Dear Family:

 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and

of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . ."

Matthew 28:19

 

This statement from Matthew's Gospel sets the stage for the mission of the church. Your Rector, Wardens and Vestry take this mandate from our Lord very seriously.  We realize and acknowledge that not only are we to be good stewards of our finances and physical plant, but we are called first and foremost to excel at spiritual growth as part of our stewardship of souls, namely yours and the guest who comes through our doors.  The last few Sundays you have seen the red doors standing open at the end of each Mass.  This is to show all those traveling at the speed of light up and down JFK that we are alive, welcoming and serious about inviting people to Christ and sanctuary in His church.  This mission, if left only inside, ceases to be a mission, but an invitation for a "club" mentality to grow.  We know the dangers of "club" mentality on the health of the church.  For years the Episcopal Church has been accused of being cliquish, uninviting and cold.  I have experienced this in parishes in my travels over the last twenty-five plus years in the ordained ministry.  It breaks my heart when we fuss over a misplayed hymn, or worse, a new hymn that no one knows!  Two weeks ago someone came up to me after the late service and said that the recessional hymn "sucked."  How can any of God's hymns of praise be this way?  It breaks my heart to see God's faithful complain that ministry needs to get done, but will not step forward to make it happen?  Is there no hope some might say?  Where do we go from here?

 

It is obvious that our parish is in transition.  We are being called out by God to follow a path that will invite, not only ourselves, but others into the all encompassing light of grace.  We are, in the near future, going to be challenged to try new things as the old seems to not be working any longer.  We are being challenged to demonstrate whether or not we believe in the truth of Jesus Christ and if it is important enough to invite others into it.   And, if it is worth sacrificing our own personal expectations of worship to the expectation of God to whom we are called to worship first and always.  We have a wonderful core group of faithful workers who demonstrate the power of people filled with the Gospel.  However it takes the willingness of each member to grow in the faith to make change a reality.  We are called to go out into the world, but we do this without club or bible to brow beat anyone, but in the love of Christ who first loved us.  Love surpasses all things and when it does miracles begin to happen.  I praise God for our core group and the example they set for us all.  My prayer is for everyone to become a true "owner" of the mission of this church.  I will guarantee you that when you do, miracles will begin to happen beyond all measure.  May your comfort zones be challenged always and may your faith be always tested; for in so doing God is making you into a new creation who seeks that upward call to Heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Blessings,

Fr. Keith+

 

Parish Has New Business Cards For You:

 

This coming Sunday following the 9:30 am service a member of the vestry will be giving to each person business cards with information/service times at St. Luke's.  Each person is requested to give them to friends or strangers in an effort to make our parish more widely known.  Invite someone or offer the card to anyone wanting to know about us.  If you need more cards after the first handout please contact Vicki Kellogg or Gay Hensley at 753-4281.  We thank the vestry Communications sub-committee for this work and their great idea.  Please do your part to help get the word out there about the only Episcopal Church in North Little Rock.

 

 

July 6 - Sunday      9:30am   Holy Eucharist Rite II followed by the ATF picnic on the grounds.

July 7 - Monday    6:30 pm - After School Care Board Meeting

July 9 - Wednesday      No 12 Noon Healing Service

July 12 - Saturday   9:00 am - Churchmen's Breakfast

July 13 - Sunday   8:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I

                          9:20 am - Christian Formation

                         10:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II    

 

 

 

 

 

ATF PICNIC 

 

After the Fourth Picnic will be July 6 following the one service at 9:30 a.m. The Choir has generously offered to do a musical program for our entertainment at the ATF cookout on July 6.  It is not too late to sign up for the potluck.  The meat and buns will be provided, but we would love to have all the sides to complement the meal.  The sign up sheet is in the Narthex or you can call Martha (835-6411) with your food selection or if you have any questions.  Wear your red, white, and blue and come join in the fun!  

 

CAREGIVERS

 

Need help caring for an elderly loved one?  Call St. Luke's Respite Care Center, an outreach program offering love, support, companionship, and a structured program of mild exercise, games, discussions of current events and special programs with guest speakers.  Each Thursday from 9am-2pm.  Info:  Call Nancy Gray at 835-4035 or Lalia Zakrzewski at 376-1519.