december 2019 - wordpress.comfriends recently wrestled a baby grand piano into submission and...

St. Luke Lutheran Church Office: 804-272-0486 Email: [email protected], Web: www.stlukerichmond.org

A publication of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA

WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP AT ST. LUKE

1

December 8, 2019 Second Sunday of Advent

9:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am Holy Communion Worship

11:30am Council Meeting

December 22, 2019 Fourth Sunday of Advent


with Christmas Cantata 11:00am Cookie Reception

December 25, 2019 Christmas Day

The Nativity of Our Lord 10:00am Festival Worship Service

with Holy Communion

December 1, 2019 First Sunday of Advent


with Stephen Minister Commissioning

December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent


with Christmas Pageant 11:30am Advent Lunch/Ornament making

December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve

The Nativity of Our Lord 8:00pm Candlelight Worship Service

with Holy Communion

FOCUS ON WORSHIP

ADVENT: Advent is Latin for “to come.” It is the first season of the Church year, comprising the four weeks before Christmas. The coming to earth of humanity’s Redeemer represents the focus and principle theme of the Advent season. Advent draws our attention both toward the long-awaited birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, and to the second Advent, when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. The color for the Season of Advent is blue.

ADVENT WREATH: The Advent Wreath is a wreath of 4 candles, used during the weeks of Advent. It probably originated among early Lutherans in Germany, as a symbol of waiting and watchfulness during the weeks of Advent. The Advent wreath is customarily placed near the Gospel side of the altar (the left side as the congregation faces the alter). It is removed from the church at the conclusion of Advent, prior to the Christmas celebration.

CHRISTMAS: The word “Christmas” is Old English for “The Mass of Christ.” Christmas is the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord, when the Word became flesh (John 1:14) through the birth of Jesus the Christ. The celebration of the birth of Christ is preceded by Advent as preparation for the Nativity of the Lord. In contrast to the subdued and austere mood of Advent, Christmas is characterized by grateful praise and festive joy.

CHRISTMAS SEASON: The Christmas season is the 12 day period celebrating the Incarnation of Christ and begins December 24 (Christmas Eve) and ends on January 5 (the eve of the Epiphany of Our Lord). Christmas adornments and decorations remain in place and Christmas hymns and carols are sung throughout this season. The appointed color for this season is white.

What’s INSIDE

2 Staff Contact / Membership

2 Pastor’s Letter & Hours

3 Director Of Music Letter

4 Attendance and Prayers

4 December Events

5 Special Events Info

6-7 Advent Information

7 Save the Date - Musical

8 Cantata, Christmas Services

9 Angel Tree, Memory Tree

10 Council, Staff Gifts

11 Event Submissions

11 January Events

12 Altar Flowers Information

13 Learning Ministry

14 Misc. Christmas Info

15 Outreach, Outside Groups

16 Committees & Groups Info

17 Nov. info, Social Media

18 Poinsettias

20 Advent Calendar

21 December Calendar

D e c e mb e r 2 019

December 28, 2019 First Christmas of Christmas

NO Sunday School 10:00am Lessons and Carols Worship Service

St. Luke Lutheran Church Office: 804-272-0486 Email: [email protected], Web: www.stlukerichmond.org 2

The Lonely Manger

In the month of December when I was a kid, our house truly was a Christmas to behold. First there was the snow city set up on the ping pong table in our large living room. An entire town, all lit up with a variety of buildings. There was a town park with skating figurines on a mirror lake. There were even telephone poles complete with thread wires. It was a tradition started long ago by my father's mother and every year something new was added. At the other end of the living room was our Christmas tree, a tree of absolute splendor. Each light was carefully positioned and surrounded by reflectors. Each ornament was carefully placed to provide for proper balance. Finally the icicles - not those flimsy saran ones we have today - but icicles made of lead. Placing the icicles was solely my father's job. He did not tolerate random flinging of the icicles. Each strand, one by one, was carefully placed. He would stand back looking for any bare spot and had been known to go out into the night to buy another package so the Christmas tree would be perfect in his eyes. In the middle of the living room, on top of the big Zenith console radio, was the manger scene. A very humble manger scene made of cardboard with all the figurines glued to the base. Up under the roof was a place for a single Christmas light to shine down. Each year we would experiment with different colored bulbs finally settling on blue because it seemed to create a more serene ambiance. And one night close to Christmas, my dad asked me to turn off the Christmas lights in the living room. First the tree, then the snow city. The room in complete darkness except for the dim blue light above the manger scene. I wish I could say that at that moment I had some kind of revelation but at the age of ten revelations were few and far between. But somehow the memory of that moment always stayed with me and through the years the revelation of Christmas grows brighter. The dim blue light, the cardboard manger, the quiet darkness. It all comes flooding back. I can close my eyes anytime I want and remember the gift God gave me when I was ten years old. In Peace, Pastor Fred

