This Week at St. Luke’s
Public Health Indicators: here 
Free COVID test from Durham County here.


Click here and scroll down for Online Worship Bulletin.  We ask that if someone attends a service and then tests positive for covid, that they please contact the Interim Rector or Sr. Warden for both pastoral care needs and also to inform others that may have come in close contact.
 Sunday, November 13 
8 and 10:30am  Holy Eucharist – masks recommended, required while singing
The Rev. James B. Craven, III, Preacher   
The Rev. Dr. Rhonda M. Lee, Presider 
Vestry Election after both services
9 – 11:30 am – Nursery – Gray Building
9:10 – 10 am Adult Learning –  Kramer Room
11:45 am Children’s singing – Music Room, Johnson Hall

Monday, November 14
6:30 p.m. Finance Committee

Tuesday, November15
Rector time certain’s office day
7 pm Confirmation Class – Kramer Room
7 pm Men’s Dinner – Johnson Hall

Wednesday, November 16
8 am Morning Prayer on Zoom 
11:30 am  Prayer and Share on Zoom  
1:30 pm Needlework  Group – Kramer Room
5:30 pm Bell Rehearsal – Nave
7 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal –  Nave
7 pm Evangelism Committee

Thursday, November 17
11 am Music Lessons – Nave
7 pm Bible Study on ZoomFriday, November 18
Diocesan Convention
1:00 pm Connections and Support Group by Zoom 

Saturday, November 19
Diocesan Convention
9 am Altar Guild – Nave
10 am Girl Scouts – Johnson Hall
 
New This Week
Pledge 2023 Update – We have 89 pledges for a total of $318,055.  There is still time to email your pledge to Kathy Barnes at parish-admin@stlukesdurham.org or call the church at 919-286-2273.  Our pledging goal is $344,000.  Thank you!  

Our friend and sibling in Christ Phillip Bass will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday the 10th of December at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill. Please pray for Phillip and his family in this time of preparation, and please plan to attend the ordination service if you can.  As members of Phillip’s sponsoring parish, if you would like to contribute to an ordination gift for him from St. Luke’s, please do so by the 9th of December. Please clearly mark your contribution “Phillip Bass gift.” Thank you! 

Watch the 207th Annual Convention Live!
Thursday, November 17-Saturday, November 19
The 207th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Caroline will stream simultaneously to YouTubeFacebook and the diocesan website homepage. Coverage begins on Thursday, November 17, at 7:45 p.m., for the pre-Convention program: “Creation Care and Global Partnership,” with David McDuffie, chair, committee on environmental ministry, and the Rev. Leon Spencer, chair, chartered committee on global mission. Saturday’s coverage runs from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and Sunday’s from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (This is a live event, so all times are subject to change.) Follow Convention on social media with #DioNC207.

Our Nursery is now open Sunday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for infants through children aged five.  Both Carol and Anne, the nursery attendants, are fully vaccinated and boosted and will be wearing masks.

Belize Pecans Update – The pecans havearrived and are available for pick-up after church on Sunday, November 13. There are no extra bags of Plain pecans this year, but we do have 12 extra bags of Chocolate Covered pecans available for purchase. If you’d like some of these extra bags of Chocolate Covered pecans, contact Kathy Barnes (parish-admin@stlukesdurham.org) with your request, or simply request and pay for them ($11.50 per bag) on Sunday. Once these 12 bags are gone, you’ll have to wait until next year.

