Happy Second Sunday of Advent – the Sunday of Peace. Today we begin our Advent Adult Formation Class examining the meaning of the incarnation through the lens of “Justice.” Please join us in the Library at 9 a.m.
After the 10 a.m. service we are having Advent Crafts. Make a nativity scene, Christmas ornaments and Advent wreaths to adorn your home for Advent. Guests are very welcome!
We are collecting gifts for the youth at Lad Lake as well as for the kids at Mary’s Room. Please bring your items to church by Sunday, December 21. Wish lists are available on the bulletin table in the Narthex.
We had our first discussion of “Practicing Generosity with all Your Heart, Soul, Strength & Mind” on Wednesday. I hope you will join us December 10 and 17 to continue learning about this topic.
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. we will decorate the church for Christmas. We will put up the tree, bring out the crèche, and put poinsettias everywhere!
The next day, on December 14, we are going Christmas caroling. We’ll meet at 1:30 p.m. and then head over to Three Pillars. Parish Music Director Carrie invites parish members and friends to join the choir for Christmas caroling. We always have fun and the residents really enjoy singing along with us too. Hope you can make it! Kids are most welcome!
The donation slips for Christmas flowers are now in the Church narthex. Please return this slip along with your check payable to St. Mary’s. You can either place your slip in the offering box in the church narthex, mail it to the parish office, or email your information to the parish office. Due to a printing deadline, any memorials received after Sunday, December 14 will be listed in the January 4 bulletin.
Sunday, December 21 is a busy day. We will have Advent IV at the 8 a.m. service, a spontaneous (no-rehearsal) Pageant at the 10 a.m. service, and a Longest Night service at 4 p.m. in the Chapel. In the long, dark winter nights, memories of past experiences and the pain of present situations can become overwhelming. For some, the Christmas season is very difficult. The Longest Night service invites people to listen, pray and sing if they are able. During this service we offer our experiences and feelings to the Christ-child.
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa