St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Manchester, MO

Update from Rev. Earl Mahan: October 1, 2020

RETURN TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IF YOU ATTEND IN-PERSON WORSHIP AT ST. LUKE’S OR CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD?
• WORSHIP BULLETINS: UPDATE!  Out of an abundance of caution, everyone attending in-person worship is encouraged to download the bulletin to your smartphone or tablet, thus minimizing the risk of virus transmission. However, beginning this Sunday a small number of printed bulletins will be available.  You will find them in the pews.
• RESERVATIONS:  Those wishing to attend in person worship at either St. Luke’s or Church of the Good Shepherd will need to RSVP by Friday, by emailing the church office of the church they will be attending: St. Luke’s – stlukesmo@sbcglobal.net Good Shepherd – office@goodshepherdec.org
• CANCELLATIONS:  Much like we monitor the weather in winter to determine if it is safe to open our church building for worship or other church activities, so too during this time of pandemic, we will be monitoring the constantly evolving public health data each week.  Along with the senior wardens of each church, Mother Pamela and I will monitor the status of the COVID situation in St. Louis County.  Should it become necessary, in-person worship will be suspended until such time as we can safely return to in-persons worship.  In the event such a decision is made, we will endeavor to communicate this information to every parishioner by means of email, social media, and the parish websites.  If in-person worship does have to be suspended, both virtual worship services (ZOOM Church) as well as outdoor worship services will be considered, depending on circumstances such as the weather.
• AT RISK MEMBERS: Those older than 65 years old, with a compromised health condition or caring for the sick in any way, are encouraged to refrain from in-person worship at this time.  Anyone who is ill, has a fever, cough, respiratory infection, etc., should stay home as an act of justice to the whole community.
• PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Physical distancing of at least six (6) feet, is to be observed and signified by signs, tape, or other means. This includes both indoor and outdoor areas.
• NUMBER IN ATTENDANCE: In-person worship offered indoors will be limited in attendance, depending on the guidelines set by public authorities, currently 25% of seating capacity.
• CONGREGATIONAL SEATING: Mindful of limitations and the physical layout of the church, seating will be clearly marked to allow for physical distancing (seating people in alternating pews with a 2- pew separation or seating in different sections). *Those living in the same household may sit together without distancing.
• FACE COVERINGS/MASKS: Masks are to be worn by everyone, including the clergy, when approaching church and inside church (except for those under 2 years old per CDC guidelines).
• COLLECTION: Baskets or offering plates will not be passed from person to person.
• FONTS AND HOLY WATER RECEPTACLES: All containers for Holy Water will be drained and left empty at this time.
• MUSIC/SINGING: Music is considered an element of prayer and is therefore an important part of worship. Singing during in-person worship is strongly discouraged. Health experts indicate that singing produces 6-10x more droplets from our mouths than speaking. Keeping singing to a minimum is advised and the congregation should not remove their masks to sing.  Instrumental music is encouraged.
• HOLY COMMUNION: Distribution of Holy Communion will be in “one kind,” that is, communicants will receive only the bread.
• COFFEE HOUR & FELLOWSHIP:  Though much loved as a time for connection with one another, coffee hour and other after worship fellowship is suspended for the time being.  No food or beverages are to be offered.  Parishioners are encouraged to limit their interactions with one another, maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 ft.
• HELP SPREAD THE WORD:  It has been more than six months since we have been able to gather on Sundays for in-person worship.  Help us out!  Phone or email your friends and family, or forward this E-News to them, so they know.
In Christ, Fr. Earl Mahan, Rector +++

EighteenthSundayAfterPentecost_10_4_20

– St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship virtually with us whenever you want by visiting our YouTube channel or the Sermons section of our website. Links found below.

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Hear Our Weekly Sermon

No time for church? Take us with you! Listen to our weekly sermons here, wherever and whenever you want.

Who We Are

Get to know us! Learn more about our mission, what we believe, who we serve, and what makes us special.

Worship

Join us every Sunday at 10 AM for a unique worship experience combining traditional and contemporary praise music.

St. Luke's at Feed My Starving Children Pack

Serving Others

St. Luke's believes in a life of servitude. Learn about the ways we engage with, and serve our community and the world.

Our Worship Partners

Mix it up and join one of our worship partners for a service. Learn more.

The Episcopal Church

Need more information? Visit the website for the Episcopal Church to learn more.

This Week’s Lesson

October 4, 2020
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:7-14
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46

BULLETIN_10_4_20

October 4, 2020
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Adam Marroquin,
Musician

 

Circle of Concern Donations/Shopping List

The food donations are taken to the Circle of Concern, a food pantry located in Valley Park. Needed are: Boxed Cereal, Dry Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Canned Pasta, Peanut Butter, Jelly/Jam, Canned Chicken, Canned Tuna, Macaroni & Cheese“Dinner” Helpers Dry Potatoes/Dry Beans/Dry Rice, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Baking staples.

Fresh produce from home and community gardens is welcomed!

Circle of Concern also accepts Personal Hygiene items: Shampoo, Hair Conditioner, Lotion, Razors, Deodorant, Bar Soap, Body Wash, Size 5 & 6 diapers, Baby Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Products

Please place your donations in the red plastic container in the Narthex. Thank you.

Events

VISIT US

DIRECTIONAL NOTE: If you use GPS or any similar mapping system, in many instances, Brightfield Trail is not recognized as a street option. Additionally, most systems will indicate the destination has been reached at Goddard School. St. Luke’s is located directly across the street from Goddard.

From Big Bend: Continue north on Sulphur Spring Road approximately 50 or so yards beyond Goddard and turn left onto Brightfield Trail. St. Luke’s will be located immediately to the left.

From Manchester: If you have arrived at Goddard (or Big Bend), you have gone too far. From the Goddard parking lot, make a right back onto Sulphur Spring Road, and make a left approximately 50 yards onto Brightfield Trail. St. Luke’s will be located immediately to the left.

We invite you to join us for Sunday worship, meet our friendly congregation, and share in the glory of our Lord.

444 Brightfield Trail
Manchester, MO 63021
Phone: (636) 227-1227

Office Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 9:30 – 2:30 PM

Father Earl Mahan’s Office Hours:
Monday & Tuesdays – Church of The Good Shepherd
9:30 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday & Thursdays – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
9:30 – 3:00 PM