LUKE'S LOG for March 2008

One of my early experiences in worship leadership was conducting Evening Prayer in a nursing home in Bremerton, Washington, where I was stationed while in the Navy.  We would sing several hymns, read from the Bible, do a bit of preaching, and pray.  Some of the prayers were from the Book of Common Prayer, and some were free.

One hymn was always requested: “What a friend we have in Jesus.”  It goes like this:
           
            What a friend we have in Jesus,
            All our sins and griefs to bear.
            What a privilege to carry
            Everything to God in prayer.

            O what peace we often forfeit,
            O what needless pains we bear,
            All because we do not carry
            Everything to God in prayer.

In Holy Week we think much of Jesus bearing our sins.  In fact, He bears us, and in doing so He also bears our sins.  The estrangement from God, neighbor and self that is the fruit of sin is felt more keenly by our Lord than by us.  Our religious observances, especially but not only in Lent, make us more aware of God’s nearness to us, and our distance from the One who created and Who redeems us.

God is so willing, so open, so present, so loving, and so supportive.  And we are, often, so clueless, selfish and blind.  Our heavenly Father continues to want to hear our prayers, the Spirit continues to pray within us, and our Lord Jesus continues to plead on our behalf.

I urge you, as we complete Lent and enter into the joy of Easter, to “draw near with faith,” or if need be, without it, by turning to God in prayer and worship, by feeding on the Bread of Life, and by singing the songs of Zion.  By your prayers and presence you carry yourself, your joys and sorrows, your gifts and sins, your work and your play, your loved ones and your enemies to the throne of grace.  As those dear souls in an old rundown nursing home in Bremerton knew so well, God is biased in our favor.  May we return the favor.

Much love,

Fr. Jim Boston.

FROM OUR PARISH NURSE  
 
Frances Osborne

GETTING HEALTHY

Motivating patients with chronic illness to make lifestyle changes is one of the most difficult problems for both the health care providers and the patients.  OSU Extension service is offering a program entitled, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions”.  The curriculum was developed at Stanford University.

The program is designed to help people with chronic conditions to live healthy happy lives by taking an active roll in their health care. Participants learn to set reasonable health care goals.  They learn to understand the relationship between health care and medical care and how to achieve better health by enhancing their physician’s medical care through improved health practices.

The program is now being offered in Josephine and Jackson Co through the OSU Extension Service in collaboration with the Rogue Valley Council of Government’s Sr. and Disabled Services.   There are six classes in each series with an excellent manual developed at Stanford.  The class is free.  However pre-registration is required.  If you have patients whom you feel would benefit from this class please have them contact Bernadette Maziarski at 864-9611 or visit the Website at www.sohealthyoregon.org.

CALENDAR FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY 2008

Palm / Passion Sunday, March 16                            

       8:30 AM      Blessing of Palms and Eucharist.
       10:30 AM      Palm Procession and Eucharist.
                              The service begins in the Parish Hall.
  
Holy Monday, March 17
                      5:00 PM     Stations of the Cross   
                       
            Holy Tuesday, March 18
                     12:00 Noon     Music and Meditation for Holy Week

            Holy Wednesday, March 19
                      7:00 PM     Stations of the Cross    

            Maundy Thursday, March 20
     12:15 PM      Holy Eucharist
        5:30 PM      Biblical Supper and Eucharist;
                               followed by the stripping of the Altar
                        and the Watch at the Altar of Repose                                

Good Friday, March 21
      10:00 AM     Good Friday Liturgy,
                              with Communion
       12:00 PM     Ecumenical Good Friday Service
                               at Calvary Lutheran Church
         7:00 PM     Good Friday Liturgy and Tenebrae (The Good Friday Offering supports the work of the Episcopal                                                  Churches of Jerusalem and the Holy Land)

Holy Saturday, March
     10:00 AM     Holy Saturday Liturgy

Easter Sunday, April 8

6:00 AM     The Great Vigil of Easter

      Bring bells to ring at the singing of the Gloria!
10:30 AM     Festival Eucharist
     Bring bells to ring at the singing of the Gloria! 

