This Sunday, December 3, parishioners of all ages are invited to come make Advent wreaths together from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Parish Hall.
There is no need to sign up. Wreath forms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. One wreath per household please and a $5 minimum donation would be welcome, to offset cost of forms, candles and greenery.
You may wish to bring supplies, such as ribbon, pinecones, floral/craft picks and sprays, etc. from home to personalize your wreath and to share with others. Additional greenery to share from your garden would also be welcome. You will also find it very helpful to bring small pruning scissors.
Join us on December 3 as we celebrate the beginning of Advent and a New Church Year.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the mystery of Christmas. A time to watch and wait and be present. In the hustle and bustle that often accompanies this season, taking time to center ourselves and tap into the spirit of Advent can be hard to do.
If you’re longing for a time to rest and reflect, please join us on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:00 PM in the Nave. Rebecca Turk is returning to lead us in a sound bath for Advent. For the most restful experience, bring your yoga mat, a blanket, and any bolster or pillow you prefer and experience the sound bath resting in Savasana. You may also choose to experience it sitting in the pews, and you’re welcome to bring a cushion or pillow to make you more comfortable.
During Lent and Advent, we always pay special attention to those who are not able to come to church services, to see who may want the clergy to bring Holy Communion to your home. Of course if you are able to attend services, I highly encourage you to do so, because being present and sharing in the prayers opens our hearts to the transformation the Spirit promises. Being the Body of Christ is tactile!
That being said, some are not able to be physically present, and we have worked to set up streaming services and other ways to support. So, should you need Communion during this special season when we celebrate the Incarnation of Christ in our lives, please feel free to email one of us. We would love to come visit (and maybe even bring chocolate).
Blessings,
Stuart email
Cynthia email
Brandon email
During Advent, come join us for chair and/or flow yoga. We will be alternating practicing Yoga Nidra (a stationary practice where we systematically relax specific body parts), and Yin Yoga (long held stationary poses to get some gentle stretching in deep joint areas). Our scripture reading will focus on Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” and a prayer, “Lord, teach me the beauty of an unhurried life.”
All are welcome – family, friends, neighbors, etc.! Classes meet on Zoom with the links in the “on the calendar” section of the parish newsletter. Chair yoga is Mondays from 2:45-3:30 PM or Thursdays from 10:00-10:45 AM. On your mat yoga is Mondays from 3:45-4:45 PM or Thursdays from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. (No yoga classes Thursday, December 21 and Monday, December 25.)
Register now for the Advent 2023 Contemplative Summit with Ilia Delio, Laurence Freeman, Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Carl McColman and many other wisdom teachers, including Fr. Stuart! The event runs December 7-10 and Fr. Stuart’s session, Contemplative Church: Is it Possible? will be held December 9. This online summit is free (with a paid option for extended access) but registration is required. Visit the link below for full details.
Contemplative Summit for AdventGrace Church is again inviting members of the parish to submit original artwork depicting the nativity for us to share during services and on social media during the Christmas season. We would love to feature art by parishioners of all ages.
Please use colored pencils, paint, crayons, pencil, or markers to draw a nativity scene on a piece of paper that can be scanned. (Photos of artwork don’t reproduce very well in the bulletin.) Include your name and, for children and youth, your age/or grade so we can properly credit our artists!
Artwork must be submitted by Monday, December 11 to be included in one of the service bulletins, late entries may be shared on social media. Give artwork to Fr. Brandon during Christian Education on Sundays, bring it to the parish office, or scan (at 300 dpi or higher and saved as a .jpeg image or .pdf file) and email it to Jennifer Williams.
Children and youth are invited to play a Christmas piece as part of the musical prelude before the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve service. This may be on the piano, flute, violin, or whatever your young musician is currently studying. If your child would like to participate, please email Lynn Swanson three things no later than Thursday, December 14: 1) your musician’s name, 2) title of the piece, 3) composer/arranger. (It’s preferred that the piece is sacred, but it is not a requirement.) You can also reach out to Lynn with questions.
If you are interested in being confirmed into The Episcopal Church at St. Philip’s Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, December 10, please email Fr. Stuart no later than December 1. If you have transferred to Grace from another denomination and were already confirmed there (Presbyterian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, etc.), you can be received into The Episcopal Church, meaning that we have special prayers to honor the Spirit’s work in your life.
This invitation extends especially to those who shared in the last series of classes during the Sunday Forum.
Beautiful flowers and greenery enhance our celebration of The Nativity of Our Lord at Grace Church, and you can help make that celebration special. Contributions to our Christmas flower and greenery fund may be made in thanksgiving for or in memory of loved ones, friends and family. Notice of your donation will be included in the worship bulletin on Christmas Eve.
If you would like to make an offering, please submit both the online form and your donation ($25 suggested minimum) by Wednesday, December 13.
Christmas Flowers & GreeneryAll Christian Education classes will meet in the parish hall from 9:30 – 10:30 AM to make advent wreaths together.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
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