the carillon - st. luke's episcopal church · dec 3, 10 and 17 and then resume in the new year...

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The Carillon A Bi-Monthly Publication of St. Luke's Episcopal Church Established 1900

Reflections for the Family of God from the Rector

PO Box 605, 182 Main Street, Gladstone, New Jersey 07934 908-234-0002 Email: [email protected] www.stlukesgladstone.org

In This Issue

1 A Letter from Our

Rector

2 Music at St. Luke’s

4 Children’s Ministry; Thank you from Somerville Food Kitchen

5 Men’s Bible Study; Christmas Caroling; Battle of the Wines; Giving Tree

6 Coloring at Coffee Hour; Welcome Matheny

7 Vestry Notes; Cinderella, Cinderella

8 Celebrate the Gifts

9 PLG Notes; Bible Study

10 S.A.L.T

11 Book Club; Calendar Room Key

12 Christmas Services

13 December Calendar

December 2016

Honor God’s Presence § Celebrate Christ’s Love § Serve God’s People

Dear Parish Family,

Advent means “appearance” or “arrival” or “emergence”. As we embark

on this journey of Advent in 2016, the church calls us to remember Jesus’

advent.

Advent and Our Present World

With all that is happening in the world these days have you ever won-

dered if God might be up to something big? I have heard some even won-

der out loud if the end is near. I know that sounds like something a crazy

street preacher might say, but the church does remember at this time of

year that just as Jesus came to earth in an unexpected way and at an un-

expected time, so He will come again at an unexpected hour. With all the

ominous events happening in the world today, it does make one wonder.

The season of Advent calls us to be in a state of wonder about the myste-

rious ways of God. It is a time to ask ourselves if we are ready for that

unexpected time when Jesus might return. It calls us to watch and wait.

Learning in Waiting

We are often not very good at waiting. We want things to happen now.

We can become restless waiting in long lines, waiting for a delayed flight,

or waiting for more significant things in life. Waiting is not just a time to

hang around until the next thing happens. Waiting is also an opportunity

to grow. I love the quote that reminds us of this: “What you become

while you are waiting is at least as important as what you are waiting

for.”

What are you waiting for this Advent? What are you becoming as you

wait?

continued on page 3

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.stlukesgladstone.org

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Music at St. Luke’s

Lessons & Carols

Mark your calendars now for the always popular Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on

Sunday, December 11th at 5:00pm, followed by the parish Christmas party. I do hope that

you will join us for this special service and invite friends and neighbors to join you! The

members of St. Luke's Adult Choir will perform carols and anthems by Harold Darke,

Herbert Howells, Paul Manz, John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, and others.

Christmas Eve

The vibrant Children's Choir will sing for the 4pm Family Service on Christmas Eve. New

members are welcome, please contact me for details or see me after church. The children

rehearse after church between 11 and 11:30 and they do not have to have perfect atten-

dance to participate. Music for the late services on Christmas Eve will include portions of

the Messe de Minuit by the French Baroque composer Charpentier as well as favorite

carols. Music at all services will be enhanced by festive music for trumpet and organ.

Brian Harlow, Organist & Choirmaster

The Bell Choir has a set of hand chimes on a lending program from the Hand bell Ringers

of America, Area Two for this year. We rang on October 30th for All Saints Day. We

decided to use the hand chimes for our first piece to introduce the sound to the congrega-

tion. For our second piece, we incorporated the chimes into the melody line in certain sec-

tions. We rang “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” by Lowell Mason and arranged by

the well-known hand bell composer, by Kevin McChesney. It is based on the hymn tune

Hamburg. We worked in the hand chimes into several sections in “For All the Saints,”

based on the hymn tune Sine Nomine, and was composed by Jason w Krug.

