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ACT 29 E-NEWSLETTER November 19, 2008 |
St. Luke’s St. Luke’s Community Church 1140 S. McDuff Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 389-7726 www.stlukescommunitychurch.org
ACT 29 E-NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 35 November 19,2008 Sunday Worship 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm
Annual Congregational Meeting THIS Sunday Remember this Sunday is the annual Congregational Meeting at Noon following our monthly potluck. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary. The agenda items include: proposed 2009 budget, proposed by-laws including the church name change, the Board elections, and the affirmation of Rev. Harvey Carr as our Interim Pastor.
TASKS FOR ADMINISTRATOR St. Luke’s is fortunate to have a Volunteer Office Administrator who gives a minimum of 40 hours per week to the church as a ministry. Especially during the Holiday Season James’ tasks are numerous. Per the By-laws of our church, the Church Administrator is supervised by the Pastor/Interim Pastor. Please assist us by directing any requests for “special” tasks, etc., to the Pastor’s office and not directly to James, as he then goes to the Pastor’s Office to find out which is of greater importance---the tasks he is already assigned or some task that someone just emailed or called him requesting he do.
“BOXES OF LOVE” PACKING PARTY” This Friday, November 21, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, there will be a “Packing Party” complete with refreshments, to prepare the “Boxes of Love” containing a complete Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 4 – 6 people, a Bible and a Gospel tract to be distributed to the respective churches for distribution to needy families. Anyone, even if you did not attend the training, may participate in the “Packing Party.” The location is the Benco Warehouse, 5107 University Boulevard, West (next to sonny’s, behind the Racetrac gas station). We will be picking up the 12 boxes for our church to distribute that day also. Six of our congregants attended the Boxes of Love training session on Saturday, November 8. As a result, our church will receive 12 boxes which we will deliver on Saturday, November 22. If you know of a needy family to whom we can minister with a “Box of Love”, please contact Rev. Harvey ASAP. If you want to assist at the “Packing Party” or with distributing the “Boxes of Love” call the church office ASAP.
THANKSGIVING POTLUCK On Sunday, November 23, we as a congregation will celebrate a Thanksgiving potluck luncheon immediately following our morning worship service. Sue Birks, Bill Lancaster and Margaret Chambers will be furnishing smoked turkeys, and we all need to bring a covered dish to go with a 'Thanksgiving' menu -- Family Style for a BIG family.
BAPTISMS AND NEW MEMBERS AGAIN THIS SUNDAY On Sunday, November 2, we baptized CaLynda Rowlands and P.J. Britt. They were brought into membership as were Barbara Stafford, James Creekmore, and Thomas Rowlands.
This Sunday we will again be celebrating the sacrament of baptism and accepting new members into the church. Terri Satterwhite and Tina Pschelka will be baptized. Terri and Tina, Matthew Satterwhite and Dennis Winters will be accepted into membership.
“Ain’t God great?!”
BINGO this Friday Evening The next Bingo night is THIS Friday, NOV. 21. Come join in on the fun, fellowship, and prizes! It's held each month on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7:00pm @ Twar Hall. Play Bingo 7-9 pm for a donation of only $20.00. As usual 50 numbers will be $15.00 with $5.00 added every week that no one wins. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for $1 each. This week it is $20.00 as no one won last week.
WEBSITE NEWS I could use some help on the website from the Ministry Leaders. The website could use some information about each ministry. I am sure that Stephen Jones and Rev. Harvey have talked to you about it. The sooner I get the information the sooner I can get the Information out on the website. We appreciate your help and attention to this matter.
What’s in a name? St. Luke’s – The name “St. Luke’s” was chosen as our name in 1984 because Saint Luke was the only Gentile writer of the Bible. He was a physician and patron saint of healing. St. Luke’s Gospel is the Gospel of women, gentiles, prodigals, and Samaritans. Act 29 Newsletter - Saint Luke also wrote the book of Acts, and it’s the New Testament book that records the history of the birth and growth of the church. The Book of Acts ends rather abruptly in the 28th chapter, but the history and growth of the church continues. Our e-newsletter strives to tell that continuing story of church growth and so the name Act 29 was chosen. St. Luke’s Community Church might be considered the 29th act in the drama of God’s redemption. -Reprinted from Act 29 Newsletter November 1985-
2008 Holiday Affair Black & White Ball First Coast Achievers, Inc will host its annual black & white semi formal ball Saturday, December 6th at Arlington Women's Club. Come out and enjoy an evening filled with excitement as we celebrate the holiday season. Tickets are $20 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres, complimentary holiday beverages, entertainment, DJ and dancing. For ticket information contact FirstCstAch@yahoo.com or Tracey Chandler.
