thoughts from fr. d oug...st. luke’s episcopal church 178 south main street—p.o. box 909...
TRANSCRIPT
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
178 South Main Street—P.O. Box 909
Buffalo, WY 82834
Febr uar y, 2018
THE SEEKERS
Seeking to know and grow in Christ
through education,
dedication, and service.
T H O U G H T S F R O M F R . D O U G
“Keep alert, stand firm in
your faith, be courageous, be
strong. Let all that you do be
done in love.”
...1 Cor. 16:13
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
KITCHEN- UPDATE PROJECT
2
Senior Warden’s Report
3
ECW Monthly Gathering
4
Annual Meeting Election Results
5
Bishop Smylie to Visit St. Luke’s
7
We Need RECIPES for Our St. Luke’s Cookbook!
10
Ash Wednesday Services
cover
The start of this year was one that I could not have imagined. The season
of Epiphany – the return of light during the darkness of hopelessness, the
mission of the church being launched, the church being called, etc. is short this
year. By mid-February the church will step into the season of Lent and prepare
for Easter on April 1st. We will see who is really fooled. I am secretly hoping it
is us, because the promise of the resurrection will exceed our expectations.
By the time this letter arrives in email inboxes and by mail, the kitchen-
upgrade project will be well on its way. Many memories were made in that
kitchen, and it is a testimony to the faith of generations that have passed as
we move into the future. The Episcopal Church Women continue to be active
in providing ministry of prayer, food, and hospitality. This year Valentine’s Day
falls on Ash Wednesday, and the ECW will be hosting a lunch with no business
for those who are attending the noonday service. All are free to join and start
Lent with fellow members of our Christian faith.
The Bishop is coming this year, in February, and I am hoping that we will be
confirming a new member, reaffirming another, and welcoming others into the
Episcopal Church. This is a “triple play” that does not happen very often at
St. Luke’s. I see this as a sign of renewed growth for St. Luke’s. After the
Bishop’s visit, St. Luke’s will be hosting an Open Invitation Sunday, in which
people who are unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church are invited to experience
our liturgy and to learn how it works. Invite a friend, and we will have welcome
bags prepared for them. This Open Invitation Sunday is February 18th for both
services.
I am pleased to see that St. Luke’s is hosting a book study called Good and
Beautiful Life. It is a nine-week commitment, where people explore what it
means to live a life that is modeled by the Beatitudes (blessed are those …) in
Matthew. If this book study is hard to fit into a busy schedule, the Adult Educa-
tion Classes continue, as we explore the Gospel of Matthew between our
services, at 9 a.m. Feel free to drop in and join the conversation.
God continues to surprise me. The generosity of the Bread of Life Food
Pantry, both in giving and receiving, continues to be a gift and a source of
inspiration. People are hungry, and they are being fed. I see the church also
feeding those who are spiritually hungry, who are also being fed with the fellow-
ship of Sunday worship.
Come and see. The blessing of the Lord is all around us. I give thanks to be
called to serve God in Buffalo, Wyoming, and Johnson County. Let us continue
to affirm the dignity of every human being through the love of Christ.
Fr. Doug +
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ANOTHER HUGE “THANK YOU!” TO
LISA KILLIAN, PAM MCFADDEN,
& KELLIE WASINGER!
The year of 2017 saw steady growth and learning
for our St. Luke’s young people, as our Christian
education program continues to adapt to suit their age
ranges. Thus the result remains a consistent growth in
the faith of our young people as they mature in their
knowledge of who Jesus is and what it means to follow
him. Behind this growth and forward movement
remain three very special women: Lisa Killian,
Pam McFadden, and Kellie Wasinger. The debt of
gratitude we owe each of them cannot be measured.
Under their leadership, and as a result of their efforts,
we see St. Luke’s Sunday school program, and the
youngsters in it, maturing and flourishing. This work
with our young people is extremely important, for the
future of not only St. Luke’s, but also our Buffalo com-
munity and the larger world. Lisa and Pam and Kellie,
we cannot thank you enough for what you are doing
for all of us, in giving our young people a firm
foundation for their future. May God bless you for your
loving service and for sharing your faith with our
children.
