As our Advent Season continues, we draw ever closer to our Christmas celebrations and the hope-filled prospects of 2018! I encourage all of us to deepen our longings for the fullness of the Kingdom by committing ourselves to the rhythms and practices of Advent. Speaking of which, here are some of the things you need to know this week:
Saturday, December 9 at 5:00 pm. Family-Friendly Evening Prayer takes place once again.
Our hope is that our Saturday Prayer Service will prepare us for Sunday worship—AND for our Christmas celebration. We will once again listen to some words of Scripture, learn about the themes and practices of Advent, light the Advent Candle, and mark the approach of Christmas by the movement of Nativity pieces closer to the Creche.
If you so choose, bring a dish to share and stick around for a simple meal and some fellowship and fun.
Sunday, December 10, The Second Sunday of Advent
There are a number of things to note about this Sunday:
First, Our Final Session of Discipleship Hour takes place this week at 9 am
Second, We will begin the service with our Choral Introit, the Lighting of the Advent Candle, and our Children’s Focus time. Please note that the doors to the sanctuary will be closed during this time so please make every effort to be seated prior to the service.
Third, immediately after worship we gather in the Fellowship Hall for our (Shortened) Annual General Meeting. We will accomplish a few tasks at this meeting: First, we will elect two new members for our Leadership Council; second, we will give an update on our financial situation to date in 2017; and third, we will give a preview of our (Longer) Meeting to be held in mid-January 2018 (Date and time to be determined).
Looking Ahead to 2018: Discipleship Hour
Beginning on January 7, 2018 (9:00- 10:00 am) we will offer one Adult class focusing on the Catechism of the Anglican Church of North America (entitled, “To Be A Christian: An Anglican Catechism”). The Catechism is the compendium of the received teaching of our church written within the ethos of the culture of our day (that is, is seeks to set forth what the church teaches ever mindful of the different cultural messages assumed today). This will be an interactive class and especially helpful for all of us—longtime Anglicans needing to revisit the core teaching of the church, those new to the Anglican way needing to gain insight to the breadth of teaching of the church, and especially those who are being led to deepen their connection with our church.
It is vital that we share a common foundation of faith. Plan now to make a commitment to ‘Discipleship Hour’ as part of your new year’s resolution.
