The Nugget

For December 2009

A monthly newsletter from St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Auburn, California

November Message from Reverend Susan

Happy New Year!! Happy Advent!! Friday morning while visiting with a friend, I had the privilege of
describing to her our church calendar and this anticipatory season of Advent with which we begin our church
year. It can be and hope it will be a special time for us. I realize how much the loud blare of "buy! buy! buy!",
"do! do! do!", "go! go! go!", threatens the spirit and intentions of this season. But I also know that God has
given us the challenging gift of making decisions and WE CAN AND MAY take back that responsibility and
use this time to make room for Emmanuel, God with us.
We are doing much more than preparing to celebrate an historical event. The four gospels of Luke's Advent
that we will be reading the next four Sundays, announce our entry into a year of maturing our faith through
serving God, self and others. The birth will be in us--a deeper call to know the Christ of all humanity.

Here's a sneak preview of their call to us as gleaned from an Advent newsletter from Alexander Shaia, author
of The Hidden Power of the Gospels, available in February.

1st Sunday of Advent: Luke 21:25-36 (There will be signs...)

Be awake, not busy and distracted. Notice that a new year has begun. Pray for strength. The animal symbol
for Luke is an ox, an animal created for long, hard work. We might even pray for the strength of an ox this
season and year.

2nd Sunday of Advent: Luke 3:1-6 (John the Baptist born during the reign of Tiberius...)
These were culturally difficult days, "the worst of political times under rulers who were cruel despots." This
Christian year will call us to service in difficult days also. The call is to not toil for reward or to see the fruit of
our actions--but simply for the joy of service that God is placing on our hearts.

3rd Sunday of Advent: Luke 3: 7-18 (whoever has two coats must share...)
We continue with Luke's account of John the Baptist who places the requirement of action upon the hearts of
all who wish to grow in God. Attitude correction needs to be accompanied with works of justice.

4th Sunday of Advent: Luke 1: 39-55 (Mary's Prayer)

Here we find strength, wisdom, serenity; that peace that passes all understanding. Mary's heart rests secure,
knowing that the future is in God's hands. It does not depend ultimately on her own work alone, but rather on
God who for certain is faithful to all.

May you find enough snippets of John's passion and Mary's trust this Advent season to pray: God, birth in us
what we need to rest secure in the never-ending service of bringing your good news to your world.
Rev. Susan
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Christmas Worship Schedule
Christmas Eve: 6:00 p.m. Candlelight Eucharist

9:30 p.m. Carol Singing with the Choir

10:00 p.m. Candlelight Eucharist

Christmas Day: 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

PLEASE NOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27!!!!

TIME CHANGE -- TWO SERVICES ONLY -- 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27, Service of Lessons and Carols with Eucharist

8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
(No 9:15 a.m. service that Sunday)

Also, please note: Wednesday, December 23 and December 30,

there will be no 10 a.m. services or Adult Study classes.

Diocesan Convention Notes From Rev. Susan

Your delegates (Patty and Phil Park, John Leininger, Jim Webb) and I experienced a hopeful and inspiring
gathering of our diocese. We were reminded that we are in a period of great change and challenge, but heard
both from our Bishop, the Dean of our Cathedral, the Presiding Bishop and other leaders their expressions of
enthusiasm and hope for our future. Here are some excerpts from my notes, not necessarily in any order.

*There has been a 17% reduction in operating expense on the diocesan level with the continued goal to put
more money back into the hands of the congregations. (Bishop Beisner's address)

*A resolution addressing fairness in the method used to determine the amount of apportionment money
congregations forward for the support of the diocese was passed. Others resolutions passed: Assuring official
youth and young adult presence at Diocesan Convention, Celebrating 100th anniversary of the Chapel of the
Transfiguration in Tahoe City, Providing childcare at diocesan events, Thanksgiving for Groundbreaking at St.
John's, Roseville, Renewal of companion diocese relationship with Honduras, "80-cent solution for world
mission", to promote support for missionaries, Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday - lst Sunday in Lent,

*"Are we willing to change? Not to save the institution, but use the institution to save the world? I am more
excited and hopeful than I have ever been." "There is plenty of life among us. We need to be willing to nurture
that life, bring our resources or at least get out of the way." Quoting Diana Butler Bass: "This is the best bull
market for Christianity in the west." Pray with me: Jesus, Help change us according to your will. (Bishop
Beisner's address)

* All churches are shrinking. Spiritual hunger is not shrinking. People are looking for the holy, for awe. They
are not anti-church, but rather, anti-institution. They go where the spirit of god is real--where there is beauty,
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mystery, incense, chanting--"we're cool again." (Dean Baker of Trinity Cathedral for the Budget Committee)

