Parish Rebuilder

ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH - 5150 WILSON ST. LA MESA, CA 91942

619-463-6633 www.st-lukes-la-mesa.org

We invite you to join

St. Luke's Lutheran Church

Please contact Amy in the office to discuss membership or to arrange an

appointment with the pastor:

619-463-6633 or office-sllc@att.net

Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Table of Contents

Pastor Mark page 1

WSL page 3

Thank you page 4

Music Notes page 5

Birthdays/Worship Text page 7

Prayer Calendar page 8

Worship Teams page 9

Calendar page 10

February 2020

Monthly Newsletter

Volume 20 Issue 2 Lutherans are supposed to be people of the Bible. As many are aware, Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German to make it available to the people in their own language. Luther’s work inspired others like William Tyndale to start making portions of the Bible available in English. Of course, it was subversive and “heretical” of both Luther and Tyndale to publish scripture in versions not in Latin and not author-ized by the Roman Church. Nonetheless, the Ref-ormation was led not only by calls for the church to live sola scriptura (by scripture alone), but for the biblical interpretation to be done solus Chris-tus (in relation to Christ alone). This phenome-non created a radical break with centuries of church tradition. Let me explain.

From early on, Christian interpretation of scrip-ture was greatly influenced by the dichotomy be-tween the “letter” and the “spirit” as St. Paul de-scribes in II Corinthians 3:5-6:

“5. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Early Christian scholars, unfortunately like most scholars of any day and age, allowed their interpretation of scripture to be influenced by pre- and extra-Christian sources, such as mys-tery religions, Greek philosophy, Philo of Alexan-dria, and neo-Platonism. This interpretation was largely “allegorical” or figurative in character, done in the hope that such figurative interpreta-tion would help ascertain the “spiritual” mean-ings “hidden” behind the visible letters of the text.

Well Versed in Scripture?

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In this scheme, the literal (litera = letter in Latin) interpretation of scripture was considered merely historical, thus “dead,” something suitable for those without the spirit, like the Jews. The spiri-tual interpretation was considered divine, thus superior, and thus “other.” So, the spiritual inter-pretation of scripture was by nature figurative or allegorical (allos = other and -agoria = speaking). Ancient and medieval Christian scholars cher-ished the “spiritual” allegorical interpretation over the “dead” literal interpretation of scripture.

To make this scheme work, biblical scholars took the “four causes” of Aristotle’s philosophy, “Christianized” them, and then combined them with Paul’s understanding of “letter and spirit.” This amalgamation gave rise to what is called the “four-fold interpretation of scripture” composed of one “literal” interpretation and three “spiritual” interpretations. Based on St. Paul’s notion of “faith, hope, and love” (I Corinthians 13), the re-sultant “four-fold” scheme allowed biblical pas-sages to be understood in four ways: 1) an histori-cal meaning 2) an allegorical meaning (faith), 3) a moral meaning (love), and 4) afterlife or end times meanings (hope). This system of interpret-ing scripture lasted past the Reformation.

At the time of the Reformation, however, Luther rejected the figurative interpretations used by the Roman Church and by the Enthusiasts (Spiritualists) in favor of a literal interpretation (letter) enlivened through a “spiritual” interpreta-tion created solely by reading scripture in relation Christ, the resurrected and living word of God. For Luther, Christ makes the literal reading of the Bible become spiritual. Apart from Christ and his holy Spirit, Scripture is “dead.” It remains words of law and not proclamation of the gospel. For Luther, and for Lutherans, then, all believers may interpret the Bible through the living Christ. They do not need the pope living in Rome to in-terpret the Bible “correctly” for them.

Having been given such a great gift by the Lu-theran Reformation, how well versed in the Bible are we Lutherans today? How often do we study the Bible, or even read it? How does our reading and study of the Bible affect our daily lives, our

family life, our work or professional life? Re-gardless of how well any of us are or are not versed in scripture, let us try something to-gether. The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday on 26 February. Lent lasts for six weeks. Each Wednesday in this Lenten season, select and write down one of your favourite Bi-ble verses or passages and see what happens.

Every One His Witness Workshop

As discussed at the past two congregational meetings, the congregation has decided to use the “Everyone His Witness” programme to gain a better understanding how to increase St. Luke’s evangelistic efforts. This material can be covered in a variety of ways, and the congrega-tion has elected to hold three, two hour work-shops after church services over a three month time span. The exact dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fellowship Team

St. Luke’s developing Fellowship Team is get-ting organized. They will be planning congre-gational activities in the coming months. We look forward to what they will have on offer.

