Myers' Musings: "The Strait and Narrow"
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13 - 14)
"David Carl, you better keep yourself on the straight and narrow." Grandmother Harding
I must confess that seldom do I prefer the King James English translation of the Bible. Growing up in the 50's and 60's and being in seminary in the early 70's did not cultivate a deep love of the King James Version of the Bible. My church always used the Revised Standard Version, and the years I was in college and seminary, there was a fascination for the many new translations and paraphrases of the Bible – Phillips, New English, Good News and the Living Bible.
However, in this passage, there is an imagery used in the King James Version that is not found in any other translation. And that is because of the use of the word "strait." I remember growing up hearing my grandmother warning me to stay on the "straight and narrow." And then she would tell me about this passage. It wasn't until seminary that I realized the word was not "straight" as in a yardstick, but "strait" as in the "Strait of Gibraltar."
And there is a world of difference. When I grew up hearing "David, be sure to keep on the straight and narrow," as much as I knew that this admonition would be good for my soul and my reputation, it also sounded pretty restrictive and dull. Living such a life, even though I was determined to do as such, would be pure drudgery. God, or so I thought, required such of us.
But think about a "strait", in the case the "Strait of Gibraltar." For a ship traveling from New York to Athens, there is a wide expanse of ocean that suddenly narrows down to a two mile wide passage that must be carefully navigated. Obviously if this is not navigated properly, the ship will face certain destruction. But as soon as the ship goes through the passage, almost immediately the ocean opens up to a vast expense!
It's like going through a funnel the opposite way. It is hard to get through the narrow passage, but once through, life opens wide. Life abundant is how Jesus describes it. Life with all its fullness is not drudgery, nor is it restrictive like the admonition "straight and narrow" would connote. Instead this life could even be fun, and certainly will be full! Indeed, a life worth living and celebrating! Praise God!
Joyfully!
Dave Myers
Worship at St. Luke's During October
October 2: Sacrament of Holy Communion World Communion Sunday*
Sermon: "No Way to Run a Business" Scripture: Philippians 3:4b – 14 and Matthew 21:33 - 43. Sometimes the lectionary seems to be so repetitive. Once again we are dealing with issues that go smack against the values of the culture into which we have been ingrained. Jesus simply has different values, and calls us to live them out. Indeed, it is a calling. What is our answer?
Today we also celebrate with Protestants around the world the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Much of the liturgy and hymns will have an international flavor.
October 9: Sermon: "You are Invited. R.S.V.P." Scripture: Matthew 22:1 - 14. What do you do when you get an invitation with an R.S.V.P. on it?? Today's story is about a lavish wedding banquet. All the "right" people are invited. But they don't come. The King hosting it; sent his salves out to invite them once again. They still don't come; in fact they even killed his slaves. What would you do?? The King opens the banquet up to everyone. What self-respecting King would do that? And what does this have to do with our faith?
October 16: Sermon: "Defining the Struggle" Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23 and Matthew 22:15 - 22. "Well, teacher, is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" For the Hebrew leaders to ask Jesus this seems straightforward enough. But Jesus, "aware of their malice", is incensed. And just why does Jesus call them hypocrites?
October 23: Sermon: "By Faith and Faith Alone" Scripture: Matthew 22:34 – 40. The lectionary people continue with this scripture that focuses us on how different the way of Christ is from the world in which we live. What is the connection between loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind; and loving our neighbor as our self. And just who is our neighbor?
October 30: Celebrating All Saints Day Celebrating the Sacrament of Communion
Scripture: Micah 6:1 – 8 and Matthew 5:1 – 12. Sermon: "Blessed Are". This month we will celebrate communion a week early as we also celebrate All Saints Day. We will honor those from our church and families who have died during the past twelve months. If you would like a family member or loved remembered in the service, please call the church office before Tuesday, October 25
Neighborhood Meetings
During the month of October St. Luke's is holding a series of Neighborhood meetings. The main purpose is to help Rev. Myers meet members of the congregation and hear them talk about St. Luke's. But there are several other benefits. Members of the congregation will get to know each other better, and we will all learn more about the church we love.
The format is simple: our hosts will provide refreshments, Rev. Myers will offer a brief devotional and then ask each person to answer three questions: Please come prepared to answer:
1.) Why did you first come to St. Luke's?
