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. For more details on our ongoing ministries, meetings and programs, please see our events calendar linked here. If you’d like to suggest an upcoming event for inclusion in that calendar please email communications@christandstlukes.org.
Liturgy & Music
Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson
We are delighted to welcome The Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson as our guest preacher this Sunday, August 23. A retired priest with over 30 years of experience, Rich formerly served as Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts and remains a sought-after retreat leader and expert in church leadership. He will be leading our vestry in retreat on August 22. We are thrilled to host him, thanks in part to his long-standing friendship with our Senior Warden, JoAnn Short, and Fr. Noah, who are both very excited to share him with everyone!
Join the Summer Choir!
All Sundays in August
Have you ever wanted to sing in the choir but can’t make the weekly commitment? Our summer choir will meet on Sunday mornings through August 30. Arrive at 9:15 a.m. if you don’t have a robe, and we will start rehearsing at 9:30 a.m. A simple anthem will be prepared. Music-reading ability is not required but is helpful.
Acolyte Festival – Last Week to RSVP!
Saturday August 29, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., the Gold Room.
This is the final week to sign-up to serve as an Acolyte for the 2026-27 Program Year. New Acolytes must attend the Festival before serving, and Returning Acolytes are highly encouraged to attend. The Festival is our yearly training and helps us form the acolyte teams that serve throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about serving as an acolyte, please reach out to Fr. Jared (jared.grant@christandstlukes.org) no later than Wednesday, Aug. 26th.
Usher & Greeter Training
Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Calling All Ushers & Greeters! There is a training for our Usher and Greeter Ministry on Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. All current and new ushers should plan to attend, as this training will introduce new protocols. If you are interested in serving as an Usher or Greeter, there is still time to sign-up! Reach out to Fr. Jared today.
Children’s Choirs Resume
Do you know a child who likes to sing? Our children’s choir rehearsals resume in September, and we would love to have your child join our music program! Choristers (8-18 years old) begin Wednesday, September 16. Junior Choir (5-7 years old) & Cherubs (3-4 years) begin Wednesday, September 30. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday evening (either 30 or 60 minutes depending on age). For more information, please click here or contact Kevin Kwan or Melinda Van Niel.
Formation
Sunday Childcare and Children’s Chapel Summer Schedule
· 9:00 a.m. – Children up to 3 years old 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 in the choir.
· 10:15 a.m. – All children through 8 years old participate in developmentally appropriate worship during Children’s Chapel in their respective rooms. Children ages 3-8 in the gold room. Children under 3 in the blue room. Older children will be brought into church to rejoin their families at the Peace. If you would like your child under three to join you at the Peace, please come to the Children’s Room at that time to sign them out.
While children’s formation has concluded for the program year, childcare for children under 3 and Children’s Chapel will continue through the summer. Please escort your child and sign them in when they arrive for Childcare or Children’s Chapel.
Fellowship
Newcomers’ Brunch
Sunday, August 30, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Please join us for a warm, informal Newcomers’ Brunch — a relaxed opportunity to connect with other newcomers, meet parish leaders, and learn more about worship, ministries, and ways to get involved at Christ & St. Luke’s. The brunch will be hosted at the home of parishioner Bobby Smith, 570 Mowbray Arch, within walking distance of the church. Please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Rachel Welch. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you feel at home in our community.
First Thursday Supper Returns
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the home of Kate & Rosser Bobbitt, 1005 Windsor Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
If you’re new or have never been; we hope you consider this relaxed, “no agenda” evening with friends old and new, a pot luck meal and plenty of fellowship. No sign up is necessary and all are welcome. Bring a dish to share. For questions please contact a member of the Committee: Ginny Hale, Maria Lyall, Vickie Easley or B.J. Taylor at taylorasc@aol.com or 757-373-6701. We look forward to seeing you!
Faith In Action
Ghent Area Ministry Neighborhood Day
Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1301 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk (across from the Harris Teeter)
Our friends at the Ghent Area Ministry invite you to join them for Neighborhood Day. They’re hosting a free community event with complimentary hot dogs, chips, and drinks. While you’re there, take a tour of their center and discover opportunities to get involved and volunteer. They are also holding a food and clothing drive, accepting donations of new and gently used clothing for men and women, new underwear and socks, and non-perishable canned food items. Learn more at gamhelpsnorfolk.org.
Administration
Christ & St. Luke’s T-Shirts: Now Re-stocked!
These comfortable, stylish tri-blend tees are a perfect way to share your parish pride throughout Norfolk and beyond. Proceeds go directly to support our mission. Order yours online today at https://christandstlukes.org/give/t-shirt-order/
Big Dates Coming In September
Mark your calendars for an exciting fall season! We have a fantastic lineup to launch our 2026-7 program year:
- September 13: Homecoming Sunday — Join us for a special celebration with coffee hour treats after both services.
- September 20: Ministry Fair — Discover meaningful ways to get more involved in our parish.
- September 27: Adult Formation — Classes resume at our regular time of 9:15 a.m.
Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming fall ministry and event brochure for more details!
Additional Parking in August
Thank you to our friends at Ohef Sholom Temple for the use of their parking lot. We may park at 530 Raleigh Avenue all Sundays in August. Also, please be sure to observe all street parking signs on Sundays, as these signs are intended to ensure pedestrian safety.
