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.
Formation
Adult Formation With Rabbi Michael Panitz
Sunday, January 18, 9:15 a.m. — Lloyd Hall
The season of Epiphany is a season of divine encounter when we come face to face with manifestations of God in our life, in our world, and in ways that change the way we live, and thus, the world in which we live. For our Adult Formation class in this season we welcome back Rabbi Michael Panitz who will lead us through a number of Jewish resources at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays for the next five weeks, through Sunday, February 15, hat explore this idea of Epiphany and encounter, and the subsequent engagement it brings forth. Rabbi Panitz will also be our guest preacher on Sunday, February 8.
Experience The Saint John’s Bible
Sunday, January 18, in the Parlor Room
The Art Guild will be providing a trained docent in the Parlor following coffee hour, Sunday, January 18, and the third Sunday of each month for you to come explore The Saint John’s Bible volumes and illuminations. No need to RSVP, just come on in!
Rector’s Book Club
Friday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. in the Gold Room
TThis month we’ll be reading “Being Disciples” by Rowan Williams. The former Archbishop of Canterbury offers a short but theologically hefty look at what it means to live as a follower of Christ in the modern world. You can also get ahead on our other picks for the quarter, if you’re so inclined!
—February 27 at 4 p.m.: “Humbler Faith, Bigger God” by Sam Wells. Wells, the Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, takes the major criticisms of the Christian faith and offers a different, humbler story for us to live by.
—March (Lenten Series): “Jesus and the Disinherited” by Howard Thurman. In place of our usual group, we will join our friends at Second Calvary Baptist Church for a collaborative Lenten study of this foundational text of the civil rights
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 yearsoldgather 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 oldgather 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 oldgather 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 Meetings in January
Sunday, January 25, 5:00-7:00pm
All middle and high school students are invited to come for dinner and fellowship. These two Sundays will be time for planning for Youth Sunday which is on Sunday, February 1. All youth that would like to participate should be in attendance.
Fellowship
Judie Belka’s retirement celebration
January 18th after the 10:15 a.m. service during coffee hour
We invite you all to attend and bring cards for Judie which we can present to her during coffee hour. Judie has been the heart of our parish as Director of Parish Operations, guiding us through challenges like the renovation project and overseeing The Williams School Preschool’s integration, all while fostering our growth with care, wisdom, and compassion. For five years, her kindness and dedication have blessed our community deeply. Now, as new seasons arise, Judie is ready to embrace life’s next chapter. Thankfully, she’s not leaving us — she’ll remain in the pews, singing in the choir, and contributing to parish life. Come, share your appreciation for Judie!
Seasoned Spirits
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., The Green Onion
This group was begun by parishioners who wanted to make deeper connections with other members of their church family who are passing through the middle decades of life (40 and over). We meet on the third Tuesday each month at the Green Onion at 1603 Colley Avenue, Norfolk. Food and drink available for purchase. For additional information contact Jo Ann Short.
First Thursday Suppers return in February
Thursday, February 5, at the home of Doug & Laurie Weymouth, 2091 Kenlake Place, Norfolk, VA 23518
If you’re new or have never been along to First Thursday Supper, we hope you consider attending this relaxed, “no agenda” evening with friends old and new, a potluck 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 O’Malley Hale, Maria Lyall, Vickie Easley or B.J. Taylor.
New Art Guild exhibit
Now showing! — thru’ early March
The Arts Guild invites you to visit the art hall opposite the Gold Room and enjoy the “Stitched Arts” winter exhibit featuring the work of four artists, Corey Shrontz, Taryn Lamp, Chris O’Keefe, and Heidi Anderson. We hope you will take a moment to pause and appreciate the work of these talented artists!
Virginia International Tattoo Church Outing
Sunday, April 19, 2:30 p.m., Scope Arena
Christ & St. Luke’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches are going to the Virginia International Tattoo! This event is a great opportunity for our two churches to enjoy a time of fellowship while experiencing a wonderful show of music and choreography. The Tattoo is an unforgettable experience featuring 800 performers from all over the world, including massed pipes and drums, military bands, drill teams, dancers, choirs, and special guests. We have arranged discounted and reserved seating in Section 214, which can be accessed here. The discount rate for adults ($42.08) will be applied at checkout. The student rate ($24.75 – students and children under 25) does not change at checkout. Please note: All the seats in this block do require some steps to reach, but there are handrails. The deadline is February 15, so get tickets now through the link above. For more questions, please email Joanna Binford at or Scott Crissman.
Faith in Action
Gospel Gang Socks & Gloves Collection
Through January & February
The Gospel Gang (ages 9-12) are collecting socks & gloves for participants in the Norfolk Winter Shelter. Please consider bringing new/unused adult sized socks and/or gloves to CSL during the months of January & February. You’ll see the Gospel Gang’s donation box located in the (tower? Main entrance?). These will be packaged with additional necessities and distributed to guests at the Norfolk Winter Shelter in March.
Furniture donations for our neighbors needed for the Urban Renewal Center
Our friends at the Urban Renewal Center on Colonial Ave. are experiencing a surge in requests for their Housing Transition Program, and invite you to help Norfolk neighbors move from homelessness toward stability. They urgently need Queen/King beds and frames, couches, dressers, dining tables, and housewares. Please consider sharing your bounty with them at theurcnorfolk.com.
Norfolk Winter Shelter: Sign-up today!
The volunteer sign-up for our host week of the Norfolk Winter Shelter is live! This important ecumenical ministry helps provide emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. This year, Christ & St. Luke’s is teaming up with Freemason Baptist to host a week of the NWS from March 8th–15th. Follow the link below to use our online registration system. Volunteers are needed for all types of positions, including set-up & clean-up, guest relations & room monitors, registration teams, food prep, and overnight monitors. Each position is defined on our online registration system. We’re also seeking volunteers to staff our kitchen crew. Reach out to Fr. Jared directly to learn more about kitchen crew opportunities. Additionally, all volunteers must attend the Volunteer Training on Feb. 25th from 6:00-7:30 PM at Freemason Baptist Church. (Link forthcoming).
Administration
Extra Parking Available
There is extra parking available in the Ohef Shalom Temple parking lot this Sunday, January 18.
Offices Closed to Mark Martin Luther King, jr. Day
Monday, January 19
We will return to work on Tuesday, January 20.
Miscellaneous
Security Update
To help keep our worship services safe and undisturbed, exterior doors to the Nave will be locked a few minutes after our services begin. Emergency exits remain unlocked. If you arrive late or need assistance, please walk around to the back of the church and ring the lobby doorbell for the main entrance to the Win Lewis Community House off Stockley Gardens, and an usher will welcome you in, promptly. This small step helps protect our community and preserve the flow of worship. Thank you for your understanding and being part of our congregation.