2.) What do you like most about St. Luke's?
3.) What do you find missing at St. Luke's?
The following sheet is the propsed listing of our hosts and locations. The hosts will be inviting you. If you must be absent from your particular date, please call another host (and your own) and swap.
Interested in St. Luke's??
Questions and Information: If you are new to St. Luke's and would like more information about the church and the United methodist denomination you are invited to attend a meeting after church on Sunday, October 9. Rev. Myers will share some information and field your questions.
Membership: Should you feel ready to make a commitment and join St. Luke's you are invited to join on Sunday, October 16 as part of the worship service. Membership is possible in three ways:
Full membership: either by transfer from another church or profession of faith (never have belonged to a church before)
Affiliate member: you retain your membership in your home United Methodist church, and become an affiliate member while in the Washington area.
Associate member: you retain your membership in your home church of another denomination, and become an associate member while in the Washington area.
Come Early to Worship - A Hymn Sing Every Sunday!!
Beginning next Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10:50am (and for the foreseeable future) we will have a hymn sing with hymns chosen by those in the congregation. Many of you have expressed a desire to sing your favorite hymns. Each Sunday morning beginning at 10:50am as a prelude to our worship service members of the congregation may request to have their favorite hymns sung. After the Hymn Sing Shalom Mulkey will give the weekly Announcements, then Deke Polifka will begin the Worship Service with a Prelude.
Shalom House Meeting – October 2nd
The Shalom House program committee will meet on October 2nd after coffee hour to review draft copies of registration forms, policies and procedures, and budget. As always, this meeting is open to all who would like to be involved in this exciting new program. If you would like more information about Shalom House, please contact Shalom Mulkey at the church office, shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org
Grate Patrol Meal Making October 2nd
Our monthly Grate Patrol Offering supports the purchase of groceries and supplies to make 150 bag suppers for people living on the street.
Our next Grate Patrol night is Tuesday, October 4th. Sign up in the Wesley Room or email the church to be part of that night's Grate Patrol team (6:45-9 pm; meet at the church).
The Second Sunday Concert Series continues with: Molly Orlando, Pianist on Oct. 9th at 2pm in the sanctuary. Please come and hear this wonderful recital featuring the music of Beethoven, Liszt and Scriabin.
Our Turn with Shelter Dinner October 16th
Once a month a group of members and friends prepares and shares dinner with the residents of St. Luke's Shelter. For more information, contact Shalom Mulkey @ the church office. shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org
Narthex Gallery Exhibit
Come explore the architectural images of photographer Carolyn Johnson on view in the Narthex Gallery through Sunday, October 30. This month's exhibit features The Illumination Gallery, October 2-October 31.
Johnson has worked as a photographer in Washington, D.C., over the last 12 years and has studied photography both in the U.S. and abroad. Her work is in numerous private collections, and in the permanent collections of the American Institute of Architects, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Georgetown Hospital, all of Washington, D.C., and the New York offices of Kozusko Lahey Harris LLP. She is a member of the International Photographic Society of Washington, D.C. Her website is www.carolynjohnson.com.
"Four Galleries by Carolyn Johnson will be available for viewing before and after church on Sundays and on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 3 through October 30.
For more information about Narthex Gallery Exhibits please contact Shalom Mulkey, shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org.
--Shalom Mulkey, Director of Admin. and Programs
Calling All Artists!
The Narthex Gallery is seeking out local artists who would like to exhibit in our space. We are currently scheduling exhibits for the end of this year through December 2006. If you or someone you know might be interested in having their art featured in an upcoming exhibit, please contact Shalom Mulkey at the church office, shalom@saintlukesmethodist.org
2006 Budget Request
The Finance Committee has developed a form to use to submit requests for 2006 funding. Anyone representing a St. Lukes committee, program, or simply a new idea for proposal to the Committee should pick up a form in the Wesley Room, or contact Clint Riley, Finance Committee Chair. Budget requests are due Sunday, October 16 to the church office. All requests will be reviewed by the Finance Committee during an open meeting after church on Sunday, October 30, and the church annual budget will be approved at the Annual Charge Conference on Thursday, November 17.
