St. Luke's News

Eastertide/Pentecost 2008

Dear People of St. Luke’s,

Eastertide is drawing to a close, and we are preparing to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church. It was on Pentecost that the disciples received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit which transformed them from a frightened group of followers into bold proclaimers of the Good News of God in Jesus Christ. The children are working with a symbol of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are drawn from Isaiah 11:2, and refer to gifts that the ideal king will have for ruling God’s people. These gifts are given by God and enable individuals to do work that they would be unable to do on their own: “ The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” We often count only six gifts here. The seven traditional gifts derive from the original Latin translation. The seven gifts, in short, are:

Wisdom – a person’s ability to discern and weigh truth
Understanding – also known as “common sense”
Knowledge – information that aids in making decisions
Counsel – also known as “right judgment” - making good decisions
Fortitude – courage
Piety – worship of and prayer to God
Fear of the Lord – wonder, awe and reverence towards God.

The first four gifts refer to human intellect while the last three refer to our relationship with God. While these gifts refer to the ideal ruler for the people of Israel, they also apply to each one of us as God’s agents in the world. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to do God’s will in the world, in whatever capacity God has given us. Which gift do you see in yourself? Which gift would you like God to strengthen in you? With God’s help we can open our hearts and minds to receive these gifts in ways that give glory to God.

May God’s peace be with you,

Patty
The Rev. Patricia W. Mouer
Rector

Parish Yard Sale We are having a yard sale! Saturday, May 17 8:00 a.m. – whenever! We need all sorts of items - furniture, household items, art work, clothes, books,…anything that you are willing to give. We will use the proceeds to purchase plants for the gully area by the cremains garden. Please bring items to church by Wednesday, May 14 (we’ll even come pick them up!) We also need volunteers to price before the sale or to help the day of the sale. For more information call Blair Miller 505-2037 or Kathryn Brightbill 606-4971. Thank you!

The Spiritual Formation Group meets at 9:30 every other Wednesday morning for prayer and discussion.

May 14   Walk the labyrinth in Fairview  (meet at St. Luke’s at 9:30)
May 28   Discussion about the labyrinth
June 11  Morning prayers at Servanthood House 8:00 am

EYCx3   Youth group for St. Luke’s, St. John’s and St. Mary’s

May 6, 13 & 20     Meet at St. John’s at 4:30 for games and supper!
May 27                Meet at St. john’s at 12 noon for a hike – bring a lunch
Call Molly for more info!

Children meet at 10:30 on Sunday mornings. We’ll study Prince Caspian during May – whoever reads the book and joins us to talk about the themes will win a free ticket! In June we will begin a series for the children on how to use their Bible.

Thank you to everyone who helped with our spring clean-up day! We spread mulch, raked leaves, cleared the patio, cleaned out a closet and continued to work on the gully beside the church. We will continue to clear and prepare the space and hopefully begin planting the major shrubs by the end of May.

A thoughtful gift St. Luke’s received a gift from the Estate of Lois Virginia Myers, sister-in-law of Loretta & Paul Reynolds. Many thanks to Loretta for serving as Executrix.
Forms are available ion the church office for end-of-life planning, including making a will, making an advanced medical directive and planning a funeral. Bishop Taylor invites people to join “The Living Stones Society” by making a bequest to an Episcopal church or institution in the diocese. We also have a list of local attorneys who specialize in trust and estates.

Congratulations to Lauren Trantham who graduates from East Carolina University with a MS in Exercise Physiology, and to
Sherry and Newton Shields, proud grandparents of Emma Sherry Shields, daughter of Wes & Laura.

