LOVE IS THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN HERE | |
STANDING FOR JUSTICE, LIVING IN GRACE
We believe worship and justice go hand in hand.
Find your voice and your place at St. Luke’s.
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⚠️ Warning: Scam Emails Posing as “Father John Ball”
You may have recently received fraudulent emails claiming to be from “Father John Ball.”
These messages ask for “discreet help” or gift cards, but they are not from me or anyone at St. Luke’s.
Please know that St. Luke's staff, lay leaders or I will never ask for gift cards, cash, or any direct financial help by email or text.
This is a well-known scam that often targets churches and other nonprofit organizations. (Click Here for the FTC Advisory Notice).
The scammers have not gained access to our parish email system. You can tell the message is fake because the sender’s address does not match my personal email address (johnball0450@gmail.com), or one of the church's actual email addresses, such as (parishofficeadmin@stlukesdc.org).
Here’s one example of a recent phishing message received by June Lendore, who alerted me about a message she received on Thursday:
From: Father John Ball <pastormail987@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 11:08 AM
To: June lendore <junelendore1@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: June Lendore
Subject: Greetings in Christ
I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I'm currently in a prayer session and unable to take calls. For reference purpose, I prefer email.
Father John Ball
Interim Rector
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1514 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
The scammer, using the address pastormail987@gmail.com, sent June this follow-up:
From: Father John Ball pastormail987@gmail.com
Subject: Re: June Lendore
Okay! Here's what I want you to do for me because am going to be busy althrough today. I have been working on incentives and I aimed at surprising some of our diligent staffs with gift cards this week. This should be Confidential until they all have the gift cards as it's a surprise and you will keep one for yourself too.
Can you get this done today?
Father John Ball
Interim Rector
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1514 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
- Do not reply to these messages.
- Do not click on any links or attachments.
- Do not purchase or send gift cards.
- Delete the message immediately.
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If you’re unsure, DO NOT USE ANY EMAIL ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBERS LISTED IN THE SCAM EMAIL!
- Call, text, or email the Church directly using only the contact information you know to be correct.
The truth is, "SIN IS REAL," and it's easy for any one of us to be fooled.
Thank you, June Lendore, for quickly alerting me to this scam atttempt.
On behalf of our Senior Warden, Vestry, and Staff, I apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your care in helping keep our parish community safe.
Faithfully,
John +
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PLEASE REMEMBER THESE MEMEBERS & FRIENDS OF ST. LUKE'S IN YOUR DAILY PRAYERS
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NOTICE: TO KEEP OUR PRAYER LIST UP TO DATE & RELEVANT, IT WILL BE UPDATED FOR THE OCTOBER 5TH BULLETIN. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE (parishofficeadmin@stlukesdc.org), 202-667-494, IF YOU WISH TO HAVE A NAME TO REMAIN ON THE PRAYER LIST FOR THE COMING MONTH. It is important to keep the prayer list updated to keep it current and meaningful.
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You may submit names for the list by sending an e-mail to: parishofficeadmin@stlukesdc.org, or by calling the office at 202-667-4394. Names will be placed on the list for one month. If you are submitting a name and there is a reason you would like it to remain on the list for a longer time, please let us know.
Thank you for being a faithful, compassionate, and praying people, always centered in love.
Leon Allong, Tre’ Alexander, Kim Turner Baker, Sylvia Benoit, Loretta Berry, Harold Cupid, Hilda DeGounge, Robert Dunkley, Sr., Marguerite Ellis, Frances Garcia, Gladys Dean, Brianna Washington, Clarence Gilkes, Cyril French, William and Kimberly Hall, Audrey Hayden, Jacquelyn Jackson, Ralph Jackson, Gavin Johnson, Gwendolyn Johnson, Joan Johnson, Velma Long, Dorothy L.B. McRae, Ruth Khelseau, Elizabeth Liburd, Jean Maddox, Agnes Nicol, Mildred Pearson, Florence Pritchett, Cheng Ping, Olive Pope, Suzanne Pope, Darlene Simmons, Cheryl Strange, Evelyn Tuckson, Jean Parran, Dianne Tyrance-Neal, Marian Tyrance, Phyllis Valentine, Ruby Van Croft, and Earlene Wadsworth, Marie Washington & all who are out of work during the government shut down.
We want to be sure our homebound members remain connected with St. Luke’s ministry through regularly scheduled visits by the Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Father John. Help us stay connected to our homebound members by contacting the church office at parishofficeadmin@stlukesdc.org. or 202-667-4394.
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COFFEE HOUR Signups - Posted in the Parish Hall: Coffee Hour is an important component of our Sunday worship/community experience and for becoming the Beloved Community God intends us to be. It’s often referred to as the 8th Sacrament of the Church.”
