Parish Rebuilder

ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH - 5150 WILSON ST. LA MESA, CA 91942

619-463-6633 www.st-lukes-la-mesa.org

We invite you to join

St. Luke's Lutheran Church

Please contact Amy in the office to discuss membership or to arrange an

appointment with the pastor:

619-463-6633 or office-sllc@att.net

Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Table of Contents

Pastor Mark page 1

Music page 3

WSL page 4

Heifer/Parish Potpourri page 4

Birthdays/Worship Text page 7

Prayer Calendar page 8

Worship Teams page 9

Calendar page 10

February 2017

Monthly Newsletter

Volume 17 Issue 2

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

A crisis in the Christian faith in western societies has long been developing. The slow nature of the crisis has obscured its nature and depth, like the old adage of boiling a frog by slowly turning up the heat. What once seemed like the warm tides of advancement has become the denaturing of the Christian faith in our world. Even among those who attend church fairly regularly, basic knowledge of basic tenets of the Chris-tian faith is incredibly low.

The causes for this are many and complex, perhaps too many and too complex to analyze with any degree of clarity. Even if one were able to do so, addressing the situation seems correspondingly overwhelming. Churches of all denominations and of no denomina-tion seems to have tried every programme, trend, and fad to ... to do what? No one seems quite sure.

Too frequently, churches engage in programmes to re-form or to renew or to revive or to rescue the church. While some hope “to make America great again,” oth-ers seek “to make the church great again.” They hearken back to a time when ... when what? Well, when the church was great, of course! When was that?

In this 500th year of the Reformation of the church, people are tempted to gaze back to the feats of the great Reformer, Martin Luther, as a time when the church was great. Luther aside, reformers and renew-ers of all description in so many periods of time have sought instead to idealize the early church, perhaps the church as found in the Acts of the Apostles or in the first five centuries when Christianity became the religion of the Roman empire. Following on from that, many look to the pope, his hierarchy, and his church’s

Jesus Said,

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numerical superiority as the arguably undisputed example of the greatness of the church.

Luther takes a different approach, “There is no greater detriment to Christendom than to neglect children. If one wants to help Christendom again, then truthfully one must start with the children, as happened in olden times” (WA 24:592, 14-16).

Broadly speaking, hindering children coming to Je-sus entails much more than some of his disciples getting in the way long ago. It happens today, eve-ryday, but particularly on Sunday. Those nowadays who primarily hinder children coming to Jesus are parents or guardians who intentionally refuse or neglectfully fail to bring their children to church and to provide for their children’s instruction in the Christian faith. Sadly, this is particularly acute when the parents of baptized children do not fulfill the promises made at their children’s baptisms. Likewise, pastors and congregational members are also fall short in helping parent fulfill their prom-ises, especially in our “non-interference” world.

From Luther’s perspective, most of that with which churches concern themselves “to reform or to renew or to revive or to rescue the church” are not primar-ily oriented toward children. Consequently, even many of those things which may seem to make a congregation “great” may in the long term actually be detrimental. What might Luther mean when he states that “one must start with the children”? The quotation does not give an explicit answer, and it does not matter. More importantly, what might it look like if St. Luke’s started with the children? Per-haps, we should give it a go and see what happens.

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Ash Wednesday this year falls on 01 March. As in previous years, St. Luke’s will offer soup suppers at 5:30 pm with Lenten services to follow at 6:30 pm. There are still Wednesdays free for individuals or groups to assume responsibility for providing soups suppers. If you are interested in doing so, please contact the church office to reserve your Wednes-day.

Reformation 2017

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Ref-ormation. So, what should St. Luke’s do to cele-brate the occasion? If you have ideas, please communicate them to Pastor Mark or to one of the church council members.

Pastor Mark

Did we miss your special day?

We still have members whom we do not have their special event in our records. Please let the office

know if your special day is absent from the monthly-newsletter. We like to celebrate everyone

in our congregational!

Please let Amy in the office know!

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Singing in a Church Choir

Benefits of Singing, Part 2

I hope you all read the Benefits of Singing Part 1 in the January newsletter and have taken it upon yourselves to sing out each and every day.

To a new singer, the thought of choral singing may seem like a daunting task, particularly for someone unable to read music. With that in mind, here’s a small guide outlining the basics of getting started.

After all, now is as good a time as any to jump in…

A New Challenge: Learning to sing is a challenge in itself, but learning to sing with others is a skill that makes the experience all the more rewarding.

Social Benefits: As with any club or social group, membership will not only enhance your circle of friends but also your social life.

Education: There is a wealth of sacred choral music to discover and being part of a choir is one way of finding some of the hidden gems of sacred choral repertoire.