PASTOR’S

CHRISTMAS

MESSAGE

Church Staff Contact Info

Rev. Fredrick Marcoux, Pastor 804-272-0486 x 2 [email protected]

Tammy Hammond, Church Administrator 804-272-0486 x 1 [email protected]

Richard Barnett, Director of Music 804-272-0486 x 3 [email protected]

Sarah Mills, Program Director 804-272-0486 x 1 [email protected]

St. Luke Lutheran Church is a member of the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Church in America. To find out more about the Lutheran Church, please visit the following websites: ELCA, www.ELCA.org or Virginia Synod, www.vasynod.org

Virginia Synod News The Virginia Lutheran, which is the

Virginia Synod's newsletter, is available

If you have enjoyed worshiping with us and are contemplating becoming a member, we would love to hear from you! Please contact the Rev. Fred Marcoux, our pastor; Tammy, the church administrator; or any member of our Evangelism committee for more info. If you would like to meet with Pastor Fred, please contact Tammy in the church office to schedule an appointment. Phone: 804-272-0486 ext.1 or email: [email protected] Thank you.

Are you interested in joining our

St Luke family?

Pastor Fred has Wednesday office hours. Please call the office at 804-272-0486, ext. 1

if you would like to schedule an appointment with him.

You can also leave him a confidential message by calling 804-272-0486 and selecting ext. 2.

Pastor’s email address is [email protected].

No Bible Study Class on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1

Pastor Fred


“Piano Team Six!”

Have you have heard of the elite “Seal Team Six” squad? Well St. Luke Lutheran Church now has its own “Piano Team Six!” Here is the engrossing story of how six friends recently wrestled a baby grand piano into submission and brought it to the St. Luke choir room. Recently a kindly soul, Carolyn Cimino Watson, called the church and offered a beautiful Yamaha baby grand piano to any Lutheran Church that would move it from her home because she was moving out-of-state and could not take the piano with her. So six of us, Sim Austin, Dan Crandall, Cal Vonada, Elliot Barnett, Rich Barnett and Luci Hughes met early on a Saturday morning and moved the piano from her house to St. Luke. It was a heroic effort by the team as they battled two house cats and negotiated their escape through cabinets of beautiful cut-glass vases and dishware. The only injury was to Rich Barnett’s pride when he realized the piano would not fit in his van and it had to be placed in his son’s truck. Please stop by the choir room and see the beautiful Young-Chang piano, given to us in memory of Fred Cimino, Sr.

UPCOMING MUSICAL EVENTS: CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 15th during the 10:00am Worship Service. Our Annual Advent Luncheon and Ornament Making Event follows the Worship Service. There will be a dinner and pageant rehearsal on Wednesday, December 11th at 5:30pm for the children participating. ADULT CHOIR CANTATA The Adult Choir Cantata, “Christmas Canticles”, will be performed on Sunday, December 22nd at the 10:00am Worship Service. A cookie reception follows the Worship Service. ANNUAL SUMMER MUSIC CAMP The Fourth Annual Summer Music Camp will be held from July 13 through July 17, 2020. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about any of our St. Luke Music Ministry programs. Peace, Richard Barnett Director of Music 804-272-0486, Ext. 3 [email protected]

St. Luke Music Ministry

If you would like more information about St. Luke’s musical ministry,

please contact our Director of Music.

Rich Barnett 804-272-0486, X3

[email protected]

HANDBELL CHOIR REHEARSALS

Thursdays at 6:30pm

CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS

Thursdays at 7:30pm

Thank you to everyone that participates in our musical ministry!


STEPHEN MINISTER COMMISSIONING: Dec. 1, 10:00am

BIBLE STUDY: Dec. 4, 10:30am

HANDBELL CHOIR: Dec. 5, 6:30pm

CHANCEL CHOIR: Dec. 5, 7:30pm

COUNCIL MEETING: Dec. 8, 11:30am

AM WOMEN’S GRP: Dec. 10, 10:30am


PAGEANT REHEARSAL: Dec. 11, 5:00pm

PM WOMEN’S GRP: Dec. 11, 6:30pm



MEN’S LUNCH GRP: Dec. 12, 12:00pm

BOOK CLUB: Dec. 13, 7:30pm

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Dec. 15, 10am Lunch and ornament making event to follow

MEALS ON WHEELS: Dec. 17, 11:00am




MEALS ON WHEELS: Dec. 19, 11:00am

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Dec. 20

CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Dec. 22, 10am Cookie reception after the service

