The Lamplighter
The Newsletter of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Conover NC
August 2019
FROM THE PASTOR
Stories form much of the basis of our lives, knowledge about one another and our identity. Think of introducing an old friend to someone new. You might start off “I’d like you to meet...” And soon you might be telling stories, times you were in school together, had gone fishing, almost got caught… and so on. Key stories for our lives as disciples of Jesus are the biblical stories that create a foundation of identity and continue, in the present life of the church, to call us to persist in faith—as an old friend of mine used to say—to “carry on and keep the faith.”
The church has since its beginnings in the first century gathered for worship, shared the word, celebrated the meal of communion, and sent one another into the world to love and serve the Lord. The choice of which scriptures to read is just that, a choice. In April of 2019 at our congregational meeting, we voted to try the narrative lectionary for a season—it is one of our goals. So, what does this mean?
A “narrative” is a story—a spoken or written account of an event. A “lectionary” is a set of readings. In our case, it is a set of SCRIPTURAL readings. We’ve been using the Revised Common Lectionary that has 4 readings (one from the Old Testament, a Psalm, one from the New Testament and the Gospel lesson). We are moving to the Narrative Lectionary which will have us use one reading in worship.
Note well: we are still reading from the Bible in worship. We will still hear sermons based on and connected to the Bible passages. And we will still be using the Lutheran liturgy from the ELW with the Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending format. Having only one reading will allow us to develop themes around worship and, more importantly, to delve deeper into the Scripture we hear on Sundays.
The Narrative Lectionary is a nine-month set of readings – roughly following the school year. This opens up the summer for preaching series and so on. On September 8, 2019 St. Luke’s will begin using the Narrative Lectionary. You will see right off that we will begin in Genesis and throughout the fall months we will hear some Old Testament stories that are essential for our faith lives. Around Christmas time the readings reflect that season and the birth story. After Christmas the narrative lectionary begin in one of the Gospels. This is one of the best parts to me—we will move week by week straight through one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and get to really know it.
I’m excited for St. Luke’s to use this lectionary format. It will mean a couple of small shifts in morning worship details (like who is reading, do we stand, and so on) but nothing that is really troublesome.
Our world inundates us with stories. For example, pay attention to commercials – they use narrative techniques to keep us tuned in and buying their product. Knowing, understanding, tuning in to the biblical narratives that still teach us, invite us into worship and praise of God, and call us to live out the gift of our faith is important – the narrative lectionary will help us carry on.
More to come. Talk with me if you have questions.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Russell Makant
CALENDAR
Aug. 14 *Senior’s Group Trip (8:45 AM)
Aug. 18 *Free movie and pizza lunch
Aug. 19 Church Council meeting (6:30 PM)
Aug. 20 September Newsletter info DEADLINE
Aug 22 *Quilting/crafts class (6 PM)
Sept. 1 Last Sunday of Summer Schedule
*See Notes for More Information
PARISH NOTES
Social Ministry Project
During the month of August, the Social Ministry Committee will be collecting items to be donated to local schools. These items include paper towels, Ziploc bags (any size), disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, Post-it notes, glue sticks, batteries (AA & AAA), and index cards. There will be a collection bin in the Narthex by the coat rack.
Worship and Music News
In addition to beginning the Narrative Lectionary in September, we will also begin using a new liturgy, Setting 2 from the Hymnal. As there are portions of this liturgy that will be new to us, we will be going over the liturgy in segments prior to worship each Sunday in August.
Educational Opportunities
A Wednesday Night Bible Study will continue during August from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. We are looking at faithful scriptural interpretation practices and studying Galatians. Other activities for Sundays and Wednesdays are in the works for the fall months. Watch for them.
Free Movie
We will be showing a movie following worship (around 10:50 AM) on August 18. We will be ordering pizza, but you can bring other things if you wish.
Seniors Group News
On Wednesday, August 14, the Seniors Group will visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont. Please be at the church by 8:45 AM so we can leave by 9 AM. Please RSVP by Sunday August 11.
Quilting/Crafts Class
The Evangelism Committee has organized a group to learn and share basic hand-sewn crafts such as pillows, personal bags, kitchen and bath items, wall hangings, blankets and quilts. In addition, there will be a Bible study. The next meeting of this group will be Thursday, August 22 at 6 PM. For more information, contact Dot Hawn or Joyce Baker.
Save This Date
Saturday, October 12 will be Community Day here at St. Luke’s. The following day will be Homecoming Day. If you would like to volunteer to help that day, contact Janie Dellinger. Watch the bulletin and newsletter for more information.
Bucket Money
The money taken up in the buckets during this quarter (July-September) will be for Meals on Wheels
MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
8/1 - Patti Parsons 8/2 - Nikki Huffman
8/7 - Nellie Bridges 8/9 - Gloria Propst
8/10 - Judy Hefner 8/11 - Hailey Swink
8/12 - Eva Bass 8/14 -Darrell Allen
8/15 - Jeff Barger 8/16 - Mike Austin
8/25 - Anita Huffman 8/26 - Summer Eckert
8/27 - Amnee Grant 8/29 - Carolyn Troutman
8/30 - Logan Hefner
MEMBERS ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH
8/7 - Harry & Rachel Reep 8/9 - Michael & Gloria Propst
8/13 - Mickey & Edna Miller 8/17 - Allen & Judy Hefner
8/24 - Doug & Tami Hefner
Serving This Month (August)
Ushers – Darrell Allen, Jerry Shook
Reader– Brenda Sluder
Communion Assistant – Kay Bumgarner
Prayer Assistant – Joyce Baker
Greeter – Ralph Huffman
Offering Counters – John Bumgarner, Ralph Huffman
Flowers – 8/4 – Mr. & Mrs. Nick Huffman; 8/11 – Nora Swink; 8/18 – OPEN; 8/25 – Ralph Hufffman.
**DON’T FORGET TO BRING CANNED GOODS
AND MEDICINE BOTTLES FOR CCM **
Remember in Your Prayers
Those among us who are:
Serving in the military
Are homebound or are in nursing facilities
Sick or chronically ill
Nearing death or have recently passed away
Bereaved
Dealing with drug or alcohol addiction and their families
Victims of violence or hate
Disaster victims
The Church Council and all groups in the congregation
Prayer Partners: The Children’s Advocacy Center, St. Stephens Volunteer Fire Department, Sipe’s Orchard Home, St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Organization
We will pray for individuals in our weekly worship and our personal prayer life.