Pastor Mark

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Women of St. Luke’s

As some of you may be aware, the Women of St. Luke’s (WSL) is undergoing some changes. WSL was created when St. Luke’s left the ELCA, and the women’s group could no longer be part of WELCA. So, WSL was born. Unfortunately, WSL as a formal organization with its own constitution has been struggling to meet its own organizational structure. It was getting difficult even to fill all the board positions. So, on De-cember 5th, WSL as we know it was dissolved, and WSL as a committee of St. Luke’s was brought to life. This new development gives WSL greater flexibility for service and new opportunities for growth in the future. In order to expand its membership, WSL is moving its meetings to Saturdays. Also, to facilitate more involvement in WSL, ladies of the church are encouraged to sign up for two levels of WSL involve-ment: regular and “on call.” Please sign up after church to be in one or the other category. Until December 2020, Nancy Kearns will chair WSL. JoAnn Hendrickson will be secretary. Shirley Carrington will be treasurer. Angie Hauk, MaryAnn Boullain, and Martha Applegate will also be regu-lar committee members. WSL will continue to fulfill its goals which are: To support Lutheran Border Concerns, Lutheran World Relief, TACO and others with quilts, educa-

tional material, infant supplies etc. To support the project group who makes quilts and other items for distribution. To fund raise through Thank Offerings and at Craft Fairs for distribution to selected charities. To assist the Fellowship Committee in sponsoring the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and the Advent

Celebration. To provide Circles with assistance in covering initial cost of materials. To assist existing committees as needed. Upcoming Activities:

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper on February 26th - We need at least 10 to12 people for the Soup Supper. Craft Fair on February 20, 21, and 22 – We need about 12 people to sign up for ticket sales. Advent Celebration (tentatively December 6th) – We need at least 15 to provide food and to set up and

clean up. We look forward to greater participation in WSL as we expand our horizons and grow more flexible in ways to serve. If you have ideas for activities, service, or subcommittees/subgroups to take on special tasks, please talk to Nancy Kearns or one of the regular committee members listed above. Nancy Kearns

WSL Committee Chairperson

Thank you so very much for all your prayers and contributions to my brother

Don Cassady. I spent 2 weeks with him in Cisco, Texas. at which time I was able to find and buy a 5th wheel trailer for him to live in, on his property. He is close to his wife who has been in a convalescent hospital from a stroke since last March.

Don is extremely hard of hearing so it was im-perative I stay to help him communicate with the insurance company, fire dept., and numer-ous other agencies. He is now comfortable in the trailer and waiting patiently for insurance funds to be issued so they can start a rebuild.

Thank you all again for your many prayers.

MaryAnn Boullain

PLEASE REMEMBER THE HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

QUARTER BANK IN THE NARTHEX!!

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN IT IS THERE???

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Coffee Hour Host

February 2—The Rank Family

February 9—Sara Roybal

February 16—Jennifer Killion

February 23—Joe Makowski and MaryAnn Boullain

We thank our hosts!

Dates available in March!

The signup sheet is on the kitchen counter

by the telephone.

Vital Lessons of the Christian Life through Music

This month, the Children’s Choir will sing, Give Me Oil In My Lamp. This song is not only a popular Bible song for kids it also has been recorded by many secular artists as well. It was a top hit in Jamaica in the 1960s and was recorded by The Byrds on their 1969 Ballad of Easy Rider.

Not only is the song catchy, but it’s relatable as well.

GIVE ME OIL IN MY LAMP Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp, I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Keep me burning till the break of day. Refrain: Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King!

“Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, praising, praising.” “Give me love in my heart, keep me serving, serving, serving.” (And those other funny verses too). Yet, they all convey the same meaning: we’re asking for God to give us something really important. We want oil, joy, and love for the sole purpose of serving and praising and working for God. God, help me keep trucking. Help me keep going. Keep my light burning.

Keeping oil in our lamp is about keeping the presence of God always with us. Perpetually expecting God to be there beside us, lighting the way. God is the oil, the fuel, the hidden, but most important part of the lamp. The part that we take for granted. The part we don’t always see. But if that oil isn’t there, no light can shine. If we do not refill the oil or plug in the lamp or put in the batteries, the light cannot shine.

God’s presence is with us always, but God can sometimes be hidden deep inside us, deep inside the lamp. We must always be ready to be who God says we are; the light of the world. While it may seem like a lot of trouble to get kids to a short practice each week, I strongly encourage every parent to take advantage of this opportunity offered at church. Children’s choir can have a strong impact on a child’s life, musically and spiritually, and it is a great chance to teach kids service as they take time out of their lives to give back to the church.

Renée Calvo Director of Music

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Craft Supply

Sale

February 20th –22nd

Thursday 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00pm

Held in the Lower Level

St. Luke’s Worship Schedule

1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays—Traditional Service

2nd and 4th Sundays—Contemporary Service

Communion is given every Sunday

Sunday School follows worship

Children’s Choir practice follows worship

Children’s Choir Performance

3rd Sunday of Month

If you are interested in assisting during worship service, please speak with Pastor Mark or Amy

in the office.

