July and August 2016 - St. Luke`s Episcopal Church

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“The Angelus”
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church
The Rev’d Dr. David Zwifka, Priest in Charge
www.stlukeslebanon.org 717-272-8251
Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God.
Volume 6 No. 7
July & August 2016
Rector’s Corner
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Priest-in-Charge” That sounds like an ominous title, sort of like having been
appointed “dictator” in the Roman Republic. In those days, the office of dictator was a legal institution originally named Magister Populi (Master of the
People, or Master of the Citizen Army). The term is derived from dicto “to
dictate or prescribe.” He was the one “in charge” and told everyone else what
to do.
Needless to say, I don’t want to be a dictator in any sense of the term. Rather,
to paraphrase the great St. Augustine of Hippo: I wish to be a pastor for you;
and with you, a fellow Christian. In describing my renewed
responsibilities to others, I avoid the rather ominous canonical title and simply say that I am priest and pastor for the
people of St. Luke’s.
As priest, I have been authorized by the church to celebrate
sacred rituals with and for you (“Hallowed be Thy name”).
In so doing, I stand as a sacramental or visible sign of the
priesthood of Jesus Christ in which we all share because of
our baptism. In this common priesthood, we pray for one another and for our
world as we seek God’s kingdom in our midst (“Thy kingdom come. Thy will
be done”).
As pastor, I have been appointed to be a shepherd (the root meaning of pastor). The image of shepherd has deep roots in the Scriptures. All through the
Old Testament and well into the New, the relationship between God and his
people has often been set out as that of shepherd and sheep. The primary role
of a shepherd is to lead the sheep into the pasture, to feed the sheep and set
them to grazing. As a spiritual shepherd, a pastor must be sure that the people
of God entrusted into the pastor’s care receive spiritual sustenance and are
nurtured in the ways of God (“Give us this day, our daily bread”).
As priest and pastor, you have entrusted me with responsibility to prepare
homilies in a spirit of reverence and prayer, to lead efforts at spiritual renewal,
and to provide spiritual guidance and direction as necessary. You have called
me to lead worship, which entails the work of careful planning, study, and the
training of others for the various roles they have in carrying out our liturgies.
You have asked me to do my best in calling forth and coordinating the gifts of
the community, to unify and facilitate their exercise, and to identify the work
of the Holy Spirit among our members. Finally, you have called me into the
faithful stewardship of the parish’s resources, both temporal and spiritual, as
the focus of my ministry.
In This Issue &
Upcoming Events
Senior Warden Update—
(pg. 2)
July Calendar—(pg. 4)
August Calendar—(pg. 5)
Liturgy and Life—(pg. 6)
Committee News—(pg. 89)
ECW—(pg. 9)
Ladies Night Out at the
Timbers information and
registration slip.
Note:
This A ngelus contains
information for both July
and August. The next
edition will be published for
September.
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All these dimensions are part of the work you have
entrusted to me, and which, with you, I promise to
carry out diligently and faithfully. They are diverse. But this diversity bears witness to the complexity of our relationship. As with all complex
matters, there may be bumps and bruises along the
way. No matter what obstacles we encounter, however, the primary motivation must and will be
charity – the love shown to each and all of us in
the person and work of Jesus Christ. Any other
motive is less than worthy of this great calling. I
pledge to you that as long as we journey together,
that will be my sole purpose – to do everything
within my power to lead, to feed, and to guide our
community into an ever-deepening love of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I simply ask, in
the words of Thomas Moore, “Pray for me, as I for
thee.”
As a fellow pilgrim in the heart of Christ, I remain
faithfully,
Senior Warden Update
A lot has happened since the last newsletter. Father David
is now our Priest-in-Charge. We now have the opportunity
to follow through with our VISION 20/20 without interruption or a re-learning process. That is not to say there is still
tons of work ahead of us … and I use the word us in the
plural sense of vestry, staff, parish, and community (inside
and outside of our doors) working together. We are fortunate to find someone who is as invested in our future as we
are.
