Warren Fisher, Staff-Parish Relations Chair, Genesis Sunday School Co-Leader, Member since 1988 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (New Revised Standard Version) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The [...]

Rev. Cliff Ritter Luke 2:8-12 (NRSV) 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: [...]

Erin Manning Verducci; St. Luke’s member since 2004; Chancel Choir President Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV) Arise, shine, for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth And thick darkness is over the peoples, But the Lord rises upon you And his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your dawn. Reflection: It was late morning on November 15, 2012, my youngest son’s fifth birthday.  I had rearranged my schedule so I could take him to lunch. As I rushed out of [...]

Karen McCarver, Member of St. Luke’s for 16 years and Kids Hope Director for 11 years Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV) 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body [...]

Julie Ellerbrock, Director of Children’s Ministry Romans 5:5 “and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”  Reflection: As I prepare and think about the possibilities and plans for Christmas 2020, no doubt it will be unique or different. I have tried to envision how to carry out some of our beloved family traditions. Yet, I find myself sometimes thinking “different” means disappointing or hard or lonely. Then, I remember my family’s 1994 Christmas experience and was reassured that the hope I find [...]

Richard Ethun, proud husband of Karen and dad of Elizabeth, Angela and Cecilia; member for 30+ years; and Sunday School Teacher of the Good Will Class Jeremiah 29:11-13 11For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,    Reflection: I am an early riser. I usually get [...]

Rev. Katie Montgomery MearsPsalm 130:1-2, 5-61 I cry out to you from the depths, Lord—2 my Lord, listen to my voice!    Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy!5 I hope, Lord.   My whole being hopes,    and I wait for God’s promise. 6 My whole being waits for my Lord—    more than the night watch waits for morning;    yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!Reflection:When someone tells me I’m going to have to wait on something, I go to a negative place pretty quickly. I hate inefficiency and slowness and, unfortunately, I’m a pretty awful version of myself at the DMV.  [...]

Rev. Michelle Manuel and Shelby Olive Psalm 23 (NRSV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;  he leads me beside still waters;  3     he restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths      for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,      I fear no evil;  for you are with me;      your rod and your staff—      they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me      in the presence of my enemies;  you anoint my head with oil;      my cup overflows. 6 Surely [...]

Rev. Katie Montgomery Mears Good morning God,  It is so easy to grumble and complain about life (“it’s 2020”) but the truth is, I have so much to be grateful for. I want to change my perspective and let thankfulness be the leading edge in my life.  So on this Thanksgiving morning, I am practicing the discipline of gratitude by naming before you the blessings in my life:  The love and grace of Jesus Christ, through whom I am able to have a personal relationship with you!  A precious daughter who keeps us on our toes, and a loving [...]