The Winged Ox

The W inged Ox is the Ancient Sym bol of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician

A Newsletter for the People of The Memorial Church of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician February 2012 Issue 134

The Memorial Church of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician 150 Years of Ministry 1861-2011 1946 W elsh Road Philadelphia, PA 19115 215.969.3645 (office)
stlukesbustleton@ yahoo.com www.stlukesbustleton.webs.com

Then and Now

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight e generally hear this familiar hymn on the evening that we celebrate a very familiar event the birth of Jesus the Christ, which marks the entry of God into the human family. And if you are like me you form very romantic images of that evening. The holy family gathered together in the midst of animals and shepherds who had come to learn of the miraculous event through Gods messengers. In reality, however, the scene was probably far from romantic. Joseph and his young, very pregnant wife Mary are compelled by the occupying Roman authorities to travel a distance of about 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This would have been a difficult journey, especially for Mary. Riding on a donkey through across a hilly and very rocky terrain; it is a wonder that she did not give birth before they arrived in Bethlehem. And then once there they could not find accommodations so that they could stay indoors, probably because in Marys condition she would not have been welcome or comfortable in the midst of other men, and private rooms would not have been possible for travelers in those days. No Holiday Inns or Motel 6s in those days. So in truth we can well imagine that both Joseph and Mary were exhausted and uncomfortable in their surroundings. In spite of her exhaustion and discomfort, or perhaps because of it, Mary goes into labor and gives birth to a son.

SERVICES Sundays: 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with music Followed immediately by refreshments and fellowship in the parish hall. Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m. Healing Eucharist ACTIVITIES: Contemplative Prayer W ednesdays 6:45 p.m . in the church office Inside this issue: Birthdays............................... 4 Calendar................................9 Fish Fry.................................5 News...................................3,4 Old Girlfriends........................6 Photo Gallery.........................7 Rectors Message................1,2 Reminders.............................2 Souper Bowl..........................8 Those Who Serve..................3 Word Puzzle..........................8 Welcome Visitors.................. 2

It is interesting that in Phillip Brooks hymn he speaks of the stillness of Bethlehem. It is not a particularly big place these days but it is not exactly a sleepy little town either. But at the time of Jesus birth it probably was so. Today Bethlehem is again an occupied territory. Ironically the occupier is now the Israeli authorities rather than the Romans. Bethlehem lies inside the occupied territory of Palestine. Along the border of the occupied territory, Israel has constructed a wall that now separates families from one another and in some cases even separates farmers from their fields. And, because of travel restrictions imposed by the Israeli government, most of the Palestinians living in the occupied territories are not allowed to enter Israel.

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Consequently, they are not able to travel to the other side of the wall to see their family or to tend their fields without special passes, which are rarely granted to Palestinians, and even then only temporally. So interestingly enough there was more freedom of travel in the Palestine of Jesus birth than there is today, at least for Palestinians. In fact, a Jewish family could travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem today, but a Palestinian family from Bethlehem could not travel from Bethlehem to Nazareth, because Nazareth is Israel. Even the pilgrims in the group that Harriet and I were members of were allowed to enter Bethlehem but we could exit back into Israel only if we had our passports and in order to reenter Israel we had to travel through checkpoints. The situation is tragic (and this is but one example of the tragedy inflicted upon the Palestinians). W ith this in mind I ask you to join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and peace for both Jews and Palestinians in Israel and Palestine.

God bless, Father Tim PS: I know this note is a little out of date. Sorry. I wrote it for last months edition of the Ox, when it would have been more timely, but I sent the Ox piece from last January instead. Did anyone notice that the Rectors message from last months Ox was a rerun? So I decided to send this out to you this month anyway. - Father Tim

WELCOME VISITORS! Are

you a new reader? Come visit us! Were so glad that you picked up this publication; we hope you will find it interesting and worth your time and we hope you will take the next step and worship with us sometime. If you are worshiping with us, we welcome you! Whatever your religious background, and however you have come to be here, we welcome you to St. Lukes. Please let us know who you are by signing our guest book (by the door) or filling out a card found in the pews. You can hand your card to an usher, or put it in the collection plate when it comes later.

