ADvent
Letter from the Rector
Dear Friends,
“People, look east and sing today: Love is on the way.”
These words are not just the refrain of a favorite Christmas carol. They proclaim a truth at the very heart of this season of Advent, indeed at the very heart of our faith. Which is that God is always breaking into our world, like the rising sun in the east, with hope and possibility, light and new life beyond anything we could ask or imagine.
Advent is a season of hope and expectation for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. We wait and we watch for signs of God’s coming among us. We prepare ourselves to receive Christ as the Guest who makes us and all things new; the Rose who blossoms in the deserts of our lives; the Star whose light darkness can never overcome; and the Lord whose love never lets any of us go.
“Look towards the east, O Jerusalem, and see the joy that is coming to you from God.” (Baruch 4:36).
Happy Advent, my friends. Let us wait and watch in hope and joy. For Love is on the way.
Wreath Pickup
Available for Pick-up at church on November 28th, $20
The Parish Life Committee will be selling Advent Wreath kits at all three services. Bring the warmth of candles into your home during Advent as we wait and prepare for the coming Christ. Included in the kit are the supplies needed to make the wreath, instructions for assembly, and a home worship packet so you can celebrate an Advent Evening Prayer Service as you light your wreath. The perfect worship at home tool kit for a festive Advent season!
Advent Foundations
Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:15 PM, beginning November 30.
Our Tuesday evening adult education series, “The Foundations” returns in Advent with a four-week course entitled “The Good Book: A (re)introduction to the Bible.” What is the Bible? How do we understand it? How does it shape our faith? How do we pray with it? Explore these questions and more alongside fellow parishioners. Email Ryan Fleenor to register or learn more.
Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 5, 5:00 PM in the Church & Livestream
Experience a glorious evening of Advent carols with Susan Knapp Thomas, Harp, the Saint Luke’s Parish Choir and Choristers, the CAYA Band, and a series of special readings that will usher us by candlelight into the season of love’s expectation. This service will be in person and livestreamed on our Facebook page, followed by a festive reception in the Anderson Youth & Community Center.
Dove Boxes
COVID-19 has changed the way the Dove Boxes will work again this year. In lieu of physically buying and boxing food for families, P2P is again offering a digital white Dove. A $50 donation will be used to purchase a gift card to ShopRite and passed out to families and seniors in our community who are in need. Each $50 contribution will cover one family or senior.
Donations can be made directly on the Saint Luke’s square site, or by check or cash and mailed to the church office at 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. Saint Luke’s will collect the white dove donations but P2P will actually purchase and deliver the gift cards to the families and individuals.
Quiet Day
Saturday, December 11, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Savor a morning of quiet and stillness in the middle of the busy holiday season. The Rev. Dawn Stegelmann will lead our annual Advent Quiet Day based on our parish-wide theme: “Love is on the Way”. Please R.S.V.P. to the church office, 203-655-1456. $20, lunch provided.
A Close Harmony Christmas
Saturday, December 11, 2:00 PM in the Church
The New Consort, Presented by Friends of Music
We are delighted to host New York City’s The New Consort for its first-ever holiday concert in Connecticut! Join this world-class vocal ensemble as we ring in the season with A Close Harmony Christmas. Free admission, donations accepted.
Carol Sing & Holiday dinner
Tuesday, December 14, 5:30 PM
All are welcome in the church to sing Christmas carols and then attend a catered dinner in the AYCC, including a “special visitor” who may surprise the children with a visit.
CAYA Christmas Party
Sunday, December 19, 5:00 PM
Have yourself a very CAYA Christmas! Sing with the band, celebrate the Eucharist, sup with your friends! Potluck supper: to sign up to bring something, please email susan.wyper@saintlukesdarien.org.
