The Beacon - Our Monthly Newsletter

BEACON www.stlukes-sm.com

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

September 2010 304 S. Talbot Street/P.O. Box 207

St. Michaels, MD 21663-0207

Across the pastor's desk 410-745-2534

410-745-2832 Fax

stlukeschurch@verizon.net

Pastor Sam Hale

A Lesson from Crabs

As most of you probably know, I’m not a seafood kind of guy. So why was I appointed here in “seafood heaven”? I don’t know any more than why I was appointed to churches in southern Delaware where we had fried chicken dinners every weekend (I don’t like and don’t eat fried chicken).

Anyway. I was reminded of a lesson from the Bible as I was sitting on the beach this summer watching several crabs scurry about gathering food from the sand. I’m not sure what kind of crabs they were, but they had their eyes on stalks and they walked sideways and they dug “homes” in the sand in which to retreat at the slightest threat. After watching for a while, I noticed that the tide was coming in and the “homes” of several of the crabs would soon be in jeopardy. Sure enough, within a few minutes, the “home” of one of larger crabs was destroyed by a wave. I noticed that the crab’s response was to move farther up the beach and begin digging a new place to live. The crab didn’t stick around and mourn the loss of the old home. I didn’t notice any tears coming from the crab, just a move to start over.

It occurred to me that the crab had it right. The crab, (I don’t know if it was a “he” or “she”), wasn’t tied to lots of possessions that were lost when the wave hit, so it merely moved on, dug a new hole and started over. We’re told in the Bible that our lives do not consist of amassing lots of “stuff”, but in living for God, (Matthew 6:25-34; 19:16-22). Our culture tells us the opposite – as an example, remember the bumper sticker; “He who dies with the most toys, wins”?

I know I have way too much “stuff” and am trying to pare this “stuff” down to size. Like my dad used to say, “The more stuff you have the more time and money you give up taking care of it.”

I think because of the economy, some people at least, are realizing that “more” isn’t necessarily better and that “enough” is just right.

We have Jesus, and that’s what really matters. All the “stuff” we have will disappear at one time or another and isn’t the reason we exist. So strengthen your ties with Jesus, it’s the only thing you REALLY need, and the only thing that will last forever.

Church Conference

On Sunday, October 10, St. Luke’s will be host to our District Superintendent, Rev. Bill Sterling, who will be preaching at both the 8:30am and 10am worship services. He will then lead us in our annual Church Conference, which will be held in the sanctuary immediately following the 10am service.

Plan to join us as we celebrate together.

Help For Our Troops

Through the efforts of Hosanna Ministries, the Bible is now available on an electronic device that measures just 3” by 1” and comes with earphones so that our troops can listen to God’s Word. It is a source of strength and comfort, especially to those who are separated from their loved ones. The number of Bible Sticks that have been dispensed to the military so far is a staggering 50,000. Even with that number as high as it is, Hosanna Ministries still has requests for 10,000 more Bible Sticks. To help reach our military with the Word of God, we will be taking a special offering on Sunday, September 12, to help supply more Bible Sticks. Please keep that in mind as you worship on September 12.

BYE BYE Kevin

Farewell, Good Luck and we sure are going to miss you……….Kevin Thomas has been serving as the Choir Director at St Luke’s for several years. During his tenure with the church, he has brought a wide array of music to our ears. His love of music and his desire to teach others the gift of sharing their voices was much appreciated. Kevin, Thanks for all you have done and we wish you all the best in your new position.

We Love You,

Members of the Congregation

Choir Practice

Even though Kevin Thomas is no longer with us as Choir Director, the choir will forge ahead and continue to meet on Wednesdays at 7pm beginning on August 25. Come and join us as we raise our voices to God in praise!!

APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO RAY MAULE

The Trustees would like to thank Ray Maule for his action in reducing the repair bill that we received from the Elevator Repair Company. His assistance in this matter has saved the church a large sum of money. Thanks Ray! Larry Young

A DATE TO REMEMBER

On Saturday, October 9, St. Luke’s Friends will hold their Tenth Annual “Parking Lot Paperback and Hardcover Book Sale” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please gather your gently used books (no text books) and leave your donations, bagged or boxed in Fellowship Hall to the left of the entry to the storage room anytime between Sunday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 6. Our set-up will be in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, October 6 and Thursday, October 7 at 1 o’clock. Thank you in advance for your donations and support. Then join us the day of the sale, where we will have the additional feature of a pit beef sale!

OUR APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT TRIP TO WVA

Marie Wroten, Justin Harrison, Ray Morris, and Bob Kaye left early Sunday, July 25^th, 2010, after packing everybody’s worldly goodies and necessities, and a blessing from Pastor Sam. After an uneventful drive, we arrived in Mullens, WVA, about 2:30 in the afternoon. The scenery was beautiful. From scenes of the Shenandoah Valley, to the Gorge at the New River, all give us a reminder of God’s hand in making our world.

After settling in, and unpacking the vehicle, we had a chance to visit with our family that we would be with during the week, helping them in the projects needed. The family needed a new bathroom floor, and the hot water heater, vanity, and shower stall moved. Armed with information for the week, we settled in for the night at the middle school in Mullens, and tried to get a good night’s sleep, keeping in mind teenagers, adults, and camping out in the band room for the guys, and classrooms on the second floor for the girls, was a challenging mix.

The basics for the bathroom had been accomplished from the other groups in the weeks before, and so our task was to finish setting up the vanity, some drywall work and spackling and taping, and re-setting the toilet because of some clearance problems. We also needed to set some flooring so that we could finish up tiling the floor. After being challenged for three days with the problems of moving the toilet, a solution finally worked, and we were able to move along with the finishing of our goals for the week.

All in all, we were able to enjoy giving our services to a family in need, devote our time and resources for the betterment of a home. The Appalachian Service Project planned a lot of work for the family’s home and all of it was completed! A new front porch, new vinyl siding, and a freshly painted home, new gutters and a new drainage ditch were among some of the other projects, just for this home alone.

In the Mullens area alone, there were seventeen other homes with similar projects, of which all were completed. Imagine other centers all over the Appalachian area getting the help, and love needed to be safe and warm! Next year, we are looking forward to increasing our volunteer participation, and any one interested to contact Bob Kaye.

Thanks to all who have given freely of their financial, and moral support so that this trip was possible.

THANK YOU to Ricky Stacey and Boy Scout Troop 741

On behalf of the Trustees and members of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, I would like to thank Ricky Stacey, the Boy Scout Leaders and other members of Boy Scout Troop 741 for the outstanding job they did on repairing the brick sidewalk leading to Fellowship Hall.

The day Ricky and the others worked on this project was a very hot day and they worked diligently to complete the task.

I am delighted that Ricky chose our church for his Eagle Scout Award Project.

Larry Young

NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH?

Do you find it a hardship to attend church because of difficulty with transportation? Let us arrange a ride for you. We will have you picked up at your door before church and dropped off at your door after church. This can be for a single occasion, a short term or a long term. To request this service please call the church office (410 745-2534) and leave your name, address and phone number. You will be notified as quickly as possible. Please don’t let a transportation problem keep you away. We need you in church and would love to help you get there.

CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE A RIDE TO CHURCH?

Many of us come to church on Sunday morning, one or two to an automobile. That leaves at least an empty rear seat. Others, because of transportation difficulties cannot attend church. If that is your situation, would you agree to give a neighbor a ride to church? We are attempting to establish a pool of members who would be willing to pick up a “neighbor” and bring them to church and take them home after church. We will make every attempt not to make drastic changes in your normal route to church. If you can assist with this program please call the church office (410-745-2534). You will be put on a list and called when needed. Thanks!!!

ST. LUKE’S ANNUAL JEWELRY SALE & CRAFTS

Starting now, we will be collecting jewelry all year long. We find that it is a long laborious job trying to get the jewelry ready for the show. So bring in your jewelry to the church and put in a brown handled basket by the mailboxes or give to Marie Wroten or Terri Forbes

Also, if you do other crafts and don’t have time to do them; we are asking also for all your craft materials that you no longer want. We will also work on different crafts to sell at the Bazaar in the fall.

. Thank you, Jewelry Committee

METHODIST WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

We met on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Chesapeake Landing Restaurant for lunch. As this was our last meeting until fall, it was very informal and mainly for fellowship. We ordered from the menu and enjoyed the gathering very much. Grace was said, by Jan Taylor and the Spirtual moment was presented by Sue Lindsay.

