The Winged Ox

The Winged Ox is the Ancient Symbol of

St. Luke, the Beloved Physician
A Newsletter for the People of The Memorial
Church of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician February 2010, Issue 114

The Memorial Church LET

of St. Luke,
the Beloved Physician
1946 Welsh Road
he holy season of Lent is nearly upon us—Ash
Philadelphia, PA 19115
215.969.3645 (office)
stlukesbustleton@yahoo.com
www.memorialchurchofstluke.org
T Wednesday is February 17th. Traditionally Lent
was seen as a season for discipline as one prepared
for the encounter with the risen Lord at Easter. This
practice of discipline dates back to the early Church
SERVICES when converts to Christianity would be baptized on
Sundays:
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Easter Sunday. As a way for preparing for baptism these
with music new converts would fast, read spiritual literature and
Followed immediately by give alms to the poor. As it turned out this experience
refreshments and fellowship in
the parish hall. often had a powerful effect on those who engaged in it,
and the Church then recommended for all Christians as a
Wednesdays: way for preparing themselves for Easter.
7:30 p.m. Healing Eucharist
I know that these days the idea of discipline has fallen
ACTIVITIES out of favor. I can understand this attitude. After all, God
Contemplative Prayer does not need our sacrifice and we are apt to think of
Wednesdays – 6:45 p.m. disciplining ourselves as akin to self-flagellation. We
in the church office
cannot see how disciplining ourselves for this period will
Adult Forum- Mondays, actually benefit us; and frankly none of us needs another
7pm in the Church Office. thing about which to feel guilty.
Topic: World Religions That’s all true enough. But maybe we should think about
Inside this issue: the Lenten season and Lenten discipline differently. It is
true that God does not need my sacrifice, but then again
Birthdays............................... 4 the sacrifice is not for God; it is for me. It is a way for
Calendar................................9
Epiphany ..............................5
me to reign in my ego so that I might more easily
GFS Sponsor Drive...............7 commune with God. In other words, the Church
Help Wanted..........................6 recognized that our desires and appetites often interfere
In Memoriam..........................8 with our relationship with God because we tend to prefer
News.................................. ..3
Prayer Requests......................4 satisfying those desires and appetites more than
Rector’s Message................1,2 spending time with God. An image that we often find is
Reminders.............................2 that of a spiritual athlete who is disciplining her/himself
Souper Bowl..........................4
St. Luke’s Mission..................8 in order to be more fit. This discipline makes us more
Thank You.............................6 spiritually fit, as it were.
Those Who Serve..................3
Welcome Visitors.................. 2 (Continued on Page 2)
As for the issue of guilt, there is no question that the practice of discipline was
sometimes treated as an obligation that had to be fulfilled, and when one slipped up it
was regarded as a sin. But if we are not fasting for God, per se, but for ourselves, then
who do we have to answer to? And if you still feel guilty, then why not just say “Sorry
God, I’m going to keep trying.” And remember that God only wants what is good for
us; God does not want us to experience guilt or frustration for our slip-ups.
So perhaps this year think about observing Lent by foregoing something or by adding
something. It does not have to be a big challenge nor a huge undertaking. Consider just
adding another prayer every day or spending an extra five minutes of quiet time devoted
to listening for God’s still, small voice. Or perhaps read a chapter from the Gospels or
other scripture or spiritual book each day. Then again, you could put a little extra in the
change jar on Sunday. Whatever you can do daily is accepted by the Lord because when
you give that little bit of extra effort you are remembering who you are and who God is.
In other words, you are remembering your relationship with God, and that remembrance
alone is a joy to God and the goal of all our efforts. One final suggestion: Whether you
choose to adopt one of the above disciplines or another you should use Lent as a time to
forgive yourself. Perhaps that is the discipline that you need to adopt this year—just to
be easier on yourself. It will work wonders because I have found that when I am easier
on myself I am also easier on others, and in this God truly rejoices.
May you have a blessed Lent and may you use this time to come to know better the God
who desires to know and love you.
God Bless!
Father Tim +

WELCOME VISITORS! Are

you a new reader? Come visit us! We’re so glad that
you picked up this publication; we hope you will find
it interesting and worth your time and we hope you
will take the next step and worship with us sometime.
If you are worshiping with us, we welcome you!
Whatever your religious background, and however
you have come to be here, we welcome you to St.
Luke’s. Please let us know who you are by signing
our guest book (by the door) or filling out a card
found in the pews. You can hand your card to an
usher, or put it in the collection plate when it comes
later.

