Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany
The Spirituality of Luke for the Coming Year
Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30pm on Zoom
In this online gathering, participants will explore with Father Samuel Torvend the major themes in the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel will serve as the source of most of our Gospel readings in the liturgical year of 2025, which begins on the First Sunday of Advent. Unlike the other gospels, Luke stresses the value of women leaders, common prayer, and service among those who struggle with poverty and houselessness. Does that ring a bell, dear St. Paulites? For the foodies among us, New Testament scholars suggest that Luke has arranged his gospel around a series of meals that serve as glimpses of the reign of God in ordinary life. Join us for a good time!
To register for this class, send an email to Fr. Torvend at torvensa@plu.edu. The subject line should read LUKE. You will then receive the zoom link and the handout for the class.
Scandinavian Baking Day
Saturday, December 14 at 10:30am
Bring a sack lunch and join us for Scandinavian Baking day in the undercroft. Learn how to make Sandbakkelse and Krim Kakke. The treats will be served at coffee hour the following Sunday in honor of our annual visit from St. Lucy. No supplies are needed to join!
Treats will be served the next day during the 10:30am coffee hour to honor St. Lucy!
Holy Eucharist with Prayers of Lament
December 22, 5:00pm
At the 5:00pm Mass on December 22, in the sanctuary, we will include prayers of lament in our intercessions for the world during these difficult times. For Christians, it is not unusual for joy and sorrow to be mixed together, particularly in the Advent and Christmas seasons. Christ comes to us in the midst of our suffering—that hope can show up in the midst of fear, reconciliation in the midst of loneliness, and light in the midst of darkness. Please join us.
Christmas Flower Offering
If you would like to make a Christmas flower offering and dedication, please fill out an envelope in the narthex on Sunday and place it in the offering plate. There is also an online form here for dedications. Donations can be submitted in Realm. Please submit dedications no later than Tuesday, December 17.
Christmas Eve Mass
Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00pm
All are invited to share in the delight of the Nativity as the children and families of St. Paul’s present the Christmas Story. If you know of any children who would like to read, help serve at the altar, or be a greeter, please contact Father Phillip. All ages and reading levels are welcome!Live-stream will be available here.
The First Solemn Mass of Christmas
Tuesday, December 24 at 11:00pm; carols and motets at 10:30pm
Herald the birth of Jesus with carols, motets, and Holy Eucharist. Live-stream will be available here.
Christmas Day Mass
Wednesday, December 25 at 10:30am
Holy Eucharist with carols.
Sunday Supper
Sunday, December 29 at 5:00pm
Our last Sunday of the month family-style dinner and Eucharist will be followed by crafts and activities for all ages related to Christmastide.
Epiphany
Sunday, January 5 at 8:00am, 10:30am, and 5:00pm
Our 10:30am Mass will be followed by fun activities and King Cake for all ages.