New Jazz Blog Posting

Check out today's new posting on the Jazz Blog, which speaks of the 2010 concerts and has a video of Jim Martinez at a Carmel, California concert he did a while back honouring the great pianist Oscar Peterson. Click HERE for the article, and don't forget to buy your tickets soon for his and Laura Didier's concerts in January here at the Church.

Reflections on the Christmas Liturgies and the future

This year's celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were simply magnificent.

The two Christmas Eve services - a Jazz Mass and the Solemn High Christ Mass - both filled the church to capacity with folk, and a new high in Christmas Eve attendance was achieved that evening. (For more on the Jazz Mass, click HERE for the article posted on the Sedona Jazz at the Church blog.)

Christmas Day's Mass was special, also, as it witnessed the return of our dear Shirley DuBois, who has been unable to attend Mass for the past three months, while recovering from a broken hip suffered a few weeks before her 98th birthday!

To say the least, then, the Christmas Day Mass was a powerfully moving experience for all who attended - especially for Shirley!

- looking ahead -

This year we have two "Christmas Season: Sundays following Christmas Day. Then - on January 6th - the Epiphany Season begins with the feast of the Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

So, this Sunday will be the last opportunity to sing Christmas carols and hymns, and the Christ Candle and Poinsettias will also "disappear" after the morning's liturgies.

- thank you for your benevolences! -

A special thanksgiving to all who have been so giving with both presents and cards to me this Christmas season. I have always considered it a privilege and honour to serve as your Rector, and by God's grace, our future will continue to be blessed and consecrated for both our souls health and God's greater glory!

God has always blessed us, and continued sanctification is part of what it is to be a member of Saint Luke's Church!

See you in His Church.

Getting Ready for Christmas & Life!

Sedona Jazz at the Church Concert Patronages & Benefactions

We've added a piece to the Jazz blog about patronages and benefactions.

Check it out, and if you're moved to do so, help support this unique ministry in one of the very creative and substantive ways. the Jazz blog article is found HERE.

Faithful Messengers, Ministers & Stewards

Working, Praying & Giving

The Catechism teaches us that it is our "bounden duty... to follow Christ, to worship God every Sunday in his Church and to work and pray and give for the spread of his kingdom." (BCP, page 291)

Because we have always taken our Christian duty seriously, our parish is a beacon of faith, hope and love to people far beyond its parish boundaries, as attested by our internet presence - this blog and the Jazz Blog, episcopalnet.org, and our presence on youtube.

Having said that, in the midst of our corporate calling under the banner of Saint Luke's Church, individual commitment and action determines whether or not a person is part of the experience.

When someone decides to merely be an onlooker rather than to participate, that doesn't stop the ministry of our parish; instead, it only means that person won't be a part of it. Life gives us this lesson, does it not?

Advent is a good time to re-analyze one's commitment to God and His Church, and to, if necessary, move from being a mere spectator to participant.

God has been so good to us all. Even though we may have ignored and perhaps forgotten Him altogether at times, He's here for us, and is powerfully present within our parish church.

The next two Sundays we read and hear of John the Baptist, we ponder our commitment to God and His Church, and finally we've all the opportunity to make ready to approach and worship Jesus Christ on the occasion of His Incarnation.

Will you join me and the Faithful at Saint Luke's? Let's all make ready to greet Him in royal fashion!

See you in His Church!

And if you've not done so yet, it's time to make your pledge to the 2010 Operating Fund.

You can download the pledge form or pledge directly online via our parish home page, found HERE.

Sunday's Sermon: "So, What Are We To Do?"

Sunday is the third Sunday in Advent, commonly called "Rose Sunday." In the midst of the normally flowerless Advent, the Altar will be adorned with roses, and rose-coloured vestments will also be worn, as is also the case on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

And in the midst of the visual refreshment of both vestments and flowers, John the Baptist, the ministry, and the work of the Church will be the focus of Sunday's sermon.

In the 4th chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul describes the work of "the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God," and that portion of scripture is the basis for Sunday's sermon.

The Sermon - entitled "So, What are We to Do?" - will explain the biblical description of the Christian's duty, and then contrast that with how some folk would set aside the biblical teachings for an easier and more worldly approach.