RINGERS AND SINGERS CHRISTMAS PARTY: Dec. 22, 12:00pm, Witthoefft’s

CHRISTMAS EVE SVC: Dec. 24, 8:00pm

CHRISTMAS DAY SVC: Dec. 25, 10:00am

NO BIBLE STUDY: Dec. 25

NO HANDBELL CHOIR: Dec. 26

NO CHANCEL CHOIR: Dec. 26

LESSONS & CAROLS WORSHIP SVC: Dec. 29, 10:00am

November 2019 Worship Attendance

Worship Sunday School

Sunday, November 3, 2019 75 06 All Saints Sunday Sunday, November 10, 2019 81 07 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, November 17, 2019 76 08 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, November 24, 2019 72 N/A Reformation Sunday TOTALS 304 21

Our Prayer Requests from November

We pray for our needs and those of others. Please keep the following members, their families, and our friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Prayers were asked for: Terri Cook, Kelly Cooper, Mary Dietz, David Hahn, Carolyn Cockerham, Ken Hammond III, Dieter Karras, Jim Malone, Family of Betsy O’Connell, Adele Pennington, Family of Virgie Pope, Family of Luther Shealy, Reese Tussey, Ed Von Hoene, Debbie Baker Williams, Family of Millie Wilson, Brian Winnell, Karen Witthoefft

Continued Prayers were asked for: Sarah Beck, Jo Blandford, Paul Butkovich, Judy Chaplin, Rita Coffman, Paul Crizer, Howard Dickenson, Pam Dickenson, Michael Fowler, Ken Hammond II, Deborah Hoover, Howdy Howdyshell, Ken Kerschbaumer, Lesley Marcoux, Ellen Mears, Linda Metoyer, Beverley Stopps Powers, Susan Robinson, Pastor Ken Ruppar, Josh Scott, Robert Williams, Phyllis Worrell, Betty Yarbrough

Names are kept on the prayer list for four weeks unless otherwise indicated.

Please keep the office informed of any updates or changes. Thank you.

If you would like to add a family member or a friend to the

prayer list, please complete a blue Prayer Request Card and

drop it in the offering plate on Sunday or turn it in to the office.

Prayer Request Cards are available in each pew rack, from the

church office and from any usher.


UPCOMING EVENTS

ADVENT BEGINS Sunday, December 1, 10am Svc Advent readings/Wreath Lighting COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN MINISTERS Sunday, December 1, 10:00am CHRISTMAS CAROLING Monday, Dec. 2, 6:45pm, Sitter - Barfoot Veterans Care Center PAGEANT DINNER/REHEARSAL Wednesday, December 11, 5pm CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Sunday, December 15, 10:00am ADVENT LUNCHEON AND CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT Sunday, December 15, 11:30am FIRST DAY OF WINTER Friday, December 21 CHOIR CHRISTMAS CANTATA Sunday, December 22, 10:00am Cookie reception to follow CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Tuesday, December 24, 8:00pm CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP FESTIVAL SERVICE Wednesday, December 25, 10am CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 LESSONS AND CAROLS WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 28, 10:00am No Sunday School NEW YEAR’S EVE Tuesday, December 31 NEW YEAR’S DAY Wednesday, January 1, 2020 ANNUAL REPORTS DUE January 2, 2020 ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, January 19 COUNCIL INSTALLATION Sunday, January 26

Calendar of Special Events 2020 Estimate of Giving Cards

The 2020 Estimate of Giving Cards

were given out this year in November.

If you have not already turned in your Pledge Card,

please pick up a card when you are in church.

They are available in the Narthex

Please fill it out and put it in the offering plate.

You can also mail it in to the church office.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Upcoming Musical Events “We Love Music” here at St. Luke. We are so happy to have so many musical events scheduled for the rest of 2019 and for 2020. Please pick up a copy of the updated 2019/2020 Concert and Recital Booklet, which is now available in the narthex. Please come out and enjoy it with us! There’s something for everyone!

Christmas Poinsettias

Our order deadline was Nov. 25th but it’s not too late! If you’d like a poinsettia, please order right away.

Forms are in the narthex

and on page 18 of this newsletter.


ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS DECORATING SCHEDULE

The Interiors Committee will be decorating for the upcoming Advent and Christmas Seasons on these dates:

Nov. 17 at 11am Erect Angel Tree/Memory Tree and decorate

Nov. 26 at 10am Hang Advent wreaths and garland. Set up large Nativity scene Advent banners put on display, Staff wreaths on doors

Dec. 3 at 4pm Fellowship Hall Decorating and put up tree, wreaths on steeple Sanctuary decorating and Sanctuary tree with Chrismons, Add Mary to large Nativity set, Nativity set up on old altar

Dec. 8 at 11am Add Joseph to large Nativity set, move Wise Men and camel

Dec. 16 at 11am Put animals in Nativity set, move Wise Men and camel to usher stand

Dec. 23 at 10am Doves put on Angel Tree, Display white banners Remove classroom Advent wreaths, Add Baby Jesus to large Nativity set Replace Narthex wreaths with gold bowed wreaths and garlands

Dec. 26-28 Wise Men and Camel to final destination, Hang remaining Doves

Jan. 6 at 10am Undecorating Day, decorations come down and are packed away.