As the hazy, lazy days of summer continue so does the
work of vestry to keep us on the path. Our June vestry
meeting dealt with how to identify our mission(s) and
needs, then implement the process. Instead of vacationing
our parish must continue to ENGAGE so that we move forward with VISION 20/20. All of us need to keep the
enthusiasm level up as we get through the summer months.
How can you help? Do not wait to be asked what are your
strengths … offer them to Father or a vestry member. Help
us determine where you can best fill a void, start a project,
or offer advice. No job is too little. Opportunities are all
around … serving on a structured committee –
Stewardship, Outreach, Christian Formation, etc. OR
helping with the worship service, working an outreach mission, attending our Appreciative Inquiries … ENGAGE!
I guess you could say the message behind the column this
month is believe you have a skill, talent(s), or gift that is
needed and ENGAGE. If you have a question, ask. The
warm days of summer have a tendency to lull us into a
sleep. Keep moving forward just as summer evolves into
fall. Vestry and Father will continue to keep the lines of
communication open and update all on the process of
our VISION 20/20. Stay excited and spread the good
news of God and his work and sacrifice for us. We will
reach our VISION 20/20 if we all ENGAGE!
CHURCH PICNIC
A BIG thank you to Brian and Sharon Weaver, and
their helpers, for another successful church picnic. It
was a perfect picnic day with sunshine, a warm breeze,
casual worship, food, and fellowship. The welcoming
group that ran to the car as I pulled up to the picnic
grounds with Father Snyder was overwhelming. Yes it
was because we were late (I was on a 10:30 service
schedule) but the welcome added to the festivity of the
event. As we move forward with this event in the future
consider being mentored by the Weavers so that someone new may ‘learn the ropes’ and the Weavers may
adapt to a new role in that utilizes their many talents.
JULY and AUGUST SERVICE SCHEDLES… please
check the website and bulletins for announcements/
updates about the summer service schedule. We will
also do a ‘blast email’ when the need arises. If you
have not received this form of communication up to
now and would like to, contact the church office.
CLEANING HOUSE – THE KITCHEN!
During the month of August volunteers will clean the
kitchen and associated areas. If you have left any containers, food, etc. from events held at the church please
check the area and claim your items. Once July is over
we will inventory all and dispose of unnecessary items
from the shelves, refrigerators, and freezer. At the end
of this cleansing we will put an ‘all-out’ call for donations to restock supplies if needed. So pitch in and help
to get this area in tip-top shape for September.
LEBANON COUNTY CHRISTIAN WOMEN
It is never too early to start … St. Luke’s ECW will
once again participate in the holiday stocking project.
As before we are asking for your help to attain our 125
stocking goal. The list of items we collected has been
restricted due to allergies and ‘what-so-ever’, so we are
using a new format for donations from the congregation. We can NO longer use motel/hotel samples from
your trips for this project. We are looking for donations
of the following.
* Travel size toothpaste
* Toothbrush individually wrapped
* Pocket pack of Kleenex
* Travel size (3oz or less) of UNSCENTED lotion
* Chapstick
How do you donate? Follow the instructions below …
* Pick up a baggie (or baggies) in the elevator lobby of
the auditorium
* Attached to the baggie will be a list of wanted items
* Fill your baggie (or baggies) with the items on the list
* Return filled baggie (baggies) to the tub located in
elevator lobby of auditorium
If you have any questions please contact Beth Yocum.
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Summer Service Schedule
On Stewardship
Sunday Services: 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
in the air-conditioned auditorium (starting
July 3).
Summertime and the living is easy . . . So sings Bess in
the Gershwin classic Porgy and Bess. It is not unusual
for things to settle into a less frenetic and harried pace
during the long, languid days of summer. Even in our
parish we move from the nave of our historic church
building into the more comfortable and informal worship space of our Parish Hall Auditorium and the air
cooled space of Trinity Chapel. It is a time of rest and
Sabbath for many as some head for the cool of the
shore or the mountains, school lets out, and summer
reading, hiking, golf or just “vegging” become part of
the “to do” list.
