- Bay View - Milwaukee
A great place to worship and grow

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
   For me September will always be the month of St. Michael and All Angels, whose feast falls on the 29^th. Obviously, I have a personal soft spot for this feast even though I do not come from a country (like many in Europe) where people celebrate their "Name Day" rather than their birthday. In Britain, though, in former years people did mark off Michaelmas (originally the day of the mass for St. Michael) as a "Quarter Day", when the year was divided up into ‘quarters’ for a number of legal reasons.
   St. Michael has been the subject of many legends, and he was a favorite with artists who loved showing him defeating Satan in battle. Satan was often depicted as a dragon, which made it hard to distinguish ‘Michael’ paintings from those showing St. George killing the dragon (if in doubt look for wings on the warrior – if he has wings he’s Michael not George). St. Michael has been also a patron saint for a number of countries and peoples. When the Vikings reached Constantinople in the 11^th century (they were mercenaries not raiders on this occasion), they saw a statue of St. Michael over the main gate and named the city (for them) Miklegard ( = Michael’s place).
   Leaving legends aside, angels are found often in the Bible. The word angel comes from a Greek word meaning "a messenger". Looking at the appearances of angels in the Bible, there are really three ways in which these can be understood (and sometimes it is not clear which is meant). [1] An angelic message can simply be God speaking directly to the mind. [2] It can mean God speaking to someone through what seems to be a human being, but who is later recognized to have been an angel. [3] It can mean very plainly the appearance of some supernatural beings who are manifestly not of this world (as with the angels at Bethlehem). Throughout history and today there are people who say they have seen angels, and I would not question their sincerity for a moment.
   In the collect for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Book of Common Prayer p. 244) two things are made clear about the Church’s faith regarding angels. Firstly, they are a different ‘order’ from humans and other created beings. (The popular notion that we become angels when we die does not match the Church’s teaching about the supernatural order of angels, but I would hate to opine about what God does with us after we die; it is enough to know that we are with God.) Secondly, and I think very importantly, the collect says that angels are appointed by God to "help and defend us here on earth". There is an old belief that each of us is given a Guardian Angel when we are born. It is a comforting belief (though I suspect mine may have asked for a transfer), and well within our faith about how God loves and tends us all our lives. Even if we do not have our very own guardian angel, the collect assures us that angels are about us all the time and are there to help and aid.
   We mostly celebrate our midweek services in the Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels. Someone asked me once about St. John Chrysostom’s prayer at the end of the service for Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, which talks about Christ’s promise that when two or three are gathered together God will be in the midst of them. The question was: Can you say this prayer if you’re on your own? My answer was: You’re never on your own; you always have the angels.
   Therefore, O God,

First Tuesday Bible Study begins September 4^th
Sunday School begins September 16^th
Rummage Sale October 6^th
Diocesan Convention at the Italian Community Center October 12-13 – non delegates encouraged to attend
Bishop Miller’s visit October 14^th
Spaghetti Dinner & Bazaar November 3^rd

Treasurer’s Report
June: Income 6454.98 Expense 8830.30 net income (2375.32)
July: Income 13,435.33 Expense 11,218.61 net income 2,216.72

Another social outing planned – you’re invited! Winter Tales with John McGivern
A new collection of family stories featuring the most festive time of the year will bring hearty laughs and tears, leaving you with a warm snuggly holiday feeling.
Those interested in attending a performance with John McGivern on Friday Nov 30 7:30 pm at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, please contact Marge Lower 762-7360 so seating can be secured as a block, with discount prices available $23.50 The last outing we had 36 people attending, let’s get another good group this time. John McGivern’s performance was a sellout last year.
’07 ’08 South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Programs
New Orleans Jazz Celebration September 20, 2007 $20.00
Rusty Evan's' Tribute to Johnny Cash October 19, 2007 $20.00
Milw. Repertory: The Bachelors January 31, 2008 $20.00
Pro Arte Quartet February 8, 2008 $10.00
Storybook Dance Theatre: Alice in Wonderland April 24, 2008 $15.00
We get senior pricing and a discount of 10% with a group of 10 or more. Contact Marge Lower 762-7360

9/21 Peace Rally in recognition of International Day of Peace Join us to make a public statement for peace:
We begin at 2:00pm at St. Roman’s Catholic Church 1710 West Bolivar. From St. Roman’s our peace walk progresses to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee on 13^th and Layton where we conclude with program and prayers Sponsored by EcCo and the Southeast Milwaukee Interfaith Partners International Day of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution with 21 September the now permanent date. On September 21, 2006 more than 3500 Peace Day events took place in 200 countries, including all 192 member nations of the United Nations.