“SOUPER” SUNDAYS November is the month of Thanksgiving. One way we show thanks is to follow Christ’s teachings and feed those who are less fortunate. This month we are celebrating our thanks to God for all the blessings we have been given by having a month of “Souper” Sundays. Every Sunday this month, bring at least one can of soup, or some non-perishable item, with you when you come to services and place it in the Food Pantry Ministry Collections tub in the church foyer. We will dedicate these weekly gifts to God and our Food Pantry Ministry Staff will distribute you gifts to those in need.
A MONTH OF SAINTS For those form liturgical backgrounds, Saturday, November 1 was all Saints Day. All of us know, or have known of, people who lived so God-like that we Considered them “saints.” We have been celebrating some of the great saints of scripture and contemporary history during the month of November with a 4-week series entitled “People Who Have A Heart Like God’s,” with foundational scriptures found in Hebrews 12:1-2 and Ephesians 2;1-6.
Sunday November 23 – Christ New members will be received into fellowship during the service.
-REMINDERS- Bingo Night- Each month on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7:00pm @ Twar Hall. 20 Games with $5 donation for all 20 cards. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for $1 each. Wednesday evenings- Join us at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. PLEASE join us and bring your Bible. Choir Practice Every Sunday 9:15am. Cantata Rehearsals are Thursday at 7:00 pm. See any choir member or Rev. Harvey to join! Board Meeting- 2nd Sunday each month at noon in Twar Hall. RISEN CHRIST BOOKSTORE- Open every Sunday following Worship. (See announcement above about their big sale!) Congregational Meeting- Our Annual Congregational meeting is this Sunday, November 23. Potluck – Every fourth Sunday. In Twar Hall, bring a dish to share…
Check out our new web site for a Calendar of Events: www.stlukescommunitychurch.org
DECEMBER: A HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE The annual holiday concert by First Coast Chorus, “December: A Holiday Fruitcake”, will be Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday Matinee, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. All performances will be at Riverside Baptist Church, 2650 Park Street (corner of King and Park).
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS HIV Testing – 1ST and 3RD Sundays of each month @ St. Luke’s Sacristy 1:00pm – 3:00pm AA – Meetings held in the “Freedom Ministries” room (2nd floor) every Tue. & Fri. at 7:00pm SLAA – (Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous) Meets every Mon. & Thurs. evening at 7:00pm in the “Freedom Ministries” room (2ND floor) Retired & Plus 60 Club – Meets the 2ND Thurs. every month at 2:00pm in Twar Hall PFLAG – Meetings held 3RD Thurs. of the month 7:00pm @ CCOP First Coast Chorus - “December: A Holiday Fruitcake”, will be Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday Matinee, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. All performances will be at Riverside Baptist Church, 2650 Park Street (corner of King and Park).
Tour A Century of Sanctuaries in One Afternoon Several Downtown historic churches, all built prior to 1925, will be open for the tour. The tour begins and ends at the Main Library. Each church will have a guide available to highlight the architectural and historical significance of the building. Visitors can walk the tour route, and trolley service will be provided along the tour route. The Junior League of Jacksonville's Annual Festival of Trees will be on display at the Main Library. The church tour includes admission to the Rotary Gingerbread Extravaganza at Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church during the tour. WHEN: Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CHURCHES: First Baptist Church First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Historic Mt. Zion AME Church Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church St. John's Episcopal Cathedral St. Phillip's Episcopal Church COST: Tickets are $5 per person (children 12 and under will be admitted free). Twenty percent of all ticket sales will benefit the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition. Purchase your tickets at the Main Library the day of the event or click here to purchase them in advance. CONTACTS: For event information call (904) 451-3344 or visit our website, www.downtownjacksonville.org.-- Amy FALL BARBEQUE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS A special thanks to the performers who did a wonderful job, donating their time and effort entertaining us. Also, a special thanks to Margaret and Sandy for the delicious barbecue chicken! Thanks to all who supplied the side dishes. Be looking for the pictures to show up on the website @. www.stlukescommunitychurch.org
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE Our Chancel Choir will present a special "Service of Thanksgiving and Praise" on Sunday, November 30, featuring music, dramatic readings, scriptures, and congregational participation, as we celebrate the Season of Thanksgiving as a church family. Bruce Ross will be with us again to finalize the Holiday Helpers Campaign. This will also be the First Sunday of Advent as we begin preparing our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. God is giving us many opportunities for worship and for service. Invite your families and friends. Invite those you notice missing from services.