The day's reading from the gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus speaks of John the Baptist, will also be examined, and brings to the forefront the question, "Was John faithful or foolish with his strong preaching and exhortations?" Some would argue that he was foolish, considering his end. However....

Rose Sunday's propers are found HERE.

YouTube viewings pass 32,000!

Saint Luke's channel on YouTube - where we post our meditations - has now had more than 32,000 viewings of the videos.

The videos - meditations based upon the Sunday Mass Propers of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer - started out simply as a ministry for our parishioners who may have missed mass on any given Sunday.

And yet, my oh my... how that small beginning has blossomed and become so blessed! It is now a ministry that has folk from all over the world visiting it, with a viewing average exceeding 1,500 each month!

Thanks to all who have found the videos useful, and a special thanks to those who have told their friends about it, also!!

What's next for us on the internet?

Well, we are still in the planning stages for "streaming" our 8am Sunday Masses live on the web. More on that in next week's blogs, when we will be identifying and addressing special ministries of our parish, and how you can become involved in them... all for God's greater glory, of course!

For now, click HERE to see our videos.

Patience, Comfort & Hope" (2 Advent '09)

From the Vestry...

It’s time for all members and friends of Saint Luke’s Church to make their financial pledge for the 2010 Operating Fund.

As your Vestry, we have all pledged, and we invite you to do the same, so that all that God calls us to do this upcoming year will have the financial base necessary.

Jesus told us Himself, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

So please, give as freely as God has given to you!

Pledge Forms are available at the Church on the Votive Candle Stand.

Please fill out and sign your Pledge, and deposit it in the Alms Basin during the Sunday Mass or in the Offering Box on the Votive Candle Stand.

Sermon Series continues next Sunday

What is the importance of the Bible within the Christian faith? What is it to be "comforted" by holy scripture? What's the second coming of Christ going to be like?

These are but a few of the questions which will be addressed in the second installment of the St Luke's Church Advent Sermon series.

The sermon is entitled "Why is the Bible Important?" and is based on the Second Sunday in Advent mass propers of the day from the 15th chapter of Hebrews and the 21st chapter of the gospel according to Matthew.

It will also examine what Jesus said about His Second Coming, on the day that "the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."

- Christ Mass Schedule -

We are also preparing for the upcoming Christ Masses to be celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

An early evening Jazz Mass on Christmas Eve has been added to the schedule this year (see below for more details), and although all of the masses are free and open to the public, we will be issuing tickets, as we anticipate overflow crowds for both Christmas Eve services.

Tickets will be available on Sundays throughout December, and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to get yours soon, and remember that the doors open for the 5pm Mass at 4:30pm, and for the Solemn High Christ Mass at eight o'clock in the evening.

Tickets for Christmas Eve Masses

Anticipating a full house for the Masses on Christmas Eve, we have decided to issue admission tickets for both the 5:00 pm Jazz Mass and the 8:30 pm Solemn High Christ Mass.

Why? So as to ensure that people who wish to attend will have assurance that they will have seating.

The tickets don't cost anything, and can be picked up on the following Sundays during December - December 6, 13 & 20.

If you are out of town and wish to secure tickets, simply telephone the church and we'll set aside your tickets, which you can then pick up the week of Christmas.

At this time we don't think we'll issue tickets for the Christmas Day Mass, which takes place at 10:00 am.

Click HERE for the particulars of the Christ Mass 2009 schedule.

"Works of Darkness, Armour of Light" (1 Advent '09)

Christ Mass Schedule Complete

The Christmas Mass Schedule has been finalized. We'll be having three liturgies - two masses on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve there will be a "Jazz Mass" at five o'clock in the evening, with a cadre of musicians and a special preacher all being present.

The principal service of the evening will follow - the 8:30 p.m. Solemn High Christ Mass - and complete the evening's liturgies.

Then, on Christmas Day, a 10 a.m. Mass with carols and sermon will also be celebrated. For details, click HERE.

Jazz Blog Update - Drummer Rob Moore

We've posted a "spotlight" article on our Jazz blog about Drummer Rob Moore.

Rob played with Inner Journeys at the October Concert, and will join Vici McDermitt, Dwight Killian and Russ Schmidt at the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass.

Click HERE to read the jazz blog's article.

