Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
- 1 -
The Bellringer February 2020
The Parish Newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
From the Rector—Sabbath in the Snow
As I wrote this article, I was shut in at home for several snow days. As we said in the email sent out by St. Luke’s, the snow was beautiful, but we wanted everyone to be safe and warm. Therefore, events at the church were cancelled or rescheduled. I was home for three days without leaving, except for one walk I took while it was snowing on the first day.
It was a still time, and a peaceful one. I watched the snow from my windows, which face into a green belt
on the second story. I could see far out to the horizon, all the way to the waters by Victoria, and all was white and quiet. The only activity was the birds who came to my feeder for the seed and the fierce fighting of the hummingbirds over two feeders I kept thawing for them—and the fall of snow, sometimes swirling, sometimes drifting. Occasionally a big clump would fall. At one point, a little hummingbird had staked out the feeder and was sitting on top of it, watching for others whom he would rudely drive away. Suddenly, plop! A big clump of snow fell from a branch above him. It landed right on top of him and covered him up. I had to laugh! I’m sure he was surprised but he shook it off and resumed his stern duties.
I was filled up by the beauty and the stillness. I felt cared for in the warmth of my home, and at peace in the reduced activity and interaction. I read, did handiwork, worked at my computer, prayed, thought—all by a cozy fire There was plenty of everything I needed, and all had been prepared. I enjoyed it immensely.
It occurred to me that this was Sabbath, imposed not by design, but by weather. This was so in several ways:
• The word “Sabbath means “unhook”, and I was unhooked for several days. I had few interactions with others except by email and phone. I didn’t work on any of the volunteer work that I sometimes do, or read much in the news, and the only things I watched on TV were movies. It felt quieter and more peaceful.
Featured in This Issue
From the Rector 1 From the Rector Con’t.) 2 Music Live 2 Don Freeman Study Group 3 Spotlight on Ministries 3 Birthdays 4 Columbarium Information 4 Taizé 4 Contact St. Luke’s 5 Ministries & Spiritual Groups 5 Mission Statement 5 Worship Schedule 5
- 2 -
• The time stretched out in a wonderful way, and I was free to move about in it any way I wanted—to take a nap or a walk, to read or crochet. I watched the birds and the snow. I had time for reflection. Time slowed down. My time sense switched to what I call “chicken time”—early mornings and early bed. It was delicious.
• I had everything I needed, including internet for entertainment and food and firewood. All had been prepared ahead of time, just by happenstance. This made things feel easy and relaxed.
This time apart has renewed me and helped me build resiliency and even joy. It was a time spent, not concentrating on God, but rather thinking about and delighting in all the ways God provides for me. I gained a sense of God’s love for me. I also remembered those whom God loves who did not have warmth and a home, who were hungry, cold, and wet throughout this time. These are all things that Sabbath is meant to promote in us.
Lent is coming in a few weeks. Usually this is a time of “spiritual spring cleaning,” of getting rid of old habits and beliefs that hamper us spiritually. Sometimes it is a season of lament for the ways in which we have sinned. Last year I wrote about one Lent when I challenged myself by giving up a central resource in my life, electricity, in order to see what would happen, and I encouraged that practice as a way towards renewal. It seems to me that here is another central challenge: to center Lent around Sabbath and refreshment, instead of frenetic activity and accomplishment. This would shift our focus to the ways God provides for us and the ways he delights us, as opposed to concentrating on our sins and what we lack. What kind of God commands you to delight once a week? I wonder whether exploring this would lead us to more joy and renewal. If you are interested, Sabbath Keepers meets again on Tuesday, January 21 at 2:00 pm in the Sunshine Room.
~Mtr. ClayOla Gitane
Music Live at One returns February 11th after a holiday break and we are happy to feature the diverse Just in Tyme to begin the new year! Sandi Lockwood heads up the dynamic quartet and is putting together a program of classic oldies, Broadway hits, Latin and Gospel Music. And, given it is Valentine’s week, a lovely rendition of “I Love How You Love Me.” The 1:00 pm concert in the sanctuary is followed by dessert and camaraderie in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. All proceeds go toward local,
regional, and global concerns as designated by our Outreach Department. It is a win-win! Please come join us for music that lifts the soul.
~Sammy Greenwood
- 3 -
Carried forward from January, we will continue the study of the Gospel of John, which is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. This writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.”