ADVENT WORSHIP

Please add the following opportunities for Worship and fellowship to your calendar.

Sunday, December 1, 2019 First Sunday of Advent

9:00am Sunday School for all ages

10:00am Holy Communion & Advent Wreath Lighting and Readings

10:00am Stephen Minister Commissioning during Worship

10:00am Pastor Chris Carr delivers the sermon

Sunday, December 8, 2019 Second Sunday of Advent



11:00am Interiors decorates

Sunday, December 15, 2019 Third Sunday in Advent



10:00am Christmas Pageant during Worship

11:30am Advent Luncheon and Ornament Making Event

Sunday, December 22, 2019 Fourth Sunday in Advent



10:00am Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata during Worship

11:00am Cookie Reception


Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 Belle Elliott Piano & Violin

Studio Students Recital 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 Michelle Huang Piano


Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019

Christmas Pageant During the 10:00am Service

Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019

Christmas Cantata During the 10:00am Service

2020 EVENTS

Thursday, January 9, 2020 Alexander Paley

Winter Music Festival 7:30pm

Friday, January 10, 2020

Alexander Paley Winter Music Festival

7:30pm

Saturday, February 1, 2020 Richmond Music Teacher’s Assoc.

Sonata and Sonatina Festival Competition 8:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Richmond Music Teacher’s Assoc. Sonata and Sonatina

Festival Recital 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Caitlin Hunt Violin Studio Students Rectal

3:00pm to 4:00pm

Saturday, May 16, 2020 Michelle Huang Piano


Saturday, June 6, 2020

Belle Elliott Piano and Violin Studio Students Recital

2:00pm to 3:00pm

Friday, July 17, 2020 St. Luke Lutheran Church Music Camp Performance

6:30pm

Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2019.

We have Advent Devotionals and Calendars available for you. The Advent Calendar available has daily Bible verses for the season.

Copies will be available for pick up in the Narthex on December 1st.

ADVENT PENDANTS

You are encouraged to wear your Advent pendant as a Christian witness during the Advent season.

Advent pendants are available in the narthex.

Please join us on Sunday, December 15 at 10:00am for our Advent Worship Service with a very unique traditional Children's Christmas Pageant: “Hey Ewe” during the Service. Told through the eyes of a restless sheep “Hey Ewe” will bring the story of the Nativity alive in a fresh, unique way. After our Worship Service and Pageant, we will have an Advent Lunch and Ornament Making Event. Please plan to join us for Lasagna, Salad and Dessert. Rich Barnett, our Director of Music, will provide us with some joyful songs during this event. For more info on the pageant, please contact Rich Barnett at [email protected]. For more information concerning the Advent Lunch or Ornament making, please contact: Allene Cahill at [email protected], Betty Walker at [email protected] Sarah M at [email protected]

***PLEASE SIGN UP*** Please contact the office if you and your family plan to come. We need to know how much food to provide. [email protected], 804-272-0486 X1


CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve, The Nativity of Our Lord 8:00pm Candlelight Worship Service with Holy Communion

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Christmas Day, The Nativity of Our Lord 10:00am Christmas Worship Service with Holy Communion

Sunday, December 28, 2019 First Sunday of Christmas NO Sunday School 10:00am Lessons and Carols Service


The Angel Tree Collection Won’t you help make someone’s Christmas merry and bright this year? Each year, St. Luke partners with a local nursing home, to help give their residents gifts to lift their spirits during the Christmas season. This year we are again giving to the Manor Care facility on Hilliard Road. Please help us keep this time honored tradition alive with generosity and love. Please pick up your Angel from the Angel Tree, buy and wrap the presents requested. Return and place gifts underneath the Angel Tree by Sunday, December 22. Please contact Dana Wiggins if you have any questions or if you lose your angel. Thank you for participating again this year and helping us to keep this yearly tradition alive as we spread generosity and love this Christmas.

St. Luke Memory Tree

Everyone is invited to prepare a white dove in memory of a loved one. The doves are now available in the narthex

Please write your loved one’s name on the dove and place it into the Memory Tree basket in the Narthex.

One name per dove please. The white doves will be placed on the tree after the angels are removed.

They will remain until Epiphany, January 6, 2020.

LET’S GO CHRISTMAS CAROLING!

On Monday, December 2nd we will be caroling at the Sitter-Barfoot Veterans Care Center at 6:45pm. If you’d like to carpool from St. Luke, Betty Walker can meet you at the church at 5:45pm. Please let her know if you need a ride. Once we arrive, we will sing Christmas Carols to the veterans there. All are welcome and everyone is invited! Please come and join us as we spread the joy of the Christmas season to others.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you:

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2: 10-12

May the wonder of that first Christmas, the joy of God's abundant blessings,

and the peace of Jesus' presence be with you always.