We are grateful for those who prepare and serve the coffee hours. Thank you!
October 12: Brenda Robles
October 19: The Pearson Family - "Mildred Pearson's Birthday 10/10"
October 26: Lilian Bernard
November 2: Joyln Pearson
November 16: OPEN
November 23: OPEN
November 30: OPEN
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A CHRISTIAN'S CALL
TO CONTEMPLATION & ACTION
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18th Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 23C
October 12, 2025
Theme: Wrestling with God, Holding On to Hope
Key Points:
- Jacob’s nighttime struggle shows that faith often deepens in seasons of wrestling and uncertainty.
- Like the persistent widow in Jesus’s parable, we’re called to pray and not lose heart, to keep showing up even when answers are slow in coming.
- Our “limps” and scars are not signs of failure but reminders of transformational places where grace has met us.
- Faith matures through perseverance, patience, and the courage to hold on to God even when we don’t understand.
Questions for Reflection:
- What are you wrestling with in your life right now? Where might God be meeting you in that struggle?
- How do you recognize God’s blessing in the wounds or “limps” you carry?
- What helps you to “pray always and not lose heart”?
Invitation to Action:
- Take time this week to sit quietly with what you are wrestling with? Bring it honestly before God.
- Practice persistence in prayer: hold one person, cause, or situation in prayer daily, trusting God’s unseen work.
- Reach out to someone who is struggling, offering your presence and encouragement. Be a reminder that they are not alone.
| | WELCOME BISHOP EUGENE TAYLOR SUTTON | | |
We were delighted that Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton, retired Bishop of Maryland, chose St. Luke’s for his first official visitation as Assistant Bishop of Washington.
The bishop met with the Vestry at 8:00 a.m. and preached and presided at the 9:30 a.m. Eucharist. In his sermon, he encouraged us to “hang on,” reminding us that we already have “enough faith” to accomplish whatever God is calling us to do. He reminded us that survival—and flourishing—are all about radical hospitality.
Bishop Sutton expressed his commitment to walking alongside St. Luke’s, not only to help us survive, but to thrive. “Put your faith to work,” he said. “Whatever amount you have—put it to work. You are not alone.”
Click Here to View Bishop Sutton's Sermon (begins at timestamp 22:32)
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Meet Jennifer Johnson
Four generations of Jennifer Johnson’s family have called St. Luke’s Episcopal Church their spiritual home. Her family’s connection began in the 1970s when her sister, newly arrived from Guyana, was invited to visit St. Luke’s by a neighbor on 16th Street. When Jennifer’s mother immigrated in the 1980s, she too found her place at St. Luke’s. Jennifer followed in the 1990s, bringing her children, and now their children, into the life of the parish.
“St. Luke’s has always been a place of fellowship, welcome, care, and spiritual uplift,” Jennifer says. “It’s not only a place of worship; it’s a family, a community you can lean on. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
Looking to the future, Jennifer hopes to see St. Luke’s expand its humanitarian work in the wider community and engage more young people in the church’s life. “I want to see the next generation carry forward the beautiful traditions of St. Luke’s,” she adds with pride.
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WHO'S NEXT?
I WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE YOU in Our “Meet ___” Column!
One of the best parts of being church together is getting to know each other’s stories. Over the last several weeks, I have been introducing a member or friend of St. Luke’s through our “Meet ___” column. This is all about building connections and celebrating the people who make this parish what it is. Sometimes is a longtime member, sometimes new faces, and friends alike.
Here’s how it works: I’ll send you these few simple questions to reflect on and to respond. You don't have answer all of them, just the ones you wish to answer that will help us to get to know you.
- Tell us a little bit about YOU. No need to write or submit your full autobiography! Just a few key points will be fine.
- When did you start attending St. Luke’s? What brought you here? What keeps you coming?
- What ministries have you been or are you currently involved with? What ministries would you like to work with in the days ahead?
- What is your vision for St. Luke’s for the next five years?
You don’t have to write polished paragraphs. Just jot down some key phrases or notes, and I will shape it into your story and send it to you in advance to review before posting it.
If you would like to be featured (or know someone I should ask), please reply to this email (johnball0450@gmail.com), or catch me on Sunday.
Let’s keep building up our connections, one story at a time.
John +
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ST. LUKE'S | | | | |
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
This week we learned of a family living at The Terrell, a mother, father, and seven children (with an eighth on the way), who are in urgent need of food support. The mother is currently hospitalized with a high-risk pregnancy, and the family is struggling to provide meals for their children while she receives care.
We invite everyone to bring canned or dried food item to church this Sunday.