February 5 The Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion of the King February 12 The Eternal Life While LtQ2 does not provide pat answers to pressing questions about God and faith, it does more than just ask questions. In conversation with a wide variety of biblical scholars, theologians and other scholars in the field of religion, LtQ2 offers participants a broader context in which to formulate their own answers. This seven-week course is Part One of Three studies which will be held over the next two years. February 19 An Invitation to Journey February 26 Taking the Bible Seriously To view an introduction to this series, click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZVNVwcuPm8 The Don Freeman Study Group meets at 10:00 am on Wednesdays in the Fireside Room. All are welcome, even for just one session. Questions can be referred to Alan or Mary Jo Camagna by emailing: [email protected]
~Mary Jo Camagna
St. Luke’s Altar Guild
St. Luke’s Altar Guild is one of the oldest ministries in our Church. Currently, there are 14 members serving in teams of 3 or 4 throughout the month. In addition to two Sunday services, they serve at the Wednesday Chapel service and at any special services such as memorials, baptisms, weddings, and special Holy Days. The many missions of the Altar Guild are: To minister to the altar of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To minister to the clergy, supporting them as they go the altar to celebrate the sacrament of the
Eucharist. To minister to our congregations, setting before them an island of calm and beauty to which they come
to receive the sacrament at the center of their spiritual lives. To minister to each other by setting an example of dedication and gentle encouragement. To minister to the world by setting ourselves in God’s way. The Altar Guild invites church members to join our ministry. There are many tasks, including the Altar set-up, flower arranging, linen care, polishing, and cleaning done in the companionship of other members. Mother ClayOla is our leader and guide, and Karen Junell is the Altar Guild director. Please contact Karen at [email protected] if you would be interested in joining this important ministry.
~Karen Junell
- 4 -
February Birthdays
Columbarium brochures are available on the Parish
Information Shelf beside the east door to the Parish
Hall and in the Church Office.
. . . Strengthen their trust in your goodness
all the days of their lives. . .
Libby Brooks
Phil Brown
Jerry Cain
Sam Carlson
Lawrence Culbertson
William Fahlgren
John Junell
David Melvin
Art Moore
Judith Parker
Jason Popelka
Marc Povondra
Theo Povondra
Bob Raber
The ecumenical Taizé service takes place on Monday, February 24th at St. Luke’s from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The service includes song, prayer, and contemplation in meditative candlelight. You can sit peacefully in silence or join in the chorus while experiencing the calming effect of the surrounding spiritual community. All are welcome.
~Patricia Noa
- 5 -
8:00 am
10:00 am
Our Mission
St. Luke’s Parish is an inclusive Christian community dedicated to
spiritual growth, healing, and compassion through our worship,
hospitality, and ministry to the larger community.
Ministries and Spiritual Groups of St. Luke’s Parish
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Rev. ClayOla Gitane, Rector
360.683.4862 (Church Office)
817.637.0846 (Mtr. ClayOla’s cell)
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 896
Sequim, WA 98382
Rector The Rev. ClayOla Gitane [email protected]
Assisting Clergy The Rev. Maggie Bourne-Raiswell [email protected]
Assisting Clergy The Rev. Sue Thompson [email protected]
Deacon The Rev. Diane Moore [email protected]
Parish Counsel Rob Onnen [email protected]
Secretary Donna Stinson [email protected]
Bookkeeper Judy Mosset [email protected]
Treasurer Jerry Oden [email protected]
Vestry (Sr. Warden) Br. Joe Nuber, CFC [email protected]
Vestry (Jr. Warden) Jim Reker [email protected]
Vestry Donna Atwood [email protected]
Vestry Melodie Cannon [email protected]
Vestry Steve Cole [email protected]
Vestry Pat Oden [email protected]
Altar Guild Karen Junell [email protected]
Altar Servers Sherry Niermann [email protected]
Bazaar Workshop Roberta Griset [email protected]
Caregiver Support Group Sherry Niermann [email protected]
Caregiver Support Group Janet Popelka [email protected]
Centering Prayer Judith Parker [email protected]
Columbarium Barbara Kent-Alford [email protected]
Community of Francis & Clare Br. Joe Nuber, CFC [email protected]
Cursillo Claire Alkire [email protected]
Don Freeman Study Group Alan and Mary Jo Camagna [email protected]
Daughters of the King Barbara Heckard [email protected]
Eucharistic Ministers Linda Dow [email protected]
Flower Ministry Stacie Koochek [email protected]
Foyer Groups Harry Alford [email protected]
Grief Spiritual Support Janet Popelka [email protected]
Grief Spiritual Support The Rev. Sue Thompson [email protected]
Hospitality Stacie Koochek [email protected]
Men's Club Roger Uhden [email protected]
Men’s Spirituality George Alkire [email protected]
Music Director Susan Kaiser [email protected]
Music Accompanist Heidi Fivash [email protected]
Music Live Sammy Greenwood [email protected]
Outreach Diane Moore [email protected]
Prayer Quilts Virginia Reker [email protected]
Soup's On Br. Steve Penning [email protected]
Soup's On Barbara Heckard [email protected]
Taizé Trish Noa [email protected]
Ushers (8:00 am) Debbie Golwas [email protected]
Ushers (10:00 am) Virginia Reker [email protected]
Wire Choir Art Moore [email protected]
About St. Luke’s. . .
