winward. Alternates will be elected by the BAC in the near future. Pick up a copy of the Annual Report on the credenza in the Parish Hall.. Sunshine Committee Please call the members listed below about any needs for cards. Birthdays Marcia Newberry Get Well Karin Bigler Hospitalization Martha Wenger Moving Kempton Hewitt Thinking of You Fawn Hewitt Special Occasions Bunny Wright Deaths & Memorial Gifts Julie Pearce

4 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 4 of 8 What s Happening at St. Luke s in February 2/6 8:30-10 Saturday Breakfast at Presbyterian Church February Celebrations 2/10 5 pm Ash Wednesday Service at St. Luke s 2/ PM Love is Love Valentine Party at OCCC 2/16 3:30 PM BAC Meeting at St. Luke s Everyone welcome Birthdays 6 Jeanne St.John 18 Don Ashley 19 Bette Ashley Jesse Treon ``````````` `` 26 Fred Strauss AR V 2/19 5:30 PM Stations of the Cross weekly on Friday 2/21 10:00 PM Deadline for March Newsletter 2/23 6:15 PM THAI Community Dinner following Eucharist 2/19 & 20 BAC Retreat Coffee Hour Hosts 7 Men s Breakfast 14 Tiffany Miner & Sherri Fortmeyer 21 Mary Montanye & Joan Wesley 28 Dawn Pavitt & Marcia Casey Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday 9 AM Holy Communion Sunday School Tuesday 10 AM Grist for the Mill Discussion Group 1:30 PM Tuesday Writer s Group 5:30 PM Holy Communion Thursday 9:30 AM God Talk at Alder Bistro 1:30 PM Thursday Writer s Group

5 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 5 of 8 Brian s Musings Hats off to Martha+ who tells a good story particularly well. I was transfixed by her sermon on Sunday, as I listened to the intricately unfolding layers of parallel stories. She expertly unpacked each new piece, moving from one tale to the next as if unpacking Russian nesting dolls. If you weren t there, you missed not just an impeccable storyteller at work, but the lingering echoes of the powerful messages tucked in between the layers. You may still enjoy a brief recap.! First, drawn from the Scripture reading, a review of Jesus first-ever miracle turning water into wine during the days-long feasts at the Marriage in Cana. Martha+ then offered a more nuanced perspective a remarkably contemporary thumbnail sketch of a petulant young Jesus as a Jewish Son, at first refusing his Mother s request for assistance with an embarrassing situation. It s not me, he tells her. It s not my time. But Jesus reconsiders, and decides to accede to his Mother s request. Wine flows, and the party is rescued. But what if, Martha+ asks her listeners in the pews, What if... he didn t respond. Would we all be here now? Brian Hanna We were in the palm of her hand as she deftly turned to the next tale: What if Martin Luther King Jr. had said It s not me - not my time when asked to lead the March in Birmingham? Then she started to squeeze us with that hand just a bit as she turned to the last of the layers the smallest doll in the doll nest each one of us challenging us to talk back to the voice that says not me, not now, and choose instead to perform whatever daily miracles we can. Which brings us to yet another layer of the story. You may have noticed a school bus in the Church parking area in recent weeks. It contains a family, and they have joined St Luke s. Personally, I find them all delightful. I asked Marcia Newberry how it came about. Interestingly, they had been searching for the right intentional community when they found themselves in Waldport in late December and didn t want to be in a public parking lot at Christmas. She said Jason had called ALL the churches in Waldport and received only two returned calls. The first church said No. Peter+, however, agreed to meet with them. They spoke at length, and in the end, Peter+ said Yes. St. Luke s said Yes. In my opinion there are a couple of ways to describe his action. One is inspired leadership. The other is inspired discernment. I am grateful for the choice Peter+ made. The Clark Family are also grateful--and amazed that the loving community for which they had been searching was found in a most unlikely place a little Episcopal church in Waldport. They have jumped right in to help and Surik will cook a Thai Community Dinner for us in February. Would I repeat this scenario a dozen times? Probably not (at least not twelve at a time), but I think being a part of their lives will enrich us all greatly. This is a chance to meet highly creative and energetic people who have big, and I think reasonably practical, dreams, and who need a break. If others think differently, I have not heard them say so. I m no flawless judge of character, but I strongly believe that five years from now we will believe that we did the right thing. It will help if we can all say, in some way, Yes, me. Yes, now.

St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 6 of 8 What s an Enneagram? The Enneagram is an ancient and reliable personality system recorded for spiritual guidance by the early church fathers.

Enneagram teaching recognizes the nine major personality styles that manifest among us, and identifies the gifts, challenges and spiritual practices that are associated with each type.

helpful resource for anyone on a spiritual journey of inquiry and discovery. (Dale Rhodes, Enneagram Teacher at Trinity Cathedral & Spiritual Director) St.