Saturday's "Sedona Jazz at the Church" Concert

We've another Jazz at the Church Sunset Concert - this time it's the Vicki McDermitt Trio. The concert begins at 4pm, and is a great way to begin the evening. Listen to some great jazz, then dine at your favorite restaurant.

And why not try Blue Moon Cafe, one of our sponsors? They've a special discount for attendees at the concert... we'll tell you about it in the playbill!!!

God created everything, and in that creation He gave us the ability to raise our voice in His praise. A very unique and lovely thing it is to become a "co-creator" with Him in the creation of Jazz.

Come hear three artists do precisely that!

Here's the LINK to information, and for purchasing your tickets... and do bring a friend with you!!!

Sedona Jazz @ the Church Sunset Concert

Saturday at 4:00 pm

November 21, 2009

Click HERE for details!

"Choice, Entanglement & Free Will"

Jazz Blog Update - Bassist Dwight Kilian

We've published an update to our Jazz Blog - a biographical sketch of Dwight Kilian, the Executive Director of Music Serving the Word and bassist extraordinairre.

Dwight was with us for the Inner Journeys concert last month, and will be with us as part of The Vicki McDermitt Trio concert on November 21. Click HERE for the article on Dwight, and if you've not purchased your tickets yet for the concert, they're available at the Church on Sundays or online HERE.

SO, mark your calendar, think about who you're going to bring with you, buy your tickets, and we'll see you in His Church on November 21!

Jazz Blog Update - Pianist Russell Schmidt

We've posted a "spotlight" article on our Jazz blog about Russ Schmidt, pianist.

Russ will be playing with the Vici McDermitt Trio at this month's Sunset Concert on November 21, 2009, and will rejoin with Vici, Dwight Killian and Rob Moore at the Christmas Eve Jazz Mass.

Click HERE to read the jazz blog's article, and don't forget to get your tickets... they're available online or at the Church on Sundays.

This beautiful thing called "Forgiveness"

Is it EVER too Late?

Can a rose bush blossom in the Fall and Winter seasons? Can people blossom in the late and "fallow" seasons of their life?

Some would say No to both questions; however, to do so would be to belie both nature and God's Saints - His holy people.

The above picture was taken last Friday evening at dusk, and although more clear rose bush pictures have been offered in the past on the blog, none testify more vividly than this one that yes, Fall is also a time to blossom and be beautiful.

As it is with the roses, so too with you and me.

Allow yourself to be cared for by Mother Church, and to be, watered, strengthened and nurtured by the sacramental ministry of the Church.

And as sure as the roses blossom late in their annual cycle of life, you and I can do so, also!

November's " Jazz at the Church" spotlight: Vicki McDermitt

In sixteen days we'll have the Vicki McDermitt trio doing a concert at the church. It'll be a Sunset Concert, beginning at 4pm on Saturday, November 21. Making ready for the event, here's a bit about Vicki, taken from the Music Serving the Word website…

"Vicki McDermitt is a respected artist with a reputation for handling a broad variety of musical styles. Her career began at an early age, singing in church, and then moving early on into the jazz arena, where she has had the privilege of working with some of the country’s top musicians. Living in LA she worked as a session singer and was heavily involved in musical production work for television.

"In addition to her busy music and ministry schedule, Vicki also serves as staff vocalist at Mayo hospital where she offers “private in-room accapella” concerts to the most seriously ill. “I believe all musical sounds are created by God and should be performed in praise to Him”, says McDermitt. This belief and passion is evident wherever – and whenever – Vicki sings.

"Whether she is on a jazz concert stage, ministering at women’s conferences, singing in local church settings, or offering her voice to a patient who needs hope and assurance… people experience a quality of excellence that radiates warmth, love, joy and enthusiasm.

"'My calling is to use music to remind others of the relentless love of God,' Vicki says. 'The opening can be as subtle as a jazz ballad, or as direct as a hymn of the church. I’m always looking for an appropriate way to plant the reminder that no matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, God is seeking you out for relationship. Music is the gift that breaks down walls and opens the heart to hear the words. The result is indescribable joy.'

"As a member of Music Serving the Word Ministries team, Vicki often performs with one of our ensembles, as well as offering individual jazz and/or gospel concerts, and other ministry venues."