We are invited to two services in honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, Monday November 20.  Duke Divinity Pride’s Christian service will focus on memorizing the lives of trans folks who have been killed in the last year around the world. The service will be next Thursday, November 17th, at 7 pm in Goodson Chapel at Duke Divinity School.  The LGBTQ Center of Durham’s non-faith-based service will be on Sunday, November 20th from 5-7 pm, in Durham Central Park

Share Your Christmas Begins Next Week! We start the week before Thanksgiving to let folks take advantage of the early sales. Beginning next Sunday, you can stop by the Sprague Room and take a tag off the Share Your Christmas tree to help neighbors in need. All the tags are numbered. We ask that you enter your name and phone number on the sign-up sheet, next to the number that corresponds to the number on your tag. This will help ensure gifts are delivered on time. Put gifts back under the tree on or before December 14 (December 11 for gifts to Ronald McDonald House). If you prefer, you can make a donation to St. Luke’s online or via cash or check. Indicate that the check or cash donation is for “Share Your Christmas”. These donations will be used to purchase presents or gift cards, as appropriate. Contact Bill or Carol Charping with questions or to help with shopping, wrapping or delivery.

Join us for the 11th Annual Jingle Bell LEAP!
WHAT: 5K run/walk benefiting the Latino Educational Achievement Partnership
WHEN: Saturday, December 3, 2022
WHERE: American Tobacco Trail
Registration available at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Durham/JingleBellLEAP5K  or at www.durhamleap.org .
 
Advent Quiet Day: Be Still and Know – Join our diocesan intern, Kate Rademacher, for a half-day retreat at St. Luke’s on Saturday, December 10 from 9:30am-12:30pm in the Kramer Room. During this Quiet Day, we will reflect together on the words of Psalm 46, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Together we will ask: How can we quiet our hearts and minds during this season? How can we become still and grow in our knowledge and love of God? Please join us for this time of contemplative prayer, group discussion, and quiet reflection. Snacks will be provided. Email Kate with any questions at: intern-kate@stlukesdurham.org
Announcements
Voting at St. Luke’s!   Our election for the vestry, as well as bylaws amendment approval, will be on November 13th after both services.   Peace, Lisa D’Amico, Ted Triebel, Julia Hoyle;  
St. Luke’s 2022 Vestry Nomination Committee 
Vestry Bios:

Bob Buchanan – I am very pleased to be a member of Saint Luke’s and honored to be considered for the vestry. My husband, Mark, and I first came to Saint Luke’s about 22 years ago. Having been originally confirmed in the ELCA, I was presented by The Rev. Michael White and received into the Episcopal Church by The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry in November 2002. Mark transferred his membership from another Episcopal Church. I have filled in as a lay reader and served as an alternate to present the chalice during Holy Communion. I have helped lead Bible studies and small group discussions in adult education. By way of education, I have earned an MA in Urban Ministry and an MA in counseling psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the State of North Carolina. I have worked for over a decade in management and training roles with a behavioral health company. I currently serve as a Clinical Quality Advisor in behavioral health. Whether on the vestry or not, I plan to be as helpful as I can be moving forward.
  
Bill Gutknecht – We joined St. Luke’s in 1971 after moving to Durham with our two young sons. The good people of St. Luke’s have been our “family” for all these years. In my professional life, I taught chemistry at Duke and then joined RTI International in 1978 where I served as Manager of the Environmental Chemistry Department for 20 years. I retired in 2009 but continue my relationship with RTI as a Scientist Emeritus. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve St. Luke’s in many ways. I was a Vestry member six times and was Senior Warden in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2011. I’ve served as Junior Warden and have been involved in numerous committees and other activities over the years including Worship Enhancement, magnetic church/evangelism, church photographer, pictorial directory, Eucharistic visitation, pastoral care, Every Member Canvass, offering counting, teaching Sunday school, and the church clown (in the Bazaar times). As a member of the Vestry, I will work to see that all members of St. Luke’s know that they are valued and important to the well-being and the future of our church. It’s my dream that, working together, we will grow St. Luke’s in community stature, membership, and spirituality.
  
