Luke’s Log (electronic version)

September, 2007

My dear friends,

This month we have a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow in our faith.  One of the great attractions of our Episcopal/Anglican heritage is its deep and rich spiritual tradition.  We experience some of that each Sunday in the Eucharist.  Other aspects are found in our small groups when we gather for Bible study and prayer, while still more is found in the devotional lives of families and individuals.  Sisters Teresa and Alice of the Community of the Transfiguration, a religious community of the Episcopal Church, will help us learn more about this inheritance and help us benefit from it in our own lives. 

Their workshop on Saturday, September 15, described in more detail elsewhere in Luke’s Log, is both for our own members and for interested members of other churches and the general community.  People of many traditions backgrounds will be blessed by learning more about our spiritual traditions.

When I was in Navy Chaplain’s school I was to make a presentation about Anglicanism to the class.  When I stood up, I was able to point out that earlier speakers, from at least four different denominations, had cited Episcopal and Anglican writers and leaders as important in their own spiritual development.  We have given many gifts to the whole Christian world, gifts which usually have their roots in the early church.  One of the marvels of our faith is its profound continuity from Bible times, through the early Church, medieval Christendom, the Reformation and the Catholic Revival, and the modern world.  The Episcopal Church has a vocation among Christian churches to articulate and live out that continuity.

Sometimes contemporary themes connect deeply with ancient traditions.  That is true now of the continuing influence of Celtic spirituality, which is attractive both to those who celebrate Earth Day and advocate for the environment and also to those touched by the renewed interest in the work of the Holy Spirit. 

A constant point of renewal for Christians has been study of the Bible, a tradition we inherit from the Benedictines who were so central to the religious life of medieval England, and whose Biblical orientation is central to our Book of Common Prayer. 

The third spirituality to be addressed by the sisters, sacramental/incarnational, may be the most exciting of all. In the other two one might say, with only modest oversimplification, that we find God.  In this third tradition we discover that God finds us, God comes to us, first in creation, then in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and then through simple objects and actions, including water and bread and wine. 

“READY TO START SCHOOL RIGHT”
Join the 6th Annual Ready to Start School Right program drive for school supplies to help children in need through out Josephine County be fully prepared to learn and thrive this next school year. Suggested Items are Pens, Pencils, Rulers, Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, Glue Sticks, Watercolors, and many more.  You can make a donation call or stop by RSVP/Asante Senior Resources at 124 NW Midland, #105.  Or call 955-5547 for further information on how you can help.

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

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!

DEREK SEALS
Please keep Derek in your prayers.  Derek’s grandmother, Joanna Gullock, send updates by e-mail, so if you are on the church’s e-mail list, we will be sending out these to you.  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.

FROM OUR PARISH NURSE  
 
Frances Osborne

 “A Dozen Oranges”     
When I was a little girl, my mother would make orange juice. She’d take a dozen fresh oranges, cut them in half, attach the juicer to the Mix Master, and proceed to juice all 12 of them. This would give each of the four members of my family four ounces of the most delicious orange juice I have ever tasted. The rest of the week there was always a large bowl of fresh fruit on the table. While Mother made oatmeal for breakfast, each of us would eat a piece of fruit.

My, how times have changed! We go to the refrigerator, take out a container, pour out a 10-ounce glass of orange juice, drink it down and never give it a thought. If you shop for drinking glasses, you will find it very difficult to buy four-ounce, or even six ounce, juice glasses. Most are at least 12, and often 16 ounces. No wonder we have trouble controlling our weight.

Over-consumption is insidious. It frequently invades our lives in ways that we never even thought of. Orange juice is healthy. It is good for you. But if every 4-ounce glass contains the equivalent of three oranges (see my example in the first paragraph), then a 10-ounce glass would be the equivalent of eating eight oranges. Minus the much-needed fiber.

The American Dietetic Association announced last week that fruit juice is as bad as soft drinks, in terms of weight control. As you consider ways to reduce your food intake while improving your health, think of the orange. How long does it take to drink 4 ounces of orange juice? Now, how long does it take you to peel an orange, section it, and pop each sweet juicy piece into your mount and feel that wonderful fresh juice on your taste buds and all the way down your throat? Maybe we can learn to look critically at the food we eat, and get back to the basic, underlying food—food that is nutritious, delicious, and a pleasure to eat—minus the sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, salt, and hydrogenated fats. As many have noted, 75 years ago there was very little obesity. There also were very few highly-processed foods, and orange juice was a real treat.

