This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday we begin Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for the holiest of nights. Our Advent theme this year is Calm and Bright, 200 years of Silent Night. The story goes, that 200 years ago, on Christmas eve, St Nicholas’s church organ was broken and so the Pastor began thinking outside the box, searching for a way to worship God through music. What came into creation was the most recorded song in history. Something was broken and something was created. A door closed, another opened. Out of the void comes life. And during Advent, perhaps most importantly, out of the darkness comes a star so bright it leads us home.
Advent brings with its tradition, sacrament, and song. There will be familiar pieces of worship and a few new things as we experience what it means this Sunday to cultivate peace. Isaiah 2:1-4; 9:2, 6-7.
See you Sunday,
Nicole
Toward the Light
By Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem
Too often our answer to the darkness
is not running toward Bethlehem
but running away.
We ought to know by now that we can’t see
where we’re going in the dark.
Running away is rampant
separation is stylish:
separation from mates, from friends, from self.
Run and tranquilize
don’t talk about it,
avoid.
Runaway and join the army
of those who have already run away.
When are we going to learn that Christmas Peace
comes only when we turn and face the darkness?
Only then will be able to see
the Light of the World.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Ritter Center of San Rafael Christmas Gift Giving Program ~
With Advent and Christmas around the corner, we will be supporting Ritter Center of San Rafael in their Christmas Gift Giving Program. Ritter Center serves families and individuals in Marin County who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. On Sunday when you enter the Narthex (aka the front porch of the church) you’ll see a Christmas tree filled with tags. Simply take a tag with you and bring back an unwrapped gift for that child the following Sunday to place in the gift barrel. We will have until December 14th to drop off gifts.
Advent Season Series ~ Begins This Sunday, 10:00 AM
This year marks the 200th anniversary for the beloved song, “Silent Night.” As we enter into this Advent Season we’re reminded of how much our world is in need of a pause, in need of calm. Join us this Advent Season as we journey together towards that holy night of peace.
Advent Kickoff with Guided Imagery ~ This Sunday, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
You are invited to “A Taste of GIM”. Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is a spiritual pathway that leads to freedom and profound experience of the presence of God. GIM is an invitation to take a long, loving look within, to walk inner pathways to self-discovery and to deep peace. Come and listen to music designed to bring images from your Soul for your life.
Led by Spiritual Director Debbie Dybsky and her GIM partners.
Please grab or bring a lunch after worship before attending GIM.
Please RSVP to
St. Luke Women’s Association Annual Christmas Tree Decorating ~ Tuesday, December 4th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Put on your holiday wear and come transform the tree to a Christmas Tree and decorate the Bayview Room for the holidays.
St. Luke Women’s Association Annual Christmas Tea & Program ~ Friday, December 7, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Tea, Coffee, Sweets, and Savories with a Music Program and a RAFFLE. Invite your friends to enjoy St. Luke’s Holiday cheer. Invitation cards are available from Women’s Association members and in the church office. Raffle items may be dropped off in the church office.
St. Luke Partnering with Marin Street Chaplaincy ~ December 11th
St Luke will be serving over 100 guests at First Presbyterian in San Rafael. This dinner is also going to have several donors and assorted financial supporters in attendance. Because of the larger guest count, we will be partnering with St Raphael Church. To volunteer email Michael at
Thank you!
Come Celebrate Our Choir ~ December 16th
On December 16th after Worship, come celebrate and give thanks for all the time and energy the St Luke Choir gives towards the Christmas Cantata. There will be special treats and singing of carols together as we share in fellowship.
Deacon Ministry ~
San Rafael CARE Team is collecting coats and other “warm things” to distribute. Please bring any of the following and leave in the office:
Sleeping bags, Warm jackets and hooded sweatshirts, Beanies, Gloves, Socks, Raingear and Ponchos, Shoes
Celebrate Christmas With Us!
December 19th 7:00 ~ This Season can be a tough time for many. Join us in our candlelit sanctuary as we listen to piano music and pastoral reflections as people who wait in darkness for light to appear.
December 24th ~ Christmas Eve Services at St. Luke
4:00 PM ~ Children’s Wiggle Service
Children and toddlers are invited to bring nativity pieces to the creche as we present the traditional Christmas manger scene through story and song.
Cider and Cookies between services.
5:30 PM ~ Candlelight Service
Our traditional Candlelight service of Lessons, Carols and music.
Childcare available.
There will be lessons and carols and special music this Sunday as we worship God and light the candle of hope.