Vicki's album - "Vick McDermitt: Jazz for the Soul" - is the background music for our jazz home page, so be sure to take a listen to the piece, "In the Wee Small Hours." And after you listen, think about who you'll bring with you to the concert, and then buy your tickets for this GREAT event and evening at Saint Luke's!!

All Saints Sunday, All Souls Remembrances

Tomorrow is All Saints Day and Monday is All Souls Day.

At tomorrow's masses we will "remember by name" those who have "died and gone before us."

If you would like someone remembered at the Altar during the mass, please give me their full names via email today (apostle@episcopalnet.org) and I will add them to the list.

"Lay this body anywhere, only this I beg of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord." - dying words of Saint Monica to Saint Augustine

Who are these like stars appearing,

These, before God’s throne who stand?

Each a golden crown is wearing;

Who are all this glorious band?

Alleluia! hark, they sing,

Praising loud their heavenly King.

These are they who have contended

For their Saviour’s honor long,

Wrestling on till life was ended,

Following not the sinful throng:

These, who well the fight sustained,

Triumph by the Lamb have gained.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Sunset Concerts

With November's Sedona Jazz at the Church offering we've added a new and beautiful dimension to the series. What, pray tell, is that?

The splashing of the setting sun on the red rocks that surround our parish church. And since we're going to do that for most all of our upcoming concerts, from now on we'll be billing the series as the Sedona Jazz at the Church Sunset Concerts.

This month it's the Vicki McDermitt Trio, with Vicki doing the vocals, and being backed up by Dwight Kilian on bass and Russ Schmidt on piano.

The concert starts at 4pm, and we'll be able to enjoy the setting sun during the break.

So, bring a friend, a hunger for good music and your camera, and we know you'll have a magnificent time!

Click HERE to get your tickets... and download the poster, too, if you want!!

(To find out more about the sunrise and sunsets at Saint Luke's - times, et al - click HERE.)

New Jazz, Christmas Postings

Today we've posted information on two upcoming events - (1) the November and December Jazz happenings for our "Sedona Jazz at The Church" concert series, and (2) the schedule for the Christ Masses that will take place on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The jazz page update tells of the "Sunset Concert" which we will be having on November 21 with the Vicki McDermitt Trio, and there's also some news on the 2010 calendar - specifically Jim Martinez & Laura Didier's two concert event on January 17th and 18th.

Regarding Christmas, we've posted a page with the particulars of our three Christ Masses. On Christmas Eve there will be an early evening mass at 5pm, which will include a jazz quartet, a visit by a shepherd, and jazz accompaniments of the carols.

Following that liturgy, the Solemn High Christ Mass - the principal service for Christmas - will begin at 8:30 pm, and on Christmas Day a 10 am Christmas Day Mass will also be celebrated.

Here are the links:

Jazz Page Update

Christ Masses 2009

Sunrise, Sunset at Saint Luke's

We've put up a new page regarding the beautiful scenery around our parish. The page gives a lot of good information that will help visitors come at the right times of the day in order to take magnificently beautiful pictures here at the church.

If you've friends who will be coming into town on holiday, direct them to the page, as we've included a link to a site which gives the daily sunrise and sunset times in our unique town!

The link is HERE!

This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King

The feast of Christ the King occurs the Sunday before All Saints Day and emphasizes that Christ is the King of all saints, whether they be of the Church militant, expectant or triumphant.

No Christian can become a saint without taking up his cross and following Christ. Every knee will bow before His throne. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He alone has wrought our salvation.

The crucifix (above) which shows Jesus on the Cross but in eucharistic vestments declares both His suffering and Victory in a powerful way.

Poetry, also, draws us to His saving actions, as the following work by Gerald Manley Hopkins shows us...

O God, I love thee, I love thee -

Not out of hope of heaven for me

Nor fearing not to love and be

In the everlasting burning.

Thou, thou, my Jesus, after me

Didst reach thine arms out dying.

For my sake sufferedst nails and lance,

Mocked and marred countenance,

Sorrows passing number,

Sweat and care and cumber,

Yea and death, and this for me,

And thou couldst see me sinning:

Then I, why should not I love thee,

Jesus, so much in love with me.

"Rejoice we all in the Lord, keeping holy-day in honour of all the Saints: in whose solemnity the Angels rejoice and glorify the Son of God." (From the day's introit, page E 132, The People's Anglican Missal).

The Day's Propers