I hope these reflections whet your appetite for much more.  Although I hope many will come for the whole Saturday workshop, it would be better to come for only part of the day than miss it entirely.  Although a modest contribution is requested on Saturday, I hope many will give more, and none will stay away if they are unable to give.

Sister Alice will be our preacher on Sunday, September 16.  Sunday afternoon at 3:30 is a fun and interesting exploration of Ireland’s spiritual heritage, illustrated by pictures and stories from the sisters journey through Ireland last year. 

On a personal level, Pam joins me in thanking God and you and our diocese for the privilege of sabbatical time, for refreshment and rest, study and renewal.  Our summer month in Europe took us to the heart of old Christendom and the modern challenges to the faith in Western culture.  The upcoming month of October in Africa will take us to the frontiers of our faith. 

Sabbatical time is also time for the parish to, as it were, flex its muscles in my absence.  In particular on October 12-13, Fr. George Hemingway, our diocesan missioner will meet with the Vestry and all interested members in an exploration of congregation development.  This can lay the foundation for developing a long range plan to guide the life of our parish for the next five or ten years, years which will include the calling of the next Rector of St. Luke’s.  We have accomplished much in the last 113 years, and especially in the last few years.  This is a good time to look to the future and the opportunities and missions to which God is calling St. Luke’s.  A “Loyalty Dinner” will be offered on Saturday evening, October 13, for all of our members, at which Fr. Hemingway will be the speaker.  This will also mark the start of the annual pledge drive, in which we consider that aspect of our stewardship which involves support of the parish with time, treasure and talent. This will be an excellent meal offered as a gift to the parish from a few of our members.  Mark your calendars.

Finally, say a prayer for our young people as schools, youth group, and Sunday School begins a new year.

Much love,

ST. LUKE’S RUMMAGE SALE
St. Luke’s is holding a RUMMAGE SALE on Saturday, September 22nd in the Parish Hall from 9:00am until 2:00pm. Set up for the rummage sale will be on Friday, September 21st starting at 12:00pm.  If you have any questions, you can call Fr. Jim or Pam at 476-2493 or 479-0452.  Helpers are needed (including men) for setup as well as clean up.  The Vestry has designated the proceeds from the sale to be donated to the Gospel Rescue Mission’s building fund.

Presentations will include:
 
An Overview of "Anglican" Spirituality and the Roots of its Heritage; questions and discussion; presentations on the three strands of Anglican heritage and some experience of reflection and prayer with each of them: Celtic Spirituality, Benedictine Spirituality, and Sacramental / Incarnational Spirituality

SUNDAY, September 16, 3:30:  TOUCHING THE SOUL OF IRELAND:  As Sister Teresa and Sister Alice traveled through Northern Ireland and the northern counties of the Irish Republic in 2006 they often felt that they were touching the Celtic Spirit as it has permeated Irish life and culture for generations. This slide presentation chronicles some of those experiences from St. Columba and St. Patrick to the contemporary Church in Ireland.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Daughters of the King meet 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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Nicholas Yilek - 9/5                            Kayla Flick - 9/6                        Christopher Calvert  9/19

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.

COFFEE HOUR
We need coffee hour hosts. 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.

Thomas Collet, a foreign exchange student from France who will be living with the Fuller family for the year.

STEPHEN MINISTRY
READY?  SET?  MINISTER?
Riding a bike.  Using a new computer program. Ironing a shirt.  Training is important whenever anyone learns a new skill.  Training is important in Stephen Ministry too.  Before Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers begin their work, they go through a lot of training.  When they start their official ministry, they're ready.

A training class for Stephen Ministers is beginning soon.  To find out more about what this ministry has to offer, contact Dan or Joan Collins, 476-6169 today.

WELCOME TO THE DIOCESE
The Diocese has produced a wonderful brochure which you will find in the Narthex.  It has a map of all the Episcopal Churches and Missions in our diocese, which is great if you are traveling throughout the diocese and would like to find a church to attend.  It also tells about our faith and our mission for the diocese.  Please pick one up and see what our diocese has to offer.

CHURCH KEYS
If you have a door key to St. Luke’s or a key to the Sacristy and are not using it, please turn it into the office. 

COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTER
The Gospel Rescue Mission has been able to reopen their recycling center at 1010 SW Foundry Street.  Their hours are Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm.  They accept the following materials:
Aluminum: such as beverage cans, pet food containers, pot & pans, pie plates, window and door frames. NO aluminum foil.
Clothing, linens, hats & shoes: in resalable condition. NO rags or items with paint or grease.
Copper, brass & bronze
Corrugated cardboard: moving boxes. NO waxed or greasy cardboard or paperboard items such as cereal boxes.
Paper products: computer paper, newspaper, junk mail or magazines.
Plastics: #1, 2, 4 containers such as milk jugs that are rinsed, pallet wrap, shopping bags.  NO Styrofoam.

For a more extensive list you can call them at 955-1091.

Sister Alice L Reid is a member of the Episcopal Community of the Transfiguration whose headquarters are in Cincinnati Ohio. A native of Canada she grew up in Vancouver, BC. She is a graduate of Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio in Religious Studies. She was a part of the Community’s ministry in Sendai, Japan for a number of years and later was the director of St. Dorothy’s Rest Camp and Conference Center in the diocese of California. Sr. Alice has held numerous leadership positions in the Community and served as its Superior from 1993 to 1998. Presently she lives in the Community’s house in Eureka, California and has been a workshop leader and spiritual director in northern California for a number of years.

Sister Teresa Marie Martin: Sister Teresa is a member of the Episcopal Community of the Transfiguration. She is a native Californian and graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. After entering the Community in Cincinnati, Ohio she lived there for a number of years serving as teacher and administrator of Bethany School in Glendale, Ohio. While she was in Cincinnati she completed a Master of Arts in Theology degree with an emphasis in Anglican Spirituality at Xavier University. Since returning to California in the 1980's she has primarily been involved in leading workshops and retreats in various aspects of prayer and spirituality as well as various diocesan and parish activities. She currently lives in the community’s branch house in Eureka, CA.

ACOLYTE DAY
The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan
Presents Acolyte Day
Honoring the Acolytes of our Diocese and Their Advisors
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Good Samaritan Church, Corvallis
Come early to visit and enjoy drinks and cookies at 9 A.M.
Festal Eucharist, 10:30 A.M.
Picnic Lunch, 11:30 A.M.
Oregon State University vs. Idaho State, 1 P.M. *
*Time Subject to Change
This is your chance to see the OSU Beavers for only $20, including lunch!  We will be offering all tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
All registrations must be received by September 10. Acolytes are reminded to bring their vestments and church banners and stands.
You can pick up registration form in the Church Office or call 476-2493 and one will be mailed to you.

ST. LUKE’S GUILD
The women of St. Luke’s Guild will be meeting again on Wednesday, September 5th at 11:00am at the Sizzler Restaurant on 6th Street.  For more information please call Crista at 659-9208.  Remember that all women of St. Luke’s are Guild members.

---Crista Yilek, President

PAINT YOUR HEART OUT
St. Luke’s is participating in Paint Your heart this year and the house has been chosen.  The residence is at 1786 Gardendale.  It is in the Fruitdale area and is owned by Randi & Lammi McGee. September 1st is the day for preparation from 9:00am until 1:00pm.  There will be a hot dog roast for lunch.  September 8th is “paint day” from 9:00am until 1:00pm.  At 2:00pm the city of Grants Pass will treat us with a Bar-B-que lunch at the All Sports park.  John Kirschner is the co-coordinator for St. Luke’s, if you would like to help, please call him at 474-2483.

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

TAKE A WALK ON THE ROGUE

The 8th annual “Take a walk along the Rogue” will take place September 15th at Reinhart Volunteer Park beginning at 9:30am.  The Event begins at 9:30am with a free pancake breakfast and concludes with a live band and free hot dogs at 4:30pm.  This family event is held each September to celebrate our parks and our community.  All activities are FREE.  For a full list of events, please call 474-6360 or go to www.ci.grants-pass.or.us

CROP WALK IS COMING!!
The 20th annual Grants Pass CROP Walk to aid the needy will be Sunday, October 7th. Twenty-five percent of the funds generated remain in Josephine County to support local hunger programs. The rest will go to Church World Service, which assists the needy on the national and international levels.

Contact Marlies Wilson at 474-1090 if you have any questions. She will be recruiting both walkers and sponsors for this annual event.

FROM THE ALTAR GUILD
Thank you to all of you who have signed up for  flowers and Sanctuary candles.  If either of these are for a special occasion or in honor of or memory of someone, please call the office at 476-2493 so that it may be noted in the Sunday Bulletin.  If you have any questions about flowers or the candles, please call Flo Graham at 479-1493.

CURSILLO
Up coming Cursillo:
October 4 – 7    : Co-ed Weekend Cursillo in Eugene at St. Thomas. To learn more, please contact the office at 476-2493.  If you are planning on sponsoring a candidate, please get the applications in soon, as spaces are filling up fast.  Cursillo is a “little course in Christianity” which has encouraged and inspired tens of thousands of Episcopalians in their walk with Christ and his Church.  It combines teaching and witness (by both lay people and clergy), good food and fellowship, worship and prayer and a bit of fun.
If you have any questions talk to Fr. Jim, Deacon Joani or any of the members of St. Luke’s who have experience a Cursillo week-end.

Applications can be found at www.oregoncursillo.org    for additional information, please contact Tracy Esquerre   tracyesg@aol.com  Communications Chair 2007 Women’s Cursillo.

Help Wanted:
Visitors for the youth prison.
Helpers for the Park Ministry

BIBLE STUDIES FOR ADULTS:

Bible Study
Monday 4pm Bible study has resumed in the Guild Room of the Parish Hall.  See you then.

The Bible
Deacon Joani’s Wednesday morning Bible study is meeting at 10:00am in the Guild Room. All are welcome.

Genesis
The group meets at 7:00pm at the home of Dan & Joan Collins at 531 Crestview Loop.  New comers are welcome.  Call Dan and Joan Collins at 476-6169 if you have any questions or need directions to their home. 

MUSIC NOTES 

Choir
Choir rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 5th 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 will also begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 5th at 4:30pm with new members being added on a continuing basis.  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 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.

WHAT’S ON THE CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER        
September 1& 8           :  Paint Your Heart Out!
September 15th & 16th  :  Sisters Teresa & Alice from Community of the Transfiguration
                                       @ St. Luke’s
September 15th             :   Acolyte Day with the Bishop @ Corvallis
September 15th             :   Diocesan Assembly for Daughters of the King @ St. Paul’s in Oregon
                                           City                                  

COMING LATER

October 7th                  :  CROP Walk
October 4-7                 :  Co-ed Cursillo @ St. Mark’s in Medford
October 13th                :  Safe Church training @ St. Luke’s
October 13 & 14          :  Rev George Hemingway on Congregational Development
November 8-10                       :  Diocesan Convention & Ministry fair @ Salem Conference Center
November 30               :  Photo Directory
December 1                 :  Photo Directory

Church Photo Directory
Olan Mills Photographers will be at St. Luke’s to do the new Church Directories.  They will be here on November 31st and December 1st, with times to be announced soon.  If you would like to have pictures taken for Christmas gifts, they guarantee that you will have them in time for mailing.  St. Luke’s needs a coordinator for this project, if you would like to help please call the office at 476-2493.

Thank you for you caring sympathy.  Ginger loved St. Luke’s and you all meant so much to her.  She is has now been laid to rest.
I personally want to thank you for all the cards and phone calls.  They have been such a comfort.
Blessings to you all. 

Phyllis Harkson

TRACTS IN OUR NATHEX by Susan Hall

Christ and Cancer
            It seems that cancer has touched all our lives, either directly or through friends and family.  Often we question, or others question us about prayer, the power of Jesus to heal, and miracles.  This short tract covers all these things, and is a moving statement of faith.  For me, an especially lovely section deals with what kind of prayers we might direct to God on behalf of others who are suffering.
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
            There are at least 12 tracts concerning out Church: this is one of the shorter ones.  It speaks very briefly of our history, our faith (in terms of tradition and Doctrine), our ministries, our sacraments and worship, and shows how to become a member of the Church.
Prayer for Beginners
            This helpful tract is not a lecture on prayer, but a sharing about prayer by Archbishop Anthony Bloom.  It is part of a group of tracts on prayer.  While the style and language may reflect Great Britain in the 1950’s, the ideas are exceedingly straightforward and usable by anyone to begin or enrich their prayer lift.  He sets up very basic issues such as considering who we are, and who God is, and gives us simple, one sentence statements to form and focus our prayers.  He also includes the rather thorny issue of “unanswered prayer”.