We have raised money in the amount of $500.00 to purchase our own set – the goal is

$1,900.00 for a three octave set. We have new member! Katherine Hermes is helping us

out in the bass. We could certainly use another member or two. Please call Katherine

Newcomer-Scarano, Bell Choir Director, at 908-625-0043, for more information. Rudi-

mentary ability to read notes is a must. You don’t have to be perfect. You can also con-

tact her by email at www.pottersvillepiano.com.



http://www.pottersvillepiano.com

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continued from page 1

Advent Expectancy

Of course our Advent waiting is also filled with hope and expectation. If you can see yourself

through all the materialism and secularism of the way our culture celebrates Christmas, you might

just find that place of expectancy. God is indeed up to something, in our world, and in your life.

The Messiah appeared on earth 2000 years ago. He will appear again. But He is also emerging

within His people throughout the world now. He is present to us as He promised His disciples He

always would be even to the end of the age. That end of the age is that great and terrible day

when Jesus returns.

We have a wonderful church, a warm and loving group of parishioners, and such energy and

enthusiasm. I invite you this Advent to make the time to take advantage of the opportunities to

prepare.

Opportunities to Enrich Your Advent

Pick up a free copy of this year’s Advent Devotional with short meditations, Scriptures and a

prayer for each day of December. On Sunday mornings in Advent, we fix our gaze upon the mean-

ing of this season of watchfulness and anticipation. There are after church opportunities on Dec 4th,

as I talk about Old Testament prophecies regarding the arrival of Christ found in Handel’s Messiah.

On Dec 18th we have our annual children’s Christmas pageant. Sunday evenings we have Taize on

the 4th, Lessons and Carols on the 11th and Christmas Caroling on the 18th -- all at 5pm.

I especially want to spotlight Lessons and Carols, which highlights the blessings we have at St.

Luke’s in Dr. Brian Harlow and a talented choir that will offer us inspiring seasonal music. After the

Lessons and Carols Service, all are invited to the annual Parish Christmas Party at the home of

Dean and Nancy Lurker. This evening will be an especially glorious way to anticipate the Advent of

Christ at Christmas.

In some ways our Advent season at St. Luke’s begins with the annual Christmas Fair, led so ably

this year by Aileen Peterson. We had a wonderful day and our parish and its members were shin-

ing with warmth and the love of Christ. I talked to several visitors at the Fair who commented that

we have such warm people in our church. Many thanks to Aileen and the army of volunteers who

gave of themselves in preparation and on that day to make it so marvelous.

I pray that God will be with you this Advent and that you will indeed find the time to slow down,

listen for the Lord who is with you, watch and wait with expectancy for the celebration of His

Advent on earth and the anticipation that He will come again. Come, Lord Jesus!

The Lord Be With You,

Kent



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Children’s Ministry

We kicked off the fall with a new Episcopal curriculum called

Weaving God's Promise and we hope your children have en-

joyed the lessons and variety of activities. As a way of better

informing the parents of the lesson and activities for home, we

have also been sending home "Threads". Hope that has been

making it's way to the pew and you have found it helpful.

Many thanks to all who helped with the Fall Festival. We often speak to the children about

their "faith family" here at church and it is always nice when we come together and have

some fun. Children trick or treated the classes, caught dangling donuts and played games.

Lastly, kudos to all the children who have been reading their Action Adventure Bible. I can

clearly tell which children have embraced the book. Not only are they better versed in the

actual lesson for each week, but more importantly, they are able to draw deeper meaning

and inferences from the material. Keep up the good work!

Many thanks to all the children and parents who will participate in the annual Christmas

Pageant. There's no better way to hear the story of the birth of Christ but from the

children.

Special thanks to Tracy Pierron, Allyson Gallup, and Brian Harlow.

A Thank You From Somerville Food Kitchen Dear Norm,

It's certainly Fall in central Jersey, and the weather's getting better and better.

And it's still a most appropriate time to give thanks to you and to all of those who have helped support SHIP and SHIP's Safe

Harbor, both in 2016, 2015 and in all years past.

