Hello, dear church family!
Can you believe December starts tomorrow, and Advent begins on Sunday?! No? Me, either!!!
I thought I’d lay out the CHURCH events of the month to make sure you all know which end is up. (There are other events in the building than the ones listed, but I’m only including the church-organized things as they’re the only ones I have part in.)
WORSHIP SERVICES:
Dec. 3, 10 a.m. ~ Susie preaching, Malcolm piano-ing, communion
Dec. 10, 10 a.m. ~ Adrienne Major preaching, Fred music-ing (presumably organ/guitar?)
Dec. 17, 7 p.m. ~ Community Candlelight and Carols service ~ lessons and carols, hitting on both Advent and Christmas themes. Susie preaching, big choir presence, Fred as musician. Ends with “Silent Night” and candle light; cocoa, cookies, caroling in the Village after service
***NOTE: No morning service on Dec. 17!!!***
Dec. 24, 10 a.m. ~ Susie preaching (Advent 4 with nod to Christmas Eve to be sure)
Dec. 24, 11 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve (our quiet, late night service with the Christmas story in lessons and carols, candles, “Silent Night”)
Every Sunday: 5:30-6 ~ Silent Meditation in the sanctuary
Dec. 31, 10 a.m. ~ Christmas Carol Sing, by request. Malcolm on piano, Susie leading sing.
CHOIR REHEARSALS
Dec. 3 & 10 ~ 9 a.m. for the Anthem du Jour and maybe more
Dec. 10 after church to go over what’s being prepared for Dec. 17th’s service.
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. ~ chez Kathryn Tolbert, right near the church ~ preparation for Dec. 17 service, in particular. Email Kathryn or Charlotte for directions if you’re not sure where that is: ktolbert@sover.net or gifford@languagehead.com
GREENING OF THE SANCTUARY
Sat. Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. ~ This is when we make the window decorations, the sconce sprays, and, if we have enough helpers, the garland, bring in and decorate the tree, and set up the nativity scene. Please bring a) greenery, b) any decorative berries/grasses/pinecones you may have, c) clippers and wire if you have them. If, in fact, you can’t come but have supplies to offer up, that would be great, too. There will be snacks, and instructions, and much good cheer. Many hands, light work, yada yada yada.
LABYRINTH WALK
Thurs. Dec. 21, 7-8 p.m. ~ On the longest night of the year, come to our candle-lit labyrinth walk in the sanctuary. It will be quiet (with music), peaceful, and meditative.
If you’re in the habit of a particular Advent spiritual practice, I’d love to hear about it! As for me, I have chosen to crack open a book I bought several years ago and never touched: “Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent,” by Pamela C. Hawkins. It’s a combination of brief readings and spiritual practices. I’m looking forward to turning to it every morning around 6 a.m. when I do my devotional time.
I’m so grateful for this congregation, and all of the gifts each of you give so freely within our community. As we approach Advent and begin to wait and watch and prepare, I’m glad we’ll be walking this journey towards Bethlehem together.
In Advent hope,
Susie