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NEWS

REMINDERS:
The deadline for the MARCH Winged Ox will be February 17

Those Who Serve Sunday, February 5 Chalice Bearer: J. Litzke Readers: C. Martino, S Carmody Ushers: J Brambilla, K. Gibson Altar Guild: L Carter, R Fischer Coffee Hour: H Rolland, N Hurley, S Remick, R Whaley Counters: C Rodriguez, A. Thorpe

Church School / Nursery The first three weeks of February the church school will be continuing its series on animals of the Bible with the study of Jonah and the whale. The children will learn about obedience, repentance, and God's love through story, activities, art and a game. The lessons are formed with the intent of relating the story to their everyday lives. The theme of God's love lends itself to celebrating Valentine's day with cards for loved ones. January 26th is the first Sunday in Lent. The lesson will introduce the meaning of the Lenten season. We will mark the forty day period with a special weekly Lenten calendar. The calendar will emphasize ways that we can grow closer to Jesus by praying and helping others during this reflective period.

Sunday, February 12 Chalice Bearer: J. Oxenford

Outreach
St. Luke's is supporting two outreach programs, each vital to the community. They are the Somerton Food Bank and area shelters. We need your continued support to continue these worthy projects. The Food Bank is always in need of cereal and cash donations to buy meats and maintain operating expenses. The shelters look forward to the W awa gift cards provided by your donations!

Readers: C. Rodriguez, L. Carter Ushers : J. Brambilla, T Truesdale Altar Guild: K Kenny, S Nesbitt Coffee Hour: J & Litzke, J Oxenford, J Gardner Counters: B & D Shifflett

Sunday, February 19 Chalice Bearer: C. Rodriguez Readers: M. Geiger, K. Gibson Ushers: T Truesdale, J. Litzke Altar Guild: J Oxenford, C Cotugno Coffee Hour: G Hair, K Kenny, S Nesbitt, J & C Szczur Counters: J Brambilla, R Whaley

ASH WEDNESDAY

Sunday, February 26 Chalice Bearer: J Brambilla Readers: B. Kaufold, S. Carmody Ushers: T Truesdale, J. Litzke Altar Guild: S & C Carmody Coffee Hour: Espositos, A. Thorpe, M. Geiger Counters: C Rodriguez, A Thorpe

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Church Service and imposition of ashes will be FEB 22nd at 7pm

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NEWS Here are some interesting facts about Lent: Throughout early Christianity baptism and penance were key Lenten themes. In later years, the emphasis gradually shifted to private penance. Lent became a time for forgiveness and reconciliation. During the Middle Ages strict 40 day fasts and elimination of festivities were obligatory for Christians. Today the emphasis has shifted from long periods of fasting to prayer ,meditation, and reflection on the meaning of Easter. Lent remains important as a time of preparation for and renewal of baptism. Subm itted by Barbara Kaufold There w ill be a Lenten study starting Monday Feb 27 at 7pm led by Fr. Tim. His recent trip to the Holy Land w ill be used to illuminate further understanding of Scripture and our faith.
Those Serving in the Armed Forces: W illiamB W illiam S, Chris G., Kevin M ., Andrew R., Chris K.,John R., Chris R., Eric B., Rob D., Jerry F., Thomas H., Tom B., Casey R., Jermaine, Bradley, Michael, Maxx, Eric J., John T., George M ., Steven M .

PRAYERS PLEASE
Members: Dorothy, Elaine, Ruth B., Nancy H., Edna, Alan, Mabel, Ruth L., Louise, Joan W ., W illiam L, Robert B, Patricia L, Nancy Martha, Llyn C. Friends and Family: David, Joyce, David, Avery, Mary Katherine, Malcolm, Amarante, Greg, David, Martha

Viridian Energy- a BRIGHT way to support St. Lukes! St. Lukes has partnered with Viridian Energy. If you sign up by going to www.viridian.com/stlukesbustleton or call Joe Hanis at 215-582-6128 or email hannisassoc@aol.com you will allow PECO to allow Viridian to supply energy to your meters. It is of NO COST to you and only takes 5 minutes. The Church makes money and you save money, and you make the world a BIRTHDAYS

greener place!