Suggested items include: Rice, beans, pasta, or canned tuna or meats, canned fruit or vegetables, Easy-to-prepare foods for children (fruit cups, granola bars, etc.)
Every contribution, large or small, will help feed this family during a very difficult time. If you wish to make a monetary donation or provide grocery-store gift cards, make checks payable to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. “Mark the check: Food Outreach.” We have some church membes who have volunteered to go to the grocery store and purchase fresh items and supplies they know the family will use.
Collection boxes will be available at the church entrance this Sunday morning.
Thank you for showing the love of Christ through your generosity and compassion.
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Rendering Unto Caesar:
A Dialogue About Faith & Politics
Sunday, October 12 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
St. John's, Norwood
6701 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD
Free Event - In-Person & Online
What should we, as people of faith, be saying in these troubled times? What should we be doing? We welcome you to St. John’s Norwood on Sunday, October 12, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, to explore these questions during a dialogue on faith and politics led by Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton. Bishop Sutton is the senior pastor of the Chautauqua Institution, assistant bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and formerly the bishop of the Diocese of Maryland and canon pastor of Washington National Cathedral. Seating is limited; reserve your spot now at bit.ly/STJN-signup or plan to tune in via Zoom, at bit.ly/STJN-SpecialEvent.
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JOIN US FOR ST. LUKE'S ADULT DINNER FORUM SERIES
What: Bi-Weekly Adult Dinner Forums (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)
In-Person: 6:00 pm, TUESDAY, Oct 14 & 28
Online by Zoom: 6:45 pm
CLICK HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK
This month's topic: An indepth Bible Study on 1st Cornithians, led by Father Tony Lewis, Ph.D., former professor of New Testament, retired from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Where: The Parish Hall (6:00 - 8:00 PM) Online by Zoom: (6:45 - 8:00 PM)
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Moccasins Across America Visits St. Luke’s
On Wednesday afternoon, October 8th, St. Luke’s was honored to host participants from Moccasins Across America, a cross-country pilgrimage of First Nations peoples traveling from San Pasqual Land in California to Washington, D.C.
The pilgrims were welcomed by Vestry member Diane Quinn, and Tami Hayes, a friend of St. Luke’s, for a time of hospitality, fellowship, drumming, and Native American chanting and dancing in our parish hall.
Organized by a group called Sacred Nation Rises, Moccasins Across America is a six-month, multi-state journey of prayer, reconciliation, and healing. The walk passes through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and concludes here in D.C., this week, with a large gathering on the Mall.
At the heart of Sacred Nation Rises is a vision of gathering and uniting “as one, from the four directions.” Drawing from the words of John 17:21–23—“that they may all be one”—participants seek spiritual renewal for the nation through prayer, relationship, and shared purpose.
The movement partners with ministries, leaders, and intercessors across fourteen states to create prayer hub rallies, offering hope, healing, and empowerment. Through these gatherings they seek to:
- Build heart-to-heart relationships and engage in acts of reconciliation;
- Honor the contributions and histories of First Nation peoples;
- Create spaces of healing through music, drumming, prayer, and fellowship; and
- Sow “prayers of peace” with every step of the journey.
Their mission statement puts it beautifully: “At the end of the mission may our collective prayers have a ripple effect far and wide. To Creator be the praise forever.”
The groups intention is to listen, remember, and heal by amplifying Native voices and bringing awareness to the ongoing social and spiritual challenges within Indigenous communities. By partnering with local faith leaders, they aim to address deep historical wounds that still affect Native communities and the wider “House of Creator.” As one of their reflections says, “There are many hearts currently veiled with shame, silence, and hidden bitterness. We believe Creator’s power of grace and mercy will open hearts to receive forgiveness while repentance is voiced, and healing will saturate the atmosphere.”
A key element of their message revisits the “Apology Resolution”—a little-known 2009 Congressional resolution acknowledging centuries of harm to Native peoples. Passed quietly within a defense bill and never publicly presented, this apology remains largely unknown. The Moccasins Across America journey seeks to bring this hidden truth to light and call for renewed national attention, repentance, and reconciliation.
During their stop in our parish hall, pilgrims shared stories, prayers, drumming, and sacred dance. It was a time of genuine encounter, one in which ancient traditions met open hospitality. As the afternoon closed, participants expressed gratitude for St. Luke’s welcome and for the chance to pray together for unity and healing in our land.
Many thanks to Diane Quinn, Tami Hayes, and Cathy Motley for your ministry of offering St. Luke's hospitality at its best!
May the Spirit continue to bless all who walk this sacred road toward reconciliation, and may we, too, walk in step with peace.
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