Lutherans up North

Lutherans Up North April - June 2015

ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH stlukeslutheranchurch.org.uk Pastor Libby Toomsalu: 01274 615 365 Mobile: 0778 099 7532 Pastor Mark Hardy: 0779 552 2229 Deacon Seija Frears: 01904 705 238 Chair of the Congregation: Katrina Kay: 0790 8191 595 9 Alma Road, Headingley LS6 2AH Organist: Nev Mosey: 01132 632 578 Tel: 01132 759 042 Church Warden: Eon Michaelides Do not fear little flock prove this - I can only sense God’s presence Some excerpts from Pastor Libby’s sermon for the among us, guiding and supporting us. Our AGM hope, trust and faith as Christians is, that we As Conrad asked us a couple of years ago – don’t have to worry because God is with us. are we still viable? We’re a very small Look again at our reading from Joshua, which congregation, with limited financial resources tells us: - so what are the implications this might have “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for our future? ….. for the Lord your God will be with you In one of his sermons, Luther asked a very wherever you go.” pertinent question, God’s constant presence is with us no matter “It requires an effort to hear the Gospel and what the future holds. to live according to it. God be praised, we So, the question I want us to ask ourselves have the Gospel; that no one can deny, but today is how do we, as the community of St; what do we do with it? We are concerned Luke’s, only about learning and knowing it, and live out the Gospel message that we should nothing more.” not fear for our future, but rejoice in God’s Of course, there should be more, and so I faithfulness to us….. want to reflect on Jesus’ message, which As another of our readings taught us, we begins: should: “ Who of you by worrying can add a single “ Live such good lives ,,, that, ….. they may hour to your life? Since you cannot do this see your good deeds and glorify God.” very little thing, why do you worry about the And that means worshiping and praying, rest?” sharing and giving, and loving and serving so and contains that wonderfully loving verse: that God may be known. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father We are in God’s hands, and can look forward has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” without worrying to our future journey with Do not worry. Do not be afraid. him, How do we live according to these words? wherever it may take us. When Jesus used such a term as “little flock” A Prayer for our church when talking to his disciples, he knew their God our Father, numbers were small, but it didn’t mean he we give thanks for those who first had a wasn’t planning on still doing something vision of a church in this place to worship and great through them. serve you. Our numbers may be small, but I’m sure we we also give thanks for our present and to still have a part to play in God’s plan. I can’t our future with hope. 1 We pray that in the goodness of your Reports were received from Bishop Walter, love,your guidance will always be present. Pastors Libby and Mark, Deacon Seija, and Fill us with a vision for what we could be. Peter Sandeman (on behalf of the House In times of uncertainty when we fall into fear Trust.) Copies of these will be available from and worry, show us the opportunities we the church office. have, and remind us of our priorities in relationship with you. There was no financial report due to Conrad God of our future, may we walk boldly into Volker recovering from the operation he what may come, and as a people of faith and underwent recently. He sent apologies and hope, be found faithful in the world in which asked that all members of St. Luke’s should we live. be thanked for their kindness and good Amen wishes. I am very grateful for all that he does Before our AGM began, everyone was asked as our Treasurer, and thank God that his to complete a short questionnaire, to help us recovery is progressing well. Please continue to reflect on St. Luke’s life and to make some to keep him and Penny in your prayers. plans for our future. The responses were very positive and As we work on preparing a budget for the encouraging and contained some interesting coming year, I would ask everyone to suggestions which I hope we will be able to consider regular giving to the church by pursue. These included: standing order each month, and completing a  Visit other local churches and Gift Aid form which, as you know increases invitations for them to visit us your donation by 25%. The average contribution to St. Luke’s by this method is  More Prayer Days £22.00 per person each month, and I would  Retreat at St. Luke’s Day like to thank everyone taking part for their  Visits to other Lutheran generous support of our church. congregations, and invitations to Approximately 30% of our members donate them to visit us in this way, so I would ask again, that those  Closer contact with other of you who have not yet completed a congregations using the church standing order form to please do so to  New financial strategies, including ensure St. Luke’s a regular “income” and a encouraging bequests, a ‘Hymn Sing”, more secure financial future. another Vintage Tea Party, and a Garden Party If you have any other suggestions to develop We are so pleased to offer our our spiritual and social life, develop local congratulations to Kevin and Lahya on the ecumenical involvement, or to help improve birth of their daughter, Lilac Penehafo, our financial situation, please let me know. (There is Happiness), on February 8th, a sister If you would like a copy of the questionnaire for Franklin. just let me know and I will send one to you. Lilac will be baptised during our Easter Day A vote was taken to adopt the Articles of Communion Service on Sunday April 5th at Association in order to proceed with applying 10.30 am. Please come and share this joyful to become a registered charity, which is now occasion with them. a legal requirement for churches. With one abstention, the vote to do this was There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt in the unanimous. The Trustees will now explore garden after the service. the next stage of the procedure.

2 Peter Sandeman has to take back to his congregation as a gift promised to provide from St. Luke’s. us with his famous pancakes, so do come We look forward to receiving news from and join us. them very soon.

As April and May have various social events taking place, it seems sensible to wait until June for our next Parish Dinner. To celebrate Pastor Libby will be on holiday at th st Midsummer Day, the dinner will be held on Northallerton from April 14 – 21 , but can Saturday June 20th. be contacted on her mobile phone at any time. An attendance list will be put on the notice board outside the office nearer the date, but please put the date in your diary now. A Message for those of you who still receive “Lutherans Up North” by post The Annual Synod of the LCiGB will take If you now have an e-mail address, would you place at the International Students’ Centre in please inform Pastor Libby, so that your copy London on Saturday April 25th. Pastors Libby can be sent electronically in order save on and Mark will be attending, and Annette our ever increasing postage costs. Higgins will also be going as St. Luke’s representative.

Twinning with Harare South Parish Pastor Libby with Elimos Msekiwa after signing a Twinning Agreement between our two churches in which we agree “to work towards a better understanding of each other’s life and a sharing of our faith; rejoice with each other and support each other in our joys and sorrows; inform each about what is happening in our churches and in our wider communities; and to exchange messages, written or spoken, photographs and other media between our two churches.”

Pastor Libby gave Elimos a 400th Anniversary Edition of the King James Version of the Bible