We sincerely appreciate the assistance you provided for the less fortunate through your generous donation of cookies on

11/10/2016. This gift will help to restore some hope and encouragement to those engaged in the daily battle to maintain dignity

as they cope with the harsh realities of their existence.

We are privileged to be in a position to see the expressions of joy and appreciation on their faces as they receive the assistance made

possible through your generosity.

On behalf of those you helped, please accept our gratitude and appreciation.

Be at peace, and know that you have touched the hearts and souls of these special people.

Bless you.

Sincerely,

Tom O’Leary, LCADC, CCJS

Executive Director



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Men’s Bible Study

New Session beginning in December on Saturday the 3rd at 8:15am in the Canterbury

Room. We will be focusing our study on Angels in this session, looking at the passages in

the Bible that tell us about angels. What are angels? What do they do? Are they active

today? These are just some of the questions we will explore together. We will meet on

Dec 3, 10 and 17 and then resume in the new year on January 7th. All are welcome!

Giving Tree

As it is soon to be the Holiday season, we will once again be having our Giving Tree, a

Christmas tree in Green Hall with tags containing the gift wishes of the clients of Inter-

faith Hospitality of Somerset County, IHS. Their aim is to” Empower Homeless Fami-

lies to Achieve and Maintain Independence” in Somerset County.

The tags are available starting November 27th and the gifts must be returned to Greene

Hall by December 11th.

Christmas Caroling – Sunday December 18th at 5 pm.

All are welcome to join us as we spread the Christmas spirit with our neighbors living near

the church. We will gather for a warm up and then go out and make a joyful noise to the

Lord. Afterward we will warm-up with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate and those who

wish can stay for the Celebration Dinner, hosted by Alpha in Greene Hall at 6:30pm.

Battle of the Wines

On the evening of September 10th, over 55 people attended the St. Luke’s Battle of the

Wines in Greene Hall. It was a great evening of fellowship among parishioners and their

friends, along with learning more about US and French wines. The evening started with an

hour of fellowship, hors d'oeuvres and a Rosé from France. Katy Allen, our resident wine

expert, then gave a detailed talk about each of the additional 6 wines that were tasted

throughout the evening. During her talk, the audience voted for their favorite wines in

each pairing and for the overall winner at the end of the night. The wines from the US won

each of the 3 pairings and the overall winner of the night was the 2012 Proprietary Red

from Carte Blanche Winery in California. We raised over $2600 for St. Luke’s in this inau-

gural event that we hope gets bigger and better each year. Thank you to everyone who

support this event and to the committee who worked hard to put on fun filled evening.



http://www.ihnsc.org/

http://www.ihnsc.org/

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Coloring at Coffee Hour

Deacon Anne Lemay has started bringing coloring pages and colored pencils to coffee

hour. They are set up on a side table in Greene Hall on most Sundays. This is Adult Color-

ing (the latest fad around the country) but children are also welcome to take part. Feel

free to bring a page and a few of the pencils to a table where you can sit down - just re-

turn the pencils when you finish with that color so that others have a chance to use them.

Use this activity as an ice breaker or as something to do while waiting for the confirmation

students to finish class (or, for kids, your parents to finish chatting!). This can also be a

prayerful activity, as coloring has been shown to reduce stress and allow contemplation.

Let the Spirit shine in you and through you! Feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Welcoming Matheny

Three residents from Matheny Medical and Educational Center will be visiting us on occa-

sion for the 9:30 worship service at St. Luke's. If you see Kim, Christian, or Christina, with

their two aides, please stop and say hello!

As always, all are welcome to join us when we worship at Matheny (65 Highland Ave, Pea-

pack) on the third Tuesday of each month. Meet at 6:45 p.m. in the lobby! Please contact

Deacon Anne with any questions.

We will share the rotation to lead a worship service for Matheny residents and staff on the

“Third Tuesday” of the month.

