St. Luke's Regathering Plan

We have a new Facebook page! Find us at https://www.facebook.com/stlukesliveoak.org/

***These recordings are also available on the "Watch Services" page, available within 24 hours of service***



******Don't forget, you can follow along with the Sunday bulletin provided on the Sunday Bulletin page.******



Thoughts  from the Sr. Warden

Advent, in the life of the church, is a time when we open ourselves to ever-increasing light.  From the lighting of the first candle on the Advent Wreath until the lighting of the fifth candle on Christmas Eve, our expectations grow.  By looking back at the events surrounding the incarnation and birth of Christ, we are more able to look forward.  As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ in a stable at Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes (sorry, bands of cloth aren’t quite the same for me), laying in a manger, I encourage everyone to look forward in hope and expectation to His second coming in glory.  If we take time to assess the importance of human events in this light and allow ourselves to be filled with hope, we can more easily place things like the Coronavirus in their proper perspectives.

Recently, while reading an article on the history and meaning of the Advent Wreath, my thoughts turned to a recent conversation with Deacon Lydia concerning our parishioners that are unable to attend church due to health concerns or concerns over the Coronavirus.  I considered how much brighter their Advent and Christmas would be if, as they watched our services online, they had a small Advent Wreath of their own to light during the Advent readings.  Making an Advent Wreath is quite simple.  A little bit of greenery (garland will do), three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle.  The first purple candle that is lit is called the “Prophecy Candle”, reminding us of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.  This first candle represents HOPE.  The second purple candle that is lit represents LOVE.  This candle is often referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle”, representing Christ’s manger.  On the third Sunday, the pink candle is lit.  This candle is called the “Shepherd’s Candle” and it represents JOY.  The fourth candle is often referred to as the “Angel’s Candle”, and it represents PEACE AND PURITY.  On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit.  This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents Christ coming into the world.

Most of us know of someone that would take comfort and joy in the ever-increasing light of an Advent Wreath.  I have someone in mind that I plan to make one for and I hope that you will too.

Forever in Christ,

Mike

   



Look! We have new pages: SUNDAY BULLETINS & Homilies are great resources to catch up  happenings, lectionary and weekly message .

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SHEPHERD'S HANDS FREE CLINIC DATE



www.Shepherdshandsclinic.org

St. Luke's -Dec 8th

St. James -  Suspended in December

St. Mary's- Suspended in December

Greenville Methodist- Dec 17th

**If you are a patient of Shepherd's hands and need assistance, please call 386-362-1837 or email shepherdshandssuwannee@gmail.com

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                                   VESTRY

                   Dec 14 @5:30pm



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BUSY HANDS

 DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

  December 1st @ 4:30. No meal served

January 5 @4:30 No meal served

       MEN'S GROUP NIGHT OUT

December 22nd@ 6pm. Bring your own supper.

YOUTH GROUP

Dec 6, 13, 20 Parish Hall 5-6pm

GODLY GAZETTE NOW AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL

If you would like to receive your gazette by email, please notify the church office and we will remove your name from the snail mail list and add it to the email list. Thanks for your help in helping manage our budget. Don’t forget to visit our website. Most, if not all, of the newsletter is posted online. You may let Jasmine know @ jasmine@stlukesliveoak.org or go to  http://www.stlukesliveoak.org.