|
Parish Secretary – This Friday, June 16 was Bonita Ferguson’s last day as our parish secretary. Bonita has worked at St. Luke’s for ten years, and during that time she has been a dynamic asset to our parish, and I hope you will join me in extending heartfelt thanks to Bonita for her years of service and faithfulness to St. Luke’s. As an expression of gratitude, the Vestry voted at our meeting on Wednesday evening to give a monetary gift to Bonita. In addition, the Vestry voted to collect a purse for her. If you would like to contribute, a collection will be taken on Sunday, July 9.
Summer office hours – Beginning Monday, June 19, the parish office will be open Tuesday – Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. As always, in the event of a pastoral emergency, Mother Barnes may be reached on her cell phone, (646) 533-1836.
RESCHEDULED: Be Still and know that I am God: An Introduction to the Centering Prayer Practice – Saturday, July 8, 2017. Centering Prayer is a contemplative form of prayer geared toward the cultivation of interior silence or “centering.” This form of prayer invites one to enter into a deeper relationship with God by being open and receptive to the presence and action of God in our lives and to the Spirit that dwells within us. This workshop will be offered beginning with a workshop on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 10 am-3:30 pm at St. Luke’s Church. A brown bag lunch may be brought. Follow-up sessions designed for ongoing learning and group spiritual support will be held in the summer months; dates of the follow-up sessions will be determined based on participant input. The workshop will be presented by The Rev’d Rebecca Barnes who is a commissioned presenter with Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Please contact Mother Barnes for further information at mthrbarnes@gmail.com or at 646-533-1836.
2017 Diocesan Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Project: Kajo Keji, our partner Diocese in South Sudan, has taken refuge in nearby Uganda because of the ongoing Civil War. Temporary schools are set up and supplies are urgently needed. To assure the schools function, our Diocesan goal is to raise $35,000. This will purchase books and necessary supplies. Checks (any amount) should be payable to the Diocese of Bethlehem and mailed to: Diocesan House, 333 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Attention: Deacon Charlie Barebo. On the memo line, please write “DOKK”. Questions may be directed to Dorothy Shaw at 570-836-2049.
Voce Angeli to present: “The Strength of Women: A Choir Concert to Benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Northeast Pennsylvania.” On Saturday August 19th, Voce Angeli will present their second annual benefit concert “The Strength of Women: A Choir Concert to Benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Northeast Pennsylvania.” The performance will be held at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton at 7:30 pm. Admission is a free-will offering and all proceeds will be donated to The Women’s Resource Center of Scranton (suggested donation is $10 per person.) The program will feature pieces by renowned female composers, including Joan Szymko, Gwyneth Walker, and Sarah Quartel.
Founded in 1976, the Women’s Resource Center’s mission is to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, and social change. They provide various services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. For more information on the Women’s Resource Center, please visit http://www.wrcnepa.org/.
For more information regarding Voce Angeli, the upcoming benefit concert, as well as any future concerts, please visit https://www.facebook.com/VoceAngeliScranton/ or email the choir directly at voceangeliofscranton@gmail.com.
Safety Net Grocery Bags and Volunteers: Once again the “pew bags” have found their way back to St. Luke’s Church for the scheduled summer collection for the months of June, July and August. Safety Net’s Director, Siemong Wang, provided us with a list of items to help fill the empty shelves for our neighbors in needs— non-perishables for Safety Net:
Canned fruit or meat—soups, tuna Boxed pasta/Spaghetti
Peanut Butter/Jelly Rice
Juices (100% juice) orange, apple Boxed Cereal
Canned Chef Boyardee Shampoo
Deodorant Baby wipes
Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Diapers—3, 4, 5
Razors (Men’s & Women) Pasta sauces
Monthly volunteers are also needed to work a four-hour shift at the door. If you are available and can assist in this way, or have any questions, please speak with Robin O’Hearn. Thank you for your continued generosity, Safety Net Board of Directors.