We meet in the lobby at Matheny around 6:45 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. service. If you RSVP

to Deacon Anne each month, you will be notified of any changes to the schedule. Monthly

reminders are emailed to anyone interested: contact Anne if you would like to receive the

reminder or if you aren’t able to help any longer and would like to be removed from this

list. Even if you can’t attend, consider staying on the email list and saying a quick prayer

for the Matheny community when you receive it.

Confirmation students, past and present, are especially welcome to join us, and the time

spent here may count toward community service hours. Contact Deacon Anne with any

questions: [email protected] or text 732-406-0296.

Future dates: Our services will be on December 20 (with caroling), January 17, February

21, March 21, April 18, May 16, and June 20.




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Vestry Notes - Fall 2016

Fall heralds the Stewardship season, and St. Luke’s is fortunate to have two dedicated

Vestry members, Roger Fischer and Pam Craven, leading the effort. Their work, and the

support of the entire parish, is especially important this year as we seek to balance the

needs and many diverse activities of a busy, flourishing congregation with the very real

demands of maintaining our beautiful church, grounds and other properties.

Replacement of the HVAC in Greene Hall and the refrigerator in the kitchen, repairs and

tree removal at the rectory, environmental issues related to a past oil tank removal at

Harper House, and landscaping around the new rear entrance to the church are among

the many expenses the Vestry has been dealing with over the last several months. Each

of these improvements is essential, and likewise, each of us has a critical role to play as a

faithful and wise steward of our wonderful church home, so please give generously.

The Vestry is also focused on efforts that will enable us to share the blessing of St. Luke’s

with more people. While Sunday attendance continues to be about 10 percent lower than

last year, there is a special kind of energy and vitality at St. Luke’s that parishioners and

visitors say they feel. The Growth Committee, established by the Vestry last year, contin-

ues to explore ways of attracting new people to our church utilizing new technology and

social media, as well as strengthening the relationships among long-time and more recent

members. To foster this, an expansion of the roles and responsibilities of our “welcoming

ministries” is being considered – stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come.

Respectfully submitted,

Lauren Luik, Clerk

Cinderella, Cinderella (ages 4 and up)

Cinderella, Cinderella by Steve and Kathy Hotchner is an interactive play based on the

classic tale and is performed by the Trilogy Repertory Company. Small groups of children

will help Cinderella as she transforms to a beautiful princess and throughout her fairy tale

evening. This program is offered by the PG Library.

Greene Hall, St. Luke's Church on Saturday, January 21 at 1 pm

Registration is encouraged.

Call the library at 908-234-0598 to register.



http://www.trilogyrepertory.com/

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Celebrate the Gift!

October 2016

Dear Friends,

We have all been given such a wonderful gift in St. Luke’s. We write to invite you to help

us celebrate it.

Don’t you agree that we have inherited such a beautiful worship space and facilities? St.

Luke’s Church is vibrant and flourishing today with outstanding music under the direction

of Dr. Brian Harlow, with a meaningful but fun-filled children’s ministry under the leader-

ship of Helene O’Neill, and with an active, inspiring, youth group lead by Norm Penney. We

have opportunities to grow deep in faith with Bible studies and Alpha. We have many

groups and ministries that offer opportunities to enjoy the warmth of Christ’s love while

serving others such as the Fair, the annual Guatemala Mission trip, and at the Community

Soup Kitchen.

But our blessings aren’t just about programs and facilities. We have been blessed by God

with such a gifted, fun, caring and active group of people at St. Luke’s. We enjoy each

other’s company at events like the Fall Party, the Christmas Party, Lobsterfest and the

Auction.

And still there is more. Undergirding it all, in it all, around it all, within us all is the Holy

Spirit. God is present; He is with us. He sent His only Son to die so that we might have

life. The risen Lord Jesus Christ is with us even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Let us celebrate! This year we are celebrating Christ’s love. This year we pause in

gratitude to say “thanks be to God” that we have such a gift in St. Luke’s. The world

seems to grow more dangerous, chaotic and insane every day, but we have a home at St.

