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ACT 29 E-NEWSLETTER November 26, 2008 |
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 36 November 26,2008 Sunday Worship 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm
No Wednesday Evening Service This Week Due To Holiday THANKSGIVING FOR YOU ALL As your Interim Pastor, I just want to say how thankful I am for every one of you at St. Luke’s Community Church. I am seeing so much spiritual growth and development among our congregants. People are loving one another and reaching out, as Christ taught us to do, to those outside the walls of our church! People are stepping forward and volunteering to assist and even mentioning other areas of ministry they want to see the church move into. Within the past 2 weeks we have added 8 new members and baptized 4. Those baptized were P.J. Britt, CaLynda Rowlands, Terri Satterwhite and Tina Pchelka. Received into membership were P.J. Britt, Barbara Stafford, James Creekmore, Thomas Rowlands, CaLynda Rowlands, Terri Satterwhite, Matthew “Danny Satterwhite, and Tina Pchelka. We saw a truly cooperative, loving, Christian Family spirit in our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday. Things are happening at St. Luke’s!! Now, I ask you, “Ain’t God good!?” A special thanksgiving to you for the wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon on Sunday and the manner in which you all pulled together to bring it about. An extra special thanks to our Hospitality Team—Jerry Gardner, Margaret Chambers, Bill Lancaster, Sue Birks, Barbara Stafford, Michael Vetrano, Barry Snyder, Gene Wells, Thomas Rowlands—for you leadership! Certainly, we say “thank you” to Margaret and Bill for the wonderfully delicious turkeys! I pray that every one of you will have a very blessed Thanksgiving as we reflect on God’s goodness to us as individuals and as a church family. Before us lays Advent and Christmas as we celebrate the first coming of Christ, our Savior. I know we will truly see God’s love and blessings during this season. Rev. Harvey
News From The 2009 Congregational Meeting Last Sunday St. Luke's held our annual Congregational Meeting following the monthly potluck. We overwhelmingly chose our official new church name to be 'St. Luke's Community Church' from the four names that were submitted starting in August. We also accepted ministry reports and approved the 2009 budget and new by-laws. Rev. Dr. Harvey Carr's ministry was overwhelmingly affirmed by congregational vote to be our Interim Pastor. Congratulations also go to Jerry Gardner, Bernadette Stephens, and Stephen Jones as the three Board members elected to two year terms. Each year half of the Board rotates off and stands for election. The transition period for the new Board members runs through the end of the year and they will take office on January 1.
THIS SUNDAY IS THE LAST “SOUPER” SUNDAY FOR NOW 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 have been celebrating our thanks to God for all the blessings we have been given by having a month of “Souper” Sundays. Every Sunday this month, we have been bringing at least one can of soup, or some other non-perishable item, when we come to services and we place it in the Food Pantry Ministry collections tub in the church foyer. We dedicate these weekly gifts to God and our Food Pantry Ministry Staff distribute your gifts to those in need.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THESE AREAS
THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2008 5:30 pm Twar Hall and Church Sanctuary Bring holiday cookies, candies, etc., to share as we decorate our church home for Advent and Christmas.
THANKSGIVING CHURCH OFFICE HOURS The church office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week so that staff can enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday. Rev. Harvey can be reached at his home (797-4476) or on his cell phone (315-8274) should you need to contact him. SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE THIS SUNDAY!! 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.
HOLIDAY HELPERS Will Be Here this Sunday to collect the gifts for the children chosen for the Holiday Season.
“BOXES OF LOVE” FED 12 FAMILIES On Friday and Saturday we distributed 12 “Boxes of Love” to needy families. Each box contained a complete Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 4 – 6 people, a Bible and a Gospel tract. A special “thank you” to Margaret Chambers, Sue Birks, Barry Snyder, James Creekmore and Jerry Gardner who attended the training seminar with Rev. Harvey. As a result of their participation we were provided the 12 “Boxes of Love” at no cost to the church. Jerry Gardner, James Creekmore and Rev. Jack Inman assisted Rev. Harvey with the packing and distribution of the Boxes of Love. We regret that we had to turn families away because of a lack of supplies. Those families have been referred to the Food Pantry Ministry. 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 have reserved a table of 10 from St. Luke’s Community Church. Because Rev. Harvey is on the program his paid seat is vacant at the table should someone wish to attend. Reservations must be forwarded to the committee by Tuesday, November 26, so we need your reservation and the $25 reservation fee ASAP if you wish to take Rev. Harvey’s seat at the church’s table. 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.
