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 Sunday, Dec. 13. Questions? Contact Margaret Quigley via mquigley@ccral.org.
- Music Memorials: CLICK HERE
- Christmas Poinsettias: CLICK HERE
Savor the Season Advent Dinners – Dec. 2, 9 & 16
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. *Nursery will be available.
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
- The Rev. Paddy Cavanaugh – Dec. 2: REGISTER HERE
- The Rev. Winnie Smith Cavanaugh – Dec. 9 – Pageant rehearsal: REGISTER HERE
- The Rev. James P. Adams – Dec. 16 – Crèche Creations: REGISTER HERE
Immediately following each Wednesday night Advent dinner, Crosswinds will be offering a brief service of Compline in the chapel. This candlelit service will be brief (approximately 15 minutes) and is a comforting, meditative way to end the evening. Childcare will be provided.
Advent Yoga – Dec. 4, 11 & 18
Join Deborah Benton for a special Advent yoga class on Fridays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18 at 9:45 a.m. in the All Saints’ Room. This is not an exercise class, but a contemplative practice to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. In this busy season, set aside time to quiet the mind and body through soothing yoga poses and breathing. All are welcome, whether you haven’t done yoga in a while or are a seasoned practitioner. Come to one class or join us for all three.
Advent & Christmastide Service Schedule
(*Childcare provided; +Choir & Orchestra)
- Sunday, Nov. 29 – First Sunday of Advent
- 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist I (Chapel)
- 9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist II (Church)
- 11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist I (Church)
- 5 p.m. – Contemplative Holy Eucharist (Church)
- Sunday, Dec. 6 – Second Sunday of Advent
- 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist I (Chapel)
- 9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist II (Church)
- 11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist I (Church)
- 5 p.m.* – Lessons & Carols
- Sunday, Dec. 13 – Third Sunday of Advent
- 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist I (Chapel)
- 9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist II (Church)
- 11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist I (Church)
- 5 p.m.* – Children’s Christmas Pageant
- Sunday, Dec. 20 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
- 8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist I (Chapel)
- 9 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist II (Church)
- 11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist I (Church)
- 5 p.m. – Contemplative Holy Eucharist (Church)
- Thursday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
11 a.m.* – Holy Eucharist of Christmas with Children’s Homily
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- Preceded by concert (10:30 a.m.)
- Cherub Choir
3 p.m.*+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
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- Scholar Cantorum with orchestra
- Preceded by concert (2:30 p.m.)
5 p.m.*+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
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- Scholar Cantorum with orchestra
- Preceded by concert (4:30 p.m.)
10:30 p.m.+ – Holy Eucharist of Christmas
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- Staff Singers with orchestra
- Preceded by concert of various carols & Christmas anthems (10 p.m.)
- Friday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Church) - Sunday, Dec. 27 – First Sunday after Christmas
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Church)*
*ACF, Sunday School and our regular Sunday service schedule will resume Jan. 3.
2026 Christmas Offering – StepUp Ministries
This year, Christ Church Christmas offering is going towards StepUp Ministries’ Rooted & Rising capital campaign, helping create a new home where individuals and families can build skills, find opportunity, and achieve lasting stability. You can give via this link.
Online Advent Devotionals
from Building Faith – click here
Messiah, from Salt
- Devotional – view, download and print via this link
A “Less is More” Christmas, 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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