Prepare your heart for Advent: join the journey at Community Lutheran

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Embracing the wonder of Long Advent

Hey Community!

Have you ever heard of “Long Advent”? I mentioned it briefly during the announcements in worship last week. Fun fact: it’s also known as “St. Martin’s Lent.” The practice dates back to the 6th century and is observed from the day after St. Martin’s Day (November 11) until Christmas Eve.

St. Martin was known for cutting his cloak in half to share with an impoverished person who had none. The main purpose of St. Martin’s Lent was to provide a period of spiritual preparation, prayer, and fasting before the celebration of Christmas. It served as a contrast to the secular festivities that often surround the Christmas season, promoting a more spiritual and reflective attitude.

I’m inviting us to celebrate “Long Advent” this year as a way of embracing the discovery, wonder, and growth that come from times of transition. The shepherds, the Magi, Mary, and Joseph all traveled across rough roads and through unknown territory, learning about their own strengths and callings, developing resilience and discernment, while also learning to rely on God in new ways.

Christmas is not just the arrival; it’s a transformational journey that readies us for the work and witness Jesus calls us into, which begins at Christmas.

We have daytime and evening Zooms, as well as an in-person option, to spend time with me and some of my colleagues and friends in study and meditation. We continue to gather in worship and prayer. There will also be multiple print resources available at our main building, with links for prayerful learning and spiritual practice in your newsletter and on social media over the next several weeks.

I deeply hope you will explore with me the hidden messages in the stars and the music of the universe that can bring us to new purpose and clarity as we honor Advent together.

In deep love,
Pastor Carla

Advent study: The Journey by Adam Hamilton

Join Rev. Deb and Pastor Carla for an in-person, four-week Advent study based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s The Journey. This fascinating look at the birth of Jesus takes participants from Nazareth to Bethlehem, using history, archaeology, and reflection to explore the meaning of Christ’s coming.

• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 (after worship; bring your lunch) and
  • 10 a.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19
• Where: Luther Hall
• Cost: Book available on Amazon for about $10
• Video: Available through Amplify Media
• Register: Email PastorCarla@BridgeBuilder.church to sign up (walk-ins welcome).

Advent contemplative prayer group

During the Advent season, join us for contemplative prayer focused on Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. Together we will meditate on scripture and the themes of the Advent wreath: hope, peace, joy, and love.

• When: 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22
• Facilitators: Spiritual Director Gale Wenk du Pont and Pastor Carla Christopher
• Location: Online via Zoom

Register: Click here to sign up

Advent journey toward justice: Lunch ‘n Love

Join us for a weekly online gathering that connects the Advent story with the work of justice and compassion. This LGBTQIA+ celebrating, immigrant-welcoming study explores community-led efforts to end hunger, poverty, and oppression.

• When: 12:15 – 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16
• Facilitator: Pastor Carla Christopher, with community guests

Register: Click here to join

Koinonia Advent afternoon of celebration and fellowship

Saturday, Dec. 6, 1–3 p.m., Luther Hall

Enjoy hot cider, cocoa, snacks, and crafts as we celebrate the season. Create your own Advent wreath and connect with others in fellowship and fun.

Meet the 2026 Council Election Slate

Several council vacancies occurred throughout 2025 as several members relinquished their positions due to personal reasons. New members were appointed by Pastor Karis and approved by the Council. Their appointed terms end on 12/31/2025. All have a desire to continue serving the congregation and are up for 1st-time election by the congregation. These individuals comprise the proposed slate. Additional nominations from the floor are welcome. Voting will take place at the annual meeting on November 9th after the 10:30 service. There will be only one service that day.

Slate for 2026 Elections to Council for a 3-year Term

Mari Satterlee- Seeking Election for President

Mari Satterlee has been acting Council President for the 2025 year. She joined Community Church in the Fall of 2024 after she and her husband moved to Frankford in July of 2024. In December of 2024, Pastor Karis appointed her to the council and then became Acting President. This past year, she has co-led the ESL program and has been a liaison to the Spanish-speaking community who are food pantry participants and to the ELIM church that shares our space. Mari is a lifelong protestant whose father was a Presbyterian Navy Chaplain. She has served as a Session member of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Baltimore and York Presbyterian Church in York, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she was a Worship Commission member at the Riverside Church in New York City. She is a semi-retired educator who currently teaches and tutors math.

Deb Wittle- Seeking Election for Vice President

Deb has been acting Council Vice President for the 2025 year. She has been attending regularly since the spring of 2024 and became a member in the fall of 2024. In January of 2025, Pastor Karis appointed her as Acting Vice President. This past year, she took a lead role in working with the Grant, Facilities, and Security Teams to install a security and access control system utilizing the funds awarded in a DEMA grant. She participates in our ESL program and helps to facilitate the Food Pantry Team’s communications with Council. She is a registered landscape architect with a background in planning for low-income and senior housing and military communities. Since retiring, along with her work at Community, she is enjoying golfing, kayaking, hiking, and reading.