Music Notes-October 2005
The marriage of music and liturgy at St. Luke's
The word liturgy comes from the Greek work leitourgia which combines the words leitos ("public") and ergon ("work"). In ancient Greece, leitourgia actually referred to an offering of money by a citizen for public interest. Gradually, the term evolved and was used to describe other kinds of service including the office of a priest. Jewish translators adopted the word to describe the service of priests/levites in the temple and the New Testament applied more general uses of the term.
There are many definitions for the word today, perhaps due to the wide use of the term by so many traditions of faith. For our purposes at St. Luke's, we might describe liturgy as the "how" of worshipping together on Sunday. The prayers, hymns, readings, sermons, psalms and other ways we praise God are "how" we worship on Sunday mornings. Our Methodist "how" is derived from a vast source of tradition, some of which might even be unique to our church. In 2006, we will learn about many of these traditions in a series of services focused on Methodism.
With Rev. Myers' appointment to St. Luke's, we are experiencing new ways to worship on Sundays. The book of Psalms is the hymnal of the Old Testament. The Psalter incorporates an enormous range of emotional expression, from jubiliation to sadness to anger! When recited/sung emotionally, they create a more visceral worship experience that transcends our earthly disconnectedness.
Look forward to great new hymns and sing them with vigor! Think about the words you are singing, what they mean to you and how they augment the readings of the day. Most importantly, remember "why" we have the "how"!
Musically,
Deke Polifka, Director of Music Ministry
*CALLING ALL FRIENDS OF ST. LUKE'S SHELTER*
Did you know that in the Washington metropolitan area, more than 15,000 people are homeless? One way you, your family, and your friends can make a difference today is by raising awareness of homelessness in our community and supporting St. Luke's Shelter through participating in the Help the Homeless Walkathon on Saturday, November 19, 2005, on the National Mall.
To make things easy and fun, we've set up the virtual Friends of St. Luke's Shelter fund-raising team using the Walkathon website—www.helpthehomelessdc.org. Here's how it works:
Click on the yellow "Walker Registration" button on the Walkathon homepage
Click on ">>more" in the "Team Rank" box to find the link to the Friends of St. Luke's Shelter team page, then click on "Friends of St. Luke's Shelter".
If you want to walk with us on November 19 and help mobilize walkers and donors, you can create your own webpage and through it e-mail your friends, family, and co-workers asking them to walk for us and/or make a donation to St. Luke's Shelter through your website.
If you can't walk on November 19 but you would like to make a "general team donation," click on the link of the same name. Your donation can be attributed in honor or memory of someone and can be anonymous.
Remember: We will only receive 100% of your contributions and fees if you use our designation code ("SLS" = St. Luke's Shelter) on your walker registration forms and when you donate online. For help with using the Walkathon website or to get St. Luke's Shelter brochures and Walkathon brochures to share with friends contact Kate McCann at 202.337.4275 or kate@stlukesshelter.org.
United Methodist Committee on Relief: Hurricane Relief
The United Methodists Committee on Relief (UMCOR) had received $3.6 million in cash contributions for Hurricane Katrina relief and rehabilitation, as of noon on September 19. This figure included donations made by Internet, telephone, and mail. It did not include monies collected by individual churches and conferences. As of September 25, St. Luke's had raised $325.43. Money is still needed for the ongoing recovery efforts of both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
UMCOR is at work throughout the Gulf Coast region from Texas to Alabama assisting in hurricane recovery from two major storms. Hurricanes Rita and Katrina caused extensive damage in several states. UMCOR is there, responding to the needs of the thousands of people affected by this disaster. UMCOR will continue to provide assistance to the people left most vulnerable by this storm for years to come.
You can donate online by going to www.methodistrelief.org or to give by check: Checks should be made out to: UMCOR. Please list in the memo area of your check "UMCOR Advance #982523, Hurricanes 2005 - Katrina" or "UMCOR Advance #901323 Hurricane Rita". If you would like your gift to go to a specific state, please note that as well. Your tax-deductible gift may be placed in the church offering plate or mailed directly to: UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Credit card donations are also being taken by phone at 1-800-554-8583. As always, 100% of your donation will be used for hurricane recovery.
Church Family News
"I Have a Problem"
I have a "problem" I'd like to share:
Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever had a fridge full of food, especially if you're having a party, and it won't close? This just happened to me last night. I caught myself getting angry and about to say some terrible things.