A Lifelong Passion: Choral singing can become a hobby for life. There are no age or gender restric-tions, it requires only time to join.

Some Things to Remember: Choir contributes to the understanding of God and the experience of wor-ship Choir gives us the opportunity to be worship leaders Choir fulfills the Biblical admonishment to “sing to our God.” Choir focuses on DOING rather than OBSERVING. Choir allows praise with body, mind, spirit, and voice. Choir helps develop concepts of teamwork and cooperation. Choir is a gift that will last a lifetime

Renée Calvo

Director of Music

Women of St. Luke’s

1 Corinthians 13:13

There are three things that endure: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.

This is a season when the word love gets ban-tered about more than any other time. But the love we celebrate is different from the love re-ferred to in this verse. No little cherubs shoot-ing arrows of love TO us are meant by this love; this love flows FROM us to our neighbors, close and across the world as God taught us by first loving us. 1 Corinthians chap-ter 13 tells us what love really means. The new WSL officers were installed by the pastor January 8th. They are:

Nancy Kearns President MaryAnn Boullain Vice President Joann Hendrickson Secretary Angie Hauk Treasurer Rebekah and Deborah Circle representatives MaryAnn Boullain/JoAnn Hendrickson-Members at large Martha Applegate/Darcy Barghols/Marilyn Burns/Liz Dunnigan/Dawn Dolan

These ladies have shown their love for St Luke’s by their work on projects and service both to St Luke’s and to represent St Luke’s in the community. They welcome your support this year.

WSL is excited about the Craft Fair to be held in the Family Center February 23rd to 25th. Please keep these dates open. Quality hand-made crafts and goodies at reasonable prices. And a portion of the proceeds come back to WSL.

You may not realize that WSL contributed over $8,000 to charities during 2016. With your help and support we will continue to show LOVE to our neighbors, both local and abroad.

Blessings and love,

Nancy Kearns

WSL President

Parish Potpourri

Dinner groups for 2017 are being formed and will

be completed by the first of February. Every at-

tempt is being made to include EVERONE who

may be interested. If somehow there is an omis-

sion, please call Martha Applegate at 465-6005.

The organized groups will function as before: host

individuals provide the main dish, guests

(probably another couple) bring a salad, and a

third couple (or individual) brings the dessert.

These are suggestions only. During the remainder

of the year, and at times convenient for all, some-

one else provides the host home. It is hoped that

each group will meet a minimum of four times

during 2017. Any questions, please call Martha.

Heifer International

You may have chosen a HEIFER INTERNA-TIONAL gift to give last December. Whatever you chose will, of course, be welcomed. It’s amazing how many people choose GOATS!! They can be truly adorable but also mischievous!

1. They have excellent taste. Legend has it goats invented coffee!!

2. They are the best at playing pranks.

3. They are the best for playing pranks on.

4. They have “refined” products........goat cheese, anyone??

5. They have the cutest kids!

6. They really can climb trees!

7. They save lives. In many countries they provide families with milk, cheese, butter and yogurt and income from products can send children to school, as well as provide stability for those fami-lies!

Martha Applegate

PLEASE REMEMBER THE QUARTER BANK IN THE NARTHEX!! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN IT IS THERE???

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CONGREGATIONAL RETREAT

February 4th

9:00am—1:00pm

Come one, come all!

Bring your thoughts, ideas and dreams for St. Luke’s!

Light breakfast

And

Full Lunch provided

Please RSVP to the office by February 3rd.

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In need of a Make-up Artist for that upcoming special event?

Contact Tania Salas at 619-301-2560

Bridal & Special Event Makeup using Professional Airbrush Technology

Each month our newsletter is published for free due to the advertisements of local businesses.. Please take a moment each month and see if the services they provide could help you

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Epiphany Party

January 6, 2017

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Marge Henkel—Feb 01

Rick Parkhurst—Feb 01

Michelle Dipierro—Feb 03

Carol Bohnsack—Feb 07

Audrey Utley—Feb 08

Bev Carson—Feb 18

Richard Utley—Feb 18

Stephanie Brown—Feb 19

Andy Killion—Feb 20

Etsuko Busker—Feb 26

Calling all Mat Makers!

Meeting and making of the mats is scheduled for 9:30am on February 2 in the Lower Level. The group is in need of more bags. They can be from clothing stores, Home Depot, department stores, 99 Cent stores or the like. Even clean opaque light-weight garbage bags do nicely. Or, if anyone is still hoarding old grocery bags.....bring them in and we will use them.

