Luke’s Log (electronic version)

July and August 2007

My dear friends,

When I made my Cursillo, in May of 1971, at the end I was presented a cross with the words, ‘Christ is counting on you.”  I replied, “And I on Him.”

That would be a fitting exchange at any point in one’s Christian life, from our baptisms to our deathbeds.  Christ is always calling us to follow him, in love, in service, in obedience, in suffering and in joy.  He needs us to be his presence in the world.  And we need always to rely on him.

We do our best, He does the rest.

I notice that I spend more time on pastoral care, but I worry more about statistics.  I really trust God to take care of all of you.  I get more anxious about attendance figures and the parish budget.  So the advice below is for me as well as for you.

Ideally we do our best for God and neighbor with joy and without anxiety.  But, as Jesus said, we do have many anxieties.  His prescription for anxiety was threefold: 

First, consider the lilies of the field.  Consider that God cares for the sparrow, and the hairs of your head are individually counted.  If God can deal with them, he can take care of us. (Matthew 6 and Luke 12)

Second, despite our being worried and troubled by many things, only one thing is necessary.  That is to choose what Mary chose in Luke 10, which was to listen to Jesus.  So simple.

Third, Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” John 14:1. 

Paul puts it like this:  “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything… present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV and RSV)

And you will set my mind at ease if you do your best, including in those things that I watch so carefully, Sunday attendance most of all.  Pam I will be away a couple Sundays each in July and August.  Fr. Randel will be leading Sunday worship. Others will help with pastoral care and Thursday services.  We will be in church each of those Sundays, somewhere.  I pray you will do likewise.  Not only is Christ counting on you.  So am I.  And I will not be anxious.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Father Jim Boston

ULTREYA
You are invited to an Ultreya at St. Thomas 1465 Coburg Rd. Eugene on July 7th at 10:00am. All Cursillistas and possible candidates are welcome.  Or if you just want to learn more about the movement bring a yummy dish and join us.  There will be Lots of good music and food and fun for all. This is a potluck!

Find a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ!

If any one is interested, please call the office at 476-2493 and we can possibly car pool to Eugene.

What is Cursillo?
Cursillo is a movement within the church which provides a method for Christian living, provides a core-group who are actively involved in bringing the Gospel to their environment, and helps Christian people discover and achieve their personal calling as a follower of Christ.
The three day experience is the passageway into the movement. It is an in-depth study of our sacramentally oriented Episcopal Church and living the Christian faith. It is a concentrated and intensive time of discovery, especially in the area of Christian community, support, and the great love and joy that this community shares. Cursillo is a powerfully spiritual and educational experience intended to equip each person with the basic foundation to do Christ’s work in the world. It is intended to be shared.

Cursillo is:
    * A movement within the Episcopal Church
    * A Way of Life
    * A loving, growing community
SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERNIGHTER!
The Sunday School Overnighter was a great success and fun was had by all.  However, several items were left behind.  If you have left the items list, please come by the office to pick them up or call 476-2493 to make arrangements for pick up.  If these are not claimed by the end of July, they will be disposed of.
 

• A pair of girl’s tennis shoes
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• A pair of glasses
• 2 squirt guns

CHURCH PICNIC
All are invited to a church picnic on July 8th at 5:00pm at Reinhart All-Sports Park in the Bank of America Pavilion.  Bring some pot luck food.  Burgers, hotdogs, and beverages will be provided.  (A collection will be taken for their cost.)  We will have games for kids and interested adults, and delightful conversation for all.  Come enjoy the weather and the people. 

MEN’S MONDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
The Men’s breakfast meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month and occasionally on a 5th Monday. Breakfast is at the Gold Miner Cafe on the corner of 7th and “M” streets at 8:15. If you have any questions, you can call the office at 476-2493

IN MEMORY
If you would like to purchase a Book of Common Prayer in memory of a loved one or family member, please contact the office or Fr. Jim.  A lovely bookplate will be placed in the front cover of the BCP.  The cost will be $20.00 and it will be a wonderful way to remember someone. 

GINGER REINACH
We regret to announce that our sister in Christ, Ginger Reinach, died on Sunday, June 24th. Condolences may be sent to Phyllis Harkson,  104 Wrightwood Circle,  Grants Pass, OR 97526.