*We are changing the system to focus on ministry at the local level rather than the diocesan level. Changes
include a Communications Director and Youth Missioner to assist congregations, continued efforts to decrease
apportionment requirements, supporting models of ministry not dependent on paid clergy. We have to focus on
growing. All hands on deck, heads out of the sand, start the conversations."
(Dean Baker for the Budget Committee)

Final note: I was elected to serve a 3-year term on the Diocesan Council.
*We are called to be agents of change. Everyone is a leader somewhere. Advocate for justice. Speak for the
voiceless. Worry about the poor lst, not last. Being a baptized Christian is about loving God, loving neighbor.
Don't be afraid. God is with you. Church is a tool for this work: proclaim the good news, teach, baptize,
nurture, relieve human suffering, transform unjust structures, care for the earth, tend the garden. (Presiding
Bishop Shori)

*Signs of healthy congregations: Clear mission and purpose, Feel spiritually alive and vital, Actively involved
in evangelism, Contact visitors constantly, Engaged in the community, Offer events and programs that bring in
others, offer new venues of worship. (Presiding Bishop Shori)
Reverend Susan

Notes From The Senior Warden

Onward Christian Soldiers
St. Luke's is blessed with an army of loving, giving, caring families. Looking over all that we accomplish as we
go about doing God's work, I can't help but be amazed. Many hours of prayer, planning, and coordinating go
into making our programs successful. Most of this done with volunteer help. We certainly can continue to move
forward with pride knowing God's Grace is upon us. Some of our activities include but are not limited to: pantry
for the homeless, office help, Victorian Attic, Lay Eucharistic Ministry, Gathering Inn, Coffee hour, Food
Closet, kitchen maintenance, grounds keeper, buildings and grounds, Lay Readers, sunshine ministry, Daughters
of the King, Junior Daughters, choirs, organist, choir directors, Sunday School, Bible School, Stone Soup, Dry
Diggens hosts, preschool, Boy Scouts, Hospice Chaplin, Crop Walk, trash patrol, church camp out, Women's
Ministries Teas, organ substitutes, organ maintenance, Alter Guild, ushers, acolytes, Nugget, Nugget mailing,
web site, treasurer, pledge recorder, special events coordinators, vestry, collection recorders, EFM, Episcopal
Experience, Diocesan committees, Mardi Gras. There are many more activities that haven't been named. I
especially want to thank all of the leaders and participants. The little red church on the corner may be small but
it is mighty! Our church community is twice blessed.

Fellow Friends In Christ:

As you know we are in the final stages or our pledging campaign. We are not where we need to be to even
match last year's pledged income. Last year our priest' salary was cut by ten percent. We need to look deep in
our hearts and determine what we want for St. Luke's. Pledges must be turned in. Let the treasurer know how
you will be supporting your church this next year. Many of our programs are done with volunteer hours. Some
things, however have a dollar amount attached to them, i.e. gas and electricity, water and sewer, etc. These are
some of the everyday costs. Salaries are paid to the adult choir director, the organist, our once a week cleaning
person and our priest. How can we go forward with our programs that involve these expenses if we don't
generate the funds. Please pray about this and let the vestry hear your ideas. I for one want a full time priest next
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year. Susan has been very gracious this year in accepting our limitations. Let us continue to move forward in
a positive way with faith.

Beth McMurtrie, Senior Warden

Alter Guild News

The Altar Guild would like to thank all of the families who generously donated to our Altar flowers for 2009.
The beautification that the flowers lend to the Altar does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
For your information, Flower Envelopes are available in the Narthex and the pews for your offerings which will
go towards the purchase of poinsettias for the Church at Christmas. Please note any memorial wishes or other
notations on the outside of the envelope and place them in the offering plate or turn them into the Church Office
before Friday, December 18th. They will then be printed in the Christmas bulletin.
And also on that subject - A new Flower Chart for 2010 will be posted this month in or near the Parish Hall.
The Altar Guild appreciates your donations of Altar flowers for Sundays during the upcoming year as we have
no formal fund raisers. Please sign up on the Chart for the date(s) of your choice. A letter will be sent to you as
a reminder prior to your Sunday. Your generosity and support are appreciated.
Reminder to Altar Guild members: All Teams are on duty December 19th through the 25th and a sign-up sheet
is in the Sacristy. In addition, help will be needed to prepare the church for Christmas on Wednesday,
December 23rd at 10 a.m. Thank you.
At our November meeting, Rev. Susan requested that the Team on duty the first Sunday of each month add oil
to the candles after the last service since The Reformed Church of America will be using our sanctuary in the
afternoon. She also mentioned that the candles on the Altar are not referred to as ―Eucharist‖ candles and
therefore, can be lit for Morning Prayer and weddings where a Eucharist will not be held. If the candles are not
to be lit, they should be completely removed.
If you would like to learn more about the Altar Guild or join the wonderful ladies who serve each month, please
contact Peggy McCray or myself.
Sue Webb, Directress (530) 637-0081
Peggy McCray, Co-Directress (530) 823-9482

