The season of Advent is a time of new beginnings for the Christian Church, as we mark the start of a new liturgical year and wait with anticipation for the arrival of the Christ Child and the union of human and Divine, of heaven and earth. Although the word advent means “coming” or “arrival,” the season of Advent is not celebrated with the fanfare often associated with new beginnings, but instead is a period of preparation as we keep vigil of expectation for what is to come, calling forth our desire and rekindling our sense of hope. (from asacredjourney.net)
Christmas Music & Poinsettia Memorials
If you would like to honor or remember a loved one through the gift of music and/or poinsettias for our Christmas Eve services, please submit information using the links below by Wednesday, Dec. 13. Questions? Contact Margaret Quigley via mquigley@ccral.org.
Music Memorials: LINK
Christmas Poinsettias: LINK
Savor the Season Advent Dinners
We invite all ages to come taste and see as we prepare our hearts for the Christmastide. Join us Wednesday evenings in Advent for weekly dinner, fellowship & formation at Christ Church.
5:45-6:15 p.m.: Dinner ($8/person or $32 family cap)
6:15-6:20 p.m.: Lighting of the Advent Wreath
6:20-6:35 p.m.: Program in the Parish Hall; Children’s program in the All Saints’ Rm. (128)
The Rev. James P. Adams – Dec. 6 – St. Nicholas Night: REGISTER HERE
The Rev. Mary Davila – Dec. 13 – Christmas Pageant practice: REGISTER HERE
The Rev. Daniel J. Reeves – Dec. 20 – Crèche Creations: REGISTER HERE
*Nursery will be available
Women’s Advent Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study will explore Amy-Jill Levine’s Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent from 9:45-11 a.m. in the All Saints’ Room. Led by The Rev. Mary Davila, we will meet from Nov. 15 to Dec. 13 (no meeting Nov. 22). To sign up and obtain information about ordering the book, please email Mary at mdavila@ccral.org.
Advent Yoga
Join Deborah Benton on Fridays Dec. 1, 8 & 15 during Advent, at 9:45 a.m. in room 128 (the All Saints’ Room). Let us open our hands and hearts through movement and breath. No experience necessary.
Advent & Christmastide Service Schedule
(*Childcare provided; +Choir & Orchestra)
Sunday, Dec. 3 – First Sunday of Advent
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
5 p.m. – Contemplative Holy Eucharist (Church)
Sunday, Dec. 10 – Second Sunday of Advent
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
5 p.m.* – Festival of Lessons & Carols w/reception
Sunday, Dec. 17 – Third Sunday of Advent
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist (Church)
5 p.m.* – Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist of Christmas with Children’s Homily
- Preceded by concert (10:30 a.m.)
- Cherub Choir
3 p.m.*+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
- Adult Choir with harp & orchestra
- Preceded by concert (2:30 p.m.)
5 p.m.*+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
- Adult Choir with harp & orchestra
- Preceded by concert (4:30 p.m.)
10:30 p.m.+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
- Lay Clerks with orchestra
- Preceded by concert of various carols & Christmas anthems (10 p.m.)
Monday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Church)
Sunday, Dec. 31 – First Sunday after Christmas
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Church)
*ACF/Sunday School and our regular Sunday service schedule will resume Jan. 7.
Online Advent Devotionals
Click this link to listen to daily devotionals from parishioners.
A “Less is More” Christmas – new resources from SALT
Kate Bowler Advent Devotional – click here
Family Resources: click here
Books of Daily Devotions
I Witness, by Kate Moorehead
Preparing for Christmas, by Richard Rohr
Advent Resources with Reflections and Activities for Children and Families
Wooden Advent Wreath for kids
Nativity By Cynthia Rylant
Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb
Silent Night (The Christmas Choir)
Kindness Advent Calendar
Star from Afar
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