Fr. Boston sends this prayer: :Heavenly Father, receive our sister Ginger to yourself in peace, as a sheep of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming, and grant her an entrance into that place where there is joy eternal with your saints in light.  May her souls rest in peace, and may Phyllis and all who loved her find comfort and hope, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
                                                                       
A Note from your Treasurer:
Here is a summary of St. Luke’s financial status for the fiscal year 2007 to date, as of the end of May:
                                                OPERATING BUDGET
                                                                          Actual            Budget             Variance
Income
Contributions:                                                 
      (pledges, non-pledges, and plate) $  55,582         $  59,540         ($  3,958)
Income from Investments                              $  15,241         $  15,140         $     101
Total Income   $  70,823         $  74,590         ($  3,857)

Expenses
Total Operating Expenses                              $ 77,363          $ 73,405          ($  3,958)
Net:  Income or (Deficit)                               ($   6,540)      $   1,275              ($  7,815)

Comments:

• Our contributions to date are below budget due to some pledges not being current.  As these pledge arrears are brought current St. Luke’s income picture will align with our plan.
• Income from investments is in line with our budget.
• Year to date expenses are over budget by nearly $3,600.  Most of the excess expense is due to five expense categories:
• About $1,500 of employee benefits reimbursements from October 2006 that were invoiced by the Diocese in February 2007.
• In February we were also made aware of an increase in health insurance rates.
• Our office expenses are about $450 above budget for the first 5 months.  This should fall in line with our plan as the year progresses as some large purchases were made in the early part of the year.
• The Rectors mileage reimbursement is above budget due in part to high gasoline prices prompting the Federal Government to raise the mileage allowance.
• Natural gas and electricity were higher than budget due to the heavy usage periods during the winter season.   Our area experienced some very cold weather this past winter.
• Through May, St. Luke’s is about $7,800 in deficit.  However, as pledge commitments are fulfilled and certain expenses average out for the year the deficit should decline.  We have also incurred some added cleaning expenses associated with the handicap access construction and the landscaping.

If you have any comments or questions regarding St. Luke’s financial situation, please feel free to contact Mike Dawson at 541-479-4459.

 “WILD AT HEART”
If you have read your copy of “Wild at Heart” and would like to pass it on to some one who did not get a copy.  Please bring them back to the office.  If you did not get a copy, call the office at 476-2493 and we will be happy to get you a copy.

HELP NEEDED
Dorothy Rice, who is 71 years olds, is interested in attending the 10:30 service at St. Luke’s.  However, she does not drive and would like a ride.  She lives at 1714 SW “G” Street.  If you would like to help Dorothy, please call the office at 476-2493.

FROM THE ALTAR GUILD
The openings on the Flower Calendar are July 15, August 19, September 16 & 23, as well as October 7 & 14, November 4, 11 & 18.  If you would like to provide Altar flowers on one of the open Sundays, you can find the Calendar on the door as you enter the Parish Hall. The cost of our usual two arrangements is $35.00.

If the flowers are for a special occasion or in honor of or memory of someone, please let the office know so that it can be noted in the Sunday Bulletin.  If you have any questions, you can call Joan Collins at 476-6169.

WHERE’S YOUR NAME TAG??
Wearing our name tags is a way to say we’re willing to get acquainted with others! As you leave the church after services, stop and collect your tag from the boards before going into the Parish Hall. (They are posted only semi-alphabetically, so you may have to search a bit!) If you do not have a tag yet, please look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Be sure to print or write clearly to be sure your name will be spelled correctly! If your tag has disappeared, use the sheet to request a replacement. Thank you for using this tool to make St. Luke’s an even friendlier place to worship!

NEW GLIMPSES SERIES BEGINS
Twice each year we receive 6 new issues of Glimpses, published by the Christian History Institute.  You will be able to find them in the Narthex. 

COFFEE HOUR
We need coffee hour hosts for July; there are plenty of open slots.  The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board on the kitchen door.  Coffee hour is a wonderful way to meet new parishioners as well as be able to see members of St. Luke’s that you may only see once a week.  Coffee hour does not need to be elaborate, cookies; punch and coffee will do the trick.  Emergency cookies are in the freezer.  Thank you to all who have signed up.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Daughters of the King met on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00pm.  The meetings for the months of July and August will be held at the homes of several members. All women of the church are welcome.  Please check the calendar in the Log or call the church office at 476-2493.

Birthdays

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.

          July                                                                                      August
Hunter Seals        7/16                                                                                         Grant Endicott     8/12
William Smith     7/27                                                                                         Cierra Carlsburg   8/24
Jonah Flick          7/29                                                                                        Catherine Dole     8/25
                                                                                                                                Michael Yilek      8/31

HAndicap Access Status as of 5/31/07

• Handicap Access and Landscaping Project Balance                  ($24,127)
• This deficit reflects moneys borrowed from St. Luke’s

cash position and the Nordstrom Fund to pay for project
costs.

