W
hew, what a year we have been through! Most of us have a deep longing to get back to “normal.” But here is what I have come to understand: Normalcy is overrated. God is not so much interested in normalcy as in transformation. There have been so many challenges in 2020 which been disorienting, making us feel as though we are in a fun-house hall of mirrors (except without the fun.) The ground keeps moving under our feet. Halloween without trick or treating? Worship without singing? Thanksgiving without the HEB parade? Everything seems topsy turvy. Nonetheless, I am both comforted and challenged by the realization that Jesus was a disorienting force in the world into which he was born. Disorientation is a necessary precedent to reorientation, and I believe God is interested in bringing about changes in the way we live and see the world. Priorities must be reordered. Division must give way to harmony. Empathy must replace self-righteousness. Giving must replace taking. Love, the greatest power in all of creation, must replace animosity. Oh how I wish it were that easy, that a sermon or column from a pastor could make it all right. Advent is all about longing, but we must move beyond a longing to “get back to normal.” We must long for a powerful intervention of God
into our midst. We pray for God to tear open the heavens and come down. We must ask that he shake up the foundations, to upend the moneychangers, to challenge the status quo. But wait…He did those things, not with a sword or a mighty hand, not on a warhorse but on a donkey. And he did them as a tiny baby. Vulnerable. Defenseless. Born in a cave, swaddled and laid in a feeding trough. Here is what I love about God being born as a baby. On the one hand, there is nothing more normal than a birth. Hundreds of thousands happen every single day. On the other hand, there is nothing more extraordinary, more miraculous than a baby, and extraordinarily special: a virgin birth. God intervenes in the ordinary to make it extraordinary! So this year, in a strange time of disorientation, let us pray that the Christ Child, born centuries ago but yearning to be born in each one of our lives, would take hold of hearts and do whatever it takes to reorient us to God’s purposes and priorities. In this Advent season, come, Lord Jesus, come!
Whether you worship at home or at St. Luke’s, we welcome you each Sunday! Socially distanced, In-person Worship: St.LukesMethodist.org Online Worship: StLukesMethodist.org Traditional Worship | 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship | 8:45 and 11:15 a.m.
Advent Communion in the Chapel Sundays, November 29, December 6, 13, 20 | 12:05 p.m.
Meet Rev. Cliff Ritter in the Chapel for a socially distanced service of Holy Communion and healing prayer.
Christmas Festival | Sunday, December 13 9:45 & 11 a.m. | In-person 8:30, 9:45 & 11 a.m. | Stream Online: StLukesMethodist.org
The iconic music of the annual Christmas Festival lives on, in church and online. A full orchestra performs on screen with the Chancel Choir presenting a world premiere. Reserve in-person worship beginning December 7: StLukesMethodist.org/worship-reservations
Christmas Remembered | Wednesday, December 16 │7 p.m. │Sanctuary
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for Christians, but for many the loss of a loved one means that the holidays are a difficult time. Join us for a special worship service where we renew our hope in Jesus in the face of grief. StLukesMethodist.org/worship-reservations
We pray and worship. In-Person Worship
More than ever this year, we are longing to sing Christmas carols, light candles, and take Holy Communion. Join us on Blanton Field for socially distanced, weather permitting, Christmas Eve worship. Chairs provided.
5 p.m. Contemporary Family Worship 7 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Reservations open December 1: StLukesMethodist.org
Online Worship
This year, many of us are still worshiping at home, COVID-style. Turn on your tree lights, gather around the screen and stream Christmas Eve worship, and sing carols with your virtual church family in the comfort of your cozy home.
NEW! Family Service On-demand all-day 6 p.m. Contemporary Christmas Eve 6, 8 and 11 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve
We give ourselves away in generosity and service. Tree of Angels Gifts
Let’s help the men and women of PEP (Prision Entrepreneur Program) provide Christmas gifts for their children. Want to purchase gifts for the family of a PEP participant? Learn more: StLukesMethodist.org/tree-of-angels
Friends at Home Advent Poinsettia Delivery
Spread some Christmas cheer and volunteer to deliver a festive plant to a Friends at Home member at their residence. (Optional: If you want to reserve a name in advance, contact Shelley Quillin: 713-402-5033.) Flower pick-up and addresses available: Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Main Entrance and December 13-15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m in Johnson Gathering Area
Christmas Offering 2020 This year’s Christmas Offering supports our new workforce development program, PX Project.
In the restaurant industry, the term PX describes VIP patrons—extraordinary people meant to be shown extra care—and not just celebrities. More often, it’s a dishwasher who brought in his family, or a young cook wanting to impress her date. Our students are already extraordinary people. They are, however, part of the group of teenagers and young adults who must work full-time to help sustain their families. With little knowledge of what is available and which skills they have to offer, it’s our mission help them to uncover and harness their gifts and talents.
Because people learn by doing, we use the kitchen as our vehicle. Focusing on culinary and employability skills, social/emotional health, and career readiness, our goal is to have our students leave the program ready for success in life and in the workplace.
