Weekly Update from St. Luke's

Not Just Getting to Christmas: Being Present in Advent

Dear St. Lukers,

As I write this, I’m about to board a plane to Ohio for a conference, and when I arrive at my destination, it will be 27 degrees outside. Yep, you read that right. 27 degrees and snow on the ground. I’m getting at least a little bit of a “white Advent” for a few days! You may be familiar with this – as a Floridian, suddenly traveling somewhere cold, realizing you need to pack your suitcase, and also realizing that none of the clothes in your current rotation are appropriate for your destination. That panic moment…where did I store my heavy coat? Do I need base layers? Do I even OWN socks?

It's not the only panic moment of the season, right?

Who’s hosting Christmas Eve? Who will be there? How many presents do I need to buy? Where did we put the wrapping paper? You have WHAT project due for school the week before Christmas?

You can add your specifics to this list, as I’m sure they’re already flooding your mind this week. Maybe you’re thinking, “If I can just get to Christmas Eve…when things settle down.” But I’ll tell you a secret…

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St. Luke's Week in Review

Chatting with Pastor Jim

More than 60 men gathered for last month's Men’s Ministry Breakfast with Founding St. Luke's Pastor, Rev. Jim Harnish! It was a morning of great food and great conversation as they explored the difference between nostalgia and holy remembering—how nostalgia can hold us back, while holy remembering invites us to carry God’s work forward.

Save the date for our next breakfast event on January 15!

~~Parenting~~ Dinner Together

St. Lukers in our Parenting Together Group wrapped up their semester of weekly gatherings with a fun dinner out, filled with lots of laughs and great conversation!

Want to stay in the loop for when the group kicks back off in 2026? Sign up for email updates at st.lukes.org/parentingtogether!

Thank U, Volunteers!

Last month, volunteers from St. Luke's Kids, Youth, and Adult Ministries came together for a Volunteer Appreciation event! It was a wonderful evening filled with good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs as we wrapped up another incredible year of serving together. The highlight of the night was a lively round of Thanksgiving Jeopardy, where teams showed off both their trivia skills and their competitive spirit.

We’re so grateful for each of our volunteers and the heart you bring to our ministries. Thank you for all you do!

Click here to see more photos of the fun!

Giving Tuesday Gratitude

Because of your generosity this Giving Tuesday, we raised over $4,500 to support Circles West Orange and help stock local school food pantries for families in our community. Your gifts are already making a real difference—bringing dignity, hope, and essential resources to our neighbors this Christmas.

We are so thankful to every person who gave, shared, and prayed. Thank you for being a church family that shows up in love!

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 - This week, our pastors reflect on the theme of peace through Mary’s encounter with Gabriel in Luke 1. They discuss finding peace amid life’s chaos, Mary’s courageous trust, and the spiritual grounding that shaped her “yes” to God. They invite us to consider how peace, trust, and attentiveness to God meet us in moments of turmoil.

The holiday season can be especially hard for those facing grief, loss, illness, or other challenges. St. Luke’s invites you to a gentle, hope-filled Blue Christmas Service on December 21. Come to this space and find God’s healing presence. Click here for more details.

Help support Family Promise families this holiday season! St. Luke’s is providing meals and hotel stays during the weeks of December 21 and 28, and we’re looking for volunteers to provide dinners for four families. You can cook, cater, or order takeout—whatever works for you. Click here for information on how to help.

Experience the hope and light of the season on December 23 and 24 as we celebrate the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. Come as you are and celebrate Christmas Eve with your St. Luke’s family! Click here for service times.