Summer Office Hours
Starting Tuesday, July 5 the Parish Office
will be open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM
to 1:00 PM.
Summer Soloist 2016
July 3—Bill C. Claxton and friends
July 10—Katherine Hoopes and
Hannah Seibert, violinists
July 17—Morgan Hackett, violinist
July 24—Lydia Klinger, flutist
July 31—Beverly and Jonathan
Hudson, soloists
One thing we need to remember during this more relaxed period is that our responsibilities for the faith
community that nurtures us year ‘round do not abate.
We still conduct worship, reach out to the poor and
marginalized in our community, visit the sick and the
infirm, and bury those that “go unto God’s heavenly
places.” Thus, our responsibilities for the temporal or
earthly concerns of our spiritual family do not let up. It
is important to continue our steady and faithful financial support of the parish even when we are away. We
all depend on you to help us make our new beginnings
a reality.
August 7—Ken Horst, soloist
August 14—Bill C. Claxton and
friends
August 21—Albert Nazeeri, violinist
August 28—Lisa Egresits, soloist
Figures as of May 31, 2016
Benchmark: 41% of budget year
St. Luke’s Parish is extending a happy birthday to Frances Arthofer on
her 100th birthday, which is on July
14. Birthday cards or wishes can be
sent to Health Center Rm 244, Poplar Run, 440 E Lincoln Ave, Myerstown, PA 17067
God and Peace Now and Always,
St. Luke’s Parishioners and Staff
Lebanon County Christian
Ministries Donations ...
The item from the LCCM wish list for
July is Peanut Butter
August is Socks (all types/genders)
Budget
Year to
Date
Actual
Year to
Date
Difference
% of
Annual
Budget
Pledges
$80,855
$86,499
$4,644.17
45%
Plate Offering
$ 2,085
$ 2,876
$ 791.00
58%
Total
$ 82,940
$ 88,375
$5,435.17
45%
Total Expenses
$150,617
$143,585
$ (7,031.82)
42%
Please pray for our shut-ins:
Frances Arthofer, Joe Dowhower,
Betty Gates, John “Pete” Gates, Doris Kern,
Sandra Kessler, Grace Reich, and Janet Zimnoch
The Angelus, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 S. 6th
St., Lebanon, PA 17042-5338 July 2016, Published
11 Times a Year, Volume 6, No. 7
3
Monday
18
25
17
24
5
26
19
12
6:00 PM-Ladies Night Out
at the Timbers-ECW
Tuesday
6
10:00 AM-Midweek Service
-Chapel
27
-Chapel
20
-Chapel
13
-Chapel
Wednesday
FREE NOON MEAL
Thursday
LOCATION ABBREVIATIONS : Fellowship Hall: FH; Auditorium: Aud.; Page Room: PR; Choir Room: CR; Lounge: Lng; Sunday School: SS
31
8:00 AM-Said Eucharist-Aud.
9:15 AM-Adult Forum-Lng
10:30 AM-Sung Eucharist-Aud.
with special guests Beverly &
Jonathon Hudson, soloists
with special guest Lydia
Klinger, flutist
with special guest Morgan
Hackett, violinist
with special guests Katherine
Hoopes & Hannah Seibert,
violinists
11
4
10
8:00 AM-Said Eucharist-Aud. Church and Office Closed
with special guest performer,
Bill Claxton and Friends
July Counter:
Lauralee Gebhard
Sunday
July 2016
28
21
14
7
Friday
29
22
15
8
1
9
2
5:00 PM-Vigil EucharistChapel
30
23
16
5:00 PM-Vigil Eucharist Chapel
Saturday
Page 4
7
8
1
29
28
9
2
23
16
30
8:30 AM-Mail Newsletters
Tuesday
3
-Chapel
31
-Chapel
24
-Chapel
7:00 PM-Vestry-Aud.