NEED TO CONTACT YOUR VESTRY?
Name: Phone: e-mail:
Wes Killian– Senior Warden 307-620-5720 [email protected]
Barbara Ward – Junior Warden 307-278-0770 [email protected]
Mark Bentley—Clerk of the Vestry 505-690-5858 [email protected]
Sue Shambaugh – Church Treasurer 307-217-1131 [email protected]
Jerry Eastwood 684-0961 [email protected]
Dr. Tom Berry 684-5848 [email protected]
Denise Heitler 620-0539 [email protected]
KITCHEN TAKE-DOWN
PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD
St. Luke’s volunteers will
gather on Saturday,
February 3rd, at 8 A.M., to help with demolition of the
kitchen, so that the kitchen-
update project can proceed. This group
should plan to continue working until the job
is finished.
We need LOTS of man power.
There will also be things for ladies to do.
Please bring gloves, pry bars, hammers,
screwdrivers, and anything else you can think
of to remove cabinets.
There will also be some ceiling removal
to be done in the basement.
There will be pizza for lunch!
We look forward
o seeing EVERYONE there.
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PRESSING ON
Words from the Senior Warden
Please join me this month in celebrating Love. I think we take love for granted, and unfortunately
many of us are uncomfortable expressing it. We are much more comfortable expressing our love
for our animals thAn we are to each other. My challenge to you is to practice the expression of
Love.
You have romantic love, this is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Take time this month to spark a
little romance with your spouse, or S.O.. Plan a date, hold hands, look each other in the eye deeply and say the
words I LOVE YOU and mean it and make sure they hear you. Have Fun!!!
There is what you feel for your children. The unconditional Love in which, no matter what, you have an end-
less supply. Kids of all ages like to be reminded though, so reach out and be gushy with your kids, even if it
embarrasses them. They will remember the gesture and hopefully pay it forward.
Family and Friends. I don’t know about you but my friends are an extension of my family. Take a moment to
let them know how you feel about them. Again, really engage with them so they know you are sincere and
hear you.
The greatest Love of all is Godly Love. It is the wellspring from which all Love springs. It is the universal
love of all human kind. Take a moment each day and be still, and feel God’s love all around you. Imagine
yourself as God’s vessel and let him fill you up everyday with his Love so you can celebrate with him and all
those around you. In this endless sea of Love is where hope resides.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. Being your Senior Warden the past year has been an honor.
St. Luke’s is a special place because of all of you. Your dedication and Loyalty to our church is awesome.
I Love you all !!!
Bettina
YOU TEACH US TO SING GOD’S PRAISES
(And we love you for it!)
THANK YOU,
St. Luke’s Choir, Louise Anderson, and Emily Whipple!
Music in the church has always been about more than simply singing a
hymn or playing an offertory! It lies at the very center of the process of worship
and allowing one’s heart to be drawn to God. It is also about commitment and faithfulness on
the part of the musicians who help lead this worship. When we speak of these qualities, we can-
not help but picture our St. Luke’s Choir, and we thank them for the outstanding job they do. To
our dedicated and talented Choir Director, Louise Anderson, and our amazing organist,
Emily Whipple, we extend our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. We are blessed by the
leadership, talents, and loving service of these special people. May God bless each of them in
return.
ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH REPORT OF INCOME/EXPENSE
Our Financial Status as of the end of December, 2017, is as follows:
Revenue..................$38,230.16 Questions?
Expenses...................16,226.77 Please call Treasurer Sue Shambaugh
Overage/Deficit......$22,003.39 at 217-1131.
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ECW GATHERING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
12:30 P.M. *** ONDERDONK HALL
SINCE THIS WILL BE ASH WEDNESDAY, OUR LUNCH TIME IS MOVED TO 12:30 P.M. SO THAT THOSE WHO WISH TO, CAN ATTEND THE NOON SERVICE.
There will be NO MEETING and NO AGENDA for this gathering.