FLOWERS FOR SANCTUARY If you would like to provide flowers for services, you may call one of our members, Robert Wheeler at American Beauty Florist, 388-0094, or you may call the florist of your choice.
2008 WORLD AIDS WEEK EVENTS The Annual World AIDS Day Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 1 at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk. We would like to reserve a table of 10 from St. Luke’s Community Church. Reservations must be forwarded to the committee by Tuesday, November 26, so we need your reservation and the $30 reservation fee ASAP. Please see James Creekmore or Rev. Harvey to reserve your seat. Rev. Harvey will give the prayer for the luncheon. The World AIDS Day Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church Oakland, 1025 Jessie Street, 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1. Rev. Harvey will give the benediction for the service. Wednesday, December 3, the National AIDS Quilt Opening Ceremony will be at noon at Jacksonville City Hall. Rev. Harvey will give the prayer. Rev. Harvey has served as a part of the World AIDS Week Committee for several years. In 2009 the World AIDS Week Committee will hold their monthly planning meetings in Twar Hall the second Tuesday of each month.
The 2009 World AIDS Day Memorial Service will be held at St. Luke’s Community Church.
WORLD AIDS LUNCHEON You are invited to attend the 7th Annual Community Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 1. This luncheon is held each year during the World AIDS Week activities in Jacksonville. Princess Kasune Zulu of Zambia will be the keynote speaker. It will be held downtown at the Wyndham Jacksonville River Walk. Ticket prices are $30 per Individual or $300 for a table of 10. Call the church office or see Rev. Harvey so everyone from St. Luke’s can sit together and possibly reserve a full table. The deadline to turn in your money is November 23. FYI – Next year’s World AIDS Service will be held at St. Luke’s in December 2009.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA This year's Christmas Eve service will feature the Christmas Cantata "Ring the Bells." Choirs from 3 other churches are joining our Chancel Choir for this service. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. We are inviting anyone, male and female, who wishes to sing in the cantata to join us for the presentation. We especially need more females to sing. We will also need some dramatic readers --Zacharias, Mary, one of the Shepherds, Simeon, one of the Wise Ones. All readings are very short, but will need to be memorized and spoken in dramatic manner. Please see Rev. Harvey if you wish to participate as a singer or a reader. The community is being invited to join us for this special Service.
ST. JOHN’S HORIZON HOUSE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Sunday, December 7, at 1:00 p.m. we will join the residents of St. John’s Horizon House, our local Supportive Living Facility for those with HIV/AIDS to celebrate the holiday season. At 1:00 p.m. we will gather to begin decorating the facility with the residents. We are requesting any congregants joining in the decorating to bring cookies, cakes, etc., to share. This activity is always a big blast!!! At 5:00 p.m. the traditional Christmas Dinner will be served. River Region Human services will provide turkeys and hams. We are requesting any congregants who wish to join in the dinner celebration to prepare side dishes and desserts. Because of security concerns it is necessary you contact the church office and speak with James or Rev. Harvey to be placed on a list to attend this day of celebration. Please contact us by December 1. We will also be able to provide you with information as to what side dishes and desserts are needed.
Prayer List Remember them in your prayers. Bill Kimak – (West Jax Rehabilitation Jean Levy – (Heartland on Wells Rd.) John Ferguson – (Heartland on Normandy Blvd.) Don Green – Home Recovering Carmen Santos – Recovering at home from Knee Replacement Valencia – Alice’s partner – Knee Replacement Michael Mundy – Gary DeBusk’s former partner – non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Connie & Saundra Don’s Father Prudencia’s Aunt – with Cancer Rick Bill Solomon Rev. Lee Carlton – Cancer Ruth Hightower – Cancer Barbara Stafford – Cancer P.J. Britt – Follicular Lymphoma & Upper Respiratory Infection Margaret Chambers Robert Ford Lora Leatham – Incurable Brain Cancer
Should you, or you know of any of our congregants or friends of the church who are hospitalized, please e-mail or phone the church office so that we can properly arrange for prayer and visitation.