17
-Chapel
12:00 PM-Agenda MeetingLng
10
-Chapel
11:00 AM-Prayer Shawl
Wednesday
Thursday
LOCATION ABBREVIATIONS : Fellowship Hall: FH; Auditorium: Aud.; Page Room: PR; Choir Room: CR; Lounge: Lng; Sunday School: SS
8:00 AM-Said Eucharist
10:30 AM-Sung Eucharist
with special guest
Lisa Egresits.
with special guest
Albert Nazeeri,
violinist
22
9:00 AM-Newsletter
Deadline
15
4:00 PM-Growth &
Development-Lng
7:30 PM-Property
Committee-PR
Monday
21
9:15 AM-Adult Forum
with special guest
Bill Claxton and
Friends
14
with special guest
Ken Horst, soloist
Blood Pressure Screenings
August Counter:
Dan Massad
Sunday
August 2016
25
18
11
4
Friday
26
19
12
5
13
6
5:00 PM-Vigil EucharistLady Altar
27
20
8:00 AM-Men’s Group-Lng
5:00 PM-Vigil Eucharist Lady Altar
Saturday
Page 5
Page 6
JULY COFFEE GREETERS:
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
July 3— Laurie Daub, Marilyn Galebach
Open
July 10— Open
Open
July 17— Marilyn Galebach, Gloria Shirk
Open
July 24— Maggie Gross
Open
July 31— Sue Kilmoyer
Rich & Kathy Thrapp
ALTAR FLOWERS
July 3— Altar Guild
July 10— Wiley Parker & Tom Dabich families
July 17— Bob & Fran Kunath, Altar Guild, Judy Binkley
July 24— Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Kilmoyer
July 31— Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mesics
CANDLES FOR JULY
Sanctuary Candles given by Altar Guild.
Eucharistic Candles given by Mr . & Mr s. Rober t Daub
in memory of Robert Daub, Jr. and Richard Gates.
Cost for Altar Flowers-$26 and Candles-$10
AUGUST COFFEE GREETERS:
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
August 7— Open
Open
August 14— Open
Open
August 21— Open
Open
August 28— Open
Rich & Kathy Thrapp
ALTAR FLOWERS
August 7— Open
August 14— Marion Donnachie
August 21— Dr. & Mrs. George Conner; Mr. & Mrs.
James A. Gates
August 28— Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Kilmoyer
CANDLES FOR AUGUST
Sanctuary Candles Open
Eucharistic Candles given by Mr . & Mr s. Er nesto
Suguitan in memory of Vicente & Felicisima, Samuel &
Jesus Augustin, Ernest A., Calixto G. & Ponciana Suguitan
CHURCH PICNIC - THANK YOU - 2016
What a great day for a picnic! Weather was beautiful with a nice breeze. Unfortunately Father David
was not able to be with us but Father Philip Snyder
from Lititz celebrated with us and we extend our
thanks to him.
We had a great group of people show up and help to
pick up all the supplies at the church and deliver
them to the picnic site. They helped to set up, do
the cooking, serving and clean up including some
special duties of the day. So many thanks to all of
them because it does take a team. Thanks to Bernie
& Kathy Yohn, John Drenning, the Bowser family,
Soon Slayman, Wiley Parker, Joe Mesics, Pete &
Nancy Proctor and Robert Box. John Feather was
"Auctioneer Extraordinare". We broke another
record and brought in $1120 for the cake auction.
Many thanks to the bakers, bidders and those that
supported with a donation. We appreciate ALL the
support! We gave prizes of hanging pots of flowers
to 2 bakers who brought in the most $ and the 2
highest bidders. Julie & Lizzie Keller baked up a
storm and brought in $395 with the 7 items they
baked. Sarah Vakili was the next highest with her 2
items. The 2 highest bidders were George Conner
and Kathy Yohn with Beth Yocum only $5 behind.
