Here are this week’s announcements. Be sure to view all upcoming events at christandstlukes.org/events. If you do not already get our weekly email updates, you can subscribe here.
Liturgy & Music
Visiting Preacher Hannah Anderson
Don’t miss a transformative weekend with acclaimed spiritual writer Hannah Anderson! After guiding Saturday’s Advent Quiet Day, the author of Heaven and Nature Sing joins us Sunday as our guest preacher and teacher.
Known for blending deep theological insight with personal storytelling, Hannah will preach a powerful sermon titled “The Voice of One Crying” at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services. Also please join us at 9:15 a.m. for a special Adult Formation hour where Hannah will lead a session on the theme of “Rediscovering the Heart of Advent.”
What a rare opportunity to push back against the holiday rush and reclaim the season’s profound hope. Come. Be inspired! You can also watch Fr. Noah’s interview with Hannah in preparation for this weekend on our website.
Afterwards this week’s coffee hour sponsor, the Thursday Lunch Ministry, will be serving a full brunch in Lloyd Hall after the 10:15 a.m. service.
The Virginia Chorale: Sing We Nowell
Sunday, December 7, 4:00 p.m.
Welcome the holidays with the Virginia Chorale as we celebrate four beloved composers with milestone birthdays in 2025: Arvo Pärt (90), John Rutter (80), Bob Chilcott (70), and Giovanni da Palestrina (500). $30 tickets at vachorale.org or at the door.
Formation
Adult Forum: Sacred Word & Sacred Image
This class will meet during the 9:15 a.m. Adult Formation hour on November 30, December 14, and December 21.
Christ & St. Luke’s proudly stewards the wonderful gift of The Saint John’s Bible and this Advent, our participatory Adult Formation series invites deep reflection to study the Bible’s scripture and beautiful illuminations. CSL docents will unlock the rich meaning woven into each page.
Advent Devotionals
This Advent we have a number of devotional resources available. Download the “Living Compass” devotional entitled “Living Well Through Advent 2025” here, or pick up a copy in the Tower Room at the church. Another devotional we recommend is the book Heaven and Nature Sing by Hannah Anderson (which also happens to be the Rector’s Book Club pick for December 19th!).!
Children’s Formation Schedule
Important information for when you drop off your child:
Please escort your child to the Children’s Room (under 3), or Gold Room (3 and older) or Lower Llloyd (9-11 years old). Sign them in so we have a record of who is here and please make sure there is an adult present. If your child is rejoining you for communion, please watch for them when they come down the ramp. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe!
9:00 a.m. – Children up to 3 yearsold gather in the blue room in the Parish House at the end of the hallway before the stairs for childcare if their parents are attending adult formation or sing in the choir.
9:00 a.m. – Children’s Formation for children 3-8 years old gather in the meeting room (the gold room) for what was formerly known as “Sunday School.” We will explore scripture and the traditions of the Episcopal church through stories, music, and art response.
9:00 a.m. – Children’s Formation for children 9-12 years old gather in Lower Lloyd for discussion of scripture, the Episcopal Church, and Christ & St. Luke’s. Participants are invited to join their families for the 10:15 a.m. service.
9:00 a.m. – Teen Group (12-16 years old) gather in the Mezzanine Office to discuss and reflect on their spiritual lives and growing closer to God through prayer and contemplation.
10:15 a.m. – All children through 8 years old participate in developmentally appropriate worship during Children’s Chapel in their respective rooms. Older children will be brought into church to rejoin their families at the Peace. If you would like your child under 3 to join you at the Peace, please come to the Children’s Room at that time to sign them out.
CSL Youth Christmas Morning
Sunday, December 14, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
It’s Christmas morning for all CSL Youth on Sunday, December 14! All are invited for Caroling and Cocoa at 3:00 p.m. and CSL Youth Christmas Morning will begin at 5:00 pm. Christmas breakfast will be served and reindeer games and crafts will appear. We will meet in Lower Lloyd. Wear your Christmas pajamas or favorite Christmas sweater. Bring a wrapped gift ($10 limit!) for our gift swap. Please note that these gifts are for fun! Our revels should be finished around 7:00 p.m. Contact Kathy Hanna with questions.
Time To Get Your Book For Rector’s Book Club
Friday, December 19, 4:00 p.m.
