Weekly Update from St. Luke's

A Joyful Advent of Growing Hearts

Grace and Peace Beloved St. Luker’s, and a Blessed Advent!

It is hard to believe we are halfway through Advent, which means that as I’m typing this, Christmas is two weeks away!! We got our tree (a lovely 7-foot Frasier fir), and while its lights went up last night, it’s not decorated yet…but that’s okay! Christmas isn’t here quite yet, so there’s time. Time to sit and take in the sights and smells. Time to rest and reflect. And time to watch all the Christmas movies. I hope you are taking time to do just that.

As we move into the Third Sunday of Advent, I invite you to come and worship with us as we light the Candle of Love. This week, our Advent sermon series, A Reel Christmas: You Can’t Make This Up, takes us into Luke 1:39–56, a beautiful and tender story of Mary and Elizabeth, of blessing spoken and joy shared, of love growing even before anyone can fully understand what God is doing.

Our movie for the week is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s a reminder that even the hardest hearts can be softened, that love has the power to reshape us, expand us, and help us see the world (and one another) differently. Mary sings her Magnificat, a song that turns the world right-side-up, and in its own way, the Grinch’s small heart grows three sizes as he learns what love really looks like in community.

I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we continue preparing room in our hearts for the Christ who comes to dwell with us. Come be lifted, be grounded, and be reminded that Love is still being born in this world—sometimes in the most surprising ways.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jad

St. Luke's Week in Review

Shoutout to our first Faithful Families Cohort!

Six families — with ten little ones ages three and under — spent the past two months building new community, creating holy space together, and trying out simple faith practices to bring into their family rhythm. Watching these parents connect, encourage one another, and take small, meaningful steps toward a home rooted in faith has been such a gift.

We’re already looking forward to the next round of Faithful Families, starting February 1, 2026. Stay tuned for details…we can’t wait to welcome even more families into this growing community!

All the Festive Vibes

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Advent Family Movie Night last week! From hot chocolate (marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes included!) to Advent crafts, Christmas trivia, and a cozy movie, it was a joyful night of fun and community. We loved celebrating the beginning of Advent with our St. Luke’s families!

First Annual Baby Celebration

What’s better than a room buzzing with joy, creativity, and community?

Thank you to everyone who came and made our first ABC event such a joyful, laughter-filled time! We loved seeing families play, connect, and make sweet memories together. Our St. Luke's Children's Ministries can’t wait to keep building community with you through playgroup, Faithful Families, and all the ways we grow in faith together at St. Luke's.

Click here to see more photos of the fun!

Opening Night for Sounds of the Season

Our Christmas Concert cast and crew had a wonderful final dress rehearsal last night for Sounds of the Season! The Sanctuary was filled with energy as performers, musicians, and volunteers brought the beautiful music and festive visuals to life.

From joyful harmonies to the immersive staging, everything is coming together for an unforgettable concert weekend - and our team can’t wait to share it with you. With most performances nearly sold out, it’s clear our community is just as excited as we are!

If you haven’t secured your seats, be sure to visit st.lukes.org/christmasconcert before it's too late and we'll see you there!

• Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. (<10 seats left)

• Friday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. (<30 seats left)

• Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. (<20 seats left)

• December 14 is SOLD OUT

Click here to see more photos taken by St. Luker Howard Clifton

Upcoming Events

Ways to Learn, Live, Love, and Lead

Current sermon series: A REEL Christmas

View Worship Details

"Your Week with St. Luke's" Podcast - We explore the theme of love through Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in Luke 1. As Elizabeth feels John leap in her womb, they reflect on how Christ’s presence brings confirmation, transformation, and a love that moves from head to heart. Connecting everything from John Wesley’s “heart strangely warmed” to the Grinch’s growing heart, you're invited to notice the real, tangible ways God’s love appears throughout Advent.

Spread holiday cheer by donating a toy or volunteering your time for the Circles Christmas Party! New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off all weekend and the party is on December 16! Visit our website for more information!

Kick off the season with us! Registration begins soon for St. Luke’s Soccer for kids Pre-K through 5th grade. It’s a fun, encouraging way for children to learn new skills, make friends, and grow in teamwork—all in a positive, faith-filled environment. Early Bird registration opens December 16! Learn more by clicking here.

Help support Family Promise families this holiday season! We are looking for volunteers to provide dinners for four families - slots are still available for dates starting December 26. You can cook, cater, or order takeout—whatever works for you. Click here for information on how to help.