Donald Hamm – First, I would like to thank you for your consideration of representing you as your vestry member for the next three years. It would be my pleasure. Even though I know a good many of you at St. Luke’s here is a little about me that you might not know. I am an actual Durhamite (lived my whole life in Durham), but I didn’t grow up going to church. It just wasn’t something we did. On the other hand, my wife (Brenda) is a preacher’s kid, so after we got married in April 1995, she asked if I would consider going to church, and I told her I would give it a try. So, in the late summer of 1995, we started church “shopping”, and on Labor Day weekend of 1995, St. Luke’s was the 2nd church we “shopped” together, and we have been at St. Luke’s ever since. I liked St. Luke’s so much that I was then baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s in March of 1996. After that I started getting involved in activities at St. Luke’s. So far, I’ve been on the vestry one time (2005-2008), and I also finished Jan Lamb’s term in 2004, so I was on the vestry for about 45ish months continuous. Also, during my time on the vestry, I was the Junior Warden for 2006 and 2007, which was during St. Luke’s 2nd to last renovations. During my time on the vestry, we also hired a new Rector (Anne Hodges-Copple). Those (hiring Anne and renovating the church) were our major accomplishments. I’ve also been an usher for a long time, and Head Usher two times, but I’m currently taking a break from ushering because I am helping with the new lay eucharist group who helps the Rector with serving the bread. (If you are looking for a group to join at St. Luke’s I strongly recommend this one. It is very satisfying). I also currently participate in groundwork days, unloading pumpkins when they come in, resetting up chairs as needed, and anything else I can help with if asked. In the past, I spent many years working with the Stewardship Committee, and even headed it one time. I also helped/chaired the now defunct BBQ group, and defunct Wellness Committee. Again, I thank you for your consideration, and I would appreciate your vote.
  
Joan Hodges – As a lifelong Episcopalian and a longtime member of St. Luke’s, I am honored to run for Vestry. It’s a tough job—but the church is too important, the mission is a divine one, and the people—well, you are my people. Over the many years, St. Lukers have educated me, supported me, and blessed me—and my family. You have held my babies, taken my children on trips near and far, and wrapped them in love as they headed to college. I owe St. Luke’s a huge debt of gratitude and running for Vestry is just one way to say thank you. I’ve enjoyed co-chairing the Spring/Fall Fling—easiest job ever, given the enthusiastic volunteers; I’ve sweated with others on the Vestry, the Outreach Committee, the Finance Committee, and Stewardship Committee; and long ago, I joined the St. Luke’s choir and have been enriched ever since. While my career choices have been disparate—attorney, teacher, business owner, etc.—they all have one thing in common—advocacy. And I am and will always be an enthusiastic advocate for St. Luke’s.
  
Hetty Kaiserlik – I was born in The Netherlands.  My parents immigrated when I was 6 and I grew up in southern California.  I graduated from UCLA and got a teaching certificate.  I taught for a year.  I met my husband, Joe, during that year and we married in 1971. We moved several times in the next decade.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Master’s degree in Library Science.   I have worked in several different kinds of libraries. We moved to North Carolina in 1994 and have lived in the same house since then.  Our children were in elementary school then and we decided to stay put for a while. We came to St. Luke’s in 2012 after attending another church for a long time.  Our granddaughter, Trinity, wanted to take voice lessons and Kaye Saunders was recommended to me.  Trinity wanted to be in the Children’s Choir and soon we were coming to St. Luke’s. 
The Episcopal church was new to me, but I found that it was just what I had been looking for.  I have always been a questioner and had not felt like I could question anything in my other church.  I thought I had ended up in heaven as I was actually encouraged to ask questions! My family has been very happy at St. Luke’s.  I am currently on the Altar Guild, I do the chalice during communion and am occasionally the Lay Reader during the 10:30 service. I spent several years in EFM (Education for Ministries) and learned so much about the Bible and it’s meaning for us—and I got to ask all kinds of questions. I believe that the Vestry is another place for me to contribute to the future of St. Luke’s.  I am hopeful about our future.  We will undoubtedly be different than we were before COVID,  but I believe we will be better that ever. 
  
