Sunday, December 15, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday we hear what is referred to as Mary’s Magnificat. Mary has traveled to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth to share in the good news and then breaks into what we call a song of praise for God.
I’ve read this scripture countless times, not only because it’s so very beautiful but because I fell in love with Mary many years ago now. She became a part of my life when I was quite young and my Grandmother suggested I pray to her because she understood women. Not many protestant preachers walk around talking about their devotion and love for Mary, but there it is.
This year in reading, something new struck me; the deep spiritual relationship between these two women and their babies. The interdependence we share with other human beings in all stages of our lives is something we so often take for granted. I’m not sure our joys could survive without our God given ability to share in them with others.
It is one thing to experience joy between self and God and another to share that experience with others. Mary waits till she gets to Elizabeth’s and the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps and then Mary breaks into joyful song.
Mary doesn’t sing alone but in good company of the ones she could trust would share in her God given joy. In other words, she trusted they would “get it.”
And the ones who perhaps get it the most are the ones who are still waiting on God to bring them home to security, to health, to wholeness, to peace. Mary sings for all those who long, those who cannot sing and perhaps mostly for those who have no voice in this world.
Won’t you sing along?
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Outreach and Deacon Ministry
All are welcome to attend
St Luke’s November Food Drive Barrel ~
St. Luke will collect canned proteins/meats: Beans, Peanut Butter, Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Chicken, Turkey, Beef. You may also donate using the green envelope and with the notation FOOD DRIVE. $1 = 2 Meals!
Ritter Center Christmas Gift Barrel ~ Ritter Center Adopt-a-Family Christmas Gift Barrel
Thanks so much for everyone’s participation in the Ritter Christmas ministry! We supported two families and five elderly adults with your generosity and kindness!
Street Chaplaincy Dinner ~ Tuesday, December 17th
Please email Michael Baranowski at
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Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
RECAP of First Annual St. Luke’s Christmas Concert ~
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our first annual Christmas concert. We had a total of 90 people filling the sanctuary, including performers. It was a joyous event, beginning with all the preparations for weeks leading up to it as people came together to plan, decorate, rehearse, and people getting to know one another more as they worked side by side.
Beth Potillo-Miller’s leadership was key in making this event a success. She held the vision and executed every detail and involved the congregation around her to make it all happen. We are most grateful for the gift that she is to our community. There are too many to name individually, from musicians to chefs to decorators, errand runners and logistic coordinators. We are the church together and this event was a reminder of just one of the unique ways we shine in community with God’s help.
Celebrate Christmas with St. Luke
December 18th ~ Wednesday, 7:00 PM Blue Christmas Service
December 22nd ~ LOVE
December 18th ~ Wednesday 7:00 PM Blue Christmas service.
December 24th ~ Tuesday 5:30 PM Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Cider and Cookies 5:00 PM prior to service.
Mill Street Meal Providers ~ Monday, January 6th GROUP A
Mission Trip Opportunity with SRFPC ~ Last year members Carlene McCart, Skipper Cummings and Jim Tillson joined the team at First Presbyterian SR on a mission trip to Texas. This year the group is going Omaha, Nebraska, April 19-25. The mission includes house repair from damage caused by flooding in March 2019. The work will be guided by Omaha Rapid Response and includes removing and replacing studs in walls, installing insulation and drywall, and laying flooring, etc. no construction experience is needed. Please email Ralph Purdy for more info.
Men’s Cursillo Weekend ~ April 23rd-26th
This is a weekend that will deepen your spiritual journey, deepen relationships and lead you into new friendships that could last a lifetime. It is one of those experiences that is difficult to put into words but will be well worth your while. For more info, please email John Bischoff at
St. Luke Men's Group 2020 ~ In 2020, we will continue hold meetings on the first Tuesday of every other month at 6 PM: January 7th, March 3rd, May 5th, July 7th, September 1st, and November 3rd. Please put these dates on your schedules and plan on attending. John is looking for volunteers to host a dinner meeting at your home on these dates. Please email John Lenser if you are willing to host and if there is a specific date that works for you.
Ongoing Events
All are welcome to attend
Bible Study - Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
St. Luke Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Women's Spirituality Group - Thursdays at 9:00 AM
Deacons Meeting - 2nd Tuesday, January 14th, 6:00 PM
Pizza and Theology (canceled Dec.) - 3rd Tuesday, January 21st, 7:00 PM
St. Luke Women’s Bridge - 4th Tuesday, January 27th, 10:30 AM
Session Meeting - 4th Tuesday, January 27th, 7:00 PM