• Consolidation of past project debts to be repaid                           ($13,503)
• These include past debts for the new furnace, church

           roof, and the Gestetner/Organ.

• Total to be repaid from capital pledges                                        ($37,630)
• This will be repaid as capital pledge payments are

received over the next 2 ½ years.

The total paid out for the handicap access and landscaping projects to date is about $86,000.  Thanks to many of you who have fulfilled their pledges early, St. Luke’s has been able to minimize its borrowing from the Nordstrom Fund.  If others are also able and willing to fulfill their capital pledge commitments early, we can significantly improve our cash flow position and begin repaying the Nordstrom Fund and other debts.

VESTRY NOTES
Your vestry met on June 14th.  Highlights of the meeting were:

• Fr. Jim will be leaving on July 17th for a month on Sabbatical.
• Several different types of insects have been sighted in the building and we will be spraying for these insects.
• Various reports were given including the fact that the number of children attending is growing and Sunday School will be led by parents during the summer.
• Junior Warden Theron Middleton reported on various accomplished and planned projects.  The flag will once again be flying after a new rope is ordered.
• We will be calling Olan Mills to set time and date for pictures for a new Parish Directory.
• Set the Church Picnic for 5pm on Sunday, July 8 at the Bank of America Pavilion at the All Sports Park.
• No Vestry meeting in July, next meeting will be August 23 @ 7:00pm.

Full minutes and the current financial report are posted on the bulletin board and available from the office.

GODLY PLAY

Dear Godly Play friends,
I have good news to share!   Because the first 24 spaces for the upcoming Godly Play training filled so quickly, the planning committee has decided to add a 3rd trainer so that we can accommodate up to 36 participants.  Thus, if you have people who would like to attend, but haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late.  This national accreditation training will be held July 19-21 at the Parish of St. John the Baptist on the campus of Oregon Episcopal School, 6300 SW Nicol Road, Portland 97223.  Hours are Thursday (4:00-9:00), Friday (8:30-5:00) and Saturday (8:30-3:00).  The registration fee includes all materials and a membership in the Center for the Theology of Childhood as well as substantial snacks on Thursday evening, and light breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday.  Because we want to encourage more than one person from a congregation to attend, we are subsidizing the registration fees for teams.  The registration fee is $360 for the first person for a congregation, $250 per person for additional people from the same congregation not part of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, and $150 per person for additional people from congregations that are a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon.  The registration brochure is available on the Diocese of Oregon website.  Go to www.diocese-oregon.org and from the blue menu on the right, click on Conferences and Events.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our diocese.  Hope people from your congregation will be able to be a part of it.
Please let me know if you have questions and please let me know ASAP if you plan to send people so that I can reserve your spaces.
In peace,
Barb Ross    
“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”
                                                                   - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

ST. LUKE’S GUILD
The women of St. Luke’s Guild will be meeting again on Wednesday, September 5th at 11:00am.  Place to be determined later.  For more information please call Crista at 659-9208.  Remember that all women of St. Luke’s are Guild members.

---Crista Yilek, President

SISTERS OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
The program of the Sisters of the Transfiguration on Anglican Spirituality has been moved to the September 15 and 16, due to conflicts.  Please save those dates for an excellent program on three strands of spirituality: creation centered, Bible centered, and Sacrament centered. 

MISSION PLANNING WORKSHOP
The Rev. George Hemingway, Diocesan Missioner, will lead a workshop at St. Luke’s on Church growth and development on Friday evening, October 13 and Saturday, October 14.  It will produce a draft 3-5 year mission strategy plan for consideration by the Vestry and parish.  If you would like to be part of this visioning team, please speak to Fr. Jim or Senior Warden Dennis James.  A sample agenda is available from the office.

DEREK SEALS
Please continue to keep Derek in your prayers as he continues to go through chemotherapy.  A web site is available for everyone to check on his progress.  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.

PAINT YOUR HEART OUT
“Paint your heart out” is coming soon.  Prep day is September 1st and paint day will be September 8th.  If anyone in the Parish needs their house painted, applications are available from John Kirschner.  For information on how to qualify for this wonderful project call John at 474-2483.  Also if you wish to volunteer and help paint, you can call John.

BIBLE STUDIES FOR ADULTS:

Bible Study
Monday 4pm Bible study will be on vacation until Monday, August 20th.  See you then.

The Bible
Deacon Joani’s Wednesday morning Bible study is meeting at 10:00am in the Guild Room. She is doing an over-view of the Bible and Apocrypha beginning with Genesis. All are welcome. No Bible Study on 4th of July.

