The Season of Advent: Sunday, December 2 begins the Season of Advent. It is a period that reflects both a time of anticipation and penitence in our preparation for Christ’s return and His reign.
The color changes from green to blue to signify the solemn change in our liturgical life. Greenery adorns the altar instead of flowers, and the alleluias are dispensed with in the Liturgy. The Advent wreath counts the weeks until Christmas.
Reflecting on our lives in the light of God’s Word, we recognize the direction in which our present values and habits are leading us, and discern where those values and ways of living should be changed. We also recognize that only the grace of God can effect lasting change in us. It is God who enables us “to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light.”
Advent is a time to take on added spiritual discipline to prepare our hearts to receive Christ into our lives in a deeper way. Make some extra time for Him this season. He is waiting for you.
Teen Confirmation Class : The Teen Confirmation Class is underway! Classes will be held in Guild Parlor from 10:15-11:10 on the following dates: Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, Apr. 7. (Please note that class will meet in the Green Room on December 2 due to the Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Tour.)
Adult Formation: Letter to the Hebrews: Father Klein’s Letter to the Hebrews class will NOT meet on the following dates due to Teen Confirmation: Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, Apr. 7.
“Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place” in Progress
Tour Hours:
Sat, Dec. 1 12 noon – 9:00 pm
Sun, Dec. 2 12 noon – 5:00 pm (Note: Tours of St. John’s will begin at 1:00)
Kitchen Management Note: In order to better manage the kitchen work flow during the “Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place” tour, the kitchen will be off-limits to all but scheduled Tea Room staff. Parishioners, friends and family—please honor the ‘Kitchen Staff Only’ sign posted on the doors during the Ryan Tour. The Tea Room can get hectic at times, and even when it’s slow there are many tasks to be kept up with so that all runs smoothly when it’s busy. If you are bringing dessert donations during Tea Room hours, please drop them off at the cashier’s desk. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Children’s Choir to Perform December 2: The Children’s Choir will perform at the 9:00 service on December 2.
DHC/DOK December Gathering, Dec. 9th: St. John’s Daughters of the Holy Cross and Daughters of the King will hold their December meeting next Sunday, Dec. 9th at 3:00 pm at the home of Dorothy Gregory. Program: Advent Meditation followed by a social. For more information, see Dorothy.
AYM Youth Rally Dec 8-9: The AYM Youth Rally for 6th-12th graders will be held at Camp Crucis on Dec. 8-9. Check in is from 8:30-9:30 Sat. morning. The weekend ends with mass at 11:15 Sun. morning. The cost is $35. For more information, visit www.anglicanyouthministries.com.
Lessons and Carols: The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be presented by St. John’s Chancel Choirs, Handbell Choir, and Children’s Choir on Sunday, Dec. 16th at 5:00 pm. This beautiful service was first held at Kings College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve 1918 and has become a traditional Christmas favorite in Anglican churches around the world. Childcare will be provided. Come, “Let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of His birth with hymns and songs of praise.”
Christmas Flower Memorials: If you would like to contribute to the Christmas Flowers this year in memory or in honor of a loved one, or in thanks-giving, please fill out the form found in your bulletin and return it to the parish office by Tuesday, Dec 18.
Guest Organist: Karen Clark is once again filling in as Guest Organist . Thank you for sharing your talents with us today, Karen!