|
|
|
|
Reverend's Reflections
Dear People of God,
Lent is quickly approaching us, and even though it has been a long seven Sundays of the Epiphany Season, I still never feel completely ready for the spiritual work of Lent. I find the Epiphany Season really helpful as we begin Lent, because during Epiphany we can truly think about our journey towards God and how we are guided by the light of Christ in our daily lives. I feel this work helps us be more prepared for the work of Lent, which is the time for us to draw closer to God by naming and working to amend the ways in which we veer off the path God is leading us down. If Epiphany has us looking up towards the star of Christ and walking towards it, then Lent is the time we look down at our feet and make sure they are on the right path, and not getting waylaid or caught up in the weeds of life. By looking down at the places we get caught up and that hold us back from journeying closer to God, we are able to figure out what we need to do to help us continue our journey towards the light of Christ.
The Church encourages us to do this by taking on some type of personal discipline, or act of faith, that will help us to look within ourselves to both name and amend the things we do, or do not do, that bog us down and pull us back from God. This is not the "naval gazing" it often gets confused with, nor is it a mere fasting from some indulgence. Lent is about looking in- but then also looking out, and seeing how our missteps create pain and hurt in the world or perhaps by omission do not work to alleviate it. Lent needs to be more than just self-discipline and examination, it needs to also be a reminder to us that our actions, and inactions, do affect the people around us and even the world at large, and that we are on a journey which requires our active participation in order to come closer to God.
This Lent at St. Luke's we have a couple of different ways in which to help us all "look at our feet" that will hopefully help us see where we are standing in relationship to where God is calling us. We will offer both Christian Mindfulness and Yoga sessions (details below) with hopes that this will help us look within and identify the weeds that are holding us back, but also that it will strengthen our resolve to do some weeding in our lives and put our feet more firmly on the path that brings us closer to the light of Christ. I hope you will be able to join us for some of these sessions. But even if you cannot, please consider prayerfully how your Lenten Discipline, or Act of Faith, will help you move closer to God during these next 40 days and beyond. As we do this annual work of refocusing on God, it makes the Light of Christ that much brighter in the world around us, as well as, our Easter celebrations that much more joyful, as we bask more fully in the glory of the Light of Christ given to us at the Resurrection.
Lenten Blessings,
Rev. Natasha
|
|
Ash Wednesday- March 6th
Lent begins with Services at Noon and 7 PM. Holy Eucharist and the distribution of ashes.
|
|
Church School News
The Church School is so excited to introduce Meghan Kelly, our new babysitter in the nursery. Meghan has over six years of experience with babies and kids of all ages. She will be in the nursery on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. She is excited to meet all of our wonderful families!
|
|
Pancake Supper- March 5 at 6 pm
Rev. Natasha and The Vestry invite you to bring your family and friends for a delicious Pancake Supper in Dutton Hall on Shrove Tuesday at 6 pm.
Pancakes, sausages, bacon, juice, coffee, tea can be yours for $5 per person 0R a donation of a new or gently used coat. All proceeds will be donated to Father Bill's.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Vestry.
|
|
Christian Mindfulness- Lenten Program
Join Rev. Natasha for a 6 week program of guided meditation and biblical reflection starting Ash Wednesday at 6 PM. Please sign up in the narthex. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Natasha, [email protected]
|
|
Lenten Yoga Series Begins March 11
Join Chris McKerrow for free all-levels and abilities yoga classes in the Narthex on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:30 starting on March 11. Please bring a yoga or exercise mat and plant to wear comfortable clothes. Donations are welcome and all proceeds will go to Father Bill's.
|
|
Just Desserts- Thursdays in March
It is St. Luke's turn to provide the desserts for the Senior Luncheons at the Congregational Church. Two volunteers are needed for each date, to prepare and deliver 60 desserts (all the same) by 10 a.m. Desserts may be taken directly to the Congregational Church on Weds. eve and put into the refrigerator or freezer (large upright one around the corner from the fridge). Please mark for Senior Luncheon. If you have any questions, please call Eleanor Waterman at 545-2079.
|
|
Coffee Hour Made Simple!
Volunteers are needed to help with Coffee Hour!