As a sign that we have some great bakers and generous patrons, we had 3 cakes that sold for $100 each.
(bakers were Julie Keller, Lizzie Keller & Lauralee
Gebhard) We also had 2 more cakes sell for $95
each. (bakers were Randy Schies and Sarah Vakili)
Our church is blessed with good bakers and cooks!!
We had music supplied by Sean Hackett again this
year for our cake walk. We gave away 2 cakes & 3
trays of assorted baked items. We also drew names
and gave away 35 coupons for free soft pretzels
Picnic Thank You cont’d on next page
ECW Ladies Night Out at the Timbers
All women of the church and guests are invited to
join ECW for a Dinner Buffet and Musical Revue –
“Everything Is Rhythm” at the Timbers in Mt. Gretna on Tuesday, July 19 at 6:00 PM. The cost is
$28.75 per person. If you need a r ide and would
like to carpool, we will meet at the church at 5:30
PM. Please send the information form and a check
(payable to St. Luke’s ECW) to Eileen Sidelnick,
1021 Percy Lane, Lebanon, PA 17042.Contact
Eileen (926-4238) with any questions.
ECW will resume meetings on Tuesday, September
13, 2016 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All
women of the church are invited to attend our meetings and participate in our projects and activities!
Ladies Night Out at the Timbers
Name & Phone Number:
____________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Number Attending: ___________________________
Check Amount: ______________________________
____ I need a ride.
____ I am willing to carpool.
*Reservations and checks are due by Tuesday, July 12.
Page 7
from "The Philly Pretzel Factory". Everyone who
had their names in the container got a coupon. We
had 4 people win either a mug or glass jar filled
with chocolate covered peanuts or gummy bears.
The winners were Dennis Heck, Sarah Vakili, Erin
Bowser and Jen Hackett.
We had the Schies family take charge of the Bingo
and they gave away $30 in gift cards. For the
children's games, Hailey & Ian Bowser stepped up
to the plate this year and did a great job with the
children. They all had a great time and won lots
of prizes. Each child also left with a pair of patriotic sunglasses and also each received a coupon
for free soft pretzels. We were very grateful that
the Philly Pretzel Factory donated 50 coupons for
our picnic.
We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed
their day of fellowship and family fun. Thanks to
everyone until next year! Park is reserved for
6/11/17.
Gratefully,
Brian & Sharon Weaver
BIBLE SPORTS HUMOR
Q. Where is the first baseball game in the Bible?
A. In the big inning. Eve stole first, Adam stole
second. Cain struck out Abel. The Giants and the
Angels were rained out.
Mt. Gretna Bible Festival 2016
July
Sunday, July 3 at 7:00 PM—Jonathon Bornman
Sunday, July 10 at 7:00 PM—King’s Brass
Sunday, July 17 at 7:00 PM—Pastor Dave Allen &
Calvary Church Musicians
Sunday, July 24 at 7:00 PM—Pastor Louis Butcher &
The Bright Side Choir
Wednesday, July 27 at 7:00 PM—Darrel Woomer &
Rodney Shearer
Sunday, July 31 at 7:00 PM—Massed Choir
August
Wednesday, August at 7:00 PM—Ministers of Music
Saturday, August 6 at 7:00 PM—Handbell Festival
Sunday, August 7 at 7:00 PM—Michael Faircloth,
Pianist
Wednesday, August 10 at 7:00 PM—Keystone State
Quartet
Sunday, August 14 at 7:00 PM— Dave Stahl & The
Sacred Orchestra
Sunday, August 21 at 7:00 PM—Susquehanna Chorale
Sunday, August 28 at 7:00 PM—Quintessentially Brass
Liturgy and Life
The Book of Common Prayer: Family
Devotions
By Father David Zwifka
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a treasure
house of personal devotion, strength and encouragement. It is far more than a book of worship to
be used on Sunday mornings in Church. The BCP
was developed by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer
toward the end of the 16th century as a means to
simplify worship and make it more accessible to
the average worshipper since most of the Church's
services were then in Latin. Cranmer wanted lay
people to become familiar with the Holy Bible and
to practice daily prayer
Central to all editions of the BCP are the daily offices of morning and evening prayer. The word
"office" takes us back through the centuries when
"office" meant “a dedicated work.” Certainly prayer is the essential work of all Christians. What the
BCP does is provide a structure, which includes all
elements of prayer: Adoration, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Supplication (intercession and petition) ...The A_C_T's of prayer.
