A PUBLICATION OF ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
LUTHERAN LIFE
O. Holy Night, The stars are brightly shining...
On behalf of the St. John’s family, I extend a gentle invitation to join us for a season of intentional expectancy, followed by twelve days of joyful celebration. Worship and ministry go hand in hand; please consider the opportunities detailed on the following pages.
Pastor Amy
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Advent and Christmas Worship Opportunities Advent and Christmas Ministry Activities Christmas Eve Schedule
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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WORSHIP AND MINISTRY
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES November 28 … First Sunday of Advent
Luke 21:25-36 God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.
December 5 … Second Sunday of Advent Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.
December 12 … Third Sunday of Advent Luke 3:7-18 John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.
December 19 … Fourth Sunday of Advent Luke 1:39-55 Elizabeth, John’s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are two women filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. In Elizabeth’s inspired greeting and Mary’s song of praise we hear of a saving God who remembers, scatters, lifts up, and fulfills all things.
MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES December 1, 8, and 15 at 6:30 PM “Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face, you who sing creation’s story, shine on every land and race. Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you, God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts anew.” Join the St, John’s family for a time of intentional reflection on Wednesday evenings. Bathed in candlelight and leaning into Marty Haugen’s “Holden Evening Prayer,” we will consider the Advent journey which is sometimes broken, sometimes curvy, sometimes straight.
December 1 Clarence Scott … The Annunciation to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25, 57-66)
December 8 Samantha Murphy … The Annunciation to Mary (Luke !:26-45)
December 15 Neil Fischer … The Announcement to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) Following our time of worship, please plan to gather in the Welcome Center for conversation and seasonal treats provided by Tender Lovin’ Cookin’ (TLC).
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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
~ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT~ The 9th annual St. John’s Lutheran Women’s Ministry/Katie’s Sisters event, “Advent By Candlelight” will be held on Tuesday, November 30, from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the Sparks Fellowship Hall. We welcome all women to join us for a special evening designed to help prepare our hearts for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The program this year, “A Weary World Rejoices,” will inspire us to ponder our feelings of weariness during this season of joy and light. Amid the softness of candlelight, the evening will offer a meaningful program, fellowship, beautiful music, and delicious desserts. Please make plans to be a part of this annual event! Reservations are currently being taken for table hostesses as well as for individual seats. Sign up by contacting Ruth Crowley at 405-3727 or RNVC@comcast.net.
~SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES (SAMS)~ On Wednesday, December 1 at 11:30 A.M., the Senior Adults will gather in the sanctuary for Christmas music and devotions. The program will be given by Danny Brian, a talented musician in Knoxville who will share the musical history of Christmas on the piano. Following the program, the group will gather in the Sparks Fellowship Hall for a delicious Christmas luncheon buffet catered by Nancy Maland. Please make a reservation by e-mailing Mary Cole at memecole@comcast.net or.865-584-3153.
~SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE~ While the holidays are typically busy, the season of Advent affords each of us the opportunity to reflect, recalling the joys and challenges of days past. Together, we remember the completed lives of so many cherished family members and friends. Sometimes through tears and other times with a tender smile, we think of those who filled our lives with such precious memories. On Sunday, December 5 at 1:00 P.M., the St. John’s family will remember those who completed life during the past year, celebrating the promise of resurrection in a special Service of Remembrance. Stephen Ministers will host a light lunch at 12:15 P.M.; please RSVP to Toni at toni@sjlcknox.org.
~CHRISTMAS PAGEANT~ The joy of the Christmas story comes to life on Sunday, December 19 at 10:15 A.M. in Sparks Fellowship Hall. Our ad-lib and oh so spontaneous pageant will feature parts for all who would like to participate and festive songs of the season. Refreshments will be served.
~COMMUNION HOME VISITS~ For those who are comfortable gathering at church, Pastor Amy and Pastor John look forward to visiting folks in their homes for communion and conversations on Tuesday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 21. To request a visit, please contact Toni in the church office at 865.523.3330.
~VIRTUAL HOMELESS MEMORIAL SERVICE~ We will remember our homeless siblings who have died this past year in a special live-stream service on Tuesday, December 21 at 1:00 P.M. This collaborative effort between St. John’s and our social ministry neighbors. If you would like to share financial resources to support the Dove Tree, please call Toni at 865.523.3330. All gifts support students at Christenberry Elementary School, providing holiday joy and supporting special programs such as the Safety Patrol trip to Washington, DC.
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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 544 Broadway, NW Knoxville, TN 37917
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE 4:00 PM Family Communion Worship 5:30 PM Candlelight Communion Worship 8:30 PM Candlelight Communion Worship Music preludes, featuring guest musicians and the St. John’s choir, will set a festive tone. Please consider inviting friends to join you! CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF Amy Figg Ley Senior Pastor amy@sjlcknox.org
John Tirro Pastor of Worship & Campus Ministry John@sjlcknox.org
Deborah Dunne-Sousa Minister of Music sousa@esknoxville.org
Toni Denton Administrative Assistant toni@sjlcknox.org
Darrell Murrell Facility Staff facility@sjlcknox.org
Phone: 865.523.3330
Thea Peterson Kids Hope USA Director Thea@sjlcknox.org
Mary Elizabeth Peterson Lisa Minton Nursery Assistants
Fax: 865.524.7895 Email: INFO@sjlcknox.org Website: www.sjlcknox.org