HOLY WEEK BEGINS SUNDAY, MARCH 16th — WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT

PALM SUNDAY
            The first day of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday.  On this day, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem being greeted by the crowd of worshipers with shouts of “Hosanna!  Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord - the King of Israel!”  (John 12:13)  While the group shouted their praises they waved palm branches has Jesus rode through the people.  Jesus knew at this time he would be betrayed by one of his disciples.
            Traditionally, the church offers a celebration that includes the waving of palm branches.  These palms are sometimes made into special crosses for the celebration of Holy week and then later burned, with the ashes being used in the next years entrance into the Lent season on Ash Wednesday.
            Sunday, March 16th the 10:30 service begins in the parish Hall with the blessing of palm crosses and the reading of the Palm Gospel.  We then sing “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” as we go in procession out through the library door and down the sidewalk into the church.  After this joyous parade for Jesus, the rest of the service moves us into Holy Week, as we sing the Passion Chorale (“O Sacred Head Now Wounded”) and participate in the scripture reading of Luke’s account of the Passion Story.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
            All are invited to come at 5:00pm on Holy Monday, March 17, and Holy Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00pm, to reflect on our Lord’s journey from the place of condemnation, to Golgotha, to the Tomb.  This observance is one more way to make the events of that first Holy Week more real to us, so that, by fully participating in them, we can more deeply experience the joy of Easter.

UNITED THANK OFFERING
The United Thank Offering Ingathering will be in May of this year.  The UTO blue boxes are available in the Narthex.  If you would like more information about UTO, you can call Pat Hayes at 474-4491 or the office at 476-2493.

NEW BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
The New Bridge High School at the Rogue Valley Correctional Facility is looking for 2 or 3 people to act as surrogate parents for several of the students.  The volunteer program would be about 2 hours per month on Monday’s.  If you are interested, please contact Dave Fuller, the Principal of New Bridge, at 471-2862 ex. 227.

Don and Bev Kane for the wonderful work done to refurbish two of the chairs in the Guild/Library Room.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Thank you to John Kirschner and his crew Duncan Fuller, Bob Graham, Richard Hughes, Mike Anzalone, Bill Menke, Fr. Jim, Don Edmon, Dick Kyle, Dan Collins, David Sloan and Tom Gullock for once again providing us with a wonderful pancake supper on Tuesday, February 5th.

THANK YOU

To David and Michelle Vickoren on the birth of their daughter, Lindsey Anne, on February 7th.  David delivered the baby at home.

BIBLE STUDY 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.  All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
The Group will at the home of Al & Lucille Fitchell, 1258 Ironwood Circle, Grants Pass.  New comers are welcome.  Call Al or Lucille at 955-4623 if you have any questions or need directions to their home.  There will be no study on Wednesday, March 19th.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: THE LAST SUPPER
            The fifth day of Holy Week is Maundy Thursday.  This is the Thursday just before Easter. This is the day in which Jesus and his apostles shared their last meal together.  It is in memory and celebration of this last meal that we observe the Eucharist.  On this night Judas betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. 
            In addition, this night is the night in which Jesus humbled himself by washing the feet of his apostles.  He did this not only as an act of hospitality, but to bring his apostles closer to him, thus bringing them closer to God.  After Jesus washed the feet of his apostles,  He gave them a new commandment; “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John  13:34-35) 
            From at least the 4th Century the Church has celebrated the instituting of the Eucharist on this day.  On Maundy Thursday, March 20, we continue that tradition.  We gather at 5:30pm for a simple meal in the Parish Hall, after which we will celebrate Holy Communion around our tables.  Families are especially encouraged to bring their children to participate in this service.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
            The sixth day of Holy Week is Good Friday.  Good Friday commemorates Jesus’
crucifixion. This day is a solemn and mournful day for Christians. During Jesus’ crucifixion, he asked god to forgive his accusers, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).  He also cried out to God, asking, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).
            As Jesus took his last breath on the cross he said in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46).
            The Good Friday Liturgy will be offered at 10:00am and 7:00pm.  The morning service includes Communion from the reserved Sacrament that was placed on the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday.  The evening service includes Tenebrae.  The community Ecumenical Service, sponsored by St. Luke’s and other churches, will be at Calvary Lutheran Church at 12:00 noon.

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING
Each year for many years the Episcopal Church has gathered a Good Friday Offering for the work of the Church in the Holy Land.  Today that offering is shared with all the dioceses of Jerusalem and the Middle East.  It supports parish programs and outreach, schools, hospitals, workshops and more.  We will have the Good Friday offering envelopes in the pews from March 25th through Good Friday, April 6th, but gifts may be given at any time.  Thank you.

HOLY SATURDAY SERVICE
            The seventh, and last day of Holy Week, is also the last day of Lent.  Holy Saturday is the first day in which Jesus rested in the tomb. This is the day many Christians wait and watch for
Jesus’ to return.  We celebrate with faith and hope that our Savior will return which He does, when he rises from his tomb to sit along the right had of God.