St. Luke’s Prayer Warriors (Available to provide you prayer and support) Barbara Stump – Call Anytime. 272-6256 (Home), 318-4187 (Cell) Don Green – Call Tue., Thurs. – Sat. After 7:00pm, Sundays – afternoon & evening, 772-8466 (Home), 881-5922 (Cell) Angela Moody – 861-7533 Rev. Jack Inman – 672-9868
“Reflection” from Rev. Harvey “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”—Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
Miracles involve believing, but quite often they also involve acting on belief. Read carefully in the Gospels the words of Jesus, and notice the verbs – follow, go, seek, ask, knock. The walk of faith is not merely the serene, silent, spiritual, unspeaking stroll of a holy man in the stillness of the sunrise or the secret silence of the sunset. Faith is the mental activity that draws God into our minds and imaginations until a passion begins to inflame our wills, motivating us to action! Psalm 37:5 challenges us to commit our ways to God, trust in God, and allow God to bring it to pass. It is then that the commitment is made. And what is a commitment? It is entering into an honorable contract, pledging oneself before the problems are solved. If we waited until we saw solutions to all problems before we made a commitment, we would obviously not be walking the walk of faith! It is for that reason that commitment – in marriage, in partnerships, in religion, in interpersonal relationships, in devotion and dedication to your career goal or the fulfillment of a project – becomes self-inspiring. Walk the walk of faith! Make a fresh commitment to God!
Prayer: God, I’m ready to take the plunge. Give me the push that I need. I’m trusting that with Your help I will tackle every problem at every turn of the road with a positive mental attitude! And together, God, with Your Guidance, I will succeed! Amen.
FRIENDS “The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails and not their tongues.”
CHILDREN’S CHURCH MINISTRY Monique Baker is heading up our Children’s Ministry. Parents should bring their children to the Children’s room off the courtyard and sign them in before going to the Worship Service. We need more adults on the Children’s Ministry Team. If you can take a Sunday to help out with the children please let Monique know. Two adults will be present at all times with children. We still need Children’s Bible Story DVD’s for this ministry, like “Veggie Tales” that are available at Wal-Mart.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
If your special day is not listed above, please e-mail stlukescommunitychurch@gmail.com Want to add something to in our web site’s calendar of events?? E-mail stlukescommunitychurch@gmail.com
HOSPITALITY TEAM WISH LIST If you can donate or help with any of these items, see Jerry Gardner or any Board Member. Please help out with any of these items needed to improve our kitchen area. Electrical cords – 2 or 3 100ft Commercial Cook top/Oven New Faucets (needed 2) A/C Unit for Kitchen (currently NO VENTILATION) prefer 200 volt unit due to size of kitchen Need donated commercial refrigerator repaired Supplies to Build a pantry wall like 2x4’s, sheet rock and concrete screws, ETC.
RECYCLE ALUMINUM CANS Bring them to the barrels in the courtyard under the stair. Drink cans, vegetable cans, etc. are all great to bring, but please rinse them out so they don’t attract ants. Proceeds go to help our Hospitality Team provide refreshments and supplies to run our kitchen. Many thanks to all who contribute cans.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THESE AREAS
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FOOD PANTRY NEWS Help St. Luke's do our part! PLEASE bring food items to donate and place them in the red bucket in the narthex or the shopping cart in Twar Hall. The food pantry is in need of toilet tissue, disposable razors, bar soap, bottled water, canned vegetables, canned meat, cereal, etc. Be a blessing to someone in need! DON’T FORGET OUR “SOUPER” SUNDAYS PROGRAM DURING NOVEMBER. Food given out on Nov. 11: 31 bags (31 families) 129 people in families, 6 homeless bags, and 8 new clients . . Food given out on Nov. 18: 42 bags (42 families) 186 people in families, 7 homeless bags, and 8 new clients.. WE ALWAYS NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS TO WORK WITH THE FOOD PANTRY ON TUESDAYS from 10:00am to Noon. St. Luke's co-sponsors with Trinity Lutheran Church @ the corner of McDuff and Park. St. Luke's also has volunteers that work at the food pantry. If you can help, see Michael Vetrano or call the church office.
November with a 4-week series entitled “People Who Have A Heart Like God’s,” with foundational scriptures found in Hebrews 12:1-2 and Ephesians 2;1-6. Sunday, November 16 – Esther, Deborah, Ruth and Mother Theresa Guest: Bruce Ross With Holiday Helpers Guest Soloist: Harriet Sorenson, Soprano Vocalist
Sunday November 23 – Christ New members will be received into fellowship during the service.
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