With our best wishes for a joyful and Christ-centered Christmas and new year,

Tammy Rich Sarah


ST. LUKE Council Corner

COUNCIL MEETING The next Council Meeting is at

11:30am on Sunday, December 8

COMMITTEE REPORTS Committee reports are due by

Wednesday, December 4

[email protected]

2019 Council Officers, Council Members Congregational Leaders and Trustees:

Rev. Fredrick Marcoux, Pastor Dan Crandall, President Sim Austin, Council Vice-President Debbie Washburn, Council Secretary Dale Bleecher, Council Member Barbara Kipps, Council Member Bill Kipps, Council Member Ashley Lathrop, Council Member Lenee Pennington, Council Member Kay Wason, Council Member

Suzie Weeks, Council Member Ludi Webber, Financial Secretary Marty Witthoefft, Treasurer Peggy Walters, Trustee Butch Webber, Trustee Rick Witthoefft, Trustee

10

Devotional Booklets

The January-March 2020 copies of the “The Word In Season” Devotional Booklet are now

available in the narthex.

Attention All Committee Chairpersons and Liaisons

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE

Wednesday, January 2, 2020

Please submit your reports to the Church

Office on or before this date. Thank you for your cooperation.

Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, January 19, 2020

10:00am Worship Service, followed by a finger food reception. At 11:30am, we will hold our Annual Meeting.

It is very important that you attend this meeting and exercise your right as a member, as we discuss the current status of St. Luke Lutheran Church and its future. Your input is a vital part of this Church. We hope that you will plan to attend this year’s meeting.

Thank you, St. Luke Church Council

CHURCH COUNCIL INSTALLATION

The Installation of our 2020 Ministry Leaders will take place during the 10:00am Worship Service on January 26, 2020.

Please plan to attend as we welcome newly elected council members: Barbara Kipps, Claire Miller, Debbie Washburn and Kay Wason.

Their three year terms will also begin on January 26, 2020.

Dear St. Luke Lutheran Church Members, As we enter our Advent Journey towards Christmas - Christ's Birth, God's gift to all of us, it is our custom to present a cash gift to our dedicated Church Staff. Our Staff includes Rev. Fred Marcoux, (Pastor), Tammy Hammond (Church Administrator), Richard Barnett (Director of Music), Sarah Mills (Program Coordinator), Vickie Pyle (Nursery Attendant) and Naim Abdelshahid (Custodian). This is one small way that we can show our appreciation for the ministry and services they provide to each of us individually and as a Church Family. Please consider placing a check or an envelope marked "Staff Christmas Gift" in the offering plate over the next several Sundays so we can present the staff with a well-deserved Gift from ALL OF US. You can designate the gift to one or more of the staff members or by indicating a percentage. Gifts that are not designated will be divided equally. Together in Christ, St. Luke Congregational Council


Worship Service Assistants

Sunday Worship services are a very important part of our church life here at St. Luke. Every Sunday, our church members participate in our worship service as Acolytes, Assisting Ministers, Crucifers and Ushers.

We also have Altar Guild members who set up for Sunday services and communion, Altar Bread Bakers and other Committee Members who serve the Lord and St. Luke by providing their time, talents and energy.

In our music department, we have Chancel Choir members, Bell Choir members and all sorts of Musicians. We are so thankful to have these folks assist us every week but we can always use more help.

If you are interested in serving the Lord at our church and would like more info about these or other opportunities to be a part of our Worship and Music Ministry, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact the following people for more information about Worship: Pastor Fred Marcoux, [email protected] Vince Reedinger, Worship/Music chair, [email protected]

For more information about our chancel choir, handbell choir or the music department, please email Richard Barnett, our Director of Music at [email protected].

If you would like an announcement listed in the weekly bulletin, please email the church office at [email protected] or call 804-272-0486 ext. 1 before 12:00pm on Wednesdays with your dates and times. St. Luke’s Scheduling Calendar is located in the Church Office in a black binder. It lists all confirmed activities and has planned activities penciled in. Please check to see if your date and time is open or has any conflicts. Please let Tammy know what you have planned so she can list it in the bulletin for you. Thank you for helping us keep the St. Luke Church Event Calendar up to date.

Do you have something for the next Church Newsletter?

The St. Luke Messenger goes to press on the 23rd of each month. Because of this, all information needs to be in the church office by the 20th of the month. This will help us in getting an accurate newsletter out in a timely manner.

Please call in or e-mail in your event and meeting submissions with all meeting dates and notices to Tammy in the church office as soon as possible. We need to add your events to the church calendar as well. The January 2020 Newsletter Deadline is December 20th.