Available Sundays: March 31 and all Sundays in April and May.
It is not difficult at all, it is a time of fellowship and coffee/tea, not lunch! Let's keep it simple, simple, simple!
No need to bake if you can't or don't have the time. Pick up some baked goods at the supermarket, some cheese and crackers, or anything else that suits your fancy.
Coffee, tea, and napkins are provided. You'll need to bring half and half and/or milk.
We have plenty of paper cups, so there is no need to run the dishwasher.
If you are a newcomer to Coffee Hour, let me know I will team you up with another family/individual.
Let me know if you are available to help out. Thanks in advance!
|
|
February Community Dinner Team
Thanks to the great workers at St. Luke's Community Dinner on February 24th!
|
|
Food Pantry March Wish List
Healthy cereal ( less than 8 grams sugar)
Pasta Sauce
Yellow Mustard
Spam
Thanks for your continued support!
|
|
Blue Boat Coffeehouse- Sat. March 16
The Blue Boat Coffeehouse is going green for another sober St. Patrick's Day celebration!
On Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 6:00-9:00 pm, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate is proud to present our 10th Blue Boat Coffeehouse to highlight the incredible talent of local adults and youth while raising funds for a local non-profit organization.
This alcohol-free, substance-free, family-friendly event is open to the public and donations on this night are encouraged to benefit South Shore Peer Recovery, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in recovery from substance use disorders.
For more information, check out their website:
Suggested Donation is $5. Irish bread, baked goods and other refreshments will be available for purchase.
First Parish UU Church is handicapped accessible and is located at 330 First Parish Rd., Scituate, MA (near Lawson Tower), 781-545-3324. For more information, please check our website: www.firstparishscituate.org
For information and the latest line-up of performers for the Blue Boat Coffeehouse on 3/16/19, please visit "The Blue Boat Coffeehouse" Facebook page.
|
|
Transfer Station Appreciation
Thanks to all the volunteers who help out at the Transfer Station, even in the coldest weather --especially our Recycling Superhero, John McDowell pictured above. Due to their efforts, Saint Luke's earned over $3500 this month alone! Bravo!
|
|
2019 Altar Flowers & Candle Charts
Please note the new 2019 charts for the Sanctuary Candle and Altar Flowers have been posted in the narthex. Lots of open dates. cost for Candle is $10, Flowers - $55. Such a special way to remember a loved one or to give thanks for a blessing!
|
|
Scam Alert
The Episcopal Diocese is spreading the word about a scam targeted to many of our local churches. Just last week, while Rev. Natasha was away a cleverly disguised
fake email was sent to several parishioners requesting that they purchase Itune gift cards for someone battling cancer. Fortunately those folks sensed something was not right and contacted the office. We were able to send out a warning to the parish via email.
Please know that Rev. Natasha would
NEVER make such a request via email. If you ever have any questions about a communication, please call her or the office right away. The good news is that her email was
not compromised and does not need to be changed. The scam artist did not get into her account, rather he/she added an extra letter to the address (which most people did not notice) so when they replied to the email, they were actually replying directly to the culprit.
|
|
Angel Babies Returns April 7th
Our last event was a big success! Over 20 little gowns were sewn in one afternoon.
We really appreciated the assistance, donations and the seamstresses of St Luke's who helped out.
Alisha Putnam ([email protected]) and Janet McGlynn ([email protected]) are hosting this event at 28 Fairview Ave, Scituate on Sunday, April 7th from 1 PM to 5 PM. Please contact them with any questions.
We are looking for volunteers to trace, cut patterns and sew burial gowns for babies "gone too soon". No sewing skills are required, Janet and Alisha will help beginners. All of the sewing machines are easy to use, even for beginners. While there is sadness related to this project, we will have fun together and share this activity with spirit and joy!
We are collecting wedding and formal dresses that may be left in the Narthex! We accept dresses of any color
.
There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex for those who would like to sew or donate dresses. Thank you for your support!
|
|
Rev. Natasha Stewart Contact Info
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, please call to make an appointment, 781-545-9482.
Cell phone: (emergencies) 781-439-2523.
|
|
|
|
|
|