Lenten Service Schedule

Ash Wednesday

7:00pm February 26

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper

5:30pm

Hosted by WSL

Lenten Worship Schedule

7:00 pm March 4—April 2

Holy Week:

Maundy Thursday—April 9 at 7:00pm

Good Friday—April 10 at 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday—April 12 at 9:00 am

Easter Sunday Brunch

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Rick Parkhurst—February 1

Michelle Dipierro—February 3

Carol Bohnsack—February 7

Audrey Utley—February 8

Stephanie Brown—February 9

Richard Utley—February 18

Andy Killion—February 20

Charlie Utley—February 25

Etsuko Busker—February 26

FEBRUARY WORSHIP TEXT

2nd — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson— 1 Samuel 1: 21-28

Psalm 84

Second Lesson—Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel—Luke 2: 22-40

9th — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson—Isaiah 58: 3-9a

Psalm 112: 1-9

Second Lesson—1 Corinthians 2: 1-16

Gospel Lesson—Matthew 5: 13-20

16th — Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson—Deuteronomy 30: 15-20

Psalm 119: 1-8

Second Lesson—1 Corinthians 3: 1-9

Gospel—Matthew 5: 21-37

23rd — Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson—Exodus 24: 8-18

Psalm 2: 6-12

Second Lesson—2 Peter 1: 16-21

Gospel—Matthew 17: 1-9

This month’s advertiser!

Each month our newsletter is published for free due to the advertisements

of local businesses.

Please take a moment each month and see if the services they provide could help you.

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1 Isaiah 40: 27-31

2 Psalm 46: 1-11 Fight the good fight with all your might;

3 Ephesians 1: 18-23 Christ is your strength, and Christ your right.

4 Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Lay hold on life, and it shall be

5 Romans 4: 18-22 Your joy and crown eternally.

6 1 Corinthians 29: 10-13

7 Isaiah 41: 10-13 Run the straight race through God's good grace;

8 Philippians 4: 10-13 Lift up your eyes, and seek His face.

9 Psalm 105: 1-4 Life with its way before us lies;

10 Exodus 15: 1, 2, 12, 13 Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

11 1 Chronicles 16: 8-13

12 Psalm 73: 21-26 Cast care aside, lean on your guide;

13 Colossians 1: 9-14 His boundless mercy will provide.

14 Psalm 18: 30-36 Trust, and enduring faith shall prove

15 Psalm 119: 25-32 Christ is your life, and Christ your love.

16 2 Corinthians 12: 6-10

17 1 Thessalonians 3: 11-13 Faint not nor fear, His arms are near;

18 Psalm 29: 1-11 He changes not, who holds you dear;

19 Psalm 84: 5-12 Only believe, and you will see

20 1 Chronicles 16: 23-30 That Christ is all eternally.

21 Psalm 18: 20-30

22 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-5

23 Psalm 118: 10-14 Hymn #664

24 2 Timothy 4: 16-18 Lutheran Service Book

25 1 Peter 4: 7-11

26 2 Corinthians 1: 8-11

27 2 Samuel 22: 31-37

28 2 Timothy 1: 5-10

29 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

February Prayer Calendar

“The Lord Your Strength”

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FEBRUARY WORSHIP TEAMS

Reader

Altar Guild

Sound Technician

Randy Engel

JoAnn Hendrickson

Matt Kirk

2nd Communion Assistant — Bread Ted Olsen

Prayers of the People Pastor Menacher

Communion Assistants — Wine Liz Dunnigan & Laurie Floren

Greeters Ellis Petersen

Usher Team Randy Engel

Acolytes Gabby Bruflat, Jet Bruflat & Stefan Raschtschenia

9th Communion Assistant — Bread Judi Cole

Prayers of the People Martha Applegate

Projectionist Gail Knippelmeyer

Communion Assistants — Wine Laurie Floren & Thelma Pace

Greeters JoAnn Hendrickson

Usher Team George Hauk

Acolytes Tavis Brown

16th Communion Assistant — Bread Ted Olsen

Prayers of the People Marge Hersom

Projectionist Tania Salas

Communion Assistants — Wine Liz Dunnigan & Jillian Barnard

Greeters Marilyn Burns & Marie Handley

Usher Team Randy Engel

Acolytes Gabby Bruflat & Jet Bruflat

23rd Communion Assistant — Bread Judi Cole

Prayers of the People MaryAnn Boullain

Projectionist Tania Salas

Communion Assistant — Wine Marge Hersom & Terry East

Greeter Jillian Barnard

Usher Team George Hauk

Acolytes Tavis Brown & Stefan Raschtschenia

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S T . L U K E ’ S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

5 1 5 0 W I L S O N S T .

L A M E S A , C A 9 1 9 4 2

Phone: 619-463-6633

Webpage: www.st-lukes-la-mesa.org

Email: office-sllc@att.net

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

EL CAJON,CA

PERMIT NO 262

Dated Material

FEBRUARY 2020

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL

Worship Service: Sundays, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Sunday School for all ages: Sundays, at 10:30 am.

Children’s Choir performance—February 16th.

St Luke’s Theological Academy—Sundays 4:00pm; Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 pm.

Applecrate Craft Fair & Craft Supply Sale: February 20-22.

Ash Wednesday—February 26: soup supper at 5:30 pm & service at 7:00 pm

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

St. Luke’s Mission Statement:

We are called as a community of Christians saved by grace

—through faith alone in Jesus Christ—

to spread the Holy Gospel in word, sacrament, and action

soli deo gloria.