Dear Friends in Christ,

I write this letter with joy in anticipation of my first Sunday at The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew. It seems so fitting that we will begin worshiping together on Advent Sunday, November 28th!

Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. We remember how the Hebrews waited for the birth of the Messiah and how we continue to wait for his return. Yes, Advent is a time of great expectation when the whole world seems pregnant with possibility. What gifts will the Christ-child bring into our lives this year? Will he bring us the peace we long for? Will he bring us the courage and energy we need for the days ahead? Will he bring us a sense of joy and wonder in all God’s works? 

Christ brings all these gifts and more! The question is, are we ready to receive them? I invite you, therefore, to prepare your heart and mind to receive Christ and his gifts even more fully this Christmas. Use the season of Advent to prepare an even bigger place for Christ in your life. 

There are many opportunities to participate fully in the season of Advent at The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew. Our Sunday services are at 8a.m. and 11a.m each week. We will celebrate Christmas together at 10p.m. on Dec 24th and 10a.m. on Dec 25th.

An Advent Challenge: Bring a friend to church. Advent is a wonderful time to invite those who have not been to church in a long time (or have never been to church) to come and join our community in worship and outreach. Tell your friends how much more meaningful Christmas will be if they attend church during Advent. This is especially true for children. Christ has gifts to offer our friends and neighbors, so let’s invite as many of them as we can to celebrate with us!

May you be inspired this Advent to reach out into the world in love with the expectation that good things will happen. I look forward to seeing you in church.

Blessings and Peace,

The Rev. Michael Sniffen
Priest-in-Charge