Patty Michaels – I am a retired elementary and literacy teacher and lover of dogs, mystery books and traveling.  I also love my church. I first attended St. Luke’s in 2013.  During the last nine years, I have served on the vestry and as Junior Warden.  I led the creation of the gardens between the Sprague Room and Johnson Hall and organized workdays to maintain our beautiful campus.  This year I delightedly turned over leadership of the grounds to my good friend, Daniel Emory.  For the last three years I have co-chaired Stewardship and the Every Member Canvass Pledge Campaigns.  I assist in the liturgy service as verger and chalice/LEM helper.  My spiritual self continues to grow as a Year Four, EfM—Education for Ministry– participant.   This is an exciting time at St. Luke’s as we collaborate with our Rector Time Certain, Rhonda Lee, to create a vision for our future.  It would be an honor to represent you on the vestry as we move forward.
 
 
The Diocesan approved bylaws changesto be accepted were presented in March at the Annual Meeting and deal with holding Annual meetings via remote technology and how vestry members are picked in the event of a tie. See Below…
Article I, Section 1.1
Conduct of Annual or Special Parish Meetings by Remote Technology
The vestry may adopt Rules of Order providing for the conduct of business by teleconference, videoconference, or any other technology that allows all persons participating to hear each other at the same time and to participate in discussion and voting. Members participating in
a meeting by means of remote technology are deemed present in person at the meeting.  [Based on diocesan Canon 1.1] 
 
Article II, Section 5e
In the event of a tie vote or one or more vestry nominees do not receive a majority vote on the first ballot, the absentee ballots will stand and a re-vote of voting members present in person will be held.  [SEE also Article I Section 1.1] Since the election meeting is normally held on a Sunday after worship service:  If there is only one worship service on election day, those present and voting will re-vote that day.  If there is more than one worship service on election day, then the re-vote will be held on the following Sunday.  If a majority vote is not obtained after one re-vote, the vestry, at the next vestry meeting, will appoint the person(s) receiving the greatest number of votes of those not elected. 
 

Fall 2022 Adult Learning Offerings, Sunday mornings, 9:10-10:00, Kramer Room(opposite the narthex/vestibule as you enter the church from the north side visitor parking) Please note: on Sundays when no adult learning is offered, we will enjoy extended fellowship time.
November: Rector Rhonda Lee will lead a discussion of the communion of saints.· November 13: How good does a saint have to be?· November 20: Making friends with the saints
December: Diocesan Intern Kate Rademacher will lead a discussion of evangelism, adapted from the curriculum, Embracing Evangelism—The Episcopal Church.· December 4: Embracing Evangelism by Sharing Our Stories· December 11: Embracing Evangelism in the Age of Social Media

Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation/Inquirers’ Class: A Joint Venture Between St. Luke’s and St. Joseph’s
If you’re new to St. Luke’s or the Episcopal Church and want to learn more;if it’s time for you to be confirmed, or to be received into the Episcopal Church if you’ve already been confirmed in another Christian tradition;if you’re feeling called to reaffirm your Christian faith:Please participate in an adult formation opportunity jointly offered by The Rev. Dr. Lauren F. Winner of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and our own Rector Time Certain Rhonda M. Lee. We expect that the group will include members of both congregations.Dates: Tuesdays the 15th, and 29th of November, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Topics: 
15 November: Prayer
29 November: Sacraments

Location: St. Luke’s, Kramer Room (next to the narthex/vestibule as you enter from the north side visitor parking)The date of confirmation/reception/reaffirmation is still to be determined and will depend on the date of a bishop’s visit or a convocation-wide confirmation service.Need more information? Ask Rhonda.

Opportunity For Children to Sing – Our wonderful St. Cecilia children’s choir was put on hold during the pandemic, and we certainly miss them! Although there aren’t currently many children attending church, beginning this Sunday, November 6, Kaye Saunders will be offering a thirty-minute singing time on Sundays for children in grades 2 and above who are interested in singing in some Sunday services. Each session will be at 11:45 (later if church runs late) in the music room, and will last thirty minutes. SESSIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH DECEMBER 18. THERE WILL BE NO SESSION ON NOVEMBER 27. Come join us in the music room after church for some singing!