Angie Hauk

FEBRUARY WORSHIP TEXT

5th Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

First Lesson—Isaiah 58: 1-12

Second Lesson—1 Corinthians 2:1 –16

Gospel—Matthew 5: 13-20

12th Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

First Lesson—Deuteronomy 30: 15-20

Second Lesson—1 Corinthians 3: 1-9

Gospel Lesson—Matthew 5: 21-37

19th Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

First Lesson—Leviticus 19: 1-2, 9-18

Second Lesson—1 Corinthians 3: 10-11, 16-23

Gospel—Matthew 5: 38-48

26th Transfiguration of Our Lord

Last Sunday after Epiphany

First Lesson—Exodus 24: 12-18

Second Lesson—2 Peter 1: 16-21

Gospel—Matthew 17: 1-9

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FEBRUARY PRAYER CALENDAR

The Lord, Our Joy

1 Luke 2: 8-14 Joyful, joyful we adore thee

2 Psalm 21: 1-7 God of glory, Lord of love!

3 Nehemiah 8: 9-12 Hearts unfold like flowers before thee

4 Isaiah 35: 1-10 Praising thee, their sun above

5 Psalm 16: 5-11 Melt the clouds of sin and sadness

6 Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Drive gloom of doubt away,

7 Psalm 43: 3-4 Giver of immortal gladness

8 Psalm 51: 7-12 Fill us with the light of day!

9 Psalm 149: 1-5

10 John 15: 9-17 All thy works with joy surround thee,

11 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-10 Earth and heaven reflect thy rays,

12 John 16: 16-24 Stars and angels sing around thee,

13 Psalm 98: 1-9 Center of unbroken praise.

14 Philippians 2: 1-4 Field and forest, vale and mountain,

15 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20 Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,

16 1 Thessalonians 3: 6-13 Chanting bird, and flowing fountain

17 Psalm 126: 1-6 Call us to rejoice in thee.

18 Isaiah 9: 2-7

19 Isaiah 12: 1-6 Thou at giving and forgiving,

20 Isaiah 29: 17-19 Ever blessing, ever blest.

21 Jeremiah 15: 15-16 Well-spring of the joy of living,

22 2 Corinthians 7: 2-7 Ocean-depth of happy rest!

23 James 1: 2-4 Thou our Father, Christ our brother,

24 1 Peter 1: 3-9 All who live in love are thine;

25 1 Peter 4:12-16 Teach us how to love each other,

26 Psalm 95: 1-7 Lift us to joy divine!

27 Hebrews 12: 1-3

28 Isaiah 55: 9-13 Hymn #551

Lutheran Book of Worship

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FEBRUARY WORSHIP TEAMS

Reader

Altar Guild

Sound Technician

Randy Engel

Estella Schweikert

Matt Kirk

5th Communion Assistant — Bread Ted Olsen

Prayers of the People Pastor Menacher

Projectionist Whitney Utley

Communion Assistants —Wine Marge Hersom and Thelma Pace

Greeters Ellis Petersen and Loraine Wininger

Usher Team George Hauk

Acolytes Brooke and Madison Klomp

12th Communion Assistant—Bread Judi Dunnigan

Prayers of the People Gail Knippelmeyer

Projectionist Terry East

Communion Assistants—Wine Liz Dunnigan and Martha Applegate

Greeters JoAnn Hendrickson

Usher Team Chuck Hersom

Acolytes Paige and Ryan Yerger

19th Communion Assistant—Bread Marge Hersom

Prayers of the People Karen Skullerud

Projectionist Whitney Utley

Communion Assistants —Wine Thelma Pace and Liz Dunnigan

Greeters Marilyn Burns and Marie Handley

Usher Team Randy Engel

Acolytes Brooke and Madison Klomp

26th Communion Assistant—Bread Judi Dunnigan

Prayers of the People Mary Ann Boullain

Projectionist Tania Salas

Communion Assistant—Wine Marge Hersom and Karen Skullerud

Usher Team George Hauk

Acolytes Paige and Ryan Yerger

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S T . L U K E ’ S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

5 1 5 0 W I L S O N S T .

L A M E S A , C A 9 1 9 4 2

Phone: 619-463-6633

Webpage: www.st-lukes-la-mesa.org

Email: office-sllc@att.net

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

EL CAJON,CA

PERMIT NO 262

Dated Material

FEBRUARY 2017

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL

Worship Service: Sundays, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Sunday School for all ages: Sundays, at 10:30 am.

St Luke’s Theological Academy classes held Sundays at 4:00pm and Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Congregational Retreat—February 4th 9:00am—1:00pm

Applecrate Craft Fair : February 23-25.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

St. Luke’s Mission Statement:

We are called as a community of Christians saved by grace

—through faith alone in Jesus Christ—

to spread the Holy Gospel in word, sacrament, and action

soli deo gloria.