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NEWSLETTER, MAY 2008: Corrie ten Boom, author of “The Hiding Place,” writes that every person you meet and every thing that happens to you is part of God’s plan for you. I know that has been true in my life. What about yours? Maybe that’s what we mean when some of us say, “It’s a God thing,” as we try to explain something that seems so very much like a coincidence. Just last Thursday David sent me a precious online video that told the story of a teacher giving out blue ribbons to all her students, telling each one how they made a difference. Each student received more blue ribbons to take to others to tell them how they made a difference, and they were all to come back and assess the project. Well, it was amazing how special it made each recipient feel to know they made a difference. One student gave one of his ribbons to a businessman, who gave one of his ribbons to his boss, who gave a ribbon to his son, who was on the verge of committing suicide, not feeling good about himself until he knew his dad loved him so much. The blue ribbon that his own father gave him made him change his thought processes to accept the fact that he was loved….a major turn-around. Now the story may or may not be true, but the same day I saw the video I showed it to my faculty at Lake Travis Elementary School and they were touched as I was at how positive feedback to others makes changes in your heart. The very next day after I showed the video, a first grader came to my office and gave me a blue ribbon that said I make a difference. Her father had given it to her, and he had received it at his graduate class the previous evening. I called the dad, thanked him and told him of the coincidence of my showing the video and his receiving the ribbon. I told him, “It’s a God thing.” Now he teaches science so I am not sure how he synthesized this, but I live in amazement at the connections God makes for all of us and made for me. I think it has been God’s plan to have Les and Tanya with us for these last 16 months at St. Luke’s. They truly shared their personalities and gifts with us, and we wish them well on their next journey of finding what God’s plan is in their lives. Tommy and Connie Bye happen to have bought a home in Marble Falls 26 years ago and retired in December to that house, surrendering their future to God. We need an interim at St. Luke’s and Tommy met with the Bishop’s Committee, sharing his surrender to God’s plan for him. The committee met April 24 and voted to ask him to join us as interim. The wonders of God’s plan for us start with our surrender, and the committee is at peace in our unanimous decision to ask Tommy to lead us in the next step, and we are in awe of what God has planned for us. This is new territory, and for those who may feel anxious, there is another ten Boom quote: “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” I say we should be trusting God if it seems dark. I think He has a blue-ribbon plan for St. Luke’s. Tommy and Connie Bye are part of that plan. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. Liz Manning KEEPING IN PRAYER…….. Cynthia, Peggy, Lee Paul, Jeannie, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Sandy, Harrison, Blaine, Joe, Buddy, Lance, Marge, Troy, Betty, Steve, Rebecca, Janet, Billie WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Last summer, Ladd and I retired and decided to settle in Austin. We both grew up in Texas. Ladd grew up in Houston, Lubbock and Dallas. I basically spent the first 42 years of my life in Dallas. Ladd attended North Texas State, and I, SMU. Ladd was in the oil business and then an environmental consultant. I, who grew up singing in my family, spent my twenties playing folk music in clubs around Texas and Oklahoma, performing in theater, and working on college. In 1984, I received my Masters in psychology and began working as a psychotherapist. Our children include “yours, mine and ours.” Ladd has two daughters, one in Colorado and one in Alaska, and four grandchildren from a previous marriage. I have a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in Dallas. Ladd and I have a son, Hupp, 24, who is in school in Chicago, and Katherine, 20, a musician living in Austin. Hupp will spend this summer with us in Austin. Ladd and I were married in 1983, then joined The Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, TX. Soon thereafter, we went to Crusillo in the Diocese of Dallas, truly a life changing experience. Ladd answered a call to ministry, and a year after they began their journey, we followed our friends, Father Tommy and Connie Bye, to Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin in 1992. Our children were four and eight. I began working as a psychotherapist at a local hospital. When Ladd decided against the ordination route, the children were in their schools with their friends, I liked my job, so we decided to stay. Ladd returned to an old passion (acting) and performed with several theater groups in Milwaukee. He also made several TV commercials. During that time we were active in several Episcopal churches in the greater Milwaukee area. Nothing prepared us for the welcome and comfort we felt when Connie Bye told us about St. Luke’s, Cypress Mill. Some may wonder why we drive so far to go to church. I can only say that there is something about this place and you people that quickly stole our hearts. We thank you all for being there and pray for a long relationship with St. Luke’s and its community. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the music at St. Luke’s. During our off time, you will find me creating folk art sculpture and walking Eloise, our dog. Ladd enjoys painting when he can find room for his easel, as well as reading. When otherwise not involved in these activities, Ladd is an easy touch on the golf course. Thank you again. Love, Sally and Ladd Smith THE WONDER OF LIGHTS: A pressure line in the Pedernales River at Hammett’s Crossing will soon be monitoring the height of the river, sending a message to the Bell Springs Communication Tower if the river makes the low-water bridge impassable. Four new flashing lights will then alert motorists on Hamilton Pool Road that they will not be able to cross at this spot. David Greer, Travis County Traffic Program Computer Manager, said that not only will the signal lights assist people in knowing whether the river is up, but will also be blinking if there is an obstruction on the bridge, such as in the case of a car accident. These lights will be in operation within a few weeks, according to Greer. One light is located at Hwy. 71 and Hamilton Pool Road, as soon as you make the turn on to Hamilton Pool Road. The second light is located at the juncture of RR 12 and Hamilton Pool Road, just a bit west of Bert and Ernie’s. The other two flashing lights are located above Hammett’s Crossing on each side of the river. This wonderful new alert system is something that many people in the community expressed a desire to see put in place when Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty spoke at St. Luke’s during one of our community