P.2

NEWS
Church School/ ursery
ews
The Church will be learning
about the season of Lent this
month. The children will work on
Lenten booklets to take home and
share with their families. They
will also be studying the Stations
of the Cross, which they will
participate in during Lent.
Church School/ Nursery will be
held on Feb. 7 as well as on Feb.
21 in the church hall at 10: 20 a.m.
Covenant Care Bags
We are continuing the collection
of toiletries for Covenant House.
This month's addition to the bags
will be toothbrushes and
toothbrush covers.
A list of all toiletries for the year
are listed below for your
shopping convenience:
Toothbrush and cover
Toothpaste
Soap
Shampoo and Conditioner
Deodorant
Hand or Body Lotion
Trial size items are suggested.
Shower caps and razors are
discouraged. Other items such as
Hand Sanitizer and Lip Balm are
are nice additions.
A box for bulk donations , as well
as a supply list, are located in
the hall.
All bags will be collected in June.
Those Who Serve
REMIDER:
Sunday, February 7
Submissions for the Chalice Bearer: Jackie
MARCH WIGED Readers: Cindy, John B.
Ushers: Katherine, John L.
OX will be due Altar Guild: Karen, Sara
February 19th. Coffee Hour: John & Joan, Jackie,
Counters: Ruth and Rose
Sunday, February 14
Chalice Bearer: Carlos
Readers: Barbara, Stacey
Ushers: Jackie, Jeremiah
Altar Guild: Jackie
Coffee Hour: The Esposito Family,
Aurelia, Gertrude
Counters: John B and Aurelia
Sunday, February 21
Chalice Bearer: John B.
Readers: Carlos, Llyn
Ushers: Katherine, Tom
Altar Guild: Stacey
Coffee Hour: Barbara, Ruth, Grace
Counters: John L and Joan L.
Sunday, February 28
Chalice Bearer: Stacey
The Ash Readers: John B., Jackie
Ushers: John L., Jeremiah
Wednesday service Altar Guild: Ruth, Gail
will be held Coffee Hour: Herb, Stephanie,
Rose, Joyce, Nancy.
February 17th in
Counters: Betty and Don S.
church at 7:30pm
P.3
 Souper Bowl Sunday
February 7, 2010:
Help GFS Help Somerton Food Bank!

PRAYERS PLEASE
Members: Joyce, Dorothy,
Elaine, Ruth B., Nancy H.,
Edna, Alan, Mabel, Joshua,
Ruth L., Virginia, Len,
Louise, Nancy, Ruth F., Lina,
William, Don.

Friends and Family: Robert,

Betty, William, Alice, Robert
P., William L., Robert,
Karen, Megan, Burt, Tina,
More than 20 years ago, The Souper Bowl of Sharon, Michael, Joe, Lee,
caring began with a simple prayer from a single Nancy, G.A. Jonah, Yolanda,
youth group: George Ann, Bill, Kathy,
Kristyn, Jeannine, Anne,
"Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football David. Alice, Michael,
game, help us be mindful of those who are David, Robert R., Christian,
without a bowl of soup to eat." Robert, Beata, Gregory,
Gene, Michele, Frances,
Since that day, $60 million has been raised for Arthur,Emma Rose, Kathy,
Souper Bowl of caring. It has become a powerful Katherine, Gregg, Eileen.
movement in transferring Super Bowl weekend
Those Serving in the
into the nation's largest youth-led weekend of
Armed Forces: William
giving and serving. B., Billy S., Chris G.,
Kevin M., Alex G.,
Through this mission, young people learn what it Andrew R., Chris K.,
is like to make a positive difference in this world John R., Chris R., Eric
as they collect food, raise money and volunteer to B., Rob D., Jerry F.,
work in charities to provide shelter to the Thomas H., Tom B.,
homeless, food to the hungry and compassion to Casey R., Jermaine, Bradley,
those in need. Michael, Matthew.

Be part of this movement that is sharing God's HAPPY BIRTHDAY

love with those in need. Please give generously February
on Souper Bowl Sunday. Every dollar goes to 2- Meaghan K.
Somerton Food Bank, our charity of choice for 8- Barbara K..
2010. 11- Stacey C.
17- David M, Pauline M..
28- Lina S..
Thank you!
-Llyn Carter and GFS