Luke’s. It is our place, our people, our fellowship with God, and our spiritual home.

Giving is about gratitude. Giving back is a way to acknowledge that the blessings

we have come from above. Giving can be liberating and joyful. In giving we are far

more blessed than when we are receiving, as Jesus said. (Acts 20:35) This year our

stewardship campaign is focused on gratitude and celebration.

We don’t ask you to give to St. Luke’s merely out of duty, or because it is the right thing to

do – though it is. We don’t ask you to give because we need financial resources to keep

St. Luke’s the thriving vital place for all that it is – though we do. We ask you to give as

a way of saying “Thank You, God, for the gift of St. Luke’s that helps me know

Your love.” We don’t ask you to give begrudgingly but rather to find the joy and celebra-

tion in giving. We ask you to give in gratitude in proportion to how grateful you are for

God’s blessings and the blessing of St. Luke’s. We ask you to estimate your giving in a



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pledge that celebrates the gift. We ask you to give as God has enabled you to give. Some-

times just a widow’s two copper coins are worth millions in God’s eyes.

Please prayerfully consider the enclosed pledge card and chart, returning your pledge be-

fore November 20th or at the in-gathering in worship that Sunday. We celebrate you and

thank God for you no matter what you decide to do. Thank you for taking the time to read

this letter and for being a part of our parish family at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee.

The Lord be With You,

Kent Stan John Roger Pam

Kent Walley Stan Hays John Gallup Roger Fischer Pamela Craven

Rector Warden Warden Stewardship Chair Stewardship Co-Chair

Brief Summation of PLG Meetings – September and October

Reverend Walley reported at both meetings that church attendance continues to be down

about 10% year over year. The new sound system in both Greene Hall and the Allen room

is completed. The stewardship campaign has been kicked off and Alpha continues to

occur on Sunday evening with success.

The funds raised from the auction were distributed to the following missions – Louisiana

flood relief, CSK, food bank, fire company, First Aid squad, Seaman’s Institute, Somerset

Chaplaincy to the Elderly, St. Luke’s Village, fall mission trip and Missionary work for Philip

Walley. We have had several successful fellowship events during the fall including the

Blessing of the Animals and the Harvest Moon Cocktail Party following Evensong. The Sen-

ior Thanksgiving Luncheon is coming up on Nov. 23rd, Advent Wreaths will be made at

church on Nov. 27th, and the Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 11th after Lessons and

Carols at Nancy and Dean Lurkers house.

Bible Study on the Gospel of John – will meet on December 12 and December 19 and

then resume the study in the new year on 9th. All are welcome to join in this time of

fellowship, learning and growing as we consider the words of this remarkable gospel.



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S.A.L.T.

Greetings All Parents and Salties,

We'll be meeting as usual on Friday at the church from 6:30-8:30.

We have a special guest coming this week to entertain us with his guitar, some new

games and a lesson. This is going to be a fantastic meeting! Jonathan Hobbs is a friend of

St. Luke's and a friend of mine. Jonathan has come many times in the past to share his

musical talents and his love of God. Some of our older students will certainly remember

him, but for many of our Salties, this will be the first time experience. I'll be there to assist

and keep things moving as this year we are a pretty large group. Jonathan is the Director

of Youth Ministries at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Pa. He has been

working in youth ministry for over 16 years. (where does the time go?)

Elsie Pierron's mom will be bringing dinner and staying on as the third adult. Thank you

Tracy.

Upcoming Meetings:

11/25 No Salt. Thanksgiving Break.

As you know, without the parents help, I could not hold these meetings. We've been using

a google doc to sign up. Please click the link and pick a date. If you are not able to open

the document, just let me know what night works best for you.

There are only three dates open before the Christmas break.