Almoner Requests –   I’ve had a couple of specific requests from some neighbor partners that I wanted to pass along. One woman is looking to replace a poorly working car, and a father is wanting to find a refurbished, fairly new computer (probably a notebook), either Apple or PC, for his son who will be attending college next year. Please contact me by email (jansweetchpa@gmail.com) or phone (252-203-1742) for more information. Thank you!  Jan Freeman

The Good News Garden at Saint Titus would love to have your help with building a hugulkultur bed and refreshing all of its other beds with compost.  If you would like to learn more about hugulkultur, and about what Saint Luke’s has been doing in partnership with Saint Titus through the Good News Garden program, please join us and lend a helping hand.  We will meet from 2-4 on Saturday, December 3 in the fenced in area (Delaney Park) next to Saint Titus Episcopal Church, 400 Moline st. in Durham.  Please contact Carla Knip (carlaknip@gmail.com) to let her know if you plan to come.  Bring a shovel and/or a soil rake if you have one.  We hope that you can join us!

St. Luke’s Hoodies – Back by Popular Demand
For the first time since 2015, you’ll have the opportunity to show your St. Luke’s pride with a new hoodie. We’ll be ordering the same hoodies you’ve seen people wearing around church, the purple ones with the embroidered St. Luke’s name and logo on the front. If you missed the chance to order a hoodie in 2015, or if your 2015 hoodie has worn out, now’s your chance to get one.
We’ll be taking orders for these hoodies through Sunday, November 13. There will be two styles available, pullover and zippered, in a full range of sizes: Youth S, M, L and Adult S to XXXL. Look for order forms in the Sprague Room. We’ll be selling the youth sizes for $20 and the adult sizes for $25. You may mail your payment into the office or drop your check marked Hoodies into the collection plate. Our order will go in around November 15 – we’ll let you know when the hoodies arrive.

Attention all Needleworkers (knitters, crocheters, seamsters …)  Starting on Wednesday, November 16th, the St. Luke’s Needlework Ministry will meet in the Kramer room on the third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. We do our work at home and meet once a month in the Kramer room to knit/crochet/sew and enjoy each other’s company.  However, it is not necessary to attend the meetings to participate.  Come join us while we make warm scarves and hats for our homeless neighbors, chemo caps for the Durham Blood Cancer Center, and Prayer Shawls for people who are ill, recovering or grieving.  For more information contact Grams Gutknecht. 

Rector time certain’s office day  
Rector Rhonda Lee is normally in the church office on Tuesdays, approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feel free to stop by or make an appointment to see her then. Before dropping by, you might want to call to make sure she hasn’t stepped out for lunch, or stepped into another meeting.  Exceptions to this “office day” will be announced ahead of time whenever possible. If Tuesdays don’t work for you, please call or email Rhonda to make an appointment for another day.

Join us online for Morning Prayer – Wednesdays at 8am  – Join our diocesan intern, Kate Rademacher, for Morning Prayer on Zoom on Wednesday mornings at 8am. As part of her discernment to potential ordination, Kate is strongly encouraged to pray the Daily Office, and she is eager to do this in community with people at St. Luke’s who may want to participate. Whether you have a long-standing practice of praying the Daily Office or whether it’s brand new to you, everyone is welcome! Join us online using this Zoom link:  https://bit.ly/3dsRusD .   For questions, please contact Kate by email at: intern-kate@stlukesdurham.org
  
 
Please be advised that neither the clergy nor your vestry will ever ask for help, gift cards, etc. through emails or text messages.  Some parishioners have received bogus texts to this effect.

CONTACT UPDATES – Up-to date contact information can be found online at ACS, or the ChurchLife App for your phone or tablet.  Contact Kathy if you have any problems logging onto ACS.  You can also ask Kathy to send you a paper directory if needed.

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