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.
Download the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Guide
We are entering a busy season of the year, so be sure to download the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany guide so you don’t miss any of the special events and ministry opportunities coming up.
Liturgy & Music
The Virginia Chorale: Sing We Nowell!
Sunday, December 8, 4:00 p.m.
The Virginia Chorale presents their annual holiday concert featuring A Winter Breviary by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, and The Quiet Heart by June Collin. Familiar carols and holiday selections round out this intimate concert. $30 tickets available at the door.
Blue Christmas Service
Friday, December 20, 6:00 p.m.
At a time of year when so many experience feelings of grief, loss, and hardship, the Blue Christmas service offers a space for prayer, music, and reflection and invites us into God’s promise of hope and healing. We’ve designed this service to include ample space for silence and reflection, all anchored with the meditative music of the Taizé community led by members of the Christ & St. Luke’s choir. The service will also include Holy Eucharist. The chapel will open at 5:30 p.m. for silent prayer, followed by the service at 6:00 p.m.
Join Us for the Joyous Celebration of Christmas!
Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
- 4:30 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with Christmas Pageant
- 10:00 p.m. – The Feast of the Nativity with Full Choir and Brass (Prelude begins at 9:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, December 25 – Christmas Day
- 10:15 a.m. – The Feast of the Nativity
Sunday, December 29 – The 1st Sunday after Christmas
- 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – Christmas Lessons and Carols
Formation
The Saint John’s Bible is here!
This weekend we welcome two volumes of the incredible work of devotional art known as The Saint John’s Bible. These two volumes will be on display in our church for the enjoyment and enrichment of our parishioners, cross-denominational partners, and the community in general through the end of April 2025. If you would like to learn more about these marvelous works you can come to the training tomorrow, Saturday, December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. You can also attend an abbreviated introduction to The St. John’s Bible happening in our adult formation hour this Sunday, December 8, 9:15 a.m. in Lloyd Hall. Discover more about this masterpiece here.
Queer Theology Book Club
Monday, December 9, 7:00 p.m.
Join us at Café Stella for discussion and fellowship. Contact A.J. Nolan for more information.
Advent Devotionals
For families and children, there will be daily and weekly editions from Illustrated Ministry and Creative Communications. For adults, the Living Compass Advent devotional (free) will be available as well as these two books: The Art of Advent and Waiting on The Word. If you are interested in one of the two books, we are asking for a $10 donation. Please email Kathy Hanna if you would like a copy to be held for you.
Everything You Want to Know about the Christmas Pageant
- Participants: All children, ages 3-18 years old, are invited to participate in the Christmas pageant. The magic happens on Christmas Eve at the 4:30 p.m. service.
- Rehearsals: Please be sure you are available for at least 3 rehearsals and the December 24th rehearsal is mandatory.
- Wednesday, December 11, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 18, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 24, Call time 3:00 p.m.
- Sign Up: Complete the online registration form to sign your child(ren) up. Registration will end December 8.
- Original Artwork for the 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve bulletin: The original artwork must be black and white only. Submit artwork to Kathy Hanna and be sure your child’s name is on the back.
- Please contact Kathy Hanna with any questions.
Sunday Childcare, Children’s Formation & Children’s Chapel
Registration for Children’s Programming & Fall Sunday Schedule
You may now Register Online for all children’s programming. Find the Fall Sunday Schedule here.
Important information for when you drop off your child
Please escort your child to the Children’s Room (under 3) or the Gold Room (3 and older). Sign them in so we have a record of who is there. If your child is rejoining you for Communion, please watch for them when they come down the ramp. Parents should return to the Children’s Room to sign out a child under 3 years old. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe!
Fellowship
Caroling, Cocoa, and Cookies
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.
Dress in holiday garb and join us as we regale the neighborhood with Christmas carols. After caroling, we will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies (feel free to bring your favorite Christmas cookies) and fellowship in the Main Reception area.
Outreach
Together for Kenya 2024 Angel Tree
We are truly touched and grateful for the generosity that comes from our Christ & St. Luke’s church family each Christmas season in support of our Kenya Mission. The ornaments on the Angel Tree in the back of the church represent over 2,000 at risk children who are being helped with medical care, education and food. With your help, Together for Kenya can accomplish the vital work of caring for the vulnerable and marginal with grace and compassion. Please consider a gift of $60.00.
Norfolk Winter Shelter – Sign up Today!
Each year, the Norfolk Winter Shelter offers a tangible expression of the love of Christ as we serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness during the coldest times of the year. For the week of February 9-16, St. Andrew’s Episcopal in West Ghent will host the shelter physically, and Christ & St. Luke’s will staff the volunteer roles – including cooking, cleaning, and being an overnight presence. Volunteer roles are available now for sign up! Click here to find the full list of volunteer roles. Please sign up early to help us prepare for this important ministry. There will be a volunteer training on January 28 for all volunteers to orient themselves to the NWS operations. A full explanation of roles will be available in the back of the Church this Sunday. Reach out to Fr. Jared or Jamie Lewis with any questions.
Administration
Christmas Memorial Flowers
We are currently accepting Christmas memorial flower contributions online through December 18. Please complete the online order form here and let us know if you are contributing in memory or thanksgiving of loved ones. Select “Christmas Flowers” in the drop down menu on the payment page. Christmas Flower envelopes are also available in the Tower entrance or reception area if you prefer to write a check. These flowers will be adorning our church for Christmas, so please consider donating to honor your loved ones. Please email Judie Belka with questions.