events. Hats off to Commissioner Daugherty! UNITED THANK OFFERING: The spring ingathering of the United Thank Offering will be Sunday, May 4. Bring your offerings of thanksgiving for presentation at the altar: The total will be sent to the Diocesan Coordinator to fill grants and needs as requested. For what are you thankful? Mae Hernlund UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS: There will not be a Bishop’s Committee meeting this month. This next one is scheduled for June 26. Bishop Reed will visit our church June 1. Hope you can plan on being there to welcome him. Start making plans to gather-up the little ones for Vacation Bible School. It will take place July 28-August 1. Volunteers will be needed to make this another wonderful time for the youngsters. BIRTHDAYS: Randy Moon Rick Schroeter Derry Jameson Patrick Fruin Pat Burleson Bob Keith Gloria Belle Keith Gardner Mike Kelley Marie McShane Fielding Reiner ANNIVERSARIES: ohn and Susan Dunham Chuck and Dottie Moon LAY READERS: 8 a.m. service: 5/4 Leigh Craig 5/11 David Manning 5/18 David Greene 5/25 John Stephenson 10:15 a.m. service: 5/4 Marie McShane 5/11 Paula Sumners 5/18 Liz Manning 5/25 Pat Burleson ACOLYTES: 5/4 Quentin Jameson 5/11 Thomas Sumners 5/18 David Manning 5/25 Joseph Stephenson ALTAR GUILD: 5/4 Gail Moreman 5/11 Paula Sumners and Sandi Burleson 5/18 Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 5/25 Rita Reiner GREETERS AND USHERS: 5/4 David Greene 5/11 Ladd Smith 5/18 Pat Burleson 5/25 Don Gray 8 a.m. service: Fielding Reiner (if available) TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: Ann Walton is a wonderful teacher leading the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. This dedicated group meets in Swope Hall at 9:30 a.m. each week. The Gospel of Matthew is what they are studying this year. Please plan on attending. You will always be welcomed! NEWSLETTER, APRIL 2008: In lieu of the “Vicar’s Voice” column this month, we want to introduce you to our newest members. Each one has provided us with a brief snapshot of their background and why they chose St. Luke’s as their new church home. We are so thankful they are now a part of our church family! DAVID GREENE: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, David was adopted by George and Anne Greene in 1934 through the Cradle Adoption Agency in Detroit. David’s father was an engineer for Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, and later became Chief Engineer for the Texas Division. David’s family moved to Freeport, Texas in 1940. A graduate of Baylor University, David followed in his father’s footsteps and began working for Dow Chemical. In the ensuing years, he was employed by Olin Matheson Chemical and Northern Petrochemical. It was in 1951 that David married his first wife, Patricia Beasley, and of that union the couple had four children. David said that he met and married his second wife, Jacquelyn Colleen Rudolphy, in 1971, and his family expanded by three with the children his wife had from a previous marriage. The couple moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1982 and lived there until David retired from Northern Petrochemical in 1987. Heading back to Texas was their goal at that point and Wimberley looked like the best place to settle down. They joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church that same year. During their retirement, David said they traveled around enjoying the 36-foot fifth wheel trailer they owned. Not all of their time was spent footloose and fancy free, however. The two stayed busy as “work campers,” working in RV parks throughout Maine, California and Texas. Jackie passed away April 20, 2006 and her ashes were placed in the columbarium at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. David, who has 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, resides in Johnson City. “For a little old adopted kid, I sure grew a good family,” he proudly said. He was drawn to St. Luke’s because he said he “felt at home” after his very first visit. He was also surprised when he discovered that Gordon Swope had been the Vicar at St. Luke’s, since David had known Gordon many years ago as his Priest at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Lake Jackson. You can find David during the week at his job at the Johnson City Hardware Store, where, with his outgoing, friendly nature, he knows everyone who comes in by name! LONNIE AND MONIQUE RAGSDALE: These two get the most distance traveled to work each day award. Monique drives to San Antonio to her job (180 miles round trip), and Lonnie to Lampasas (90 miles round trip). Their home is in Cottonwood Shores, near Horseshoe Bay. Now, that’s a long time spent behind the wheel in traffic! Lonnie and Monique moved to the Marble Falls area in 1983 from Beeville, Texas, after Lonnie’s discharge from active duty with the U.S. Navy Seabees. Lonnie retired from the Navy Reserves in 2003. Monique has been employed in the insurance industry for over 20 years and currently works for an independent insurance agency. A graduate of the University of Texas, Lonnie is Transportation Engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation of the Brownwood District. Parents of two grown sons, these empty-nesters have two dogs, Sweetie and Partner, and one cat named Otis. Lonnie and Monique were married at St. Luke’s on the Lake in Austin in 1974. When they saw the sign for St. Luke’s in Cypress Mill they were intrigued and decided one Sunday to attend a worship service. They said they enjoyed the welcome they received from the congregation, and also Father Les’ service. They have, in their words, “felt God’s presence ever since that first service.” TOMMY AND CONNIE BYE: Native Texans, Tommy and Connie have known each other since Connie’s 21st birthday party in Austin. They were married April 11, 1981, and have two children and two grandchildren. They have recently moved out to land they own east of Marble Falls after living for over 20 years in Dallas. While in Dallas, Tommy was a real estate broker with his own company, and also sold life insurance. Connie worked with clients interested in small investment properties and sold some homes. It was 18 years ago that Tommy entered the Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin. After he was ordained, he served as a Priest and Rector at two churches in Ft. Worth, the last of which was St. Luke’s in the Meadow, where he remained for 13 years. Both Tommy and Connie have been very active in the church for many years, especially Cursillo, where they have served on many teams. Just a few highlights on Tommy: he headed the Task Force for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and worked with families throughout the diocese needing assistance. He was also the representative for the diocese of Ft. Worth with the General Committee for the Billy Graham Crusade, planning ahead of the event to be held there and having the pleasure of meeting Billy Graham. Tommy has served for six years on the Board of Trustees for the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. This office has been a great pleasure for him, since he