Thank you. Tammy 804-272-0486 X1, [email protected]

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED: Jan. 1

NO BIBLE STUDY: Jan. 1

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE: Jan. 2

NO HANDBELL CHOIR: Jan. 2

NO CHANCEL CHOIR: Jan. 2

INTERIORS UNDECORATES: Jan 6, 10am

BIBLE STUDY: Jan. 8, 10:30am

PM WOMEN’S GRP: Jan. 8, 6:30pm

MEN’S LUNCH GRP: Jan. 9, 12:00pm

HANDBELL CHOIR: Jan. 9, 6:30pm

PALEY CONCERT: Jan. 9, 7:30pm

PALEY CONCERT: Jan. 10, 7:30pm

CHANCEL CHOIR: Jan. 9 7:30pm

BOOK CLUB: Jan. 10, 7:30pm

COUNCIL MEETING: Jan. 12, 11:30am

STEPHEN MINISTRY MTG: Jan. 13, 7pm

AM WOMEN’S GRP: Jan. 14, 10:30am


MEALS ON WHEELS: Jan. 16, 11:00am


CHANCEL CHOIR: Jan. 16, 7:30pm

ANNUAL MTG: Jan. 19, 11:30am

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: Jan.. 20

MEALS ON WHEELS: Jan. 21, 11:00am




COUNCIL INSTALL: Jan. 26, 10:00am

WORSHIP & MUSIC/ C. E.: Jan 26, 11:30





SANCTUARY FLOWERS

Would you like to place Flowers

on the Altar on Sunday?

If so, please sign up on the

Flower Chart in the Fellowship Hall.

Questions?

Please see the information below

or call the Office at 804-272-0486.

Altar Flower Dedications

The Ministry of flowers is an important part of the Sunday Service at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Flowers are used to beautify our sanctuary and are a gift to God and those who attend Worship services. Altar flowers may be dedicated to “The Glory of God”, “In Memory of” a loved one or “In Honor of” a special person, an anniversary, birthday, birth, baptism or other special event. More than one person may find a certain date important so flowers may be given in more than one name on any given Sunday.

If you would like to donate and dedicate flowers for any Sunday service, arrangements cost $27.00 each. You will be billed directly from Coleman Brothers Flowers and the flowers will be delivered to the church. The flowers are yours to take home after the service that Sunday or you can ask that they be taken to one of our ill or homebound members. You may sign up on the chart located in the fellowship hall.

Please return the container the flowers are in to the church at your convenience.

The 2020 Flower Chart Calendar

The 2020 Flower Calendar will be posted soon in the fellowship hall. To those of you who give flowers every year during the same time frame, thank you. If you’re new to St. Luke or haven’t signed up yet to provide Sunday Altar Flowers, won’t you consider doing so? Flowers may be given in more than one name on any given Sunday. If your date seems to be taken, please sign up anyway or call the church office to do so. Flowers can be planned for a date on or near your special date, to occur yearly. Just let us know and we will automatically add your info to the Flower Calendar each year. If you have any questions or would like more information about Altar Flowers, please contact Tammy at 804-272-0486 ext. 1 or [email protected]. You can also contact Jean Stewart, our sacristan, at 804-276-2690. Thank you.

THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone that signed up for our open Altar Flowers dates in December. We appreciate it.

We now have at least one arrangement of flowers for every Sunday for the rest of the year.

Please remember, Altar Flowers may be given in more than one name on any given Sunday.

We love when we have two arrangements for Sunday morning so please feel free to check out the chart!

If your date seems to be taken, please sign up anyway or call the church office to do so. The Altar Flower Chart

is hanging in the fellowship hall near the kitchen.


Explore your Church Family!

Introduce yourself to someone new each week or bring someone to church with you. We love visitors and all are welcome at St. Luke!

ADVENT LUNCH & ORNAMENT MAKING EVENT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23rd from 11:30am to 1:00pm

After the Worship Service and Christmas Pageant on December 15th,we will have an Advent Lunch and Ornament Making Event for the children. Please plan to join us for Lasagna, Salad, Dessert and Drinks. We will have a wonderful Lunch for everyone. The lunch and ornament making are free.

Rich Barnett, our Director of Music, will provide us with some joyful songs and hymns during this event.

We hope that you and your family will join us. Please sign up by calling or emailing the office: 804-272-0486 ext. 1, [email protected]

Mid-week Bible Study Class Pastor Fred’s Mid-week Bible Study Class meets Wednesday mornings from 10:30am to 11:30am. Please consider joining us for a weekly discussion on scripture. Pastor Fred uses a variety of study methods as we delve into the text of the bible. How do the words speak to us today? How can we apply them to our daily lives? You don’t even need to bring a Bible if you don’t want to, we have plenty here at church that can be used. Pastor Fred invites you to come to church on Wednesday mornings and discover new insights into the Bible with him.

No Bible Study on December 25th or January 1st

ADULT FORUM CLASS FOR 2019/2020

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, the First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new DVD Study entitled “The Case for Christmas” based upon the best selling book by Lee Strobel. We will continue this study for rest of the Sundays in Advent, through December 22nd. Please plan to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00am in the last classroom on the left in the Sunday School wing. For information on Adult Forum, please contact Vince Reedinger at [email protected] or 804-929-7552. Following Advent, we will return to our study of the Old Testament.