Dayna Feher, Seeking Election for Council Member

Dayna and her husband, Bill, visited CLC for the first time in December of 2024, and she knew she was home. Community Lutheran stands for AND takes action on what Christianity means to her. In June 2025, Pastor Karis appointed Dayna to the Church Council to fill a vacancy, which she happily accepted. Dayna has been a lifelong Lutheran, born and raised in Idaho. When she and Bill moved to Delaware in 1996, Dayna became the leader of the Praise Band at St. Peter’s Lutheran in OC, and she resigned after 16 ½ years, needed a rest! Dayna has been on the Worship and Music Team at more than one church and has served on the Church Council as well. Dayna has been a Realtor since 2000, and prior to that, she was in Medical Administration.

Mary Radatovich, Seeking Election for Council Member

Mary Radatovich stumbled into Community Lutheran Church during the fall of 2024 and immediately felt right at home. She was appointed to the church council in order to fill a vacant seat and has become an active member of the church. Mary is a clinical social worker who specializes in grief counseling. She is also the devoted mom of 3 young adults.

Mark Zahner, Seeking Election for Council Member

Mark and his wife, Katy, moved to Delaware in 2020 and joined Community Lutheran Church in early 2025. Mark is a retired military veteran and served for in the U.S. Army for 27 years. Mark previously served as the Council President for St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbia, MD, and on several outreach committees. Mark and Katy have two wonderful puppies, Sonny and Chief, and live in Millsboro, DE.

Community joins World AIDS Day worship service

World AIDS Day, recognized on Dec. 1, is a time to remember all who have died of AIDS. CAMP Rehoboth, in partnership with Sussex Pride, will co-host a community worship service with multiple area congregations, including Community Lutheran Church. Pastor Carla will serve as one of the worship leaders.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 30
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach

Koinonia small group honors Día de los Muertos

On a blustery Halloween night, the Koinonia Small Group gathered to learn about Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The evening was filled with food, storytelling, and reflection as members shared memories and photos of their ancestors.

Special thanks to Alfredo Coutino and his wife, Caroline, who explained the cultural meaning behind this joyful tradition from southern Mexico. They reminded us that Día de los Muertos is not a sad day but a celebration of life and connection. The group closed with a prayer of remembrance and gratitude.

Marilyn and Wayne Paugh

Christmas Gift Drive for Pantry Families

The Food Pantry would like to provide Christmas gifts to children of pantry participants during the Dec. 16 distribution.

Participants will have the opportunity to select items for their children from donations collected in advance. We are asking for unwrapped gifts (valued at no more than $20) to be brought to the church and placed in the collection box in the narthex. A suggested gift list will be available near the box.

Suggested items include:

• Games or toys
• Books
• Stuffed animals
• Crafts or puzzles
• Art supplies

Ages: Gifts should be appropriate for children ages 2 to 14.
Drive begins: Nov. 9

Thank you for your generosity.

Questions? Contact Lorie at 301-247-9711.

Our ministry is always moving through worship, service, and care. Here’s what’s coming up at Community:

• November 9: Annual Congregational Meeting
  One service only at 10:30 a.m., followed by the meeting. Please attend as we vote on our ministry plan.
• November 11: A “Long Advent” Journey Towards Justice Zoom 6-week study begins
  12:15 – 1 p.m. via Zoom. Register Here.
• November 19: DAV Veterans Benefits Seminar
  9 a.m.–1 p.m. in Luther Hall. Open to all veterans and families seeking guidance on benefits.
• November 22: Thanksgiving Food Distribution
  Drive-thru turkey and food box pickup. Volunteers are needed! Time to be announced.
• December 2 and 16: Food Pantry distributions
• December 24: Cocoa and Carols at 4:30 p.m. followed by Christmas Eve worship at 5 p.m.

Community Lutheran’s fall Empowerment Campaign: a season of growth and vision

Community Lutheran is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow in faith, service, and impact. This fall, we’re launching our Empowerment Campaign, a time to celebrate where we’ve been, cast vision for where we’re going, and invite everyone to play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our shared ministry.

At the heart of this campaign is the introduction of our three Signature Ministries, which will help guide our mission through 2026 and beyond. These ministries reflect our deepest values and the unique call God has placed on this congregation.

Below is the timeline for this fall’s Empowerment Campaign:

Empowerment Campaign Timeline

• November 9 – Appeal Articulation Sunday: Summarizing the vision, need, and invitation to respond
• November 16 – Commitment Sunday: A sacred moment to offer our pledges and prayers
• December 7 – Celebrate! Announce campaign results and give thanks!

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