Preparing the way: Long Advent at Community Lutheran

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Dwelling in holy anticipation

God’s peace and every blessing be with you, my dear ones!

As many of you have already realized, the season of Advent and Christmas is especially close to my heart. Something that is also a touchstone of my faith is that our relationship with Jesus is part of a daily journey, and not just a Sunday check-in.

Advent devotionals are not as familiar a tradition as having a regular prayer practice during seasons like Lent. Our time exploring Long Advent, however, can be a time to dwell in the holy anticipation of this time of year in many ways.

For those seeking an individual journey outside of the small group study and fellowship opportunities we are providing in November and December, I wanted to share some of the new Advent devotionals I am most excited about. Hopefully, one of them will resonate with your own prayer life and interests. Praying with love that this season is a time of growth and sacred connection with the Holy Spirit for you!

From ELCA World Hunger
This season’s Advent calendar and study guide invite you to prepare room in your home and heart for your community before going into the world to act on behalf of your neighbors.
ELCA World Hunger Advent Resources

From ELCA Sumud
A spiritual journey connecting the story of Christ’s birth with the current realities in Bethlehem and the Holy Land. This resource explores steadfastness, justice, and peace in our communities.
Sumud Advent 2025

From Nebraska Synod
Weekly devotions on justice and mercy in a time of waiting. These mid-week reflections ask, “How long, O Lord?” and invite us to seek hope and compassion in times of longing.
Nebraska Synod Advent Devotions

From Unbound: The Intersection of Faith and Justice
Trans Advent, a devotional centering the voices of our trans siblings, offers reflections on faith, identity, and God’s inclusive love.
Unbound Trans Advent 2025

Blessings on the journey,
Pastor Carla

This Advent season, join us in reflection, prayer, and study as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

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, Nov. 26, 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.

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

Evening Classic Vinyasa Yoga

Focus on strength, balance, breathwork, and relaxation while learning techniques for chronic pain and healthy movement.

When: Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, and Jan. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Community Lutheran Church
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service

Join Pastor Carla and others for this interfaith candlelight service honoring those who have died without a place to call home.

When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes, 528 E. Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE
Hosted by: Housing Alliance Delaware and community partners.

Christmas Gift Drives

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.

For John M. Clayton Elementary School:

Provide new, unwrapped toys or clothes by Dec. 7. Items will be distributed to families who select gifts for their children. This is a separate collection from the gifts that we will be collecting for the families of our food pantry clients.  The following is a list of the items that the staff is requesting:

Holiday Gift Ideas for Ages 5-12

• Crafts
• Dolls
• Plushies, Stuffies
• Fishing Rods & Tackle Boxes
• Goo jitzu
• Indoor Snowballs
• Jewelry
• Legos for boys and girls
• Make-up and Mirrors; Hair supplies
• PJ’s & Blankets
• Remote Control Vehicles for boys and girls
• Robots for boys and girls
• Skateboards, helmets, knee and elbow pads
• Speakers
• Sporting Equipment: baseball bats, balls, gloves; footballs; basketballs
• STEM kits
• Transformers
• Board Games (Some) & Books (Some)

There will be a separate collection box in the Narthex for the school.  Questions? Contact Terri Windlan at 703.405.5316.

Friendly reminder: Updated contact emails

Please double-check the email address you’re using when reaching out to Community Lutheran staff. All accounts are now working correctly.

Contacts:

• Pastor Carla — pastorcarla@bridgebuilder.church
• Pastor Karis — pastor@bridgebuilder.church
• David Nilsson, Treasurer — treasurer@bridgebuilder.church
• Morgana Wilkes, Technology Support —  tech.clc.30897@gmail.com

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

• November 22: Thanksgiving Food Distribution
  Volunteers should arrive by 9 a.m. Drive-through at 11 a.m. Bring warm clothes for outdoor service.
  Items needed: instant or canned potatoes, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, applesauce, canned vegetables, sweet potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, bread or cornbread mix, and desserts.
• 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.

Bring or send in your Statement of Intent by Sunday, Nov. 23!

Empowerment Campaign Timeline

• November 23 – Commitment Sunday: A sacred moment to offer our pledges and prayers
• December 7 – Celebrate! Announce campaign results and give thanks!

Lift one another up

Get involved