After a very long and snowy winter Spring is finally with us. From the beginnings of human history people have looked forward to Spring and celebrated its arrival. In former ages when surviving Winter was anything but certain the coming of Spring meant literally a new span of life. Not surprisingly ancient societies believed in vegetation gods who died with the coming of Winter and came back to life in the Spring. Traces of these beliefs can be found in the Old Testament. Our faith is very different. We believe in resurrection, but in one great Resurrection of Jesus Christ that promises us our resurrection to a Spring that will last through eternity.

Yet we are still tied to the rhythms of nature. In all of us something stirs with the coming of Spring. Warmer days, more sunshine, bring out in us a lightness of step and an enjoyment of just being outside. Just as the finches change to their mating yellows and the daffodils start poking up to the sky we put away our winter clothes (two or three times in Wisconsin) and start opening the windows. We watch the motorcycles in bloom on the highway, and college students rushing into shorts and tee-shirts at the first ray of Spring sunshine. The truth is we feel better in Spring.

Spring is a revelation of God’s grace. Everything that needs to come back could do it without creating the happiness we feel in Spring. There is no reason why all trees could not be evergreens, why grass and flowers could not adapt to snow and ice (after all they find their way through concrete), or why animals hibernate or migrate (many do not). Spring is beautiful and beauty is a gift of God. Everything that we see as beautiful could perform its function without beauty. Roses could be roses without beauty, which is something I doubt the insects perceive. Dawn and sunset could be just blah openings and fadings and still be dawn and sunset. Beauty is superfluous to the needs of whatever is beautiful, just as a painting is in one way just so many chemicals and pigments. Beauty is an extra that God gives us. Even if its is just something in us that we project outwards, the ability to do that is not something we need but something that blesses us.

So with Spring. We enjoy Spring. We don’t just go through it. It is another youth for all of us, and youth is always a time of hope and adventure. Perhaps Spring is God’s way of reminding us that new things lie ahead of us, new hopes, new possibilities, and new ways of serving him.

May this Spring be a time of blessing for all of us.

Congratulations to Marge Kiss. The Order of the Eastern Star of West Allis selected Marge Kiss to receive a Christian Education Book Scholarship. Marge Kiss was invited to the Eastern Star open session to receive the check. The Rev. Dewey Silas was a past recipient from this Eastern Star for a Book Scholarship.

9 bags of food donated in February
$150 donated in January
4 bags of food donated in February
1 box and 6 bags of food donated in March
By supporting the Bay View Community Center, we are making an investment in the people of our community who – like you and I – are working hard to make this a place where we all can live, work and raise a family. The church entrance is the holding spot for non-perishable donations. These can be brought to church anytime.

UTO SUNDAY MAY 4^TH Our next Ingathering will the first Sunday in May– this is the day to bring your little blue boxes full of coins that represent your daily blessings.

Treasurer’s Report March 2008 Income $9,855/05 Expense $14,673.04 Difference $(-4,817.99)

Washington National Cathedral Our church and a CHURCH FOR ALL
40-50 interested folks attended the outstanding lecture and slide presentation by Dr Dale Kastberg on Sunday April 6. As WI National Cathedral chapter chairman, he is VERY knowledgeable. Colorful slides only touched on the beauty of its windows, tapestry and stone work, done for the glory of God for ALL to worship and marvel at. This church is the Episcopal Church in Washington DC, attended by Presidents, Officials from federal government and state representatives, and you and I when we are there.
Dr Kastberg recalled how he and I met in the course of my accident in DC where I broke my ankle. He assisted me at the airport after noticing my panic, being alone in a wheelchair with no help at hand. I was trying to get back to Milwaukee after spending 3 days of an 8-day vacation. My reason for going on that trip was to expressly see the National Cathedral. I didn’t get to it, but Dr. Kastberg agreed to visit St Luke’s, at my request, with his presentation, proof that God places us where he wants us to be. The marvelous presentation would not have occurred had I not broken the ankle where and when I did. If there is enough interest for a short trip to Washington DC to visit the Cathedral, (Dr. Kastberg has connections), maybe we could really see it. Contact me if interested: Marge Lower 762-7360 or see me in church on Sundays

LIFT DEMONSTRATIONS If anyone would like to learn how to operate the handicap life at church or just needs a refresher course, please contact Jim Stringfellow 414.769.7681.