EVERYONE (gals AND guys) who attends the Noon Ash Wednesday Service is cordially invited
to come and have lunch with us!
ECW will provide a meat and cheese tray. Ladies, please bring a salad or dessert to share.
THANK YOU,
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN!
2017 was a year of beginnings for
St. Luke’s ECW, as they said “goodbye” to many old ways
of doing things and headed out in a new direction. Armed
with a prayerfully formed vision statement, they set out to
lead the way into uncharted territory. And lead they did!
By the end of this past year, it became apparent that God
was blessing many of their efforts. A number of traditional
activities were kept and honored. The Surprise You! Sale
was again a well attended success. Monthly luncheon
meetings remained in place. Although more informal in
nature, attendance at these gatherings has begun to
increase. On the “new” side of things, The Good and
Beautiful God Study, facilitated by Aimee Sherman, proved
to be a huge success. Also new is the upcoming Kitchen-
Update Project, which will bring our kitchen up to code and
make it both usable and legal! For all this we offer our
thanks to our ECW Board members for their leadership
this past year: Sue Shambaugh—Chair, Barbara Ward—Co-
Chair, Donna Strickland—Secretary, and Nancy Straight—
Treasurer. You ladies have done an amazing job!
One thing that has NOT changed has been the loving,
faithful, incredible ministry of the Reception Committee,
which continues to minister in times of both joy and
sorrow, showing others that St. Luke’s stands with them in
both the good times and the not-so-good. Truly we are
blessed by their service. With all our hearts we thank:
Donna Naill, Jo Ann McKenzie, Pam McFadden,
Karen Walker, Linda Greenough, Mary Gammon,
Sue Shambaugh, and Mary Alice Gurney.
THANK YOU, SUE SHAMBAUGH!
Again this year we gratefully say
a huge “Thank you!” to our
Recycling Chairman, Sue Shambaugh, for
keeping us “green” and on track as good
stewards of our resources. Because of her
faithful efforts, St. Luke’s continues to
leave a much smaller footprint on our
world today. Thank you, Sue! Your service
blesses us all.
THANK YOU,
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE!
Our Endowment Committee
(formerly the Foundation Committee) does
quiet but important work. We offer the
members our heartfelt gratitude for skillful-
ly guiding St. Luke’s in this area in 2017.
Our thanks to: Bob Kessler, Allison
Bodan, Nancy Straight, Nick Norris (Vestry
Representative), and Bettina Wood (an
automatic member as Sr. Warden). Each
of these folks has brought their own gifts
and expertise to this ministry, and they
have served us well.
We offer our special thanks to
Bob Kessler, whose term expired at the
end of 2017. Bob, your faithful service
has been so appreciated.
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ANNUAL MEETING
ELECTION RESULTS
At St. Luke’s Annual Parish
Meeting, held on Sunday, January 28th,
Denise Heitler and Mark Bentley were elected to
the vestry for 3-year terms. These folks join the five
incumbent members, to form the 7-member vestry
shown below:
ST. LUKE’S VESTRY – 2018
Wes Killian (620-5720)
Barbara Ward (307-278-0770)
Sue Shambaugh (217-1131)
Dr. Tom Berry (684-5848)
Jerry Eastwood (684-0961)
Denise Heitler (620-0539)
Mark Bentley (505-690-5858)
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Nick Norris was elected to a three-year term. He
joins present members Nancy Straight and Allison
Bodan. In addition, the Sr. Warden automatically
serves on this committee and a representative
from the vestry will be elected at a future date.
VESTRY OFFICERS NAMED
The following members were elected as your
vestry officers for 2018:
Wes Killian — Senior Warden
Barbara Ward — Junior Warden
Mark Bentley — Clerk of the Vestry
Sue Shambaugh— Church Treasurer
We offer our heartiest congratulations to our
new vestry members and to our new vestry officers.