Please make a gift and equip our students in a variety of ways! One full student scholarship $5,000 Uniform/Meals/Transportation $1,000 Mental Health Support $500 Knife Set $300 Food Handler Certificate $100
Use the attached envelope or give online StLukesMethodist.org/ChristmasOffering
We make friends.
Register for all events and activities at StLukesMethodist.org/Christmas
St. Luke’s Day School Book Fair
Shop online: SLDSbookfair.com | November 30-December 13
While it will look different in 2020, we are grateful for the opportunity to keep this cherished celebration alive! Give the gift of books and support the Day School. Let’s go shopping!
Prepare your hearts for the season with a DIY Advent Candle Kit! Order now and pick-up: November 19‑24
Kits contain all the materials you will need to light these candles during prayer time each Sunday of Advent. $10 per kit, including 5 LED candles (safe for children).
Christmas in the Chapel Online December 3, 10, 17 | 8 p.m.
Take time to reflect on this season of Christ’s coming. These Thursday evening rebroadcasts of previous Christmas in the Chapel performances by Credo will be a blessing to your soul.
Family Christmas Concert with Ash Rising December 5 | 5 p.m. | Blanton Field
Join us on the field for a socially distanced Christmas concert featuring Christmas carols and songs that you know and love. Enjoy hot cocoa, Covid-style Santa pictures, and the well-loved March to the Manger tradition. BYO blanket or lawn chair as well as a new (unwrapped) toy for CCSC’s Jingle Bell Express! You can also send a gift via Amazon Wish list: StLukesMethodist.org/Christmas.
Conspirare Christmas
Monday, December 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Online
Begin the holidays with songs that go deep with love, courage, and hope. Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson curates this beloved concert bridging everyday songs with seasonal favorites that speak to our hearts.
Thursdays with Friends
It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas with Grace and Jim Roman and Rob Landes | Thursday, December 10 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zoom
Students Christmas | Sunday, December 13 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
We welcome students and families to the Blanton Field for a time of worship, an ugly sweater contest, socially distant smores, campfires and a Christmas movie.
Caroling by the Columns
December 18 | 6 and 8 p.m. | Limited in-person and Online
Join the Staff Singers and Handbells for a delightful evening of beautiful Christmas Carols in front of the church and on your computer!
An Old-Fashioned Family Christmas with Rob Landes Sunday, December 20 | 4 p.m. | Online
Rob Landes plays your favorite Christmas songs as only he can do! Enjoy the performance right in your living room.
Register: StLukesMethodist.org/Christmas
Daily Habit Devotionals Advent Edition Many of us are already singing, “We need a little Christmas. Right this very minute. Candles in the window. Carols at the spinet.” Join the St. Luke’s Daily Habit in preparing our hearts as we study the Hope, Joy, Love and Peace that Christ brings to the world. Not receiving The Daily Habit? Sign up: StLukesMethodist.org/devotionals
Digital Advent Calendar Starts December 1 We can celebrate and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus in a different way this year, so let’s have a little surprise every day! Will it be a devotion, a way to bless others, an event, or a craft? Find out: StLukesMethodist.org/Christmas
We study the Bible. Advent Bible Study The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton Wednesdays beginning November 11 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Zoom Women’s Group - Mondays beginning November 16 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zoom
The most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. You may join this class at any time. Led by Louise McEvoy.
Pastors’ Bible Study-After Hours with Tom Pace Isaiah: The Prophecies of the Messiah Wednesdays beginning December 2 | 8:30-9:15 p.m. | Zoom
Did you know the birth of Christ was foretold many times in the Old Testament? Join Tom and the associate pastors for this exciting study of Isaiah.
Lunchbox Advent Discussion | Zoom Thursdays, December 3, 12, and 17 | 12-1 p.m.
The Bible is best studied with others! Join Rev. Michelle Manuel for a lunch-hour dive, read a passage together and discuss. It’s that simple. No homework, no prep-work or prior knowledge needed.
Film and Faith Discussion - Elf
Sunday, December 13 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Zoom
God's great story is being told all around us in so many different ways. Join Rachel Fisher and Rev. Michelle Manuel in discussing theological themes found in secular films. Your only homework is to watch Elf prior to class, so grab some popcorn and press play!
Register for all studies at StLukesMethodist.org/group-finder
Spire (USPS 7190) is published quarterly by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77027-5334. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX and additional mailing offices.
His Name Shall Be
Called
Advent Sermon Series November 29-December 20
prophet • priest • king • child What is the big deal about this Jesus being born? Who is this Jesus kid? He is just a baby, right? Well, maybe not “just” a baby. The prophet Isaiah says he will be called “wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, the prince of peace.” In this Advent season, we remember what it means to celebrate Jesus as the Messiah, in the roles that he serves in all of creation. We will consider Jesus as prophet, priest, and king…and then, finally, as “child.” Come join us each week to understand why this child, born in a stable in a backwoods province of a tiny insignificant country, is life-changing for each one of us.