attended the Sewanee Military Academy during high school and is very involved in the Alumni Association. Connie is very gifted in many ways. She studied art at the University of Texas and has taken many classes in the last 10 years in photography, with a particular interest in black and white photography. She’s also had her own interior design business and hopes to get back into this line of work. Connie and Tommy found St. Luke’s to be just what they were looking for when searching for a new church home, saying, “The wonderful energy at St. Luke’s is infectious and we have loved getting to know everyone.” Many of you have already heard Tommy’s sermons when Les was out of town and he filled in. We are very blessed to have both of them at our church MORE TO COME…….. Sally and Ladd Smith, longtime friends of Tommy and Connie Bye, have also become “regulars” at St. Luke’s. They will be featured next month in the newsletter. We’ll give them plenty of time to pull all of the interesting information about their lives together by the time the May newsletter is ready to go to print. Stay tuned…….. KEEPING IN PRAYER….. Cynthia, Peggy, Lee Paul, Jeannie, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Sandy, Harrison, Kristen, Blaine, Joe, Lance, Marge, Troy IN THANKSGIVING: Praise and thanks to you for the prayers and visits, the cards and gifts of food and flowers during my recovery. I am able now to attend services with a walking cane. It is wonderful to be back. KITCHEN NOTES: If the kitchen looks organized and fully stocked, you can thank Marie McShane. She is now the “Kitchen Coordinator,” which means she not only buys paper plates, napkins, sugar, creamer, coffee, etc., when needed, but also has to weed through a lot of food that has been left behind from Sunday refreshments and other occasions. Marie has asked that everyone take home crackers, chips and refrigerator items that they have brought with them. This helps in maintaining a clean kitchen and prevents rodents and insects from being enticed to the pantry. Marie had also purchased three round, white tablecloths to be used in Swope Hall. Two are missing. If you have these items washed and ready to return, please let Marie know. REFRESHMENTS: One of our favorite times for all to come together and visit is after church each Sunday. Many thanks to all of you who help by providing cookies, cakes, fruit and other delicious refreshments for this visiting time. It’s always so appreciated. We have a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those who would graciously contribute once a month, or once every two months in making the table of goodies complete. Please consider taking a Sunday and helping with this fellowship ministry. Rita, Refreshment Coordinator BIRTHDAYS: Jean Phillips Joe McShane ANNIVERSARIES: 4/11 Tommy and Connie Bye LAY READERS: 4/6 Liz Manning 4/13 Pat Burleson 4/20 Mike Kelley 4/27 Thomas Sumners ACOLYTES: 4/6 David Manning 4/13 Joseph Stephenson 4/20 Ian Stephenson 4/27 Christie Schroeter ALTAR GUILD: 4/6 Gail Moreman 4/13 Paula Sumners and Sandi Burleson 4/20 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 4/27 Rita Reiner and Christie Schroeter GREETERS AND USHERS: 8 a.m. service: Fielding Reiner (if available) 10:15 a.m. service: 4/6 Don Gray 4/13 Rick Schroeter 4/20 Ann Bond 4/27 Joe McShane BISHOP’S COMMITTEE MEETING: The next date for the Bishop’s Committee to meet is April 24, at 6 p.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Now that you have the two church service times memorized, please don’t forget about the 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School. There’s a good crowd attending on Sundays, but there’s always room for more. Everyone takes a turn at leading the group on the Lectionary for each Sunday. TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: Ann Walton is a wonderful teacher leading the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. This dedicated group meets in Swope Hall at 9:30 a.m. each week. The Gospel of Matthew is what they are studying this year. Please plan on attending. You will always be welcomed! COMMUNITY EVENT: Everyone is invited to an evening with Dan Snodgrass, who will discuss the subject of a nature conservancy. This will take place on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. NEWSLETTER, MARCH 2008: VICAR’S VOICE: I’ve just returned from San Antonio where I, along with our delegates and alternates, attended the 104th Diocesan Council. It was a blessed time of worship, reconnecting to old friendships, and being inspired by our Diocesan leadership. Our Bishop, Gary Lillibridge, sets the event by proclaiming a theme for the following year. Last year, it was “Lower Your Nets Into Deep Water.” This year, which is appropriate for our Lenten season, we are asked to “Deny Yourself, Take-up Your Cross and Follow Jesus.” (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23). Bishop Lillibridge, in his opening sermon at Council, began with three questions: A) What kind of person are you? B) What kind of person do you want to be? C) What bridge is needed in your life to move from point “A” to point “B”? He gave several examples from our forebears who were instrumental in the development of our Diocese as it is known today. There was a great amount of living out the Gospel lesson of self-denial, picking-up one’s cross and following Jesus. The Gospel passages from Matthew, Mark and Luke are not particularly favorite Scripture verses for the mega pep rally churches. Self-denial, taking on the burden of cross bearing and following a Man who said He was from God and lived a long time ago is not an easy thing to do, even for those who say, “I am a Christian believer.” Saying it is one thing, believing is another, and living it requires courage and commitment to a mystery we can’t control. The Bishop has presented to us the core values that are necessary to live out this Gospel which is “ to be Jesus’ witnesses to our broken and sinful world.” It requires: A) Faith B) Scripture, prayer and worship C) Evangelism D) Mission E) Reconciliation In our faith, we pattern our lives on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In diligent pursuit of Scripture, prayer and sacramental worship, we are grounded in our faith and lay a foundation for our faith. When we are courageous enough to evangelize, we proclaim by word and example God’s saving love revealed in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to reach beyond ourselves to serve all people in our communities and throughout the world. When we do all of the above, we are truly a community committed to living in reconciled relationship with God and all of God’s people. This, our Bishop and others believe, is the core value for denying yourself, taking-up your cross and following Christ. In his sermon, he quotes, “For our life in Christ is not simply about information, it is about transformation. If you attempt to live the Gospel passages, you will be engaged in transformation.” He also quoted from a man who lived into the transforming grace of Christ, Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King said, “I admire the Good Samaritan, but I don’t want to be the Good Samaritan, I want to fix the road to Jericho so no one gets beat-up going there.” To build a better and safer road requires more than information. It requires the God given courage to step forward and offer ourselves as living, breathing instruments of healing and reconciliation to ourselves, our neighbors and those who are in need. What kind of person are you? What kind of person do you really want to be in this short span of life you think you own? What bridge is needed in your life to move from “who” you are, to “what” you are, to “who” God has called you to be? Paul told his young apprentice, Timothy, to “Take hold of the life that really is life.” (1 Timothy 6:19). I remember the quote from the movie The Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” Peace, Fr. Spear+ KEEPING IN PRAYER….. Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Mae, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Sandy, Harrison, Kristen, Quentin, Blain, Joe BIRTHDAYS: Peggy Stieler Hillery Keith ANNIVERSARIES: 3/15 Bob and Frana Keith Tom and Sue Peterson LAY READERS: 3/2 Paula Sumners 3/9 Liz Manning 3/16 Pat Burleson 3/20 Mike Kelley (Maundy Thursday) 3/21 Thomas Sumners (Good Friday) 3/23 Marie McShane (Easter Sunday) 3/30 Paula Sumners ACOLYTES: 3/2 Thomas Sumners 3/9 Christie Schroeter 3/16 Quentin Jameson 3/23 David Manning ALTAR GUILD: 3/2 Gail Moreman 3/9 Paula Sumners and Sandi Burleson 3/16 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 3/23 Rita Reiner and Christie Schroeter 3/30 Gail Moreman GREETERS AND USHERS: 8 a.m. service: Fielding Reiner 10:15 a.m. service: 3/2 Rick Schroeter 3/9 Ann Bond 3/16 Joe McShane 3/23 David Greene 3/30 Pat Burleson SPECIAL SERVICES: *** Wednesday evening Lenten services will continue to be held the next two weeks. March 12th will be our last service prior to Holy Week. These evening services always begin at 6 p.m. with a soup supper in Swope Hall. *** The Maundy Thursday service, March 20th, will begin at 7 p.m. *** Our Good Friday service will be held at noon. *** An Easter Sunrise service at the Whittington Ranch will be held at 7 a.m. Fr. Les will provide the sermon. Our 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services will be held at St. Luke’s on Easter Sunday. ALTAR GUILD MEETING SCHEDULED: Gail Moreman will lead a training session for Altar Guild members Saturday, March 1, at 1p.m. BISHOP’S COMMITTEE MEETING: The next date for the Bishop’s Committee to meet is March 27, at 6 p.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Now that you have the two church service times memorized, please don’t forget about the 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School. There’s a good crowd attending on Sundays, but there’s always room for more. Everyone takes a turn at leading the group on the Lectionary for each Sunday. TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: Ann Walton is a wonderful teacher leading the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. This dedicated group meets in Swope Hall at 9:30 a.m. each week. The Gospel of Matthew is what they are studying this year. Please plan on attending. You will always be welcomed! NEWSLETTER, FEBRUARY 2008: VICAR’S VOICE: In Max Lucado’s book “Walking With the Savior,” he writes, “The One who came still comes and the One who spoke still speaks.” He then quotes Ephesians 1:7 (NCV): “In Christ we are set free by the blood of His death, and so we have forgiveness of sins. What does that mean for us? The “us” being “those” who profess to be called Christians in today’s world that seems to be going to hell in a hand basket. Max Lucado says, “Jesus spoke of freedom, but He spoke of a different kind of freedom: the type of freedom that comes not through power but through submission. Not through control but through surrender. Not through possessions but through open hands.” Submission! No power! Surrender! Those words certainly don’t seem to work in the military mindset of the secular world. Most of the time it doesn’t work in the church world either. We are taught from our youth that freedom is survival of the fittest, accumulating all the toys and money you ever wanted, and spending vast amounts of time and money to cheat death. We are taught that freedom comes through the power to manipulate people, places and things. Freedom is definitely not submission. Janice Joplin sang, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing else to lose.” And Joseph Campbell states, “Freedom is when we are no longer controlled by fear or ambition.” I suspect there is truth in both proclamations. But for me….and I suspect Max Lucado also….freedom is more than losing everything and loss of fear and ambition. It is also the act of giving. In another quote from Lucado, he says “God wants to emancipate his people; he wants to set them free. He wants his people to be NOT slaves but sons and daughters. He wants them governed not by law but by love.” God’s ways, and our ways, have been at odds from the very beginning. Refer back to Genesis, please. We constantly try to re-create God in our image, instead of allowing God to re-create us in His image. We strive to perfect our image. Our perfection turns into the fruits of the world as in arrogance, judgmental-ness, rudeness, selfishness and narcissism. It’s an “all about me” kind of thing. God’s gift to us and our ultimate freedom is the Incarnation of His Son, Jesus. God says through His Holy Word, “It’s really all about Me.” And when it’s all about God, then it becomes all about us. God’s Love is God’s Gift. The “love” word is easy to speak, or sing, in the world, especially in church. However, to live God’s love in the world requires more than melody and voice. We talk about God’s love like it was excess syrup over pancakes, but in reality our lives and daily actions don’t always reflect it as freedom or gift. When I give of my time, talent and treasure attached to golden handcuffs, they are not gifts at all. I give but there is an expected response, a debt to repay, or that person must prove to be worthy of my generosity. If I hide my time, talent or treasure, or put it in a storehouse, it has the potential to cause division, uselessness, or even ferment and stink. If I give of my time, talents and treasure and I complain about how much trouble it is to do so, how much I am unappreciated, then this is not gift but a “job.” You want true freedom? Reflect on the words we say every Sunday (when I don’t forget): “All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thy Own have we given to Thee.” And finally, from Max Lucado, “We have been liberated from our own guilt and our own legalism. We have the freedom to pray and the freedom to love the God of our heart. We have been forgiven by the only One who could condemn us.” We give back what we have been given. Our submission is to the One who created us out of love and waits patiently to receive us back into the family. Giving away our power to the One who is all-powerful frees us from having to build fences and safe houses. And when we choose, out of our own free will, to surrender our souls to the One who loves us the most, we are surrounded by Holy Angels to minister to us as we walk through the earthly part of our journey. “We are truly free! Peace, Fr. Les+ THOUGHTS FROM JOHN DUNHAM: “God’s Will” During World War II, a small town in Northern Germany was leveled by allied bombers. In this town there was a small church with a standing statue of Christ which was destroyed. After the war the congregation decided to rebuild the statue. They had almost finished the figure when they ran out of money. The people were distraught, but try as they might, they could not raise enough money to finish it. The local rector said they could finish the statue but they would not finish the outstretched hands. The people would be the hands of Jesus. That is the way the statue stands today. The church flourishes to this day with the people doing God’s work in this village. This is in all probability what God wants us to do. KEEPING IN PRAYER….. Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Mae, Bitsey, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Harrison, Sandy, Jay, Clarence, Rita BIRTHDAYS: Tom Peterson Merideth Lowery Lila Gene Hobbs Quentin Jameson Ann Steele Ian Stephenson Susan Dunham Jay Smith ANNIVERSARIES 2/14 Clarence and Dixie Welborn LAY READERS: 2/3 Liz Manning 2/6 Pat Burleson (Ash Wed.) 2/10 Mike Kelley 2/17 Thomas Sumners 2/24 Marie McShane ALTAR GUILD: 2/3 Susan Dunham 2/10 Paula Sumners and Sandi Burleson 2/17 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 2/24 Rita Reiner and Christie Schroeter GREETERS AND USHERS: Early service: Fielding Reiner 10:15 a.m. service: 2/3 Joe McShane 2/10 David Greene 2/17 Pat Burleson 2/24 Don Gray MARK YOUR CALENDARS! * Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held February 5th at 6 p.m. The men are already gearing-up to flip pancakes on the griddle and fry plenty of bacon and sausage. * There will be two Ash Wednesday services - one at 11 a.m. and the other at 7p.m. on February 6. * Hat Day has become a special event in February. All of the women of the church are encouraged to wear a hat to church February 10th. Old, new, or even wild and crazy are some of the choices you can go with when picking out your chapeau. * Delegates Gail Moreman and Sandi Burleson will attend the Diocese of West Texas Council meeting in San Antonio, February 21-23. Alternates are Frana Keith and David Manning. Les and Tanya Spear will be present, along with Pat Burleson and Liz Manning. * The next Bishop’s Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, February 28th at 6p.m. Bring a brown bag supper if you are planning on attending. * Lenten Services will be held February 13, 20 and 27, at 6:30 p.m. A Lenten supper will precede each service at 6 p.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Now that you have the two church service times memorized, please don’t forget about the 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School. There’s a good crowd attending on Sundays, but there’s always room for more. Everyone takes a turn at leading the group on the Lectionary for that Sunday. The schedule for this month is as follows:
2/3 David Greene NEWSLETTER, JANUARY 2008: VICAR’S VOICE: “On the Second Day of Christmas” I can still remember the days when everyone knew Christmas was over. It was December 26th. It was obvious because by 8 a.m. that morning every Christmas tree in town was on the curb waiting for the garbage truck to arrive and haul off pathetic looking greenery with all the leftover tinsels, fake icicles, and an occasional ornament that refused to leave its nest. It would be years later before I understood the secret those strange Episcopalians enjoyed about the “real” twelve days of Christmas. So, with my own family I would not buy a tree until a couple of days before Christmas and it would shine proudly in the window until after Epiphany. Sometimes it lasted until spring, especially when I saw the wisdom in plastic trees. We have completed another year. It ended on the first day of Advent and we start again. For four weeks we prepared our hearts, minds and souls, waiting expectantly for the arrival of God’s presence into the world. The great marriage between heaven and earth. Our liturgy and services, hopefully, reflect that great mystery of God’s greatest gift to us as we begin a new year. I pray that your twelve days of Christmas are more than turtle doves, golden rings and swans-a-swimming. I pray that your time with your family and friends is holy and blessed. I pray that this season is one of peace and joy and love. I pray that the new year, as we go into Epiphany, continues to be a time of giving and receiving. God’s gift to us and our response is to give back to God and others. Peace and Blessing for the moments God has given you, Fr. Les+ “Church Architecture” by John Dunham Some time ago we tried to educate some of you as to some unusual words used in the Episcopal Church. Now it is time to define some other words that are used when describing the areas you see in some of our churches. We hope this will entertain and inform. SANCTUARY: In churches built in the western pattern, the sanctuary is at the head or the east end of the structure. In the Old Testament, the holy place where God was present was called the sanctuary. In the time of King Solomon, this meant the Temple in Jerusalem. There are a great many parallels which can be drawn between the catholic Christian, catholic-centered sanctuaries and their Hebrew counterparts. The more Eucharist-centered, the greater the importance the sanctuary. Most sanctuaries are located several steps above the nave and affords a better view of what happens there. CHANCEL: In many churches built in the classic Western pattern, there is an area between the sanctuary where the altar is located and the nave where the faithful are seated. This area is often set apart from the nave in several ways. The floor may be a step higher than that in the nave. This area may be set off from the nave by a rail, screen or fence, still seen in some older English churches. It is from this rail that the area derives the name “chancel” from the Latin “cancelli” meaning railing or lattice. NAVE: The central part of the church where the faithful stand or sit during the service is called the nave. The name derives from the Latin “navis” which means “ship”. This is possibly because one of the ancient symbols for the church was a ship. SACRISTY: A sacristy is a most prosaic place. It exists as a place (or places) where sacred vessels are maintained and stored, where the vestments and hangings are kept, and from which the housekeeping of the worship areas of the church is conducted. It is often a room near the sanctuary, some churches have only one, others as many as three or four. KEEPING IN PRAYER….. Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Mae, Bitsey, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Harrison, Sandy, Jay, Clarence BIRTHDAYS: Betsy Stephenson Kallie Keith Paula Sumner Megan Gray Caitlyn Christine Craig Matt Gray LAY READERS: 1/06 Mike Kelley 1/13 Thomas Sumner 1/20 Marie McShane 1/27 Paula Sumner ACOLYTES: 1/06 Joseph Stephenson 1/13 Ian Stephenson 1/20 Christie Schroeter 1/27 Thomas Sumner ALTAR GUILD: 1/06 Mae Hernlund and Susan Dunham 1/13 Paula Sumners, Sandi Burleson and Teet Hobbs 1/20 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 1/27 Rita Reiner and Christie Schroeter Note: Some altar linens are missing. If you have taken any home to launder, please return them as soon as possible. GREETERS AND USHERS: Early service: Fielding Reiner 10:15 a.m. service: 1/06 Pat Burleson 1/13 Don Gray 1/20 Rick Schroeter 1/27 Ann Bond IN APPRECIATION: I just want to thank everyone for being so sweet to me after my back surgery. The cards, flowers, prayers, calls and visits meant so much to me and to Fielding. Thanks to all of you! Rita COMMUNITY MEETING: Don’t miss out on the talk Blanco County Sheriff Bill Elsbury will give at the church on Tuesday, January 8th, at 6 p.m. Sheriff Elsbury will speak on protecting yourself from criminal activity. He will open up the floor to any questions you might have on this subject. This will be a potluck event and everyone is invited to attend. If you know of anyone who is interested in this subject, please invite them. BISHOP’S COMMITTEE MEETING: The next Bishop’s Committee meeting will be held on Monday, January 7th, at 6 p.m. Finance and compensation recommendations will be presented to the committee members, and anyone else who would like to attend. Please bring a sack meal for yourself. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Now that you have the two church service times memorized, please don’t forget about the 9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School. There’s a good crowd attending on Sundays, but there’s always room for more. MINISTRY ANNIVERSARY: To celebrate the one year anniversary of Les and Tanya's ministry at St. Luke's we will have a pot luck luncheon on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 11:30 right after the 10:15 service. Don Gray is cooking the meat, and everyone is encouraged to come and bring a vegetable, salad, dessert, or whatever. See you then. NEWSLETTER, DECEMBER 2007: VICAR’S VOICE: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Thanksgiving Day is over. Advertising is in full swng. The stores have already stocked their shelves with talking Santa Claus dolls, Christmas (oops!) “Holiday” trees and wire reindeer that twinkle and glow, each vying for your credit card dollar. HO! HO! HO! Easy pay, no interest, and no payment for two years. HO! HO! HO! This is my favorite time of the year. Once again I get to be cynical about the secular holiday season, and at the same time I truly love the beginning of the new church year. One of my favorite Advent songs, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” reminds me who I am and to whom I belong. In the words that Charles Wesley penned in the 18th century, there is a balm to my restless soul. The words remind me how to live in this crazy world that is hell bent on destroying itself by separation from God. The Great Mystery is truly a paradox. The Divine becomes vulnerable in order that the Created can become Divine. “Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.” It is not my intention to throw rocks at Old Saint Nick or the antlered red nose high flyer. They have their place in our universe. I just choose not to bet world peace and my eternal salvation on their magic. My prayer for me, for us, is to slow down and embrace the season of Christmas. Drive carefully. Be safe on your travels. Rushing, and trying to control life itself will not add one more minute that God has given you. “Come, thou long expected Jesus, let us find our rest I thee.” Peace and Blessings, Fr. Spear + “Christmas and Miracles” Running and catchin the football his Grandpa Rick had just thrown to him, Buck was full of energy. He was enjoying the sunshine on his face and the feel of his legs moving swiftly through the grass. The act of participating in this game that most kids his age would take for granted was viewed by Buck….and by all watching….as a new beginning. Last year at this time, our grandson was lying in a hospital bed in total isolation except for his parents and the medical team working on his case. No one else was allowed in the tiny room that had been decorated with wall-to-wall pictures of family, friends and pets. Germs were not permitted to enter this sanctuary where Buck had recently undergone a bone marrow transplant for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His immune system had plunged to zero after the radical procedure. He lived in a bubble of sorts for several months, but he was not alone in this fight for life. All of the children on this hospital floor were undergoing or recovering from bone marrow transplants, and feeling the full-blown hit to their young bodies of a myriad of drugs given to prevent rejection. This time was particularly hard for Buck since the transplant was at Christmastime. Through the haze of high fevers and the strong reaction his body underwent to make the new bone marrow his own, Buck thought long and hard about what he was going to do after regaining his health. “One of the most painful parts of it for him was the inability to shop for and give family and friends Christmas gifts,” our son, Steve, wrote in the journal he was keeping since his son was diagnosed with leukemia. “He said at the time that when he got well he would figure out a way to make that happen for kids in his same predicament.” Well, what seemed like a tragedy, God has worked for good. Buck, who turned 14 in November, took the bull by the horns a few months ago and put his plan into place. Dell Children’s Hospital will have a whole section on the Oncology wing called “Buck’s Barn,” where the kids on the floor will be able to come and pick out free gifts to give to their parents, siblings, and even their pets. Without asking for donations to this cause, the money has been rolling in to fund it from those who heard about what Buck has been doing. This is our own Christmas miracle. Buck is a Christmas miracle. Sometimes we can experience these works of God in astounding ways, and other times God waits for us to notice how he is working in our lives on a daily basis. One thing I have learned through my journey in life thus far is that whatever trial appears hopeless, God can turn it around for good. Many times the Lord has whispered in my ear, “Child of Mine, have you not seen what I can do?” This Advent I hope you will watch with me in quiet anticipation for the miracles of God. God’s peace, Christie KEEPING IN PRAYER…… Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Lila Gene, Patti, Betty, Harrison, Sandy, Jay. UTO - A REPORT FROM MAE: Many thanks to all who participated in the fall ingathering of United Thank Offering. Our total offering was $367.70. It has been sent to the Diocesan UTO Coordinator. Blue boxes for collecting your offerings are available in Swope Hall. “When we have a spirit of thanksgiving we can hold all things lightly. We receive; we do not grab. And when it is time to let go, we do so freely. We are not owners, only stewards.” Richard Foster CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: