When I was at the academy I used to feel sorry for any cadet who got into trouble in January. It seemed to me sometimes that as far as the grown-ups were concerned all the Christmas spirit had evaporated on the last day of their vacation. Any cadet who broke some rule in January often received all the mercy and tenderness of Simon LeGree. Sadly, we can all fall into that frame of mind. Christmas is over and we are faced with January and its cold, snow, ice, bills, and general awfulness. The angels have left and we have returned from Bethlehem. Yet if Christmas in our hearts is confined to just a few days in late December we are truly miserable Christians.

Peace on earth and goodwill to all is not just a brief Christmas feeling. Our Lord said Blessed are the peacemakers and he did not mean just at Christmas. No, we cannot ourselves bring peace to the warring nations and tribes far away, but we can bring our own contribution to peace nearer home. In our families, in the community, even at times in the Church, we can be messengers of peace. All it needs is a willingness to efface our own egos and to try to find the best way of bringing people together.

Wishing goodwill to all is fairly easy; showing goodwill to all is more difficult. It is not hard to like our fellow human beings in abstract, it’s just the individuals who make it harder for us. We need to ask ourselves is it really them or something in us. Despite Christ’s warning to us about not judging we are prone to judge others, and usually more harshly than we judge ourselves. If we find it hard at times to show goodwill towards someone because we feel that they have offended us in some way perhaps we need to ask ourselves why we are feeling offended. When I was Dean at the academy teachers would sometimes come into my office and demand that some cadet be strung up and shot for something or other. What they said was "He should not be allowed to get away with doing this!" What they meant was "he should not be allowed to get away with doing this to me!". In other words, ego was involved. It is all very human.

Wishing for peace and wanting to show goodwill to all is surely a very small asking from Christians. As we begin a new year and make all kinds of resolutions, maybe we should really try harder to keep this Christmas spirit alive and well throughout the whole year. We cannot change the world but we can change ourselves, and if we do that then in time at least a part of our world will change.

May the new year be filled with blessing and peace and goodwill.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Michael+

I am very proud to tell you that in the year 2008, St. Luke’s has generously donated a total of $661.86 to the United Thank Offering collection done by the women of the US Episcopal Church. Last spring, we collected $290.84 and this Fall $271.02.

Much of the collection was in boxes full of coins. Boxes are available for you to use when you fell thankful for something. We’ll be collecting again in the Spring. Thank you for caring.

Joan Luetzow, UTO chair.

Net income -$9,182.05

January Birthdays

We would like to say "thank you" again for all your prayers, cards, concern, and general thoughtfulness during Art’s recovery these past 6 months. We are pretty confident he will be able to return to work the first of the year and also resume his normal activities.

As mentioned several times before, we are both convinced there was and still is a "special angel" watching over him during his fall and recovery period.

We have been truly blessed.

Art & Pat Kuenstler

From the entrance song of "Jingle Bells" to the "Little Drummer Boy" a heartfelt thanks to all whom helped with our Sunday School Christmas Program. Children who participated were Justin, Jackson, Juliet and Jenevieve Verley, Adam Halvorsen, Raena Roman, Ryan Holaday, and Brandon and Maddy Washburn. Also, a BIG THANKS to Marilyn Schrader, the Choir, Shelly Roman, and Dana Washburn for their help in making the pageant a success.

Peace,

Christine Stringfellow

For many years now, ECW of St. Luke’s Church has received funds from Pick N Save through their Advantage Card/We Care Program. The program works like this: if you shop at Pick N Save and you have an Advantage card, you can link your Advantage card with our church, and at the end of each quarter, Pick N Save will send us a check. It’s that easy! Everyone needs groceries at some time or another, so if you haven’t already signed up, stop at your local Pick N Save’s Customer Service Counter and tell them you want to link your Advantage Card to ECW of St. Luke’s church: Code Number 198050. You can help us for free! If you have any questions, be sure to contact Pat Kuenstler at 744-5499. Thanks to everyone in advance for your help!

We had such a good time seeing his show the last time, let’s do it again.

This is a new show and scheduled on Friday April 24, at 6:30 PM. This will give you time to think about it. I can purchase a block of tickets for us at a reasonable price (around $25???)

The program will be at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, which is located in the new high school facility. It is a wonderful theatre and easy to get to. Parking and entry are on the street level.

I need to know who might be interested so I can purchase tickets for us. Last time there were 30 something going. I am a volunteer there and I have access to good seating. Please let me know by February 1^st.

There also is a wonderful program coming Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 PM. It is Robbie Robinson & the TCC Gospel Choir. Several people have shown interest in this program. I can only imagine the volume and depth of the music. I am sure we would all enjoy this.

This is an update of the African Team Ministries Jewelry and Artifact Show that was held December 7^th and 14^th.

We raised a total of $722.00. A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped set up, sell and especially those who purchased merchandise.

The ministry was very pleased with our success. They have been feeling the adverse effects of the poor economy and thanked us for once again being a beacon of hope for the orphans and underprivileged in East Africa.

God Bless everyone for their support!

ITALIAN CASSEROLE

by:  Arlene Miller
1 lb. Italian sausage (or hamburger)
Medium onion, chopped
1 lg. can mushrooms, stems and pieces
1 jar spaghetti sauce
Mostacolli pasta (boiled, don’t overcook)
1 bag mozzarella cheese, 2-3 cup size
Parmesan cheese

Brown meat, strain grease, add onions and mushrooms. When onions are cooked removed from heat. In a large bowl combine meat mixture and pasta with sauce and mozzarella cheese. Save some mozzarella cheese for top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Put in 9 x 12 pan and bake at 350 degrees or 1 ½ hours covered with foil and ½ hour uncovered until lightly brown.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now you know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.