WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

2: Gracie Morgan 9: Shana Putnam 16: Grover Holt 23: Nancy Harris ACOLYTE Elizabeth Applewhite ALTAR GUILD Carol Parrish Karen Moore Mark Parrish Gail Kerr David Parrish Council Tellers Deanna Allison Grover Holt USHERS Linda Pruett Clyde Harkey Russell Pruett Chase Hovis CHILDREN’S SERMONS Feb. 2: Deanna Allison 9: Julie Hoffner 16: Jennifer Perrell 23: Gracie Morgan GREETERS Feb. 2: Sandy Arrowood 9: Jennifer Perrell 16: Alice Weaver 23: Mary Harkey ALTAR FLOWERS ($65) Feb. 2– Mrs. Margaret Getchell 9- Mrs. Alice Weaver 16- Mrs. Faye Peeler 23– M/M Joe Hampton ****************************

EXTA ARM CHAIRS HAVE BEEN PLACED FOR DINING IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.

February Sermon Schedule In February, Pastor Scott finishes the series on the wonderful story of Esther, Mordecai, Haman and the King. Feb 2: Esther 5 – Pride Comes Before the Fall Feb 9: Esther 6 – Celebrating God’s Plan Feb 16: Shine A Light in Dark Places Feb 23: Something Changes

======================================================= New Members

We welcome back Ron & Kathy Webb, who have returned to St

Luke’s after some time away.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Beginning new mission congregations is one of the ways we partner together across the NC Synod. On February 9, 2020 we will take a special offering for mission congregations in our synod that are changing lives. Learn more about our synod’s six mission develop-ments at nclutheran.org/congregations/mission-congregations. 2020 Congregation Activity Calendar To everyone, ESPECIALLY team leaders and committee chairs, please pick up a copy of the early version of the 2020 events and activity calen-dar from Becky or in the narthex. See what we need to add! Let Becky know so we can let everyone else know, too!

——————————————— Fish Fry Community Support – Request for Funds page may be found in the Info Center in the narthex. We love hearing about your proposals to help the community. Please return your request before the council meeting on Sunday morning, February 16, so we can share with the congregation and publicize the March 21 Fish Fry/Yard Sale.

VOL .54

EDITION 6

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

Lent. Ash Wednesday. A month away… Hey wait, wasn’t it just Christmas?

Yes, it was. Even so, that short pause for Epiphany is almost over, and Lent is coming up quick! We begin with Ash Wednesday worship on February 26, 7 pm. Look for Lenten devotionals mid month in the rear sanctuary windows. We encourage you to find one that suits your style and encourages you to explore your faith during the season of introspection. And don’t miss our Fat Tuesday Pancake and Bingo Party on Tuesday, Feb. 25! That “clear out the larder” celebration just before Lent is a great fun time, and we’ve got pancake makers signed up to share their crea-tions once again. For fun, we are returning to Pirate Bingo. First 2 Bingos win each round (moves things along a bit faster) and there is a maximum prize limit of 2, this time. Some folks are just lucky. Feel like con-tributing a prize? Great! Simple and fun is best, wrap it up so it’s a great no-one-knows. Prizes stay wrapped until the end – and each time someone wins a round, they can pick a new prize or “steal one” (contents un-known) from previous winner, who gets to go pick another.

Our Lenten Wednesday theme this year, beginning in March, will revolve around our principles, priorities and setting goals for the congregation. What do we see as our identity? What’s most important to us?

What is God calling us to work on, and toward, together?

Pastor Scott

Feb.

2020

Special

Offering

Friends and Relatives on our Prayer List

We thought it might be helpful if all of us know the relationship to our congregation of the people on our

prayer list. We ask that as names need to be added or removed, you contact the church office.

