It is week #48. Time for updates.
This is the first Sunday of the Liturgical Calendar, which is a fancy way for talking about how time is marked according to the life of Jesus in an annual cycle. The Church calendar begins at Advent covering the four Sundays before Christmas Day. So this Sunday we will begin. Each Advent worship service is special, and this season we will also explore the core symbols of Advent/Christmas: greenery, gifts, feasting and lights.
Sunday Worship (Dress Warm)
This Sunday morning we will be exploring the sacred meaning of greenery, particularly the cultural practice of bringing trees and garland indoors during the dark and cold weeks of each winter. We will also have communion and everyone in worship for all-church Sunday. Plus a special bonus: Brody Dorman is being dedicated! So exciting, and such a great way to start Advent. And for real, bring a coat or a blanket. Pasadena was visited by the winter chill and our building can only do so much with its thermal mass. Also, our boiler is being repaired so the air is slightly less temperate. Just think of it as an Advent miracle. Because no one wants to come to church in December in a tank top (except maybe your pastor!)
New Advent Designs
Corrie, our resident Creative Director, has created a set of banners and bookmarksfor this Advent season. Check them out this Sunday on your way into worship. The large banner is an attempt to capture the hectic nature of the holidays through a ton of spilled Christmas stuff, offset by an invitation to find shelter in the liturgical rhythms of Advent worship. The side banners are simple but beautiful. All paintings, photographs and lettering are done in house, which I find brilliant. We also have an Advent bookmark that explains the season and has the entire worship schedule on it. This is a great way to invite a friend to worship during Advent. Just slide them a bookmark and wait for the magic to happen. Actually, you might need to do more than that, but the bookmark is a great start. So grab a few extras on Sunday and share with your closest friends (and your enemies too).
Friends In Deed Christmas Gift Drive
Hey friends, it’s time again for Friends in Deed’s annual Christmas gift drive! As a church we want to bless 80 families with gifts this Christmas. We need help with crafting gift tags this coming week. If you’re interested, please contact Pastor Gretchen.
Carol Candlelight Service
Or is it Candlelight Carol Service? Or Carol-light Candle Service? Or Christmas Fun Time Wow? Either way, make sure you are there. You can learn more about the event below. Suffice it to say, there will be many familiar moments and some fun surprises too. Expect banjos and handle bells, among other delights.
Bonus surprise
Baby Liv Pope is here! Kate and Taylor welcomed baby Liv into the world on November 29 at Huntington. All is well and everyone is healthy. Keep your eyes open for a meal train for those who want to drop some food off in the coming weeks.