We will have two services on Christmas Eve this year, with one at 5 p.m. and the other at 11 p.m. BISHOP AND FINANCIAL COMMITTEES: There will be a combination meeting Monday, January 7, at 6 p.m. for the Bishop’s committee and Financial committee. It will be held in Swope Hall. A regular Bishop’s committee meeting will be scheduled for a later date in the month, and will be announced at church. BIRTHDAYS: Max Wesley Lechow Cynthia Craig Stan Flora John Jameson Holly Stevenson Anna Craig Debbie Smith ANNIVERSARIES: 12/4 Fielding and Rita Reiner 12/19 Rick and Christie Schroeter LAY READERS: 12/2 Thomas Sumners 12/9 Pat Burleson 12/16 Jay Smith 12/23 Leigh Stevenson 12/24 Mike Kelley 12/30 Amy Keith ACOLYTES: 12/2 Joseph Stevenson 12/9 Christie Schroeter 12/16 David Manning 12/23 Ian Stevenson 12/24 Thomas Sumners 12/30 Quentin Jameson ALTAR GUILD: 12/2 Mae Hernlund and Susan Dunham 12/9 Paula Sumners, Sandi Burleson and Teet Hobbs 12/16 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 12/23 Rita Reiner, Lila Gene Hobbs and Christie Schroeter 12/24 Gail Moreman 12/30 Gail Moreman GREETERS AND USHERS: 12/16 Pat Burleson 12/24 Joe McShane 12/25 Joe McShane 12/30 Rick Schroeter Anyone who would be willing to serve as greeter/usher is asked to contact Joe McShane at (512) 261-6780. NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBER 2007: VICAR’S VOICE: “Show Me the Money!” It’s a tradition. Every year about this time in the Episcopal Church you will hear buzz words like: “every member canvass,” “pledge cards,” “stewardship,” and “tithing.” Usually the designated Stewardship Chairperson will send out pledge cards asking for signatures in order to prepare a budget for the coming year. A clergy person will write a news article, sometimes quoting Scripture, about our responsibility as Christians to give back to God what God has already given to us. Since it’s “tradition,” here is my take on the subject. First, God really doesn’t need our money to exist in the Universe that He has created. The church, however, always needs funds to pay the bills, pay the minister, and provide a special place for the community to meet and worship. Growing-up in a denomination where tithing and giving are a part of every service, and since it is “tradition,” I suppose I should quote some Scripture. The first one I found was in the Old Testament Book of Numbers, Chapter 18: 8-32. This was a pretty good deal for the Levites and Priests. Also, in Leviticus, Chapter 27: 1-34, it talks about a vow to God as a promise, usually as an offering. The biggy, from my childhood days, which was usually quoted every service, comes from Deuteronomy, Chapter 14: 22-27. It calls for a 10th of the agriculture produced and a token offering (firstlings) from the flock to be dedicated at the central sanctuary and eaten there. To allow for the long distances that some must travel to Jerusalem, it was permitted to turn this produce into money to purchase equivalent produce for the sacrificial meal. Every third year the money could stay in the hometown. They didn’t talk about eating the produce, but they were positive about turning it into money. The last reference in the Old Testament is from Malachi 3: 6-12, which says that the tithe belongs to God, and to withhold it is to rob Him. Give God His due and the nation’s prosperity will be a worldwide testimony. My understanding of tithing is pretty basic, uncomplicated in form, nature and design. I don’t believe God wants our 27-year-old, three legged dog with mange for our tithe and call it our first fruit and gift back to Him as an offering of our thankfulness. I think all people who have any sense of this Holy Relationship we share with our Creator understand this concept. As children, we give back to our earthly parents. In turn, hopefully our children give back to us when it is time. We give to God out of our sense of thankfulness for the gifts of life, mercy and His eternal love for us, the created order of His Holiness and Omnipotence. “All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” So it seems to me. If you are still reading, I have to tell you that the folks at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cypress Mill (the best little Mission Church in the Anglican Communion) really have a sense of giving. It is a joy to be a priest and serve at the Altar of this faithful community of believers. We have been blessed. And out of that blessing much will be given. Peace and blessings from the “Vicar’s Voice,” Fr. Les+ CONFERENCE REPORT BY DAVID MANNING: Having attended an area Diocese of West Texas conference on “Discerning Our Values,” where we discussed and offered our shared opinions on Values For the Diocese, we were left with four take-home questions for families concerning personal core values: 1) What would you tell your children (or grandchildren) are the core values you hold and hope they will hold when they are adults? 2) If you awoke tomorrow with enough money to retire for the rest of your life, what values would still be important to you? 3) What are the values you hold whether or not you are rewarded for holding them? 4) After you say, “I love you,” what are the last words on earth you would say to those who are important to you? KEEPING IN PRAYER…… Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Cassie, Patti, John, Betty, Harrison, Sandy, Jay, Emma IN SYMPATHY: Our condolences go out to the family of Thomas Young, who passed away on November 2. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. ODD FELLOWS AT PET BLESSING: People passing by in their cars October 13th probably didn’t know what to think with the odd collection of animals under the shade tree out front of St. Luke’s. Was it an organizational meeting for an unusual live nativity scene? Or possibly a rehearsal for a Noah’s Ark play? Actually, it was a special Pet Blessing that Les was providing and there was certainly a cute collection of pets of all sizes and shapes. One goat, a horse, bird in cage, and five dogs were present at this event, and only the goat looked unhappy at being put into a position of having to listen to people singing and then receiving a blessing. He did get over it, however, and returned home safely. Thank you, Les, for the wonderful service with all the furry ones! BISHOP’S COMMITTEE MEETING: The next Bishop’s Committee meeting will be held Monday, November 12, at 6 p.m. SPECIAL SERVICE SCHEDULED: Instead of two services, we will have only one on Sunday, November 11, at 9 a.m. Bishop James Folts will preside at this service. A brunch will precede the service at 8 a.m., with fruit, rolls, egg casseroles, hot coffee and juice provided. A sign-up sheet is located in Swope Hall for those who would like to contribute to this delicious buffet. ANNUAL MEETING: It’s always important to come together as a congregation at our annual church meeting. Please plan on attending this year and letting your voice be heard on all issues discussed. It is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, and the time is still to be determined by the Bishop’s Committee. Announcements will be made at church when the time has been set.