Joy Barnette friend of Betty Massey Martha A.Barringer friend of Sandy Arrowood Wilma Davis aunt of Gail Kerr&Linda Pruett Glenn Hester friend of Jason Connelly Leslie Houston wife of Preston Houston Don Killian cousin of David Arrowood

Laurie Parrish sister of Mark Parrish Tim Peede bro-in-law of Debbie Clary Diane Rivers friend of Alice Weaver Crystal Smith dau-in-law of Faye Peeler Doris Strickland mother of Debbie Clary Michael Walker cousin of David Arrowood Kim Watkins friend of Alice Weaver April Weaver wife of Jonathan Weaver Cindy Webb sister of Kathy Webb

Members and Friends Serving in the Military Eric Corriher husband of Dana Corriher Vince Price nephew of David Arrowood Jon Faust son of Margaret Faust David Terry son of Beverly Terry

OFFERING & ATTENDANCE—December Current Benev. Worship SS

Dec. 1 $ 2,816.60 $ 90.40 104 24 Dec. 8 5,588.13 65.48 101 29 Dec. 15 3,886.42 57.80 97 21 Dec. 22 3,807.51 77.68 147 27 Dec. 24 573.00 ----- 122 -- Dec. 29 3,728.83 170.00 49 17

TREASURER’S REPORT Current Benevolence Restricted

Total

Beginning Balance 12/1/19 ($5,534.56) $ 0.00 $ 134,095.59 $128,561.03

Receipts Dec., 2019 *,** $20,783.49 $461.36 $5,866.56 $27,111.41

Charges/Fees Dec., 2019 ($67.50) $0.00 $0.00 ($67.50)

Transfers Dec., 2019 $ 2,013.36 ($461.36) ($1,552.00) ($ 0.00)

Disbursements Dec., 2019 ($21,547.78) $0.00 ($6,575.39) ($28,123.17)

Ending Balance 12/31/19 ($ 4,352.99) $0.00 $131,834.76 $127,481.77

David Lentz relative of Eleanor Ijames Danny Marsh father of Angie Connelly Dorothy McCloud mother of Kathy Webb Jennifer McDaniel Mt. Ulla Postal Pam Miller niece of Nancy Harris Cindy Morgan dau. of Reid & Margaret Jeanette Morris sister of Gerald Graham Jerry Overcash cousin of Bonnie Russell

Lutheran Men and Youth Group Service Day

On Saturday, Jan. 18, the Lutheran Men in Mission

(LMM) and SLY youth joined for a care-of-creation

morning, picking up roadside trash on 3 streets

near St. Luke’s. 12 big bags of trash were hauled

away. We thank the Lutheran Men for helping

organize this event, and for the great hot dog and

hamburger lunch.

Ingathering Projects Updates

Playground Update (2018 project): Completed!

Sanctuary Building Fire Alarm: Getting additional quotes.

Trashcan pad and sidewalk: Funds received, work approved, look-ing to schedule. Chancel projector: low priority at the moment, and needs electrical work done Security lighting: waiting on team report about specific types and locations for lights, then needs electrical work to be done. Fellowship Hall Projector (donation by Kluttz family): waiting on electrical work to be done.

Meals on Wheels

Volunteer Schedule for February

February 4: Sally Morgan 6: Joan Kennerly 7: Jeff Poteat 11: Sally Morgan 12: Karen Moore 14: Jeff Poteat 18: Alice Weaver 20: Joan Kennerly 21: Nancy Harris 25: Dianne Davis 26: Micki Karriker 28: Linda Clodfelter

TOGETHER IN FAITH

Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Trip - June 11-12-13, 2020 (Thurs.-Fri.-Sat.)

3 day 2 night custom charter trip with White Star Tours. The more the merrier, and cheaper too! $539pp if we have 20,

$439pp if we have 40 going. posters for details. Make checks payable to St. Luke’s, marked for ArkTrip and participant(s).

**** Please pick up a sign-up form, and submit it with your deposit for $25. ($25pp deposits due March 1, final payment due April 1.)

**Feb 16 Bowling for Everyone: Yes, indeed, a bowling outing for all ages. Julie Edwards is helping arrange a day for us to get out, have some fun, non-competitive bowling outing. Sunday, Feb 16, from 1:30-3:30 pm at Woodleaf Lanes (1811 Jake Alexander Blvd W, Salisbury). That’s after worship, and

gives time for lunch before we bowl.

$10pp for shoes and 2 hours of bowling

Sign up in the narthex to reserve bowling lanes!

DISCIPLESHIP Search for a Youth Director Our search for a new MS/HS Youth Director continues. If someone you know may be interested in this part-time posi-tion, please encourage them to contact Pastor Scott or coun-cil chair Mark Parrish. The job description is available on church website (www.stlukeslutheran.org) and in the church office.

