CHRISTMAS SERVICES
WINTER SOLSTICE – DECEMBER 21
6:00pm – Blue Christmas/ Longest Night Service
A service designed especially for those who have experienced loss or find the holidays difficult.
CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24
4:00pm – Christmas Eve Family Service
10:30pm – Choral Prelude; 11:00pm – “Christ-Mass”
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25
10:00am – Christmas Day Service
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME – NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1
10:00am – Feast of the Holy Name Service
THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 6
10:00am – Feast of the Epiphany
Adult Christian Education and Formation: Journeying the Way of Love: Advent Curriculum. On the Sundays of Advent, St. Luke’s will offer an adult study using Journeying the Way of Love. The curriculum offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s gospel provides a pattern for understanding how we can live the Way of Love as individuals, as families and friends, as a community, and out in the world. The sessions will be held immediately following the 10 am Eucharist coffee hour (approximately 11:30-12:30pm). For more information, please see Mother Barnes or email her at mthrbarnes@gmail.com
Toys for Tots – November 1 – December 2: The St. Luke’s Sunday School class will collect toys again this year for Toy for Tots. Please bring a new unwrapped toy and place it in the boxes that will be in the rear of the church. Please – No toy weapons of any kind. For more information, please contact Sunday School teacher, Carla Rogalewicz, at (570) 343-8989.
St. Luke’s Cleaning and Greening of the Church: We will gather on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 starting at 5pm to decorate the church for Christmas. All are warmly welcome at this festive and fun event.
Christmas 2018 Memorial Flowers and Greens: All those who wish to give flowers and greens in memory or honor of a loved one and have their name included on St. Luke’s Christmas Memorial List for 2018 are asked to use the envelopes marked “Christmas Memorial Flowers and Greens.” For your convenience, an envelope has been included in the service leaflet. Additional copies are located on the table in the rear of the church. Please provide a list of names (written or typed) to Susan Zaleski, the parish secretary, no later than Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Women of St. Luke’s Annual Christmas Gala Luncheon: The Women of St. Luke’s Annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 8th. Cocktail hour will beginning at 12 pm, with lunch catered by Cooper’s Seafood House at 1pm. Menu includes a choice of entrée: Sautéed Chicken Strips, Roast Stuffed Pork, or Broiled Orange Haddock, and includes Soup (Crab Bisque or Potato), Garden Salad, Potato, Vegetable, and Dessert. Entertainment will be provided, along with games, prizes, and a cookie table. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased from members of St. Luke’s Women’s group. Reservations are due by Dec. 2nd. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Robin O’Hearn at (570) 963-5407.
Centering Prayer Group: Each Thursday evening at 5:30PM an ongoing weekly Centering Prayer group meets at St. Luke’s. Centering Prayer is a contemplative form of prayer geared toward the cultivation of interior silence or “centering.” This form of prayer invites one to enter into a deeper relationship with God by being open and receptive to the presence and action of God in our lives and to the Spirit that dwells within us. Weekly sessions will include prayer, a contemplative walk. Currently, we are heading and reflecting on Cynthia Bourgeault’s book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. No prior experience is necessary. For more information, please contact Mother Barnes at mthrbarnes@gmail.com or call the parish office.
Safety Net Volunteers needed: Monthly volunteers are needed to work a four-hour (12-4) shift at the door; a sign-up sheet is located in Israel Lounge. If you are available and can assist in this way, or have any questions, please contact Robin O’Hearn at (570) 963-5407. There is an ongoing need to restock the food pantry shelves for our neighbors in need. Items needed are: Canned fruit or meat—soups, tuna; Boxed pasta/Spaghetti; Pasta sauces; Canned Chef Boyardee; Macaroni & Cheese Dinner; Peanut Butter/Jelly; Rice; Juices: (100% juice) orange, apple; Boxed Cereal; Shampoo and Deodorant; Baby wipes; Diapers—3, 4, 5; Razors (Men’s & Women).
Upcoming Concerts at St. Luke’s and about town
Arcadia Chorale – The Song of a Rose
Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pm St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre.
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pm Covenant Presbyterian Church, Scranton.
The Chorale’s Christmas program features music about the Virgin Mary, and includes a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. General Admission $15.00; Seniors/WVIA $12.00
Lyric Consort – Lux Magna: Music of Great Light
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 8pm. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scranton.
At the darkest time of the year, the celebration of Christmas coincides with the start of the earth’s cyclical return to light and life, but is replete with symbolic associations, as well. Art music and carols ponder the Great Light of Bethlehem and the Christ child. Tickets: Adults $10.00; Students free.
Arcadia Chorale – Messiah “Sing-Along”
Sunday, December 16, 3:00 pm. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scranton.
This regional holiday tradition for families and music lovers gives our audience the opportunity to join the Chorale in performing one of the great masterworks of the choral art.
Office hours – The parish office is open Tuesday – Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. In the event of a pastoral emergency, Mother Barnes may be reached on her pastoral cell phone, (646) 533-1836.