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 

Creation Sunday

This weekend marks the climax of the ecumenical Season of Creation which is celebrated by Christians across the world from September 1 through the weekend closest to the feast of St. Francis. As the patron saint of ecology, St. Francis’ feast day has become the rallying point around for Christians who seek to celebrate and care for the natural world. Our readings this Sunday, October 4, have been adapted from the assigned passages for Francis’ feast day; our music, which will be led by our Junior Choir and Choristers, will be joyfully and playfully in keeping with the theme of the day; and our special Coffee Hour will be sponsored by our Lunch Ministry. 

Blessing of the Animals 

Saturday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine!
Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals this Saturday, October 3rd. This beloved service celebrates the furry, feathered, stuffed, and scaly companions who enrich our lives. Bring your pet for a service and personal blessing inspired by St. Francis, who was well known for his love of nature. This service takes place in the driveway off Stockley Gardens and Boissevain Ave. A rain plan will be enacted as needed. If your pet does not travel well, or does not play nicely with others, you are welcome to bring a photo to be blessed instead. Animals must be under your control at all times (i.e. leashed or caged). Stuffed animals are welcome, too! 

Choral Evensong for St. Francis

Sunday, October 4, 5:30 p.m.

Often called “the jewel in the Anglican crown”, Choral Evensong is sung in cathedrals and parishes around the world, anchored in the psalms, prayers, and the canticles of Mary (Magnificat) and Simeon (Nunc dimittis). Come and reflect as the Parish Choir leads this 45-minute service. Music of Rheinberger, Brewer, and Hancock. Free-will offering, childcare provided. 

Formation

Adult Formation Continues, The Theology of Narrative 

Sunday, October 4, 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Lloyd Hall 

This fall, in keeping with our theme of God’s Story, Our Story, we’ll study how narrative can be used as a process of revelation, both in the Bible and in our lives. How do stories form us? What voices are we listening to? How can narrative distract us from truth, or reveal truth? Over five weeks in our Adult Forum, we’ll spend time examining Narrative Theology, applying that theology to biblical interpretation, and looking at some of the narratives in our local, national, and global contexts that help to reveal where God might be showing us something new and true. This forum series is facilitated by the clergy.

Episcopal 101

Sundays, 12:00—1:00 p.m. starting October 4 

New to the Episcopal Church or Christ & St. Lukes? Are you looking to deepen your knowledge of your faith tradition? Episcopal 101 is for you! We’ll look at some of the central aspects of our faith – like liturgy, prayer, music, biblical interpretation, and sacraments – and contextualize these ideas and practices within our own parish community. Episcopal 101 also serves as the required preparation class for those seeking Confirmation/Reception. This class is facilitated by Fr. Jared, and will meet on Sundays from 12-1 PM  for 6-weeks beginning on Oct. 4th. Childcare is available upon request. RSVP is not required, but highly encouraged. Reach out to Fr. Jared.

Children’s Formation, Chapel, and Child Care Fall 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 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.

Important information for when you drop off your child:

All children must be escorted by their parent or guardian to their designated room and signed in so that we have a record of children attending and a contact number for that Sunday morning. 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! Sunday, September 13, 5-7:00 p.m., Lower Lloyd Hall

Fellowship

Lunch Ministry Special Coffee Hour

Sunday, October 4 after the 10:15 a.m. service

Our Lunch Ministry will be showing off their culinary skills at this Sunday’s coffee hour, so come along a little hungrier than usual, if you’d like to sample everything on offer!

Faith In Action

Making Home Happen With The Urban Renewal Center

Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 AM
Our ministry partner, the Urban Renewal Center needs volunteers—especially those with trucks—to help transport donated furniture and household items to people transitioning into housing who need help furnishing their new homes. Even 1 1/2 hours of your time can make a meaningful difference as we help our neighbors take the next step toward stability. If you’re available to volunteer, please go to the form linked on our website to let them know. 

Harvest For Hope Food Drive

Starts Sunday,Oct 4, 2026 until Sunday Nov 1
With recent federal funding cuts, one in four children and seniors in Norfolk face food insecurity every day. Christ & St. Luke’s is joining nearly a dozen Norfolk congregations for our annual Harvest for Hope Food Drive. This year, our multi-church coalition has set an ambitious collective goal: 15,000 pounds of food to support the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Last year, our parish contributed 3,410 pounds of food, and this year, we hope to reach even higher! How you can help: Please bring non-perishable food, toiletries, and essential household items to drop in the collection bags in the back of the church throughout the month. We’ll also have shopping lists and bags available to make your trip to the grocery store straightforward. 

Health Matters For Every Body

Are you aware that early detection of breast cancer improves survival? Regular mammograms and knowing the normal look and feel of your breasts can help detect changes early. If you are over 40, have a family history of breast cancer, or feel something, now is the time to get a mammogram. Websites like www.komen.org and www.cancer.org have information you can trust.

Chrysler Museum Civic Salon on Faith

Tuesday, October 13, 11 a.m. — 12 p.m. 

Can faith communities be a model for strong civic communities? This engaging conversation at the Chrysler Museum will bring together Rabbi Michael Panitz and Father Noah Van Niel for a conversation about how norms, narratives, and rituals shape the way we live and work together. Using Baroque artwork as a starting point, the event will explore the connections between civic and religious traditions. Tickets are available through the museum at $8 and free for museum members. If you’d like to get in for free as a Christ & St. Luke’s parishioner, please email Drew Lusher at dlusher@chrysler.org.

Administration

Keeping Our Sanctuary Tidy

You may have noticed that our pews remained full through the summer and many folks are attending Sunday services more regularly now that fall programming has begun. This means more people moving around and a bit more attention required to keep our sanctuary clean and tidy. We can all help by keeping any beverages securely closed and remembering to toss our used bulletins in the recycle bin. These small efforts benefit us all. Thank you.