Sunday, December 9, 2018
This Sunday
The Advent theme this Sunday is Joy. Sometimes focusing on a word, one solitary word like joy, can do more for us than all the scripture analysis in the world. As I contemplate joy, I’m reminded once again of how it’s gifted to us by God. Like any gift, we need eyes to see it, ears to hear it and arms to embrace it.
The Psalmist reminds us, Teach me your way, Lord, so that I can walk in your truth. Make my heart focused only on honoring your name. (86:11)
What a wonderful verse to pray each day this Advent. Christmas deserves our whole heart. And so Advent becomes a wonderful time to prepare our hearts to embrace all signs of light given for us.
Which brings us to our other scripture, which is one we usually don’t hear until Christmas Eve. Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night.-Luke 2: 8-20
Can you imagine for a moment being a shepherd living in fields? These were not the sheep owners and definitely not the landowners. They are the hired help and life, in a nutshell, was not easy. There’s plenty of waiting in
I was reminded of a personal favorite hymn this week. I share both a few of the lyrics and a link to listen to a beautiful choral rendition. Enjoy as you contemplate what it means to walk in truth and honor with your whole heart the name of God.
I want to walk as a child of light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star in my life is Jesus.
In
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/w/a/iwanwalk.htm
REMINDER-This Sunday is our last chance to drop off toys and gifts for our Ritter Center Giving tree. If you don’t have a tag, simply purchased a gift for any aged/gender child and Ritter Center will make sure it finds a home.
See you Sunday, with joy.
Nicole
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.
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.