Stephen Ministry Christmas Party

The St. Luke Stephen Ministry Committee will have their Annual Christmas Party

on Monday, December 9, 6:00pm.

It will be at the home of Butch and Ludi Webber

Cookies ARE Needed!

We are planning to have a Christmas Cookie Reception for the congregation on Sunday, December 22 after the Worship Service and Christmas Cantata. If you can, please help by bringing a plate of cookies on that day. Please leave your cookies in the kitchen before the church service begins. Thanks to all that help with our fellowship events. We appreciate it!

Book Club Christmas Party The St. Luke Book Club Christmas Party is Friday, December 13 at 6:00pm.

It will be held at the home of Pastor Bob and Judy Maier.

Book Club Members, please call or email them if you plan to attend.

Church Office

Holiday Update

The church office will be closed

From December 25, 2019 through January 1, 2020.

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year everyone!


We give thanks for those who help us every month We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you all for everything you do.

We thank all our members who:

• Help maintain the church • Take care of our Altar and candles • Serve as Worship Assistants on Sundays • Read our Lessons on Sundays • Teach Sunday School • Serve as Ushers on Sundays • Serve as Tellers on Sundays • Drive our Elderly to Church on Sundays • Sing in our Chancel Choir • Play in our Bell Choir • Share their musical ministry • Help our fellow members with food and cards • Make calls for the Church when needed • Record our Services and Special Events • Take pictures for Special Events • Do video presentations on Sundays

Pastor Fred is online and on DVD!

Pastor Fred's Sunday sermons are recorded on DVDs. Each DVD disc has a month of sermons and Gospel readings. Please contact the Evangelism Committee, the Church Office or a church member for more information. We do have donated DVD players available for viewing these discs if you don’t have one to use If you have internet access, the links to Pastor Fred’s sermons can also be found online at the St. Luke website, on Facebook and on our YouTube page. ww.stlukerichmond.org www.facebook.com/stlukerichmond www.youtube.com/user/stlukesermons

Outside Group

Meetings

You may be interested in attending some meetings or events that take place at St. Luke but are not church affiliated. Please note, group membership may be required for some of these organizations. Please check with the group leader for details and more information. AA - This class has been canceled by it’s host

Al Anon - Mondays at 7:00pm, meets all year

Al Anon - Wednesdays at 12:00pm, meets all year

Al Anon - Saturdays at 9:00am, meets all year

Richmond Audubon Society - No Meetings until 2020

Shepherds Center - No Meetings until 2020

Hearing Devices and Enlarged Bulletins

Large print bulletins are available on Sunday mornings. Hearing devices which amplify the church sound system are also available. Please ask any usher for assistance. Please request these items prior to the beginning of the Worship Service. Thank you.

OUR SPONSORED CHILD

Dear St. Luke members, Thank you all for your support in 2019 so far of our sponsored child Paul. We are in our SIXTH year of sponsoring him. Here is an updated picture of Paul. He is really growing up! Please see the bulletin board in the fellowship hall for more information about Paul and our history with him. Please check the new 2020 list on that bulletin board and make sure you or your group has signed up for a month for the new year. It only takes $28.00 for a month! We thank you for your support.


Committee Meetings

And Group Events

NO DECEMBER LUNCH EVENT

.

Please contact Jim Pettit for more info

at 804-378-7012

St. Luke's Sharing Ministry and FeedMore’s Meals on Wheels program

St. Luke’s participation in this program is driving meals to those in need who cannot leave their homes to get food. If you would like to assist us with this wonderful program, volunteers are always welcome. All volunteers go through one training session before they begin. We assist on the third Tuesday & third Thursday of every month. Please contact Dana Wiggins for more details and to sign-up.

St. Luke’s Meals on Wheels Days

Tuesday, December 17, 11:00am Thursday, December 19, 11:00am

If you can’t serve on the third Tuesday and Thursday of the month, we also have members that participate on other days. Please contact Dana Wiggins if you’d like to volunteer.

St. Luke Lutheran Church Women’s Groups Meetings

Morning Women’s Group: Tuesday, December 10, 11:30am We will meet at St. Luke parking lot to carpool to lunch Mosaic in River Road Shopping Center. After lunch, we will carpool to Second Baptist for the Jubilation Choir Christmas Concert, 2-3pm. Evening Women’s Group: Wednesday, December 11, 6:30pm Devotion, soup, salad, bread and dessert will be provided for $5.00. Program: Sarah Mills will lead us in making Christmas Floral Centerpieces for our homes. Cost is about $10.00 for materials. Sarah is providing all of the materials for us to create our centerpieces.