Last month’s discussion of Christian Wiman’s “Zero at the Bone” was a real treat. If you missed the discussion, we took a deep dive into Mr. Wiman’s intense, challenging work. We wrestled with a faith that refuses neat and tidy answers and demands a raging honesty. Next up: We pivot from the storm to the stillness. Join us on December 19 as we discuss Hannah Anderson’s book, “Heaven and Nature Sing” and focus on the idea of quiet resistance in a busy Advent season. Get your copy today so you have time to read it before the book club meets!
Fellowship
Free Art Tour
Sunday, December 7, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., The Chrysler Museum of Art
CSL Art Guild member and Chrysler Museum docent, Natalie Henry, will be leading a guided art tour. Come learn about “Art History 101: Late 20th Century Art.” There is no cost to you and no need to RSVP (what a gift!), simply meet Natalie by the museum front desk on Sunday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Women of Wisdom
Tuesday, December 9 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., the Gold Room
Women of Wisdom meets on to continue the discussion of Rediscovering Christmas by AJ Sherrill, from Chapter 7 to the end. Please join us for lively discussion and warm fellowship. You do not have to read the book to join us!
Caroling and Cocoa
Sunday, December 14, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Dress in holiday garb and we will regale the neighborhood with Christmas carols. After caroling, we will have hot cocoa and cookies (feel free to bring your favorite Christmas cookies!) and fellowship in the Main Reception area.
Faith in Action
Volunteer Opportunity – Worship Bag Assembly
Have you ever noticed those canvas bags many CSL children are holding on Sunday mornings? These worship bags are full of fun activities including children’s worship bulletins, liturgical dry erase pages, books, fidget toys, and writing utensils, and are carefully assembled each week. They are loved by the children of our parish and keep young hands and minds occupied during services. If you’d like to help with worship bag preparation please reach out to Rachel Welch. This task generally takes 30-60 minutes and can be completed at your convenience at church.
Elizabeth River Project Tour
Tuesday, January 13, 5:00 p.m at the Ryan Resilience Lab, 4610 Colley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23508
You’re invited to join Caring for Creation on a guided tour of the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab, highlighting innovative resilience and restoration work happening right here in our neighborhood. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring opportunity to learn more about creation care and our parish’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Reach out to Brad Robinson with questions.
Save the Date – Norfolk Winter Shelter: March 8-15
The Norfolk Winter Shelter begins soon! This important ecumenical ministry helps provide emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. This year’s “NWS” runs from December 21st–March 22nd. Christ & St. Luke’s is teaming up with Freemason Baptist to host a week of the NWS from March 8th–15th. Please save the date, and keep an eye out for the volunteer registration form, which will open soon. We need your support to make this vital ministry possible.
Administration
Stewardship campaign update
We have incredible news to share! We have officially exceeded both our total amount pledged and our total number of pledgers compared to last year.
Currently, we have raised $1.25 million, which puts us approximately 96% of the way toward our $1.3 million goal. We are just $50,000 short of fully funding our vision for the coming year.
We know there are still several members who have indicated they plan to pledge. If you have received a follow-up call or email, we would deeply appreciate a response — even if it is to let us know that you are unable to pledge this year — so that we can finalize our budget planning.
Help us close that final gap and reach our goal! You can make your pledge using the link below.
We’ve also prepared a helpful FAQ on pledging in response to popular demand.
Order Your Christmas Flowers Today
We invite you to participate in a cherished Christ & St.Luke’s tradition by dedicating Christmas Altar Flowers in memory of the departed, or in thanksgiving of loved ones this Advent season, a contribution that supports our flower ministry for the year. Christmas Flower envelopes will be available in the pews from Sunday, November 30 to Sunday, December 14; but we encourage you to sign up instantly online using this link and selecting “Christmas Flowers” in the drop-down box. Your contributions of $12.00 per person or $20.00 per couple will be mentioned by name in our Christmas bulletin. Please note the deadline: the last day to order flowers will be Sunday, December 14, so we can ensure the list is prepared in time for the Christmas bulletins.
Christmas Ushers
We are in need of ushers for our Advent and Christmas Services. If you are interested in being an usher for a day, please contact Judie and she will add you to the schedule. Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