RUMMAGE SALE Saturday May 3^rd this is NOT an ‘ECW’ event – It is a fundraiser sponsored by the entire church, hence we are asking for help from all men and women, boys and girls. And of course we welcome your gently used stuff to sell.

Spring Happenings with the Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee has been hard at work. Here are some things to look forward to in the next couple months:

On Pentecost, Sunday, May 11, we will be having an Outreach Sunday. We are really interested in getting parish feedback on what everyone would like the committee to focus on, and Pentecost seems the perfect time let the Holy Spirit help us determine the future direction of our church and its outreach. We will have an open forum during the time normally devoted to Father Michael’s sermon for this discussion and to hear recommendations and ideas from the congregation.

A Spring Flower Fundraiser will be held for the Outreach Committee at Custom Grown Greenhouses on Wed. May 14, 3-7:30pm. Custom Grown has agreed to donate 30% of purchases made by St. Luke’s members or friends on this date and time. When shopping give the cashier a coupon that says your purchase is for the St. Luke’s fundraiser (please see separate article for coupon), or simply notify the cashier that you are a member/friend of St. Luke’s and we will receive credit for your purchase. Custom Grown is at 924 West Armour Avenue (off 6^th Street just North of Layton Avenue).

Our committee will provide lunch at the Buildings and Grounds Cleanup and Spring Planting, to be held on Saturday, May 17, 9am – 1pm at the church. (Rain date will be Saturday, May 31.) This annual event provides parishioners the opportunity to help spruce up our grounds and plant new flowers for the summer. A new feature to this event will be added this year, as everyone is invited to bring their extra perennials and participate in a swap with others who have plants to share. Please join us for this fun event. If you have any questions please call Doris Holaday at 282-8589.

This month we will be selling St. Luke’s t-shirts to to provide everyone a chance to show pride in their church. Committee will offer two designs to choose from and approximate prices will be given when you place your order (final price will depend on quantity). The t-shirt sale is not a fundraiser, and the committee will buy t-shirts for the parish at cost.

Our church picnic will take place sometime in June. Watch the next newsletter for details on this opportunity to enjoy entertainment and fellowship.

Committee looking at ways to reach out to a more diverse population…more to come, soon, on our plans!

The Buildings and Grounds Cleanup and Spring Planting will be held on Saturday, May 17, 9am – 1pm at the church. (The rain date will be Saturday, May 31.) This annual event provides everyone the opportunity to help spruce up our grounds and plant new flowers for the summer. This year everyone is also invited to bring their extra perennials and participate in a swap with others who have plants to share. You are asked to bring your gardening gloves and favorite garden tools as well. Lunch will be provided by the Outreach Committee. Please join us for this fun event! If you have any questions please call Doris Holaday at 282-8589. And don’t worry, she will bring her chainsaw.

Register for College Prep Boot Camp at BVCC
August 4-7 at Bay View community Center, 1320 E. Oklahoma for students who will be high school juniors & seniors in Fall 2008: Camp will focus on specific and important areas teens need to succeed in achieving their college-bound dreams.
Monday 8/4… 9 – noon: College Application Jumpstart …tips on how to meet admission, financial aid and residence deadlines.
Tuesday 8/5…. 9 – noon: ACT Workshop Overview – Become familiar with types of questions encountered on the test and learn a variety of strategies.
Wednesday 8/6…. 9 – noon: Scholarship Success Boot Camp –real-world version of how to stand out from the competition.
Thursday 8/7…. 9 - 2pm: Field Trip – College Tours! Visit UW-Milwaukee & Marquette Universities, meet current students, tour campuses, and return for discussion.
Our instructors have 20 and 40 years of experience in their fields. Call 482-100 to register. $175 entire camp, $50 per individual selection. Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted.

BUY SOME FLOWERS
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is having a spring flower sale to benefit the outreach committee.
We need Everyone’s help!
Most of us buy flowers in May to enjoy throughout the summer. Why not consider purchasing some of those flowers from this fundraiser and help your church?
How does it work?
On Wednesday, May 14, during the hours of 3-7:30pm, just go to Custom Grown Greenhouses. It is located at 924 W. Armour Avenue, off of 6^th Street (just North of Layton Avenue). Buy your flowers and give the cashier the coupon below. Custom Grown will donate 30% of your purchase to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. It’s that simple! If you forget the coupon that’s OK, you can just tell them you are from St. Luke’s. Tell your friends to buy flowers, too! For questions please call Dana Washburn at 414-327-0949 or email larrydana@wi.rr.com.