11/18--Setting up for the Fair

12/9--Regular Salt Meeting

12/16--Salt Christmas Party

Here's the parent sign up link:

h t tps:/ /docs .goog l e .com/spreadsheets/d/1AZAiRtk9vmXP0rj jY8GUV0Nm -

_ubk5jua_jT0Nw7wLQ/edit#gid=0

Thanks for all your help and making this a great year at Salt.

Best regards,

Norm



https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AZAiRtk9vmXP0rjjY8GUV0Nm-_ubk5jua_jT0Nw7wLQ/edit#gid=0

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AZAiRtk9vmXP0rjjY8GUV0Nm-_ubk5jua_jT0Nw7wLQ/edit#gid=0

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The Carillon is a publication of

St. Luke's Church, Gladstone, New Jersey. The Reverend Dr. Kent R. Walley, Rector.

Articles should be submitted to Regina Schittig,

Parish Administrator, in the church office 9:30-5:00, M-F.

Telephone 908-234-0002;

Fax 908-234-1446; email: [email protected]

www.stlukesgladstone.org

Design/Layout: Valerie Szkodny Coordinator: Regina Schittig Assembly/Mailing: Jane Knight

The

Carillon Comittee


ST. LUKE’S BOOK CLUB: 2016-2017

We’re celebrating our 18th year of page-turning fellowship!

Discussions begin at 7:15 p.m. in Canterbury Room. All are welcome.

This Year’s Theme: What Makes Life Worth Living?

January 5:The Road – Cormac McCarthy

A father and his young son experience a nightmarish, post-apocalyptic

America in a suspenseful story of love and sacrifice in a world gone awry.

February 2: Euphoria – Lily King

Three Western anthropologists become entangled in a passionate love

triangle while exploring the primitive culture of 1930s New Guinea. This

adventure-filled novel was inspired by the life of anthropologist Margaret

Mead.

Calendar Room Key

AR= Allen Room

CR= Canterbury Room

GH= Greene Hall

MR= Music Room

TR= Tower Room

UC= Undercroft





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St. Luke's Episcopal Church

182 Main Street, PO Box 605

Gladstone, NJ 07934

www.stlukesgladstone.org

(Address Correction Requested)

Rector: The Reverend Dr. Kent Walley [email protected] Deacon: The Reverend Anne Lemay [email protected] Pastoral Associate The Reverend Dr. Franklin Vilas Rector Emeritus: The Reverend Canon John T. Morrow Organist/Choirmaster: Dr. Brian Harlow [email protected] Parish Administrator: Regina Schittig [email protected] Dir. of Children’s Ministry: Helene O’Neill [email protected] Youth Choir Director: Dr. Brian Harlow [email protected] Handbell Director: Katherine Newcomer [email protected] Youth Director: Norm Penney [email protected] Dir. of Communications: Valerie Szkodny [email protected] Sextons: Charlie Hamma and Louis Cifarelli Altar Guild: Missy Witte and Cathy Henry Usher Guild: Emily Childs

The Carillon A Monthly Publication of St. Luke's Episcopal Church 182 Main Street, PO Box 605 G lads tone ,NJ 07 934 email [email protected].

Established 1900 (908) 234-0002

Mailed by December 9, 2016

The Parish Life Guild

Allyson Gallup, Chair Lauren Diemar Betsy Halstead Bob Henry Mike Mandeen Noelle McCarthy Kim McLean Anne Parker Aileen Peterson JW Pierron Frank Porcelli Lisa Stryker Bill Trego

The Vestry

Senior Warden: Stan Hays Junior Warden: John Gallup Clerk: Lauren Luik

Pam Craven Tom Elliott Roger Fischer

Roxanne Hayes Dave Ingrey Priscilla Miller

Steve Neville Tammy Riley












the carillon - st. luke's episcopal church · dec 3, 10 and 17 and then resume in the new year...

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