On May 5, 2010, a letter was received from UMCOR thanking us for our donation of Health Care Kits for Haiti. Appreciation is extended to all who were involved with this gift. Gifts such as this help UMCOR perform the mission that they have been called to fulfill.

The next meeting of Women’s Fellowship will be Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12:30 pm for lunch in Fellowship Hall. Irene Preston and Harriett Haugh will be hostesses for our Birthday Celebration meeting. All ladies of the church and guests are welcome. Dues are due at this meeting.

GARDEN COMMITTEE REPORT

The gardens are being maintained by those responsible for the various locations. The drought forced us to water more than usual, especially the fir tree and the crape myrtles. The boxwoods in the Meditation Garden have been removed. Last week I removed the bagworms from the trees in front of the church, but have seen more and will remove them. Linda Maule will be tending the gardens that I was responsible for. It saddens me that I can no longer kneel and had to pass the maintenance to someone else. No one else has responded to my request for new gardeners. I would really like to have someone take over as chairperson of this group. I can continue to spray the weeds and help with spring and fall clean-up and will continue to co-ordinate this committee until 2011. Thanks for allowing me to serve in this way.

Jan Taylor

HABITAT HAPPENINGS

Working schedule for St. Luke's Church

The Brooks Lane Habitat House is now in full build. This means our church is expected to have a crew on

site every other Saturday.

St. Luke’s is scheduled to work on the following dates:

August 28^th

September 11^th

September 25^th

Many people are now needed for a variety of tasks and at a variety of skill levels. All can help!

We need more folks than are on the original list. Please consider helping and call Sallie at the church

office, 410.745.2534, to add your name. “Many hands make light work.”

For the next month or so, please help us prepare for an eventful week. Monday, October 4 has been designated World Habitat Day by the United Nations General Assembly. They call this "a time for people to unite against substandard housing worldwide." The U.N. estimates that one billion people, one-sixth of the world's population, live in deplorable conditions. They urge everyone to get involved with their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to "raise awareness about the need for decent housing, and support the goal of eliminating poverty housing worldwide."

Habitat Choptank has planned a special event for Oct. 4: Clergy Build Day. All clergy in Talbot and Dorchester Counties will be invited to hang-up their vestments and put on blue jeans, t-shirts and sturdy shoes for a day of construction work at one of three building sites. The work will conclude in early afternoon when all participants will join together for lunch and a brief interfaith service at a central location. Everyone, please encourage your clergy to participate.

To add emphasis to this important occasion, former president Jimmy Carter is coming to Maryland. Over several days beginning Oct. 4, President Carter will participate in Habitat builds in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis. Even though he is not coming to the Eastern Shore, his presence in Maryland will bring us much good publicity and showcase the good work Habitat is doing throughout our state. Watch the papers for details.

Now that you are excited about Habitat in October, I urge you to participate in the first annual Faith Fest in St. Michaels. On Saturday October 2 from 10 am to 4 pm you can experience Christian bands, choirs, book stores, Bible re-enactors, children's games, clowns, Campus Crusades Young Life and much, much more. Habitat Choptank will have a booth so please drop by to say "Hi" and learn more about the work we are doing to provide decent, affordable homes for our neighbors in need.

Finally, a task that everyone can do to support the work of Habitat Choptank and Habitat everywhere: Pray for Habitat. Specifically, we ask for prayers to be the bookends of the first week in October. At home, during worship, in small groups - whatever works for you - please pray for Habitat during the weekends before and after Oct. 4. Habitat International suggests praying the following Prayer for Shelter at these times. It is written as a responsive prayer for use in worship services, but it can be used in unison or privately as well.

Leader: Loving God, you made us in your image and blessed us with wisdom, creativity, skill, compassion and love.

People: Give us sight to see your children in need, ability to hear your call to service and willingness to be your hands and feet.

Leader: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest -- a place near your altar, O Lord.

People: Heaven is your throne and the earth your footstool. Empower us with your strength and wisdom to build safe dwellings.

Leader: You called us to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter, and when we see the naked, to clothe them.

People: Give us willing hearts, Lord, and inspire us to action.