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.
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
THANK YOU “PARTY WORLD” A special appreciation to Party World, 7749 Normandy Boulevard, #115, who has been so kind to give the church discounts on all party supplies purchased there for use by the church during 2008. When you have a chance stop by to see Al and Bill or phone them at 781-5353 and thank them for their generosity. 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.
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.
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).
CHRISTMAS CANTATA This year's Christmas Eve service will feature the Christmas Cantata "Ring the Bells." Choirs from 2 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.
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).
“FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” LUMINARIA 2008 St. Luke’s Community Church will be participating in the Riverside Avondale Preservation Luminaria 2008 “Festival of Lights” as we have done in previous years. The Luminaria Festival of Lights will be Sunday, December 21, 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The sidewalks will be lined with luminaries and Christmas music will be played in our sanctuary for any who wish to come inside to listen and reflect. The association is requesting assistance in preparing the luminaria kits. Scheduled times to assist are Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Kits will be assembled in back of Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Buckland House at 2623 Herschel Street. Chocolate chip cookies and water will be provided. It is not necessary to remain a full day when you volunteer. If you wish to assist with assembling kits, please call the church office and speak with James or Rev. Harvey.
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.
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 Robert Ford Lora Leatham – Incurable Brain Cancer Chris Brevaldo – Employment Martin Smellie – Death of his sister, Eula Moore in Jamaica
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
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
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. 24: 72 bags (72 families) 57 Holiday Bags, and 15 new clients 215 people were served.. 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.
RISEN CHRIST BOOKSTORE SALE The bookstore will be holding a clearance sale every Sunday in the month of November. A table is set up in Twar Hall with gently used books, CD’s and MCC memorabilia. Please help us clear out the Bookstore and get some great bargains! Everything on the tables is $1.00. We are getting the store ready for the Holidays and 2009!
Drop in the Bookstore (located on the far side of the courtyard)- home crafted bath salts are available, as well as books, devotions, rainbow stickers, and other items.
-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 Bible Study- 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!) 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
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.
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.
“Reflection” from Rev. Harvey Is It Christian to Celebrate Thanksgiving? In the 16th century the church calendar was full of saints’ days and annual days of fasting which many of the Reformers thought were unbiblical. Since the Scriptures themselves did not establish any Christian festivals, some reformers sought to abolish all but the feasts connected with the life of Christ and Sundays. The English Puritans especially protested the many pagan associations which had been incorporated into the Church feasts. They believed the Sabbath itself was to be a weekly reminder and celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
But the Puritans believed there should be special days of fasting or thanksgiving related to the workings of Providence in their own lives or in national and international affairs. Terrible happenings such as earthquakes, plagues, and political turmoil called for days of fasting to examine their souls and pray for forgiveness. Victories and blessings called for special days of thanksgiving to offer praise to God.
These Fast Days or Days of Thanksgiving were not annual holidays but were special days at various times in response o the way they saw God was dealing with the people. They were responses to the works of Providence. Often, there were several days of fasting or thanksgiving called within a single year.
On a Fast Day, in the early morning families would have family prayers and Bible reading. They would not wear rich clothing or ornamentation when they went to the congregational meeting, where there would be preaching, singing of psalms, and prayer. The sermon would usually include a graphic narrative of God’s deliverance and blessings. Thanksgiving days also included a community feast and refreshment. Both Fast and Thanksgiving Days were special Sabbath days on which there was to be neither work nor any recreation. These were days set apart to commune with the Lord and have the person’s inner spirit shaped by God’s Word.
The first gathering of Pilgrims and Indians was held in 1621 and represented a time of festivity over the fruitful harvest, but it was not a Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Days were days set aside to worship and praise God in the congregational meeting. They would usually end with a communal feast. The first official Pilgrim Thanksgiving in America was in July, 1623. The first day of Thanksgiving proclaimed in Plymouth colony was for rain after a long drought.
While there were many days of Thanksgiving proclaimed earlier, it was President Abraham Lincoln who established Thanksgiving as an annual, national holiday observance. On November 26, 1863, President Lincoln issued he first annual Thanksgiving proclamation, which has been continued by Presidents to the present day.
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-
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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