We urge you to contact any of your vestry members
with your concerns and questions
DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATION
In 2018, St. Luke’s will be represented at
Diocesan Convention by the following:
Delegate – Sr. Warden Wes Killian
Delegate—Karen Walker
Youth Delegate—Elyse Parker
Clergy—Fr. Doug Wasinger
As Diocesan Convention approaches, we
encourage you to contact your delegation and
make your wishes and concerns known to them.
They are your elected representatives!
MANY, MANY THANKS TO OUR
RETIRING VESTRY MEMBERS!
By now we know that God raises
up the right people for the work he has in mind,
Our 2018 retiring vestry members certainly prove
this principle. This year we say thank you and
“Well done!” to Elaine Walker, Nick Norris, and
Dr. Geoffrey Sherman, who are coming off the
vestry after 3 years of distinguished service. We
also offer our thanks and heartfelt gratitude to
Bettina Wood, who is resigning under good terms
after 3 years, having served out an unexpired
term before being elected to her own 3-year
term. Each one has served, and shared their gifts
freely during his or her time on the Vestry; and
God has used them to guide St. Luke’s to greater
growth in love and service. We are grateful to
each of them, and we know that God has future
plans to use them!
Thank you, Elaine, Nick, Dr. Geoff, and Bettina!
THANK YOU,
BETTINA WOOD!
A Senior Warden’s job is
never easy! Not only must this person lead; he
or she must be prepared to do it at a moment’s
notice, often “flying by the seat of their pants,”
since a church’s life can become hectic and un-
predictable. This past year has been one of
growth and progress in spite of the usual unex-
pected challenges. This has been thanks largely
to Sr. Warden Bettina Wood’s calm, yet strong,
leadership. Her ability to focus on the immediate,
while keeping her eye on the “big picture,” has
helped St. Luke’s to move steadily toward our
goal of serving our Lord by serving those in need,
and by sharing His Good News with those who
are seeking. We thank her for her hard work, her
faithfulness to our vision statement, and her
reliance on God’s guidance and leadership. We
have been privileged to have her “at the helm.”
Bless you, Bettina! You are a very special lady.
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MANY THANKS TO OUR USHERS AND
USHER CHAIR JOANN PEARSON
We’ve said it before and we’ll
say it again: one of the most
important ministries in our
church is that of greeting those
who attend our services, espe-
cially newcomers, and making them feel
welcome. Not only do the folks who do this
make that valuable “first impression,” but
they are a warm smile and handshake for
our regulars, week after week, letting them
know how much their faithful attendance is
appreciated. In addition, our ushers cope
with extra seating requirements, cheerfully
answer questions, and provide other assis-
tance, as needed.
We at St. Luke’s are blessed by our
usher teams, and we say a hearty “THANK
YOU” to each of them. And many, many
thanks to Usher Chair JoAnn Pearson, for
hours spent organizing and schedul-
ing this group. You are appreciated
more than words can say!
YET AGAIN, WE THANK YOU,
NANCY STRAIGHT!
By this time, we are running out of original
things to say about this amazing woman! Her
history of service at St. Luke’s is well document-
ed. Over the years, we suspect she’s “done it all.”
She presently serves as Chair of the Ministry Coordination Commit-
tee, Head Worship Leader, ECW Treasurer and Board Member, and
as a member of the Endowment Committee. And we should
mention that in her “spare time” she serves on the Altar Guild and
takes her turn as a Lay Reader. (I’m guessing she still sings in the
choir, too!) I think you get the picture! It is our hope that she will
slow down long enough to read this newsletter, so that we can tell
her how very much she is loved and appreciated.
THANK YOU, NANCY, YOU ARE ONE IN A MILLION!
WE SAY “THANK YOU” TO OUR
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE!
We offer a hearty “Thank you!” and a tip of
the hat to this hardworking, and extremely creative,
group of people. Because of their commitment and out-of-the-
box thinking, St. Luke’s enjoyed a successful year of regular
church giving in 2017, coupled with a Harvest Hoedown that
just gets better each year. We offer congratulations and our
deepest gratitude to: Marie Miller JoAnn Pearson
Peggy Drury Shirley Jacob Renee Joy
Margo Mader Amanda Kaufmann Cynthia Gray
Bettina Wood Fr. Doug Wasinger Karen Boggs
Christy Kessler Barbara Ward Marsha Parker
We also offer our sincere THANKS and GRATITUDE to those
of you who again worked diligently to support this committee’s ef-
forts. Your hard work turned their vision into reality!