Dear St. Luke’s,

I would like to take this opportunity to brag about Rev. Patty! Last month, nine 6-8th grade students of Odyssey Community School visited St. Luke’s as a part of their study of world religions. These students come from families with diverse spiritual practices, and a few have never been exposed to Christianity beyond the media. One student, who practices an Eastern religion and had been harassed by fundamentalist Christians, was reticent to enter any Christian church. For two hours, Rev. Patty entertained questions from these students and provided a description of Christianity
from the Episcopal tradition that their teacher, Kalyan Volpe, described as “the most beautiful description of Christianity that I’ve ever heard, “ and shared that Rev. Patty’s delivery was “luminous.” Perhaps the most inspiring realization is that nine adolescents were fully involved in a discussion about spirituality and Christianity
for over an hour! It was lovely to witness the Holy Spirit at work in St. Luke’s, especially when the kids discovered a handful of Easter eggs that had not been found! While munching on the spoils of their discovery, two students expressed that they had no idea why the search for eggs and candy is a part of a religious celebration
– yet another opportunity to share! Back at Odyssey, the students shared with me how much they appreciated Rev. Patty’s warmth and encouragement, and how she made them feel so comfortable and welcome to ask questions. The student who had been
harassed shared his joy that Rev. Patty’s description of a loving God was “the opposite of what I expected.” I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with our own kids here at St. Luke’s. As we approach Pentecost, we’ve been examining our understanding of the Holy Spirit, and how we experience the Holy Spirit in
our lives. The beauty surrounding us this Spring, the scent of jasmine and lilac on the breeze, and the shared joy of working together in St. Luke’s gardens on clean-up day are all lovely reminders of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life! Each moment that we take the time to appreciate God’s work, we become closer to him. I hope all of you will take a moment with a child to share how the Holy Spirit touches you!

God’s peace,
-Ginny Hunneke
Sr. Warden

The St. Luke’s Spiritual Formation Group continues to meet on alternative Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am. All are welcome.

On Wednesday, May 14, the group will meet at St. Luke’s and will carpool to the Labyrinth Center in Fairview. We have scheduled some other activities at alternative times in hopes that more folks may be able to participate. For more information, please contact Ginny Hunneke.

Labyrinth at Fairview - May 14th: Please bring an “offering” from nature.
Day Trip with Picnic to All Saints Church at Linville - June 4th
Meditation at Servanthood House - June 11th, 8 AM
Taize at New Hope Presbyterian Church - July 6th, 6 PM

Celebrate the feast of Pentecost!
Sunday, May 11 (also Mother’s Day) Potluck lunch in the gazebo following the 10:30 service Bring a dish to share (preferably something red or spicy) and wear red!

Parish Yard Sale We are having a yard sale! Saturday, May 17 8:00 a.m. – whenever! We need all sorts of items - furniture, household items, art work, clothes, books,…anything that you are willing to give. We will use the proceeds to purchase plants for the gully area by the cremains garden. Please bring items to church by
Wednesday, May 14 (we’ll even come pick them up!) We also need volunteers to price before the sale or to help the day of the sale. For more information call Blair Miller or Kathryn Brightbill. Thank you!

Adult Christian Education
Adults will meet on Sundays at 9:15 to discuss and learn together. Here is our schedule:
May 4 Theresa of Avila
May 11, 18, 25 Christian symbols in St. Luke’s
June 1 Another saint – to be announced
June 8, 15, 22, 29 The Reformation
Please join us!

The Spiritual Formation Group meets at 9:30 every other Wednesday morning for prayer and discussion.

EYCx3 Youth group for St. Luke’s, St. John’s and St. Mary’s
May 6, 13 & 20 Meet at St. John’s at 4:30 for games and supper!
May 27 Meet at St. john’s at 12 noon for a hike – bring a lunch
Call Molly for more info!

Children meet at 10:30 on Sunday mornings. We’ll study Prince Caspian during May – whoever reads the book and joins us to talk about the themes will win a free ticket! In June we will begin a series for the children on how to use their Bible.

Thank you to everyone who helped with our spring clean-up day! We spread mulch, raked leaves, cleared the patio, cleaned out a closet and continued to work on the gully beside the church. We will continue to clear and prepare the space and hopefully begin planting the major shrubs by the end of May.

A thoughtful gift St. Luke’s received a gift from the Estate of Lois Virginia Myers, sister-in-law of Loretta & Paul Reynolds.Many thanks to Loretta for serving as Executrix.

