Advent is the Christian New Year, the first season of the Church Calendar. In Advent, we remember Ancient Israel as they waited for the coming of the Messiah who would deliver them from spiritual darkness and imperial oppression. We also join with Christians throughout history and across the world today as we wait for Jesus to come back and make all things new. As we sit between these two Advents, we enter into spiritual postures and practices of longing, repentance, lament and hope. Join us on our Advent journey this year as we make space in our lives and hearts to welcome Jesus anew. Here is everything we have planned for this Advent season:
Sundays in Advent | 11/29-12/20 | 10 AM
Each week we will light candles and focus on these themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. We will preach from the Anglican lectionary and move the confession to the beginning of our liturgy to emphasize the theme of repentance. Our Prayers of the People will incorporate a sung refrain of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” to allow us to enter more deeply into a posture of spiritual longing for the world to be made right. We will also sing the Advent carols and songs of the church.
Advent Selah | Saturday, Dec. 12th | 9 AM - 12 PM
A mini-retreat led by members of our clergy and congregation to help us engage seasonal spiritual practices of contemplative prayer, lectio, and more! We will offer a nursery as well as an elementary-aged children’s space where kids will pack hygiene kits, pray for the unhoused and others in need, and enjoy a Christmas movie. The adult and kids spaces will last from 9-11 and then we’ll share a meal together from 11-noon. Please RSVP using the link below to let us know you’re coming!
Weekly Evening Prayer | Wednesdays beginning Dec. 3rd | 6 PM in the sanctuary
Each Wednesday in Advent we will gather to pray Evening prayer from the ACNA 2019 Book of Common Prayer together in the sanctuary. If you are looking to take on a new rhythm of Scripture reading, prayer, and community, this season, then Evening prayer is for you!
Advent Kids’ Packs for Families
Every year our children’s ministry gifts Advent kids packs to families with nursery and elementary-aged kids. These packs include a seasonal book to read together as well as prompts for family prayer or reflection. You can pick up your Kids’ Pack in worship beginning Sunday 12/22.
Advent Community Generosity Initiative
This Advent, we have the opportunity to partner with our host church Grace UMC, Norwood Helping Norwood, and the weekly community dinner to pack and distribute 250 hygiene kits for our local unhoused brothers and sisters. We will also be collecting blankets, household cleaning items, and gift cards for Norwood Helping Norwood to distribute to families in need. Please sign up using the link below to let us know what needs you wish to help us cover. Donated items can be dropped off in the bins that will be in the sanctuary on Sundays 11/15 & 11/22 or at the Friendsgiving celebration. We’ll gather all the items around the altar on Sunday 11/29 and pray for God to work through our generosity to bless our community and show the love of Jesus.
Christmas Eve Services | Thursday 12/24 | 3 PM & 9 PM
This year, we are hosting 2 Christmas Eve Services:
3 PM Family Service of Lessons & Carols - This is our traditional lessons & carols service featuring a full band, a song performed by our children, candle-lighting and communion. There are no childcare offerings, but this is a great service for children to be in worship with their families.
9 PM Christmas Eve Eucharist - This service will follow a standard BCP liturgy with stripped down music, a sermon, candle-light and communion.