Stop in the Narthex as you enter or leave the Church and look at the multitude of short publications available on the Tract Rack.  You’ll see 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 August/September/ October edition 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.  Also Glimpses is out.

SAFE Church Training
Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon
Saturday, October 13, 2007
St. Luke’s Church

8:30am -12:30pm – “Safeguarding God’s Children”
This session is required for all clergy, paid employees, senior wardens and all volunteers who work with children and youth in the Episcopal Church.

1:00pm – 5:00pm “Identifying and Preventing Sexual
Harassment and Sexual Exploitation”
This session is required for all clergy, paid employees, vestry/BAC members, lay Eucharistic ministers, lay Eucharistic visitors, and Stephen ministers.

Cost: $10 per person per session
Persons attending both the morning and afternoon session are asked to bring a sack lunch as there will not be time to go out for lunch in between.  For on-line registration, go to
www.dioceseoregon.org scroll down below the pictures and click on SAFE Church Training.

Registration also may be downloaded and mailed to:
SAFE Church Training
The Episcopal Diocese of Oregon
11800 SW Military Lane
Portland, Oregon 97219

For further information, please contact Barbara Ross, Christian Education Coordinator,
 1-800-452-2562 x111 or barbarar@diocese-oregon.org

           
FISHING FOR MEN AND WOMEN!
FISH, the community based food pantry that St. Luke’s supports is fishing for volunteers. They are needed to help with tasks ranging from clerical/administrative to filling pantry orders for customers.  FISH is supported by various churches in the Grants Pass area and is based at Newman United Methodist Church.  FISH provides food and basic personal care items for hundreds of our neighbors in need every month.  Many of these are children of parents who work but have to stretch their wages to pay bills and other basic necessities.  At present, there are no volunteers from St. Luke’s helping in the pantry and FISH could sure use your help!  Fish is open to serve our community on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.  Do you have a few hours you can invest several times a month?  Please contact Nancy Livingood, St. Luke’s FISH representative, at 944-0862 for more information on how you can help. 

FISH Food Drive
Well, not “fish food” but food for FISH, the community pantry!  Feel free to bring your own bags full of contributions at any time.  Any nonperishable food items are welcome, but especially:
Canned stews, soups, meats, tuna, vegetables, and canned milk
Pasta, beans, or rice
Peanut butter, jams, crackers
Personal items: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, diapers

If you prefer to make a financial contribution, please make your check payable to St. Luke’s and note “FISH” in the memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Livingood, St. Luke’s FISH representative, at 944-0862.

You are invited to a

for

Sunday, September 9, 2007
at 1:00 pm in the Parish Hall
Please come for a fun and relaxing time of celebration. 

Gift ideas:

• A baby sling
• Disposable diapers
• Crib sheets
• Gift cards
• Casseroles that can be frozen (Dad doesn’t cook!)

Joan Collins

Joan was born in Washington DC and raised as an only child in Maryland.  She was baptized in the Episcopal Church at 3 weeks of age and confirmed at the National Cathedral.

After graduating from high school, she worked briefly for the Washington DC, and then for the Federal Government as a secretary.  While working there, she spent week-ends at a serviceman’s organization similar to the USO which was sponsored by the Episcopal Church in Washington.  That is where she met Dan Collins.  They were married at Addison Chapel, an Episcopal mission church in January 1966, while he was still in the Navy.  They have 2 daughters, Julie and Laura, both teachers and living in Oregon.  Both girls were born in Washington DC.  They also have three grandsons.

After Dan was discharged in 1968, they stayed in the DC area for 2 years and then moved to Grants Pass, where Dan was raised, to join his Dad’s business, Wade’s Rentals.  She and Dan started attending St. Luke’s shortly after they arrived in Oregon.  After 34 years of renting equipment and selling John Deer Tractors, they retired.

Over the past years, she has been a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Altar Guild.  More recently, she has been taking Holy Communion, along with Dan, to shut-ins and she has become Altar Guild Directress.  She has also received training for the Stephen Ministries Leadership.  For the past three years, she has been a volunteer Chaplain at TRCH, and she is a member of The Daughters of the King.

She enjoys the fellowship at St. Luke’s and feels it is family.  Joan is a very compassionate, caring person, giving comfort to those to whom she administers and it is to all a great comfort.

We are blessed to have Joan as a representative of our faith, with her love of caring for others.

Juliette Fischer-Melia