THE EASTER VIGIL SERVICE
The Easter vigil service is the first Easter service, and takes place in the night of Holy Saturday.  The idea behind the service is for faithful Christians to wait and watch, hopeful and confident that Christ will rise.
The Easter, or paschal, candle is lit during this service.  The service traditionally begins outside the church, where the minister and some worshippers gather around a fire – a charcoal brazier is common.
            The service begins with these words:
Dear friend in Christ, on this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed            throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer.  For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which by hearing his word and celebrating his sacraments we share in his victory over death.

The Paschal candle is lit from the fire.  The lit candle is now a symbol of Christ, risen as the light of the world, and comes into the midst of the people.  The candle is carried into the church, where most of the worshippers are waiting in darkness, which symbolizes the darkness of Christ’s tomb.  The candles held by the congregation are lit from the Paschal candle.  The Deacon sings an ancient hymn, the Exsultet, celebrating God’s victory over darkness, slavery, sin, and death.

The symbolism of the candle is made clear by words like:
Grant that this Easter candle make our darkness light; for Christ the morning star has risen, never again to set, and is alive and reigns for ever and ever.
The readings are followed by Baptisms, as new believers are reborn into Christ or by the renewal of Baptismal vows.
Easter is then announced with the words “Alleluia, alleluia, Christ is risen”   Bells sound, the organ rings out, the Altar candles are lit, and the congregation sings “Glory be to God on High!” The people share in Holy Communion and the triumphant hymns of Jesus’ resurrection.

EASTER FLOWERS
Envelopes for offerings for Easter Flowers are already in the pews.  We will acknowledge all donors (unless anonymous) and all memorial and thanksgiving designations in the next issue of Luke’s Log.  Thank you.

TRACTS IN OUR NATHEX AND PARISH HALL
            A new issue of Glimpses of Christian History in the Narthex; titled “Dying to be Faithful”  as well as March’s Focus on the Family so stop in the Narthex as you enter or leave the Church and pick up a copy. 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.  Also the new copy for March/April 2008 of Forward Day By Day is available.  Help yourself.  Suggested prices are marked on each and you may leave your contribution in the labeled basket.  You will find many new publications in our Tract Rack. Also, be sure to check out the table in the Parish Hall with publications to enhance you Lenten reading.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Travis Defilippo 3/16    Madison Seals 3/16
Emily Calvert – 3/18           

If during the past year we have missed any child’s birthday, we apologize.  However, we do need to update our birthday list. So, please call the office with the child’s name and birth date.  Thank you.

LOVEJOY HOSPICE AND ROGUE VALLEY COUNCIL
Lovejoy will present CAREGIVER 101 on Saturday, March 8th from 8:00am – 4:30pm at Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th Street.  Please call 474-1193 by February 29th for pre-registration.  Works shop includes workbook, Continental breakfast and beverages.  See poster in Parish Hall.

DEREK SEALS
Please keep Derek in your prayers.  He is doing well.  You can go to: www.caringbridge.org and click on visit and then type in derekseals and enjoy the site.  Amy will be updating the site.  If you would like to help the Seals family, an account has been set up at U S Bank in Derek’s name.

FROM THE ALTAR GUILD
Thank you to all of you who have signed up for flowers and Sanctuary candles for 2007.  The new 2008 flower calendar is up on the door to the Parish Hall. If you would like to give flowers for an anniversary, birthday, thanksgiving, or other remembrances, please sign on the date you would like to give flowers.  The cost for 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. 

TIME CHANGE
Remember to set your clocks AHEAD 1 hour on Saturday night, March 8th.  Daylight Savings Time goes into effect at 2:00AM Sunday morning.

NOTES FROM THE VESTRY RETREAT, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2008

New and old Vestry members had their annual planning retreat on February 22-23.  Below is a tentative list of committees, task forces, liaisons, and tasks for the coming year.  The listed projects emerged from (1) last year’s goals, (2) the October planning event with Fr. George Hemingway, and (3) this meeting.  Parishioners interested in joining any of these are encouraged to contact the appropriate Vestry members.