Then I realized something: the reason the fridge wouldn't close was because we had an overabundance of food. Many people, most people around the world, would love to have that problem. So, instead of kicking the fridge I said thanks to the Lord for giving me such a wonderful problem.
And that's when the fridge closed!
Cheers,
Sonia O. Kassambara
Julie James is happy to say that she and her boyfriend of two years Trae Umstead are engaged to be married. They're planning a wedding back in South Dakota next May.
October Birthdays
We Are Updating our Birthday list .
If your Birthday is in October please let us know.
Until Next Month!
Happy Birthday!!!
September Congregational Giving
Monthly Pledges
Budgeted $5000/month
Actual Pledges $3,641/month
Received in August $1,730.00
Non-pledge and Anonymous Giving
Budgeted $1,333/month
Received in August $1,774.98
Coffee Hour for October
Coffee Hour Host needed for the month of October. The sign-up sheet is posted in the Wesley Room, or you can just contact the church office if you'd like to host next month. If you've never hosted and want guidance, contact Nancy Smrynas at 202-965-0084
2nd Zulu-Kumoyo Family
9th
16th
23rd
30th
Joys and Concerns
For Derrick Wagner's older brother, Chris, who is in the ICU with pancreatitis.
The joy of Derek and Leslye buying a new house.
The joy of Adam's vacation with his dad in Colorado.
Don shared the joy of children growing up.
The joy of Adam's grandmother being out of the hospital.
Shawn shared the joy of his friend Kim's safe return from Niger.
For Sonia's father, leaving for Sierra Leone.
Prayers for homeless people on the streets, especially during this heat.
The celebration of the marriage of Rev. Don Lowe's brother.
For the joy of Shaun's parents being with him
For the joy of Penny's successful six month check up.
For Sonia's cousin as she heals.
For Earl's cousin Steven who was honorably discharged from the army last month.
For Shirley Henderson and her family, as they mourn the death of her husband Arthur.
The joy of Mike and Nick Wagner going to summer camp.
The joy of a new look to the sanctuary.
For the victims of the bombings in London and Egypt, especially their families.
For those in war and especially those in London after the recent terrorist attacks.
For Kaou Kassambara as he takes the TOEFL exam.
For the sister of Amy's coworker who was in a car accident.
For the congregation Dave left in Andover, MA as they welcome their new pastor.
For Dorothy Preston's sister who has been hospitalized and for Dorothy's son's father who has cancer
For Shawn's uncle recovering from colon cancer surgery.
Sylvia shared the joy of having so many people in church.
Derrick shared the joy of seeing Matthew graduate from drill-sergeant training
The joy of Molly and Vince expecting their child in December
For Jen's uncle, recovering from bypass surgery
For Penny, recovering from a stomach virus
For Nate and Shalom's friend Dan whose hand was blown off in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan, and for all those killed and injured in the war, and their families and friends
The joy of the birth of Matthew Wilshire's nephew, Lucius Jackson Wilshire
For the people of Zimbabwe during this difficult time
For Don's mother, in a time of transition
For those facing unemployment
For those who have died in war
For peace
For our military in Iraq and for the people of Iraq, and for our leaders that they may lead with wisdom
For the children and staff of Wings of Hope Orphanage, in Haiti.
For Prince of Peace Methodist Church in Holguin, Cuba
For the community of St. Luke's Shelter.
For those living with HIV/AIDS
For our members who are unable to attend because of their health: Emma Cox, Jeanne Goss, Lucille Dade, Betty Lawrence, and Margaret Roberts
Put yourself on the map. We have a map on the wall in the Wesley Room so that we can see where everyone is from and also the places we all keep in our hearts. Please add your places during coffee hour today.
*New Directories Now Available *
Be sure to pick up a 2005 Church Directory. Please let the church office know of the need for any corrections or updates (202-333-4949 or office@saintlukesmethodist.org)
The St. Luke's Directory includes friends as well as members, so if you've been attending and would like to be listed, please let us know.
Missed Church on Sunday?
You can still keep up with the latest prayer concerns and church events by checking the church web site, www.saintlukesmethodist.org. The Weekly Messenger appears there each week to help you stay in touch with your church family. And thanks to Derek Willis the site is always up to date and easy to navigate.