Genesis
The Wednesday Night Bible study group has begun a study of the Book of Genesis led by Joe and Starr Hungate.  The group meets at 7:00pm at the home of Al and Lucille Fitchell, 1258 Ironwood.  New comers are welcome.  Call Dan and Joan Collins at 476-6169 if you have any questions or need directions to the Fitchell’s.  No Bible Study on 4th of July

TABLES FOR SALE
We have 9 eight foot by 3 foot folding tables for sale.  Price will be determined by the market.  You may use the sign up sheet on the church office door, or phone, to express an interest.  Proceeds will help pay for our new table.

FROM OUR PARISH NURSE  
 
Frances Osborne
“Mad Dogs and Englishman Go Out in the Midday Sun”

This is promising to be a long hot summer.  Therefore, this is a good time to review some of the basics for dealing with the heat. 
Don’t forget the sun block and be sure to use it according to the directions.  Most sun blocks have to be applied more frequently and take time to work.  Slapping it on then jumping in the pool is not going to help and will only be giving you a sense of false security.  If you are out in the sun a lot such as gardening or hiking, sun hats and UV protective clothing may work better than sun block and using all three is probably a good idea.
Baby’s skin is especially vulnerable to sun burn and an infant can be seriously burned in less than 30 minutes.  Keep the baby covered with light clothing and in the shade.  Don’t leave infants, children or pets in the car even for a few minutes.  Temperatures inside a car can sore to dangerous levels in minutes.
Exercise is hot weather is important and should not be given up just because the weather is hot.  Go out early in the morning or in the evening.  Take a lesson from our neighbors to the south and lay low during the heat of the day.  A siesta would be nice, though your boss might object.  But, most of us can arrange or schedule to be in out of the worst of the heat.
Dehydration is always a concern during hot weather.  If you are physically active or out in the sun be sure to drink plenty of water.  Unless you are involved in a very strenuous activity, sports drinks are not necessary, plain water works just fine.  Older people are prone to dehydration.  There are probably several reasons for this.  As people age their metabolism changes.  Also many older people are sedentary and don’t realize they are losing a lot of moisture plus many take diuretics which increase the amount of fluid that they loose.  Due to poor circulation, they like the heat or for economic reasons avoid using the air conditioner.  Every year a number of older people died because of this reasoning.
Taking a few precautions should see us all through the heat of the summer and don’t forget to get your dog his Rabies vaccination.

MUSIC NOTES 

Summer Hymns
You are invited to use the blue note cards in the pews, or any other method, to request favorite hymns during the summer.  These can be from the Hymnal 1982 or other sources.  We can usually meet all requests.  (If you will be gone part of the summer, you might note when, so we can try to have your favorites when you are in town.)

Choir
The Choir will not rehearse on Wednesday evenings for the summer.  However, Edla invites all singers, whether regular choir members or not, to be at the church at 9:45am to go over the hymns for the service, and sometimes prepare a simple anthem.  

Bell Choir
The Handbell Choir will also be taking the summer off.  Rehearsals will begin again sometime in September.

Praise and Worship Musicians
If you are interested in participating, please contact Ulf Bjorklund at 476-5012 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 summer Sundays.  New singers are welcome.

CALENDAR FOR JULY!
July 1                                       : Church of the Valley service 10:00am @ Riverside Park
July 7                                       : Ultreya @ St. Thomas, Eugene, Oregon at 10:00am
July 8                                       : Church Picnic @ 5:00pm, All Sports Park @ B of A Pavilion
July 19-21                               : Godly Play in Portland, Oregon @ St. John the Baptist
                                                  on the campus of Oregon Episcopal School

CALENDAR FOR AUGUST!
August 23                                : Vestry Meeting @ 7:00pm
August 25                                : Fr. Jim & Pam report on their trip @ 4:00pm in parish Hall 

UP COMING HAPPENINGS at St. Luke’s!
September 15 & 16                  : Sisters of the Transfiguration
October 13 & 14                      : Rev George Hemingway on Congregational Development

Ken and Marianna Merritt for their gift a special sound system for the hearing impaired, in memory of his mother, former Vestry member Florence Kinney.

IN THE WORLD WILL YOU GO TO CHURCH?
Will you be traveling this summer?  Will you find a church wherever you are on Sundays?  If so, bring back a bulletin from any church you attend, and leave it in Jean’s box by the office door.  We’ll post them on the bulletin board and see how many different places of worship the people of St. Luke’s visit between now and September.

TRIP REPORT
On Saturday, August 24th at 4:00pm in the Parish Hall, Fr. Jim and Pam will have a presentation on their trip.  There will be photos to look at and stories to hear.  If you would like to hear more, you may join them for a casual dinner at a place to be determined later.