Finance Committee: Mike Dawson (convener), Pat Murray, and Eileen Widdison. (Debt retirement)
Fellowship: Eileen Widdison (convener), Diane Leonard, Tim Roberts.  (In addition to regular fellowship events they are to explore developing youth, women’s, men’s and/or family camps/retreats and other special events.)                                                             
Building & Grounds Committee:  Theron Middleton (Jr. Warden, convener), Bev Kane, Eileen Widdison.  Task Force on Energy & Environmental Stewardship:  Scott Swindells (convener), Diane Leonard
Publicity Committee:  Bev Kane, Fr. Jim. (Develop ideas from October workshop, including better advertising, PR, signage, and web site.)
Welcome/Evangelism Committee:  Tim Roberts (convener), Susan Hall.  (Formal visitor follow-up)
Worship Committee:  Fr. Jim (Chair), Bev Kane (Vice-chair), Susan Hall, Joan Collins, Dave Fuller, Edla Stephenson, Don Corbett (Explore possibilities for an additional service or services; Lenten series with other local churches.) 
Education:  Diane Leonard – Vestry liaison (Sunday School, youth, adult)
Pastoral Care:  Bev Kane – Vestry liaison
Jubilee Committee (Outreach/service):  Fr. Jim (convener)

The Vestry noted these new accomplishments in the past year in no particular order, nor a complete list:  Finished construction of the entrance to the church and new landscaping; new upstairs restrooms; rehab of the downstairs lavatories; new organist; Sittercize class; kids choir; hearing enhancement  (headsets for hearing impaired); new furniture for Library/Guild Room; sabbatical for Rector; excellent collection to date of pledges on improvements; Stephen Ministry; photo directory; children’s ministry; care for those in need (testimony by Diane Leonard); outreach.

At its business meeting the Vestry accepted a bid to replace the kitchen windows and elected delegates and alternates to Southern Convocation and Diocesan Convention:  Mike Dawson, Bev Kane, and Laurel Samson.  Alternates:  Pam Boston, Theron Middleton, Pat Murray.  See the official minutes for a complete listing Vestry actions.

ACOLYTE PIZZA PARTY AND PRACTICE-MARCH 13
All acolytes, and those ready to become acolytes, are invited to a pizza party and acolyte practice on Thursday, March 13 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.  New acolytes must be 8 years old, or getting close.  Parents are welcome to observe.  New acolytes will receive basic training and older acolytes will sharpen their skill, learn new ones, and help train the newer acolytes.  All will be refreshed on Fr. Jim’s “Four Rules for Acolytes.”

• Show up.
• Pay attention.
• If in doubt, ask.
• Act like you know what you are doing.

Acolytes play an important role in leading our worship and making it both beautiful and reverent.  We thank them all for their valuable service. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY FOOD BANK MARCH
Saturday, March 1st is the 13th Annual Community March on Hunger.  This parade is the kickoff for Hunger Awareness Month.  Every one is invited to join us.  If you would like to participate, please meet at 11:30am in the parking lot on 5th and “A” Streets.  The March will begin at 12:00noon.  You can run, skip, dance, skate if you wish.  If you have any questions please contact us at 479-5556.

“TAKE IT BACK”
            Attend this Community Briefing and find out what is happening with youth and alcohol in our community at Anne G. Basker Auditorium on Wednesday, March 5th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. 
            The TAKE IT BACK Movement is driven by facts like these:

• Each day, more than 5,400 kids in the US under the age of 16 take their first drink.
• Each year, more than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related crimes.
• In the US alone, alcohol kills more kids than all illegal drugs combined.

     
      For the first time, more than 350 youth groups from 49 states will simultaneously hold youth-led Community Briefings to call attention to this single most important health issue facing young people today.  At the Briefing, we will focus on the alcohol issues that were found while conducting research in our own community.
      For more information, please contact The Commission on Children and Families, Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator at 474-5234.

MUSIC NOTES 

Choir
Choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 5:30pm.  We hope to be able to do some a cappella pieces, as well as things incorporating other instruments, such as handbells, drums, strings, the praise band, flutes, guitars, etc.  Please come and join us.

Bell Choir
The Handbell Choir rehearses at 4:30pm on Wednesdays.  New members are welcome.   We hope to get bigger and better.  Children are encouraged to join us.  If you would like to learn more as well as have a lot of fun, call Edla at 761-6490

Praise and Worship Musicians
If you are interested in participating, please contact Pat Mahoney at 660-4513 for practice times.

Children Choir
Our Children’s Choir has been learning together after the 10:30 service, and will continue to do so on most Sundays.  New singers are welcome.

   
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Daughters of the King meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00pm.  All women of the church are welcome.  Please check the calendar in the Log or call the church office at 476-2493.