P.4
Epiphany: The Ultimate "A- ha!" Moment

We use this term "Epiphany" to describe the coming of the Magi- the first
manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, or in other terms, it is the Church's celebration
of the 3 Kings following the star to the baby Jesus to honor him and to bring him
gifts.
The word "epiphany" in our language also means to have a realization: to have a
sudden understanding of something. It's a moment when we say or think, "A-ha!
There's the answer!", or we say, "I've had an epiphany!" It can happen in the form of
something as simple as figuring out directions to that electronic item you just for
Christmas, or it can be a more serious revelation about which way your life is
suppose to take. Generally, "a-ha" moments feel very good, confusion dissipates and
a sense of satisfaction and excitement settles in. Before these moments though, we
can feel lost, uncomfortable or confused and not know where to go or what to do.
There was confusion and unrest before Jesus' birth, and then the birth of the new king
gave the world new direction, hope, joy and peace. The Magi knew that they must
find him, and figured out what to do and where to go. They knew to follow a star to
the great king. What an "A-ha!" moment that must have been!
The Magi just did not figure out what to do, they also brought gifts.
Perhaps we should meditate on "following the star." I don't mean just following Jesus,
but following the path that is meant for us. We all have a purpose, a goal and a path
we are supposed to take. It may take some of us a awhile to "have an epiphany" and
figure out just exactly what that is. Like the Magi, we should travel- no matter how
long the road- with our "gifts". I do not mean just physical items like frankenscence
and gold. Everyone has a talent that is a gift that should be shared, not just with the
king but with all in his kingdom.
We should all have many blessings of "a-ha" moments, no matter how large or small.
May these moments show us where to go next, give us peace, joy and make the world
a better place.
-Submitted by Stacey Carmody

P.5
HELP WATED THAK YOU!

at
HOLIDAY HOUSE

Our recent Toy Drive , “Bless

the Children” was a huge
success due to your generous
donations. We were able to
deliver 6 large trash bags of
new toys to 2 shelters in Center
City. One was the Eliza Shirley
House. This is a shelter for
women and children. The other
shelter was for women
recovering from substance
abuse and their children. We
also delivered a couple of bags
of games, puzzles and dolls to
an unfortunate family in
ortheast Philadelphia. We
were given this family’s name
from a contact at St. Mark’s
Frankford. Thanks also to Don
Shifflett and Andrew esbit for
helping deliver presents.
Thanks to your generousity,
there were lots of smiling faces
on Christmas morning!
Thank you,
Betty Shifflett, Karen Kenny
and Sara esbit.

P.6
Girls Friendly Society
Memorial Church of St. Luke
SPONSORS DRIVE
January 2010
Dear Parishioner,

It is time again for our annual GFS Sponsors Drive. This is your opportunity to support our Girls Friendly
Society branch and GFS/PA/USA, our parent organizations. Our GFS branch welcomes girls from age 5 – 21 to
join us at our meetings on alternate Sundays. We currently have a membership of 2 Seniors and 4 Juniors.
Each year, our girls learn new crafts that they prepare for GFS day in May. Each year, the girls also participate
in various service projects. Recent projects have been making shower bags for Covenant House, Trick or Treat
for UNICEF, and Souper Bowl of Caring. We also participate in World Day of Prayer in October, Mission Day in
March and GFS Day in May. We have had Juniors attend Junior Week at Holiday House for the last three
summers.
By becoming or continuing to sponsor GFS/USA, you will be invited to attend meetings of sponsors in the
Philadelphia area. You will also be invited to join Sponsors at the Holiday House in Cape May, N.J., where you
can enjoy fellowship and the beach at extremely reasonable rates. The Truesdales, Stacey Carmody, and
Louise Cavaliere will gladly share their experiences of Holiday House with anyone who is interested.
Laura Kriss, Brittany Hair and Miah Shahene have registered to attend GFS National Assembly 2010 in Los
Angeles, CA. Your sponsorship will help reduce their financial costs. The registration fee for National Assembly
is $375, then they have their airfare. Meanwhile we are still hoping to also attend World Council in 2011 in
Dublin, Ireland. We will also use our funds to help our Juniors go to Holiday House in July 2010. We hope to
have 3 or 4 Juniors to attend.
Please complete the ‘10 Sponsors’ Drive form, attach your donation and place it in the offering plate. Thank
you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please ask Ms. Llyn Carter, Branch Advisor, or Ms.
Betty Shifflett, Junior Leader, or Ms. Gail Hair, Senior Leader.
Peace,
Llyn Carter
Branch Advisor
________________________________________________________________________________________
Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Birthday:

_____ I wish to be a GFS/USA and St. Luke’s GFS Sponsor. Enclosed is $20.00.

_____ I wish to be a GFS/USA sponsor and help send a junior to Holiday House for Junior Week. Enclosed is $
___________ (25.00 or more).