OUR THANKS TO PAM MCFADDEN,
THE BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY BOARD,
AND OUR ST. LUKE’S VOLUNTEERS!
Thanks to the leadership and volunteer
efforts put forth by this group,
the Food Pantry has again con-
cluded a year of successfully
ministering to the hungry in the
Buffalo community (and be-
yond). As the need for this out-
reach continues to grow and
grow, Pam and the Board continue to rise to
the challenge, trusting in God to bless and
supply, as needed. We thank them, over
and over again, for their leadership and
service. We also offer heartfelt thanks to all
our loyal St. Luke’s volunteers who faithfully
serve the Pantry’s clients each Friday at
noon. Last, but certainly not least, our
thanks to all of you who so generously offer
this ministry your gifts and prayers. You are
the backbone of this important work. As you
all continue to work together, you
make a huge difference in the lives
of others!
THANK YOU, TREASURER SUE SHAMBAUGH!
As we begin a new church year, it is with deep
gratitude that we recognize and applaud Sue
Shambaugh, for taking on a job that would have had most of
us running hard in the other direction! As St. Luke’s has
struggled with a complex accounting system and cumbersome
rules and regulations from various entities, her dedication and
the countless hours of “overtime” she has put in have kept
St. Luke’s on track financially. Sue, we cannot thank you
enough. We just don’t have the words! May God bless you;
you are one amazing lady!
THANK YOU, ST. LUKE’S ACOLYTES!
We continue to be grateful to our St. Luke’s
Acolytes for their faithful service in this ministry
that is such a special and important part of our
worship services. In a day and age when the
concept of servanthood has all but vanished, our
acolytes keep showing us how it’s done by their
faithful, responsible service.
Thank you, Acolytes, for leading the way. You are
an example for us all, and we can’t thank you enough!
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OUR THANKS TO YOU, ELAINE WALKER!
No matter what the ministry, a take-
charge person will be needed, to handle
schedules and give directions and say,
“The buck stops here.” Elaine’s steady
and responsible guidance enables our St. Luke’s
Acolytes to perform their essential duties without
‘missing a beat.” Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it
when it comes to expressing how grateful we are to
you, Elaine. You are a blessing!
THANK YOU,
WES KILLIAN!
When it comes to serving on the
vestry, there is no glamor in the position of Junior
Warden! This is a job no one gives a thought
to….that is, until the plumbing fails, or tree branches
fall on the roof, or a needed repair job surfaces!
Then you realize how important a Junior Warden
really is in the life of his (or her) parish.
This past year, St. Luke’s has been blessed to
have Wes Killian serving in this ministry. Wes brings
a wealth of previous knowledge and skills to this
position, and his service in this ministry is deeply
appreciated. Knowing he was on the job has made
life a lot easier for the rest of us.
Thank you, Wes, for taking such good
care of us in 2017. May God bless you for
your service to him and to St. Luke’s.
THE BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY
SAYS A SPECIAL “THANK YOU” TO
ITS AMAZING SUPPORTERS!
Thanks to the generosity of its
many supporters, the number of Christ-
mas dinners the Food Pantry was able to
provide again exceeded their fondest hopes
and expectations. Director Pam McFadden and
the members of the Food Pantry Board now
offer their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for
the love and support that went into those gifts.
May God bless each one who gave.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTESS
MONTHLY REMINDER FOR FEBRUARY!
Committee #2 is scheduled to host Coffee Hours
during the month of February. The following
ladies are members of this committee:
Shirley Jacob* Aimee Sherman
Linda Clark Marie Miller
Pat Miller Kari Hanson
Helen Crain
Pam McFadden
The Rt. Rev. John S. Smylie,
Bishop of
the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, will make his annual visitation to
St. Luke’s on the weekend of February 10-11.
