The Weekly View - December 24, 2021
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In This Issue
- Weekly Message from Rev. Joanne Whitt
- Weekly Facebook Video
- Announcements & Upcoming Events
- Outreach Opportunities & Updates
Dear St. Luke family,
Throughout Advent we focused on “Prepare the Way.” The theme was poignant not only for Advent, for waiting for Christ’s coming and the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises, but also for St. Luke, on the threshold of a new era, a new pastor. On the third Sunday in Advent, the pastor nominating committee announced they had made a selection from among the many qualified candidates they’d interviewed. The candidate, Andrew P. Quick, will give his candidating sermon in worship on January 9th. At a congregational meeting following worship, the congregation will decide whether to affirm the PNC’s choice by electing Andrew Quick as your new pastor.
You will hear more about Andrew in the coming days. The PNC, in cooperation with communications director Beth Potillo-Miller, is putting together an announcement that will be sent via email and regular mail. After you see Andrew in action in worship on the 9th, the congregation will celebrate with a special coffee hour in the BayView Room.
But before all that, it’s Christmas Eve! Tonight! We’ll celebrate Christmas Eve with a Service of Lessons and Carols at 5:00 p.m. tonight. As in years past, we will pass the light of our candles from one person to another, symbolizing the way the light of Christ spreads through the world. It’s one of my favorite services of the church year, and I’m grateful to all the readers, musicians, greeters, folks who decorated the sanctuary and everyone who works behind the scenes to make it a lovely experience. Don’t forget to wear a mask.
We’ll add the baby Jesus to our nativity scene tonight, and then on Sunday, the 26th, we’ll add the magi. Sunday’s worship service includes a time for “carols by request,” so start thinking of the carols you haven’t yet had a chance to sing this season. We’ll explore what the familiar words of the Christmas story mean.
Shortly after New Year’s, I’ll be saying goodbye to St. Luke. On Sunday, January 2, I’ll leave you each with a Star Word, a word to inspire and challenge you in the new year.
I will be on vacation December 27th - 31st – a trip I had planned some time ago to Southern California where our daughters live. While I’m away, I’m very grateful that Pastor Emeritus Dan White will cover pastoral emergencies. Dan will also cover pastoral care during January after my last Sunday.
I hope to see you tonight!
Merry Christmas!
Joanne Whitt
Interim Pastor