Sunday, December 22, 2019
This Sunday
Dear St. Luke Community,
This Sunday is our final Sunday of Advent and the symbolic candle is the candle of love. It’s no wonder that love comes just days before we light the Christ candle. If Jesus is love made flesh it makes even more sense to have these two candles side by side.
With images of creche statues, stained glass and greeting cards, we forget that to be made of flesh and blood is to feel all of what life brings; sweat and tears, grief and compassion, fear and anxiety, peace, and finally love.
We’re also reminded of the flesh that is Joseph and Mary. (Matthew 1:18-25) When we imagine all of what Jospeh went through; from the learning of the news to the time Jesus is born, I imagine he ran through every emotion known to God. I’m always in awe of these two human beings who demonstrated the kind of trust we all long for.
We hear the stories each year and each year we’re called upon to deepen our own sense of trust. As love comes down at Christmas, all over again, in our lives and in the world, may you trust in God, in our creator, in what has been and will be.
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator
for all I have not seen.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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!
Upcoming Events & Announcements
All are welcome to attend
Celebrate Christmas with St. Luke
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