NOVEMBER CELEBRATIONS BIRTHDAYS: Chuck Moon Walt Maenius Joseph Stephenson Sarah Stephenson Garrett Craig John Dunham Thomas Sumners Shelly Fruin John Stephenson ANNIVERSARIES: Pat and Sandi Burleson Jay and Debbie Smith LAY READERS: 11/4 David Manning ACOLYTES: 11/4 David Manning ALTAR GUILD: 11/4 Mae
Hernlund and Susan
Dunham ALTAR GUILD MEETING SCHEDULED: Please mark your calendar for Saturday, December 8th for wedding and funeral training. It will be held in the sanctuary at 10 a.m. GREETERS AND USHERS: 11/4 Ann Bond NEWSLETTER, OCTOBER 2007: FROM OUR VICAR……. “PENTECOST” A few questions: How many Sundays follow the Day of Pentecost in our traditional “The Long Green Season”? The lectionary for Sundays is arranged in a three-year cycle. What year are we in? The Daily Office Lectionary is arranged in a two-year cycle. Which one are we in? What do the different colors mean that are associated with our liturgical year? All of the above questions have to do with our Liturgical Church Kalendar. If you are a “Cradle Episcopalian,” or a long time member, you may know these answers from memory. Questions like: What’s one question you’ve always wanted to ask about God? What’s one question you want to ask about St. Luke’s, or the Episcopal Church? What’s your burning question, the one you wish somebody else would ask? What makes us “saved” from eternal hell and damnation? How do I know my sins have been forgiven? What did Jesus mean when he said we must be “born again”? These are much more personal and deal with our faith through Scripture, tradition and reason. Both types are rooted in our belief system of trying to understand this mystery we call God. It springs forth from this internal desire to worship our Creator and to know what happens to us after death. My burning question is what happened to me before my spirit found its way into this earthly body that is slowly wearing out? Is there a way to explore our faith? The Adult Sunday School class has generated some lively discussion on our Lectionary lessons. There seems to be a real desire to explore the meaning of Scripture and how it applies to our daily lives. How do we honor the Great Commandment and The Great Commission as an individual and community of believers? I offer you a possible way to expand those discussions, look for answers, and live the life Jesus has called us to live. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Gahan, Rector at St. Stephen’s Church in Wimberley, Texas, a close friend and seminary classmate, has spent several years creating a study guide he calls “Foundations of Discipleship.” It comes complete with teacher notes, outlines and homework. Its goals are threefold: 1) Provide an opportunity to share and honestly discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ with every new person who comes to our parish.
2) Provide a place and time to explain and Discuss our main worship
celebration, the Holy Eucharist, so that the worship experience
becomes more meaningful 3) To make this a type of threshold requirement
for membership in the parish. It is the
hope “Foundations” will build a community of
trust Fr. Gahan has offered this program to us and would assist us with its implementation. As the first full-time vicar, and a fellow traveler, it would be my hope that we might incorporate this into our life together at St. Luke’s Church as we walk into the future. What do you think? Is this something for us? Peace and blessings, Fr. Les + NAME THAT COLUMN: We need your help in coming up with the perfect name for the column Les writes each month. If you have a suggestion, please submit it to Christie Schroeter. Her contact information is listed at the end of this newsletter. Put on those thinking caps! A WORD FROM MAE: Our fall ingathering of the United Thank Offering will be on Sunday, November 4, at both services. Offering envelopes will be in the pews the Sunday before. Each year grant applications come from around the world. This year the UTO Committee had the awesome responsibility of reviewing the grant applications and dividing the available funds as equitably as possible. They were able to fund 104 applications totaling $2,439,342.46 It is just a fraction of the requests. This year in the Diocese of West Texas, St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church of Uvalde received $40,000 to purchase a small grocery store to house a food pantry located to serve the target population. The United Fund Offering is more than a fundraiser. It is a ministry of thankful prayer. For what are you thankful? Please add your coins and thanks to your Blue Box. Faithfully, Mae Herlund, UTO Coordinator ANOTHER YEAR OF THANKFULNESS! Our church building was consecrated on St. Luke’s Day, October 18, 1956 by the Rt. Rev. Everett Jones. We observed our 50th year anniversary last year. The 18th of this month will mark our 51st! BISHOP’S COMMITTEE MEETING: The next Bishop’s Committee meeting will take place Monday, October 8, at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring a brown bag meal since it will be right at the dinner hour. OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER: Mark your calendar with these special events at church. October is a busy, busy month with all the happenings. October 13 - Bring your precious pet(s) on this Saturday for a Blessing of the Pets. Please have them contained in some manner so that we don’t have furry conflicts. (As in leashes, pet carriers, etc.). This will all begin at 10 a.m., and coffee, lemonade and cookies will be served immediately after the blessings. October 20 – Clean-up day at church, 9a.m. - noon. October 23 - Community Event, 6 p.m. We invite everyone to come and join us for hamburgers and all the trimmings. We will not have a speaker for this event. It will be a celebration of fall and a time for visiting. November 11th is also a day to mark down on the calendar. We will have one service only at 9 a.m., with the Bishop David Reed presiding. KEEPING IN PRAYER: Cynthia, Peggy, Lee, Jeannie, Cassie, Thomas, Patti, John, Betty, Christine and Sandy. ST. LUKE’S ANNUAL MEETING: Our annual church meeting will take place in November, with the date still to be determined. One of the items to be taken up at that meeting will be the election of new members to the Bishop’s Committee. Paula Sumners, Pat Burleson and Joe McShane will be leaving their positions, so nominations for others to fill their places will be taken.
OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS BIRTHDAYS: Bob Keith Owen Smith Corrie Craig Erck Fruin Rita Reiner Frana Keith Sadler LAY READERS: 10/7 Mike Kelley 10/14 Amy Keith 10/21 Thomas Sumners 10/28 Pat Burleson ACOLYTES: 10/7 Thomas Sumners 10/14 Quentin Jameson 10/21 Joseph Stephenson 10/28 Christie Schroeter ALTAR GUILD: 10/7 Mae Hernlund and Susan Dunham 10/14 Paula Sumners, Sandi Burleson and Teet Hobbs 10/21 Gail Moreman, Sandy Hodges and Sue Peterson 10/28 Rita Reiner, Lila Gene Hobbs and Christie Schroeter TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: It’s time once again to gather in Swope Hall for fellowship and Bible study on Tues |