There will be
ONE SUNDAY SERVICE ONLY,
at 9 A.M.
Bp. Smylie will preach and confirm.
Plans will be announced in more
detail in the near future.
NEED TO CONTACT FR. DOUG?
Office Hours:
Tuesday—Friday Address: 513 E. Hart Street
9:30 A.M.—Noon Cell/Text: 307-620-0061
Day Off: Monday
Please feel free to use this number!
GROWING THROUGH GIVING
Elizabeth W. Dunn, Lara B. Aknin, and Michael I. Norton conducted a Harvard study in
2008 that confirmed that giving is good for you. Generous people are happier than those who
spend their resources primarily on themselves. This study can be found by searching for
“Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness,” on the internet.
Giving is a discipline meant to bring happiness to our lives; however, we have not been very good at ask-
ing. Giving to a non-profit organization or even a church has most often been experienced as a transaction
and not as a transformational relationship. People are often seen as the means to an end. God sees us as
the reason for the giving of Jesus, who willingly went the distance to win our hearts, by conquering death and
offering the gift of forgiveness and redemption.
Where is the transformation taking place in St. Luke’s? Last year, I heard from a person who arrived to
check out the church. “You are a strange people,” this person said, “You are warm and friendly. More
importantly, you mean it!” We have expressed real interest in this person’s life. The people of St. Luke’s
demonstrated that we care, and it was not merely words, It was also through action. This church has changed
lives, and all this is possible through the generosity of many people.
We can make a difference and it doesn’t take much, but it does take everyone. When giving occurs, don’t
be surprised when the level of satisfaction grows. This is simply how God’s kingdom works. Fr. Doug +
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday—Friday: 8:30 A.M.—Noon
Telephone: 684-7529
email: [email protected]
Ministry Coordination Committee
January 16, 2018
Persons present: Fr. Doug, Nancy Straight, Nancy Bartlett, Karen Walker, Louise Anderson, Elaine Walker,
Emily Whipple and Linda Clark.
The meeting was opened with Nancy Straight reading an inspirational passage from Hearing God’s Word
about how God’s word comes to us at times loud and clear and at other times more like a whisper. We need
to be more aware of the “soft” messages.
Fr. Doug informed us that the Financial Peace program will not be offered this year. He looks forward to the
Bishop’s visit in February when, in addition to the usual happenings of the visit, the Bishop will be doing Con-
firmation, Reaffirmation and Receiving during the 9 AM service.
Lent begins in February and the first Sunday will be an Instructed Eucharist Service. ECW will prepare Wel-
coming Bags for newcomers. Both Sunday services will be using Rite I, with music at the second service. It
was decided that the Lenten Wednesday Soup and Bread dinners will focus on a study of “Graceful Disrup-
tions”. This is a study recommended by the Bishop, that members of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming will
be using during Lent. There will be a sign up sheet for those to bring soup and bread in crock pots, with
paper dishes, due to the kitchen remodel.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 20th. Linda Clark
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WE APPRECIATE YOU,
LINDA CLARK!
Actually, that’s putting it mildly! Linda has served
as St. Luke’s Meals-on-Wheels Coordinator for a number
of years now. Thanks to her efforts, our volunteer deliveries during the
month of June run smoothly and efficiently. More importantly, St. Luke’s
is afforded an opportunity to serve our Lord in the Buffalo community, not
only by delivering meals, but also by sharing the warmth of a smile and
some cheering words with those who receive these deliveries. Thank you,
Linda, for making it possible for others of us to serve.
Linda also serves on the Ministry Coordination Committee, often
acting as clerk for this group. In addition, she assists Fr. Doug with the
Bulletin Prayer List Ministry. We thank her for those efforts, as well.
ST. LUKE’S LENTEN STUDY FOR 2018
GRACEFUL DISRUPTIONS (A Diocese-wide study for Lent, 2018)
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST *** 5:00 P.M. *** ONDERDONK HALL There will be a Soup & Bread Dinner. A sign-up sheet for volunteers will be posted.)