6 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 6 of 8 What s an Enneagram? The Enneagram is an ancient and reliable personality system recorded for spiritual guidance by the early church fathers. It is a sacred psychology that describes how one may better know the self, others and God. Enneagram teaching recognizes the nine major personality styles that manifest among us, and identifies the gifts, challenges and spiritual practices that are associated with each type. Because the Enneagram is such a fundamental and powerful way to understand personality, it provides numerous, often immediate, practical applications for personal development and spiritual growth - a helpful resource for anyone on a spiritual journey of inquiry and discovery. (Dale Rhodes, Enneagram Teacher at Trinity Cathedral & Spiritual Director) St. Luke s Cards $3 or 2 for $5 They make great little gifts! Here are a few teasers for the Enneagram Workshop on Feb. 20. RSVP needed! What s My Instinct? Do you prefer to talk with people one-to-one? Do you prefer to work in large groups? Do you prefer to stay home and make sure all is well there? What s My Center? Do you lead with your feelings? Or do you naturally think things through first? Or are those both a waste of time when you could just get the job done! What s My Type? What are the gifts and shortcomings of my primary type? 1. Are you principled and orderly, but can be anxious and self-righteous? 2. Are you caring and generous, but can be resentful and manipulative? 3. Are you adaptable and energetic, but can be superficial and a workaholic? 4. Are you expressive and individualistic, but can be self-absorbed and moody? 5. Are you perceptive and original, but can be detached and critical? 6. Are you engaged and committed, but can be tense and defensive? 7. Are you enthusiastic and versatile, but can be impulsive and undisciplined? 8. Are you self-confident and decisive, but can be domineering and insensitive? 9. Are you peaceful and reassuring, but can be complacent and stubborn? Here s a good bibliography: Here s a good, free survey:

St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 7 of 8 Marked by Ashes Ruler of the Night, Guarantor of the day... This day a gift from you. This day like none other you have ever given, or we have ever received.

This Wednesday burdens us with the tasks of the day, for we are already halfway home halfway back to committees and memos, halfway back to calls and appointments,.

This Wednesday is a long way from Ash Wednesday, but all our Wednesdays are marked by ashes we begin this day with that taste of ash in our mouth: of failed hope and broken promises, of forgotten

7 St. Luke's-by-the-Sea Page 7 of 8 Marked by Ashes Ruler of the Night, Guarantor of the day... This day a gift from you. This day like none other you have ever given, or we have ever received. This Wednesday dazzles us with gift and newness and possibility. This Wednesday burdens us with the tasks of the day, for we are already halfway home halfway back to committees and memos, halfway back to calls and appointments,. halfway on to next Sunday, halfway back, half frazzled, half expectant, half turned toward you, half rather not. This Wednesday is a long way from Ash Wednesday, but all our Wednesdays are marked by ashes we begin this day with that taste of ash in our mouth: of failed hope and broken promises, of forgotten children and frightened women, we ourselves are ashes to ashes, dust to dust; we can taste our mortality as we roll the ash around on our tongues. You re Welcome! St. Luke s expects guests people of all faiths, races, nationalities, rich, poor, gay and straight, families and singles; young, old, and in-between. Hospitality is a very important part of our ministry, and we hope you will feel welcomed here. We are able to ponder our ashness with some confidence, only because our every Wednesday of ashes anticipates your Easter victory over that dry, flaky taste of death. On this Wednesday, we submit our ashen way to you you Easter parade of newness. Before the sun sets, take our Wednesday and Easter us, Easter us to joy and energy and courage and freedom; Easter us that we may be fearless for your truth. Come here and Easter our Wednesday with mercy and justice and peace and generosity. We pray as we wait for the Risen One who comes soon. Communication Team Marcia Newberry Dawn Pavitt Jeanne St.John Ray Winward Walter Brueggeman

Want to Make a Difference? At St. Luke s there are many ways to contribute.

Luke s Church PO Box 422 1353 Hwy 101 So.

8 Want to Make a Difference? At St. Luke s there are many ways to contribute. Sign up to help with Literacy Center Breakfasts on 1 st Saturdays Join the team of rotating Sunday School teachers St. Luke s Church PO Box Hwy 101 So. Waldport, OR Phone: Join Peace & Justice Link or work with Peace Village Bring food and personal need items for the Food Pantry Be a phone buddy for St. Luke s folks who can t get to church To volunteer, call and leave a message on the church phone Addresses: St. Luke s Church StLuke@peak.org Newsletter: jstjohn1@charter.net Website: centralcoastepiscopal. org/ St. Luke s-by-the-sea Christ is the center of this community which welcomes all to worship, to serve, and to share. ST. LUKE S CHURCH PO Box 422 Waldport, OR February 2016

March Vicar s Letter. Waldport, Oregon Greetings to you all in this season of Lent.

March Vicar s Letter. Waldport, Oregon Greetings to you all in this season of Lent. March 2016 Vicar s Letter Waldport, Oregon 541-563-4812 Greetings to you all in this season of Lent. St. Luke s by-the-sea Vicar Peter Fones Deacon Senitila McKinley Bishop Michael Hanley I am struck by