Leader: When you call upon the Lord, spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed. The Lord will always guide you. He will satisfy your needs and strengthen you.

People: Grant us safety and protect us as we build your kingdom through building homes and communities.

Leader: He has showed you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

People: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

Leader: Transform our world and transform our hearts and minds.

People: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

All: Make us into one people -- your people -- like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Habitat Choptank office at 410-476-3204. (Note, this is a new phone number.)

St. Luke’s School

School will begin for 4-year-olds on Monday, September 13^th at 9 a.m. Three-year-olds start 9/14/10 at

9 a.m. and 2-year-olds will start 9/15/10 at 9 a.m.

The staff of 2010-2011 will remain intact for next year.

4’s - Jan Berry 3’s – Peggy Humphrey 2’s – Ann Hanson

Enrollment figures for 2010-2011

2 Years 7 ----- Could take 9

3 Years 6 ----- Could take 12

4 Years 9 ----- Could take 12

We are planning a Pit Beef Sale on September.25 on the church parking lot, 10 am to 3 pm.

Board/Church Representative,

Nancy Clark

HERE ARE THE NEEDS FOR ST. MICHAELS FOOD PANTRY:

“Food of the Month” for September: stews, snacks, sauces, spaghetti noodles, and anything that starts with an “S”. They also need: corned beef hash, pastas, and cereals etc. Please take donations to Christ Church (8 am–12, 1-3 pm) or leave them in the Narthex for Bill Dunton to take to Christ Church. Thank you

ALTAR FLOWERS AND COFFEE HOUR

We need members to sign up for the weekly altar flowers and Hosts for the Coffee Hour. Sign up poster is on the wall in Fellowship Hall as you enter the hall.

The price for the altar flowers has gone up. As of March 21st the cost of the two altar vases will be $35 and if you wish to have certain colors and flowers the charge will be $40. Dates needed for these months are: October 10, 17, Nov. 7 & 14, Dec. 12, 2010. Thank you.

As for the Coffee Hour All of October, Nov. 14 & 21 and Dec. 5, 19 & 26, 2010

CASH FOR CLUTTER

If you haven’t gotten around to your spring cleaning yet, you’re in luck. Broken appliances and items containing metal can be taken to recycling centers and turned into cash. Richard Layman (he goes to the 8:30 service) would be willing to pick up such items, recycle them, and donate the money to St. Luke’s. If you have any such unwanted items, give Richard a call - 443.205.9858 – and he’ll set up a collection date. Thanks.

FALL BOOK SALE/PIT BEEF LUNCHEON:

School is starting, winter is coming; two very good reasons to clear your shelves of either too-often-read or old-never-read books. On October 9, 2010, St. Luke’s Friends will have their Annual Book Sale on the parking lot and as an added attraction Jamie Petrides Pit Beef wagon will be on hand to serve his famous barbeque luncheon. Lunch itself is worth the trip. The sale begins at 10 am and is scheduled to end at 2 pm. Come early, stay late.

We will accept your books anytime you would like to part with them. If you have too many to bring in, call (410) 745-5980. We will bring the truck.

HELP NEEDED:

Yes, it’s true, everything comes with a price tag. Your Church needs your help to pull off some of the planned activities. Specifically, we need several people to help sell Pit Beef on the parking lot on Saturday, September 4^th from 10 am to 2 pm. This can be broken down to 2 hour shifts. All proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity. Available? Call (410) 745-2534 or Ken Bridges (410) 745-5980.

GREETERS ANNIVERSARIES HOME COMMUNION

September September September – Shirley Wooden

05 John & Melissa Kunz 03 Dale & Jim Hanlon

12 Jim & Judy Bittorf 03 Jackie & Josh Brinson

19 Cole & Jan Taylor 04 Joan & John Swann NEW ADDRESS

26 Cole & Jan Taylor 10 Julia & Will Workman

13 Jo & Ted Clark Marge Erickson

READERS 15 Robin & Bryan Daubach P.O. Box 1019

05 Linda Maule 22 Nancy & John Schnaitman Peralta, NM

12 ? 22 Parker & Joe Spurry 1-505-865-3533

19 Sue Lindsay 27 Lynn & Don Helgason

26 James Mason 28 Milly & Bill Wroten