February 2-Meaghan Kriss 8-Barbara Kaufold 11-Stacey Carmody 17-David Martino Pauline Moore 22-Lina Sharkey
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.H y Tr an s S. es nt D ht Ei nh er s ct 34 Pr de of

arr S. um wa U. Pr ide wig D. se ow wa ele ed th esi nt the

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Old Girlfriends -

10 years later, the group of 55year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the prices were reasonable, the wine list was good, the restaurant had windows that opened (in case of a hot flashes), and fish is good

A group of 15-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Dairy Queen next to the Ocean View restaurant because they had only $6.00 among them and Jimmy Johnson, the cute boy in Social Studies, lived on that street. 10 years later, the group of 25-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the beer was cheap, the restaurant offered free snacks, the band was good, there was no cover and there were lots of cute guys. 10 years later, the group of 35-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the cosmos were good, it was right near the gym and, if they went late enough, there wouldn't be too many whiny little kids. 10 years later, the group of 45-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters had tight pants and nice buns.

for cholesterol. 10 years later, the group of 65year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the lighting was good and the restaurant had an early bird special. 10 years later, the group of 75years-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the food was not too spicy and the restaurant was handicappedaccessible. 10 years later, the group of 85years-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they had never been there .

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Photo Gallery: Cast of the Nativity Pageant - December 24, 2011

WORD PUZZLE

L K A F T E R W H E N

E D U G A B O V E L O

T H E Y N R S V M A T

C O U L D M A R K Y B

R E M O V E D O W N E

J E S U S C R O W D C

T H R O U G H F H I A

O P A R A L Y T I C U

B R I N G H I M C O S

H A V I N G T U H N E SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY Every year, GFS and St. Lukes raise money on Super Bowl Sunday (which is FEBRUARY 5th this year) . This is part of an annual nationwide appeal to tackle hunger and involves churches and other groups throughout America. Please give generously to the soup pot on FEB 5 th . ALL proceeds will benefit the SOMERTON FOOD BANK THANK YOU!

(Mark 2:4) And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. (NRSV)

Word List PARALYTIC THROUGH REMOVED BECAUSE HAVING WHICH JESUS CROWD COULD BRING AFTER ABOVE WHEN THEY ROOF NRSV MARK DOWN NOT MAT LET LAY HIM DUG AND TO ON IT

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FEBRUARY 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed
1- A A
M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P 6:45P C ontemplative prayer in O ffice 7:30P -H oly Eucharist w ith H ealing in C hurch

Thur
2- A A M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

Fri
3- A A M eeting in H all 1P

Sat
4-10a Yoga
11:30a-A l-A non M tg in H all

5 5th Sunday After Epiphany 10:30a:H oly Eucharist 10:20a- C hurch School 11:45: Coffee H r. In H all

6 -AA

M eetings in H all 1P & 7P 7:00p-Vestry M eeting in C hurch O ffice

7-1pm -U A W meeting in H all A A M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

8- A A

M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P 6:45P C ontemplative prayer in O ffice 7:30P -H oly Eucharist w ith H ealing in C hurch

9 -AA

M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

10

A A M eeting in H all 1P

11

10a- Yoga in H all 11:30a-A l-A non M tg in H all

12 -6th Sunday After Epiphany 10:30a:H oly Eucharist 10:20:Church School 11:45: Coffee H r. In H all

13 -A A

M eetings

14

in H all 1P & 7P

AA M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

15 A A

M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P 6:45P C ontemplative prayer in O ffice 7:30P -H oly Eucharist w ith H ealing in C hurch

16 -A A
M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

17 -A A
M eetings in H all 1P

18- 10a-Yoga
in H all 11:30a-A l-A non M tg in H all

19- Last
Sunday After Epiphany 10:30a:H oly Eucharist 10:20:Church School 11:45: Coffee H r. In H all

20 -A A

M eetings

21

in H all 1P & 7P

AA M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

22 A A M eetings
in H all 1P & 7P & 8P 7:00P -Ash W ednesday Service in C hurch

23-A A M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

24 -A A
M eetings in H all 1P 6pP-8P- Fish Fry in H all

25- 10a-Yoga
in H all 11:30a-A l-A non M tg in H all

26 -1st Sunday In Lent

10:30a: H oly Eucharist 10:20:Church School 11:45: Coffee H r. In H all

27 -A A

M eetings in H all 1P & 7P Lenten Study- 7P in C hurch O ffice

28

AA M eetings in H all 1P & 7P & 8P

29 A A M eetings
in H all 1P & 7P & 8P 6:45P C ontemplative prayer in O ffice 7:30P -H oly Eucharist w ith H ealing in C hurch

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The Memorial Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician 1946 Welsh Road Philadelphia, PA 19115 215-969-3645
stlukesbustleton@yahoo.com www.stlukesbustleton.webs.com

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