The section of the BCP entitled “Daily Devotions
for Individuals and Families” are meant for people
to use at home, work, while on vacation, or just
about any time. They are designed to be lay-led so
there is no need to find an official minister to lead!
These devotions may be done by yourself or with
others, and they provide a great discipline to maintain our focus on God between our communal worship services. The Devotions cover four times of
day - Morning, Noon, Evening, and End of Day
and are found on pages 136-140 of the BCP. For
convenience, appropriate Psalms, Readings, and
Collects are provided in each service. When desired, however, the Collect of the Day, or any of
the Collects appointed in the Daily Offices, may be
used instead. These are listed elsewhere in the
prayer book.
These four little pages might seem simplistic compared to the elaborate rituals and prayers we use
when we gather in church. But that’s just the point
– they’re supposed to be simple – so that anybody
can use them without overtaxing one’s time or energy. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy, or elaborate,
or difficult to be effective. Try it out. You may just
be compelled to explore the other parts of the book
and make them your own, too!
Page 8
Outreach Committee News
During the summer months the Outreach groups,
as they currently exist - Power Packs, HOPES,
Harding School tutoring, traditionally have a summer break. Even Free Noon Meal is offered at a
different location on the third Thursday of August.
Take advantage of this more relaxed moment to
look around and see how others “reach out” to
serve and bring back some fresh ideas that we can
work with.
Mission Statement
Power Packs Project provides weekend food and
nutritional education to needy responsive families
so children are prepared to learn and households are
empowered to effectively use food dollars.
WHY DO WE EXIST?
* Bringing hope and love to families in need
WHY WILL WE SUCCEED?
* By being relationally-driven
*By being growth-oriented
HOW DO WE BEHAVE?
*We focus on others
* Stay culturally sensitive
* Provide with non-judgement
* Expect change
* Work with intensity
* work together in support of a common goal
WE COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE
By bringing our best
Being strategic with our resources
Seeking assistance when things aren’t
working well
By possessing a winning attitude
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy.
You vote in elections once a year, but when you
volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of
community you want to live in.” Author Unknown
Power Packs News
Our last Power Packs were prepared on May 26.
From the opening day, February 4, we filled and
distributed 703 bags. This project could not have
happened without
the following:
1. The willingness of St. Luke’s to become
the distribution location;
2. The financial backing by G.F. Bowman
and Yocum & Company;
3. The generosity of ECW in funding the
purchase of shelves, freezer, and
electrical work;
4. The Junior High Sunday School Class
who aided ECW in preparing and
selling Easter Eggs, the proceeds
going to Power Pak;
5. LCCM for the donation of a refrigerator;
6. Donations of packing supplies from JDM
Office Supply, Dutchway Market,
and Giant Market;
7. And, above all, the dedicated volunteers
who gathered to prepare and pack the
bags every Thursday afternoon, some
having received and stored the food
on the second and fourth Fridays or
aided in the task of keeping and
reporting necessary records to the
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
As volunteers we came to know families from Harding and developed a good relationship with faculty
members who helped each week. Through this project, the school and community are seeing St.
Luke’s as a warm, welcoming congregation where
belief is put into action.
Power Pack will resume in the Fall. One area which
has been of concern is that, at times, the bags lack
adequate protein. We would like to have a supply
of canned protein (peanut butter, tuna, stew) to supplement when this occurs. If you would like to
make a monetary gift, of any amount, to our
“Protein Pantry”, please place it in the offering plate
or send it to the office marked Power Pack. This
will enable us to purchase items in bulk, the most
efficient way.
