Sunday, December 16, 2018
This Sunday
Dear St Luke Community,
Not too long ago I was turning my car around in front of my home and facing the water. The morning sun was breaking through the clouds over the bay. Without thinking I said, I love you. The subtext was thank you. But somehow, for whatever reason, gratitude turned to an expression of love.
This Sunday we light the Advent candle of love. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5) These are big words. But then so is the word love. There’s a lot of sad news in our lives. Some personal, some global. I take comfort in these words of John’s more than ever. John also tells us that the life that came into being through Christ is the light of all people. That’s you, that’s me. So how do we live our lives as a people of light? We begin with love.
Christmas Comes by Ann Weems
Christmas comes every time we see God in other persons.
The human and the holy meet in Bethlehem
or in Times Square,
For Christmas comes like a golden storm on its way
to Jerusalem -
Determinedly, inevitably…
Even now it comes
In the face of hatred and warring -
No atrocity too terrible to stop it,
No Herod strong enough,
No hurt deep enough,
No curse shocking enough,
No disaster shattering enough -
For someone on earth will see the star,
Someone will hear the angel voices,
Someone will run to Bethlehem,
Someone will know peace and goodwill:
The Christ will be born!
See You Sunday,
Nicole
P.S. Here is a link to our opening hymn which will be new for many of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmcz2T5hCsY
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Ritter Center of San Rafael Christmas Gift Giving Program ~
Was a tremendous success! More than 45 toys and gifts were donated THANKS to the generosity of St Luke members and friends.
Come Celebrate Our Choir ~ This Sunday, 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 ~ Blue Christmas Service
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.