February 2018 Mission Tidings

Thank you to all who came to our 4 PM Confirmation Service on the 4th. It was lovely to see so many there to support our three young men who were confirmed: Samuel Beal, Jackson Parker and Samuel McDowell. It was so nice to have our Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, here to confirm them, to celebrate Holy Eucharist and preach. He kept his word and kept the service "tight". We finished in little over an hour. Although it was not the best Sunday for a late afternoon service - you came. (We got home in time for the game - which was exciting but with a disappointing finish for Pat's fans. But how exciting for the Philadelphia Eagles to win their first ever Super Bowl.)

T here were 70 people in attendance, including the choir who once again did a wonderful job on such short notice. Thank you Jean and choir for your faithfulness and flexibility. Thank you to Joyce and all who provided cookies and desserts and drinks. It looked like a bakery with so many choices. I'm sure we all left on a sugar high! And, the weather even cooperated for us - warm, and no snow. Finally, a special thank you to Fr. Michael Marrone for his faithfulness in preparing these young men for the past several months, beginning before I started here last October.

Next Sunday, Feb. 11th, is the Last Sunday after Epiphany. Wednesday, Feb. 14th, is Ash Wednesday. As previously announced, there will be Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes at 7 am, Noon and 7 PM. Throughout Lent there will be a Noon and 7 PM service. Beginning, Feb. 21st we will alternate Holy Communion with Evening prayer on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM. Afterward, there will a quiet service of meditation and art. Come to either or both. If you want to know more about this - or sign up - please contact me at [email protected] or 617-584-2737.

A note of interest: Bishop Gates and the Bishop of PA had a challenge going up until the game on Sunday evening. They asked people to go online and donate to Episcopal Relief and Development in support of their favorite team. As of the 5th, there was $42,084 raised! This money goes around the world (and to people in our own country) to help those in need. Their goal was to raise $20,000. They far exceeded their expectations - a blessing indeed for ERD.

I will be at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in NH for the Clergy Pre-Lenten Retreat from Feb. 6th - 8th. This is the first time we will be on retreat with our Lutheran colleagues. It is also the first time the retreat has been held in NH. Please keep the bishops and clergy in your prayers this week (as always!). Pray for safe journeys, a restful, prayerful retreat and for good weather.

Peace to all, Mother Billie

Church School News

Calendar:

February 11- Regular Classes

February 18 & 25- No Classes, Winter Break

Wish List: Changing table

Don't forget Bible Study, Sundays at 11:15

Bible Study resumes this Sunday after the 10 o'clock service. We are reading Leviticus 25:25 to the end, which covers the ancient Hebrew welfare laws. All are welcome!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper- Feb. 13

Join the Vestry in Dutton Hall on Shrove Tuesday for pancakes for dinner (gluten free options available)! Pancakes and all the fixings will be served from 5:30-7pm. Please consider making a donation to help support all that St. Luke's does for the community!.

Community Dinner - February 25, 5 pm

February's meal will be Chicken Pasta Perfection (chicken in a cream sauce with broccoli), salad, rolls, green beans and chocolate trifle for dessert. Help is needed with the chicken and trifle- recipes provided- as well as with set up and clean up. Please sign up in the narthex.

Thanks to our January team pictured here. Our turnout for January's dinner was great - we had 42 guests and plenty of help. The beef stew was enjoyed by all!

Scituate Food Pantry Focus

St. Luke's has February as our month for volunteers. We need one volunteer for each Tuesday and Thursday. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Held at the lower level of the Masonic Temple, Country Way. Please sign up for a shift or two. We also need food donations to bring every week. Suggested items include: canned clam chowder, hash, dish soap, paper towels, bars of soap, toothpaste, dental floss, shaving cream. For more information, please call Joan Powers, 545-9650.

Transfer Station Help Needed

We will be sorting bottles and cans at the Scituate Transfer Station for the month of February.

The fun and festivities are on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Please join us in this ongoing fundraiser.

2018 Pledge Drive- Final Push

Our goal for the 2018 pledge drive is $180,000.

The finance committee put together a budget that the vestry approved which relies on $180,000 in pledges. Right now our pledges for 2018 total $178,840- so we need a final $1,160.

We are so close!

If you have pledged - Thank you. If you have not pledged - or you pledged and can raise your pledge to help close the gap it would be greatly appreciated. Please help support our parish in this critical year of transition.

Minutes from our Annual Meeting

Click to read the minutes from the Annual Meeting on January 28, 2018. February's Vestry minutes will be posted next month.

Women of the Spirit Retreat- July 20-22

Thinking ahead to warmer weather ... Does a spiritual retreat this summer sound interesting? Join us for a relaxing 3-day getaway to a charming country inn in Weston, Vermont with fellow Episcopal women to explore spirituality in our lives, attend services at the Weston Priory, and be pampered with delicious meals enjoyed at the Colonial House Inn. For several decades, women of St. Luke's have joined ladies from St. Peter's-on-the-Canal in Buzzards Bay and other parishes to journey to Vermont for this restorative getaway. This year, our program will be held July 20-22 and led by Deacon Sharon Powers. An informational meeting will be scheduled soon to share more details - including pricing and accommodation availability - and coordinate sign ups. If you have questions prior to our meeting, please ask any one of these past attendees: Alice Dana, Tracy Dieselman, Pat Jones, Kittie Marrone, or Suzanne Otte. All women of St. Luke's are welcome!