We look forward to having all our faithful volunteers in September and we welcome new workers.
Watch for a late summer announcement of an organizational meeting.
Katherine Hoopes and Soon Slayman
Page 9
VISION 20/20 – Christian Formation
By Father David Zwifka
During our initial Appreciative Inquiry exercises at our Annual Meeting, we discovered that one of the core
elements of our parish life together is “Learning.” After our first Super Coffee Hour we refined the insight to
include a broad spectrum of Christian formation. The phrase "Christian Formation" articulates more than
what we often include in our notions of “Sunday School.” Christian formation endeavors to address the whole
person of the Christian disciple: body (through worship and the common life), mind (through instruction and
learning), and soul (through prayer and spiritual development).
In the Episcopal Church, we understand that Christian Formation is a life-long process that does not end with
our completion of a Sunday school curriculum or the celebration of our
confirmation. Just as there is an "outer self" that is being formed and shaped
all the time, like it or not, by accident or on purpose, so there is an "inner
self." Each one of us has a spirit. And it's constantly being shaped and
tugged at: by what we hear and watch and say and read and think and experience. In light of that, we begin to realize that everyone is being “formed”
all the time. Whether we want to or not. Whether we’re intentionally doing it as a Christian or not. The question isn't if someone will sign up for Christian Formation; it's just who and what our spirits will be formed by.
Christian Formation cannot simply be equated with certain methods. For example, someone who grew up in a
traditional evangelical spiritual context might swap out meeting at Denny's at 6:00 a.m. for Bible study for
learning about the difference between meditation and contemplation and engaging in the Spiritual Exercises of
St. Ignatius. When it comes to the spiritual dimension of Christian Formation, technique is just technique.
There is no magic formula or “one size fits all” approach. Sometimes in churches somebody will discover a
particular vein of spirituality and seek to recruit others into it, or assume a superior position because they have
found certain techniques. The true goal of Christian Formation is to produce truly good people, not to become
experts at certain spiritual activities, or advocates for certain writers. The goal must always be growth in the
knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
Ultimately, Christian Formation is about being transformed. We often find that the problem with efforts at
Christian Formation is that they turn transformation into a merely human enterprise when it is at root a work
of the Holy Spirit. For instance, if you struggle with gluttony you can simply begin to practice fasting as a way
to alter your appetite. The approach of Christian Formation is to explore the nature of one’s intense desire to
eat; to discover the reasons why we are propelled in that direction; to search out the spiritual values involved
in those reasons, and begin to address the root issues in one’s life, always with a mind of how God desires our
greatest good.
Such transformation begins with basic knowledge – of the Scriptures, of catechism, of prayer. One cannot address complex matters of the psyche or the heart without these basic learnings. In other words, to do “higher
math” one first needs the rudiments of arithmetic. We can’t sort out the complex moral issues we confront as
adult disciples in our world without first having appropriated the basic elements of our faith tradition – Scripture, catechism, and prayer. We won’t find easy answers merely in those rudimentary disciplines, but they prepare us for deeper conversation and analysis so that we can earnestly seek God’s will for us in the complex
situations that may confront us. This points out the importance of these “rudimentary disciplines.” Formation
as disciples becomes a lifelong effort, beginning with the basics, which we learn in Sunday school (or other
similar programs) and eventually extending into an adult understanding of the Scriptures, common prayer, and
spiritual development.
Christian Formation, as a core element of our parish vision, must address every level of learning (the mind),
interpersonal relationships (the heart), and our common life (the body). As VISION 20/20 moves forward, we
will explore more deeply how Christian Formation makes an impact on all of us – and how we can grow in the
life of Christ by our participation in its efforts.
Page 10
Return Service Requested
Some items in this issue:
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Senior Warden Update
page 3
Church Picnic Thank
You—page 6

July and August 2016 - St. Luke`s Episcopal Church

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