Forms are available in the church office for end-of-life planning, including making a will, making an advanced medical directive and planning a funeral. Bishop Taylor invites people to join “The Living Stones Society” by making a bequest to an Episcopal church or institution in the diocese. We also have a list of local attorneys
who specialize in trust and estates.

Birthdays in May
May 7 Sarah Cain and Beth Savage
May 13 Morgan Hunneke
May 25 Christy Dickson
May 27 Tom Morrow
May 29 Sally Cheney

“O, God, our times are in your hands. Look with favor, we pray on your servant as she begins another year. Grant
that she may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen her trust in your goodness all the days of her life; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” From The Book of Common Prayer, p. 830

Anniversaries
May 26 Patty & Joe Mouer
May 29 Amanda & Wil Keith

“Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the
world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom
you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.”
From The Book of Common Prayer, p. 429

Please remember in your prayers: Our parishioners:
Jon sluder, Kaye Edney, Tom Morrow, DJ Halpeny, Barbara Plimpton, Wanda Chaillett, Gig Nelson Those who are home-bound, especially Louise Moretti, Bunny Evans, Lynn Bennett, Carleton Gray, Dot Summit, Marjorie Ostborg

Wil Keith, our seminarian and his wife, Amanda

Our friends and family…
Ariana (infant facing surgery); Paige (granddaughter of Louise Hamilton); Lindsay (infant daughter of Sherry Shields’ co-worker); Barbara Wood (friend of Barbara Plimpton); Barbara F (friend of Barbara Plimpton); Carol Carrington (friend of DJ Halpeny); Heidi & Devon (friends of the parish); Rick Chamberlain (friend of the parish); John Overby (friend of the parish); Charlotte Soule (daughter of a friend of Sherry Shields); Shiela & Sarah (granddaughters of Maureen Mosher); Wilma & John Pope (parents of Kit Schmeiser); Fred & Marcia Parker (friends of Beth Savage); Celia & Jerry (friends of Wanda Chaillett); Martha Lewis (sister of
Louise Hamilton); Hoyt Wilkie (father of Jan Trantham); Jeanne Gagnon (aunt of DJ Halpeny); Bobbie Tinsley (friend of Wanda Chaillett); Miriam Wayman (mother of Susan Tarbell); Jeff Crenshaw (brother of Ed Crenshaw); Kathy Fayssoux (sister of Alice Sluder); Jeannette (friend of Margot Cain); Charlie (brother of
Bob Cain); Don Gregory (brother-in-law of Lois Brown); Andy Connolly (brother of Margie Connelly); Earl Shelton (son-of-law of Lois Brown).

AA and recovery groups
Mission Manna (ministry in Haiti)

Those serving in the military, especially 2nd Lt. Bobby Fertig (grandson of Margot & Bob Cain)

Those who have died, especially Jon Sluder (son of Alice Sluder and brother of Beth), Fred Miller (father in law of Kit Schmeiser)

Many people are familiar with the few phrases that have come to be known as the Serenity Prayer. I often wondered about its origin. On November 16, 2007 the prayer appeared in the Forward Day by Day publication in its entirety with the writer's name. I was very pleased to read it through. Here it is again.

THE SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. With this serenity I shall live one day at a time, enjoy one moment at a time, accept hardships as the pathway to peace, take, as Christ did, this imperfect world as it is and not as I
would have it be, trusting that God will make all things right if I surrender to his will. So I shall be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with God in the next.
Reinhold Niebuhr (died 1971)

-submitted by Beatrice Romanowski

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the kind people that supported me and Owen for the past 5 weeks. As most of you know, I had back surgery which was complicated by a clotting disorder. This meant a lot of courage for me and a lot of work for Owen who tended to my every request and then some. I’ve received so many beautiful cards and even flowers, that I sat down to write personal thank you notes to each of you, but I became completely overwhelmed! Where could I start? Margo for her scrumptious banana bread and soups, Sally for the lovely azalea, and so many beautiful cards with words of cheer and prayers! I am so grateful for the little chance of fate that drew me to St Luke’s. You are my extended family and I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely, with love,
DJ Halpeny