Session One: Jesus disrupts the status quo.
Matthew 5:1-2, 7:13-8:1 or Mark 6:1-13
Jesus shocks people out of their senses (stuns people) with his teaching to prepare them to
repent and follow him in new ways
Session Two: Following Jesus means diagnosing what is wrong.
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 7-8
Jesus empowers his followers to spread the kingdom of God by helping others.
Session Three: “What do you want me to do for you?”
Mark 10:46-52
Following Jesus means listening to the people we serve.
Session Four: Recognizing grace points to mission opportunities.
Romans 12:4-18
Discerning when and how we experience God’s grace suggests new mission opportunities for
serving our wider community
Session Five: Paul’s “collection” demonstrates the power of our common life .
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
How cooperation among small, far-flung churches can make a difference
WOMEN’S
WORLDWIDE
DAY OF PRAYER
at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
MARCH 2ND
NOON –12:30
Refreshments served.
EVERYONE invited!
RSVP to 684-7529
by Feb. 26th. Donations go to WWDP.
The Seekers Page 10
ST. LUKE’S COOKS ARE THE FINEST IN THE COUNTRY!
We ALL know that, and now it’s time to share this
information with the rest of the world! The women of ECW are
working on a Cookbook, to be published in 2018.
And guess what? They want to include YOUR favorite recipes! They have made it easy for you to share these treasures with them There are two ways you can
do this: 1. We have included a recipe submission form in this newsletter. You can fill it out and either
mail it to P.O. Box 909 or leave it at the Church Office. We’ll be happy to pass it along.! 2. You can
also go online and submit your recipes at www.cookbookprinters.com
The information you will need is as follows: USER NAME: stlukes PASSWORD: episcopal
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS APRIL 30TH!
WE URGE YOU TO SUBMIT AT LEAST 5-10 RECIPES!
This opportunity isn’t just for the ladies, Guys!
We have some men in our midst who are fabulous cooks.
PLEASE LET US HEAR FROM YOU, TOO.
FROM OUR PAST
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Buffalo, Wyoming. (Submitted by Louise Anderson)
In 1883 a group of Buffalo Wyoming pioneers and the officers from Fort McKinney realized
their children needed a Sunday School, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was born. Children of the Fort came
in the Army ambulance to Sunday School and then were joined by their parents for services in Buffalo’s
“Little Red School House.” The group was small to think of establishing a church, but with much faith and
courage the few decided to make a start; and in 1884 Bishop John F. Spalding traveled by horseback, stage-
coach and buckboard from Colorado to organize an Episcopal official mission to be known as St. Luke’s.
Soon the need for a church building prompted fundraisers. The records show that the first worthwhile money
making event was a Pink Tea. ( It became even more successful when the day after the tea, the husband of one
of the hostesses canvassed the town and fined everyone that did not attend.)
In 1889 the cornerstone for the gothic church building was laid. The church was made from local red bricks
and the massive beams in the ceiling hewn from a sawmill in the local Big Horn Mountains. A young Lt.
Webb stationed at the fort was a member of the New York Vanderbilt family and they gave the financial aid
that furnished the Chancel furnishing.
St. Luke’s history included priests with much courage especially Rev Charles Duell who “preformed his du-
ties under dangers and misgivings” (Baker history) as he served during the Johnson County Cattle War.
A meeting hall replaced a little log house next to the church that was named “Onderdonk Hall” in recognition
of Dr. H.U. Onderdonk who served 1897- 1910. He was a beloved figure in Buffalo as he was not only a
priest, but also a physician, a chemist, mathematician, nurse and editor. (Interesting note: The first money for
this hall was raised by the ladies of the church who “put together a useful and practical cook book which net-
ted a tidy sum.” (Baker history)
The Parish House beside the church was built in 1925 from plans drawn by Frank Gatchell (Gatchell museum)
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church started in the frontier where there was just in the making, the beginning of a
state, a county and a town. It is proud of its history.