Got Boxes?? – From Bruce Anderson

I have a continuous supply of boxes! They are carboard approx 16‖x10‖x8‖ Deep) Perfect for packing, moving,
or shipping for Christmas. If you‘d like some, please contact me:
Bruce Anderson
530-878-4941
BroBrooz@sbcglobal.net
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Lay Eucharistic Visitors : ‘Bringing the Church Home’
Occasionally toward the end of the service, Rev. Susan calls someone to the altar, and gives them a kit with a
cross on it-and prays with them , sending them out with the Bread and Wine to our homebound members. This
person is a ‗Eucharistic Visitor‘; doing a very special ministry, keeping people who are not able to attend
services, connected in a very real way with us, through the Eucharist. With the number of homebound members
increasing, St. Luke‘s is in need of more people for this ministry. This involves a monthly visit to person‘s
homes (on your schedule), sharing a short service of Scripture, Meditation and Communion. If you‘re interested
in this special ministry, or if you know of someone to whom we could minister in this way, please contact
Bruce Anderson, LEV Coordinator 530-878-4941 (BroBrooz@sbcglobal.net)

Note From Toney Gausewitz

―I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been
born to you; He is Christ the Lord.‖—Luke 2:10-11
The story of the Nativity in Luke is one of my very favorite pieces of writing—I love the down-to-earth, simple
telling of that huge event. To be sure, when it was happening, it was not at all well-known just what a big deal
it was, but in the later re-telling by Luke, he avoids the temptation to ―fancy it up‖ much.
And this time of year, when I am tempted to become buried in the ―fanciness and finery‖ of the season—have
my home decorated to the gills, throw ―perfect‖ holiday parties, give the most impressive gifts, and otherwise
lose myself in the whirlwind of frenetic activity that often marks this season, I sometimes grab a cup of tea, and
sit in my chair, and read the first couple of chapters of Luke—to remind myself what it‘s really all about.
Don‘t get me wrong—I enjoy the decorations, and the parties, and the shopping (well, the giving, anyway!), and
the excitement, too, but when I begin to feel overwhelmed by it all, I know that there is a haven—the
remembrance of God‘s great gift to us, given in the simple birth of a child. And looking back on my life, I can
see many other wonderful gifts He has bestowed upon me in ―humble wrappings‖--the sound of rain on leaves,
a glorious red sunrise, sharing a laugh with friends, my happy, healthy family, being born into a free country,
and the list goes on and on . . . .
My prayer for you this Advent and Christmas, is that you experience as much of the glitz of the season as you
like, but that you also remain aware of, and give thanks for, the many often-deceptively simple gifts our God
has given us.
A blessed Advent, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours—
Toney Gausewitz

Sunday School Shopping Spree!

(I‘m writing this before Thanksgiving, so I‘m unsure whether by the time you read this, it will have already
happened or not—please excuse timing errors!)
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On Sunday, December 6, Sunday school students will have the opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping for
family and friends at St. Luke‘s Victorian Attic.
The ―Attic Angels‖ work hard to prepare for this event, and the students appreciate being given a chance to shop
―by themselves‖ for small gifts for loved ones. Complimentary gift-bagging is available, so the children are
able to surprise their recipients. Most gifts are priced very reasonably--$5 – 10 will complete most shopping
lists . . . .
A huge thank-you to Carol Roy and the other ―Attic Angels‖ for the effort put into this project—the students
look forward to this all year!
Toney Gausewitz,
Sunday school superintendent

Daughters of The King – Joan Stafford

On October 24, the Daughters of the King held their Fall Assembly at St, Michael‘s in Charmichael. This was
the Northern California Diocese and approximately 80 women attended. During the meeting which carried the
theme ―Dance For God‖ , four new officers were installed. Our own Carol Roy stepped down as acting treasurer
and newly acquired secretary.
Our order, Visitation in the Hill Country, will meet for the December meeting at either Sizzler or The Ridge.
Contact Joan Stafford for details. Meeting will be the Second Saturday of December.
Joan will be calling people soon to discuss their choice of meetings for the New Year. It has been suggested that
we go back to the format of each lady holding a meeting in her own theme. An agenda with the new calendar
will be distributed at the December meeting. If you have a month you are passionate about, please call Joan to
reserve the month for you.

Note From the Editor

Please use the following email address for submissions to the Nugget: StLukesNugget@att.net.
I sometimes receive over 100 emails each day and have missed some of your submissions. This will make sure I
see them.
Also, if at all possible, please make submissions by email. If you need to submit a hard copy, please leave a
message at 530-878-1503 to be sure I get it.
Thanks, Tom