Please help us plan! We need to make sure that we have a correct count so that we can provide supplies. Please sign up by calling or emailing any of the following: Millie Olson: 804-739-5448, [email protected] Ann Witthoefft: 804-272-9584, [email protected] Tammy Hammond: 804-272-0486 ext. 1, [email protected]

Everyone: We continue collecting hats, scarves and mittens for infants through teens to be delivered in January.

Women's Groups meet monthly, the second Tuesday at 10:30am and the second Wednesday at 6:30pm. We have two meetings so that we can include all of our ladies. We ask for volunteers to provide the Devotion for each meeting. We welcome guest dessert, soup and salad makers. All St. Luke ladies are welcome, whether you’re a new member or have been a members for years. Please come and join us! The Men of St. Luke are invited to all of the meetings.

ST. LUKE DECEMBER MEN’S GROUP CHRISTMAS DINNER

Please join us on Tuesday, December 10, 2018 at 5:45pm for our Annual Men’s Group Christmas Dinner

At Bon Air Joe’s Inn at 2616 Buford Rd, Richmond, VA 23235.

We hope you’ll join us for some fun and fellowship.

All men of St. Luke are cordially invited to attend.

If you would like more information about the dinner or about our Men’s

Group, please call Jim Pettit at 804-378-7012.

Church Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm

STEPHEN MINISTRY

No December Meeting Christmas Party is Dec. 9,

6:00pm, Butch and Ludi’s home

There is NO W & M Meeting

scheduled for December.

There is NO C.E. Meeting

scheduled for December.

St. Luke Book Club

NO DECEMBER MTG Christmas Party at the Maier’s home on December 13, 6:00pm.

Don’t forget to bring

in your Angel Tree gifts by Dec. 22nd!


STAY IN TOUCH WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

We’re on the web!

Website ~ www.stlukerichmond.org FaceBook ~ www.facebook.com/stlukerichmond Flickr ~ www.flickr.com/photos/stlukerichmond/sets Google www.plus.google.com/+StlukerichmondOrgSLLC/about Pinterest ~ www.pinterest.com/stlukelutheran YouTube ~ www.youtube.com/user/stlukesermons

Log onto our website to check Worship Schedules,

upcoming events, read Lessons and Gospel, and

check the calendar.

Did you miss a Sunday service and need of a mid-

week spiritual lift? The link to Pastor Fred’s sermons

is also on our website. Watch him on YouTube!

“Like” St. Luke Lutheran on Facebook. You can see

announcements, pictures and updates just by viewing

your Facebook entries. Don’t forget to share and let

your Facebook “friends” see the wonderful things going on at

St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Go to Flickr to see pictures of

St. Luke’s fellowship and Worship

events.

Do you have Pinterest? You can

find St. Luke there.

If you use Gmail, you can follow us

on Google+.

Do we have your email address?

If not, please let us know so we

can keep you updated on church

services, events and programs.

November 2019


Christmas Poinsettias

This year’s poinsettias will have 4 to 7 blooms per plant and come in a six inch pot. Plants are $12.25 each. These beautiful plants are grown locally in Chesterfield, Virginia.

I would like to place my order for the following poinsettia(s) to be used during Christmas Worship Services:

To the glory of God, __________

To the glory of God, and in MEMORY of _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ To the glory of God, and in HONOR of _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Order Deadline is Sunday, November 25, 2019. Please enclose your check made payable to St. Luke Lutheran Church with your order,

and mark “Christmas Poinsettias” on the memo line. Date: _____________________ Total poinsettias plants ordered: ___________________ Amount enclosed: $______________________ Cash or Check: ________________________

Flowers donated by: ____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Poinsettias may be picked up after the December 28th Worship Service.* (Additional forms are available in the narthex)

18

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!! And please......


Please consider bringing your family and friends to Church. Everyone is most welcome at St. Luke. Please have them fill out a Visitor Card (located in each pew rack or from any usher) and return it in the offering plate. This way we can get to know them and see what their needs are and what they are looking for in a church. If you are a new visitor and if you would like more information about our church, Pastor Fred Marcoux will be glad to answer any questions you might have about St. Luke, including church membership. You can also speak with a member of our Evangelism committee. Ann Witthoefft: 804-272-9584 or [email protected] or Millie Olson: 804-739-5448 or [email protected]. Please feel free to contact the church office at 804-272-0486 ext. for more information. You can also email the office at [email protected]

19


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7757 Chippenham Parkway, Richmond, VA 23225 Office: 804-272-0486, Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stlukerichmond.org The Rev. Fredrick W. Marcoux, Pastor

ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH By grace, we know, love, worship and serve Jesus Christ as we proclaim His Good News.

22

Keep up with what’s happening at St. Luke! COME SEE US 7757 Chippenham Parkway Richmond, VA 23228

CALL US 804-272-0486

EMAIL US [email protected]

VISIT US www.stlukerichmond.org

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stlukerichmond Find us on Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/stlukerichmond/sets

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