_____ I wish to sponsor St. Luke’s GFS. Enclosed is $ __________ .

_____ I wish to sponsor St. Luke’s GFS go to NA2010. Enclosed is $ _________.

_____ I wish to support St. Luke’s GFS with my time and talent. Please contact me if you need assistance with
______________________(sewing, baking, crafts, or other support). P.7
 ST LUKE’S MISSION
The upcoming 150 th anniversary of St. Luke’s
church presents an opportunity to reflect on our
mission.
A mission statement should state our purpose, the
beliefs that guide us and what we hope to achieve. It
is also written so it can be easily remembered.
Mission statements connect, motivate and inspire us.
On behalf of the vestry, I am asking for your ideas
regarding our mission. There is so much talent and
expertise at St. Luke’s and your input is valued and
appreciated. Your ideas can be a word, phrase or full
statement about our purpose and values as a church
community and what we hope to achieve.
I will have a suggestion box in the church hall. I
appreciate your ideas because we all make St.
Luke’s the compassionate and loving church
community that it is!
I am also available to meet with you to record your
ideas.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Kenny
__________________________________________
Here are some examples of individual and
organization mission statements. Can you
guess who they are?
a. “To make people happy”
b. “To build, simple, decent, affordable housing
with those who lack shelter”
c. “Social equality for all”
d. “to bring inspiration and innovation to every
athlete* in the world” (*If you have a body, you
are an athlete)
e. “to show mercy and compassion to the
dying”
f. “to organize the world’s information and make
it universally accessible and useful”
ANSWERS a. Walt Disney b. Habitat For Humanity
c. Martin Luther King, Jr. d. NIKE e. Mother Teresa
f. Google
IN MEMORIAM
The granddaughter of Emma and
John Rohrbach passed away
December 20th 2009. Some of you
may remember the Rorhbachs and
their son John Jr. (deceased) and his
family. They were faithful members
of St. Luke’s before moving away.
The Rorhbach’s daughter Kathy also
attended this church in the past. In
fact, she has recently started to
attend the Wednesday night Healing
Services.Betty Spink, who recently
turned 90, is Ashley’s great-aunt.
Fortunately, Ashley was able to
attend Betty’s 90th birthday party in
November 2009. The obituary is
below. Please remember Kathy and
Emma Rose in your prayers.
Thank you,
Betty Jean Shifflett
Ashley L. Clark passed away on
December 20th, 2009. She was 24
years old. After growing up in
Lower Bucks County, Ashley
moved on to Millersville University
to continue her studies. A life-long
musician and performer Ashley had
a deep love of life and music and
will be remembered for her
creativity as well as being a
supportive friend and most loving
daughter and sister. Ms. Clark is
survived by her newborn daughter
Emma Rose, her mother Kathleen
Clark, Sister Amy Mangle and
husband Chris, niece Kyra Mangle,
nephew Benjamin Mangle and her
loving partner Patrick Carr. In lieu
of flowers Ashley’s family asks that
memorial donations be made to the
Ashley Clark Memorial Fund at 517
Gibbons St. Scranton, PA 18505.
 FEBRUARY 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat

1-7:00p- Adult 2 3 6:45P- 4 5 7:00P-AA 6

Forum-Church 8:00P-AA Contemplative Spirituality 10a Book
Office Meeting in Hall Prayer-Church Meeting in Hall Forum- “The
Office. 7:30P - Shack” in
Holy Eucharist Church Office
with Healing in
Church

7- 5th Sunday 8-7:00p-Vestry 9 10 6:45P- 11 12 13

after Epiphany Meeting in 8:00P-AA Contemplative 7:00P-AA 10a Book
10:30a:Holy Church Office Meeting in Hall Prayer-Church Spirituality Forum- “The
Eucharist Office. 7:30P - Meeting in Hall Shack” in
11:45a: Coffee Holy Eucharist Church Office
hr in Hall with Healing in
12:30p- GFS Church
meeting

14 Last Sunday 15-7:00p- Adult 16 17 6:45P- 18 19 7:00P-AA 20

after Epiphany Forum-Church 8:00P-AA Contemplative Spirituality 10a Book
10:30a:Holy Office Meeting in Hall Prayer-Church Meeting in Hall Forum- “The
Eucharist Office Shack” in
11:45: Coffee 7:30P-Ash Church Office
Hr. In Hall Wednesday
Service

21 1st Sunday in 227:00p Adult 23 24 6:45P- 25 26 7:00P-AA 27

Lent Forum-Church 8:00P-AA Stations of the Spirituality 10a Book
10:30a: Holy Office Meeting in Hall Cross in Hall Meeting in Hall Forum- “The
Eucharist 7:30P -Holy Shack” in
11:45: Coffee Eucharist with Church Office
hr in Hall Healing in
Church
12:30p- GFS
meeting

28 2nd Sunday in
Lent
10:30a: Holy
Eucharist
11:45: Coffee
Hr

P.9
The Memorial Church of St. Luke
1946 Welsh Road
Philadelphia, PA 19115
215-969-3645
stlukesbustleton@yahoo.com
www.memorialchurchofstluke.org

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