The Seekers Page 11
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a
goodly heritage.” ….Psalm 16:5-6
Louise Anderson (2/1), Johnnie Addington (2/1), Fr. George Greer (2/4),
Lynda Richardson (2/5), Mike Money (2/5), Curt Penwell (2/5),
Dylan Kessler (2/5), Horizon Hanson (2/5), Maggie Hokanson (2/6),
Heather Eklund (2/7), Helen Crain (2/10), Lynne Walker (2/10),
Drew Joy (2/10), Skye Sanford (2/11), Megan Boggs (2/11),
Jacob Godber (2/11), Pake Nimick (2/11), Matt Ellis (2/13),
Cora Williams (2/13), Jenna Harvey (2/15), Ed Burnett (2/15),
Brooke Goodson (2/15), Sue Shambaugh (2/16), Dawn Moreland (2/17),
Mary Jo Newton (2/18), Bill Driskill (2/20), Jacob Axt (2/20),
Skyler Skaggs (2/21), Sadie Sanford (2/24), Jeff Godber (2/24),
Shawn Morgan (2/24), Dale Anderson (2/25), Muffy Rogers (2/25),
Janet Curry (2/25), Russell Griffith (2/27), Sandy DeLapp (2/28),
& Jason Iberlin (2/28).
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
“O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We
give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the
Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.” ...BCP page 432
Mr. & Mrs. Donnie Seals (2/14)
Mr. & Mrs. Don Long (2/20)
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!
(The following folks were baptized during the month of February.)
“One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all.” ...BCP p. 299
Drew Drury (1984) Kelli Shetler (2/13)
Sue Shambaugh (2/2) Isolina Nimick (2/20)
Brynlie Goodson (2/5) Anna Walker (2/21)
John Driskill (2/7) Heather Eklund (2/23)
Will Ramsbottom (2/13) Christy Kessler (2/27)
WORDS OF THANKS
AND APPRECIATION
FOR OUR
ALTAR GUILD!
We are deeply indebt-
ed to the hard working
members of our Altar
Guild and Directoress
Margo Mader for yet
another year of
dedicated, behind-the-
scenes service, as they
vest the altar and care
for the brass and
linens. This essential
work serves and
pleases God in a
special way while it
makes proper worship
possible. Thank you,
Altar Guild members,
for your quiet devotion
to St. Luke’s and to our
Lord.
We’re making a
change for Sunday
worship during Lent!
WE WILL BE DOING
RITE 1
AT BOTH
THE 8 & 10 A.M.
SERVICES.
THIS WILL INCLUDE
THE PRAYER OF
HUMBLE ACCESS.
We will continue to
have music at the
10 A.M. Service.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
178 South Main Street
P.O. Box 909
Buffalo, WY 82834
307-684-7529
www.stlukes.diowy.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID BUFFALO, WY
PERMIT #8
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
February, 2018
PRAYER FOR
ST. LUKE’S
Almighty and everliving
God, ruler of all things in
heaven and earth, hear our
prayers for this parish family.
Strengthen the faithful,
arouse the careless, and re-
store the penitent. Grant us
all things necessary for our
common life, and bring us all
to be of one heart and mind
within your holy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Fr. Doug Wasinger
Sunday, February 4
8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist
9 A.M. Adult Bible Study
10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday, February 11
9 A.M. Holy Eucharist/Conf.
(Bishop Smylie’s Visitation)
9 A.M. Sunday School
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14
7 A.M. HE/Imp. Of Ashes
Noon HE/Imp. Of Ashes
6 P.M. HE/Imp. Of Ashes
Sunday, February 18
8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist
(Instructed Eucharist)
9 A.M. Adult Bible Study
10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday, February 25
8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist
9 A.M. Adult Bible Study
10 A.M. Sunday School
Wednesday,
Feb. 7, 21 & 28
7 A.M. Worship Service
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Wednesday,
February 14th
7 A.M.: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes
Noon: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes
6 P.M.: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes
“Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart….”
….Joel 2:12a
“Our job is not to hold people in the pews, but to release
them into the world.”
...Fr. Doug Wasinger