Prayer & Spiritual Direction Group: Wed. at 2 pm Continuing our discussion of “The Furious Longing of God” by Brennan Manning and short devotions from “Jacob the Baker”. Consider joining us for a time dedicated to growing our spir-itual lives, practices to help us listen for the voice of God, and sharing how we see God working around us.

Thursday Study Group – “Revelation” New Topic: Book of Revelation. We’ll start the new year with a new topic. The group has chosen to explore the book of Revelation. Pastor Scott will lead this study. Join us Thursdays at 10 am. Drop in as you can —This one will run for a while… Faith Basics – February 23 – “Chat with a Rabbi” Rabbi Andrew Ettin (Rabbi at Temple Israel, Salisbury and Prof at Wake Forest) will join us for our Faith Basics lunch-eon on February 23 after worship. He’ll share and host questions on a variety of topics – a bit about modern Juda-ism, their way of interpreting scriptures we share, etc. As always, all ages are invited and confirmation youth strongly

encouraged to attend. Please sign up so we can have a count for lunch which will be provided.

Jan. 19 Council Meeting, information and actions of council. Full minutes are available through the office. And a reminder – all Council meetings are open for all to attend, except for rare legal, personnel or similar matters. Treasurer’s report approved, end of month and end of year.

Finance noted receipt of Ingathering gift dedicated to con-crete sidewalk and trash pad, recommended Council ap-prove applying that dedicated gift to that project. Approved.

Stewardship announced desire to commit St. Luke’s to serv-ing a meal each quarter at the homeless shelter, with LMM taking Q1-2020 (Feb 2), and asking Council to commit to a day. Council approved, and will serve on a day in Q2-2020.

Council noted Ingathering updates that Playground work is completed, ramp rails are rumored to be in fabrication stage, awaiting 2nd sanctuary fire alarm quote, sidewalk/trash pad work approved.

New council members were assigned to committees/teams: Alison Clawson (Social Ministry), Emily Applewhite (Christian Ed), Steve Massey (Fellowship), Robert Hodge (Finance).

Parsonage condition was discussed. Letter was received and read from Rev. Connelly on fond memories and notable issues/repairs needed. Professional inspection scheduled.

Activity Building Gym flooring update: Grover is getting names and addresses of local gyms with current preferred flooring choice already installed so an evaluation visit can be arranged.

Council joyfully changed Ron & Kathy Webb membership status from inactive to active. Council approved Pastor’s request to serve at Via de Cristo discipleship weekend in September. Council approved participating in NC Synod special Feb., 2020 appeal for funds for new congregations/renewing con-gregations. Council discussed proposal to adjust method and timing of counting Sunday offerings and delegated that to Finance Committee and Worship and Music Committee for recom-mendation. Next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 am

Youth Group News & Events SLY Group Events Coming Up:

Feb 7-9: Retreat at Lutheridge (Topic: Eucharist/ Holy Communion) Feb 16: Bowling fun in the afternoon (1:30-3:30 pm) Feb 23: Faith Basics “Chat with a Rabbi” (Please sign the sheet in the narthex, if attending) Pastor Scott is serving as youth leader while we continue our search for a new Youth Director. Marian Lytle is leading our youth confirmation ministry. Lutheridge retreats are part of the youth Confirmation minis-try, but are also designed for high-school students who split off for their own discussions.

PRAYERFUL LIVING—JOYFUL GIVING John 3: 1-3 In baptism we were made to be reflections of our Father and bound to our Lord Jesus in every way. What a privi-lege it is to be called children of such a great and good God. Teach us, O Lord, to become as generous in sharing with others as you have been generous with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Drew Frederick 1 Paul Graham 2 Lisa Burns 6 Betty Gillespie 6 Gina Bond 8 Whitney Burns 8 Gracie Morgan 9 Jonathan Weaver 10 Kathy Webb 10 Michael C. Stanley 12 Linda Pruett 13 Craig Corriher 14 Ted Holt 16 Warren Myers 17 Gerry Smith 19 Gail Kerr 20 Gerald Ann Graham 20 Frances Hoffner 22 Tara Getzlaff 23 Wesley Jones 25

BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES Tim Beaver 3 Rose Bolick 6 Preston Houston 6 Mary Lou Howe 6 Jennifer Kennerly 7 Allison Williams 12 Evelyn Foster 15 Robert Hodge 18 Robbie Graham 20 Ryan Connelly 21 Alice McDaniel 24 Linda Clodfelter 24 Gail Kerr 24 Linda Pruett 24 Carol Parrish 27 Lela Ijames 27

Dates to Remember

February 2 LMM serve Breakfast at Homeless Shelter 7-9 Confirmation Retreat Lutheridge – “Eucharist” 16 Bowling fun for all (Woodleaf Lanes) 1:30 –3:30 pm 17 Blanket Ministry — 9:30 am 23 Faith Basics “Chat with a Rabbi – Modern Judaism” All ages are invited; confirmation age youth are urged to attend. Sign up sheet is in the narthex. 25 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper—6:30 pm

26 Ash Wednesday Worship – 7:00 pm

29 Blanket Ministry—9:30 am

Adverse Weather Closings- Whether rain, snow, sleet or shine, St. Luke’s normally expects to gather for worship. However, if particularly unsafe weather conditions requires us to cancel worship services or oth-er events we will endeavor to inform folks via OneCall (phone, txt, email), our website, and WSOC TV (channel 9,www.wsoctv.com).

———————————————- Chair/Table Signout: To avoid accidental double-booking, please con-tact the office when you need to borrow chairs and tables from the shel-ter storage area. Thank you for helping track availability for use.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

4th Sunday after Epiphany 2 6:00 am—LMM serve Breakfast at Homeless Shelter 7:45 am—L M M 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 6:00 pm—Handbell Choir

3 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

7:00 pm Disciple Explorers

4

8-10:30 am 5 Walk in Gym

2:00 pm Prayer/Spir. Dir.

7:00 pm

Choir

6 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

7 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

—Confirmation

8

Retreat

5th Sunday after Epiphany 9 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion 5:00 pm – Handbell Choir

10 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

11

12 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

7:00 pm Choir

13 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

14 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

15

6th Sunday after Epiphany 16 7:30 am—Cong. Council 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 1:30 pm—Bowling fun at Woodleaf Lanes, Salisbury 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Worship & Music Comm. 6:00—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids

17 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 9:30 am

Blanket Ministry 7:00 pm

Disciple Explorers

18

19 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 7:00 pm

Choir

20 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

21 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

22

Transfiguration of our Lord 23 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion 12 noon—Faith Basics/Lunch /Study 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids 6:30-7:30 pm—SLY

24 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

25

6:30 pm

Fat Tuesday Pancake and Bingo Party

26 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 7:00 pm

Ash Wednesday Worship

27

10 am Pastor’s Study

Group

28 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

29 9:30 am

Blanket Ministry

BLANKET MINISTRY WORKDATES beginning at 9:30 am Join us in tying blankets and making little dresses: Mon., Feb. 17 and Sat., Feb. 29 Mon., Mar. 16 and Sat., Mar. 28 Mon., April 20 Sat., May 2 and Mon, May 18 Mon., June 8 Mon., July 13 Mon., Aug. 10

Our Walk in Faith – Together

With Valentines Day coming up soon, here’s a little something to ponder about relationships and faith.

“Love is a Decision” (Deborah Silver, D.Min.)

My friends, Milton and Mary Ann of Dayton, Ohio have been married for over 40 years. They have always looked to God to guide and sus-tain their marriage. When I first met them 25 years ago, I remember seeing a small card posted on their refrigerator that read, “love is a decision”. With God’s help, they have made that decision over and over again in their many years of marriage, through the good times and the bad. Milton is no longer capable of making any decisions on his own. He has Alzheimer's Disease. Mary Ann now makes decisions for both of them. And, with God’s help, she makes the decision to love Milton each day. Even though he no longer recognizes the people around him, most of the time Milton recognizes Mary Ann. He responds to her lov-ing gestures with a smile or a hug. No doubt you’ve heard it said before, but it bears repeating. Love is more than a feeling. Love is more than a Hallmark card. Love is a deci-sion that we make each day whether we feel like it or not. It is a deci-sion that we are able to make with God’s help and sustenance through the good times and the bad.

Mary Ann and Milton’s love for one another was an inspiration to me 25 years ago. Their love is even more inspiring now. May your love be grounded in God, based on a decision and blessed with a smile and a hug.