The Warden’s Corner
Shortly after our last newsletter was published, we learned that our Interim Pastor, the Reverend Jean Austin, would be unable to return to work. After several weeks, the doctors determined that Jean’s multiple sclerosis has reared its ugly head. The Church Pension Fund offers disability insurance through UNUM. I have received an update from Jean that UNUM insurance has approved her disability from the end of April through until August 9th. Meanwhile, she is pursuing retirement through the Church Pension Fund.
What does this mean for St. Luke’s? We have continued to pay Jean her full stipend and benefits (housing allowance and medical insurance), and will continue to do so through August 9th. Now that the disability has been approved, St. Luke’s is to be reimbursed for seventy per cent of those costs by the insurer.
Since we have started looking at candidates in our discernment process, we decided not to try and find another interim. Instead, we have entered into a Letter of Agreement with the Reverend George Moyser to be our Sunday supply priest during the remaining time until our next rector joins us. We are delighted to welcome George and Stella back to St. Luke’s. They were with us for several Sundays in 2007 before Jean joined us as our Interim. The Wednesday services are being covered by Fathers Stanley Irving. For emergencies, please contact the Parish Office (524-6212), our Deacon, Jim Ballard (893-7734), or me (524-3551 or 524-4842).
We have begun the process of placing the rectory on the market, as was voted at the Annual Meeting in 2008. The city has done an appraisal , and we have also received a market appraisal. We will be calling a special Parish meeting to set the net price which the Parish is willing to accept. It is a Diocesan requirement that this price be set by a meeting of the parish and not by the Vestry. At its July Vestry meeting the Vestry did vote to do the required exterior repairs, including replacing the garage doors, and have the exterior painted before placing the property on the market.
On Sunday, July 5th, the Parish bid a fond farewell to Gloria Mapes and Colin Christie. Gloria and Colin moved back to Burlington, Washington and will be greatly missed by St. Luke’s Family. Both were active members and supporters of our Parish Family. Thank you to all who helped with the pot lunch brunch we held the previous Sunday.
I have spoken with Jean and received the update that she is feeling better, but her equilibrium is still bad. She said that Libby is their designated driver, as she cannot safely drive. She appreciates the cards that people have sent and missed being with us.
Carolyn Fouts, Senior Warden
Service Times – Your Opinion, Please
Late this spring the Vestry decided to offer one service during the summer months, at 9 AM. Overall, there have been a number of positive comments about this change. The most consistent comment has been that people are experiencing the feeling of a fuller church, and are able to hear others sing and respond during the service. It also is giving a better sense of community.
At its July meeting, the Vestry discussed continuing to offer the one service after Labor Day. We decided that we want to find out what the rest of the congregation desires, before making this decision. The topic was discussed at the annual Parish Meeting, and those present were evenly split on one service versus two.
Please let us know whether you would like to see us continue with one service at 9 AM, or return to the two services at 8 AM and 10 AM. You can let the office know by email (stlukesfamily@myfairpoint.net), telephone (524-6212), or using the form below an sending it by mail or placing it in the offering plate. We do want to hear from you.
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________ One Service at 9 AM
________ Two Services at 8 AM and 10 AM
________ Other suggestions ____________________________________________
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Parish Office to be Closed
The Parish Office will be closed from August 10th the August 21st. Please call the Senior Warden (524-3551 or 524-4842) for any emergencies, etc.
he Bookshelf
T
The Shack”
"
William Paul Young
Windblown Media 2007
Mackenzie Allen Phillips (Mac) and family are enjoying a Labor Day camping trip.
The last days of summer before school begins. A great time is saddened by the disappearance of Missy, the youngest daughter. The disappearance of Missy is devastating to Mac. Her bloody clothes are found in a deserted shack. Eight years after the disappearance, and Missy is pronounced dead, murdered, Mac receives a note in him mailbox which reads:
It’s been awhile, I’ve missed you.
I’ll be back at the shack next weekend
If you want to get together.
Papa
Papa is the name his wife has give to God. Mac thinks is a cruel joke, but he is curious enough to make the trip to the shack. And thus begins his journey into knowledge and renewal of faith.
At the cabin, he is met by Papa, a large African women, an Asian woman named Serayu and a man who appears to be in his thirties who says, “I try to keep things fixed up around here, I like working with my hands. I am a Hebrew, to be exact from the house of Judah.” Allegorically, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. His interaction with them is life changing, and his Great Sadness is removed.
This book gave me new insight in the teachings of Christianity, and all faiths. It answers the age-old question, “If God is all powerful, why does he let horrible things happen?” It captures the true meaning of forgiveness and redemption.
Just another book? No!
Doug Underwood
12TH ANNUAL LAWN/BAKE SALE
Saturday, September 12, 2009
9:00 A.M.
Do you have any items kicking around the house or garage you'd like to get
rid of? Things such as toys, clean baby items, linens, small working
appliances, small pieces of furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, holiday
decorations, jewelry, knick-knacks, etc.? If you do, please save them for
the St. Luke's Parish Hall 12th Annual Lawn and Bake Sale.
Please DO NOT bring computers or computer-related equipment, TV's, clothing, suitcases, or large furniture, as we have a difficult time selling these types of items and we would have to pay to have them taken away. Also, please wait until the church is open to bring your items, as we've had bags of items left at the side door in the past. Lawn sale items may be left in the Parish House beginning August 16th. Items may be dropped off during the mornings, 9 AM to noon, beginning Monday, August 24th, when the Parish Office is open.
As usual, we will also be selling baked goods at this event. There are so
many of you who have a talent for baking such wonderful treats. Would you
consider donating some of your best baked goods for this part of the sale?
Would you like to volunteer to help set up, price items, sell, and/or clean
up? Our sign up sheets will be on the table at St. Luke's entrance by mid
August. Questions? Give me a call at 527-7281
This is a rain or shine event. Thank you for all you do! Pat Burton
Status from the Ministry Discernment Committee
When reported in the last newsletter the MDC was waiting to receive a list of potential clergy candidates from the Diocese. The MDC did receive the list of candidates at the end of June and the committee immediately sent out letters to the clergy inviting them to participate in St. Luke's discernment process. The Diocese asked us to allow a month for responses, so at this time we are awaiting to hear back from interested candidates.
Respectfully,
Alan Cassavoy
Ministry Discernment Committee Chairman
