Dear Friends,
During the upcoming holidays, we invite you to join us for the Holy Days of Advent and Christmas. Please join us for inspiring worship as we celebrate our community of faith, our neighborhood, friends and family, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the hope, joy, love and peace of Christmas!
An Advent devotional booklet is available in the Sanctuary for your spiritual
enrichment and enjoyment. This booklet is designed for you to read a short devotional every day, between Nov. 29th and Dec. 26th. May it help you to bring joy and wholeness to this season, which can often be fraught with busy-ness and stress.
Blessings to each of you in this holy time. May you be blessed in your homes and in your souls with the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas!
Pastor Ellen
Advent Study, Sundays, Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 10 am:
Pastor Ellen Hopkins will lead an Advent Study, The Journey, using source material from Adam Hamilton. This drop-in study will help us better understand the events leading up to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and the theological significance of the Nativity and its meaning for our lives.
Sermon Series, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec 20 will be based on the theme “Unto Us a Child is Born” using reference materials from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Devotional booklets by Nouwen for personal use are available in the sanctuary.
ENJOY THE SEASON WITH US
- Sunday, November 29: Worship First at 8:45 am, with Holy Communion and Sanctuary Worship at 11 am, the First Sunday of Advent, and the lighting of the Candle of Hope at both services.
- Sunday, December 6: Worship First at 8:45 am, and Sanctuary Worship at 11 am, the second Sunday of Advent, and the lighting of the Candle of Joy and Holy Communion at both services.
- Saturday, December 12: Winter Wonderland – Activities, Crafts and Visits with Santa, 4-6 pm in the gym, free Artist Market & Bake Sale – 4-9pm in Chester Commons adjacent to the Sanctuary, free. Candlelight Tour of Homes – 6-10 pm (see http://candlelighttourofhomes.com for ticket info)
- Sunday, December 13: Worship First at 8:45 am, the Third Sunday of Advent, with Holy Communion and the lighting of the Candle of Love. Sanctuary Worship at 11 am, the Third Sunday of Advent, the lighting of the Candle of Love and the annual St. Paul Children’s Christmas Play with Christmas music, adorable sheep, and the story of the birth of Jesus. Our Children’s Play is always a favorite way of preparing for Christmas Day. If you wish for your child to participate, please contact Laura Wells (lmwells2009@gmail.com). St. Paul Christmas Concert, featuring the Choir and the Paulines, in the Sanctuary at 5pm, free. Candlelight Tour of Homes – 6-10 pm (see http://candlelighttourofhomes.com for ticket info).
- Sunday, December 20: Worship First at 8:45 am, with Holy Communion and Sanctuary Worship at 11 am, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and the lighting of the Candle of Peace at both services.
- Thursday, December 24th, Christmas Eve: Family Christmas Eve at 5 pm. Child friendly worship service, ending with candlelight Silent Night and Candlelight Communion at 11 pm. Holy Communion service, ending with candlelight Silent Night.
- Sunday, December 27: 11 am, only one service of Christmas worship, with Christmas carols, followed by soup and salad lunch in Huiet Hall.
- Sunday, January 3: Worship First at 8:45 am, with Holy Communion, and Sanctuary Worship at 11 am, Epiphany Sunday, with the celebration of the Three Wise Men.