Ecumenical Advent Prayer Service planned
The S. E. Milwaukee Interfaith clergy group discussed an ecumenical prayer service at their June meeting and there was good energy around the topic. Thus Carl Reyes, Director of music and liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo, and Kate Sponholz, Director of music at St. Veronica continued the discussion, presenting the possibility of holding it in the form of Taize. Taize developed as an ecumenical prayer. It was quickly concluded that St. Charles will host a service on Sunday December 2^nd at 6pm. EcCo will assist to organize refreshments and fellowship after prayer. Fr. Tony at St. Charles can be contacted for questions or for any and all willingness to assist in the service. 414.281.8115 azimmer@scbmil.org

ECW NEWS: DISHWASHER & REFRIGERATOR DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday August 14^th saw the completion of the dishwasher installation. Refrigerator has been in place for a few weeks now with all good reports about it.
The women of this parish should feel very proud of what they have accomplished in upgrading kitchen equipment. It took years of saving and some generous donations to complete. We will know the full benefits of this in the weeks, months to come. There will be some training for those using the dishwasher at a later date. It is here to be used so we must know the procedures. Thanks to all involved with this.

ECW Dates to remember
Fall Rummage sale Saturday October 6. Donations can be brought to church or call the Kuenstler's for a pickup @744-5499. We need help on this project, consider donating some of your time setting up, pricing, selling and clean up. It’s a big job but one that has allowed us to make the purchases we have in the kitchen, pledge to our church and much more.
November 3 Spaghetti Dinner and Bazaar
THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. Psalm 118:24 Marge Lower

Outreach Committee is BACK!
After a nice July summer break, St. Lukes Outreach Committee is rested & ready to start spreading the good news about Jesus and our wonderful St. Luke’s home! Here’s what’s up:
-Bay View Bash: September 15^th. What better way to tell people in Bay View about its ONLY Episcopal Church at the Bay View Bash! We will be there in full swing on Saturday, September 15^th from 11am to 6pm. We will be giving away free goodies, offering some tasty treats and telling everyone about the exciting happenings at our church (including the upcoming Spaghetti dinner). And we will be sporting our new committee tee shirts, thanks to a super design by Diana Bagley! Please keep us in your prayers on that special day and stop by to say hello if you can!
-Upcoming Pot Luck: We are also planning our next potluck. This time, we will make it a "Bring a Friend to Church" Sunday. The tentative date is October 14^th when Bishop Miller is in town - please stay tuned for the official date and time. And make sure to invite a friend who may be looking for a new church home. This is one of the best ways to bring new members into St. Lukes and keep our ministry alive.
-John McGivern at the South Milwaukee PAC: One of the most exciting church events last year was when 35 members attended the Benny Goodman tribute at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. This year, committee member Marge Lower is planning another one on November 30th – "Winter Tales with John McGivern". Please let Marge know as soon as possible if you are interested – she can give you all of the details. Again, another opportunity to invite a friend! We are always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining the Outreach Committee should contact Dana or Larry Washburn at (414) 327-0949 or larrydana@wi.rr.com. We say goodbye to Marge Kiss, who has decided to leave the committee while she studies to be a deacon – thanks for all of the hard work Marge!!! And here is the Outreach quote of the month:
Luke 18:27:  The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Yours in Christ, Larry Washburn Outreach Committee member

The Pink Dress A sad little girl, in a worn pink dress barefoot and dirty, sat alone in the park as many people passed by. She just sat and watched them. Curious, I returned the next day to see if she would still be there and she was in the very same spot, with the same sad look. Knowing a park full of strangers is no place for young children to be alone I walked to her to see if I could help. With a closer look I saw her back grotesquely shaped, figuring that was why everyone ignored her. As I glanced at her she lowered her eyes and her humped back became even clearer. I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk. I sat beside her with a simple, "Hello." She stammered a "Hi " and after a long stare I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We then talked until dark with the park completely empty and I asked why she was so sad. She looked at me and said, "Because, I'm different." I immediately said smiling, "That you are." "Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent." She looked at me smiling, slowly stood up and said, "Really?" "Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over everyone walking by." Still smiling she opened the back of her pink dress allowing wings to spread, and said with a twinkle "I am. I'm your Guardian Angel." Speechless I was sure I was seeing things when she said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done". I got up and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me, and said, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone. And with that, my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think you're all alone remember, your angel is always watching over you.

A long time ago the church decided that pastors should be assisted by specially trained persons when Christians gathered to worship. Today we know these servants as acolytes. The word acolyte means ‘follower’ or ‘attendant’. One of their responsibilities is altar candles. There’s an order to be followed when lighting and extinguishing them. It helps to remember that the candle or candles on the Gospel side (the left side of the altar as you stand in front of it) of the altar never burn alone. That is, other candles are lighted first and extinguished last. All candles are extinguished in the reverse order from the way they were lighted. Candles always remind us of Jesus the Light of the World and of those dangerous day when Christians had to huddle in secret around a dimly lighted table or a tomb to celebrate Holy Communion. From the Acolyte Handbook